era of the vassal

Ernest Satow said should make coalition regime of lords at first.
"Lords is mere doll.
Important person exist in vassal."
But he noticed soon.

・・・・・・・・・
　
There was one Satsuma samurai named "Okubo Ichizo".
He was a childhood friend of Saigo.
From this period，he came to the surface as formidable enemy of Tokugawa.
　
The authority of Tokugawa was downfall by the defeat against Choshu.
Okubo did further add insult to injury.
　
The opening of the port of Hyogo that deadline was approaching.
This was official promise of Tokugawa to other countries.
　
However，Hyogo was close to Kyoto.
So there was an enormous opposition of aristocracy of Kyoto.
Aristocracy favorable to Tokugawa was also the same think.

"Tokugawa have no power to persuade aristocracy of Kyoto already.
You had better rely on Satsuma."

He said so to other countries people.
　
"This issue is too entangled.
This is not good to pressed to only Tokugawa.
Everyone should out the wisdom.
Therefore I propose a meeting by influential lords."

He also said so at political circles in Kyoto.
　
"Lords is mere doll."
Maybe he also had thought so.
　
"Loyalty is loyalty.
Politics is politics."　
　

This may be the idea smacks of modern.
(For example，Emperor agency theory.)

　
Era of the name of the lords like Middle Ages was over.
Era of the vassal with ability had come.