Chapter 563 The enemy is at the Nijo Imperial Palace
Hattori's eyes flashed fiercely: "Don't try to scare me. Don't I know your deceitful skills? You are also aware of the forces you control in Kyoto City. Don't blame me for your nonsense!"
"
The layman Guo Xin is not afraid of the old Hattori Chief, and his delicate and clear voice is mixed with charm: "But I didn't know that Iwami Shoden would actually care about the enemy samurai. Is there a hidden purpose? Tell me.
Okay? I will never tell anyone."
"Stop talking nonsense, I don't care who you work for, the death of Ashikaga Yoshiaki should be considered an accident, Ashikaga Yoshiaki must not die easily." Hattori Bouchou is still unmoved, such a simple illusion is difficult
Don't defeat him.
Seeing that he could not follow the instructions, Guo Xin's eyes rolled and he thought again: "Is this an order from the Kanto Lord? I don't believe that this Ashikaga adopted relative died suddenly. It would only take six or seven days for the Kanto Lord to receive the information.
Send the order back to Kyoto. Isn't this an unauthorized action by Hattori Iwami Morden?"
Hattori Chief's voice became even deeper: "I said, you don't need to know about this!"
Guoxin ignored his expression and chuckled: "Calculating the mileage, even if you take the Katsura River, the Yodogawa enters Osaka Bay and then detours to Edo Castle, it will take a long time. I am not very knowledgeable, but I know that this trip will not take seven days.
It can be completed in eight days..."
"Don't you think I dare to capture you? I'm going to leave quickly and don't cause trouble here. It's best not to appear in Kyoto city forever. Go back to your Kyushu country and be a leisurely cloud and wild crane! I still want to protect Xiaoquan City. You
Go!" Hattori Chief chose to ignore her and left as soon as he disappeared.
"Didn't Ishimi Shouden hear the words "Remnant of the Southern Dynasty" just now? I happen to be a remnant of the Southern Dynasty, so we should be a team that shares the same problem."
Hattori Chief hesitated for a moment, then turned around and said solemnly: "You are wrong! His Highness Kōkata is the governor of the Ashikaga family in Kanto. But he is not the remnant of the Southern Dynasty that Ashikaga Yoshiaki said. The city of the remnant of the Southern Dynasty is
You are probably the only one here!"
"I am indeed a remnant of the Southern Dynasty. I have never thought of hiding this identity. Anyway, there are many samurai families in the Southern Dynasty, such as the Nishikikoji Temple, the Ashikaga Family of Shangsu..." Guo Xin layman seemed to be convinced that Hattori Chief Minister did not dare to
Act rashly. Neither side is sure of winning. In this heavily guarded Koizumi City,
Hattori Security Chief seemed to be just as she expected, warning in a deep voice: "Stop talking nonsense and get out of Koizumi City immediately. Don't force me to kill you! I am a rough man, but I don't care about women."
"Who would be willing to take your life with your hands? But I am the least afraid of Ishimi Mamoru's intimidation." Guoxin layman covered her mouth and chuckled softly and charmingly. Unfortunately, her movements were for a blind man to see, Hattori said.
Chang didn't even roll his eyelids, he was annoyed that he could not expose his hiding place by acting rashly in the city, and he had to secretly stop the crazy behavior of layman Guoxin.
After an angry silence for a long time, he said: "Say what you have to say quickly. Just leave after you say it. Don't waste time here."
Layman Guo Xin let out a breath, secretly excited that after years of hard work he was finally getting closer to his goal, so he said softly: "I hope to cooperate with His Highness the Duke of Guandong."
Hattori Chief raised his eyes and stared at Guoxin, and sneered: "You, a descendant of the prince of the Southern Dynasty, a woman who is a pariah in the Kinai River and the leader of the remnants of the Southern Dynasty in Kyushu, want to cooperate with me, the governor of the Ashikaga family in Kanto? How can you cooperate with me?
What?"
"Isn't this dual identity enough? There are tens of millions of people in the world, but those who exclude Kawara have to be accounted for separately. Eight of the Kawara people in the world live in kinei, and five of them live near Kyoto, including Sarugaku, gardening, etc.
Isn't it enough that all the filthy jobs, from collecting corpses to begging and other filthy duties, are held by Kawara people, and the great names of all walks of life are also flanked by my friends who were born in Kawara people?"
Hattori Chief frowned and said: "I don't know what you want? Whether we cooperate or not is not my decision."
"Ishi Jianshou will tell you the truth! I have resigned." The figure of layman Guoxin gradually disappeared into the mysterious forest.
…
On May 19th, the Miyoshi family, which had been silent for many days, suddenly took action. Not long after dawn, the Miyoshi Army's 15,000-strong army, led by the three Miyoshis, Naito Munekatsu and Matsu Nagatoshi, marched to Kiyomizu Temple.
The purpose was to enter Kyoto with great prestige. Matsunaga Hide served in the Toji Honjin who stayed in Shimokyo by Ashikaga Yoshiaki's side.
The townspeople in Kyoto realized that the streets were crowded with neat formations of the Miyoshi Army. The samurai of the Miyoshi family were very arrogant and openly launched a besieging operation against the Nijo Imperial Palace without giving any reason. Within half an hour, they
The Nijo Imperial Palace was surrounded by water from all sides, and the three thousand troops from Shokokuji Temple also left the barracks to come to support. All the streets leading from Sakyo to Kyoto were blocked.
The Miyoshi trio immediately issued a martial law order, and they were not allowed to leave the city despite the imperial edict. The ministers were blocked in front of their homes and prohibited from going out. The townspeople had no choice but to close their doors and huddle in the corners of their houses, praying to the gods and Buddhas for this great event.
Don't let the war affect you. People in Kyoto were panicked for a while, and the atmosphere of the war was very intense.
Konoe walked back and forth hurriedly in his palace for a long time. Several times he tried to go out, but was driven back by the Miyoshi samurai patrolling the streets. These arrogant samurai from the Shikoku were very rustic. When he saw the sign of one of the ministers of Kanbazuo, it turned out that
Without realizing it, he pushed and pushed the Konoe family's coachman back to the palace.
Ashikaga Katsuhime stood worriedly on the porch, looking at her worried husband and comforting her softly: "Your Highness, please be at ease. My sworn brother is the official of the shogunate, and nothing will happen to him no matter what. I believe that the Miyoshi family should have many followers."
Konoe Maekaku said angrily: "I'm afraid that the Miyoshi family will cause chaos! I heard that Kakukei met with Nijo Haruyoshi in Koizumi Castle yesterday and announced that he would return to the common name Ashikaga Yoshiaki. I don't know what was discussed specifically. I only heard that
He intends to compete for the position of general."
"Ah! He wants to compete for the position of general? What about the sworn brother?" Ashikaga Katsuhime said in surprise.
Konoe sighed for a long time: "Who can say otherwise! Jueqing is putting pressure on His Highness by making such nonsense. He still thinks that Kyoto is not chaotic enough, so he insists on setting a fire at this time! It is really troublesome!"
At the same time, the Nijo Imperial Palace was surrounded by crisscrossing stone walls and was guarded by more than a hundred samurai warriors inside and outside the imperial palace. This force was the only force the shogunate had in its hands. Seeing the weak samurai,
They faced enemies a hundred times their own. They unconsciously recalled the embarrassing scene more than ten years ago. It was the same embarrassment of no one available, and the same pain of being choked. It was just as infuriating as it was back then.
anger.
Many shogunate officials still cannot turn their heads around for a while. A few years ago, the shogunate used 10,000 troops to control a mountainous country. In just a few short years, the situation has changed dramatically, the territory has been lost, and the troops have been dissipated. The huge gap has not yet been solved.
People accept it, and more importantly, there are three thousand troops led by Akechi Mitsuhide in Cizhao Temple. This is the only force that can be relied on.
Ashikaga Yoshiki was sitting in the Imperial Palace in military uniform, with the shogunate ministers wearing large armors kneeling on both sides. In just a few days, the anxiety and fear on the faces of the samurai became more intense. In the past, the samurai were full of energy and high morale.
I am worried and don't know how to deal with it. One hundred and sixty people are against fifteen thousand people. Unless everyone has the ability of Xiang Yu and Lu Bu, I really don't know how to win.
Outside the imperial palace, thousands of sails fluttered and flags were printed like a forest, and tens of thousands of troops roared and shouted, releasing a huge noise, breaking the peaceful atmosphere of the Ukyo Washington Temple. It put heavy pressure on the more than 100 public servants in the Nijo Imperial Palace, even if Miyoshi
Even before the army took any further military action, it had already thrown the defenders in the imperial palace into chaos. This caged city battle could no longer be viewed in terms of victory or defeat in military terms.
The public of the shogunate is very worried. Everyone is guessing what the Miyoshi Army outside the Imperial Palace wants to do. Even if the truth is most likely the worst, it still cannot stop the imagination of optimists. Such optimistic samurai encouragement is needed in adversity.
Morale, always persevering even if you know you are losing, this is the way the Wu family builds the world.
In fact, the shogunate generals started taking action very early. Taking advantage of the tragic death of Ashikaga Yoshiki a few days ago, the shogunate generals lobbied Ashikaga Yoshiteru to leave Kyoto as soon as possible and go to Omi Sakamoto Castle to seek refuge. However, they did not want to be attacked by Ashikaga Yoshiteru.
The shogunate refused forcefully on the grounds that the dignity of the shogunate could not be lost. The shogunate's repeated requests were ruthlessly rejected by the powerful government, without leaving any room or even giving any chance for discussion. The reasons given by Ashikaga Yoshiteru were very legitimate and very strong, which made
The retainers of the shogunate were speechless and had to bow their heads in submission.
Since the 19th year of Tenmon (1550), the ancestor of the Manshoin Temple, Ashikaga Yoshiharu, died of illness in Sakamoto, the Fukakusa War broke out outside Kyoto, and Ashikaga Yoshitoki miraculously defeated the Miyoshi family, protecting the general Ashikaga Yoshiteru and regaining power in Raku,
In the past nineteen years, no matter the ups and downs of Kyoto, the shogunate still stood firm at Nijo Imperial Palace in Kyoto.
Such strong stability is the only supporting force to maintain the declining reputation of the shogunate. Ashikaga Yoshiteru believes that the shogunate cannot lose this supporting force. Once it is lost, it is very difficult to get it back. The popular point is that the shogunate cannot lose its authority and cannot let it go.
The heroes of the samurai family in Kyoto's town were disappointed with the shogunate. Behind him was an abyss, and they could not take a step back no matter what.
"Perhaps there is another reason. The role of His Highness Kanto Lord's letter of advice cannot be ignored." Settsu Haruto secretly sighed at the letter of advice from a few months ago, secretly blaming Lord Kanto for not being so eager.
I wrote a letter of admonishment a few months ago.
Although the situation in Kyoto was already unstable at that time, it did not develop into the situation it is today. Neither the shogunate Ashikaga Yoshiteru nor the shogunate Fenghong thought of escaping before the Miyoshi family moved.
The general who conquered the barbarians was scared away. Wouldn't it be a shame to spread the word? It was sent in a form that was least acceptable to the shogunate. It was sent in triplicate letters from different channels. The shogunate felt that his dignity had been insulted and became even more determined.
Willingness to leave Kyoto.
Now it seems that Ashikaga Yoshitoki's foresight was very accurate, but the Miyoshi family went against their will and sent 15,000 troops to form a position outside the Nijo Imperial Palace. However, Ashikaga Yoshiteru had also made a decision not to compromise and resolutely not
The decision to retreat.
The shogunate's spirit was very low these days. He had severe dark circles under his eyes due to lack of rest for many days. Ashikaga Yoshiki took advantage of the short time to close his eyes and rest his mind. He was awakened by the sound of gentle walking as soon as he started to feel sleepy. He opened his eyes and said
: "What did the Sanhao family say?"
Miyoshi Tōhide bowed respectfully and whispered: "Miyoshi Choitsu said they came to appeal."
"Complaint? You can do it by sending an envoy with a piece of complaint. Do you need to dispatch 15,000 troops to surround the Nijo Imperial Palace? This is the first time I have heard of it!" Ashikaga Yoshiki sneered and glanced at the Shidai retainers.
, the ministers could only bow their heads and remain silent when facing the general's questions. They really didn't know how to answer the general's questions.
Isshiki Fujinaga hesitated and said: "Why don't we send an envoy to ask the Miyoshi family what they want to complain about, and then make a decision?"
"What's the point of sending someone out?"
Settsu Haruto advised: "It's better than waiting passively!"
Ashikaga Yoshiki snorted softly: "Okay! Since you don't give up, then go and guard the temple with Jinshi Mimasaku!"
The Jinshi family originally served the Ashikaga Shogun's family from generation to generation. They were responsible for the Imperial Palace chef's duties and the implementation of food practices. Later, they were gradually promoted and re-employed as members of the third division of the public service. The current family governor, Mimasakushu Jinshi Harusha, followed the example of the Odate family and gave birth to his daughter.
The attendant married Ashikaga Yoshiteru as a concubine, and was promoted to the Shinji clan of the shogunate. After the chief of the Shinji clan, Odate Harimitsu retired, Akechi Mitsuhide, who had taken over as chief, left Jishoji Temple, and Odate Teruhō temporarily took the second place.
At the right time, he served as the chief of the shogunate's Shinji clan.
Ashikaga Yoshiki seemed to be at ease with this cheap father-in-law. After watching him leave, he continued: "I heard that Kakukei had a banquet outside the city last night. The minister was very excited and threatened to abdicate and live in seclusion. He would transfer the position of shogun to him.
,is that so?"
The ministers didn't know how Ashikaga Yoshiteru learned the latest information last night. They lowered their heads nervously and pretended to be a turtle. They were afraid that Ashikaga Yoshiteru would call their names and cause embarrassment. Settsu Haruto scanned the ministers for their lack of responsibility.
With an expression on his face, he sighed secretly and then said: "I have just heard the news. I don't know whether it is true or not."
"Look what this is!" Ashikaga Yoshiki took out a two-finger-wide piece of paper from his sleeve. There were only two lines of small characters on it that roughly wrote about the situation of the Miyoshi family's support of Ashikaga Yoshiaki yesterday, including Nijo Haruyo and Kujo Kaneko.
He met with Ashikaga Yoshiaki alone, and there were also a few remarks about the abolition of the establishment during the banquet.
Ashikaga Yoshiteru waited in silence when he saw the news. His heart couldn't help sinking, and he sighed secretly: "Sure enough, Ashikaga Yoshitoki, who is seeking fame and reputation, had anticipated all this. Without his support, the shogunate would be like fine sand.
The stacked castle looks beautiful but is like a tower in the sky with a weak foundation. It will fall apart as soon as the waves come in..."
The shogunate is really going to end! This is a ridiculous thought that flashes in the mind of every samurai. A few years ago, glory and wealth were easily available. In the blink of an eye, the wind changed drastically in a few years. Kyoto fell and all the imperial materials in the country were plundered, and life became more and more difficult day by day.
It has been a difficult day, and in the blink of an eye, we are faced with a serious crisis that leads to the end of the road. Many people are unable to turn their heads and feel lost and at a loss.
The young Ueno Kiyonobu jumped up and shouted: "There is no chance anymore! Just fight!"
"Fight! Just fight! I'm afraid of what they will do! The worst is to die!"
"Let them know that I, the shogunate man, am not afraid of death!"
…
The sun was particularly strong at noon. The more than 15,000 troops outside the Nijo Imperial Palace were tortured by the scorching heat and huddled under the shade of the trees without wanting to move. Miyoshi Choitsu was still bargaining patiently with Jinshi Qingsha, who was over sixty years old.
The old man is always a bit talkative. He keeps repeating a few words over and over again, which makes Tong Tong angry in a hurry.
"We can't go on like this. If we wait until evening, today's whole day will be wasted. I have to take action as soon as possible." Matsunaga's eyes were fixed on Iwanari Tomomichi who was sitting aside, hoping that he would interrupt and say a few words to get the Jinshi as soon as possible.
Qingshe was detained or driven away, but it was a pity that Iwanari Tomomichi seemed to have a lot of concerns, or he was simply unwilling to wipe out Miyoshi Changyi's face. In short, he kept grinding and did not move.
Not only was the young Matsunaga's head a little swollen at this time, Miyoshi Masayasu and Naito Munekatsu were also in the mood. The two exchanged opinions in a low voice and initially decided to terminate this meaningless negotiation. After all, these 15,000 people were standing in front of each other.
Basking in the sun just to listen to the old man and the shogunate's envoys talking about the reasons for sending troops, and finally getting involved in the issue of whether to litigate or not, isn't this a waste of time?
"Ahem! Hinata must be tired from guarding the palace, so let me say a few words!" Miyoshi Masayasu said solemnly: "Please angel to restore His Majesty Kakata, we will withdraw our troops tomorrow at the latest, please rest assured, His Highness
Regarding the safety of Kyoto, we are willing to guarantee that bad behaviors such as arson and random arrests a few years ago will never occur. If they occur, they will be executed immediately and will not be tolerated."
After dismissing Jinshi Qingshe, who was full of doubts and worries, he saw Miyoshi Changyi saying with an unhappy expression: "I am discussing with Mimasaku about entering the army. Shimono Mamoru's arrogant interruption is really rude! And Shimono Mamoru.
What’s the matter with the palace making the decision without authorization and deciding to withdraw the troops tomorrow? If there is trouble in Kyoto and there is disharmony, wouldn’t it mean that we have to withdraw from Kyoto?”
Miyoshi Masayasu said angrily: "The soldiers have been standing in the sun for half a day in order to listen to Hinata Mamoru's long speech. I have no choice but to interrupt Hinata Mamoru's eloquent speech. We really can't afford to wait any longer!"
It was very embarrassing to be told by the clan nephew that he could not step down. He was angry at Miyoshi Masayasu for not saving face for him, but his expression did not show the slightest displeasure. Instead, he asked: "Then what should we do now? March into the army? Or
…”
"Of course we must send troops as soon as possible! His Highness has urged us several times! Send troops immediately and expel the shogunate from Kyoto!" Matsunaga was impatient and wanted to rush out with his troops immediately. Miyoshi Masayasu was also ready to make a move.
, attacking the imperial palace and exiling the general sounds like a very satisfying feeling.
Naito Munekatsu also encouraged: "Without further delay, we will take advantage of Jinshi Meisaku's return from the defense and we will attack immediately. We can catch him by surprise and attack him unprepared!"
"I second the proposal!" Iwanari Yudong raised his hand in agreement.
When Miyoshi Choitsu saw the situation, he didn't hesitate and immediately said: "Then the whole army will attack! The target is the Shogunate Palace in Nijo Imperial Palace!"