Chapter 124 Chapter 01

Do some research before breakfast, inspect the feudal affairs during the day, and sometimes stay in Edo Castle to practice martial arts.In the evening, gossip with young warriors.Such is the life of Zhongli. "How is it? Is there anything interesting recently?" Every time Zhongli asked this question, the retainers always answered easily: "Yes! There is such a thing." This leads everyone to the topic.Although etiquette is not forgotten, the atmosphere is harmonious like a family. The master-slave relationship cannot be ignored, and Zhongli is also very strict in official affairs.But after dinner, he likes to wear casual clothes and chat with the samurai in the city where he lives. This not only relaxes himself, but also shortens the distance between him and his subordinates.

In addition, Zhongli is still young and prefers to mingle with young people, so as to understand the people's conditions and world affairs. Compared with morning classes, this is a living knowledge. "Okayani!" "exist." "I heard that your spear skills have improved?" "It has indeed improved." "How can anyone boast of himself!" "Everyone says I'm making progress. If I am humble, won't I be accused of lying?" "Haha! You said it without blushing. Good! Let me see how much progress you have made next time?"

"I look forward to being able to come in handy as soon as possible, but there has been no sign of war." "It would be better if there were no war!" "Young Master, you have heard the latest popular songs." "What song?" "—Gunners are all over the world, and Okaya Goro is number one." "You sing nonsense." Zhongli said with a smile. Everyone laughed too. "That song should be like this—Nagoya Mountain is ranked first in the third row—" "Oh! So you know?" "certainly!" Zhongli originally wanted to talk more with his subordinates, so as to find out the people's sentiments, but he was cautious in his words and actions, and changed the topic.he asked:

"How many of you usually practice guns? How many practice knives?" Among the seven people present, five people answered: "Practice the gun next." Only two people answered to practice the sword. Zhongli asked again: "Why practice guns?" Everyone answered unanimously: "Because on the battlefield, guns are more useful than knives." Asked again: "So, what about the swordsman?" The two men who practiced swords replied: "Because knives are useful both in peacetime and in wartime." gun useful?Or is a knife useful? This question is often controversial.The opinions of the gunners are:

"Usually small tricks are useless on the battlefield. As long as you can hold it in your hand, the longer the weapon, the better. Especially the gun has three benefits: it can stab, pounce, and fight. And when fighting, even if the handle of the gun is broken, it can still be used. Use it as a knife. Big swords are not good, and if the knife is bent, it can’t be used.” Part IV: How easy is it to raise a samurai?Especially for newcomers, they have to think twice before acting.Tadori's father, Hosokawa Sansai, also often reminded him.The first is people; the second is harmony.No matter how much you need this person, you have to consider that the Hosokawa family's existence today is the result of generations of heroes.A domain is like a stone wall.No matter how huge a stone is, or how good its texture is, if it cannot be built with other stones, it cannot be used.A person who cannot get along well with others, no matter how good he is, cannot be a member of the clan.The world is so big, there are many great stones, but they are buried in the wilderness.

Those who think knives are useful say: "The battlefield is not the only place where warriors move. Walking, living, sitting, and lying down, the sword is often carried on the body, which is the soul of the warrior. Therefore, practicing the sword is equal to tempering the soul. Although it is slightly inferior to use on the battlefield, its original The implication is to temper the mind of a warrior. If the sword technique can penetrate the essence of martial arts, its principles can also be understood in the spear technique, which is the principle of responding to all changes with the same.”

Such arguments are always inconclusive.Zhongli did not favor any side, but said to Matsushita Maizhiyun who agreed to practice swords just now: "Wu Zhiyun, what you just said doesn't sound like yours, who did you learn from?" Wu Zhiyun seriously replied: "No, it's my own opinion." Zhongli saw through his lies: "Impossible, I can tell." Wu Zhiyun had no choice but to admit: "Honestly—I was once invited to Mr. Iwama Kakubei's residence in Iwaneko. The same controversy arose at the time, and Sasaki Kojiro, who lived there, agreed that it was better to practice swords. His remarks coincided with mine. I agree with each other, so I will speak his words as my own, and I don't mean to deceive everyone."

Zhongli smiled wryly after hearing this: "Look! I'm right!" After finishing speaking, he suddenly remembered that there was an unresolved matter in Fanli. Kakubei Iwama recommended Kojiro Sasaki to him before, but he has not yet decided whether to hire him. Although Kakubei said when recommending him: "Although Kojiro is still young, it takes more than two hundred shi to hire him." But the problem is not the high salary. How easy is it to raise a samurai?Especially for newcomers, they have to think twice before acting.Tadori's father, Hosokawa Sansai, also often reminded him.

The first is people; the second is harmony.No matter how much you need this person, you have to consider that the Hosokawa family's existence today is the result of generations of heroes. A domain is like a stone wall.No matter how huge a stone is, or how good its texture is, if it cannot be built with other stones, it cannot be used.A person who cannot get along well with others, no matter how good he is, cannot be a member of the clan. The world is so big, there are many great stones, but they are buried in the wilderness. Especially after the Sekigahara War, there were countless talents.However, most generals use stones that are ready to be embedded in any stone wall.If you encounter a strange stone, either it has too many edges and corners, or it cannot be compromised, and you cannot immediately use it in your own domain.

At this point, Kojiro is not only young but also powerful in martial arts - he has enough qualifications to serve the Hosokawa family. What's more, he has not yet become a usable stone, but still a rough stone. When Hosokawa Tadori thought of Sasaki Kojiro, he naturally thought of Miyamoto Musashi in his heart. He heard Musashi's name for the first time from the old minister Nagaoka Sawaguchi. Sado suddenly said to Tadori when the monarch and his ministers were having a good time: "Recently, I have taken a fancy to a strange warrior..." And talked about the reclamation of the Codex grassland.Later, when Sado returned from the Codex Grassland, he sighed:

"Unfortunately, Musashi has disappeared!" But Zhongli still did not give up and insisted on seeing this person. "There is nothing difficult in the world, as long as there is a caring person. As long as you pay more attention, you will definitely find him." Tadori unconsciously compares Musashi to Sasaki Kojiro recommended by Kakubei Iwama. According to Sado, in addition to superb martial arts, Musashi can also teach people in mountain villages to cultivate farmland and teach farmers to improve their self-government capabilities. He is a rare figure with rich business strategies. On the other hand, Iwama Kakubei emphasized that Sasaki Kojiro came from a famous family, had in-depth research on swordsmanship, and was proficient in the art of war.He created his own Yanliu swordsmanship at a young age, so it can be seen that this person is by no means an ordinary person.In addition to Kakubei's praise, the name of Kojiro's sword has been heard everywhere in Edo recently.Everyone is talking about—— On the bank of the Sumida River, Sasaki Kojiro easily beheaded four Kobatamen. On the embankment of the Kanda River, even Hojo Shinzo could not escape his sword. In contrast, Musashi has been unknown. A few years ago, Musashi won a duel with dozens of Yoshioka disciples alone at Ichijoji Temple in Kyoto.Later, someone refuted this statement, saying that it was just a temporary rumor. "That was fabricated." It was also said: "Musashi only wants to gain fame. He usually looks powerful, but when he encounters a situation, he flees to Mount Rui and hides!" No matter how good he is, someone is holding him back.Therefore, it didn't take long for his sword name to be erased. In short, no matter where Musashi goes, bad reviews will follow.Otherwise, the name of the sword was obliterated.Even among the swordsmen, there was no room for Musashi to gain a foothold. In addition, he was born in the deep mountains of Meizuo Township, and he is just the son of an unknown countryman. Who would pay attention to him?Although the small town of Nakamura in Owari has a well-known Hideyoshi, the world still regards class as the most important thing, and family background as the criterion for employment. "correct." Zhongli patted his knee and thought of an idea.He looked around at the young warriors seated and asked if anyone had seen Musashi? "Everyone here, does anyone know Musashi? Or have heard rumors about him?" Everyone looks at each other: "Musashi?" "Musashi has been everywhere in the streets lately, we've only heard his name." Almost all the young warriors knew about it. "Oh? Why is everyone talking about him?" Zhongli widened his eyes. "Because the sign has his name on it." A young warrior named Mori said: "I saw someone copying the text on the notice board. I thought it was fun, so I copied it. Young master, let me read it to you!" "it is good!" "This is it--" Mori opened a piece of paper and read: Miyamoto Musashi: You turned your back on us and ran away. I hereby inform you. Everyone giggled after hearing this. Zhongli asked seriously: "Is that all?" "No, there are more." Sen continued to read: The old woman from the Tian family is seeking revenge on you, and we also have brothers to avenge, if you hide your head and tail, you are not worthy of being a warrior. After finishing speaking, he added: "It was written by a subordinate named Hanwayamijibei, and it was posted everywhere. Since Musashi sounds like a rascal, everyone found it interesting." Zhongli made a bitter face.This is simply too far from the Musashi in my mind.It seemed that Musashi was not the only one who was cast aside, but also his own stupidity was ridiculed. "Hmm... Is Musashi this kind of person?" Zhongli still does not give up the last glimmer of hope. Everyone listened and answered in unison: "I heard he was just a boring man." It was also said: "I think he is a coward. After being so insulted by ordinary people, he still dare not come forward." The bell rang, and the young warrior withdrew.Zhongli was still thinking about it after he went to bed.His thinking is different from ordinary people. "What a fun guy." He even thought so, and was quite interested in Musashi's deliberation. In the early morning of the next day, Zhongli went outside to get some air after finishing his morning class in the study as usual.Just happened to meet Nagaoka Sado in the yard. "Sado! Sado!" Hearing his call, the veteran turned his head and bowed cautiously. "Later, did you pay special attention to that matter?" The question came so suddenly that Sado's eyes widened. Zhongli added: "It's about Musashi." "yes!" Sado lowered his head, Tadori said: "In any case, bring him to me as soon as you find him. I want to see this man." the same day-- In the afternoon, Zhongli appeared at the archery range.Kakubei Iwama, who had been waiting at the shooting range for a long time, immediately handed Tadori a letter of recommendation from Kojiro. Zhongli drew his bow and said: "I forgot about it. Sometime, bring Kojiro to the archery range. I want to see if he's up to the task."