"Has the steam engine been built?" Ashikaga Yoshimichi was surprised and delighted: "It's finally been done, it's finally been done."
Japan has been researching steam engines for four or five years, but there has never been a steam engine that can be used. Every time they imitated the steam engines of the Ming Dynasty, they were always wrong and there were always mistakes. The steam drawings obtained through spies were not completely put together. He wanted to build a steam engine, so now that the steam engine has actually been built, Ashikaga Yoshitari is naturally uncontrollably happy.
"But today coincides with the visit of Prince Zhujiang. Ashikaga Shogun must be unable to escape in the past few days. Emperor Shouguang was attacked today, so I ask the general to find the murderer." Shoren-dozi knelt respectfully.
Emperor Gokomatsu said that Emperor Gokomatsu was the son of Emperor Gokomatsu. Today's incident had not reached Emperor Gokomatsu's ears so quickly, but after all, the relationship was between father and son. Emperor Gokomatsu would definitely make the same request after learning about this matter.
"It's natural. If you don't tell me, I will investigate it clearly. After all, attacking the emperor is a big deal."
Ashikaga Yoshimochi thought for a while and said: "You go back and talk to the two of you for me first. I will go there after a while. The matter of the steam engine must be kept secret and must not be disclosed to anyone."
"General, please rest assured."
Ashikaga Yoshimichi did not keep Matsuren-douji behind. He was just here to report the news. He should go back and deliver the message as soon as the notification of the incident arrived.
But after Shoren-douji left, he did not leave Osaka Castle directly but first went to find his senior brother, Ikkyu Sojun.
The two people had obviously discussed it in advance and met each other in a tacit understanding. Ikkyu even ordered drinks in a tavern in Osaka Castle.
"Senior brother, the master punished you last time not to drink. Why are you still drinking?"
Yixiu said nonchalantly: "Then I will admit my mistake to the master right now. Junior brother will witness it. If I admit my mistake, I will punish myself with three cups of wine."
Dangdangdang
After three glasses of wine, Yixiu let out a sigh of satisfaction, wiped the remaining wine from the corner of his mouth, and played with his beard stubble out of habit.
The black lines on Shoren-douji's head are all there, is this an admission of mistake? But Ikkyu is a famous mad monk, and he doesn't shy away from eating and drinking.
"Hey, senior brother, don't drink too much and cause trouble." Songlian Tongzi could only sigh helplessly.
"Junior brother still blames me, then I will fine you three more cups."
Songlian boy quickly stopped him: "Senior brother, don't drink too much."
"You don't drink much. You don't understand your senior brother's drinking capacity?" Ikkyu said confidently.
Shoren-dongzi tried to dissuade him in vain but got down to business: "Brother Ikkyu, the steam engine has been made."
"That female spy really helped a lot. What is her name? Is she Kawashima Mako?"
"Her Ming name was Li Xianyu, and in Japan she was called Kawashima Mako."
"Tsk tsk, she is indeed a very beautiful woman. She has been lying in wait for the Prince of Pearl River for so many years and brought back the steam engine blueprints. Her loyalty is evident. But did you say that the Prince of Pearl River came here for her reason?" Monk Yixiu asked.
Songlian boy frowned and thought deeply: "Probably not. It is said that the Prince of Zhujiang County is lustful and has countless women. When he was in his early ten years, he dared to raise Kawashima Mako as a foreign wife. When they got married, he had three concubines. He had three concubines with him. He had connections with countless women. After Kawashima Mako obtained the steam engine blueprint, the Prince of Pearl River became bored because he had been raised outside for a long time. After all, with his status, it was impossible for a singing girl to enter the Prince's palace, so he wanted to send her away. Let’s go, Kawashima Mako invited herself to the Japanese Embassy as a female officer.”
"This woman is very good-looking, naturally charming, her every move and smile is top-notch, and her eyes are even more captivating. She is really good."
"Brother, don't think about it. His Majesty Emperor Gokomatsu promised her that she could become the Emperor's concubine in the future, so she willingly handed over all the steam engine blueprints. Otherwise, do you think she has no brains?" Shoren Doji looked rather disdainful of Ikkyu's look.
A lustful look.
Songlian boy reminded the unsightly Ikkyu: "Senior brother, don't forget your mission, get close to the Prince of Zhujiang County."
"Don't worry, everything is going on in an orderly manner. I have already met with the Prince of Zhujiang County. The Prince of Pearljiang County is going to travel to Japan next, and I have to accompany him."
"Oh?" Songlian was a little surprised. He didn't expect it to go so smoothly. However, after all, he had a great reputation and it was understandable that he would make friends through literature.
Songlian boy asked curiously: "What kind of person is this Prince of Zhujiang County?"
"Are you curious about him?"
"I've heard a lot of rumors, so I'm naturally curious. People say he's a wild man, but his actions are extremely legendary."
"Handsome." Ikkyu blurted out his own evaluation.
"Just this word?"
"Handsome." Ikkyu added an extra word.
Songlian boy was speechless.
Ikkyu burst out laughing at his reaction.
"You are still so interesting. I don't want to tease you. His Royal Highness the Prince of Pearl River County met me once. He is indeed very lustful."
"How can you see it?" Songlian boy asked puzzledly.
Ikkyu described the scene of the meeting in detail, and then said: "When I left, I heard a voice coming from the room of His Royal Highness the Prince of Zhujiang County. He was promiscuous in the daytime. On a day like today, you said he was lustful?
Lustful?"
"Senior brother, can you hear this?"
"There's a lot of movement."
Songlian Boy stopped continuing this topic, but made a knife gesture with his hand, and asked: "Since senior brother has been able to get close to the Pearl River County King, can senior brother find an opportunity..." He scratched his neck with the hand knife.
.
The gestures were very obvious. Ikkyu shook his head decisively: "I am not good at martial arts. His Royal Highness the Prince of Zhujiang County is tall and powerful. I should not be his opponent. Moreover, he is surrounded by guards. The woman he brought is not a simple person. If he wants to
I trade one life for another, I can’t do it.”
"Senior brother, you are following the Prince of Zhujiang County and cannot deliver news in real time. You have to be careful in everything." Songlian boy reminded.
"You should let Kawashima Mako return to Kyoto first. After all, the two are old lovers, so they will naturally meet each other when they come here. It would be bad if the Prince of Zhujiang County becomes suspicious."
"Letting her come back now will make people suspicious. She went to Hiroshima for official business in name. Wouldn't rushing back in a hurry just make people suspicious?" Shoren Doji objected to Ikkyu's point of view.
"Okay, okay, it's up to you." Yixiu said nonchalantly.
"Senior brother, I'll take my leave first." Songlian boy walked out of the tavern, put on his hat and hid himself before leaving.
Yixiu drank alone and said to himself: "The great opportunity, the anger, the understanding of love, twenty years ago today. The crow laughs out of the arhat fruit, and the shadow of the sun sings the jade face. Storekeeper, count the money."
Yixiu took out the broken silver that Zhu Zhanzhen thought he was a beggar and put it on the table.
"Master, I gave you too much."
"The Prince of Zhujiang County rewards you."
Ikkyu staggered out of the restaurant.
Others didn't know about the meeting between Ikkyu and Shoren-dōji. In fact, Shoren-dōji was still very worried about Ikkyu's wild and unruly appearance, but their master trusted Ikkyu very much.
The person responsible, Zhang Xianqi, also arrived at the emperor's rest palace at this time. He walked into the palace angrily and found Ashikaga Yoshimochi.
The anger was beyond words, but he suppressed that anger and said to Ashikaga Yoshimichi as calmly as possible: "General Ashikaga, what happened today has offended His Highness the Prince of Pearl River. Our Highness the Prince of Pearl River has always paid the most attention to etiquette and etiquette. Today,
This matter will definitely make the Prince of Zhujiang County dissatisfied, and I hope General Ashikaga will pay attention to it."
Ashikaga Yoshi was a little dissatisfied, and Zhang Xianqi's attitude was not good. This Ming man had always only had a little respect for him in Japan. On the contrary, he was very close to Emperor Mingguang, but he represented the powerful Ming Dynasty.
"Ambassador Zhang, don't worry, the investigation is already under way, and the injured person is Emperor Shouguang. His Royal Highness the Prince of Zhujiang County is not injured in any way. I will ask someone to bring gifts to apologize to His Highness."
"Although His Highness the Prince of Pearl River County was not injured, he committed an attack at such an opportunity in recent days. His Highness the Prince of Pearl River County thought that the other party was aiming at him, but he was just lucky and did not hit him. If there is no explanation for this matter, His Highness the Prince of Pearl River County has recently
Then we set off to return to the Ming Dynasty, and we will return with His Highness the Prince of Zhujiang County." Zhang Xianqi refused to give in.
Having them all leave means that Ming Dynasty has severed diplomatic relations with Japan, and Ming Dynasty is likely to use this as an excuse to allow steam carriers at sea to attack Japan.
Although the relationship between the two countries is good now, after all, this matter concerns the life of Prince Zhujiang himself. Logically speaking, he must need Ashikaga Yoshinori to guarantee his life and safety. Otherwise, it is understandable that he would be dissatisfied.
Although Ashikaga Yoshimochi was dissatisfied with Zhang Xianqi's attitude, he calmly said: "Ambassador Zhang, don't worry, we will investigate thoroughly and will not let anyone pose a threat to the safety of the Prince of Pearl River."
"I hope General Ashikaga can keep his promise."
The two bowed to each other, and Zhang Xianqi added: "His Royal Highness the Prince of Zhujiang County is extremely concerned about the situation of His Excellency Emperor Shinguang, and please allow me to come in to express my condolences to His Excellency Emperor Shinguang."
The guards behind Ashikaga Yoshimochi were guarding the door motionless, and Ashikaga Yoshimochi had no intention of letting him go: "Our Emperor is recuperating. Please don't disturb Ambassador Zhang. His Majesty the Emperor has no worries now. If there is a new situation, I will
Order someone to report to His Highness the Prince of Zhujiang County."
"Your Highness ordered me to meet the Emperor."
"The current situation of Emperor Miguel is not suitable for meeting anyone. Ambassador Zhang please come back." Ashikaga Yoshimochi was resolute. Zhang Xianqi struggled with him for a while, but Ashikaga Yoshimochi never let go. Zhang Xianqi has understood many things in Japan for many years.
I can't push too hard, so I plan to leave first.
But just before leaving, the door behind him opened, and Hino Kotaro, Emperor Shomitsu's personal attendant, came out.
This is a boy with an extremely fair complexion and good looks. Rumor has it that he is also the forbidden concubine of Emperor Shouguang. Emperor Shouguang, who is not in good health, did not expect to enjoy this sip of Longyang chrysanthemum tea.
Hino Kotaro came to Ashikaga Yoshimochi and said respectfully: "Ashikaga General, His Majesty the Emperor ordered Ambassador Zhang to come in and see him."
Ashikaga Yoshimochi narrowed his eyes slightly: "His Majesty, Emperor Shomitsu, was frightened today, so it would be best not to see guests."
"General, His Majesty the Emperor's health is not serious. The imperial doctor has also diagnosed and treated him. He only needs to take care of himself. Today is a big day for the visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Pearl River. Japan cannot lose its etiquette. His Majesty the Emperor feels that he should communicate with Ambassador Zhang
Explain the situation clearly to avoid misunderstanding between the two parties. Of course, Your Majesty the General can also come in to meet with His Majesty the Emperor."
Hino Kotaro said that for this reason, Ashikaga Yoshimochi still hesitated for a while, and then said: "Ambassador Zhang, please come in."
Ashikaga Yoshimochi also went in together, but Ashikaga Yoshimochi only openly expressed condolences for Emperor Shomitsu's injury and his deep hatred for the murderer, and stood aside as if monitoring Zhang Xianqi and Emperor Shomitsu.
Emperor Shimitsu was shot in the shoulder and was lying on the bed with a bloodless face and pale lips.
"Ambassador Zhang."
"The foreign minister is here. His Majesty the Emperor was seriously injured today. The Prince of Pearl River County originally wanted to come to express condolences in person, but he was afraid of bumping into His Excellency the Emperor. Moreover, His Highness the Prince of Pearl River County was also frightened by what happened today and is currently recuperating."
Emperor Shengguang said feebly: "I'm sorry that the Prince of Pearl River is worried about me. I must have bumped into His Highness the Prince of Pearl River today. When I recover a little, I will come to apologize in person. I also ask the Prince of Pearl River not to blame me for damaging the relationship between the two countries."
of friendship.”
"His Majesty the Emperor's thoughts will definitely be brought to you by Xianqi. Your Majesty the Emperor, please take more rest and recover as soon as possible."
Zhang Xianqi didn't say much. Ashikaga Yoshimochi and his men were standing nearby. Naturally, it was impossible to say anything else, let alone sow discord, so they just maintained their open condolences.
Hino Kotaro served tea to everyone. After Zhang Xianqi drank it in one gulp, he bowed and prepared to leave.
Seeing that Zhang Xianqi was about to leave, Ashikaga Yoshimichi felt a little relieved and personally escorted Zhang Xianqi out of the house.
Before Zhang Xianqi left, he turned to Ashikaga Yoshimochi again and said: "General Ashikaga, although there were some changes when the Prince of Pearl River arrived in Japan today, our planned itinerary remains unchanged. We also ask the general to send some people to accompany us, as well as Master Ikkyu Sojun.
I will also travel with the Prince of Pearl River."
"Oh? Master Yixiu, that's a good choice. What's the route for Prince Zhujiang to travel?"
"I will plan a route with Master Ikkyu tonight and submit it to General Ashikaga tomorrow."
Ashikaga Yoshimochi nodded and watched Zhang Xianqi go away.
A confidant on the side asked: "General, what happened today is strange. Someone was able to sneak into our team and assassinate the emperor. The person may have a good background. Could it be His Royal Highness the Prince of Zhujiang County?"
"No, they just arrived, and the perpetrator is a member of our team. Now they have gone to arrest his family. The Prince of Pearl River County should not have such penetration into Japan, and this matter will not do him any good."
"Then, let him continue traveling?"
"The self-invitation to send the guards to follow is also to prove to me that he has no ill intentions, and as Master Ikkyu said, it's okay to wait and see after their itinerary is released." Ashikaga Yoshimochi had a headache today and rubbed his temples. He originally planned to spend
He put all his thoughts into dealing with the Prince of Zhujiang County, but he did not expect that the sudden attack on the Emperor today would break his plan.
After Zhang Xianqi left, he did not return to the place where Zhu Zhanchen stayed, but walked towards a temple while it was still dark.
It was the famous Shitennoji Temple in Osaka, and Zhang Xianqi was holding a note in his hand. Just when Ashikaga Yoshinori was talking to the emperor, Hino Kotaro handed him over and put this note in the tea.
After Zhang Xianqi found out, he drank the tea in one gulp, kept the note in his mouth, and hid it when no one was paying attention.
The message on the note was simple: "Shitennoji Temple, Monk Danyang."