Chapter 1402 Green plums make tea and talk about heroes and heroines
Fanjun has not given birth to a daughter for many years, and Kai-kun has once again caused such a big disaster today.
Narita Chotasu already had enough reasons to confidently propose the separation, and Yura Kunushige had nothing to say.
Just as the thoughts in Narita Chotae's mind were spinning rapidly, Kai-kun seemed to feel something. Under Narita Chotae's increasingly sharp gaze, he couldn't help but tremble.
Yoshigan pulled Kai-kun behind him, blocked Narita Chotae's gaze with his own body, and then glanced at Shigetsu-kun, whose face was ashen.
He couldn't help but shake his head, what's the matter? He originally thought that he came to Ninja City to support the father and son, but he didn't expect that this naughty kid was really cheating on his father.
Yoshigan glanced at Kai-kun, he seemed to have realized that he had made a big mistake, and his face turned a little pale. Yoshigan pinched his little face fondly and said.
"Okay, go and tell Hojo Ushimasa that I'll be waiting for her in the tea room.
Narita-hime, do you mind if I lend you the tea room in your residence to meet guests?"
Narita Chotae was astonished. She never expected that Yoshigan Shiba would so readily agree to meet with Hojo Ushimasa. Judging from his expression, he didn't seem to be unhappy at all.
The look Narita Chotae looked at Kai-kun looked a little different again.
Shigeki-kun went to Jinshan Castle to visit relatives, and when he came back, he said that Shiba Yiyin liked Kai-kun very much and even regarded him as his adopted son.
Narita Nagayasu didn't care in her heart. She always thought that this was Yoshihiro Shiba's political means to win over the Yura family and the Narita family.
After all, the powerful samurai of the two Ueno-Musashi families, caught between the two forces of Uesugi and Hojo, are still neutrals with considerable utilization value.
But at this time, her thoughts changed a little.
Yoshigan Shiba seems to really like Kai-kun, and in order to redeem the boy's mistake, he is actually willing to meet with Hojo Ushimasa.
Shigejun was far more excited than Narita Chotae. He had just walked back and forth in the abyss of heaven. His back was soaked through and his whole body was weak.
Seeing that the situation had turned around, his eyes were a little moist and he felt like crying.
Yoshigan patted Kai-kun on the head and pushed him in Shige-kun's direction.
Kai-kun was so clever that he ran to his father's side and pulled his sleeve to pretend to be pitiful. He had obviously realized that he had done something stupid, and resorted to his old method of getting out of trouble to pretend to be pitiful.
But this time, his father did not punish him, but hugged him tightly and refused to let go.
Kai-kun was a little dazed. He reached out and wiped his father's cheek and said softly.
"Father, are you crying? I know I was wrong, and I will be obedient in the future."
Fanjun suppressed his voice and did not dare to cry. Only tears were flowing down. He looked at Yiyin with grateful eyes, even though his vision was blurry, he murmured.
"You kid, you really scare me to death. You kid, you are such a blessing.
From now on, you must honor your adoptive father, you know? Your adoptive father treats you really well."
Yiyin smiled and walked past their father and son, not wanting to see Fanjun cry so embarrassingly.
In fact, Yoshigan will change his mind, and Kai-kun is just a promoter. He always avoids the people of the Hojo family, which is not an option.
In Oda Castle, Oda Ujiharu is already helping the Hojo family to take the front line. That fellow Hojo Ujimasa actually wants to join the United Front and participate in the big review.
With the background of the Hojo family, the process of wooing the United Front and applying for the grand review will definitely be successful. Unless Yoshibank hints that the three standing elders will use veto power, that is not necessary.
After all, the power of the Hojo family in the eight states of Kanto is so strong. Whatever the Kanto Imperial Council wants to do, the Hojo family's influence cannot be circumvented.
Since there is no way around it, why do we need to get it done?
But when he thought that Hojo Ujimasa could participate in the grand review through his status as a United Front member, and might even take turns to serve as a non-permanent member of the Standing Council, Yoshibank couldn't laugh or cry.
What position does he have now, blaming Uesugi Teruhu for his alliance with the Hojo family? He has gone even further than Uesugi Teruatora, and even the Hojo family has infiltrated the leadership of the Kanto Palace, which makes people speechless.
Since Hojo Ushimasa will definitely join the Grand Council, Yoshigan will have a formal meeting with the Hojo family sooner or later. Kai-kun's accident also gave Yoshigan a step down.
It’s better to choose a day than to hit it, so let’s do it today.
He walked up to Narita Chotae, who was still a little dazed and had not yet come to his senses.
"Narita-hime?"
Narita Chotai's body was shaken and he quickly bowed and said.
"Please wait a moment, Tsuta-don, I'll have the tea room ready right away!
I'm very sorry about the fact that His Highness Hojo is in Ninja Castle..."
Yiyin shook his head and interrupted her.
"It's hard to be petty between the two. I don't blame you. Besides, this matter is what I promised Kai-kun, and it has nothing to do with you.
Just go and prepare the tea room with peace of mind, and then ask Kai-kun to invite someone to see me. You can't let her spend two boxes of Tang Guozi in vain, can you?
I'll go back indoors and take a rest first, while you go get ready."
Yiyin joked, then slowly walked away, followed by all the concubines.
Narita Chotai bowed to say goodbye, and after Yoshigan disappeared in the courtyard, he raised his head and said to his daughter Narita Nagata.
"Send someone to do it quickly!"
Narita clan leader nodded and was about to leave, but was stopped by his mother. Narita Chotai nodded Shigeki-kun and Kai-kun with his hand, and said solemnly.
"Let Kai-kun invite His Highness Hojo, and be more careful with Shige-kun in the future. I will tell the retainers to shut up about the separation and marriage."
Mr. Narita nodded silently and walked towards his husband and children.
She is not a heartless and bad wife, but the retainers have been persecuting her, and as the heir to the Narita family, she is under great pressure. Now that her mother is the guarantor, she is finally relieved.
Narita Nagata would say this, he just made the choice that is most beneficial to the Narita family.
Shiba Yoshigan is now becoming more and more powerful in Kanto. It is a great blessing for the children of the Narita family in Ninja City to be favored by him, and they must be cherished.
The fact that a daughter cannot give birth to a granddaughter can no longer be used as a reason for divorce. If this offends Yoshigami Shiba, the Narita family of Ninja Castle will feel guilty, and the Ohta family of Iwafusuke Castle will not dare to marry the Narita clan leader.
In this case, we can only hope that Narita clan leader and Shigetsu-kun can give birth to a daughter. If that doesn't work, let Narita Choyasu's own sisters and second daughters inherit the family business.
In short, Kai-kun has become the fragrant steamed bun of the Narita family in Ninja Castle, and his father, Shigeki-kun, has ascended to heaven as a chicken and dog. With the great god Shiba Yoshigami standing behind Kai-kun, the Narita retainers have nothing to say.
———
In the tea room, Yoshigan Shiba sat at the head seat, Ujimasa Hojo took the second seat, and Nagayasu Narita sat at the bottom seat.
At this moment, the three of them were watching the tea performers together.
Narita Chotai learned a lot from the experience and did not dare to let Kai-kun, a naughty kid, accompany him at this time. If he said something that he shouldn't have said without knowing the importance of it, the Narita family in Ninja Castle would not be able to bear it.
With the superintendent of the Shiba Hojo family here, Narita Chotasu had to be careful and apologized, and said.
"This man is the best tea master in the neighborhood. Although his skills are not as good as those of the great tea masters in prosperous places, he has a unique skill and is good at using green plums.
Green plums can be picked in mid-summer, but the best ripening period is at the beginning of autumn. It is indeed out of season, but the tea maker specially selected some late-ripening ones and boldly asked your two highnesses to taste them."
Yiyin smiled.
"Green plum tea? I've never seen it before, but it sounds good."
Hojo Umasa has been secretly observing Yoshihiro. She hasn't seen her for a long time, but the beautiful woman's style remains the same, which makes her feel filled with emotions and she can't help but feel a little excited.
Not to mention green plum tea, just give her a glass of well water, and she will treat it like fine wine, and drink it to her heart's content.
The beauty is in front of you, you can eat it or drink it, she said happily.
"What Tsutama said is absolutely correct."
Yoshigan didn't know that Hojo Ushimasa was distracted. While watching the tea ceremony, he was preparing for Hojo Ushimasa's next verbal confrontation.
Hojo Ushimasa tried every possible means to meet him, and shamelessly led Kai-kun, a kid, into a ditch, just to see him and have a cup of tea with him? Impossible!
The three of them seemed to be watching the tea ceremony, but their expressions were different. Hojo Ushimasa looked in a trance, Yoshigami was waiting in a tight formation, and Narita Choyasu was on pins and needles.
After finally enduring it until the tea man presented the fragrant tea, Narita Chotai hurriedly led the tea man to bow and leave, leaving the place free to the two His Highnesses.
The sliding doors on all sides of the teahouse were wide open, and the guarding Shiba Hojo warriors could see their masters in the distance, but they could not hear anything and would not disturb the conversation between the two masters.
The Narita family had already withdrawn from the vicinity of the teahouse and were nowhere to be seen.
It has been a long time since the beginning of autumn, and the heat of autumn has gradually cooled down. The slight cool breeze carries the fragrance of green plum tea. Looking up from the teahouse, you can see the garden scenery in the courtyard, which is peaceful and peaceful.
Hojo Umasa was alone in the same room with the one he loved. He only wished that this moment would last forever. Silence is golden.
Yiyin waited for her for a long time, but she didn't speak. He couldn't help but feel a little strange. He took a sip of the tea soup and asked.
"His Majesty Hojo tried so hard to meet with me, even taking advantage of children. Why is it that he has nothing to say at this time?"
Hojo Umasa looked ashamed and bowed.
"Your Majesty Tsuta-dono has a lot of things to do. I sent Master Hojo Genan to visit you several times, but I never had the opportunity to see you.
This time I heard that you came back from Oda Castle and took a detour to visit your adopted son, so I came uninvited. It was really rude.
Regarding Kai-kun, it is indeed me, Meng Lang, who frightened the child. I, Hojo Ushimasa, owe this child a favor, and please forgive me Tsutadodon."
Yoshigan glanced at the sincere Hojo Ushimasa, nodded, and dismissed the matter.
Considering the current status of the Hojo family, the favor promised by Hojo Ushimasa is not light. Kai-kun was only slightly frightened, but he was able to exchange for this favor. It was indeed worth it.
Yiyin said.
"His Majesty Hojo asked me to meet you, why did you do it?"
Yoshigan knew in his heart that the Hojo family had always wanted to meet him, just to confirm the reliability of the alliance. Since he agreed to meet, he was naturally prepared to see what Hojo Ushimasa said.
But Hojo Ushimasa's expression was a little strange. She slowly picked up her tea soup and then put it down slowly, as if she was full of thoughts.
When the two masters met to negotiate, she was really undecided because of her hesitant appearance. Yiyin was a little confused. What was going on with her?
After a while, Hojo Ushimasa seemed to have made up his mind and asked.
"I dare to ask Jinduodian, what do you think of the Kanto concubines?"
Yiyin was stunned and a little baffled.
Hojo Umasa worked hard to seize the opportunity to meet him, but why didn't he get to the point and talk about something?
But it was this unknown weirdness that made Yiyin more cautious and asked carefully.
"Why did Your Highness Hojo say this?"
Hojo Ushimasa said with a sincere face.
"Qingmei is in front of me, and I suddenly remembered the story of the Three Kingdoms. With my heart surging, I would like to ask Jinduodian to comment on it."
Yiyin was speechless after hearing this. He looked at the green plum tea in front of him and couldn't help laughing.
This Hojo clan politics is a bit interesting. Do you want to learn from Cao Cao and Liu Bei and discuss heroes over a cup of wine? Do you want to discuss heroes with me in front of green plum tea? This question is also interesting. So, who is Liu Bei? Who is Cao Cao?
Hojo's political affairs are not as complicated as those of Yoshigan. She used Ome as an example to hide her true thoughts.
She wanted to know how Yoshigami viewed Takeda Shingen, who had humiliated him, how he viewed Uesugi Terutora, who was obsessed with him, and... how he viewed himself, his defeated general.
Until this time, Hojo Ushimasa was still hesitant about whether to inform Yoshigan Shiba of his speculation about Takeda's daughter.
She didn't know what humiliating past Yiyin had encountered in Yantian City, and she didn't know what Yiyin's reaction would be when she learned that she might have a child.
But she knew that she had a lot to say in her heart, and it was really uncomfortable. She wanted to say it, but she didn't dare.
Yiyin thought for a while and said.
"Four generations of the Hojo family have been running the Kanto region, so they must be very knowledgeable about the Kanto concubines. With His Highness Hojo in front of me, I can't show my shame."
Yoshigan didn't know that the Hojo family was troubled by love. He was just wary of treating this meeting as a political confrontation.
He was unwilling to say anything more before he understood the purpose of Hojo Ujimasa.
A trace of disappointment flashed in Hojo Umasa's eyes and he smiled.
"Since Jindoden said so, let me first introduce some ideas and ask you to point out any mistakes."
Yiyin didn't expect her to be so persistent, so he nodded and asked.
"Kanto General Ashikaga Yoshiji, what do you think?"
Hojo Ushimasa really didn't like this former friend who turned traitor after being captured in the Battle of Sano.
She snorted coldly and said.
"She spends her days and nights, her appearance is fierce and her heart is weak, and she is not worth mentioning. If she had not been blessed by the blessings of the Kamakura Ashikaga family, how would she be worthy of a place in Kanto?"
Yoshigan did not expect that Hojo Ushimasa's evaluation would be so harsh and direct, leaving no face at all for the nominal supreme leader of Kanto.
He suddenly became really interested and asked again.
"Where are the Satomi, Utsunomiya, and Satake families? So what?"
Hojo Ujimasa said disdainfully.
"The Satomi family has a heart as high as the sky and a destiny as thin as paper. The Anbo Kingdom is weak. They have tried to unify the Boso Peninsula several times, but they have been unable to do so.
If His Highness Uesugi's army hadn't marched south, the Satomi family would have already asked for surrender from my Hojo family. Now that we can enjoy the dignity and peace of the covenant, this is the best result.
The Utsunomiya family is short-sighted and trapped in the field. They only know how to wallow in the quagmire. It is useless to have the spirit of progress but no ability to make progress.
On the other hand, the Satake family has some abilities. The governor, Satake Yoshige, is ambitious and capable, but it's a pity that she is too greedy.
The south is in trouble with my Hojo family, and the north is in trouble with the Date family. Without external help, the disadvantage of the two powerful forces from the north and the south will one day crush her to death."
Hojo Ujimasa's few words reduced the three strongest daimyo in the eastern part of the Kanto Plain to nothing, but they sounded very reasonable.
If Echigo's army hadn't gone south and disrupted the Hojo family's strategic rhythm, these local daimyo would have been no match for Hojo Ujiyasu.