They are willing to follow Kijima Heisuke because of his radical policy.

But one person still kept his head and asked, "Shouldn't we explain the situation to the others?"

"Yes, send someone to inform them. Those willing to march with me will depart immediately, and those unwilling can stay behind as cowards."

Kijima Heisuke looked indifferent.

...

Soon, the 600-strong guerilla force of Kijima Heisuke gathered.

It was a rather diverse group. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

There were samurai of the Kijima family and ronin from different places.

From their attire, one could discern the difference between the samurai and the ronin, the former appearing strict, the latter loose.

Kijima Heisuke glanced at them, drew the katana from his waist, pointed in the direction of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and shouted, "To Kyoto!"

"To Kyoto!" "To Kyoto!"

Regardless of being ronin or samurai, they all drew their swords and shouted loudly.

Kijima Heisuke charged at the forefront.

Not a single horse among them.

Yet the morale of those present was immensely boosted, and they swarmed towards the Kyoto Imperial Palace following their leader.

Watching their military aspect, Aozawa also understood why, historically, Kijima Heisuke could not conquer the Hamaguri Gomon.

A rabble of misfits!

But it didn't matter, with him intervening today, even a rabble of misfits could breach the Hamaguri Gomon and fight all the way to Emperor Komei's residence.

Kijima Heisuke and others charged into Kyoto.

The ones at the rear immediately followed orders, tossing torches towards the houses on both sides.

"No, don't."

The original residents didn't want to intervene, but setting Kyoto ablaze would definitely affect them.

Some residents wanted to go forward and extinguish the fire, only to be cut down instantly by the Xenophobic Patriots.

The breeze transformed by Aozawa blew by, igniting the wooden houses, which quickly spread to the surrounding areas.

The residents, seeing the fire, shouted in panic and ran around.

Kijima Heisuke and others shouted to save the nation and people as they charged towards Emperor Komei's residence.

Flames followed them, consuming the houses on both sides and gradually spreading around.

...

Shishin-den.

The main hall of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where Emperor Komei's coming-of-age ceremony, ascension, and other important events were held.

Emperor Komei often summoned nobles here to discuss significant matters.

Today, as usual, Emperor Komei gathered the key ministers of the court here to discuss how to handle the Choshu Domain.

The princes of the Imperial Household were gathered, including his thirteen-year-old son, the future Emperor Meiji, the current crown prince Mutsuhito.

Of course, at this time, Mutsuhito had no right to speak and could only coldly observe the ministers' speeches in court.

The appeasement faction, led by Prince Yoshihito of Arisugawa, and the hardline ministers led by Tokugawa Yoshinobu, were engaged in fierce debate.

Emperor Komei watched their endless quarrels in silence, having already made up his mind.

That was to quell the Choshu Domain.

Though considering Kyoto's current military strength, he did not announce this decision directly but gave hope to those who agreed with the Choshu Domain's opinions, stabilizing those associated with Choshu Domain.

Slowly buying time.

Once reinforcements from the Satsuma Domain and other factions arrived in Kyoto, he could decide to repel the Choshu Domain.

The ministers below were unaware of his thoughts and continued their heated debates.

Everyone wanted to influence his decision.

But they didn't know.

He was never a weak or incompetent Emperor; he had a clear mind.

The feeling of sitting at the high seat, watching everyone below being manipulated, was quite satisfying.

Emperor Komei felt quite proud as urgent footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the hall.

A person stormed into the hall, panting and shouting, "Your Majesty, it's not good, Kijima Heisuke's forces are advancing towards the palace, proclaiming to purify the Imperial side!"

"What?!"

The court ministers were all astonished.

Even Prince Yoshihito of Arisugawa, who supported the Choshu Domain, was stunned, feeling a cold chill spreading from his heart to his limbs.

He clearly understood that his political career might be over. Were the people from the Choshu Domain mad?!

The ministers knew better than anyone whether Emperor Komei was being held by traitors or not.

Tokugawa Yoshinobu sneered, "Hmph, dare you still say that the people from the Choshu Domain aren't rebels?"

Emperor Komei was furious, slamming his right hand on the table and shouting, "Tokugawa! Immediately lead your troops to repel the Choshu Domain bandits!"

With one sentence, the people from the Choshu Domain were condemned.

Whether to forgive part of the people afterward.

That would be a matter for later!

At this moment, Emperor Komei only wanted to express his anger; the other side dared to directly attack the Kyoto Imperial Palace, clearly showing disloyalty.

There are traitors among the Xenophobic Patriots!

This was the true reason he was reluctant to overthrow the Shogunate.

The Shogunate was weak and needed his help, ensuring his status wouldn't be threatened.

But those Xenophobic Patriots might overthrow the Shogunate today and the Emperor tomorrow.

For their goals, what wouldn't they dare to do?

For dealing with those ignorant of the court's authority, a heavy hand is necessary.

Otherwise, after the Black Ship Incident, the court's gradually rising prestige might fall again.

Emperor Komei's eyes glimmered with ferocity.

He was already considering how to punish the Choshu Domain after repelling its rebels to make them understand that the Emperor's authority is inviolable.

Perhaps a military expedition against Choshu by the Shogunate should be arranged.

"As you command!"

Tokugawa Yoshinobu responded loudly.

As a member of the Shogunate, he naturally wanted Emperor Komei to dislike the Choshu Domain.

Though his relationship with Tokugawa Iemochi was a bit strained due to competing for the position of Conquer Barbarian General,

After all, he was still part of the Tokugawa family and naturally did not want the Shogunate to be too weak.