Chapter 284 The same is true for Zong Baikui (Xu Liu)
In the twenty-eighth year of Wanli, that is, the fifth year of Qingchang, Japan.
There were already a lot of rumors among the people, but Tokugawa Ieyasu turned a deaf ear to all the noise, and was just preparing to attack Uesugi in an orderly manner. Ieyasu's recent series of actions were quite inconsistent with his previous calmness, and seemed a bit arrogant and unreasonable.
Masuda, Nagasuke, Nakamura, Ikoma, and Horio jointly issued a remonstrance, but he completely ignored it. Even the envoys sent by Kato, Hosokawa, Fukushima, Kuroda and others were blocked by him with a cold face.
go back.
At that time, Kato Kiyomasa and other Taikaku old generals all said: "There is no need for Zuofu to personally take part in this battle. Even if he wants to conquer Uesugi, he only needs to order us to go there. From what we can see, this matter must be a victory."
The Ministry and its accomplices deliberately used Jing Sheng as a bait to carry out the plan of diverting the tiger away from the mountain against the Zuofu, and then took advantage of the situation to carry out conspiracy and plot against Osaka, Kyoto and other important places in the world... Please think again, Zuofu."
However, this time, Ieyasu was unprecedentedly persistent and replied solemnly: "Thank you all for your advice. I appreciate your good intentions, but I also ask you to make sure that this time I will help Ieyasu. Besides, Ieyasu decided to go in person this time, not because he cherished his past reputation.
, but consider the authority of the imperial court.
If Ieyasu does not come in person today, if this continues, the authority of the imperial court will be seriously ignored. You can recall that when Shimazu and Hojo refused to enter the capital, did Taikaku also attack them? It cannot be because Shao Jun is young now.
They can show contempt at every turn, but this time I have to show them some color and punish them for being disrespectful!"
Originally, everyone thought that Ieyasu's persistence this time was entirely due to the arrogant and rude reply letter from Uesugi Naoeyama Shiromori Kanetsu. After all, Ieyasu himself was often angry: "I have lived for nearly sixty years, and I have never
I have never seen such an arrogant and disrespectful letter!"
However, this time when Ieyasu expressed his feelings in front of the generals, he put the majesty of the imperial court first. In fact, this is indeed an irrefutable reason - as the unquestionable chief minister who cares about life, Ieyasu said that he would follow the example of Taikaku
, who can say that he is not?
Ieyasu set the date for attacking Aizu in mid-July, but he summoned the generals for the first time in Osaka Castle on the second day of June. Of course, during this period, he did not forget to send people to carefully investigate the movements of the daimyo.
Which ones are allies, which ones must be fought for, and which ones can be allowed to sit on the sidelines... This battle is an excellent opportunity for verification. Therefore, the meeting on the second day of June also wants to bring together all the Osaka generals to confirm their
mind.
In addition to more than a dozen of Hideyori's confidants, including Maeda, Masuda, Nagasuke, and Otani, those present included Asano Yukinaga, Hachisuka Toyo, Kuroda Nagamasa, Horio Yoshiharu's son Tadashi, Ikeda Terumasa, and Hosokawa Tadashi.
Xing, Arima Noriyori, Yamauchi Kazutoyo, Oda Yuraku, Hori Naomasa, and many of Ieyasu's cronies. All of a sudden, the stars gathered together and filled the entire Xiyuan hall.
It is true that there are many talents, but there is also another aspect, that is, the people in the hall are mixed, and the participants must have their own thoughts.
However, as soon as the meeting began, Ieyasu announced first: "Regarding this crusade against Uesugi and the various arrangements for the attack on Aizu, I have decided. Let me announce it first." His expression at this moment was extremely serious, which was different from usual.
This can no longer be called a discussion, it seems more suitable to be called an order. But everyone in the hall immediately fell silent. Even though the weather was very hot, no one dared to shake the fan.
"The Shirakawa Pass is in charge of Ieyasu and Inuko Hidetada, the Sendō Pass is in charge of Satake Yoshinobu, the Nobuo Pass is in charge of Date Masamune, the Yonezawa Pass is in charge of Mogami Yoshimitsu, and the Tsukawa Pass is in charge of Maeda Toshinaga and Hori Hideharu..."
After saying this, everyone couldn't help but look at each other in confusion. It's no wonder that the Satake family and the Mogami family, which everyone thought were the 30% alliance, were also entrusted with important responsibilities in this battle.
Each daimyo will be assigned to attack the five important strongholds of Aizu. However, if Ieyasu sends troops, Mitsuzuki will join forces with Uesugi. This situation is not difficult to imagine. However, in this case, Ieyasu sent Satake Yoshinobu and
Mogami Yoshimitsu is appointed as a general, what is his intention?
Ieyasu seemed to ignore everyone's doubts and continued: "The departure date from Osaka this time is scheduled for the middle of this month. It will pass through Edo and attack Aizu in late July. Therefore, you should arrive early
Return to your skills and prepare to go to war."
Ieyasu's tone was decisive, without the slightest hesitation: "Of course, the young master and his close associates must stay in Osaka to ensure that government affairs are accessible. In addition, in order to assist the young master, two or three people will be left to handle official duties. Who do you think is better to stay?
?”
If you have something to ask your subordinates and subordinates first, it will be like discussing a matter. The war is a foregone conclusion. Whoever is left to assist the government is equivalent to giving the key to the decision of the war. No matter how great the victory is in Aizu, staying behind
If someone else gives this city to Sanzheng, it will be difficult for Ieyasu to return to Osaka. In this way, victory will also be defeat.
Everyone's eyes suddenly turned to the disciples, and several disciples suddenly had cold sweat on their foreheads. Masuda, Nagasuke, Maeda, Otani and other disciples had a closer relationship with Mitsunari than Ieyasu, and everyone knew this fact. Therefore, the four disciples
The executive was immediately very nervous.
Masuda Nagamori and Nagasuki Masaie currently maintain close contact with Mitsunari. Although it is difficult to determine whether Maeda Gen and Otani Yoshitsugi have any different intentions towards Mitsunari, at least they are definitely not Ieyasu's confidants. Among these people, no matter who is arrested
If you stay, it seems like there will be hidden dangers.
Everyone thought that Ieyasu was telling the truth and actually wanted to keep someone else. It was just that he was inconvenient to bring it up due to human circumstances and wanted others to speak for him.
Everyone was silent in the tense and dreary heat. At this time, Ieyasu spoke again: "If you have no objections, then I will order it." He glanced around as if nothing had happened.
"Two people don't seem to be enough, let's leave three."
Masuda Nagamori swallowed hard and glanced around quietly. Nagashumasa's whole body was stiff and he almost didn't dare to look at Ieyasu.
"First of all, please ask Maeda Hoin to stay. It would be more suitable for you to serve as a civil servant, so you don't have to work in Aizu."
"yes."
"It's best to have people who are familiar with government affairs, Masuda'emon and Nagasuke Oizo. Your abilities are known to the world, so please stay. Just the three of you stay in Osaka to assist the young master. As for the Otani Criminal Department, you
Come with me on the expedition."
After hearing Ieyasu's decision, everyone couldn't help but be stunned. The crowd began to commotion, because every word Ieyasu said surprised them.
Leaving Sango, who is obviously a group of Mitsunari, in Osaka? Has Ieyasu completely lifted his guard against Mitsunari? It seems unlikely. So is this deliberately creating opportunities for them in order to lure the snake out of its hole?
If the reason is the former, it is not completely unfounded. In any case, when the Seven Generals chased Mitsunari, Ieyasu saved his life and escorted him back to Sawayama Castle safely. Therefore, people who are close to the Seven Generals all doubt:
Could it be that Zuofu had a secret agreement with Sancheng at that time? But since it was a secret agreement, how could Zuofu ensure that Sancheng would abide by the agreement?
Or is it just the opposite, that Ieyasu deliberately left Mitsurugi in Osaka to give Mitsunari an opportunity to raise troops? Those generals who were wavering in their hearts and trying to adapt to the prevailing situation were all full of doubts.
If this is true, it means that Ieyasu was confident from the beginning and did not take Sancheng seriously at all. He planned to kill Uesugi calmly first, then reorganize a little in Edo, and finally return to the army
Osaka put down the rebellion...
If this is the case, the Toyotomi family may become a lamp in front of the wind and frost on the tiles.
After all, once Mitsunari raises his troops and enters Osaka Castle, he and Mitsunari will definitely kidnap Hideyori to order the princes and declare Ieyasu a traitor. In this way, Ieyasu will be able to attack Toyotomi Hideyori without any scruples. If this
If everything comes true, the world will really be in chaos... Although many people are thinking this, no one dares to bring it up on the spot.
"The Kansai generals will follow me and Hidetada's main force, the Ou generals will follow Yonezawa's Mogami Yoshimitsu, and as for Maeda Toshinaga and Hori Hideji who are in charge of Tsukawaguchi, Murakami Yoshiaki and Mizoguchi Hidekatsu will go with them."
Ieyasu's tone changed from indifferent to unquestionable: "The purpose of this war is to inherit Taikaku's legacy, stabilize the world, and conquer those with ulterior motives. This battle will determine the general trend of the world, so Ieyasu has reported it to the court in detail.
According to the secret order of the imperial court, on the eighth day of this month, General Quan Danayan was sent to persuade Xiushi Qingfengqing to come to Osaka as an imperial envoy to reward the soldiers who went on the expedition. I wanted to say goodbye to Shaojun after welcoming the imperial envoy, and then set off immediately for the expedition.
At that time, the young master will officially give an order for Maeda, Masuda, and Nagashu to stay and assist the government. The important task of assisting the young master will be given to the three young masters. I believe you have no objections, right?"
Everyone was stunned, and no one answered immediately.
"Since you have no objections, let's make a decision first. As for the details, Ieyasu will discuss it with you again. Okay, that's it for today..."
Before Ieyasu finished speaking, a voice sounded from the seat. It was Naomasa Horimono who was leading the way for this war.
It seems that Naomasa really regarded this meeting as a discussion. He moved forward and said, "Sir, I have something to say."
Ieyasu lowered his face and said, "Naomasa, why are you worried?"
Provoked by Ieyasu, Hori Naomasa became even more impassioned: "Since we have decided to send troops, we must not allow any omissions in the pre-war discussions."
"Tell me, what exactly makes you worried?"
"It goes without saying that adults know that the terrain in the Ou area is steep."
"Of course, otherwise why would you be responsible for leading the way?"
"Yes, I want to say a few more words because I am responsible for guiding the way. There is a place between Shirakawa and Aizu called 'Horse Ridge'. Its terrain is dangerous and unparalleled in the world. The mountain road there is as narrow as a horse's back.
It can allow one person to pass. Therefore, please think twice to avoid mistakes in the front." Hori Naomasa held his head high and talked non-stop, his foolish character clearly revealed.
"That's enough!" Ieyasu shouted loudly, causing the roof to buzz: "On a business trip? What can go wrong? The terrain is dangerous. It doesn't matter. If the enemy stabs me, I will shoot him back. There is a saying in the Tang Dynasty: The country is in trouble.
Solid, virtue does not depend on danger. The victory or defeat of a war depends on who has the right and the strength of the soldiers and horses, not on the terrain.
Since you said it is dangerous, I, Tokugawa Ieyasu, will personally act as the vanguard to show you. Since I became the Lord of Okazaki Castle, I, Ieyasu, have experienced hundreds of battles, whether fighting with a small number or with a large number of people, including night attacks, ambushes, sneak attacks, and vanguards.
After the war, what kind of things have I not experienced? Because of this, I have mastered the eight states of Kanto. This is enough to prove that I have superior strategy, high martial arts, and skill in using troops."
"Yes." When Ieyasu suddenly shouted angrily, Naomasa was completely unprepared and fell to the ground in shock.
"That fellow in Jingsheng will only huddle in a small city and never dare to come to meet my army. Our army is the best in the world, and there is no obstacle to the supply of food and fodder. Originally, I was enough to conquer Jingsheng, but in order to show our great righteousness,
, then we sent a large army to go with us. Don’t be clever and say useless things!”
Seeing Naomasa lying on the ground without making a sound, Ieyasu said angrily to the others: "Do you have anything to worry about?"
Seeing Ieyasu so furious, no one dared to say anything. Ieyasu had already decided everything by himself, and he would never allow others to have any objections.
"It seems that everyone has understood." Katagiri Jigen quickly smoothed things over: "Both Ouchi and Shaojun sent people to express their condolences. The envoy said that since even the Zuofu personally went on an expedition for this purpose, no matter whether they were those who went out or those who stayed behind,
Everyone should be loyal to the imperial court."
Ieyasu glanced at Katagiri Kagemoto, glared again, and glanced around the people present.
Now that Ieyasu has spoken, matters such as the number of people to go out for the expedition will be discussed after everyone returns. Everyone present could only nod in agreement, and no one spoke rashly again, so as not to arouse unnecessary suspicion.
There was only one person who still sat still. This person's face was covered with white cloth, and Ieyasu couldn't see his mood or anger. He was the young assistant of the Otani Punishment Department, Yoshitsugu. He had his face wrapped tightly because of leprosy.
.
Ieyasu glanced at him, stood up and left the table.
In the past, Hideyoshi would gather the generals, and after the meeting he would throw a big banquet. Those who were severely reprimanded by him at the meeting would be patted on the shoulders and smiled to comfort them at the banquet. This was Hideyoshi's habit. But Ieyasu was very different from Hideyoshi.
, he will neither rebuke others easily nor comfort them after rebuking them.
"You're so stingy, you won't even give me a glass of water or wine." Although the seven people around Hideyori whispered, Ieyasu's angry words to those who cared deeply were deeply imprinted in their minds.
Before Hideyoshi died, Ieyasu once shouted at everyone in Fushimi Castle: "If you want to quarrel, just quarrel. But no one who quarrels will be able to leave this city tonight. No one can escape."
Severe punishment!"
That time, Ieyasu had the city gates tightly closed and shouted angrily, which frightened everyone present. Today's angry outburst was no less than that time.
Kagekatsu boasted that he was worth 1.2 million koku and had the most powerful soldiers in the world since Kenshin. Even Uesugi Kagekatsu, who had such strong soldiers and horses, Ieyasu disdainfully called him "Kagekatsu that guy". No wonder other generals also
Ieyasu was so frightened that he seemed to have anticipated everyone's reaction.
Ieyasu stood up and left the table, and the generals also stood up and went out cautiously with their own thoughts. You can imagine how the messengers shuttled back and forth between the various mansions after this.
As for Kyouka who is hidden behind all this, what kind of pragmatic attitude does he have in controlling the war between the two sides? Others don't know, and Ieyasu can only guess: Maybe he should be satisfied with the recurrence of civil strife in Japan, right?
As for the outcome of this war, Ieyasu is not too worried. He knows that what Gao pragmatically wants is Japan's internal strife, but he will not see himself fail - if he fails, how will he let Gao, as an "outsider"
How about Yan inheriting the position of General Zhengyi who has not yet been obtained?
Those in higher positions don't care about right or wrong, only the pros and cons. This is true for me, Ieyasu, and it is also true for that "Gao Guanbai".
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Thanks to book friend "Cao Mianzi" for your reward and support, thank you!
Thanks to book friend "Yun Fu Yu Yu" for your monthly ticket support, thank you!
PS: After thinking about it, it’s better to finish writing one side and then write the other side.
