Chapter 170 Chapter 23 Horse Sandals

The news that came to Yanliu Mansion earlier was correct. Musashi had already appeared on this land that evening. Musashi came here by sea.He arrived at Chijian Pass a few days ago, but no one recognized him.At that time, Musashi had been staying somewhere to rest. He planned to cross the Moji Pass on the opposite side on the 11th, and then go to Kokura Castle to visit Nagaoka Sado, the elder of the feudal clan, greet him and inquire about the location, time, and rules of the martial arts competition that day, and then leave immediately. The Nagaoka family member who came out to answer the door, although he listened to Musashi's explanation, could not believe that the person in front of him was Musashi.

"Unfortunately, the master is in the city, and I think he will be back soon. Please enter the house to rest and wait." "Please convey to him what I just said, I have nothing else to do." "But you came here specially... If I let you go, I might be scolded by the master later." The family members who answered the door did not want Musashi to go back, so they forced him to stay. "Although Master Sado is not here, please wait in the room for a while." After finishing speaking, hurry into the house and report. At this time, there was the sound of running in the corridor.

"Master!" A boy jumped out from the door and hugged Musashi. "Oh! It's Iori!" "Master..." "Are you studying?" "yes." "You've grown up." "Master." "What's up?" "Did Master know I was here?" "It was Nagaoka-sama who wrote to me. I also heard about it at the house of the owner of the ship, Kobayashi Taro Zaemon." "So you're not surprised at all?" "Well. I'm very relieved that you are under the care of this master." "..."

"what happened to you?" Musashi patted his head. "You are under the care of Sado-sama, don't forget his great kindness." "yes." "Except for practicing martial arts and learning, I usually have to be courteous to everyone. But if you have to do something, you have to do it first." "understood." "Both of your parents are dead, you lack close relatives, and your personality is more cynical... This is the worst thing. You have to keep a warm heart. If you lack a warm heart, you will not be able to appreciate the warm human feelings."

"yes." "Although you are very smart, you are easily impatient and full of wildness when encountering unfavorable things, so you have to act cautiously. You are still young and have a long way to go, but remember to cherish life. Although sometimes The spirit of Bushido, you can give up your life for righteousness - in addition, you must cherish your life. Live with integrity and with meaning." Musashi hugged Iori's head and said this with earnestness.The boy's sensitive heart was already very sad, but when he heard the word "life", he suddenly wailed against Musashi's chest.

Since Iori lived in Nagaoka's house, her behavior has become dignified, her bangs are neatly combed, and she even chooses white socks. She doesn't look like the servants here at all. Seeing this scene, Musashi was very relieved.He was a little regretful that he shouldn't have said those unnecessary words just now. "do not Cry." Iori, on the other hand, couldn't stop crying.Tears wet Musashi's skirt. "Master..." "Why are you crying? People will laugh at you." "But Master is going to Ship Island the day after tomorrow." "I can't not go."

"You must win. I'm afraid I'll never see you again." "Hahaha! Iori, so you are crying because of the day after tomorrow?" "However, many people say that you are no match for Yanliu. Everyone says that you were forced to agree." "yes?" "You must win. Master, you will win!" "Iori, don't think too much." "Well, it's all right, isn't it?" "I just want to lose beautifully even if I win." "If you have no chance of winning...Master, hurry up and escape to another country now!"

"As everyone has said, this agreement cannot be waived. Things have come to this point, if I escape, Bushido will be stained because of it. This is not only my personal shame, but the hearts of the world will also be corrupted. " "But, didn't you just tell me to cherish life?" "That's true. However, what I teach you are my shortcomings. I want to let you know my shortcomings, things I can't do, and things I regret. If I Musashi was buried in Funashima, yes As far as you are concerned, it is greater vigilance. Let you understand that you cannot force yourself to lose your life."

Musashi was filled with emotions, and held Iori's head tightly. "I have asked the concierge to convey it on my behalf. However, after Sado-sama returns, please also convey my greetings for me. Anyway, I will meet him again on Funashima." Musashi bid farewell and was about to leave when Iori grabbed his bamboo hat. "Master...Master..." He couldn't speak, just kept his head down, grabbed Musashi's bamboo hat with one hand, wiped away his tears with the other hand, his shoulders were shaking, and he kept crying. At this time, someone opened the wooden door next to it.

"Are you Mr. Guanben? I am the little attendant next to the master, named Shidiansuke. Iori is reluctant to let you go, and I am very sad to see it. If you have no other urgent matters, at least stay here for one night .” "This--" Musashi replied: "Thank you for your kindness. I may die on Ship Island. If I stay here for one or two nights, after my death, it may cause trouble for everyone." "You worry too much. If you leave, the master will definitely scold us when you come back." "I have already explained clearly to Master Sado in the letter. I am here today to report my whereabouts to him. Please convey it for me."

After speaking, Musashi turned and left. "Hey--" Someone is calling. Soon, I heard someone calling again: "Hey--" Behind Musashi, who left Nagaoka Sado's mansion, walked from Shimokoji to the bank of the Denma River, and then to the Tsu Beach—someone waved to him. It turned out to be four or five warriors. They are vassals of the Hosokawa family.And all of them are old, even an old samurai with white hair. But Musashi didn't notice. He stood silently on the shore. The colorful clouds in the west are gradually dimming, and the gray sails of fishing boats are moored quietly on the sea.About a mile away, the island of Funa is located in the shadow of the larger Hiko Island next to it. "Mr. Musashi." "Aren't you Mr. Guanben?" The old vassals ran to him. When they were calling from afar just now, Musashi turned his head and saw these people running over.However, because they were all strangers, I didn't expect to be calling myself. "what?" Musashi looked puzzled, and the elderly samurai said: "You have forgotten. No wonder you don't remember us. My name is Neihai Sun Bingwei Cheng. My hometown is the Xinmen family in Zhushan City, Zuozhou. People call us the six-person group." Another went on to say: "My name is Xiangshan Bantaifu." "I'm Ido Kameemonjo." "Funa Ekiemon Cheng." "Kagashiro Kinan." Everyone reported their names one by one. "Not only are we from the same hometown as you, but the two elders, Sun Bingweicheng of Neihai and Bantaifu of Xiangshan, are close friends with your father Xinmian Wuerzhai." "Oh, really?" Musashi smiled and saluted them. Indeed, the accents of these people's speech have a strong local accent.And this local accent reminded Musashi of his childhood, and even missed his hometown. "Forgive me for not reporting my name in time. This is the son of Wuersai from Kanmoto Village. When I was young, my name was Musashi... May I ask why all the elders in my hometown gathered here?" "After the Battle of Sekigahara, as you know, Shinmengsu's family perished. We also became ronin and wandered in Kyushu. Later, when we came to Buzen, we lived in the wild by making horse sandals for a while. After that, We are very fortunate to be taken in by the Hosokawa family's Grand Highness Sansai, and now we are all members of the domain." "Oh! I see. I didn't expect to meet my late father's friend here." "We are also surprised. It is indeed nostalgic... It would be great if Wuerzhai, who died, could witness your achievements with his own eyes." Hantao, Kameemon Cheng and the others looked at each other, and then stared at Musashi. "Oh! I forgot something important. To be honest, we visited the old mansion just now. I heard that you had visited, but you left immediately. We chased after you in a panic. Master Sado also said that if you When you come to Xiaocang, you must spend the night here, let us treat you with an overnight banquet." After Uemon Cheng finished speaking, Ban Taifu also continued: "That's right. How can you just say hello at the gate and go back. Son of Wuerzhai! Come with us." These father's old friends walked ahead without asking whether Musashi agreed. Although Musashi refused, he followed suit after all. "No, I'd better not go. Thank you for your kindness." Musashi stopped in his tracks and turned his back on them, and everyone said in unison: "Why? Several of our fellow countrymen came here to welcome you and celebrate your event, but you actually..." "Sado-sama also has this intention. If you don't go, I'm afraid you won't be able to explain to Sado-sama." "There is still something you are dissatisfied with." Musashi's insistence seemed to hurt their face.In particular, Sun Bingwei Cheng, Sun Bing of Neihai, who was Wuerzhai's lifelong friend, even said: "It makes no sense!" He looked displeased. "That's not what I meant." No matter how sincerely Musashi apologized, he still couldn't settle it, so he had to explain: "There are talks about the martial arts competition everywhere in the streets and alleys. I also heard on the road that the two elders of the Hosokawa family, Nagaoka Sado and Iwamon Kakubei, have become antagonistic for this martial arts competition. The family members in the domain support this. Two forces are facing each other. Some people support Yanliu and win the king's favor. In order to repel this force, Master Nagaoka even wins over his own faction." "Oh……" "Although these are all rumors, maybe everyone's speculation - but people's words are terrible. I am a rogue, and these rumors have no effect on me, but Nagaoka and Iwama, which play an important role in the feudal administration, if they don't get the people trust is gone.” "Oh I got it." The old people answered loudly: "That's why you are afraid and dare not enter the old man's house?" "No, it's just an excuse." Musashi denied it with a smile. "Honestly, I was born a rough person and like to be free." "We have read your heart. Thinking about it, there is no fire without smoke, and we feel the same way." Everyone understands Musashi's intentions.But if they broke up just like that, it would be too irritating. Everyone discussed the result, and finally Kiichi Kaga Shiro told Musashi on behalf of everyone. "Every year on April 11th, which is today, we will meet together, and it has never stopped for ten years. And the number is limited to six people from our hometown, but you are not only from our hometown, but also a close friend of your father's Wuerzhai. Therefore, as a result of our discussion just now, no matter whether you feel inconvenient or not, we would like to invite you to the party—this is different from the old mansion, and will not invite people to discuss it, I wonder what you like?" And said: "We also decided before that if you stay at Nagaoka's house, we will postpone the party. We went to Nagaoka's house to clarify. In short, you want to avoid staying at Nagaoka's house, so you might as well tonight Come to our party!" Musashi couldn't refuse so far. "Since you say so... okay!" Musashi promised that everyone was very happy. "Then let's go!" Everyone greeted each other, and only Kinan Kaga Shiro stayed with Musashi. "See you at the table later." After speaking, each went home. Musashi and Kaga Shiro went to a nearby tea shop to wait for the sunset.Finally, under the starry sky, Kaga Shiro took Musashi to the Totsu Bridge about half a mile away from the town. This is a street on the edge of the city, and there are no mansions of feudal vassals, so there are no decent taverns.Near the bridgehead, the lights and eaves of some simple hotels and inns for travelers and grooms are almost buried in the lush weeds. How strange is this place? Musashi had to be suspicious.Among these people, Xiangshan Bantai Fu, Neihai Sun Bingweicheng and others are old and have good positions in the feudal clan. It is too unreasonable for the annual gathering to be held in such a remote wilderness. Strange. Could it be that the other party wants to take this opportunity to harm himself? However, Musashi could not see any murderous intent from them. "Mr. Musashi, everyone is here, please come this way." Kaga Shiro, who had asked Musashi to wait at the bridgehead and inspected the river bank alone, walked down the path on the embankment after confirming the situation. "Oh, are the seats on board?" Musashi couldn't help but smile wryly at his own doubts.He then walked to the bank of the river.However, there was no sign of the ship at all. Including Kaga Shiro, six vassals have arrived. They spread out two or three straw mats on the shore, and the two elderly people, Xiangshan and Utsumi, took the lead to sit on the mats, and Ido Kameemon, Funahiemon, and Yazumi Hayata and others also sat upright. at the table. "The seats are too shabby, it's really impolite. It just so happens that Musashi from his hometown can come to our annual gathering, it's just a chance meeting, please sit down and rest!" As he spoke, he handed him a seat and introduced Yasaku Hayata who hadn't appeared just now. "He's also a Zakushu wanderer, and now he's managing horses at Hosokawa's house." Everyone was courteous and courteous, no different from the etiquette in the resplendent drawing room. Musashi felt even more strange. Is it everyone's romantic taste?Or is it to avoid people's eyes and ears?However, even when sitting on a straw mat, guests still have to pay attention to the courtesy of the guests, so Musashi sat upright.Finally, the elder Neihai Sun Bingwei Cheng said: "This guest, relax and don't be restrained. Although we have prepared some wine and food, we will enjoy it later. Now we will do what we should do at the party. It will take some time. Please wait patiently." After finishing speaking, everyone sat cross-legged on the mat again, took out the prepared straw, and began to weave the horse-straw shoes.Although they were braiding horse sandals, every vassal was dedicated, cautious and pious. Wiping the saliva on the hands, clasping the palms together and rubbing the straw, there is no distraction, full of enthusiasm. "...?" Musashi felt strange, but he didn't see everyone doing things with strange eyes, nor did he doubt them. He just sat quietly and watched. "Ok?" The old Xiangshan half-taifu asked the others. The old man has already made a pair of straw sandals. Then Kinan Kaga Shiro also said: "I have done." "me too." Azumi Hachita put the finished straw sandals in front of the old man Xiangshan. One after another, six pairs of straw sandals have been completed. Everyone patted the straw off their trousers, put on their vests again, and put six pairs of horse-straw sandals on the sacrificial stand among the six people. On another sacrificial stand are wine bottles and glasses. "Everyone." The elder Neihai Sun Bingwei Cheng said to everyone: "The fifth year of Qingchou is an unforgettable day for us. Thirteen years have passed since the Battle of Sekigahara at that time. I didn't expect everyone to live so long. Today, we are honored to be protected by the lord Hosokawa. This kind of kindness does not even have descendants. Unforgettable teeth." "yes." Everyone lowered their heads slightly and listened to Sun Bingwei Cheng's words. "Although the old master and the new family have perished, the benevolence of our ancestors from generation to generation must not be forgotten. Also, the days when we wandered here were extremely desolate, and everyone must not forget... Therefore, a gathering every year will bring the three Keep this thing in mind, and this year we will celebrate together to ward off disasters." "As Mr. Sun Bingweicheng said, we must not forget the love of the feudal lord, the grace of the old master, and the drifting years in our daily life. We must also thank God for the grace bestowed on us today." Others also said in unison. Host Sun Bingwei Cheng said: "salute." "yes." The six people straightened their knees, put their hands on the ground, and saluted Xiaocang Castle under the night sky. Then, facing the land of the old lord, that is, the land of the ancestors - the direction of Zuozhou, the same salute. Finally, holding the horse sandals made by themselves in both hands, they bowed sincerely. "Mr. Musashi, now we are going to pay homage to the Uji Shrine by the river and offer straw sandals. After that, our ceremony will be completed. Then we will have a good drink and chat. Please wait a little longer." One person walked in front holding a sacrificial rack of horse-straw sandals, and the other five followed behind, walking towards the shrine. They hung the horse sandals on the tree in front of the archway, joined hands and prayed silently before returning to their seats by the river together. Then start drinking. The food they brought included boiled taro, miso soup with bean sprouts, bamboo shoots and some dried fish, all of which were simple farm dishes from the neighborhood. Everyone was drinking and drinking, full of laughter. While drinking and chatting, Musashi also relaxed. "I am very honored to be able to attend this special gathering. But just now, you made horse sandals and worshiped them, and bowed in front of your hometown and city. What is going on?" Musashi asked. "You're a good question. You must be wondering." Utsumi Sun Bingwei Cheng has long been waiting for Musashi to ask questions. In the fifth year of Qingchang, the Xinmen family warriors who were defeated in the battle of Guanyuan all fled to Kyushu. Among them, these six people are also a group of losers. Although everyone is desperate, they are unwilling to bow their heads to beg for food, and they do not steal spring water to drink even if they are thirsty.Because of their stubborn personalities, they rented a simple house at the bridgehead of this street together, and started making horse straw shoes with their hands holding guns. For three years, the straw sandals he made were sold to grooms on the road to make a living. These people are different, and they are by no means ordinary people. The rumors of the grooms immediately spread to the mansion, and the monarch at that time, that is, Lord Sanzhai, heard the news. He sent people to investigate and found out that these six people were the old servants of Shinmen Igamoru. Since he sympathized with their situation, he decided to recruit them as vassals. Hosokawa vassal who came to negotiate said: "The lord intends to recruit you, but the salaries may not be high. After the agreement of the ministers, I will award the salaries of the six of you totaling a thousand stones. What do you think?" The vassal went back after speaking. The six people were very grateful for the kindness of Lord Sanzhai.The losers in the Battle of Sekigahara should have been arrested, but the lord was so lenient to them and awarded six people a total of 1,000 shi, which is considered generous. However, Ido Kameemonjo's mother thinks: should be rejected. Kameemon Cheng's mother said: "I was relieved by Sansai's kindness and shed tears. But as horse sandals, it is too high to be recruited as vassals. After all, even though you are so destitute, you are also former ministers of Shinmen Igamori, I used to be a feudal vassal, but now I am willing to accept it for six people to jointly lead Qianshi. If this matter is spread, your spirit of making horses and sandals will disappear. Furthermore, to repay the favor of San Zhaigong, you must have I realized that I would sacrifice my life to serve the public. Therefore, six people receiving Qianshi at the same time is like receiving relief rice. I cannot accept it. Maybe you want this position, but I will not allow my son to join." Everyone rejected it together.The people in the fan went back to report the meaning of the six people to the lord. After hearing this, Lord Sanzhai said: "The Elder's Neihai Sun Bing Wei Cheng receives a thousand shi, and the rest are two hundred shi each." Six officials have been appointed, and when they are about to report to the city, the entourage who saw their shabby appearance reported to the lord: "You have to give them money first to make clothes for the city." After hearing this, Lord Sanzhai smiled and said: "Just wait and see! The warriors I recruit will never embarrass me." Six horse-sandal craftsmen, well-dressed and well-dressed, wearing two swords of appropriate size, entered the city. Musashi listened with great interest to Sun Bingwei Cheng telling the past. "The six of us were recruited by the lord to serve the public in the domain. I think all of this is the grace of heaven and earth. The grace of the ancestors and the kindness of the lord. But we have always been vigilant against ourselves, and we must not forget the spirit of sleeping in the wild and making horse straw sandals. Therefore, since I came to Hosokawa's family to serve as a minister, I decided to lay a straw mat here every year to reminisce about the past and remember these three kindnesses. Even though the food is simple, you can still enjoy the wine." After Sun Bingwei finished adding, he toasted Musashi. "Oh! Please forgive me for talking about us all the time. Our hearts are with you even if it is a simple meal. You can do your best in the fight the day after tomorrow. In case of unfortunate defeat, we will go to replace you Collect the corpse. Hahaha!" Musashi took the cup. "Thanks to everyone's love, this wine is no worse than fine wine. I want to learn from everyone's spirit." "No such thing. If you learn from us, you will have to make horse sandals." At this time, earth and rocks mixed with small stones slid down from the embankment.Everyone looked up, and there was a bat-like figure hiding quickly. "Who?" Kiichi Kaga Shiro immediately jumped on it.Another person rushed over to look at it. They stood on the embankment, looking at the sunset, finally laughed, and told Musashi and his friends below: "He is a disciple of Iwai. He may have seen us and Musashi gathered here, and thought we were discussing how to support Musashi. Just now, he ran away in a panic." "Ahaha! No wonder the other party is suspicious." Everyone here is aboveboard.However, Musashi suddenly thought what kind of atmosphere will be in the city tonight? Sitting for long periods of time is not beneficial.Especially if the other party is a fellow countryman, you have to think about them.If these warriors are dragged down, I will feel very sorry.Musashi thanked everyone for their kindness, and wanted to take a step ahead, so he resigned from the pleasant party by the river and left. floating in the air-- Musashi's whereabouts are always erratic. the next day. It's the twelfth day. Of course, Musashi must be living somewhere under Kokura Castle, waiting for the time to come.So the Nagaoka family sent people to look for him separately. "Why don't you keep him?" Both the servant and the concierge were scolded by the master Nagaoka Sado. Last night, the six samurai who invited Musashi to drink on the bank of the Tsu River were also sent by Sado to look for them. However, Musashi's whereabouts remain a mystery. Musashi's whereabouts have been missing since the night of the 11th. "Something is wrong." Thinking of tomorrow's martial arts competition, Sado frowned anxiously. It is said that Yanliu had not been to the city for a long time, and he sincerely thanked the feudal lord that day, toasted each other, and rode home in high spirits. At dusk, rumors of Musashi had spread throughout the city. "He must have run away in fright." "Must have escaped." "Otherwise, why can't so many people find him?" Rumors have been flying.