Chapter 342 The Shogun's Decision
Five hours after the ultimatum.
Inside a large chamber of Edo Castle, a long wooden table was set, around which sat the shogun's key advisors, influential daimyo, and senior members of the roju. At the head of the table was Shogun Tokugawa Ienari who looked sternly at the Governor of the Uruga, Takeyoshi.
"So, what message do you bring? Governor Takeyoshi?" Daimyo Matsuda, from a southern province, spoke, prompting Takeyoshi to speak.
"The French have delivered an ultimatum to our country. We open up our ports or face war with them. They even have given us a white flag as a sign of surrender, should we choose to defy them and fall," Takeyoshi reported, his voice low and even, despite the storm of emotions brewing inside him.
A palpable silence enveloped the room. The audacity of the French, their blatant disrespect to the centuries-old traditions of Japan, was an affront that stung the proud souls of every person present. The air grew heavy with a mix of disbelief, anger, and apprehension.
Daimyo Sato, an influential lord known for his fiery temper, slammed his hand on the table. "These insolent barbarians! They sail upon our sacred seas and issue threats as if we are a submissive nation! Do they not know the honor and might of Japan?" Sato's words were fueled by his indignation.
"Who do they think they are?" Another daimyo from the Northern territories scoffed. "Those barbarians can't just sail into our waters and dictate terms. It's preposterous!"
"Pardon for my interruption, if I may share a word with you all," Takeyoshi interrupted and the Shogun gave him a nod of approval.
"Speak your mind."
"I'm sure that everyone present inside this council has never seen the ship that the French brought with them. It's not an ordinary sailing ship with mast and sails. It's different."
"What do you mean different?"
Takeyoshi paused for a moment to choose his words carefully. "The ship, it's made of iron and powered by steam. The cannons it carries are more bigger and advanced than anything we've encountered. We need to consider this in our response."
"I think you are overestimating them, Takeyoshi…"
"I'm not overestimating them. You can see it for yourself, the French Navy is not to be underestimated. They're advanced, and if they decide to use force, we'll be on the receiving end of something we may not be prepared for," Takeyoshi stressed his point, a hint of frustration in his voice over the council's dismissal.
"With all due respect, Governor," Daimyo Sato retorted, "we have dealt with foreign threats before. We won't bow down out of fear."
"But this is different, Sato," Hiroshi countered, siding with Takeyoshi. "We haven't faced technology like this. If war breaks out, it won't just be a battle of soldiers and swords. We're talking about a battle of technology, something we might not be ready to face."
Shogun Tokugawa Ienari listened attentively to each point raised. The anger and desire to uphold Japan's honor were justifiable, yet the stark reality of their technological disadvantage was something that couldn't be ignored—if there was such a thing.
"The French giving us an instrument of surrender showed their boldness and confidence that they can win against us in war," Tokugawa said. "This is an affront, and we are only speculating about their capabilities. We have been disrespected and I won't let it slide."
"Your words resonate with every soul in this room, my lord," Daimyo Matsuda spoke, his voice echoing the sentiments of the gathering. "But we must seek clarity. Are we, under your leadership, preparing for war?"
Shogun Tokugawa Ienari looked around the room. Every pair of eyes were filled with anger, they wanted retribution for having their dignity trampled upon. The Shogun cleared his throat.
"We are a nation of warriors," Shogun Tokugawa began, "born from the spirit of the samurai. Our ancestors didn't bow before threats, and neither shall we."
"We will prepare for war," the Shogun declared.
This elicited mixed reactions from the council. Some, like Daimyo Sato, were gratified; their honor would not be sacrificed. Others, mindful of Takeyoshi's warnings, felt a surge of apprehension. "So there you have your answer, Governor Takeyoshi to the French. Inform them immediately and I will have my war council prepare for the inevitable," the Shogun directed, his voice firm, echoing the finality of his decision.
Takeyoshi bowed deeply. "Oh, My Lord, there is something that I have almost forgotten to share with you."
"Hoh? What is it?" Shogun Tokugawa mused, his interest piqued.
"The son of the Emperor of France, Francis Bonaparte wrote a letter to Emperor Ninkō. It is for his eyes only. Should we give it to him or ignore it given the circumstances?" Takeyoshi held the sealed envelope up for all to see. The wax seal of the French royal family was unmistakable.
The room fell silent again, each individual considering the implications of this letter. Correspondence from the son of the Emperor of France to the Japanese Emperor was not something to be taken lightly.
The Shogun was the first to break the silence. "Deliver it to the Emperor. It's not like he can do something for this matter. He is simply a ceremonial figure, and we make the decisions."
"Why not read the letter first before delivering it to the Emperor?" One of the daimyo asked.
"It's for the Emperor's eyes only," Takeyoshi responded firmly, even though he too was curious about the content. "We are not barbarians like the West."
"I will have someone deliver it to Kyoto. I can't deliver it personally as I have to inform the French of our decision," Governor Takeyoshi said.
The Shogun gave a slight nod, signaling his agreement.
***
Six o'clock in the evening, the sky begins to turn dark, marking the transition from evening to night. Takeyoshi arrived at the French Pacific Fleet Flagship, the IFNS Napoleon where he was promptly escorted by Captain Waldeck to the Admiral Quarters where Francis was waiting.
"So, what is the decision of your government?" Francis simply asked Li Wei to translate it into Japanese.
"Unfortunately, the Shogunate didn't accede to your demands," Takeyoshi replied firmly.
Li Wei translated Takeyoshi's words to Francis, who listened intently. A brief silence followed, filled with the unsaid recognition of the impending conflict.
"I see," Francis responded after Li Wei translated his words into Japanese. "Then since we don't want to leave Edo Bay without our objective being met, and you want us to leave, that puts us in a compromised position. Thank you for informing me, Governor Takeyoshi. You may leave now."
Takeyoshi bowed before exiting the Admiral's Quarters.
"Admiral," Francis called and Admiral de Richebourg stepped forward.
"Yes, Your Imperial Highness?"
"Prepare our fleet for a war," Francis said.
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