Chapter 67 Chapter 09 The Merchant

Few people can subtly create the interest of life with the characteristics of "water" like this family! Musashi felt this way when he heard the sound of water gurgling around the house. This is the home of Honami Koetsu. It is not far from Rentai Temple Field, which is deeply remembered by Musashi - it is located at the crossroads in the southeast of the ruins of Shishoin Temple in Kyoto. The reason why they are called the family at the Honami Crossroads is not just because the Guangyue family lives here.Guangyue lived in the neighbors of the long house gate, his nephew, and his companions. The same family lived in the front, back, left, and right sides of this intersection, and everyone lived in harmony.Just like the family system in the era of local tyrants, everyone lives next to each other and lives leisurely.

"I see!" Musashi felt that the world was full of magic.He has always belonged to the life of the lower class, and the life of an impressive metropolitan like Kyoto has never been with him. The Hon-Ami family is the descendant of the Ashikaga samurai family, and is still receiving the annual salary of 200 shi from the Maeda Dai Nagen family, and is also appreciated by the royal family, and is also highly regarded by Fushimi Tokugawa Ieyasu.This family specializes in sharpening swords and swords, and is a purely skilled craftsman.If you want to ask whether Guangyue is a warrior or a businessman?As if neither.In fact, he was both a craftsman and a merchant. The name "craftsman" is no longer a noble title at this time.This is caused by the craftsmen themselves being unable to uphold their character and integrity.People of the previous generation regarded skills as high-level work, as precious as the emperor's holy treasure.However, with the decline of the world, everyone regards craftsmen as "good-for-nothing people", and the two are really different.

The term "craftsman" was originally not a term for lowly craftsmen. In the final analysis, the big merchants here, Kakakura Suan, Chaya Shirojiro, and Haiya Shaoyu, all came from the samurai family.In other words, the ministers in charge of commerce in the Muromachi shogunate gradually left the shogunate, no longer received salaries, and became personal businesses.Merchant brilliance and social skills no longer required the privileges of a warrior.In this way, from generation to generation, it became a family of merchants, a big businessman and a wealthy man in Kyoto. Therefore, even if the power of the samurai fights with each other, these big businessmen will still be protected by both sides, so they can be passed down from generation to generation and continue continuously.Even if they are conscripted by the emperor to send troops, they still enjoy the privilege of not harming their homes.

A corner of Baoxiangyuan is adjacent to Shuluo Temple, and there are two rivers, Qichuan and Shangxiaochuan.During the Yingren Rebellion, this area was burned to the ground.Although some people say that when they plant trees in the yard, they will dig up swords, armors and other things during the war.But the house of the Honami family was built after Onin, and the part of the old house was built before that. The clear Arisu River flows through the Shurakuji Temple and flows into the Kami-Ogawa River, where the residence of Guangyue lies in the middle. ——This clear stream first flows through a vegetable garden of more than 300 pings, and then disappears into a forest.

Then, it gushes out from the fountain in front of the entrance and divides into two branches, one flows to the kitchen for washing rice and cooking; the other flows to the bathroom to take away dirty water and dirt.It also flows to the elegant tea room, splashing on the rocks, making a clear ticking sound.Finally, it merged into a stream of water and rushed to the grinding hut of the family.At the entrance of the hut, straw ropes are tied to prevent idlers from entering - where craftsmen grind the famous swords such as Zhengjia, village, and long boat for the princes. Musashi moved into Guangyue's house and took off his vagabond clothes.It's day four or five now.

Musashi, the owner of the house, Guangyue, and Miaoxiu's mother and son met at the tea party in the wilderness. After drinking tea, he secretly looked forward to meeting them again one day. Maybe it's fate!There was a chance to meet again within a few days of each other. Along the east bank of Shangxiaochuan to Xiaxiaochuan, there is an Arhat Temple.The ruins next to the temple are the former official residence of the Akamatsu family.With the decline of General Muromachi's house, this large mansion also changed with things, and lost its whole picture.Even so, Musashi wanted to visit this place again, and one day he came near here.

When Musashi was young, he often heard his father say: "Although I am a samurai withered in the mountains, your ancestor Hirata Shogun is a branch of the Chisong clan of Banzhou. You have the blood of a heroic warrior in your body. You must recognize this and start a great cause." The Arhat Temple in Xiaxiaochuan is next to the Bodhi Temple, which is the official residence of the Akasong family, so if you go there to find Youfusheng, you may be able to find clues about the past of the ancestor Hirata.It is said that when his father Wuerzhai came to Kyoto, he also visited this place once and worshiped his ancestors.Even if you don't know these old events at all, it is not meaningless to have the opportunity to step on this land and remember your distant blood relatives.Therefore, Musashi came here to look for the Arhat Temple.

There is an "Arhat Bridge" in Xiaxiaochuan.But the Arhat Temple was never found. "Has this area changed too?" Musashi leaned on the railing of the Arhat Bridge and thought to himself: My father and I are only a generation apart, but the appearance of the city has changed a lot. Under the Arhat Bridge, the river is shallow and clear.Occasionally, the river water becomes muddy as if mixed with mud, and after a while, it returns to its original clarity. Musashi took a closer look and found that murky water sometimes emerged from the grass on the left bank of the bridge.As soon as the muddy water flowed into the river, it spread in all directions.

"Ah! So this is the knife sharpening room." At that time, Musashi simply thought of this idea, but he never dreamed that he would become the guest of this house, and he would stay there for four or five days! "Ah! Aren't you Mr. Musashi?" Musashi was stopped by Miaoxiuni who had just returned, and only then did he realize that this was Honami Road. "Are you here to see us? Guangyue happens to be at home today, so you're welcome...!" Miaoxiu was overjoyed to meet Musashi on the road.She seemed convinced that Musashi was here on purpose, so she hurriedly led Musashi to the gate of the long house, and asked the servants to notify Koetsu immediately.

Whether outside or at home, Guangyue and Miaoxiu are still amiable and haven't changed at all. "I'm about to sharpen my knife now, please talk to my mother first, and we'll talk slowly after work is over." Hearing what Guangyue said, Musashi and Miaoxiu chatted.The two chatted very happily, but they didn't even know that it was late at night.The next day, Musashi asked Guangyue about sharpening swords. Guangyue took Musashi to visit the "sharpening room" and explained to Musashi one by one.Before I knew it, I had already stayed in this family for three or four nights.

There should also be a limit to accepting the kindness and hospitality of others.Musashi wanted to bid farewell this morning, but before he could say anything, Guangyue took the lead and said: "I haven't entertained you well yet, but it's inconvenient to force me to stay. If you're not tired, you can stay for a few more days. In my study, there are some ancient books and a few things to play with. You can read and play with them at will. Courtyard There is a kiln in the corner, and I will burn some tea bowls and plates for you to see in a few days. Swords belong to swords, but pottery is also very interesting, you may as well take a look." Musashi was infected by Guangyue's stable life, so he allowed himself to temporarily live a few days of stability. Guangyue said: "If you are tired of here, or have something important to do, as you can see, my family has a simple population and you can leave at any time without saying hello." How could Musashi be bored? In Guangyue's study, there are everything from Japanese and Chinese books to Kamakura period picture scrolls and ancient postings from ships.It would take a whole day to read just one of them! One of the reasons that attracted Musashi to stay in the study is the "Chestnut Picture" painted by Liang Kai of the Song Dynasty hanging on the wall. The painting is two feet four five feet long and two feet wide.Hanging on the wall, it is too old to distinguish the material of paper.Strange to say, Musashi didn't get tired of watching it for a long time. "I feel that the pictures you draw can never be drawn by laymen. And this picture seems to be able to be drawn by laymen like me." Guangyue replied: "Just the opposite!" "The realm of my paintings can be achieved by anyone; but in this painting, the undulating roads and the mountains and forests layered on top of each other are extraordinary, and cannot be learned by mere imitation." "Oh! So it is like this!" After listening to Koetsu's explanation, Musashi looked at the painting again.At first glance, this painting is nothing more than a monochromatic ink painting, but it turns out that there is still "simple complexity" hidden in it, and he gradually understood it bit by bit. The structure of this painting is very simple. There are two chestnuts painted on the picture. One shell has been broken, exposing the fruit; The squirrel likes freedom by nature, and the posture of this little animal symbolizes the youth of human beings, as well as the unique desires of youth—if a squirrel wants to eat chestnuts, it will be pricked in the nose by a cone.However, if you are afraid of being stabbed by the cone, you will not be able to eat the fruit in the hard shell. Perhaps the author did not have such a concept when he painted the painting, but Musashi explained the painting in this way.When appreciating a painting, it may be superfluous to wonder whether it contains irony and allusion.But in the "simple complexity" of this painting, apart from the beauty of the ink and the sound of the picture, there is also a part that makes people think. "Mr. Musashi, are you still staring at Liang Kai? It seems that you like that painting quite a lot. If you like it, you can take it with you before you leave, and I will give it to you." Guangyue didn't make a fuss, looked at Musashi, and sat beside him. Musashi was quite surprised and resolutely refused: "Ah! You want to give me Liang Kai's painting? It's absolutely unacceptable. I'll bother you for a few days and take your family treasure. How can this be allowed?" "But don't you like it?" Seeing his straightforward attitude, Guangyue thought it was funny, and said with a smile: "It doesn't matter! If you like it, take it away! In short, if the person who owns it really loves and appreciates a work of art like a painting, that painting is truly valuable. The author will also feel relieved! So please don't refuse." "Although the words are good, I am really not qualified to accept this painting. Seeing this painting, I really want to own it, but I am a wanderer without a home and no fixed residence, so I have nowhere to put it! " "I see! It is indeed a burden for a wanderer to carry paintings. Maybe you are still young and have not yet wanted to start a family. But anyone who does not have a home will always feel lonely. How? Would you like to find someone near Kyoto? How about building a wooden house here as your home?" "I never thought about having a home. I also wanted to see the border of Kyushu, the civilization of Nagasaki, the Edo Castle in Kanto, the mountains and rivers of Mutsu, etc. My heart always yearns for the distance. Maybe I was born with a wandering personality!" "No, you're not the only one who thinks so. Young people still prefer the blue sea and blue sky to staying in these four-and-a-half tearooms. But they often look far away, wasting their youth, failing to achieve lofty goals, and becoming cynical. Living a mediocre life." Having said that, Guangyue suddenly: "Ha! Haha! It's funny that an idler like me should teach young people a lesson. By the way, I'm not here today for this matter, but to take you around town tonight. Mr. Musashi , have you been to Fireworks Willow Lane?" "Fireworks and Willow Lane...is there a place for geisha?" "That's right! I have a fun friend named Huiwu Shaoyou. I just received a letter from him inviting me to travel. How about it? Would you like to visit Liutiaojie?" Musashi immediately replied: "I don't think I'm going." Guangyue no longer forced others to be difficult, and said: "Since you don't have the will, no matter how much I invite you, it will be in vain. However, it's interesting to immerse yourself in that kind of world once in a while!" At some point, Miaoxiu came here quietly, listening to their conversation with relish.So far she opened her mouth and said: "Mr. Musashi, it's rare to have this kind of opportunity, why don't you go and see it together! Haiya Shaoyu is not particular about trifles, and my son really wants to take you there too! Go! Let's go together!" Unlike Guangyue, Miao Xiuni did not follow Musashi's wishes. She happily took out her clothes, not only persuading Musashi to go, but also encouraging her son to travel. Parents, when they hear that their son is going to Fireworks and Willow Lane, even in front of guests or friends, they will be extremely displeased and yell loudly: "spendthrift!" Strict parents might yell: "This is absolutely ridiculous!" Next, the parent and child may have an argument, which is fairly common.However, this is not the case for the mother and son. Miao Xiu Ni went to the closet and asked: "Will you wear this belt? Which dress will you wear?" As if she was going out for a trip, she happily helped her son dress up for the fireworks and willow alley. Not only clothes, but also wallets, small medicine boxes, short knives worn around the waist, etc., are carefully selected and prepared.In order not to make her son feel ashamed when he was with other men, and to make her son not lose face in the women's circle, she quietly took out some money from the gold cabinet, and put them into her purse together with her care. "Go! The brightly lit Fireworks Willow Lane is nice, but the most interesting thing is the street at dusk. Mr. Musashi, you go too!" I don't know when, in front of Musashi, there are already cotton clothes, underwear, coats and other clothes, all of which are readily available, and all are as white as new. At first, Musashi didn't know what to do, but the mother tried so hard to persuade him that it shouldn't be a bad place in the eyes of the world, so it's okay to go and have a look. So Musashi replied: "In that case, please ask Mr. Guangyue to take me with you." "Okay! That's it! Then, please change your clothes!" "Ah! no! I am not fit for fine clothes. This dress suits me best, whether in the field or elsewhere." "no!" Myosuni suddenly became serious and scolded Musashi. "For you, maybe three are enough. But sitting in a filthy brothel, sitting in a dazzlingly decorated brothel, is like a rag. Huajie Liuxiang is to forget all the troubles and ugliness of the world in a gorgeous atmosphere From this point of view, if you think that you are dressing for yourself, you are wrong... Haha! Haha! Having said that, you don't have to dress as gorgeously as Nagoya Yamazan or Masamune-sama. It's just a piece It’s just clean clothes, come, wear them!” After Musashi changed his clothes, Miao Xiu said: "Ah! It fits so well!" Miaocuni was overjoyed to see the comfortable attire of the two of them. As the sky was getting dark, Guangyue walked into the Buddhist hall and lit a bright lamp.The mother and son are devout Nichiren followers. He went out of the Buddhist hall and said to Musashi who was waiting by the side: "Let's go!" The two walked to the entrance, and saw that Miaoxiuni had arranged the new straw sandals they were going to wear, and was talking softly with the servant outside the door. "Have you arranged your shoes?" Guangyue thanked her mother and lowered her head to put on the straw sandals. "Mother, let's go!" Miosuni turned her head and shouted: "Guangyue! Wait a minute!" She hurriedly waved her hand to stop the two of them.And probe to the door, looking around, it seems that something happened. Guangyue asked with a foxy face: "What's the matter?" Miao Xiu Ni closed the door softly: "Guangyue! I heard that three strong warriors spoke rudely in front of our house today... Is something wrong?" Although the sky was still bright, thinking of his son and guests going out at dusk, he frowned worriedly. "..." Guangyue looked at Musashi. Musashi probably guessed the origins of those samurai, he said: "I see, they are coming for me. I don't think they will endanger Mr. Guangyue." "I heard that a samurai was seen breaking into the house the day before yesterday, looking around with sharp eyes. He even squatted on the aisle of the tea room, peeping into Mr. Musashi's bedroom!" Musashi said: "Probably Yoshioka's disciple!" Guangyue nodded and said: "I think so." Then he asked the servant: "What about the three people who came today?" The servant trembled and replied: "Just now I saw that the workers had all gone home and were about to lock the gate here, when the three warriors suddenly rushed in front of me, one of them took out a letter from his pocket, and said with a frightening expression, "Give this to your guest. " "Hmm... only the guests, and Mr. Musashi was not named?" "Later he said that it was Miyamoto Musashi who lived here a few days ago." "Then, how do you answer?" "My lord, you have given the order in advance, so I shook my head and replied that our family does not have such guests. This angered the other party, and they warned me not to lie. Later, an older warrior came forward to mediate, with a smirk It doesn't matter if you don't smile, we will think of other ways to hand it over to the person involved. After finishing speaking, the group went there." After listening to it, Musashi said: "Mr. Guangyue, let's do this! I'm worried that it will hurt you, maybe you will get hurt, so let me go first!" "What are you talking about!" Guangyue laughed it off: "You don't have to think so much about me. Since I already know that I am a samurai from Yoshioka Gate, I don't feel terrible at all. Let's go!" Guangyue walked out of the door first and urged Musashi to go on the road.Suddenly he got into the door again and shouted: "Mother! Mother!" "Forgot something?" "No! If you are worried about this, I will send someone to the owner of the gray house to cancel today's appointment..." "What are you talking about! I'm worried about Mr. Musashi...Mr. Musashi is already waiting outside, so don't cancel! Besides, Huiwu specially invites you, go and have fun!" Guangyue watched her mother close the door, and she didn't worry about anything anymore, so she walked side by side with Musashi, who was waiting by the side, on the street by the river. "Huiwu lives by the river in front, we will pass by there. He said to wait at home, let's go find him now!" Evening sky, still very bright.Walking by the river is very relaxing.Especially after a busy day, being able to take a leisurely walk at dusk is a great joy in life. Musashi said: "Huiwu Shaoyou? - Such a familiar name!" The two walked in step with each other, and Guangyue replied: "You should have heard of it. Because he belongs to the Shoba sect in Liange's field, but he created another one." "Ah! So he is a Liange poet!" "No! He's not like Shoba or Joan of Arc who lives on lenga—he and I have a similar family background, both old merchants in Kyoto." "Is Huiwu a surname?" "It's the store number." "What are you selling?" "Sell ashes." "Ash? What ash?" "It's the ash used for dyeing in the dyeing house. It's called dyeing ash. His dyeing ash is sold everywhere, and it's a big business." "Ah! So it's the raw material for making lime juice!" "This industry is a big business. In the early Muromachi period, it was under the jurisdiction of the shogun, and there was a post of administrative officer of the ash dyeing shop. However, it became privately owned in the middle period. Kyoto only allowed the existence of mid-market merchants in three ash dyeing shops, one of which was Haiya Shaoyu's ancestor—but, down to Shaoyu's generation, he no longer inherited the family business, but spent the rest of his life in Horikawa." Guangyue said, pointing at the other party—— "Did you see that? There—there's an elegant house that Gray House is home to." "..." Musashi nodded, but held his left sleeve. While listening to Guangyue's words, he thought to himself: "strangeness!" What's in the sleeve?The sleeve on the right is fluttering gently with the evening wind; while the sleeve on the left is a bit heavy. The white paper was in his bosom, and he didn't bring a cigarette case—he didn't remember bringing anything else—he gently took out the things in his sleeve and saw that it was a lavender leather rope tied into a bow, Can be unlocked at any time. "what?" It must have been put by Guangyue's mother, Miaoxiuni, as a shoulder strap for him. "..." Musashi grabbed the leather shoulder strap in his sleeve, unconsciously turned his head and smiled at the three people walking behind. Musashi had noticed them a long time ago. As soon as he stepped out of Honami Road, the three of them kept a certain distance from him and followed him. The three of them were startled when they saw Musashi smiling at them.Quickly stopped and whispered.In the end, she put her posture in place, and suddenly walked towards this side with big strides. Guangyue was already standing in front of Huiwu's house, announcing her name to the porter.A servant with a broom came out and led him in. Guangyue noticed that Musashi who was walking behind was gone, and turned back to the door and said: "Mr. Musashi! You're welcome, please come in." Guangyue saw three samurai menacingly surrounded Musashi with big swords, and spoke to him arrogantly. "It's those people just now." Guangyue immediately remembered. After Musashi answered the three samurai's questions calmly, he looked back at Koyue and said: "I'll be right there—go in first, please." Guangyue's calm eyes seemed to understand the meaning in Musashi's eyes, she nodded and said: "Then, I'll wait inside. Come find me after you're done." As soon as Guangyue entered the room, one of them immediately said: "We don't have to discuss whether you are hiding or not. We are not here for that. As I said just now, I am one of the Ten Swordsmen of Yoshioka, called Ota Kurohisuke." Saying that, he took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Musashi. "Second Young Master Bienchiro wants me to hand over his handwritten letter to you—after reading it, please reply immediately." "Oh?" Musashi opened the letter without any pretension.After reading it, just say: "I see." However, Ota Heisuke still had a foxy face and asked: "Did you really read the letter?" To be sure, he looked up at Musashi's face.Musashi nodded and replied: "I do know!" The three were finally relieved: "If you break the appointment, you will be ridiculed by the world." "..." Musashi remained silent, just smiled and glanced at the sturdy physiques of the three samurai. His attitude aroused Ota Heibingsuke's suspicion. "Musashi, are you alright?" He asked again: "The date is approaching. Have you got the location? Are you ready in time?" Musashi didn't talk too much, but simply answered: "no problem." "See you then!" Just as Musashi was about to enter Huiya's house, the military assistant chased after him and asked: "Musashi, did you live in the gray house before that day?" "No, they will take me to the brothel in Liutiao at night, probably in these two places!" "Liu Tiao? Got it—either at Liu Tiao or here. If you're late, we'll pick you up. You won't be timid and afraid, will you?" Musashi turned his back to him, listened to him, and closed the door as soon as he entered the front yard of the gray house.Once stepping into the gray house, the noisy world seems to be excluded thousands of miles away.The towering walls make this small world more peaceful. The low wild bamboos and the thin bamboos like pens keep the gravel road in the middle damp. As Musashi walked forward, the main house and the surrounding houses and pavilions in his eyes all showed the black and bright luster and deep bearing of the old house.Towering pine trees surround the house, as if singing the praises of the family's splendor and wealth.Even so, the guests who walked under the pine trees did not feel that they were unattainable at all. From nowhere came the sound of kicking a ball.This sound can often be heard from outside the walls of the minister's mansion; but it is a rare thing to hear this sound in a merchant's house. "Master is preparing, please wait here." Two maids served tea and snacks, and led Musashi to a seat facing the garden.Even the manners of the maids are so elegant, reminiscent of the upbringing of this family. Guangyue muttered to herself: "Probably because of the back sun, I suddenly feel cold." He told the maid to close the open paper door.Listening to the sound of kicking the ball, Musashi looked at the lower plum grove at the end of the courtyard.Guangyue followed him and looked outside and said: "There is a big dark cloud covering Rui on the top of the mountain. The cloud came down from the north. Don't you feel cold?" "Won't." Musashi just answered frankly, never thinking that Guangyue said this because he wanted to close the door. Musashi's skin was as tough as leather, and Koetsu's fine-textured skin was very different in sensitivity to the weather.In addition to the different sensitivity to the climate, the two are very different in touch, appreciation and other aspects.In a word, it is the difference between the savage and the urbanite. The maid came in with a candlestick.It was getting dark outside at this moment, and the maid was about to close the door when she heard someone call: "Uncle, you are here!" Probably the kids who were playing football just now.Two or three fourteen or fifteen-year-old children glanced here and threw the ball over.But when he saw Musashi, a stranger, he suddenly became very quiet. "Uncle, I'm going to call my father!" Before hearing Guangyue's answer, they scrambled to the back of the house. After the paper door is closed and the lights are lit, it shows the harmonious atmosphere of this family.The cheerful laughter of the family came from a distance, which made people feel infected and happy. In addition, what makes Musashi feel good is that it is not at all obvious that this family is a rich family.The simple and unpretentious furnishings seem to be specially designed to eliminate the smell of copper.A large guest room that makes Musashi feel like being in the country. "Ah! Sorry! I kept you waiting for so long!" With a forthright voice, the owner Huiya Shaoyou entered the room. He and Guangyue are completely different types of people.Although skinny, his voice seemed young and energetic compared to Guangyue's deep voice.She seems to be a round older than Guangyue.In short, he was a frank and amiable man.After Guangyue introduced Musashi to him, he said: "Ah! So that's the case. He is the nephew of Mr. Matsuo, the housekeeper of the Konoe family! I know Mr. Matsuo very well!" Because his uncle's name was mentioned, Musashi could roughly see the close relationship between the big businessman and the Konoe family from here. "Let's go! I wanted to take a stroll before it was dark. Now that it's dark, let's call the sedan chair...Of course, Mr. Musashi, you will go with us in the sedan chair, right?" Shaoyou's impetuous personality is not commensurate with his age. Compared with Guangyue, who is generous and steady, and forgets to go to the brothel, they are simply two extremes. Musashi, who was sitting in a sedan chair for the first time in his life, followed the two of them and staggered along the bank of the Horikawa River.