Chapter 5 Section five

The Furong on the second floor of Chuanfan faces a small canal leading to Shinobu Pond. This is the favorite box of Sakazaki Shigehide-Nishinsai Higashitani.In the first ten days of September in the sixth year of Tianbao (1835), Shengzhisuke met Donggu for the first time at Furong. Shengzhisuke is still fresh in his memory. The fifty-six-year-old Shigehide Sakazaki, who has served as a stay-at-home residence in Edo for eight years and is known for his shrewdness, was 56 years old. The knee area was covered with soot.Sheng Zhisuke, who has received Ah Tim's strict family training, knew what caused it at a glance.The left-behind adults used the stove to make a fire. When squatting in front of the stove and blowing on the fire with a bamboo tube, they did not grasp the strength well. Smoke, coal, and ash gushed out all over their heads.This is a common thing before you are proficient.

A picture immediately appeared in Shengzhisuke's mind.Leaving aside whether this is a golden house for hiding, because Sakazaki felt relaxed in the familiar store, he half-jokingly squatted in front of the kitchen stove, blowing his head covered in ashes, laughing and teasing with Li Zhi. This is Shengzhisuke's first meeting with high-level officials.He thought he was trying very hard not to show displeasure on his face, but it still showed in his eyes. "I don't have time to change clothes." The sturdy Edo Rushouju frankly showed an embarrassing expression like a prankster who was bumped into by someone.

"You're really early. Are you impatient? As expected of Li Jiang's son." Sakazaki looked into Shengnosuke's eyes and smiled happily. "They look alike too." This is the first time Sheng Zhisuke heard that he and his mother looked alike. "Glad you're here." His voice was full of kindness, and Sheng Zhisuke couldn't help but blinked and looked at him again. In the next hour, Shengzhisuke heard Donggu explain the meaning of the words revealed by Mr. Saeki before he left the feudal kingdom: he was surprised and inexplicable.Donggu's words and his frankly stated thoughts in his heart were beyond Sheng Zhizhi's expectation.

First of all, Donggu promised Lijiang that he would revive the Guqiao family, but it was actually just a stopgap measure. "I'm very sorry for you, but it's impossible to revive the Guqiao family." Donggu asserted, making Sheng Zhisuke change color. "So, what will happen to my brother Katsunosuke? Will he just be a rice bug in the Niijima family?" "Sooner or later, the Niijima family will help him find someone to marry. As Sato and Katsunosuke expected, he will marry into the military officer's house." In this way, the eldest brother will be successful, but the Guqiao family will be cut off.

"Li Jiang's dedication to revitalizing the Furuhashi family is actually for Katsunosuke, not for the Furuhashi family. You should be very clear about this." Therefore, as long as Katsunosuke is prosperous, Lie is satisfied. "I don't think Katsunosuke will have an opinion on this matter." Sheng Zhisuke was speechless for a moment.He never discussed the matter openly and honestly with his eldest brother.One is that he has no chance, and the other is that he is afraid in his heart and dare not speak for a long time.Regarding the death of his father, the eldest brother scolded "too ugly" at the time, which still lingers in Shengzhisuke's ears.

"Shengzhisuke, let's not talk about your elder brother, but what are your plans for the future?" What are your plans?Sheng Zhisuke didn't know how to answer. "Are you going to be the assistant scholar of Yuexiangkan for the rest of your life? It won't work. Mr. Saeki will die before you." This is really blunt. "If you want to delve into learning, the road to inheriting the teacher's mantle is also very difficult. No matter how much you are influenced by Mr. Saeki, you will be a frog at the bottom of the well after all. Master Kuroda is not expecting this kind of Confucianism. He should be from Jiang households to recruit more suitable Confucians."

Regarding the Yuexiang Pavilion, Mr. Kuroda's opinion may be more influential than that of the lord. "If you stay peacefully in the Yuexiang Pavilion and study hard, you may have the opportunity to join a family in the feudal clan. However, as the son of a sinner, you have a weak personality, and it is difficult to look up to your elder brother, who is willing to recruit you as a son-in-law... " Can you find it?Donggu is full of doubts and authenticity. "The ethos of martial arts in our domain is intractable. It cannot be changed for a hundred years, and it will not be so easy to change in the future."

That is to say - Donggu twitched his aquiline nose slightly in satisfaction. "You have no choice but to come to Edo. In this case, the sooner you come, the better." If there is one sentence to describe Erxin Zhai Donggu, it would be—— What a big face. Although the body is equally broad and strong, it is not so fat that it can be regarded as strong and thick.The round belly seems to bounce off the fists of people; and his complexion is dark, thick like tanned leather, his hair is thick, combed in a thick bun; he has a pair of thick eyebrows; although there are a few white hairs, but Not obvious; the features on the face are very thick, reminiscent of the portrait of King Ni.

Generally speaking, having a big face should make people daunting and have a hard temperament.But for some reason, Donggu's big face gives people a sense of complacency and informality.At this time, his face was twitching his nostrils triumphantly, with a smile on his face, and Sheng Zhisuke was fascinated by it for a moment. "However, even if I want to take you away from Tiaogen, it is not enough to rely on Teacher Saeki's instructions to hide it from Lijiang. Because Lijiang is also a thorough Tiaogen woman. In her eyes, Fanru is not as good as booger." To say booger is going too far.

"That's why I will pave the way for you." So far, Shengzhisuke still understands what Donggu's plan is. "But my mother should lead and expect me to go back. How should I explain to her?" Could it be that what Sakazaki-sama said earlier was just a stopgap measure? A calm smile appeared on Donggu's big face. "Shengzhisuke, your reaction is really slow." You will stay in Edo, said Higashitani. "I will tell Li Jiang that I have arranged an important task for Shengzhisuke. Only Furuhashi Shengzhisuke can do it, and it is a task closely related to the Dagenfan. If he handles it properly, it will be of great help to the Fanzheng. In this way It will be able to make a great contribution, and it is expected to revive the Guqiao family in the future."

Shengzhisuke was speechless for a long while.No wonder the teacher said at the time: "It is certain that I will not be able to return for a while." Donggu smiled and remained silent.The sound of boats sailing across the water could be heard faintly outside the window. "...Is this also a stopgap measure?" Higashitani pushed back his protruding round belly, and leaned slightly towards Shengzhisuke. "How could it be an expedient measure?" Come over a little bit.Donggu waved to him, and Sheng Zhisuke moved his knees forward. "Your father did not take bribes." Sheng Zhisuke was dumbfounded by this important official in the feudal clan. "You should believe that your father is innocent?" "yes." "I believe it too. It's an unjust prison." The gratitude welling up in his body made Shengzhisuke open his mouth wide, unable to close it for a long time. "Thank you, thank you!" Sheng Zhisuke's tone became childlike.He hastily withdrew his body, sat upright and bowed forward. At this time, Donggu patted the back of his head lightly. "Are you crying?" "Eh? No." In fact, Sheng Zhisuke's eyes were hot, and he hurriedly covered it up. "Since you were a child, Lie often told me that the second son in the family is a crybaby, which makes people troublesome. He cries like a girl at every turn, not at all like me. The second son has followed the example of Sosoemon-sama. blood." Although Donggu stated it in a gentle tone, it was still uncomfortable to hear. "Don't blame your mother. Lijiang is also an unfortunate woman. If she can grow old with my nephew, she will not be so difficult to get along with. She will be a good wife and mother, and is admired by others. It's a pity..." Lifespan is predetermined by God and cannot be changed——Donggu sighed. "Farewell to my nephew, and Li Jiang remarried. At that time, I also gave her advice. People cannot be resurrected after death. If you only feel sorry for the dead and complain all day long, you will miss the happiness you deserve. You and this husband Your fate, like your ex-husband, is a good fate bestowed by God." But she is a shrew.Donggu's belly quivered with a wry smile. "She confronted her mother-in-law tit-for-tat and didn't know how to back down. Faced with her husband's dissuasion, she even contradicted her, and finally divorced. Although it was someone else's business, I still worried about her." Although Donggu said so, there was a taste of sweetness in the conversation.His mother was deeply loved by this person—Sheng Zhisuke immediately realized this.They still know each other and cherish each other.Shigehide Sakazaki still regards Lie as a relative. "So when I found out that she married Master Guqiao: I was very worried and surprised at the same time. I didn't expect that Lijiang would agree to commit herself to marry. Presumably her natal family has no place for her, and it makes people feel sad for her." But—— Higashitani looked at Shengzhisuke.Not only his eyes are big, but the black eyeballs are also not small. "I breathed a sigh of relief when I learned about the character of the Furuhashi Sect's left and right gate. He should be able to tolerate Lie. Lie finally has a good home." Due to the silence and nervousness, Sheng Zhisuke's lips were dry and stuck together. "Family, family..." He wanted to say "Father", but changed his words immediately. "What do you appreciate about Furuhashi Zongzaemon?" Higashitani stared at Shengzhisuke, and turned his head slightly.That big face became slanted. "You look a lot like your father. Although the eyes are the same as Lie's, the nose and mouth are very similar to Sozoemon-sama." Sozaemon-sama must have been a crybaby when he was a child—he continued, smiling happily. "You'll be a coward even when you grow up. You should also know about the rumors about your father's infidelity, right?" Sheng Zhisuke retorted. "That's not because my father was afraid of the dog and didn't dare to kill it. He was sympathetic to the dog." "Well, I think so too." Donggu agreed. "Your father is a coward. How can a coward like him accept bribes driven by the little desires in front of him? What Mr. Sozaemon is most afraid of is breaking his faith and doing acts that he is ashamed of. Because of this fear, no matter how others slander him and despise him, he will not be moved." A complete coward. "Therefore, he is being used by a traitor. If I am not in the feudal country, I can take countermeasures in advance." I'm sorry for you - Donggu bows his head.Sheng Zhisuke's lips were tightly stuck together, unable to speak. "The bribery incident this time is not entirely a fabrication. Five years ago, when Minakami obtained the status of a royal merchant, she must have started sending bribes to powerful people in the domain." That store was founded by the owner who was accused of this incident. "Without the behind-the-scenes operation, it would be extremely difficult for new stores to win the bidding." "So that's how it is..." Shengzhisuke didn't understand the mystery. "But 'operating' like this is nothing new. It's what smart businessmen do. And the ones taking the bribes know it too." This is negotiation and collusion. "Then, why is it only this time..." Sheng Zhisuke was interrupted in the middle of the question. "Why do you think it is?" Donggu asked back. "Is the amount too high?" "I don't think it's a huge amount." Donggu asserted without hesitation, Sheng Zhisuke looked at Donggu's big face again.Could it be that there were similar cases in the past that made him deny this speculation with such certainty?Could it be that Donggu knew about this? "That should be related to my brother's action to seek an official?" Sheng Zhisuke thought that his mother's mistake was really stupid.But Donggu shook his head after hearing the words. "If this is the case, Muki should be held accountable in this regard, right? But in fact, the order of processing is completely reversed. First, the acceptance of bribes was revealed, and then it was discovered that the bribes received were used in Katsunosuke's official petition. action." Indeed. "That is to say, there is no need for the high-level officials in the city to deliberately pursue this level of bribery cases, causing a storm in the city. Even if they are to be held accountable, most of them are dealt with in a more low-key way." Shigehide Sakazaki worked as a surveyor of the Tone Domain before he took up the post of Edo Left-behind Residence.Before, it was doing things and doing things.Both belong to civil servants, and they are important positions closely related to the important affairs of the vassal government.According to the usual practice, the head of the famous Sakazaki family has to go through the experience of these two important positions before he can take up the post of Edo left-behind residence.In other words, after thoroughly grasping the domestic situation of the feudal domain, he was responsible for negotiating with the shogunate cabinet members and taking charge of the Edo feudal residence. Since he said so, it means that this is not his speculation or false rumors. "Moles are everywhere. Although they live in the mountains and fields, they occasionally go to the fields to look for food. There is no end to killing them one by one. When they eat their marrow and taste and cause harm to the farmland, they can be used again. It can be dealt with by fumigation or culling. Otherwise, the mole will be extinct. And the land without half a mole will not be harvested." In the courtyard of the Furuhashi house, there were also moles in the small field where my father cultivated as a hobby.Sheng Zhisuke had never seen this kind of small animal, but his father pointed to the traces of its excavation and told him. ——If a mole is near, it means that the field is well cultivated.Father narrowed his eyes and said. "The unjust injustice my father suffered did not come from the city..." Sheng Zhisuke whispered, and Higashitani nodded his thick chin. "In that case, it's obvious where it came from." It's Bonochi.But is there such a thing? "The shopkeeper who bravely lodged a complaint will be punished with a shovel, and his wife will be expelled from the feudal domain." "But the property and the signboard remained." That's right.At the beginning of the year, top management gave them the green light to reopen. "Shengzhisuke, this is internal fighting." Donggu's big face moved closer, and he said in a low voice. "And it's not entirely the work of the samurai." Merchants also got involved.Sheng Zhisuke opened his eyes wide. "So, Minami-chan was also involved?" "That's right. I think the incident stemmed from a property fight at that store." Minami, who was allowed to reopen, is now owned by the younger brother of the former owner who was executed. "There are power struggles behind the famous families and upstarts. Although it can't be seen from the outside, it is not surprising to find that there are robbery or disputes over property when you enter the interior of Bo Yeqian. It is not necessarily a brother but a relationship. harmony." "However, the person who filed the complaint is the previous generation of shopkeepers." "That's the point." Donggu raised his index finger and pointed at Sheng Zhijie's eyebrows. "To drive the shopkeeper into such a desperate situation, or to deceive the shopkeeper and play him around, it is not enough to rely on the tricks of Minami. There must be someone in the city to take care of him." With regard to the bribery issue, if you keep ignoring it, the paper will not hold fire, and sooner or later the truth will be exposed, and I will take severe sanctions at that time.Until then, if you tell me honestly, I won't make things difficult for you— "Threats and lures are the best." "However, I heard that the shopkeeper accepted the punishment very peacefully. Of course, even if he learned that he was sentenced to death in prison, he did not raise any pleas that he was cheated, or that it was different from what he had promised." "Have you seen his execution?" Shengzhisuke shrank.He didn't look at it.He was staying at the Niishima family's mansion that day.No matter what, he is now a sinner who thinks behind closed doors. Just witnessing his father's tragic death is enough for him, and he doesn't want to see other people's death.Shengzhisuke, who has strong doubts about the incident itself, does not think that Bo Yeqian is the enemy who caused his father to fall into such a tragic fate. "Such as drugging, lynching, or destroying the voice, there are many ways to make the other party obedient." Donggu said.He neither laughed at Shengzhisuke nor frowned.Sheng Zhisuke felt a chill running behind his back, and was speechless again. "The support in the city... should be called the mastermind behind the scenes." Donggu leaned back and sat down leisurely again, exhaling a heavy breath from his nostrils. "The black hand behind the scenes is willing to help this conspiracy, and there must be an equivalent return. Rather than saying that it is necessary, it would be better to say that it would be shameful not to do so." "Is it money?" It must be far greater than the amount they claimed their father received.Sheng Zhisuke pressed his lips tightly, trying to suppress the anger in his chest, but at this moment he found that Dong Gu was only smiling slightly. "You are wrong." Donggu immediately denied his speculation as if reprimanding him. "There are more valuable things than money." You are really slow to react - Donggu sighed. "It's thanks to Mr. Saeki that he appreciates you so much. You study hard, but you don't know anything about the world. This should be your strong point." I was really confused.Shinosuke's strength?It should be reading, writing... Shengzhisuke suddenly realized. "Hamano-chi claims that it was written by my father." Although Furuhashi Sozaemon himself did not remember this at all, even after seeing the handwriting on the note, he had to admit that it was written by himself. "That's right!" Donggu slapped his thick knee hard. "Shonosuke. Now, you should also understand that this is a major matter that cannot be ignored. It's like copying, completely imitating other people's handwriting to fabricate unnecessary forged documents. If someone has this ability, what's the use? ? Imagine what a powerful weapon it would be if documents had unshakable authority." Sheng Zhisuke clutched his knees tightly with both hands, and his whole body was stiff.Donggu's big face approached him, making people feel pressured. "Master Donggu, do you mean that Bo Yeqian has found a master who is good at forging documents from somewhere, so as to get closer to the mastermind behind the scenes in the city?" That is the "repayment" to the mastermind behind the scenes.Donggu nodded his thick chin. "If that's the case, my father's injustice..." "When Bo Yeqian triggered the seizure of power in the store, in order to let the black hand behind the scenes see the power of forging documents, he designed to frame your father." It really kills two birds with one stone—— Donggu said displeasedly. "Even if the written evidence is found to be fake, it will be no pain to the mastermind behind the scenes in the city. He should tell Bo Yeqian, since you are so powerful, let's take a look. And Bo Yeqian must be quite confident, I believe that I will never be seen through.” That's right - the fabricated bribery evidence, not to mention the detectives who investigated the case, even Furuhashi Sozaemon, the person involved, thinks it is authentic.Sheng Zhisuke has never seen the actual evidence, but he is well aware of his father's astonishment and anxiety.My father said——I don't remember such a thing at all, but it is indeed my handwriting on the paper before me.I didn't expect such a thing to exist in the world.My father was so upset that he couldn't sleep at night. "I'm terrified that my father will go mad." The father held him tightly and said: ——Shonosuke, did I forget that I took bribes?Forget the bad things you did? impossible.This kind of thing shouldn't happen.But the written evidence is clearly in front of my eyes.That's my handwriting, Shengnosuke. "Of course I didn't keep silent and worry about him. I made the defense that most people would think of." ——If it is handwriting, others may imitate it.If you don't remember this, father, the documents are forged. "What did your father say after hearing that?" Father's face was pale, and even Shengzhisuke who was standing beside him felt a chill when he saw it, but he firmly denied it. "He said, I don't think it's a fake." ——If it is a drawing, it may be counterfeited.Others' handwriting may also be imitated.But it is impossible to be exactly the same. "My father said that words are the expression of a person." The text is like a person, Sheng Zhisuke, just like we cannot completely become another person, neither will the text be completely the same as others. —The note must have been in my own hand, but I don't remember it. "Just when he couldn't figure it out, the superiors pursued my mother's action to seek an official." Furuhashi Sect Left and Right Gate no longer insisted on this. Thinking of this, Sheng Zhisuke collapsed and became weak.His father's tragic fate, his own powerlessness.That's right, I'm really just like my mother scolded me, a second son who can only cry and cry, and is useless. "I said, Shengzhisuke." Shouted by Higashitani's rough voice, Shengzhisuke raised his eyes.He blinked, his vision blurred.He almost cried again. "If handwriting is really what Sozaemon-sama said, then the person who forged the document should be able to completely empty himself and completely transform himself into the person he wants to be." Furuhashi Zongzaemon could not imagine such a character.In this leisurely rural Xiaofan, in the upright and simple official post, it is hard to imagine someone possessing such unique skills. Shengzhisuke understands this idea. "But there really is, there is indeed a person." At this time, that person was hiding somewhere, waiting for the next appearance. Sheng Zhisuke made up his mind and asked, "Master Donggu, what do you think is the real purpose of the mastermind behind the scenes?" Higashiya narrowed his eyes as if aiming for a target. "Before you ask this question, don't you care who is behind the scenes?" "Did you know?" Sheng Zhisuke involuntarily took precautions. "Guess. Because the answers to both questions come from the same point." That is the battle for succession. "You, who have a big personality, should also know that our lord is a person who has many children and many blessings." The feudal lord, Chiba Nagato, has two sons, twelve and ten years old, with his wife, Mrs. Wakana.The lord is forty-five years old, but the children are so young. This is because the eldest son, second son, and third son all died young.Now these two sons are considered to be the fourth son and the fifth son in terms of ranking. In addition, the master and the concubine Mrs. Awan have one son and two daughters, who are also very young.Mrs. Awan lived in the harem of Chiba Home City seven years ago. Although the lord had a favorite woman to serve him from time to time in the feudal kingdom, there has never been a concubine who can compete with the main family in the Edo feudal mansion. That is the so-called "Mrs.Some people observed that the lord is so jealous of Mrs. Wakana.However…… "I heard that Master Wanjumaru and Master Senshoumaru are two brothers who are in harmony and are in good health. Both of them survived the harm of smallpox the year before last. The lord and wife are relieved and have forgotten the sorrows of the past." Disease always followed Chiba's family like a shadow, and the second and third sons died of smallpox.In addition, if he is still alive, his eldest son, who should be the same age as Sheng Zhisuke, also died of illness. He claimed to have contracted influenza, but in fact he was suspected to have died of cholera.In any case, they all died of the diseases that are most likely to kill young children, which can be said to be the doomed tragic fate of the Chiba family.The four men and the five men are healthy and strong, and everyone in the feudal clan feels rejoiced. Higashitani smiled with one side of his cheek tilted, "Who told you about this? It must not be Sosoemon-sama." It should be Lijiang.Higashitani was right, but the smile on his face had other meanings, Sheng Zhisuke nodded slightly hesitantly. "yes." "Because of Sato... no, it should be said that the Niijima family belongs to Mrs. Wakana's faction. By the way, when the two young masters contracted smallpox, the Niijima family offered a hundred red paintings to the Tokiwa Shrine to pray, right?" Shigehide Sakazaki, who worked in Edo, knew about it. "You know about this? At that time, our family also helped to draw Chi-e." Chihui can be used to pray for the prevention of smallpox, some are paintings on paper, some are painted horses or prints.The Niishima family presented one hundred emas to Tokiwa Shrine, the local god of the Tone Domain, two of which were painted by Shengnosuke.One is a painting of Daruma, and the other is a painting of Yoshiya Hachimantaro in crimson rope armor.This is not a rare red painting pattern, but it is very finely drawn, and it was praised by Li Jiang, Sheng Zhisuke still remembers it fresh. ——You really have a way of doing this kind of thing. The eldest brother Katsunosuke is not good at painting, so he took great pains, but he didn't like to ask Shengzhisuke for help, and would never ask him for help.And Shengzhisuke pretended not to know.Who did you draw in the end?In any case, Shengzhisuke drew better than his elder brother and won Lie's praise. That was the last time Shengzhisuke was praised.Thinking of this past event, Sheng Zhisuke felt a little guilty, but also very happy, and couldn't help but twitch his mouth. "By the way, Mrs. Awan also painted Chie herself at that time and dedicated it to the Tokiwa Shrine. Does Master Donggu know about this?" "Of course I know." Donggu's one cheek was unnaturally crooked. "Do you know that Mrs. Wakana forbade her to present red paintings to the shrine, and quickly sent people back to the feudal kingdom to burn them secretly?" Sheng Zhisuke suddenly woke up from the pleasant memory. "Huh? Burned?" "That's right. Madam is very taboo, and there is a curse in her worries. The person who arranged for the envoy to return to the domain is my uncle." It was the first time that Donggu used the humorous expression "Master Ben" and pointed to his nose.Sheng Zhisuke was unable to answer the conversation for a while. "In short, that's what it is." The lord is caught in the middle of the dispute between the two women. "Both sides hope to have a son who inherits the domain, and there are guards around. After the guards, a party will form." Donggu also mentioned "parties" just now. "But, isn't the heir all stipulated to be the son of the royal family?" "The matter has not yet been decided." "Who will overturn this decision? Is it the lord's idea? However, if the proper order is not followed, the elders will not be silent. There is a slight difference in the succession issue, which may cause dissatisfaction among the shogunate cabinet members. country's survival." Donggu's big face was full of smiles, and he seemed very happy. "Shengzhisuke, who do you think I am? You are like selling articles in front of Confucius." Sheng Zhisuke blushed.Indeed, he, a young boy, really shouldn't speak out in front of Mr. Edo Liushouju. "It is impossible for Soyoemon-sama to have anything to do with such a power struggle. You are very similar to your father in this respect. No matter what Sato said to you in the past, you would not try to think deeply about these issues, would you?" Let me tell you briefly - Donggu sits down again. "We are the elders of Dagen Fan, and there are four families in total." Of course Shengzhisuke knew about this. The chief family elder is the old Imasaka family of the Joshiro family, the head of the military officer is the old Ito family of the second family——the head of the matakan is the Kuroda family. "There is also the old Miyoshi family of the Edo family. There are four families in total. However, the Miyoshi family was dismissed after a disgraceful scandal broke out in the Edo feudal residence fifteen years ago. The Miyoshi family is still there today. Because of the scandal at that time, Edo was vacated. The post of family elders, we have been ordered to serve as the family elders of the Sakazaki family who stayed in Edo from generation to generation, until today." Starting from the generation of my father's father - Donggu once again adopted a humorous tone. "At that time, my father complained. The old job of the Edo family in the Miyoshi family was originally a false name, and it was not useful at all. The work was all pushed to the left-behind residents, and they only enjoyed themselves in Edo. Is this job possible? Nothing. After all, that scandalous scandal is really outrageous." It's related to this - Donggu held up the little finger of his right hand. "His duty is obviously to guard the Edo feudal residence of his wife, but he is obsessed with women, and is taken advantage of by vulgar scumbags." "Being taken advantage of?" "Young man." Donggu called out in a blunt tone, leaning towards Shengzhisuke, "Do you know what Immortal Dance is?" Shengzhisuke opened and closed his mouth like a goldfish, and stammered the answer: "Yes, it means using women as bait to deceive men and extort money?" "So you know it too." Donggu pretended to be surprised. "Did Master Saeki teach you? Forget it." Sheng Zhisuke's mouth still opened and closed. "I heard that she is a woman who is as beautiful as Yoshiwara's oiran, but her real face is a python leading a shark. Miyoshi was almost swallowed by her." Before he was about to be eaten alive, someone pulled him out—and this matter had to be done in secret, so Donggu's father took a lot of effort, and of course it cost a lot of money to calm the matter down. I didn't even know about such a thing—Sheng Zhisuke whispered, wiping off the cold sweat. "I always thought that Miyoshi-sama resigned from his position as the elder of the Edo family due to illness. Everyone in the domain heard so." Donggu narrowed his eyes. "This is also a sympathetic arrangement after discussion between my father and the lord. Not only the domain, Imasaka and Ito were also hidden from us." But to the Kuroda family, who are the heads of civil servants, they have to tell everything frankly. "Lying to the accountant will not work, and the people of the Kuroda family are smart, so there is no need to worry about them misjudging the situation. If this silly scandal is exposed for the purpose of increasing power, the lord will blame it and ruin it." The feudal kingdom is over, and the Kuroda family is very aware of this, and they are tight-lipped." The current Miyoshi family is simply a "seat" in the Taogen Fan.Although he is not in charge of the family elders, he is an important minister who can participate in the vassal administration. The status of "Zuozao" has always been very vague. Most of the old heads of Imasaka, Ito, Kuroda, and Miyoshi retired and transferred to this position after handing over the duties of the family elders to their successors. They can be regarded as consultants.Except for these four families, those who are blood related to the Chiba family can hold the seat even if their family background is not high.According to this, it is an honorary position, but based on their family status, their speeches are still influential, so it is a little complicated.It just occurred to me that Mrs. Wakana's natal family is the Satomi family who have served as the seat for generations. She and her husband Chiba Yusuke are cousins, and their great-grandfathers are the same. Shengzhisuke recalled this. "Ms. Saeki said about it." ——There is no obvious internal fighting in our domain, but the entangled forces between blood and in-laws have been fighting for a long time. "So, the incident of accepting bribes that my father was involved in was also caused by this. The lord is also very clear about this matter..." Donggu snorted and interrupted him. "Do you think that old man who buried his head in ancient books in the Yuexiang Pavilion all day would know these things?" That's what my uncle mentioned about him——Donggu said. "I also carefully sent him a letter, asking him to advise you to calm down and take it easy. You should really be grateful." "Yes." Sheng Zhisuke shrank his neck. "That's what happened." Donggu closed his eyes slightly and relaxed his whole body lazily.Despite the lazy posture, the big face with firm skin and thick flesh is still full of oil. "Imasaka and Kuroda, among the elders of these four families, are related to the Chiba family. However, Imasaka is closer to Chiba now. Although the military officer Ito is specially promoted, the main wife of the previous generation is also from the Chiba family, Ito It was only then that they were able to rise to the top. Compared with this meal, the Miyoshi family and the Chiba family have a stronger blood relationship. They are not so much relatives as they are separated. In other words, if there is any eventuality, the Miyoshi family can even inherit the status of feudal lord .” Although he was downgraded to a minister, Miyoshi had the most influence on the speeches of the Chiba family. He served as the elder of the Edo family all the way, and his family name was not removed even if he caused an unspeakable scandal. "On the contrary, my Sakazaki family has a large number of talented people. I have held the post of Edo left-behind residence for generations, but I have never been able to be promoted to the old position. The current position of the old Edo family is also because the seat is vacant. In terms of status, I'm still staying in Edo. Why is that?" Because the Sakazaki family has no blood relationship with the Chiba family. "I won't be particularly dissatisfied with this, even if I become a family elder, it will be more troublesome." Donggu seems to really think so.After making a big circle, Sheng Zhisuke's thoughts were drawn back to Higashitani's "battle for the heir apparent".For people in the feudal clan, living in the concubine of the feudal clan and her children as the wife of the feudal kingdom is more intimate than the main wife and young lord of Edo.Even if nothing happened, news from them often came. "Didn't Mrs. Awan live in the harem after worshiping the Jing Teng family as her adoptive father?" Donggu nodded. "She is not a descendant of the Wu family, but the daughter of a landlord in Jinjian Township." The retainers have always been afraid of finding out the origin of the lord's concubine, but everyone in the domain knows it.Jinjian Township used to be a place rich in gold mines, but now it has been completely excavated.However, the lush forests are inhabited by herds of deer and there are natural hot springs. "I heard that when the lord went hunting deer, he fell in love with his wife at first sight. Is this true?" "It didn't just happen to be love at first sight, it was deliberately arranged by someone." Shengzhisuke nodded. "It was planned by the Ito family." "Miyoshi also got involved." Seeing that Sheng Zhisuke was very surprised, Donggu said with a smile, "Those two families have a long history of friendship, a famous family with family background but no talent, and a rising star who is rich and powerful but without family background It’s often easy to join forces.” It turned out to be the case. "Speaking of Mrs. Wakana's natal family, they are equivalent to the branch family of Imasaka. As the head of the civil service, the Kuroda family has repeatedly intermarried with the Imasaka and Satomi families, and now they are similar." In other words, the Imasaka and Kuroda families support Mrs. Wakana, the main wife, and the Ito and Miyoshi families support Mrs. Awan, forming a confrontation. "I never noticed this before." "That's because the people in your family are very leisurely." Having said that, Donggu tilted his head slightly. "Maybe Soyoemon-sama knows it well, but he deliberately pretends not to know." Shengzhisuke remembered his father's face, and thought of his mother.I thought about the fact that the Niishima family of my mother's family belonged to the same faction as Imasaka and Kuroda.However, the eldest brother Katsunosuke, who hopes to become a military officer and get ahead, doesn't need to know the wishes of the Ito family?Mother must have contacted the Ito family when she started her search for an official. ——It's really complicated. "If the lord alone can decide the successor, then there is nothing to worry about." At some point, Higashitani stopped squinting, and looked at Shengnosuke with wide eyes. "But I'm really worried. The lord is definitely not a fool, but he is not wise enough. Not only that, but he also has the bad habit of being afraid of things." Hearing the unabashed criticism, Sheng Zhisuke couldn't help opening his eyes wide, and Higashitani smiled wryly after seeing this. "Don't put on that face. I'm also lazy and timid. It's because I'm very similar to the Lord that I understand him." Edo, who is known as a powerful person, stayed behind and said he was lazy. "In recent years, the lord has collected tens of millions of favors on Mrs. Awan, but he still has a sense of family affection for Mrs. Wakaca. At the same time, he is also afraid of the relatives behind her. When I really have to make a choice in the future, I don't think the lord can do it alone. decides everything." Because—— Donggu sighed. "The man who is sandwiched between two women is the most powerless. He tends to hope that big things can be made small, and small things can be turned into nothing. He just wants to not hurt the peace and please both sides, and ends up in a dilemma." Sheng Zhisuke really wanted to ask, "Is this your personal experience?" But in the end he endured it. "As long as there is a serious situation that needs to be evaluated by the elders and important ministers, the four families will definitely divide into two sides and confront each other." By the time…… "I'm worried that suddenly something absurd will come out of nowhere." That's the file. "There is one thing you probably don't know. When the lord succeeded to the throne, he also encountered a situation that was close to infighting. At that time, the person who decisively dealt with this matter was Wang Yunhou." "Wangyun" is the nickname of Chiba Yusuke's father, Chiba Yukichi, the previous generation of feudal lord.他卧病在床，病情每况愈下，为了向幕府阁员提出继位者申请书而设立评定会时，引发一场轩然大波。 “主君是嫡长子，是望云侯唯一的子嗣。理应没任何争议，但当时有一派势力抬头，强力主张拥立望云侯的弟弟公常侯继任藩主。” 首谋就是今坂家。 “今坂家声称主君身子孱弱，未来令人担心，因而拥立公常侯。因此，我猜主君至今对今坂颇有不满。” 偏偏不能表现于外。 “望云侯拼着最后一口气离开病榻，压下堪称是叛乱的风波。但人们还是对捣根藩的未来感到忧虑和担心。因为像这样的争斗，不会一代就结束，等人们忘记又会卷土重来。我刚才也僭越地提过，身为嫡长子的主君优柔寡断的个性，早被他父亲一眼看穿。” 所以望云侯预见远忧，事先采取对策。 “为了防范孙子那代再次发生夺嫡之争，望云侯亲自写下一份文件，文件中明定继承家位者须是正室的嫡长子，贯彻幕府规定的嗣子决定原则。” 也就是遗书。 “虽然形式是文件，但用意在表达望云侯的意见。对主君而言，那句话比任何美言或建议都更要尊崇。只要有那句话，主君应该就会比较容易斩断感情的迷惘。” 要屏除那些以美言或建言来困扰主君的人，望云侯的那番话最有效。 “我完全不知道这件事。” “当然，这是最高机密。” “望云侯的遗书在哪里？” 听闻笙之介的询问，东谷别有含意地斜眼瞄着他。 “会在哪儿呢？” 笙之介搞不懂。为何东谷露出那样的表情。“东谷大人。” 坂崎重秀重重叹口气，压低声音说道。“照理来说，原本应该由今饭保管，但今坂做出拥立公常侯的愚行。我父亲说，望云侯因为那次的事件既失望又生气，超乎我们的想像。” 就连血缘最近的今饭家也打算违背望云侯的意思。不，正因为血缘相近，所以会考量到利害得失、名誉荣辱，争夺之心就此萌芽。萌生此念头的并非只有今坂家。 “关于嗣子的事，四位家老都不可信赖。他们四家都看准机会，扩大自家权势。” 在这弹丸之地的小藩——东谷叹息地补上这么一句。笙之介终于明白东谷斜眼看他的含意。 “那么，坂崎家……” “光看我的表情还猜不出来吗？” “抱歉。”笙之介冷汗直冒。这是问题核心。“东谷大人，您担心会出现伪造的遗书吗？” 东谷颔首，举起厚实的手掌，覆住自己的脸。 “我们收下遗书不久，遗书的事便传出去，这是我坂崎家的疏失，我们无从卸责。在有需要用到它的时刻来临前，理应要守住这个秘密。” really. “我父亲向来没什么戒心。不擅长用密探的人，自然不善于看穿谁是密探。” 尽管嘴巴上这么说，但他并未流露出责怪的眼神。 “正因为有那样的父亲当比较的对象，人们才说我是厉害人物，用密探的手腕也比较高明。” 笙之介不知该怎么回应。 “是泄露给谁知道呢？” “详情并不清楚，但我们只是小藩，四位家老全知情也不足为奇，这样想也比较保险。” “每一位着座都知道吗？” “或许。不过公常侯不在人世。他儿子公则侯不像他父亲那样满怀野心，而且他也不是马虎的人物让人随便拱他出来。他应该没有嫌疑。” 不管怎样——坂崎重秀低语，他重新坐正，转头面向笙之介。 “是谁并不是大问题。不管谁拿出遗书，只要伪造的遗书一出现，问题就严重了。” “可是，伪造的遗书有那么大的影响力吗？如果上头的内容都只对当事者有利……” 东谷双眼紧盯着笙之介，他因此把到嘴边的话又吞回去。 “你真的有足以让佐伯老师赏识的聪明才智吗？” "what?" “伪造的遗书内容为何根本就不重要，问题是笔迹会和望云侯一模一样。你还不懂吗？” 连当事人都难辨真伪的笔迹。 “要是真有这样的东西出现，连我坂崎家保管的真正遗书也会令人质疑。” 原来如此——没错。这反而更可怕。 现存记载望云侯旨意的文件不多，若其中有一方是伪造，那究竟哪个才是真的呢？对方能将笔迹模仿得几可乱真，难以分辨。因此，将会出现另一种看法，认为两者都是假造。如果对方打算贬低真品的价值，一开始就会往这方向操作。而且，将伪造的遗书写得令人起疑比较好。 如果连笔迹都几可乱真，反而有效。在这种情况下，可以大肆宣传说这是伪造。大家看，只要有心，就能作出相似的伪造品。就连坂崎家声称长期代为保管的望云侯遗书也无法保证不是坂崎和他的同伙捏造。 “要是连主君都分不出，一切就到此为止。平息混乱和内部纷争的王牌将失去作用。” 两人的交谈终于有交集，在笙之介心中兜拢。可能是内心的心思全显现在脸上，东谷缓缓点头，严厉地问他： “虽然主君现今健在，但随时可能隐退。万寿丸大人今年十二岁。今坂、黑田两家已急着张罗少主的成年礼，策划劝主君隐退。而阿万夫人也动作频频，不让他们得逞。笙之介，你打算袖手旁观吗？” 笙之介不知如何回答，他不知自己可以有何作为。 “你的敌人……也就是陷害你爹的幕后黑手还不知道是哪一派的人士。目前可以确定的是那名有本事令你爹分不清真假的伪造文书高手也参与这项行动。” 你要找出他来——东谷威胁似地用粗犷嗓音命令笙之介。 “我说过，对方是谁不是什么大问题。对我藩的未来以及对我坂崎家的信用来说，不论是谁都不是问题，但对你来说可就不同了。” 笙之介，这当中的不同，你应该很清楚。because…… “伪造文书的人就是你的杀父仇人。你要亲自找出他，斩断藩内纷争的根源，防患未然。” 笙之介完全不知如何是好，脑中更没半点头绪。 ——此人不在藩国内。这名伪造文书的高手应该不是从事农耕渔猎。不管身分为何，他一定居住在市町。倘若他住在如同弹丸之地的捣根城下町，手艺早就远近驰名。 住在城下的居民大半都知道在城里工作的武士们姓谁名谁，以及所属职务，在这样的市街里，并不容易隐藏过人的绝技。不管再怎么掩饰，还是有传言。 ——你要找的人就在江户。 波野千在江户买下那人的手艺。 ——所以你要在江户从事文书或书籍相关的工作。捕蛙必先入池，钓鱼必先临岸。只要和你要找的目标在同一座池里，不论池子再大，还是会传来波纹。只要身处同样的海岸，不论岩岸的结构再怎么错综复杂，终究还是会有同样的浪潮涌来。 波野千与江户有密切的生意往来，必须设法接近他们，找出中间的管道。这件事就交给你了。 ——只要朝你处的池子或海岸抛出钓线，对方早晚上钩。 不过话说回来，要如何从事与文书或书籍有关的工作呢？笙之介询问，是否该先请人力仲介商代为寻求工作，东谷回答他，你就去拜访深川佐贺町一家名为村田屋的租书店老板，此人叫治兵卫——我知会过他，请他全力协助你。他是位重信义，守口如瓶的商人。而且人面广，今后他会多方关照你。 笙之介与治兵卫见面后，治兵卫向他引介勘右卫门，并在富勘长屋住下。这一切都在匆忙慌乱中完成。尽管驶船出海，但就只有季节更替，笙之介这艘船始终无从靠岸。因为迟迟寻不着半点线索，甚至可以说他尚未驶船出海。所幸目前藩内尚未有任何动作，而东谷说的“钓线”，目前也没鱼儿上钩。笙之介得以专注于熟悉江户的风土民情、工作、习惯眼前的生活。 不，应该说他过于专注眼前的生活。 他每次到川扇都会提醒自己——不能再这样下去了，并茫然在心中暗忖——芙蓉之间的阶梯，我走过几次了呢？这时，梨枝会从身后对他说： “今天是您第六次来哦，笙之介先生。” 尽管自认早已习惯，他每次还是会对梨枝的观察敏锐感到吃惊。 “这、这样啊。”想到自己白吃五顿饭，第六顿饭又要白吃了，笙之介便无地自容。走上二楼后，梨枝站在前头，跪着面向厢房。“笙之介先生已到。”她先柔声轻唤，接着催笙之介入内。 “抱歉来晚了。” 笙之介先行一礼，当他抬起头时差点噗哧笑出声。坂崎重秀烧炉灶柴火的功力看来还不到家。他为了不穿帮还换过服装，但下巴沾有煤灰。“嗯，等你很久了。”东谷一身轻松装扮，倚着凭肘几，一见笙之介到来立即坐起身。梨枝退下，关上拉门。 “迈入新的一年后，今天还是第一次拜见您。这么晚才拜年，尚请见谅。” 东谷的大眼宽鼻满是笑意。尽管是初春时节，他黝黑的肤色还是没变。他本人说自己肤色就是这样。 “我打从岁末起就没和你联络，不好意思。我也很多事要忙。” “东谷大人公务繁忙，在下很清楚。请勿过于操劳。” 今年正好是主君参勤交代的一年。预定四月中旬自藩国启程，江户藩邸应该正全力为此奔忙。 “您今日外出，不要紧吗？” “不要紧。我一直都很轻松，看不出来吗？”东谷先开了个玩笑，接着倚向凭肘几。 “主君自藩国启程的时间延至六月。前天正式接获老中同意。” 大名参勤交代的时间都定于三月或四月。近年来为了避免干道拥挤，愈来愈多的远方大藩、谱代、亲藩任意更改时间，但对于那些小藩则没必要给予这种通融。 “延期……是不是藩内发生什么事？” 笙之介心头一惊地趋身向前，东谷朝他伸出右手，手指比了个圆。 “因为这个。钱迟迟筹不出来。去年秋天歉收造成影响。菜籽油已经出货，批发商的钱要入帐，怎么算也得等五月，而且没办法再预支借用了。他们不断向幕府提出陈请，终于获得首肯。” 菜籽油是捣根藩的主要产物，也是江户市的必需品，能以高价变卖现金的这点是得天独厚之处。菜籽油的收入自古便是捣根藩的重要收入。但因为只是小藩，不管收入再怎么重要，终究不是多大的数目，这是可悲之处；另一方面，菜籽的批发价也追不上各项物品不断攀升的物价。早从几年前起，藩内的勘定方便就不断以该年菜籽的产量做担保向批发商预借现金，但借款终究有限度。 “我也有点累，今天告假一天，溜了出来。” 尽管用财政紧迫为由获得延期许可，但参勤交代一样免除不了。东谷道——捣根藩暂时歇口气，但财政问题有待解决。 “资金不足真的比死还难过，而且这又不是我荷包的问题，是藩内外强中干的财政问题。看来我干脆当个浪人，悠哉过日子算了。” 噘着嘴发牢骚的东谷，与太一说“我要和那种臭老爹断绝关系”，言不由衷地说寅藏坏话时的模样可说是一个样。 要获得老中的许可，应该是做了不少事前工夫。难怪东谷大人这么忙，笙之介心有所感。 “您要抛下奉禄，在梨枝小姐底下烧柴升火吗？” “哦，这主意不错。” “若是这样，您得稍微锻链一下升火的技术。”笙之介指着自己下巴。“这里沾了煤灰。” “穿帮了。笙之介，今天吃的是菜饭哦。”东谷急忙擦拭下巴，面露苦笑。 “谢谢您的招待。” 东谷烧柴升火，并非为了和梨枝嬉戏。之所以搞得满头煤灰有其原因。 ——这是笙之介第一次在川扇用餐。我想亲自替他炊饭。 听说当时他这样说道，自己在炉灶前张罗起来。梨枝悄悄在一旁指导。结果就此上瘾，体会到当中的乐趣，如今已成他的嗜好。 “东谷大人，”笙之介重新端正坐好。“先不谈笑，不知您今天找我有何要事？” 别那么急嘛——东谷摆手道。“还是说，你有什么收获，急着要告诉我？” 笙之介顿时大为丧气。“没有。对您很是抱……” 话说到一半，又被东谷打断。“我猜也是。既然这样，我们就先来享用川扇的春季料理。要是聊那些严肃的话题，这顿饭就变难吃了。” 现在没什么好急的——东谷又补上一句，既像是松口气，又像是心有不甘。 他伸手拍了几响，梨枝率领着女侍端菜肴进房。虽是午餐，却足足有三个托盘的菜肴，还附上温酒。菜色多样，有烧烤、凉拌、炖煮等，大量采用海带芽、土鱿等春天的食材。大白天就喝得满脸通红地返回长屋，这样实在很羞愧，因此笙之介滴酒不沾。东谷平时都浅尝即止，今天似乎打算好好畅饮一番。 “请好好享用，笙之介先生。”梨枝在一旁服侍，嫣然一笑。 “看您一切安泰，真替您高兴，不过您好像瘦了。最近是不是熬夜呢？” 不管什么时候见到梨枝，她总是这般温柔婉约，美得无懈可击，而她的观察更是入微。 笙之介大为羞赧。“不只是最近，昨晚也熬夜。” “哎呀，这怎么行呢。” “是村田屋的工作吗？”东谷问。 “是的，他寄放一个很稀奇的东西在我那里。东谷大人，您去过八百善吗？” “去过啊。”东谷回答，接着目光投向梨枝。“说到八百善，梨枝应该比我了解更多。” 梨枝显得腼腆。“真是的。才称不上了解呢。” “哦，是这样吗？”两人的一来一往间带有一丝甜美的柔情。正因为这样，教人不知如何回话。正当笙之介不知如何是好时，梨枝接话道： “以前我和他们有点渊源。八百善怎样吗？” 笙之介提及起绘的事，很热中地说明它作得多讲究，既美观又精致，若只是用玩具来形容，实在太委曲这件工艺品了。 梨枝专注聆听，眼中闪着光辉。“笙之介先生，您不光是组装，还作了复制品对吧？” “是的，治兵卫先生吩咐我要构思起绘的作法，我认为模仿实物制作是最快的办法。” “既然这样，等您作好后，复制品可以送我吗？” 我知道这是很不知分寸的要求——梨枝低着头说道。 “我很想亲眼见识。” “那干脆请他作川扇的起绘吧。”东谷粗犷地说道。 如果是作川扇的起绘，应该会比规模气派的八百善轻松许多。笙之介也颔首。 “如果您不嫌弃这样的练习作品，我愿意一试。” “我太高兴了。谢谢您。”梨枝笑靥如花。那不是大朵绽放的鲜花，也没有像群花怒放般的骄气。尽管面露微笑，但她长睫毛下的双瞳总微微带有暗影。 “八百善的起绘，可有画人？” “不，只有建筑和庭院的图案。” “我知道的八百善起绘还有宾客临门的画面呢。剪下人的形状，立在八百善的暖帘前。” 此事应该连村田屋的治兵卫也不知道。梨枝果然对八百善知之甚详。 “既然这样，那就在川扇的起绘里，把梨枝也画进去吧。” 东谷满脑子只想着这家店的事。 “如果少了梨枝，这就不是川扇了。” “不不不，有东谷大人，才有