Chapter 281 The Return of the Japanese (Fifty) Undercurrents
On the nineteenth day of the first lunar month, it was just past noon. Ikoma Oikamasa and the monk promised to visit Fushimi Castle Tokugawa Prefecture as the four old envoys except Ieyasu. Ieyasu deliberately asked all the sliding windows to be opened so that people from the neighboring Fukuhara Prefecture could
After seeing everything here, he smiled and went to greet the special envoy.
"Ah, you came just in time. The plum blossoms happened to be blooming in the past two days, with sparse shadows and faint fragrance floating around. I was fascinated just now watching them." Ieyasu came over and said. He smiled very easily and naturally, not at all like the one behind him.
Shintaro Torii looked serious and held the knife firmly in his hand.
Cheng Sheng hesitated and said coquettishly: "Um...Your Highness Zuofu, in fact, today we are here as the special envoys of the elders of Osaka City to reprimand Zuofu."
"Elder?" Ieyasu raised his eyebrows slightly, seeming a little surprised.
"Yes, headed by Maeda Danagon, His Highness Mori, His Highness Ukita, His Highness Uesugi, and the other five people also have this intention, so this is the result of repeated discussions among everyone."
Ieyasu said "Oh", turned his attention to Ikoma Oishamasa, and asked seriously: "Since it's a rebuke, naturally it's not that easy. Is there something wrong with Ieyasu's behavior?"
Ikoma didn't dare to look at him. He subconsciously turned his face to the other side and threw the problem to Acceptance: "Master Acceptance, you speak first."
When Chengcheng saw this, he became even more nervous. He read from the script and said: "Since the death of Taikaku, His Highness Tokugawa has inevitably acted a little arbitrarily. And..."
"And what?"
"On the matter of intermarriage with the Yinda, Fukushima, and Beesuga clans, the Taige had an explicit order, but now the Zuofu has made the decision on its own. What does this mean? If His Highness's answer is not satisfactory, the elder must be given up.
position... In short, such punishment is inevitable."
Ieyasu wanted to laugh out loud several times - if he said this was a rebuke, the wording of acceptance was so respectful, his expression was gentle and peaceful, and his tone of voice was calm, which made the listeners feel that it was too modest.
"This rebuke is a bit strange. I don't care whether Ieyasu did anything arbitrarily after Taige passed away, but it is really unreasonable to say that I made my own decisions regarding the marriage!"
"Your Highness means..."
"In fact, since there is a matchmaker and all parties have been informed of it, how can you say that I am making independent decisions?"
Acceptance was stunned for a moment. He glanced blankly at Chisumasa and exhaled hard. Ieyasu's unexpected answer seemed to reassure him. Perhaps before coming here, Sansei had given him various ideas and imagined various situations.
.
"In this case, then the poor monk will immediately report His Highness's intention. Uh... maybe we need to ask the matchmaker in person."
"This is the best. The matchmaker is Zongxun from Jiegang. It's really hard for him." Ieyasu said nonchalantly, with a smile on his face. He paused and quickly asked: "How is Dai Yan's condition?
Have you recovered?" Inadvertently, Ieyasu changed the topic easily.
Osaka must have painstakingly discussed this rebuke for several days, but it only took a moment before it was refuted.
"It seems that there is no improvement." Qin Zheng breathed a sigh of relief, and he dared to answer the question, and replied hurriedly and seriously, "Oh, it is really worrying."
Ieyasu seemed to have completely forgotten the rebuke just now, and turned towards Ikoma Oikamasa and said: "Your Highness Ikoma has a close relationship with Oda. There are not many people in the world who have a close relationship with the late Nobunaga, right?"
"Yes, yes...it's really touching."
"Looking back, His Highness Maeda was the personal attendant of Lord Nobunaga, and I was like Lord Nobunaga's brother. Now, even though Taikaku has passed away, the burden of peace in the world still needs to be shared by everyone... It is indeed very emotional to think about it.
thousand."
The pro seemed to be completely moved by Ieyasu, saying: "Yes, the days go by so fast, the sun and the moon fly by."
"That's right. Therefore, now I must ask His Majesty Maeda to cherish it very much. I'm afraid there are not many people who can still understand Nobunaga's lifelong ambition and Taikaku's lifelong ambition, and His Majesty Maeda is one of the few.
one."
"What Zuofu said is absolutely true."
"Master Acceptance, you should keep this in mind." Ieyasu said calmly, turning to look at Acceptance: "Needless to say, Lord Nobunaga hopes that unified Japan will become prosperous and strong. In order to inherit this legacy,
, Taige risked his wealth and life... It is useless to talk about the conquest of the dynasty now, but the motivation behind Taige cannot be understood.
As followers of Nobunaga, we all know very well what we must do: no matter what, we must not let the foundation of the peaceful and prosperous era created by Taiko be shaken. Maeda Dainagon is a benevolent person who has always taken this as his own responsibility.
, at this critical moment, please be sure to ask the Great Nayan to take care of your health... You must convey these words to the Great Nayan."
"As you command!"
"Recent affairs have been complicated. The movements of the Ming army, Taikaku's funeral, and rumors among the people are all worrying. Fushimi, Ieyasu, did not dare to slack off at all, and Osaka left everything to Maeda Dainan. You also
Be sure to convey these words to Mahanayana."
"We have taken note of everything, please rest assured, Your Highness."
"Also, I heard that His Highness Maeda is going to mobilize more than 5,000 troops from Kaga. I wonder if things are going smoothly?"
Upon hearing this, I was trembling with fear in person. I subconsciously put my hands on my knees and said, "It should go smoothly..."
"As it should be. I think His Majesty Maeda will never be careless about these things. Well, in that case, I can rest assured... You have worked hard for coming from a long way, so please enjoy some simple meals here. Come on,
Serve.”
The valet who had been waiting outside came in. Chimasa and Acceptance looked at each other in confusion. They had always thought that Ieyasu would mention Mitsunari. They also planned to reveal to Ieyasu discreetly that the central figure who initiated this operation was not Toshiie.
But 30%.
But Ieyasu didn't mention a word.
Soon, the maid came in with the meal, and the two looked at each other in fear. For them, this mission was actually extremely dangerous, and if Ieyasu took a tough stance, the outcome would be unpredictable.
Maeda and Tokugawa are indistinguishable in strength, Ieyasu may be stronger, but Maeda has a relatively harmonious relationship with all the daimyo, and there is almost no hatred towards him... But here is the problem. Once the daimyo are involved, the outcome will be difficult to say.
. Therefore, the two envoys have been uneasy.
Unexpectedly, Ieyasu not only changed the subject without any effort, but also acted righteously and pressed him step by step. As a result, how to report the situation after returning to Osaka became a difficult problem.
But having said that, the facts are indeed as Ieyasu said. The person who can understand the essence of Nobunaga and Taiko's ambition is none other than Maeda Toshiie. As long as Toshiie and Ieyasu maintain harmony, the world will naturally be safe.
But the problem is that as an envoy, I feel a little embarrassed to go back empty-handed and even be "taught" by someone in turn. The two of them were on pins and needles at this time, even trembling with fear.
"I'm neglecting you two. I only have some fish from Wakasa. Please eat before you go." Ieyasu smiled and said: "Oh, I'm sorry, I mentioned something fishy in front of the master. This is a leaf, a leaf, it's Wakasa
The leaves produced. Haha..."
The two looked at each other and picked up the kuaizi, but they didn't know whether to eat or not. Ieyasu still had a good appetite and ate in large quantities, but the two envoys couldn't eat anything, and they were wrapped in thick worries.
At this moment, Jing Yinzhizheng suddenly walked in and reported: "Your Highness, I'm sorry to bother you. Something urgent has happened."
While chewing the fish, Ieyasu asked, "What's the matter? Let's talk about it here."
"Yes. Kanhara Shikibu Daisuke Yasumasa has entered Omi."
"Kang Zheng is so fast...but why is this so urgent?"
"I heard some rumors along the way and everyone was very angry."
"He came with his troops?"
"Yes. The number of people is...slightly too many."
"It's a little bit much, how much is that?"
"I heard that there are more than 40,000 people, it's so majestic..."
"forty thousand?"
"Yes. If they all enter the capital, I'm afraid they won't even have enough food to eat."
"Well... let them stop advancing in the Omi area. I heard that Maeda's troops are about to enter Osaka, so there is no need to worry about the security in Kinei. Tell them not to be impatient, and then let them collect food and grass immediately. Since they have come out
, and we cannot let soldiers starve."
Ieyasu sent Naomasa away with a few words, and shouted with his kuaizi: "You all heard it, you don't have to worry about the area from the capital to Fushimi. After you go back, carefully report Dai Nayan."
Hearing these words, the two's kuai almost fell off in fright, and they hurriedly straightened their sitting postures. Ieyasu still seemed to be only focused on satisfying his appetite, chewing big mouthfuls.
The strength of 40,000 troops may be false. Although the Tokugawa family is strong, it should not be able to send 40,000 troops to Kinki at will. After all, the Tokugawa family has already moved to surround him.
There was no way for the young daimyo, including the Aizu-Uesugi family with a stone height of 1.2 million koku, to send nearly half of his army to Kinki.
Of course, it is certainly true that Kanbaru Yasumasa is leading a large group of troops to the capital.
"I didn't expect to bother you for so long. Let's take our leave now."
Hearing what he said, Ikoma Okamasa also quickly pushed away the food. The two knew that at this time in the Maeda mansion in Fushimi, the Toshi family retainers from Osaka, Murai Bungo, Shouchin Nori, Okumura Yono, Nagafuku, Tokuyama Go
The three soldiers must be waiting anxiously for the results.
The two of them urged each other to get up and leave the table. Ieyasu seemed to suddenly remember something and stopped them again, saying: "Oh, you two just said that you want to remove Ieyasu from the top five elders. I think this is definitely not for you two.
You mean, it’s not His Highness Maeda’s idea?”
"This, but..." Chengcheng was speechless and at a loss.
"Don't misunderstand me. I'm not trying to catch you, but I have to say this. Let me tell you bluntly. Under the current situation, if Ieyasu steps down, it will really go against Taikaku's orders. You go back
, we must convey it to them well so that they can stop talking nonsense in the future.”
After speaking solemnly, Ieyasu politely thanked him for his hard work. However, the two envoys who received such a heavy blow in the end had no courage to answer at all.
After the two of them were sent away by Naomasa Iein, Ieyasu had already darkened his face and said slowly: "Close the doors and windows." Then he ordered Shintaro Torii: "Let's go to the Arima Hoin Mansion... almost invite the Hoin.
I forgot about watching the ape music."
Shintaro couldn't help but laugh, and responded seriously: "Yes."
Ieyasu pretended to be innocent, glanced at me, and asked, "Shintaro, why are you laughing?"
"Don't dare."
"A lot of generals have gathered in the Arima Hoin family today. Do you know about this?"
"Yes, I know."
"Just follow your idea, go there and watch the monkey music, and at the same time understand people's hearts. You have to remember it well, so that there will be no friction."
"Yes." As he spoke, Shintaro closed the sliding window and asked, "Did His Highness Kanbaru really march to Omi?"
"How can it be so fast? I guess we have only reached the Owari area. What I say today is Naomasa's idea."
As Ieyasu spoke, he clapped his hands to call the maid and ordered: "Get ready to change."
At this moment, Iyin Naomasa returned from sending the envoy, but he brought a new message: "Chief Controller Kato has come to ask for an audience with His Highness."
"Qingzheng?"
"Yes. He said that he has important confidential matters to discuss with His Highness." Jing Yin Naozheng frowned a little.
Hearing this, Ieyasu's eyes suddenly sharpened and then disappeared in an instant.
"Hey. Sure enough, something happened. Then don't be busy changing clothes first...Naomasa, please find me the box of Komaki battle costume armor." No one knew what Ieyasu was thinking. At this time, he returned to his seat and
He sat down and ordered again: "Bring me that armored stomach, and then bring Qingzheng in."
Jing Yinzhizheng obeyed and asked the handyman to move the box.
"Take out the armor stomach inside." Ieyasu asked Shintaro to take out the armor stomach and gently wipe it with tissue paper. No one knew why Ieyasu took out this thing. This pair of white leather armor stomach connected with black silk,
It has now turned gray and quite dull.
At this time, Kato Kiyomasa arrived under the leadership of Iyin Naomasa. When he saw Kogai, he couldn't help but be startled, thinking that Ieyasu was checking the weapons and equipment for the expedition.
"Commissioner, aren't you in Osaka? When did you arrive at Fushimi?"
"Stop by to say hello to Zuofu and leave immediately."
Ieyasu seemed to be listening but not listening, and was focused on taking care of his beloved Kawei, and asked: "Chief Chief, don't you think this Kawei looks familiar to you?"
"This...forgive my stupidity."
"This is the armor I wore during the Battle of Komaki." Ieyasu said nonchalantly. Shintaro and Naomasa on the side were stunned. They were very aware of Ieyasu's determination to never fight again, but they did not understand that at this time, the attendant
Kogai is also Ieyasu’s scheme.
"Why did Your Highness take out such a dangerous thing?" Qingzheng chuckled.
"Is the stomach a dangerous thing?"
"Haha, is there anyone in the world today who wants Zuofu to wear this thing again and let the world flow like a river of blood? Your Highness, please put it away quickly." Qingzheng spoke firmly, moved closer to Ieyasu, and said seriously: "Although I'm here
I don’t think there will be any commotion, but I still want to protect His Highness from tonight at Zuofu’s residence.”
"I Have a Picture Book of Ghosts and Gods"
"You want to protect me?" Ieyasu seemed a little surprised, and this time it was true.
"If there is only one person next, I'm afraid it will only arouse resentment among the followers, but not scruples. Therefore, just in case, I would like to first let Dr. Fukushima Zaemon, Kuroda and his son, Toudo Wazimori, Dr. Mori Ukon and others
Guard here."
Ieyasu was really surprised. In fact, Toudo Takatora and Mori Tamasa had already told him secretly about this matter, but he didn't expect Kiyomasa to take the initiative to mention it, which surprised him.
Kiyomasa's move was probably out of his distaste for Mitsunari, but because of this, he attracted Kuroda, his son, and even Fukushima Masanori to actively support Ieyasu. This is really unlikely.
After thinking for a while, Ieyasu asked: "Chief Accountant, have you seen Mrs. Hoi Masato in Osaka?"
"I saw you. I just went to say hello yesterday."
"Is it a secret order from the Northern Government to protect Ieyasu?"
Qingzheng's expression was a little stiff and he whispered: "If Your Highness thinks so, I have nothing to say."
From Kiyomasa's heavy face, Ieyasu could see his deep worries, and his heart couldn't help but feel warm: On one side were the Sancheng faction who couldn't see the reality clearly and only relied on their likes and dislikes to go their own way; on the other side were Kiyomasa and Hokusei Shozu who knew right from wrong and had a profound understanding of justice.
people……
Hokusei's love for Hideyori and concerns about the future of the Toyotomi clan are definitely different from Mrs. Yodo. What she and Kiyomasa are worried about is that if Ieyasu and Maeda Toshiie, who are instigated by the followers, fight, Hideyori will be at the center of the vortex.
It will be destroyed into ashes.
Ieyasu once swore an oath that he would never fight with the Toyotomi clan again. Kiyomasa came to protect him because he trusted Ieyasu's oath, and it did not mean that Kiyomasa planned to betray Toyotomi and seek refuge with Tokugawa. After all, Ieyasu had previously
For decades, there has never been an act of betrayal of the oath - Oda and Tokugawa's Qingzhou Alliance are the best examples.
Thinking of this, Ieyasu nodded in admiration: "In that case, I will put away the stomach. Shintaro, put the stomach away." As he said that, he smiled and turned to Kiyomasa: "The world is not peaceful, Lord.
Ji Tou. Even before Taige's corpse is cold, disputes arise, making people anxious and helpless."
Kato Kiyomasa said: "Not only the people I mentioned to the Zuofu just now, I heard that the young assistant of the Otani Punishment Department also said that if anyone dares to covet the Zuofu residence, he will come to protect him at any time, and his retainers have also prepared their troops and are ready at any time.
Standby."
"Otani Yoshitsugi?"
"Yes. Although he has been friends with Zhibu for many years, he is not like villains like Zhibu. He knows very well who really cares about the young master and who has evil intentions."
"For the young master?"
"Yes, for the sake of the young master. What good can be done by letting the Zuofu and Danaya fight? Probably..." Qingzheng straightened his posture and sighed: "The Beizheng Institute may have secretly sent a message to Danaya.
, and we will work together to stay by Zuofu's side and try our best to prevent them from causing trouble."
"I understand, Chief Accountant. Ieyasu understands the intentions of you and the Hokusei Office. Ieyasu has also seen a long time ago that the reprimand was definitely not the intention of Kaga Danagon."
"Your Highness has seen through it?"
"What's the point of making a fuss? I know this, and Kaga Danagon naturally knows it too. Therefore, I didn't deliberately make things difficult for the envoy today. Don't worry, I have no intention of starting a war. Even if the retainer does something, it is just for the sake of peace.
Just in case."
"Now that Zuofu said this, I feel relieved... Then, from tonight, Fukushima, Kuroda, Toudo, Mori, Arima, Oda Yurakusai, and Shinjo Suruga Mamoru and others will come to guard you.
I heard that His Highness Zuofu is about to go out, so I won’t disturb him and will take my leave first.”
Ieyasu nodded vigorously, stood up and sent Kiyomasa to the corridor. Iyin Naomasa came in again from outside, his face was more serious than before, he bowed slightly and said: "Misaki-den sent someone from Kai Port to send a secret letter to inquire about the lord.
Do you need help?"
Ieyasu's eyes suddenly condensed, and he subconsciously sat up straight with his fat body: "Has Narita Kai returned to Japan? She didn't go to Kanto, but she is in Kaiko?"
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Thanks to book friend "Cao Mianzi" for your reward and support, thank you!
Thanks to book friends "Yun Fuyue Yu", "Cao Mianzi", "Altay's Old West", "malyvu", and "soviet2003" for their monthly ticket support, thank you!
PS: This chapter is to make up for what I learned yesterday. The extra 1K will be counted as today’s. I had to accompany my child for injections in the first half of the night, so I can only try to come back for 3K in the second half of the night. Nowadays, if a child has a fever, it can easily cost thousands. Jinghua’s medical sector is
It shouldn't be quite profitable...I might give it back to him as a loss of income!