Chapter 14 Tribute
A Ling's mother is Wei Jing's maid, and because of the humble status of her biological mother, the treatment of her children is also one level worse.Wei Jing never gave A Ling the same treatment as other children, and after Wei Jing died, A Ling's treatment was even worse.After Qingjing succeeded to the throne, she only wanted to be happy for herself all day long, and she didn't care about the life and death of her younger siblings.As the eldest sister, Mrs. Dingshi took pity on her and took her into the mansion to raise her.
It's not that Jing Hu didn't know there was such a sister, but he had hardly thought of it in the past.He was not loved by his father since he was a child, and he was expelled from the house by cutting off the relationship between father and son. He only thinks about his own affairs.
The two of them have no common memories at all, at most they have a little memory about their father, but they have nothing in common either.They all think that their father is great, but they don't miss him because they don't have any memories of being loved by his father.
The conversation quickly came to an end, and a palpable sense of emptiness permeated the audience.After exchanging pleasantries, Aling leaves.
After Ah Ling left, Mrs. Ding Shi said to Jing Hu:
"You're probably surprised that she's still unmarried at such an age! However, it's not my fault, it's all Qingjing's fault. I mentioned to him a few times that it's time to find someone for Ah Ling, but every time he just talked perfunctorily." , I didn't take it to heart at all. Now that you have succeeded the family governor, and the country has returned to peace, you must make arrangements for her, please!"
"I know, I must find a good partner for her."
Jing Hu said so in his mouth, but he still didn't know how to arrange this matter to be perfect and proper. He had no absolute confidence compared to military affairs.He thought that as the master, there are many things to deal with besides political and military affairs.
Jing Hu has been staying in the mansion hall to visit his patients, and he did not return to Chunri Mountain until Dingshi's condition stabilized, to declare the domestic peace to the rich families in the country and nearby countries.At the same time, he reported to General Ashikaga in Kyoto and Uesugi Kensei, the governor of the Kanto, to inherit the family governor and pacify the rebels.Jinghu's martial prowess is unquestionable. The generals and leaders all recognized his successor and congratulated him on his pacification of the country.Neighboring wealthy families also sent congratulatory envoys, and domestic wealthy families even went to Chunri Mountain to congratulate in person.
Among them, only Ueda's Nagao's house was different. He didn't come by himself, nor did he send his son. Instead, he sent his servants to send congratulatory gifts.
When Qingjing attacked Jinghu last winter, Fangjing was invited by Qingjing to fight. He fought Jinghu on the bank of the Mashi River, and fell into a bitter battle, but Qingjing sat idly by.It is said that Fang Jingyuan was extremely reluctant to go to that battle, and it was because Qingjing repeatedly sent envoys to plead with him that he reluctantly participated. Embarrassed, refused to come see.
Jing Hu sees that the generals who used to be attached to Qingjing and the powerful families in the three areas have all cleared up their suspicions and returned. The Ueda Nagao family is the closest relative of the Kasugayama Nagao family and his own uncle, but they are repelling. mind.
Soon, Dingshi, whose condition had been stabilized for a while, suddenly turned critical and passed away immediately.The funeral was held grandly, all relatives of the wealthy family came to pay their respects, but Fang Jing and his son did not show up, so they only sent representatives of their retainers.
Jing Hu felt that something was wrong: "Is there something inside?!"
He thought about it, and figured out a bigger doubt: "Could it be that there is a secret agreement between Fangjing and Qingjing? Qingjing has no sons, and they may make a secret agreement that Qingjing will give up to Zhengjing after his death. Qingjing may use this incense The bait lures Fang Jing to send troops, is this really the case?!"
If this is the case, Fang Jing and his son are not happy about Jing Hu's succession as family governor, crusade against Santiao to pacify the country, and so on.
You can't ask Qingjing about the truth of this matter, even if you ask, Qingjing will not tell the truth, and it may hurt her friendship.Unless Fang Jing's father and son have clearly hostile behavior, and must take decisive measures to warn others, at this time they can only pretend not to know, and then think of other solutions.He didn't want to have a dispute with his close relatives after finishing the fight with his elder brother, which would provoke criticism from the world.He knew that as the chief general of the Echigo country, he had to pay special attention to criticism from all sides, and he had to rely on his own ability to win the hearts of the people.
He thought, at this moment, there is no other person to discuss with except Usami.After thinking for a few days, he took a few guards to Pipa Island City.
Jinghu's trip was not announced in advance, and the guards of Pipa Island City were shocked. While welcoming them inside, they urgently reported to Usami. Usami still greeted her on the way with the same calm expression. "If there is a notice first, I will go out of the city to welcome you." "I did it temporarily, and I don't have time to inform you." "Really? Anyway, I'm happy." Entering the guest hall, Jing Hu immediately said, "I want to borrow your wisdom!" Usami smiled and whispered, "It's about Ueda!" Usami seemed to be able to see through people's thoughts, Jinghu was both surprised and delighted: "Exactly." "A while ago, when the country declared peace, he only sent envoys, and now he is not famous at the funeral of Duke Dingshi. I can see all of this. Actually, I wanted to talk to you at the funeral, but I want to I thought that one day you would take the initiative to talk to me, so I held back." "yes?" "Have you discussed this with Lord Qingjing?" "No, I almost wanted to go, but I stopped." Usami breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good. If we pursue it, we may end up in a dilemma. At this time, it is enough to know that the other party has a grievance towards us, and there should be a way to resolve this grievance." Usami's ingenuity rushes down like rushing water. Jing Hu was very happy, leaned forward and asked, "You think there is a way?" "Of course there is." "It's not going to be a war! I don't want to fight with my own people anymore." "Of course not, that's why we have to design the design." "Tell me quickly! I just need to think about it for a few days, and I can come up with a solution." The servant brought tea.Usami served Jinghu tea with his own hands, drank a cup, he ordered the servant to step back, and continued the topic just now. "At Dingshigong's funeral, Madam was accompanied by a beautiful woman. I asked her and found out that it was Sister Ling. I almost forgot that Weijinggong had such a rich daughter." He was chatting, but Jing Hu couldn't help feeling restless. "I only saw her when I was visiting a doctor in the mansion. I never thought about her. My elder sister, Mrs. Dingshi, told me about her. But, don't you mean that there is a way to solve Ueda's worries, tell me quickly me!" Usami smiled and said, "I'm talking!" "So……" "Zheng Jing's wife passed away last year, and he has never had a remarriage. Fortunately, his ex-wife did not have children. Although it is filling the house, it is no different from a new marriage. It can be regarded as a happy relationship. How about betrotting sister Ling to him?" Having said that, Jing Hu fully understands.Although he has extraordinary wisdom, but after all, he is only twenty years old, has little life experience, and has never loved a woman before, so it is natural that he did not expect this. "Really?" There was a hint of disappointment in his voice. "If you are not satisfied..." Jinghu didn't answer.Rather than saying that he is dissatisfied, it is better to say that his heart is heavy.Although marriage is often used as a means of political strategy in the world, and it is even more common in the families of big names and wealthy families, Jing Hu instinctively dislikes this kind of behavior, and he feels uncomfortable.Damp thoughts and insidious actions are what he rejects, and so is political marriage.Moreover, he has special sympathy for his sister who is not loved by relatives like himself, and hopes to give her a happier marriage. "You don't seem satisfied." "Is there no other way? I don't like it." Jing Hu's tone was heavy, and his expression was slightly childish. Usami smiled and said: "I understand your feelings. You think this method is not what a man should do, so you are not satisfied at first, and you hope to find a better marriage for your sister, right?" Jing Hu's mind was guessed by him, and he nodded obediently, "That's right!" "Your thinking is indeed noble, but it's also a bit narrow. It's all because of your youth. Ueda is the closest clan to you. What's wrong with getting closer? If Ueda plots for himself, it's only with Marriage and reconciliation, this is not a manly way, but it is not the case now. Because we feel that there may be grievances on Ueda, and it is the most natural way to settle their dissatisfaction and enhance mutual relations through marriage. Second, this is a happy ending for Ling sister, not a sacrifice, because you have no intention of destroying Ueda, but hope that they will always be safe and peaceful. The only difficulty is their age gap Lingjie is twenty-two years old, and Zheng Jinggong is thirty-seven years old, a full year older. However, Lingjie has already missed the wedding date. If she comes from a small family, it is fine to find a suitable partner to marry, but she is getting older. It is very difficult to find the right match for the sister of the Guardian of the Hou Kingdom. As I have said, Zheng Jinggong's ex-wife did not have any children, so this should be a very suitable marriage for Ling sister." Usami talked endlessly, and Jing Hu was finally convinced. "I understand, I have pimples in my heart, as long as Ueda has no dissent." "It's good that you understand, the Nagao family can prosper for generations to come!" "But, to whom should the job of building the bridge be entrusted? Can you please pay a visit, old man?" Usami shook her head, "You mustn't do it. Everyone knows that you are scheming, so you must make this matter your own idea. You'd better send your confidants to go forward." "indeed." Jing Hu learned another lesson, those who are wise and strategic must be reckless. That night, he stayed in Pipa Island City.After having dinner with Usami, he went outside to enjoy the cool breeze.It is already summer, and the sky is the half moon of the seventh day.Jinghu looked up at the moon, and remembered that when he lived in this city, he was attracted to her residence by the sound of Naomi's flute.That year, he was sixteen years old. At that time, Naomi showed Jinghu the flute given to her by a musician who went out to perform. The two talked a lot, and finally got angry because Naomi said he was warlike, scolded her angrily, and broke up... Looking back, it was really naive.At that time, when I wanted to see her, I walked boldly. Now that I have grown up, I think I shouldn't be so naive anymore.He has a bad feeling.He seemed to see the white and tender pink neck and swaying waist and arms when the female middle school in the mansion house led him to the lady's room, and he was short of breath. "Idiot, what are you thinking!" He scolded himself in his heart, when he looked up at the moon again, the sound of the flute came from his ears, it was still the brisk and lively tune. "She played it for me!" In an instant, Jing Hu's blood was boiling and his body was hot. He tried his best to suppress this feeling, and stared at the moon like a stare.
Jing Hu returned to Chunri Mountain and told Mrs. Dingshi and A Ling about the matter, and they had no objection.Therefore, Jinjin Xinbingwei was sent to Shangtian. A few days later, Jinjin came back and said: "They said they knew, and they want me to come back first, and they will send envoys to answer their orders in a few days!" The reply was rather lukewarm, giving the impression that they were about to say no.Jing Hu hopes that this marriage can be negotiated, so that Fang Jing and his son's grievances can be resolved as soon as possible. He decided to take a trip to Shangtian himself, but he was strongly dissuaded by the left and right, and they were also disturbed by the attitude of Fang Jing and his son. "Don't talk about it, he is my uncle, and he has a very high military name, so he won't do that kind of villainous tricks. I believe him, and this trip is decided." It's hard to persuade him, but he decided to accompany him. He has the courage to risk his life and sacrifice his life for the savior. Jing Hu couldn't refuse. "Okay! I'll take you there, but you are absolutely not allowed to act without authorization!" Chunri Mountain is twenty-four miles away from Shangtian, and it takes two days if it is fast, or three days if it is slow.Jinghu stayed in Tokamachi the next day, and sent Yataro Oni Kojima to Ueda to inform him of his arrival tomorrow. In the morning of the next day, he climbed over Batong Ridge, which connects the Uonuma Basin and the Southern Uonuma Basin, and the political scene may greet him on the ridge.
Master Jing Hu walked slowly on the green mountain road with the noise of cicadas. They were riding on the horse, and the cool wind blew from the bottom of the valley from time to time. Although it was not hot, the horse was sweating all over. "We're here, take a rest when we get to the ridge, and feed the horses some food and grass." Both the master and the slave patted the horse's neck lovingly. Under the sweaty mane, the skin was hot to the touch. After finally approaching the mountain, someone on the mountain called out: "Hello——" Looking up, there is a person standing on horseback in the shade of a large pine tree at the lower slope, and it is Yataro Oni Kojima.White teeth appeared on the red and black face, and he smiled happily. Jing Hu and the others also waved their hands to answer. Yataro pulled the rein of the horse, walked downhill slowly, came to Jinghu, dismounted lightly and said: "Mr. Zheng Jing is on the mountain to welcome you." Jing Hu probably expected this to happen, "Really?" He nodded and moved on. On the mountain is a slightly spacious flat land, and broad-leaved trees such as zelkova and chestnut provide cool shade.Zheng Jing tied his horse to a tree trunk and sat on a low stool. He wore a warrior uniform and a black gauze hat, and his followers also wore uniforms, sitting on both sides. As soon as Jing Hu came up, his eyes naturally turned to that side, he nodded slightly, and dismounted. Zheng Jing also nodded in return, got up and walked over. "It must be Duke Jing Hu!" "You are brother Zhengjing!" The two sides looked at each other and smiled.Although the two are cousins, this is the first time they meet.In the thirty-seventh year of Zhengjing, he was tall and burly, with dark complexion and ruddy blood, high raised thick eyebrows, long and big bright eyes, full of strong and shrewd masculinity.Although he is fifteen years older than Ah Ling, there is nothing unworthy between the two of them, and Jing Hu thinks it is the best. In the meantime, Zheng Jing's servants also arranged seats, and spread mats on the place where Zheng Jing was sitting just now, and the two sat facing each other, with the seats of attendants behind each. "The weather is hot, and it's frightening to have someone come here." Zheng Jing said while guiding Jing Hu to the table. After sitting down, Zheng Jing said again: "It's a pleasure to meet you for the first time. Although Zheng Jing belongs to the same family, because I missed it many times, it's only a matter of fate." The language used by Zheng Jing is solemn, expressing his kindness to Jing Hu and his etiquette to the lord. Jing Hu also replied cordially: "I have heard for a long time that my brother is brave in martial arts, and I have been friends with him for a long time. It is as expected to see you today." Zheng Jing also brought a cook and prepared all kinds of food.He took the gourd offered by his servant and filled a cup: "Let me respect my lord first!" He raised his neck and drank it, licked his tongue and said with a smile: "Good wine, I specially picked it!" After all, he offered a cup to Jinghu.Jing Hu took it, filled the cup himself, and drank it down, feeling a burst of sweet coolness seeping into his mouth through the gap between his teeth, and down his throat. "It really is good wine." He returned the glass to Zheng Jing. Zheng Jing took the wine glass, put it in front of him, stepped back a little, put his hands on the ground and knelt down, and said: "My lord has recently killed the traitors and pacified the country. I am gratified and congratulated. However, because my father is old and poor, I can't go to see you in person. Hey, it's really disrespectful, I hereby apologize." Jing Hu said with a smile: "Stop apologizing, as long as you are willing to see me, you will be very happy, and I will not complain." "I dare not." "Really, it's very pleasant to meet like this." "I feel the same way." Words flowed unhindered between entertainment.Jing Hu's entourage also prepared food and wine to entertain Zheng Jing's entourage.Everyone was in a good mood, chatting and laughing lively. Jing Hu thought to himself, it's good to be here, but he was very careful not to touch on important topics, lest both parties fall into an embarrassing situation.He secretly vigilant, drinking one cup after another, he likes to drink, no matter how much he drinks, he has never been drunk enough to do anything bad.
It was still early when we arrived at Ueda Castle, and the host's house had already prepared bath water.Jing Hu washed off the oil and sweat on his body, put on dry clothes, sat in the spacious living room and chatted with Yataro and others in the next room, and Zheng Jing came in with food and wine. "My father will be here soon. I just had a cramp in my calf not long ago. I'm asking for a massage. I won't be here until later. Let me accompany you first!" There is a grilled sweetfish on the large dinner plate. The fish is fat and the salt on the body is burnt yellow, which is mouth-watering. "What a big sweetfish!" "It was caught in the Uino River. Our land is a mountain village. The sea fish is only salted fish, but the river fish is abundant. Carp, crucian carp, eel, sweetfish and soft-shelled turtle, especially sweetfish, which are fat and tender. Great entrance." "I'll try it!" Jing Hu peeled off a piece of fish with chopsticks, dipped a Polygonum leaf in vinegar, and put it in his mouth, when a sharp roar sounded from the compartment: "Please wait!" It's Yataro. "What are you doing?" "please wait!" Jing Hu had no choice but to put the fish back on the plate and put down his chopsticks. At this time, Yataro walked in across the threshold, knelt down when he was two meters away, walked to Jinghu's table on his knees, picked up his chopsticks and said, "Let me taste the poison!" Jing Hu angrily reprimanded: "Rude!" Although he didn't think that Zheng Jing had the insidious intention of killing him with poison, it was wrong to eat it without tasting the poison.However, in this situation he had to scold Yataro. "This is my responsibility." Yataro replied. Zheng Jing seemed to be a little angry, and his family's generals also looked wrong, so Jing Hu's entourage also changed their faces, and the room was filled with a sense of murder. Only Yataro was at ease, eating with relish under the gaze of everyone, and he didn't feel like tasting poison at all. .He clicked his tongue from time to time, dipped the fish meat in the vinegar made from Polygonum leaves, and put it into his mouth, eating everything from the head to the tail of the fish. A wry smile appeared on Zheng Jing's resentful face, then the smile disappeared suddenly, and he bowed to Jing Hu: "Your negligence, please forgive me!" He turned his head and told the servants: "Bring a new plate!" Then he said to Yataro, "How about it, are you getting drunk?" His tone was sarcasm, and there was a dry smile on his face. Yataro refused to admit defeat: "I dare not think that the Zhengjing Guild will do evil things, but the task of accompanying the lord is to prevent all misfortunes from happening." An unpleasant atmosphere filled the audience instantly, and Jing Hu thought that if the atmosphere was not eliminated quickly, it might cause a dilemma.He wanted to get straight to the point, turned around and said to his followers, "You all step back for now!" "what!" Yataro was slightly embarrassed, but immediately got up and exited the room. Seeing this, Zheng Jing also ordered the generals: "Go down!" There were only the two of them left in the spacious living room.The setting sun slanted on the trees in the garden, and there was the sound of grasshoppers in the yard. "Brother Zheng Jing, you can guess why I came here!" Jing Hu said staring at Zheng Jing. "Probably guessed." "In this case, let me just say it straight. Although there are many twists and turns in this matter, I hope you can accept it. I am the fourth son of Kasuga Mountain. I am still young, and my relationship with domestic samurai is still very shallow. The most reliable Only people of the same clan. You are my closest clansmen, I very much hope that we can strengthen our relationship and become negotiable objects with each other, this is the only thing I beg of you, please agree." His tone was steady, but full of intimidating spirit. There was a forced and painful expression on Zheng Jing's capable face, and he wanted to speak, but if he was allowed to say something wrong at this time, the matter would have no room for change, so Jing Hu continued: "If you don't accept it, it means you Am I right in thinking that Jing Hu doesn’t have the guts to lead the Nagao Clan?” "This..." Zheng Jing smiled wryly and wanted to argue. But Jing Hu didn't give him a chance to speak: "I'm not at all attached to the identity of the leader of the Longtail clan and the identity of the guardian generation. As long as your father and son think that I don't have the ability, I can give way to you at any time. My words are not strategies. , It’s not just talking about it, I really think so.” Jing Hu's face turned pale, his big eyes glowed abnormally, and he looked closely at Zheng Jing.The same goes for Zheng Jing, with small beads of sweat on his pale forehead and gloomy eyes. In the silence where one could hear each other's breathing, a wordless oppression filled the ears, and the metal-like calls of grasshoppers pierced one's ears. This sense of urgency is broken by the sound of footsteps in the yard, and the sound of wooden jacks stepping on the stepping stones approaching from far away.The two relieved their tension and looked towards the source of the sound. A thin old man dragged a wooden stool and leaned on a long staff, walking on the stepping stones in the yard.He dragged his right foot and walked slowly.He was wearing a loose samurai uniform, which made his body appear smaller, and his sideburns and long beard under the black gauze hat were completely white, just like the mask of an old man in a Noh play. "It's my father!" Zheng Jing nodded to Jing Hu, and rushed over to hold the old man's hand to serve him as he walked over.The old man has no expression on his face, but it can be seen that he is very relieved to let him serve. Jing Hu's chest was hot. He had never made his father depend on and cared for his father like this. He was a little envious. The old man coughed a few times, walked up the side corridor, walked slowly into the room, and sat where Zheng Jing had been sitting just now.He looked straight at Jing Hu, under his long white eyebrows, his glowing pupils seemed to be glaring. "Are you Jing Hu?" His voice was deep and powerful. "It's my nephew, I'm here to see my uncle." "Don't dare!" Fang Jing put his hands on the ground and lowered his head: "I'm next to Fang Jing, nice to meet you." "It's a pleasure to meet you!" Jing Hu returned the gift with his hands on the ground. Fang Jing looked at Jing Hu, his eyes suddenly turned red, and he choked up, "You have finally grown up! You are twenty years old! I heard that you have outstanding martial arts..." He suddenly laughed loudly: "Ah! It's not that I heard that I was beaten terribly in the confrontation at Sabashikawa, but it happened last year, haha! It's amazing!" "Uncle has won the prize." Fang Jing laughed heartily again, and suddenly stopped laughing: "I heard some verbal disputes over there just now, and rushed here regardless of the pain in my feet, and it was exactly as I expected, hahaha! You came here on a special trip this time, it's nothing It's not easy to discuss. It's the first time you come to see uncle, uncle should give you a generous gift, so let's do it! I'll give you Zhengjing as your brother-in-law! I, an old man, hope that the two families can live in harmony for a long time!" Jing Hu couldn't believe that the matter took such a sudden turn and was resolved smoothly. He opened his mouth and said after a while, "Thanks to uncle for agreeing, I am very grateful!" "We just need to be grateful! It's a shame to ask you to go there yourself, but it's okay, and any problems should be resolved. Haha, son! This is your blessing, thirty-seven I can still marry a twenty-two-year-old bride at the age of 22, and she is the guardian sister, so why don't you thank the lord, haha!" He is very happy.
Jinghu's trip was not announced in advance, and the guards of Pipa Island City were shocked. While welcoming them inside, they urgently reported to Usami. Usami still greeted her on the way with the same calm expression. "If there is a notice first, I will go out of the city to welcome you." "I did it temporarily, and I don't have time to inform you." "Really? Anyway, I'm happy." Entering the guest hall, Jing Hu immediately said, "I want to borrow your wisdom!" Usami smiled and whispered, "It's about Ueda!" Usami seemed to be able to see through people's thoughts, Jinghu was both surprised and delighted: "Exactly." "A while ago, when the country declared peace, he only sent envoys, and now he is not famous at the funeral of Duke Dingshi. I can see all of this. Actually, I wanted to talk to you at the funeral, but I want to I thought that one day you would take the initiative to talk to me, so I held back." "yes?" "Have you discussed this with Lord Qingjing?" "No, I almost wanted to go, but I stopped." Usami breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good. If we pursue it, we may end up in a dilemma. At this time, it is enough to know that the other party has a grievance towards us, and there should be a way to resolve this grievance." Usami's ingenuity rushes down like rushing water. Jing Hu was very happy, leaned forward and asked, "You think there is a way?" "Of course there is." "It's not going to be a war! I don't want to fight with my own people anymore." "Of course not, that's why we have to design the design." "Tell me quickly! I just need to think about it for a few days, and I can come up with a solution." The servant brought tea.Usami served Jinghu tea with his own hands, drank a cup, he ordered the servant to step back, and continued the topic just now. "At Dingshigong's funeral, Madam was accompanied by a beautiful woman. I asked her and found out that it was Sister Ling. I almost forgot that Weijinggong had such a rich daughter." He was chatting, but Jing Hu couldn't help feeling restless. "I only saw her when I was visiting a doctor in the mansion. I never thought about her. My elder sister, Mrs. Dingshi, told me about her. But, don't you mean that there is a way to solve Ueda's worries, tell me quickly me!" Usami smiled and said, "I'm talking!" "So……" "Zheng Jing's wife passed away last year, and he has never had a remarriage. Fortunately, his ex-wife did not have children. Although it is filling the house, it is no different from a new marriage. It can be regarded as a happy relationship. How about betrotting sister Ling to him?" Having said that, Jing Hu fully understands.Although he has extraordinary wisdom, but after all, he is only twenty years old, has little life experience, and has never loved a woman before, so it is natural that he did not expect this. "Really?" There was a hint of disappointment in his voice. "If you are not satisfied..." Jinghu didn't answer.Rather than saying that he is dissatisfied, it is better to say that his heart is heavy.Although marriage is often used as a means of political strategy in the world, and it is even more common in the families of big names and wealthy families, Jing Hu instinctively dislikes this kind of behavior, and he feels uncomfortable.Damp thoughts and insidious actions are what he rejects, and so is political marriage.Moreover, he has special sympathy for his sister who is not loved by relatives like himself, and hopes to give her a happier marriage. "You don't seem satisfied." "Is there no other way? I don't like it." Jing Hu's tone was heavy, and his expression was slightly childish. Usami smiled and said: "I understand your feelings. You think this method is not what a man should do, so you are not satisfied at first, and you hope to find a better marriage for your sister, right?" Jing Hu's mind was guessed by him, and he nodded obediently, "That's right!" "Your thinking is indeed noble, but it's also a bit narrow. It's all because of your youth. Ueda is the closest clan to you. What's wrong with getting closer? If Ueda plots for himself, it's only with Marriage and reconciliation, this is not a manly way, but it is not the case now. Because we feel that there may be grievances on Ueda, and it is the most natural way to settle their dissatisfaction and enhance mutual relations through marriage. Second, this is a happy ending for Ling sister, not a sacrifice, because you have no intention of destroying Ueda, but hope that they will always be safe and peaceful. The only difficulty is their age gap Lingjie is twenty-two years old, and Zheng Jinggong is thirty-seven years old, a full year older. However, Lingjie has already missed the wedding date. If she comes from a small family, it is fine to find a suitable partner to marry, but she is getting older. It is very difficult to find the right match for the sister of the Guardian of the Hou Kingdom. As I have said, Zheng Jinggong's ex-wife did not have any children, so this should be a very suitable marriage for Ling sister." Usami talked endlessly, and Jing Hu was finally convinced. "I understand, I have pimples in my heart, as long as Ueda has no dissent." "It's good that you understand, the Nagao family can prosper for generations to come!" "But, to whom should the job of building the bridge be entrusted? Can you please pay a visit, old man?" Usami shook her head, "You mustn't do it. Everyone knows that you are scheming, so you must make this matter your own idea. You'd better send your confidants to go forward." "indeed." Jing Hu learned another lesson, those who are wise and strategic must be reckless. That night, he stayed in Pipa Island City.After having dinner with Usami, he went outside to enjoy the cool breeze.It is already summer, and the sky is the half moon of the seventh day.Jinghu looked up at the moon, and remembered that when he lived in this city, he was attracted to her residence by the sound of Naomi's flute.That year, he was sixteen years old. At that time, Naomi showed Jinghu the flute given to her by a musician who went out to perform. The two talked a lot, and finally got angry because Naomi said he was warlike, scolded her angrily, and broke up... Looking back, it was really naive.At that time, when I wanted to see her, I walked boldly. Now that I have grown up, I think I shouldn't be so naive anymore.He has a bad feeling.He seemed to see the white and tender pink neck and swaying waist and arms when the female middle school in the mansion house led him to the lady's room, and he was short of breath. "Idiot, what are you thinking!" He scolded himself in his heart, when he looked up at the moon again, the sound of the flute came from his ears, it was still the brisk and lively tune. "She played it for me!" In an instant, Jing Hu's blood was boiling and his body was hot. He tried his best to suppress this feeling, and stared at the moon like a stare.
Jing Hu returned to Chunri Mountain and told Mrs. Dingshi and A Ling about the matter, and they had no objection.Therefore, Jinjin Xinbingwei was sent to Shangtian. A few days later, Jinjin came back and said: "They said they knew, and they want me to come back first, and they will send envoys to answer their orders in a few days!" The reply was rather lukewarm, giving the impression that they were about to say no.Jing Hu hopes that this marriage can be negotiated, so that Fang Jing and his son's grievances can be resolved as soon as possible. He decided to take a trip to Shangtian himself, but he was strongly dissuaded by the left and right, and they were also disturbed by the attitude of Fang Jing and his son. "Don't talk about it, he is my uncle, and he has a very high military name, so he won't do that kind of villainous tricks. I believe him, and this trip is decided." It's hard to persuade him, but he decided to accompany him. He has the courage to risk his life and sacrifice his life for the savior. Jing Hu couldn't refuse. "Okay! I'll take you there, but you are absolutely not allowed to act without authorization!" Chunri Mountain is twenty-four miles away from Shangtian, and it takes two days if it is fast, or three days if it is slow.Jinghu stayed in Tokamachi the next day, and sent Yataro Oni Kojima to Ueda to inform him of his arrival tomorrow. In the morning of the next day, he climbed over Batong Ridge, which connects the Uonuma Basin and the Southern Uonuma Basin, and the political scene may greet him on the ridge.
Master Jing Hu walked slowly on the green mountain road with the noise of cicadas. They were riding on the horse, and the cool wind blew from the bottom of the valley from time to time. Although it was not hot, the horse was sweating all over. "We're here, take a rest when we get to the ridge, and feed the horses some food and grass." Both the master and the slave patted the horse's neck lovingly. Under the sweaty mane, the skin was hot to the touch. After finally approaching the mountain, someone on the mountain called out: "Hello——" Looking up, there is a person standing on horseback in the shade of a large pine tree at the lower slope, and it is Yataro Oni Kojima.White teeth appeared on the red and black face, and he smiled happily. Jing Hu and the others also waved their hands to answer. Yataro pulled the rein of the horse, walked downhill slowly, came to Jinghu, dismounted lightly and said: "Mr. Zheng Jing is on the mountain to welcome you." Jing Hu probably expected this to happen, "Really?" He nodded and moved on. On the mountain is a slightly spacious flat land, and broad-leaved trees such as zelkova and chestnut provide cool shade.Zheng Jing tied his horse to a tree trunk and sat on a low stool. He wore a warrior uniform and a black gauze hat, and his followers also wore uniforms, sitting on both sides. As soon as Jing Hu came up, his eyes naturally turned to that side, he nodded slightly, and dismounted. Zheng Jing also nodded in return, got up and walked over. "It must be Duke Jing Hu!" "You are brother Zhengjing!" The two sides looked at each other and smiled.Although the two are cousins, this is the first time they meet.In the thirty-seventh year of Zhengjing, he was tall and burly, with dark complexion and ruddy blood, high raised thick eyebrows, long and big bright eyes, full of strong and shrewd masculinity.Although he is fifteen years older than Ah Ling, there is nothing unworthy between the two of them, and Jing Hu thinks it is the best. In the meantime, Zheng Jing's servants also arranged seats, and spread mats on the place where Zheng Jing was sitting just now, and the two sat facing each other, with the seats of attendants behind each. "The weather is hot, and it's frightening to have someone come here." Zheng Jing said while guiding Jing Hu to the table. After sitting down, Zheng Jing said again: "It's a pleasure to meet you for the first time. Although Zheng Jing belongs to the same family, because I missed it many times, it's only a matter of fate." The language used by Zheng Jing is solemn, expressing his kindness to Jing Hu and his etiquette to the lord. Jing Hu also replied cordially: "I have heard for a long time that my brother is brave in martial arts, and I have been friends with him for a long time. It is as expected to see you today." Zheng Jing also brought a cook and prepared all kinds of food.He took the gourd offered by his servant and filled a cup: "Let me respect my lord first!" He raised his neck and drank it, licked his tongue and said with a smile: "Good wine, I specially picked it!" After all, he offered a cup to Jinghu.Jing Hu took it, filled the cup himself, and drank it down, feeling a burst of sweet coolness seeping into his mouth through the gap between his teeth, and down his throat. "It really is good wine." He returned the glass to Zheng Jing. Zheng Jing took the wine glass, put it in front of him, stepped back a little, put his hands on the ground and knelt down, and said: "My lord has recently killed the traitors and pacified the country. I am gratified and congratulated. However, because my father is old and poor, I can't go to see you in person. Hey, it's really disrespectful, I hereby apologize." Jing Hu said with a smile: "Stop apologizing, as long as you are willing to see me, you will be very happy, and I will not complain." "I dare not." "Really, it's very pleasant to meet like this." "I feel the same way." Words flowed unhindered between entertainment.Jing Hu's entourage also prepared food and wine to entertain Zheng Jing's entourage.Everyone was in a good mood, chatting and laughing lively. Jing Hu thought to himself, it's good to be here, but he was very careful not to touch on important topics, lest both parties fall into an embarrassing situation.He secretly vigilant, drinking one cup after another, he likes to drink, no matter how much he drinks, he has never been drunk enough to do anything bad.
It was still early when we arrived at Ueda Castle, and the host's house had already prepared bath water.Jing Hu washed off the oil and sweat on his body, put on dry clothes, sat in the spacious living room and chatted with Yataro and others in the next room, and Zheng Jing came in with food and wine. "My father will be here soon. I just had a cramp in my calf not long ago. I'm asking for a massage. I won't be here until later. Let me accompany you first!" There is a grilled sweetfish on the large dinner plate. The fish is fat and the salt on the body is burnt yellow, which is mouth-watering. "What a big sweetfish!" "It was caught in the Uino River. Our land is a mountain village. The sea fish is only salted fish, but the river fish is abundant. Carp, crucian carp, eel, sweetfish and soft-shelled turtle, especially sweetfish, which are fat and tender. Great entrance." "I'll try it!" Jing Hu peeled off a piece of fish with chopsticks, dipped a Polygonum leaf in vinegar, and put it in his mouth, when a sharp roar sounded from the compartment: "Please wait!" It's Yataro. "What are you doing?" "please wait!" Jing Hu had no choice but to put the fish back on the plate and put down his chopsticks. At this time, Yataro walked in across the threshold, knelt down when he was two meters away, walked to Jinghu's table on his knees, picked up his chopsticks and said, "Let me taste the poison!" Jing Hu angrily reprimanded: "Rude!" Although he didn't think that Zheng Jing had the insidious intention of killing him with poison, it was wrong to eat it without tasting the poison.However, in this situation he had to scold Yataro. "This is my responsibility." Yataro replied. Zheng Jing seemed to be a little angry, and his family's generals also looked wrong, so Jing Hu's entourage also changed their faces, and the room was filled with a sense of murder. Only Yataro was at ease, eating with relish under the gaze of everyone, and he didn't feel like tasting poison at all. .He clicked his tongue from time to time, dipped the fish meat in the vinegar made from Polygonum leaves, and put it into his mouth, eating everything from the head to the tail of the fish. A wry smile appeared on Zheng Jing's resentful face, then the smile disappeared suddenly, and he bowed to Jing Hu: "Your negligence, please forgive me!" He turned his head and told the servants: "Bring a new plate!" Then he said to Yataro, "How about it, are you getting drunk?" His tone was sarcasm, and there was a dry smile on his face. Yataro refused to admit defeat: "I dare not think that the Zhengjing Guild will do evil things, but the task of accompanying the lord is to prevent all misfortunes from happening." An unpleasant atmosphere filled the audience instantly, and Jing Hu thought that if the atmosphere was not eliminated quickly, it might cause a dilemma.He wanted to get straight to the point, turned around and said to his followers, "You all step back for now!" "what!" Yataro was slightly embarrassed, but immediately got up and exited the room. Seeing this, Zheng Jing also ordered the generals: "Go down!" There were only the two of them left in the spacious living room.The setting sun slanted on the trees in the garden, and there was the sound of grasshoppers in the yard. "Brother Zheng Jing, you can guess why I came here!" Jing Hu said staring at Zheng Jing. "Probably guessed." "In this case, let me just say it straight. Although there are many twists and turns in this matter, I hope you can accept it. I am the fourth son of Kasuga Mountain. I am still young, and my relationship with domestic samurai is still very shallow. The most reliable Only people of the same clan. You are my closest clansmen, I very much hope that we can strengthen our relationship and become negotiable objects with each other, this is the only thing I beg of you, please agree." His tone was steady, but full of intimidating spirit. There was a forced and painful expression on Zheng Jing's capable face, and he wanted to speak, but if he was allowed to say something wrong at this time, the matter would have no room for change, so Jing Hu continued: "If you don't accept it, it means you Am I right in thinking that Jing Hu doesn’t have the guts to lead the Nagao Clan?” "This..." Zheng Jing smiled wryly and wanted to argue. But Jing Hu didn't give him a chance to speak: "I'm not at all attached to the identity of the leader of the Longtail clan and the identity of the guardian generation. As long as your father and son think that I don't have the ability, I can give way to you at any time. My words are not strategies. , It’s not just talking about it, I really think so.” Jing Hu's face turned pale, his big eyes glowed abnormally, and he looked closely at Zheng Jing.The same goes for Zheng Jing, with small beads of sweat on his pale forehead and gloomy eyes. In the silence where one could hear each other's breathing, a wordless oppression filled the ears, and the metal-like calls of grasshoppers pierced one's ears. This sense of urgency is broken by the sound of footsteps in the yard, and the sound of wooden jacks stepping on the stepping stones approaching from far away.The two relieved their tension and looked towards the source of the sound. A thin old man dragged a wooden stool and leaned on a long staff, walking on the stepping stones in the yard.He dragged his right foot and walked slowly.He was wearing a loose samurai uniform, which made his body appear smaller, and his sideburns and long beard under the black gauze hat were completely white, just like the mask of an old man in a Noh play. "It's my father!" Zheng Jing nodded to Jing Hu, and rushed over to hold the old man's hand to serve him as he walked over.The old man has no expression on his face, but it can be seen that he is very relieved to let him serve. Jing Hu's chest was hot. He had never made his father depend on and cared for his father like this. He was a little envious. The old man coughed a few times, walked up the side corridor, walked slowly into the room, and sat where Zheng Jing had been sitting just now.He looked straight at Jing Hu, under his long white eyebrows, his glowing pupils seemed to be glaring. "Are you Jing Hu?" His voice was deep and powerful. "It's my nephew, I'm here to see my uncle." "Don't dare!" Fang Jing put his hands on the ground and lowered his head: "I'm next to Fang Jing, nice to meet you." "It's a pleasure to meet you!" Jing Hu returned the gift with his hands on the ground. Fang Jing looked at Jing Hu, his eyes suddenly turned red, and he choked up, "You have finally grown up! You are twenty years old! I heard that you have outstanding martial arts..." He suddenly laughed loudly: "Ah! It's not that I heard that I was beaten terribly in the confrontation at Sabashikawa, but it happened last year, haha! It's amazing!" "Uncle has won the prize." Fang Jing laughed heartily again, and suddenly stopped laughing: "I heard some verbal disputes over there just now, and rushed here regardless of the pain in my feet, and it was exactly as I expected, hahaha! You came here on a special trip this time, it's nothing It's not easy to discuss. It's the first time you come to see uncle, uncle should give you a generous gift, so let's do it! I'll give you Zhengjing as your brother-in-law! I, an old man, hope that the two families can live in harmony for a long time!" Jing Hu couldn't believe that the matter took such a sudden turn and was resolved smoothly. He opened his mouth and said after a while, "Thanks to uncle for agreeing, I am very grateful!" "We just need to be grateful! It's a shame to ask you to go there yourself, but it's okay, and any problems should be resolved. Haha, son! This is your blessing, thirty-seven I can still marry a twenty-two-year-old bride at the age of 22, and she is the guardian sister, so why don't you thank the lord, haha!" He is very happy.