At three o'clock on March 30, the 14th year of Tenmon (1546), on the east bank of the Kamogawa River in Kyoto, at the Gion Jingshe.
"The ringing of the bells of the Gion Abode tells the story of the impermanence of the world. The flowers of the two trees of Salo have lost their color, and those that flourish will wither like the vicissitudes of life. An arrogant and extravagant owner will not last long, just like a dream on a spring night. A strong and domineering beam will eventually perish, just like the dust before the wind. (
The sound of the bell of Gion Seiko, the sound of the impermanence of all things, the color of the flowers of the two trees of Sara, the reason why those who are prosperous will decline, the reason for the pride, the long time for the proud people, the dream of the only spring night, the dream, such as the fierceness.
"It's the same as the one that destroys the wind, and the wind is the same as the dust in front of the wind.)"
Imagawa Yoshimoto softly recited the opening poem of "The Tale of the Heike", and the horse's hooves stepped on the Kyoto soil that had witnessed countless ups and downs. He himself, the red bird horse seal behind him that sounded in the wind, and the red bird horse seal
The tens of thousands of Imagawa troops behind them, carrying the two banners of the two wars, are about to become part of the ups and downs that Kyoto has witnessed.
Whether it flourishes or declines depends on the "tyranny" of the "arrogant and luxurious masters".
According to the prior agreement, the Imagawa Army would quickly climb to the top of Mount Otowa after a detour into Kyoto, and erect the Red Bird Horse Seal as the new general flag. Taiyuan Yukisai would take over the command from Takeda Harunobu.
However, at this moment, Taiyuan Xuezhai was not among the Imagawa army at all, but had secretly arrived at the Kyoto Imperial Palace - the Imperial Palace Gardens - on the west bank of the Kamogawa River several miles away.
"Master Yukisai, I have a request ahead." Nakamikado Nobuhide, Yamashina Yantsugi, and Ichigo Kanesei are waiting for all the connections of the Imagawa family in the court to come out and come to the northern part of Kyoto, which has not yet been affected by the war, so that their retainers can meet them.
Taiyuan Xuezhai crossed the river quietly, avoiding the surveillance of the Sanhao family's spies.
"Thank you for your help." Taiyuan Xuezhai finally found a chance to rest after running all the way, so he changed out of his casual clothes and put on the white clothes used by diplomatic monks again.
"We have already made arrangements to introduce the master to His Highness the Prime Minister (Konoe Ueke) as soon as possible to discuss and formulate the decree of making the Miyoshi family the enemy of the court. However, if the Kyoto is still under the control of the Miyoshi family, the imperial court does not want to have too much trouble with them.
..." Xuanxiu Zhongyumen explained to Taiyuan Xuezhai while telling the difficulties of the ministers.
During the Kizawa Nagamasa Rebellion a few years ago, the Imagawa family assisted the Hosokawa family in annihilating Kizawa Nagamasa, and Takaji Kanesuke, Nijo Haruyoshi, Kujo Uemichi and others who had a close relationship with Kizawa Nagamasa also followed suit.
After losing power, the power in the court fell into the hands of the Konoe Ue family and ministers close to the Hosokawa family, Imagawa family and other families. Therefore, after the confrontation between Miyoshi Nagakei and Hosokawa Harumoto became increasingly fierce, Hosokawa Harumoto
So he secretly requested an order from the imperial court, hoping to designate Sanhao Changqing as an enemy of the imperial court and destroy his prestige in the name of justice.
However, at that time, the actual control of Kyoto had already fallen into the hands of the Miyoshi family. Although through the ages, few samurai had dared to use force directly against the imperial court, the imperial court did not want to make the relationship with the actual controllers of Kyoto too tense. Therefore, the imperial court
They put forward a condition that they would wait until the Southern Army ensured the safety of the palace and the residence of the minister before discussing the matter. But this was not easy? The Northern Army gathered by Mihao Changqing was also powerful, and it was said that it wanted to capture the Kyoto it was guarding.
More difficult than ever.
And this is the purpose of Taiyuan Xuezhai’s trip.
"Are all these big scenes just a cover-up?" Kaneichi Ichijo was looking at the smoke and dust rising from both sides of the Kamogawa River in the south of Kyoto. He couldn't help but sigh to Taiyuan Xuezai: "Mobilizing an army of more than 100,000 people to fight in Kyoto is actually just a matter of putting up a fight.
Miyoshi repairs his attention, allowing you to sneak into the palace from the north of Kyoto. Use your amazing eloquence skills to convince the court and order Miyoshi Changqing to be the enemy of the DPRK on the spot. More than 100,000 people will provide cover for one person.
What a grand occasion.”
"The Northern Army is a group of cronies gathered from all over the Western Kingdom. They are not related to Sanhao Xiu, but they are here for their own interests or reputation. If during a fierce war, the imperial court orders Sanhao Xiu to become the enemy of the DPRK, I am afraid.
Once the decree comes to the army, the morale of the army will be in chaos. Who is willing to fight for the "enemy"? How can there be any benefit or reputation in being with the "enemy"? Then the Northern Army will naturally scatter like birds and beasts, leaving behind the three good things.
The family withdraws its troops. The Southern Army can also advance with the trend, expel the isolated Sanhao family, protect the safety of the imperial court, and kill two birds with one stone." Taiyuan Xue Zhai followed the temptation and analyzed the pros and cons on the surface:
"Since they hold the bargaining chip to turn the world around, why do the royal highnesses in the court need to wait for the Confederate Army to capture Kyoto and add icing on the cake after the overall situation has been decided? Isn't this also a great opportunity to restore the majesty of the court? All it takes is an edict.
"
"What Master Xue Zhai said is true." Shan Ke Yanji responded from the side: "Master Xue Zhai's previous letter to us also stated the cause and effect. However, His Highness Xiangguo, His Majesty, the Crown Prince and others have taken the overall situation into consideration, and it is inevitable.
They are hesitant. Then they have to ask Master Xue Zhai to come to the palace in person to help them resolve their worries!"
"It's no problem." Taiyuan Xuezhai showed a calm smile, "This poor monk has nothing but a sharp tongue and specializes in lobbying."
"We're here, master, please wait in the side hall." The leader, Nobuhiro Nakamado, stopped and led Taiyuan Xuezhai and others into the room. He motioned for them to sit on the futon for a while, and he quickly walked out.
, "I will go and bring His Highness the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince here."
"Thank you." After Taiyuan Xuezhai bowed to Zhongyumen, he took the tea that was offered and began to taste the fragrance of Kyoto's famous tea. Even though he is now in despair, the tea used in the palace,
After all, it is still more sophisticated than those from Yuan Guo. Before you know it, it is already time for a cup of tea.
"Strange, why haven't you come back yet?" Yamako Yanji was a little impatient, and stood up to go out and take a look, "His Royal Highness the Prime Minister should be waiting not far away."
However, as soon as Yamashina Entsugi opened the door, he froze on the spot. Then, he staggered back and paced back. Ichijo Kanemasa was shocked when he saw this, and he also stood up, but saw a face appearing at the door.
The figure of the livid Nakamikado Nobuhide.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! "What's going on..." Ichijo Kanemasa just wanted to ask, when he saw a bunch of people behind Nakamikado Nobuhide. Headed by
A middle-aged man, wearing a blue court uniform, with a shocking scar from a knife slashed diagonally on his face.
"Matsuyaga Tansei." Taiyuan Xuezhai's expression did not change, he sat on the futon calmly and reported the person's name with a smile.
"Master Xue Zhai, I haven't seen you for a long time." Matsushita Nagahide also said with a smile. After leading a group of ninjas into the room, he closed the door of the palace with his backhand and locked Taiyuan Xue Zhai and others inside. "Last time
We were still allies when we met, but now we are enemies with swords and swords, which is really sad. As I expected, Master Xuezhai really wanted to draw fire from the bottom of the pot and directly visited the Imperial Garden secretly to request an order to completely disintegrate our Northern Army. So I
I have been waiting here for a long time, and after waiting for many days, I finally met you."
"Why, do you have the guts to openly intercept and kill the ministers and envoys in the palace garden?" Taiyuan Xuezhai obviously did not take what he said seriously. He was still enjoying the tea leisurely and contentedly, without comforting the three trembling people around him at all.
The meaning of Gongqing.
"Of course I don't have the guts." Matsunaga Hide laughed when he heard this, then walked to the table in front of Taiyuan Xuezhai and sat down opposite him. He clapped his hands and motioned to his subordinates to place the tea utensils they brought on the table.
superior:
"However, I still have the courage to invite Master Xue Zhai to watch the tea ceremony."
"Ping spider...ninety-nine rounds of eggplant? Not bad, not bad..." Taiyuan Xuezhai's eyes were immediately attracted by the beautiful tea utensils, and then he asked meaningfully: "I just don't know, Matsunaga Danmasa
How long will this tea ceremony take?"
"I'm proficient in all major schools. I can demonstrate for Master Sekssai for ten days and a half. It will definitely not be a problem." Matsuhisa's smile gradually became subtle, "Master Sekssai is a famous tea master in Kinki. I am not talented, so I can't do it."
If you indulge in the tea ceremony, Master Xue Zhai will not refuse to teach you, right? The court, battlefields, decrees, etc. are all things outside the tea ceremony, so let’s not worry about it for now.”
"Do you want to continue demonstrating the tea ceremony until the end of this battle?" Taiyuan Xue Zhai then put the teacup in his hand on the table next to him and made a Buddhist salute to Matsunaga Hide, indicating that he could start the tea ceremony.
Prepare. However, Matsunaga Hide was not in a hurry, as if he still wanted to chat with Taiyuan Xuezhai for a few more words:
"That's it. Just drag Master Xue Zhai here."
"Tanzheng is the right hand in the Miyoshi family's army, and he is the right-hand man that Miyoshi relies on most for repair. Without Danzheng, the Miyoshi family seems to be missing a think tank. How should they direct the battle?" Taiyuan Xuezhai raised his eyes and looked at Matsuhisa Hide, and then
The person shook his head and said:
"Master Xuezai's talent is ten times that of my Song Jiongxiu. I am wasting my time here, and the Sanhao family is like picking up one out of ten. But Master Xuezai, you are wasting it here, and the Imagawa family is not even left with one out of ten."
It is an honor for me to have the honor of 'matching' with you. Without you, how could the Imagawa family be the combined enemy of the Miyoshi family?"
Matsuhisa Nagahide originally thought that Taiyuan Xuezhai would change his expression when he heard this, but he didn't expect that he would just smile and say nothing, circling the rosary in his hand for a while.
"It's really frustrating that you are always so calm...as if everything was expected by you." Matsunaga smacked his lips and looked at Taiyuan Xuezhai curiously: "I am very curious, whether you can do it in your life."
Have you ever been uncool?"
"Yes, of course." A look of annoyance and distress immediately appeared on Taiyuan Xuezhai's face, "When Chengfang was first admitted to our temple, the young monks in the temple didn't know his identity and only teased him that he had no father.
Mom wants it. After hearing this, the child cried aggrievedly for several days and clamored to go back... Whenever I think of what he looked like at that time afterwards, I just feel heartbroken and loses control repeatedly. How can I be calm?"
"Hahahaha..." After Matsunaga Hide heard this story, he burst out laughing, "Don't you protect Imagawa Harubu too much, and you can't bear this little hardship? Do you know, my master (
Miyoshi Nagakei) But his parents really died and he had no parents. He was about the same age as Imagawa Harube at the time, but he already had to take care of three younger brothers by himself, and also had to support the entire family from being surrounded by foreign enemies.
Swallowing, how can there be any room to cry?... I can’t beat Master Xue Zhai’s Imagawa Harubu, who was pampered and raised by you, and I can’t beat my master. As long as I drag you here, as long as you are not there, Taiyuan Xue Zhai,
He Imagawa Yoshimoto is nothing! The rest of the Imagawa family is nothing too!"
"Then let's wait and see." Taiyuan Xuezhai performed the Buddhist salute again, "Please, Matsunaga Danzheng, let the poor monk learn your tea ceremony and the skills of the Miyoshi family."
"You're showing off your ugliness." After hearing the word "tea ceremony", Matsunaga straightened his expression instantly. How could he still have the slightest bit of ruthless and heroic demeanor? He looked like a simple and clean tea person, rolled up his sleeves, and devoted himself to it.
