Chapter 281 Return of Japan (Twenty-six) Ishida visits Tokugawa Prefecture
On August 18th of the third year of Keicho, Tokugawa Ieyasu learned of the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, an hour after Hideyoshi passed away. Although Ieyasu had known that Hideyoshi's death was only a matter of time, to his surprise, he came to
The person who informed him of his death was Mitsunari Ishida, who had always been obviously hostile to him.
That morning, Ieyasu was washing his face in the presence of Mrs. Agui, when Honda Masanobu rushed in in a panic: "Your Highness, we have an uninvited guest."
"Uninvited guest? Are you coming from Misaki or Edo?"
"No, the person coming is the master of Ishida Mansion."
"Thirty percent is here?"
"Yes. He came here alone and said he had a top-secret matter that he wanted to talk to His Highness."
Upon hearing this, Ieyasu immediately thought, has Taikaku gone? But why did Mitsunari come to inform him? According to his expectation, if Hideyoshi died, Mitsunari would keep it secret first, and then plan the withdrawal of North Korean troops, and would still pretend to do so.
Said: "This is your highness's order."
He has always liked to play conspiracies and thinks he is right. After Taige's death, he will be so domineering and impose his will on the elder.
"Misunari is here alone... I understand, please invite him to the hall quickly." Ieyasu, who was getting fatter and heavier, ordered Honda Masanobu to invite Mitsunari in first, and he quickly changed his clothes. Because his belly was too big, he even had to tie up his belt.
He couldn't tie it by himself. With the help of Agui, after a lot of fuss, he finally changed his clothes.
At this time, the window paper had just turned white and the birds had not yet woken up.
"Agui, I think Taiko has passed away." Ieyasu felt his own voice was blurry: "From now on, Japan will be in trouble for a while."
As soon as Ieyasu put his clothes together, Torii Shintaro came over immediately. Ieyasu waved his hand gently to him and said: "We have important confidential matters to discuss. Please stay guarded in the corridor and don't come in." After saying this, he
Just left the bedroom.
The arrogant and unruly Ishida Mitsunari actually came in person... When Ieyasu walked through the cold corridor, Ieyasu was still puzzled. Mitsunari did not even take off his headscarf in front of him, and was even more uninhibited in front of the daimyo, making no secret of his hostility towards the Tokugawa clan.
, this made Asano Nagamasa and others sweat.
Will such a Sanzheng compromise with me after Taige passes away? It seems unlikely, but if that is the case, how should I deal with it?
Ieyasu walked into the living room, bowed his head for the first time, smiled and saluted him.
Honda Masanobu seemed to have had a premonition. As soon as Ieyasu entered, he left a meaningful message: "Since this is a confidential conversation, I apologize for leaving." Then he walked out.
Although the others went out, they were still wary of Mitsunari. Masanobu was even more disgusted than Ieyasu with regard to the cunning and self-willed Mitsunari.
When he was in Fushimi Castle, Masanobu was very dissatisfied with the location of the Tokugawa mansion. The person in charge of selecting the site at that time was none other than Mitsunari. He allocated a low-lying land to the east of Fushimi Castle to Ieyasu. It was separated by a road.
The west side was given to himself. The north and south sides were distributed with his confidants Miyabe Yuzen and Fukuhara Nagataka.
In this way, the Tokugawa Residence was under their close surveillance. If several more gun towers were built on those three residences and a few Kyohwa artillery purchased from the Maritime Trade Alliance for a large sum of money were placed, as long as they fired the cannons together, the Tokugawa Residence would be
It will be wiped out in an instant.
This incident not only made the people of the Tokugawa family extremely angry, but even Asano, Masuda, Otani and others couldn't stand it. They frowned and said: "The hostility of the young assistant in charge is too blatant."
Of course, 30% of those who dare to do this are because they have the support of Taiko behind them. Once Taiko dies, this situation will of course be broken. If Ieyasu is a timid and impatient person, living here, he will have trouble sleeping and be anxious every day.
Uneasiness, if things go on like this, may even lead to unexpected disputes.
Because Mitsunari, who had ulterior motives in the eyes of the Tokugawa retainers, was becoming more and more unruly, both Honda Masanobu and Torii Shintaro were suspicious of Mitsunari's visit.
"Original Ishida came to the humble residence early in the morning. What's the point of your visit?" Ieyasu sat down and asked.
Mitsunari said with a serious face: "In another hour, Asano Nagamasa will send you a big carp caught in the Yodo River."
This was so unexpected. Ieyasu raised his eyebrows slightly and asked, "Asano went fishing in Yodogawa?"
"Yes. He said he would dedicate one of them to His Highness Zuofu so that everyone can have a taste. Of course, everyone in the city will receive his carp."
Ieyasu nodded and immediately said: "Before Asano sent the carp, you came to the humble house...So, inviting me to eat fish is a lie, but asking me to fast is true? Thank you for your advice."
After hearing this, Mitsunari's eyes shone, but Ieyasu did not look at him, but continued: "Ieyasu will not eat carp during Taikaku's funeral without your advice. Since you are here, I will naturally be more strict.
Fast.”
One sentence left half of the conversation speechless.
Ieyasu smiled warmly and asked, "When did Taikaku pass away?"
"Your Highness Zuofu, please don't say the word "dead" easily."
"I know that before the troops are withdrawn from Korea, the funeral must be carried out secretly, which is really tiring."
Ieyasu was so calm that Mitsunari was at a loss. According to Mitsunari's thinking, once Taiko passed away, Zuofu, who had always been "loyal and upright" before, would immediately take off his mask and use his strength to oppress him. Therefore, throughout the morning,
He always looked arrogant.
"His Royal Highness Taikaku passed away at the time of Yinshi." Mitsunari said: "At that time, I was surrounded by Genshuo Konaose and other imperial doctors, the young master, Mrs. Yodo, I, Asano Nagamasa, and Maeda Genichi were all there. His Highness was very calm when he left, so it can be considered that
End of life."
Ieyasu heard less than half of Mitsunari's words before he stopped listening. He was more concerned about Mitsunari's real purpose than Hideyoshi's death: What was his intention in coming to inform Taikaku of his death in person? This is really suspicious.
Of course, funerals should be held secretly, but 30% of them are deliberately mysterious. If Kato Kiyomasa knew of his despicable behavior, he would be deeply despised...
At this time, Ieyasu seemed to have thought of something again, and frowned and said: "Isn't the Northern Government Office next to Taige's couch?"
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! What Ieyasu cares most about is the Hokkaido. In his opinion, the only person who can take care of Hideyoshi is the Hokkaido who came from Osaka Castle.
It's no wonder that Hideyori was only six years old and a naughty child who didn't know how to grieve for his father's death. Mrs. Yodo was worried about her future.
But Mitsunari, who had always cared for Hideyoshi and was most saddened by it, said nothing about it. Perhaps Taikaku died when Ningning was extremely tired and went back to his room to take a rest? Ieyasu was worried that this so-called "
Words like "I'm going to die" are probably trying to cover up something.
Three days ago, when Hideyoshi woke up, he called Ieyasu and Maeda Genki to his bedside and told him: Leave the important affairs of the world to Ieyasu, and leave the task of assisting Hideyori to Toshiie... This was Hideyoshi's last instruction. That evening, he
He couldn't speak a word, couldn't hear what others were saying, he was like a living dead.
Ieyasu did not deliberately blame Mitsunari, but simply said: "Since he has passed away, it means that Taikaku was relieved when he left. Did Taikou have a clear statement about what happened after his death?"
Of course, Hideyoshi would not have made any explicit statement. If he had, it would have been Santen's will. Ieyasu knew this, but he still wanted to ask.
Sancheng finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Yes."
"Ieyasu is all ears."
"The army is withdrawn from North Korea, and Taige's life and death must be kept strictly confidential."
"That's natural."
"Taiko's remains can be buried secretly at Amida Peak in Naktong with the help of Master Koyasan Mushoku." At this point, Sancheng lowered his voice and said: "However, His Highness's last words said that this matter can only be left to the public.
The five practices are known.”
Ieyasu ignored the suspicions about him or the five elders in the so-called "Taiko's last words", and instead asked with a stern look: "Your Highness Jibu, do you mean that you violated Taiko's last words and told Ieyasu the news?"
"The Rebirth of Financial Giants"
A smile appeared on Mitsunari's lips, and he said: "That's right. After discussing with other devotees, it was decided that only Kushoku Yingqi and Maeda Gen should secretly send the remains to the burial place."
"Aren't you afraid of the world's blame?"
"Of course we have considered this matter... For the common people, we will quietly start building temples and mausoleums in the name of building a giant Buddha."
"You are indeed very considerate. That's why you performed the play of the Yodogawa giant carp."
"Yes. Therefore, Asano Nagamasa got a batch of large carps. When they are delivered to His Highness Zuofu's house, he also asked His Highness to order them so that he can taste the deliciousness of the carps."
This plan is really clumsy... Although Ieyasu was quite dissatisfied in his heart, once he was criticized, the situation might be unmanageable, so he said: "So, you also want to eat those carp?"
"The situation has reached this point, and there is nothing we can do about it."
"Your Highness, Jibu, let us ignore these matters. According to what you said, not only did you not obey Taiko's last words and come to inform me of Taiko's death, but you also betrayed Asano and Maeda and revealed the secret of the carp to me."
Although Ieyasu's tone was gentle, there was no deeper sarcasm or sarcasm than this. As expected, upon hearing these words, Sancheng's face turned pale.
"There is a reason for this."
"What's the reason? Ieyasu is all ears."
"You might as well make it clear to His Highness Zuofu: This is actually the instruction of Mrs. Beizhengsuo."
"Oh, that means that the Beizheng Office violated Taige's last words?"
"When Taige was about to die, the North Government Office was not around, so I immediately went to report to my wife and ask her for help."
"You mean, the Beijing Political Office was not there at the time, but you went to see her because you wanted something from her?"
"Although the Beizheng Office was not there at the time, we naturally couldn't hide my wife. Therefore, when people in the city were eating carp to hide the funeral, if my wife had to lose her hair - Your Highness Zuofu, if she loses even one hair, then everyone will
All my hard work has been wasted... This is exactly what I asked for.
Unexpectedly, the lady said that the matter was only handled by a few ministers, and she was worried, so she asked me to report it to His Highness immediately, hoping that His Highness would cooperate. The lady even threatened that if I did not agree, she would cut off her hair on the spot.
"
Ieyasu couldn't help but be secretly surprised. It turned out that Mitsunari did not come to get close to him on his own initiative, but came under the entrustment of Hokuseisuo. The Hokuseisho's words were so fierce. Was it because Hideyoshi was not present when he died, or because he was angry at his ministers for eating carp.
The trick is intolerable? But was the Beijing Political Office really not present at the time?
"Oh, for such a big thing, Ieyasu should cooperate fully. Apart from that, what other last words does Taikaku have?" When he said these words, Ieyasu suddenly felt a little weak.
I wonder if Hideyoshi thought that he would be fooled by this person after his death? As the saying goes, there is no proof after death. Mitsunari and others acted so wantonly and recklessly based on Taikaku's last words. Let alone the Northern Government Office, anyone else would have been furious.
When Taige was dying, it was of course impossible for him to speak. As long as there was still a trace of respect for his deceased friend, he should have informed the five elders and other important officials of the death early and discussed the aftermath together, which would be in line with etiquette.
At that time, of course everything had to be decided by Ieyasu, so how could there be a farce like the big carp in the Yodogawa River? What Mitsunari did now would of course arouse the disgust of Homasa. This was a righteous and stern condemnation of Mitsunari by the extremely sad Homasa.
It's just...don't I have any responsibility for this matter? Ieyasu suddenly felt a little ashamed of Hideyoshi. Of course, in terms of magnanimity and talent, Mitsunari could not compare with Hideyoshi.
Because of this, Ieyasu felt frustrated and did not even have the energy to rebuke Mitsunari. He wanted to listen to what kind of "last words" Mitsunari would say like he was coaxing a child.
Hearing Ieyasu's question, Mitsunari moved forward - perhaps he mistook Ieyasu's question as a compromise with himself.
"Your Highness Zuofu, everything the Beizheng Office said is reasonable and I cannot refute it."
Ieyasu suppressed his displeasure and emphasized slowly but firmly: "What I'm asking is, what other last words did Taikaku leave?"
"The funeral must be kept secret so that the North Korean troops can withdraw safely. But the opinion of Mrs. Beizhengsuo is that it is not enough for the withdrawal order to only be signed by the executioner and the supervisor." Sancheng cleared his throat and said.
"So, the Beijing Political Office has objections to the last words?"
"No, I don't have any objection. Madam is just worried that if the order to withdraw troops is issued, if the letter of Taige's death is also leaked to North Korea, riots will be inevitable."
"I think this is reasonable. At least Kato and Konishi are not on good terms."
"Madam also said that the withdrawal order must be approved by the five elders no matter what. In order to avoid delaying the opportunity, I will first explain the truth to His Highness Zuofu. I also feel that it is best to make a decision after discussing with His Highness Zuofu.
.”
Ieyasu nodded slightly and listened to what he said. At this point, Ieyasu gradually understood Mitsunari's true intention. In fact, he did not want to take the initiative to visit, but he felt that the opinions of the Northern Government Office were impeccable, so he gave up his previous decision.
"Zuofu, there are some parts of what Mrs. Beizhengsuo said that I really can't understand." Sancheng lowered his voice, leaned forward and said: "In the end, Beizhengsuo regards Zuofu as one of its own from the bottom of its heart, and that's why I sincerely asked Zuofu.
Do you want the government to help you, or do you just want to use the power of the Zuofu to withdraw the troops without any loss? I can't solve this mystery no matter what."
After hearing this, Ieyasu took a serious look at Sancheng - this person was really unusual. The anger in Ieyasu's heart started to burn again.
When the troops were dispatched to Korea for the second time, the Northern Political Bureau had always strongly supported Kato Kiyomasa and let Governor Konishi and Kiyomasa compete for the lead, which made Mitsunari unhappy.
The people Homasa supported were Kato, Fukushima, Kuroda, Asano, Hosokawa and others who had followed Hideyoshi since childhood, and they were a major obstacle in front of Ishida and Konishi.
But now the Hosei Institute has asked Ishida Mitsunari to come to discuss with Ieyasu. What is her intention? What Mitsunari just said clearly meant that he would not be afraid if Ieyasu got close to Kato and others and joined forces with the Hosei Institute to deal with him.
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Thanks to book friend "Cao Mianzi" for your reward and support, thank you!
Thanks to book friends "Dongguan Bald King" and "Cao Mianzi" for their monthly ticket support, thank you!
PS: Today, due to an unexpected incident in an island country, I turned around to study the current factional political situation in that country, which delayed the update time and resulted in a delay of more than 20 minutes. I'm sorry.
By the way, I wrote about Toyotomi Hideyoshi yesterday, but today... well, what a coincidence.