Chapter 17 Flag of Four Likes
The spies sent by Jinghu to Xinzhou kept sending back information.Takeda's army aggressively attacked Katsuo Castle. Although Yoshiki Murakami resisted bravely, he was unable to resist after all.
The so-called dead lips and teeth are cold. Jinghu notified the situation in Shinshu to Ueda's political situation, and ordered him to quickly send troops to Kuramata in Nakauonuma County to defend Echigo, while he himself led 3,000 elite troops to guard Kanzan in Nakakinjo County.The south of Kuramata in Nakaunuma County and the south of Kanzan in Nakayoshi County are all under Murakami Yoshiki.In case the Takeda army captures Katsuo Castle, they may take advantage of the victory and attack the Echigo territory.It is necessary to put on a defensive posture so that it does not dare to rush forward.Jing Hu built a stronghold and formed an array, blocked the streets of Beiguo, and put on a grand military appearance, just in case.
A few days later, he received a report of the fall of Katsuo Castle. The soldiers of the castle died, surrendered or fled, and the whereabouts of the main general Yoshiki was unknown.
"Poor! It ended up like this."
In addition to stricter vigilance, Jing Hu also sent more spies.It is reported that because Yoshinori's whereabouts are unknown, the Takeda Army searched the area from Kawanakajima to Zenkoji Temple in detail.Moreover, the Takeda Army had no intention of withdrawing its troops, and continued to camp in the Amemiya, Yashiro, and Shiozaki areas in the south of Kawanaka Island.The camping situation is neat and strict, and the orders must be followed, which is quite spectacular.
Jing Hu couldn't help feeling a strong curiosity and decided to check it out himself.He borrowed a set of nihilistic monk clothes, put on straw sandals, leggings, a flute, a bamboo hat, and carried a rolled straw mat for camping or resting.
Of course the guards tried to persuade him to dispel this idea, but failed, and planned to accompany him, but he said that there were too many people, which made people suspicious, so he left Guanshan alone.
On the first day, he walked through the alluvial canyon and plains of Guanchuan, and soon came to a small ancestral hall near the border of Shin-Etsu.Although he didn't know who was enshrined in the ancestral hall, but he knew the custom of the nihilistic monk to play a song when he passed in front of the gods and Buddhas, so he walked into the courtyard of the ancestral hall and played a song. When he came out after worshiping, he saw Several warriors came oncoming.They were wearing hunting suits and silk hats.
Jing Hu didn't know who was coming, he played his flute and walked quietly by the side of the road.
When the knights approached, Jing Hu found that there were seven or eight people in the team, the leader seemed to be the master, and the followers were all cavalry, and there were no infantry. He felt suspicious: "Could it be Murakami?"
Even though he was so determined in his heart, he still didn't stop blowing the flute and continued to move forward.
The team of people finally approached, Jing Hu leaned to the side of the road and stopped playing the flute.With his hand on the edge of the hat, he looked up at the leading warrior.The man was about forty years old, his temples were half white, his lips were tightly pressed, and deep wrinkles were carved on the corners of his mouth.His eyes were sharp and powerful, but that was only for a moment, and the person had already passed by.
Jinghu was sure that it must be Yoshiki Murakami.This area is Murakami's territory. It is not unreasonable for him to lurk here, although it is very dangerous.The Takeda Army is searching Kawanakajima to Zenkojidaira, and it will be here soon.
"Does he plan to hide forever? Or does he want to get in touch with the Hojo clan of Odawara, threaten Takeda from behind, and gather his own party to formulate a strategy for restoring the country after Takeda retreats?"
In any case, Jing Hu felt the need to see Takeda's military appearance.
Early the next morning, he arrived at Zenkoji Temple.
He first visited the temple Buddha and played a song.In order not to be seen through his true identity, he must follow the established practice of the nihilistic monk. In fact, his belief in gods and Buddhas is already devout.
Out of Zenko Temple, I met a group of warriors in light armor. The tip of a dozen men's guns reflected the rising sun in early summer, full of killing spirit, but they marched in a disciplined manner, obviously searching for the remaining enemies.
Along the way, Jinghu met the warrior team several times and was interrogated, but he did not expose Xingzang because he was young, small in stature, and looked weak at first glance.
Come to Kawanakajima.Villages and forests are scattered on this vast delta sandwiched between the Sai River and the Chikuma River, one third of which is a field like a river beach, one third is a dry field, and one third is a paddy field.Although the cold here comes early, the farmers have already planted the seedlings, and the water-filled fields are covered with a layer of light green like a layer of light color.
In the Warring States Period, the warriors were busy fighting, but the farmers continued to cultivate.Without their labor production, the whole world would be hungry, and the warriors would have no way to survive, so the lords flogged the people to farm.But not everyone is forced to go to the field. Many people go to the field with the joy of hard work and the most important thing in production.How noble this kind of mind is, the human world can only be established by relying on this kind of mind.In contrast, those generals who are full of selfish desires and thinking about seizing people's territories are really hopeless.
Jing Hu felt something in his heart, propped up the edge of the straw hat, and stood there looking at the vast plain.
This is the territory of the Murakami family.Although the Murakami family owns two counties of Echigo and four counties of Shinshu, the area from Kawanakajima to Zenkoji flat is the most fertile land and the center of the territory.
"Will the mature harvest of these seedlings become the Takeda family's?" Jing Hu thought of this with a sad feeling.
"You must never lose in a war! Although I don't like it, but one day I have to fight Harunobu. At that time, this area will become a battlefield!" He thought.
From Guanshan Mountain to here, there is no wide flat land in the middle. Although there are flat lands in the canyon area along the river and around Nojiri Lake, they are too narrow and not suitable for dispatching large troops.If you want to fight, Zenkoji Hei is the most suitable place to come here.
The field ridge path under the bright sun meanders all the way southward.
After walking about two miles, I saw cooking smoke rising from three places in the distance in front of me. I took a closer look and saw something flickering between the fresh green and the houses. I didn't need to think about it to know that it was a military flag.This is what the flag looks like in the distance in this weather.
He was playing the flute, his eyes still did not deviate from that side, he walked slowly, and when he came across a river, he thought it must be the Qianqu River.The river is huge, abundant, and swift.
There is a ferry on the shore.A half-toppled hut stands in the shade of willow trees on the embankment, with a boat tied in front of it.There is a thick vine connected from there to the opposite bank, and the boat probably climbed the vine to cross it.Because the current is too fast, it is not enough to rely on oars alone.
Jing Hu walked down the embankment and came to the hut. He saw two miscellaneous soldiers in armor and hats, sitting under the shade of willows, eating their rations.Seeing Jinghu, he was startled.
One of them shouted, "Who are you?"
Jing Hu replied calmly: "The nihilistic monk who roams all over the world!"
"What are you doing here?"
The other swallowed the choked rice ball with great difficulty, and chimed in: "You have to cross the river! If there is no road, you can't cross it!"
Both of them tried their best to put on a serious expression, but they still couldn't hide their good-natured nature.
"I'm here to observe the battle. Unfortunately, it seems that the battle is over, but I hope at least to see the winning camp of the Takeda army. Please let me cross the river!"
In this era, there are many ronin warriors who have not yet made their mark and live among the nihilistic monks temporarily, and there are also many nihilistic monks who are also practicing warriors.
"Are you a martial artist?"
"I have this plan. I was born in a martial arts family, but because of something in the past, I can't be used by the famous names of various countries. In order to make a living, I have to travel around. This way, I can practice martial arts."
"You really have a heart!" The miscellaneous soldier was quite moved, but he stared straight at Jing Hu and said, "But, you are so young, you don't seem like someone who can focus on nothingness!"
Jing Hu smiled bitterly and said: "It's not that I haven't thought about it this way. People rely on luck in everything. Maybe one day I will return to the status of a warrior. Therefore, there is no loss in practicing as a warrior."
"Really? That's up to you! It's not easy for us to interfere!"
After speaking, they began to concentrate on biting the rice balls again.
Jing Hu asked, "Can I go there?"
"Do you have a way?"
"No."
"That won't work!" They replied sharply, and then said in a calm tone: "Didn't we just say that you can't cross the river without roads, I'm sorry."
"Where do I get the roads?"
"On the way you came, there should be Xiaojing Village. There is a temple in the village, and our samurai issued road signs there. The temple is a little far from the main road, so you probably didn't notice it. The villagers in this area have taken a lot."
"Oh! I still have to go back and get it?"
"Yeah! Just make another trip!" Although they were a little sympathetic, they insisted on following the law.
Jing Hu turned around and walked back, but he had no intention of going back to this ferry again.Although he really wanted to see the famous "Sunzi Siru Banner" these days, even if he regretted not seeing it, at least he could see Takeda's strict military discipline and the degree of military use from these two guards.
A few days after returning to Guanshan, as the Koshu army withdrew to his home country, Jinghu also withdrew to Mount Kasuga.He also notified Kuramata's administration to withdraw troops.Three months later, I got a report that Yoshiki Murakami appeared in Takanashi Masa Raii Castle, five miles northeast of Zenko-ji Temple. Inoue, Suda, Shimadzu, Kurita and other noble families from Shinshu rushed to join them. It is said that these remaining wealthy families from Shinshu were determined to gather all their strength Resist Takeda's aggression. Because this place is closer to Echigo than Kawanakajima, negligence cannot be tolerated, so Jinghu hurriedly notified Ueda to ask Fangjing to go to Kuramata to guard it again. On the afternoon of the day when Jinghu sent the envoy, Takanashi Castle sent an envoy to bring a letter signed by all the generals trapped in the city. "We were forced by Takeda's insatiable greed. We cut land and lost cities every year. Now there is no place for us. You must have heard about it. We are all in one mind this time, and we want to fight to the death with Takeda's violence. I don't know if you can do it. Can you help me? Since I am asking Your Excellency, I should have gone to petition in person, but the fierce enemy is coming, I can't leave here, dare to send envoys to sue, if you are rude, please forgive me!" Jing Hu was shocked as if struck by lightning, but disappeared in an instant.He muttered to himself: "It's finally here! It's surprisingly fast..." He recalled the appearance of Harunobu he saw at Misakaling, it seemed that deep down in his heart at that time, he already had the feeling of looking forward to today's situation. The envoy prepared to explain what was missing in the letter, but Jing Hu felt that it was unnecessary.He intends to extend a helping hand, so he stopped and said: "I agree to your request. The Takanashi family is my relative. Although Masarai is a little older than me, he is my nephew. Since you have a request from me, of course you can't just ignore it. Besides, if there are any generals in Shinshu One, Takeda Pioneer will definitely come towards me, of course I can’t just sit by and watch. As for how to help, I still have to study and study, in short, I will definitely help with some kind of action, please tell your lords to rest assured!” The messenger went back happily. In early August, the Takeda Army passed Kawanakajima and advanced along the Shinanogawa Road to Takanashidaira.Jinghu received the report and ordered the Kakizaki Jing family to lead several heroes to send troops to Kawanakajima.He himself did not move.Because the Takeda Army, which was under threat from behind, could not concentrate its forces to attack Takanashi Castle, and would definitely send envoys to him to protest, and he planned to persuade Takeda to return to the noble clan of Shinshu at that time.In normal times, Takeda would not listen, but in a dangerous situation, maybe he would.They just obey.If not, then he can sever ties with Takeda openly. He instructed Kakizaki: "Maybe there will be no war, but don't be careless. As long as there is a slight change, report it immediately!" Unfortunately, Jing Hu miscalculated this move.When Harunobu knew that the Echigo army wanted to cut off his retreat, he sent an army back that night quietly, arrived at Chuanakajima just after midnight, and launched a night attack, Kakizaki suffered a disastrous defeat. The report came back to Kasuga Hill at dawn the next day. Jing Hu was shocked, this was his first defeat in a battle, anger and shame filled his body.Without waiting to rinse his mouth, he put on his armor, dictated the deployment of the army, ordered the guards to write it down, and shouted: "Send troops immediately, I'll go first!" With only one stable boy, he ran southward to Beiguo Street.
In the early morning of the next day, Jinghu immediately walked up to Chuanakajima and looked around. On the way here, he met several envoys sent by his own side, and based on their reports, he concluded as follows. The Takeda army attacked Kakizaki at night, defeated the Echigo army, and then went straight to Takanashidaira, concentrated on the onslaught, and captured Takanashi Castle a few minutes later. Although the Takeda army retreated immediately, they placed heavy troops in various cities along the way, forming formations and building strongholds. At the same time, they retreated to Fukashi and Ueda. Repeated missteps made Jinghu grit his teeth and feel hot all over, but he had to admire Harunobu's martial strategy.Harunobu sees Jinghu's strategy more clearly than in a mirror, he seizes the opportunity again and again, and finally wins big. This strategy is amazing. Moreover, he also guessed that Jing Hu might send troops in a rage. Instead of confronting Jing Hu, who was bent on fighting, he retreated more quickly to the rear of his own territory.Because he calculated that even if he wins this battle, his side will lose a lot, so it is better to avoid it. On Jinghu's side, Kakizaki and other generals were scattered and chased to the west in the mountains of Shangsui Nei County, where they could not move. "Hateful! Harunobu!" Jing Hu gritted his teeth and cursed.He looked around and saw a field of ripe yellow rice, extending past a field of mulberry.The area where the war started was trampled beyond recognition, but after half a day of rain yesterday, it seemed to have recovered a lot.Obviously, the war was carried out effectively in a very short period of time, all because of the negligence of one's own side and the excellent tactics of the enemy. "If I were there..." He couldn't help introspecting, and then his thoughts changed: "I shouldn't say such self-blaming words. No matter what the reason is, if you lose, you lose! You should admit your mistakes and plan a shameful battle as soon as possible." But in an instant he thought again: "Anyway, this battle has hurt my martial name, and I don't know how I feel in the hearts of the Echigo nobles!" Thinking about it, I felt a slight pain in my chest. He was in a gloomy mood, with a feeling of abandoning everything: "One day, I will have a decisive battle with Harunobu, and I must defeat him, otherwise, I will have no standing as a warrior. Whether I win or he wins, this is a battle." The battle of life..." He gritted his teeth again and made a vow secretly. There are several mountain ranges around the basin where he is located. He doesn't know the names of most of the mountains.After half a day of rain yesterday, the autumn air is as clear as water, and the mountains seem to be within reach under the noon sun.
In the afternoon, Echigo's officers and soldiers arrived, and immediately afterward, Kakizaki Jing's family also came out from among the mountains. "My lord, forgive me! This subordinate did not expect the opponent to make that move at all, this subordinate was negligent!" Although Kakizaki pleaded guilty, his tone seemed to imply that Jinghu himself had made a mistake in his judgment and that he could not be the only one to blame.And it is.Although Jing Hu told him "not to be careless", he also said "probably not going to war". Jing Hu was in pain like being stabbed in the spine: "I didn't explain clearly, it wasn't your mistake!" In fact, he didn't intend to speak again, but in order to motivate himself, he had to ask about the combat situation of the Takeda Army in detail. "The so-called defeated generals cannot be described as brave. Indeed, the Takeda Army is a formidable enemy that I have never encountered before. They are just like the flags of our army that say 'as fast as the wind, as aggressive as fire'. Of course, this is also the negligence of the subordinates. , They came over silently, like water, and when our army found out, they were already close at hand. They kept shooting, and people rushed out from the smoke of the guns like a storm. Our army was still in sleep, and was brutally attacked , Morale plummeted, unable to prevent the war, and could only retreat, as if being swallowed by a fire. The enemy's night attack was successful, and I was able to make my defeat so miserable, which is also called my admiration." Although Kakizaki was annoyed, if he didn't praise the other party at this moment, he would expose his own ugliness, so he kept praising the enemy.But in the end, he seemed to be unable to take it anymore, and suddenly doubled his voice and said: "However, I will never be afraid of him. Now that I understand the enemy's tactics, when the next opportunity comes, I swear that I will clean up the shame of this defeat!" "I plan to do the same! Then do it well!" "The subordinates will not disgrace the expectations of the lord!" Jing Hu suddenly asked: "You just said that the muskets of the Takeda army fired one after another. Do they have many? How many do you think?" Kakizaki tilted his head and thought for a while: "Things happened too fast, we were in a mess, and it was dark at night, so I don't know how many there are, but according to my subordinates, there are probably no less than a hundred people! I'm not making excuses, The soldiers were shocked when they heard the scary noise and the sparks from the muzzle, and they couldn't even hear my order, so the situation collapsed like this." "No, no." Jing Hu nodded in agreement, he was quite shaken in his heart.The Takeda army used more than a hundred muskets in the assault the night before, even if it was overestimated, but they had at least twice as many in the entire army. On my own side, although I have purchased more and more since the attack on Santiao, they are no more than 80 at most.According to this situation, even if you go out and wait in person, you may not have the hope of winning.Although he felt that it was a mistake for him not to go out in person, perhaps he minimized the possible disgrace because of this. Thinking of this, he felt a chill down his spine, perhaps this was the blessing of Bishamon God. Jing Hu stayed in Chuanzhong Island for two days, and began to retreat on the morning of the third day.After three days, return to Kasuga Mountain. Murakami Yoshiki, Takanashi Masahiro, Inoue Masahiro, Shimadzu Tadao, Suda Mitsukoku, Kurita Yongju and other Shinshu heroes came to Kasuga Mountain the next day. Takanashi Masarai had met each other once or twice when Kagetora was young, and the others were just meeting each other for the first time.Jing Hu received them grandly. "Jing Hu was entrusted by everyone to send troops to Chuanzhong Island. Unfortunately, the generals he dispatched were not qualified, and he failed to defeat the enemy. I feel guilty for my entrustment!" Yoshiki Murakami replied on behalf of the crowd: "Don't dare, it's us who made the mistake! We have previous experience in fighting the enemy, and we know the enemy's combat tactics. We should inform the adults in advance to deal with it carefully, but we neglected this matter and investigated it. I’m also sorry for my missteps and disappointing adults’ wishes!” After Murakami finished speaking, everyone talked about Takeda's tyranny, and hoped that Jinghu would help. Jing Hu replied: "Naturally, although I am a younger generation, I dare not accept you so sincerely. As mentioned earlier, as long as your leader is still in the hands of Wu Tian, I feel the same as burning the next door. How can I sit back and relax? Takeda will definitely be expelled, and I will be grateful for you to live in peace!" The heroes of Xinzhou wept and thanked and said: "Since your lord has this sentence, then we will serve you from today onwards. Even if we can live in peace in the future, we will always be your servants!" Murakami Yoshiki even expressed his willingness to dedicate one of his two counties in Echigo to Jinghu. "I understand your intentions very well, but I haven't done anything for you. I don't dare to be greedy for nothing. I will do my best in the future. Let's talk about it when you and my subordinates are satisfied! For now, let's talk about it as a guest. Wait for everyone!" Jing Hu settled the matter clearly and tactfully, which convinced the six people. After exchanging pleasantries, when they talked openly and honestly with each other, Jing Hu asked about Takeda's combat strategy. "Although Qingxin is greedy and innocent, his strategy is really clever. In the past countless battles, he has never collapsed and failed. He always fights to the end, laughing at the defeated army. His tactics are different from others, and he never gets complacent , Always move forward cautiously, so there is no sudden change in the situation on the way, turning victory into defeat, this is really an incomparably solid strategy!" After Murakami Yoshiki finished speaking, the others nodded in agreement, citing their own examples as proof. Jing Hu listened, as if Wutian's orderly dispatch of troops and the battle situation with restraint came into view, he didn't feel a slight pain in his heart, and felt a depression like abdominal pain.He drained the wine in the vermilion lacquer goblet and said: "I understand that Harunobu's final victory is to expand his territory. But it's different, I don't care, and of course I don't intend to expand my territory. I just don't like defeat, probably because I'm still young! Hahaha!" He was a little drunk, with a proud heart.
About twenty days later, at the beginning of September, Jing Hu suddenly decided to go to Beijing.The main purpose is to go to Sakai Port to order muskets. By the way, I would like to thank the imperial court for last year's narrator. If possible, I will pay homage to the shogun and get his official promise to inherit the Kanto stewardship. On a certain day in early September, he set off from Chunri Mountain. Although the entourage was still the heroes of the past, they were too old and couldn't walk as fast as before, so he brought more than 20 young and strong boys with him. ten people. They were all dressed up as samurai, and those with samurai status rode horses. The retainers of Uesugi Kensei, the governor of Kanto who lived in Echigo, were also ordered by the master to accompany Jinghu to Beijing. Jing Hu and his party arrived at Yujin Port on the evening of the fifth day along the sea route they traveled nine years ago when they pretended to be wandering monks and returned to China.Overnight at a hotel near the sea. The next morning, Jing Hu got up earlier than anyone else, left the hotel alone, and walked around the town.This place was once conquered by his father, Wei Jing, and became his family's territory. However, after the domestic tyrants declared chaos and killed his father, this place was separated from Echigo.Speaking of which, this is the enemy town who has the hatred of killing his father. Even though he doesn't love his father, as a general, he still has the lingering thought of attacking the country to restore his old career and avenge his father's shame. He must take a good look at it. Clear the geographical situation of this town. The morning in Gangdu comes quickly, the sun has not yet risen, and few people can be seen near the seaside town where the water-blue dawn gathers.They all carried boxes like fishing gear, carried oars, and walked silently to the beach.Jing Hu also walked to the seaside like them, walked on the beach wet with tidal wind and dew, watched the port crowded with merchant ships and fishing boats from various countries, and then went around to the city. The city of this era did not have stone walls, castle towers, and towering majestic towers as in the later ages. Now it is just a wall of earth surrounded by grass. The same is true for Uozu Castle, which is slightly off the center and surrounded by samurai houses with many trees.Outside the city is surrounded by Cheng Hao, on which there are withered lotus leaves and water chestnut leaves, the water is black and blue, and it is bottomless. Jing Hu strolled along the road along the bank of Hao, which was shaded by willow leaves, and circled the city for a circle. Although the city was built on flat land, it was of a good size and strong. At this time, the sun came out.Jing Hu turned to the direction of the hotel, and when he passed through the street surrounded by samurai houses, he heard the sound of a piano from nowhere. The sound of the zither came from a distance, not very loud, but it sounded very moving in the dim morning light, on the road to the samurai's house with luxuriant old trees. "This is indeed a place where business travelers from all over the world come and go. It's not like a shabby village in the countryside, where there are elegant people." As Jing Hu walked forward, the sound of the piano became clearer, and he could hear the tune.The performer is very skillful. "Judging from this skillful technique, the person playing the piano is probably not young, but judging from the soft and beautiful sound of the piano, he doesn't look like an old man. He is probably a middle-aged samurai's wife, or a middle-aged blind girl! Early in the morning So elegant!" Jing Hu listened while thinking, and came to the house where the sound of the piano came out. It was a large mansion, surrounded by a moat about two feet wide, and the high earth wall on the inner side of the moat was planted with luxuriant goji tangerines. It was built very solidly, and it must be the house of the city lord's important officials or the city lord's family.The sound of the piano leaked smoothly from the dense tree gaps in the house. Jing Hu slowed down and finally stood still.He listened attentively, and for some reason, he suddenly remembered the appearance of his brother's concubine Fujizi. "I've heard her play the piano before, maybe this is the piece she played, but what's the name of this piece? It sounds very leisurely!" The sun is already shining. "This can't be done!" He hurriedly started to leave.
A few days after returning to Guanshan, as the Koshu army withdrew to his home country, Jinghu also withdrew to Mount Kasuga.He also notified Kuramata's administration to withdraw troops.Three months later, I got a report that Yoshiki Murakami appeared in Takanashi Masa Raii Castle, five miles northeast of Zenko-ji Temple. Inoue, Suda, Shimadzu, Kurita and other noble families from Shinshu rushed to join them. It is said that these remaining wealthy families from Shinshu were determined to gather all their strength Resist Takeda's aggression. Because this place is closer to Echigo than Kawanakajima, negligence cannot be tolerated, so Jinghu hurriedly notified Ueda to ask Fangjing to go to Kuramata to guard it again. On the afternoon of the day when Jinghu sent the envoy, Takanashi Castle sent an envoy to bring a letter signed by all the generals trapped in the city. "We were forced by Takeda's insatiable greed. We cut land and lost cities every year. Now there is no place for us. You must have heard about it. We are all in one mind this time, and we want to fight to the death with Takeda's violence. I don't know if you can do it. Can you help me? Since I am asking Your Excellency, I should have gone to petition in person, but the fierce enemy is coming, I can't leave here, dare to send envoys to sue, if you are rude, please forgive me!" Jing Hu was shocked as if struck by lightning, but disappeared in an instant.He muttered to himself: "It's finally here! It's surprisingly fast..." He recalled the appearance of Harunobu he saw at Misakaling, it seemed that deep down in his heart at that time, he already had the feeling of looking forward to today's situation. The envoy prepared to explain what was missing in the letter, but Jing Hu felt that it was unnecessary.He intends to extend a helping hand, so he stopped and said: "I agree to your request. The Takanashi family is my relative. Although Masarai is a little older than me, he is my nephew. Since you have a request from me, of course you can't just ignore it. Besides, if there are any generals in Shinshu One, Takeda Pioneer will definitely come towards me, of course I can’t just sit by and watch. As for how to help, I still have to study and study, in short, I will definitely help with some kind of action, please tell your lords to rest assured!” The messenger went back happily. In early August, the Takeda Army passed Kawanakajima and advanced along the Shinanogawa Road to Takanashidaira.Jinghu received the report and ordered the Kakizaki Jing family to lead several heroes to send troops to Kawanakajima.He himself did not move.Because the Takeda Army, which was under threat from behind, could not concentrate its forces to attack Takanashi Castle, and would definitely send envoys to him to protest, and he planned to persuade Takeda to return to the noble clan of Shinshu at that time.In normal times, Takeda would not listen, but in a dangerous situation, maybe he would.They just obey.If not, then he can sever ties with Takeda openly. He instructed Kakizaki: "Maybe there will be no war, but don't be careless. As long as there is a slight change, report it immediately!" Unfortunately, Jing Hu miscalculated this move.When Harunobu knew that the Echigo army wanted to cut off his retreat, he sent an army back that night quietly, arrived at Chuanakajima just after midnight, and launched a night attack, Kakizaki suffered a disastrous defeat. The report came back to Kasuga Hill at dawn the next day. Jing Hu was shocked, this was his first defeat in a battle, anger and shame filled his body.Without waiting to rinse his mouth, he put on his armor, dictated the deployment of the army, ordered the guards to write it down, and shouted: "Send troops immediately, I'll go first!" With only one stable boy, he ran southward to Beiguo Street.
In the early morning of the next day, Jinghu immediately walked up to Chuanakajima and looked around. On the way here, he met several envoys sent by his own side, and based on their reports, he concluded as follows. The Takeda army attacked Kakizaki at night, defeated the Echigo army, and then went straight to Takanashidaira, concentrated on the onslaught, and captured Takanashi Castle a few minutes later. Although the Takeda army retreated immediately, they placed heavy troops in various cities along the way, forming formations and building strongholds. At the same time, they retreated to Fukashi and Ueda. Repeated missteps made Jinghu grit his teeth and feel hot all over, but he had to admire Harunobu's martial strategy.Harunobu sees Jinghu's strategy more clearly than in a mirror, he seizes the opportunity again and again, and finally wins big. This strategy is amazing. Moreover, he also guessed that Jing Hu might send troops in a rage. Instead of confronting Jing Hu, who was bent on fighting, he retreated more quickly to the rear of his own territory.Because he calculated that even if he wins this battle, his side will lose a lot, so it is better to avoid it. On Jinghu's side, Kakizaki and other generals were scattered and chased to the west in the mountains of Shangsui Nei County, where they could not move. "Hateful! Harunobu!" Jing Hu gritted his teeth and cursed.He looked around and saw a field of ripe yellow rice, extending past a field of mulberry.The area where the war started was trampled beyond recognition, but after half a day of rain yesterday, it seemed to have recovered a lot.Obviously, the war was carried out effectively in a very short period of time, all because of the negligence of one's own side and the excellent tactics of the enemy. "If I were there..." He couldn't help introspecting, and then his thoughts changed: "I shouldn't say such self-blaming words. No matter what the reason is, if you lose, you lose! You should admit your mistakes and plan a shameful battle as soon as possible." But in an instant he thought again: "Anyway, this battle has hurt my martial name, and I don't know how I feel in the hearts of the Echigo nobles!" Thinking about it, I felt a slight pain in my chest. He was in a gloomy mood, with a feeling of abandoning everything: "One day, I will have a decisive battle with Harunobu, and I must defeat him, otherwise, I will have no standing as a warrior. Whether I win or he wins, this is a battle." The battle of life..." He gritted his teeth again and made a vow secretly. There are several mountain ranges around the basin where he is located. He doesn't know the names of most of the mountains.After half a day of rain yesterday, the autumn air is as clear as water, and the mountains seem to be within reach under the noon sun.
In the afternoon, Echigo's officers and soldiers arrived, and immediately afterward, Kakizaki Jing's family also came out from among the mountains. "My lord, forgive me! This subordinate did not expect the opponent to make that move at all, this subordinate was negligent!" Although Kakizaki pleaded guilty, his tone seemed to imply that Jinghu himself had made a mistake in his judgment and that he could not be the only one to blame.And it is.Although Jing Hu told him "not to be careless", he also said "probably not going to war". Jing Hu was in pain like being stabbed in the spine: "I didn't explain clearly, it wasn't your mistake!" In fact, he didn't intend to speak again, but in order to motivate himself, he had to ask about the combat situation of the Takeda Army in detail. "The so-called defeated generals cannot be described as brave. Indeed, the Takeda Army is a formidable enemy that I have never encountered before. They are just like the flags of our army that say 'as fast as the wind, as aggressive as fire'. Of course, this is also the negligence of the subordinates. , They came over silently, like water, and when our army found out, they were already close at hand. They kept shooting, and people rushed out from the smoke of the guns like a storm. Our army was still in sleep, and was brutally attacked , Morale plummeted, unable to prevent the war, and could only retreat, as if being swallowed by a fire. The enemy's night attack was successful, and I was able to make my defeat so miserable, which is also called my admiration." Although Kakizaki was annoyed, if he didn't praise the other party at this moment, he would expose his own ugliness, so he kept praising the enemy.But in the end, he seemed to be unable to take it anymore, and suddenly doubled his voice and said: "However, I will never be afraid of him. Now that I understand the enemy's tactics, when the next opportunity comes, I swear that I will clean up the shame of this defeat!" "I plan to do the same! Then do it well!" "The subordinates will not disgrace the expectations of the lord!" Jing Hu suddenly asked: "You just said that the muskets of the Takeda army fired one after another. Do they have many? How many do you think?" Kakizaki tilted his head and thought for a while: "Things happened too fast, we were in a mess, and it was dark at night, so I don't know how many there are, but according to my subordinates, there are probably no less than a hundred people! I'm not making excuses, The soldiers were shocked when they heard the scary noise and the sparks from the muzzle, and they couldn't even hear my order, so the situation collapsed like this." "No, no." Jing Hu nodded in agreement, he was quite shaken in his heart.The Takeda army used more than a hundred muskets in the assault the night before, even if it was overestimated, but they had at least twice as many in the entire army. On my own side, although I have purchased more and more since the attack on Santiao, they are no more than 80 at most.According to this situation, even if you go out and wait in person, you may not have the hope of winning.Although he felt that it was a mistake for him not to go out in person, perhaps he minimized the possible disgrace because of this. Thinking of this, he felt a chill down his spine, perhaps this was the blessing of Bishamon God. Jing Hu stayed in Chuanzhong Island for two days, and began to retreat on the morning of the third day.After three days, return to Kasuga Mountain. Murakami Yoshiki, Takanashi Masahiro, Inoue Masahiro, Shimadzu Tadao, Suda Mitsukoku, Kurita Yongju and other Shinshu heroes came to Kasuga Mountain the next day. Takanashi Masarai had met each other once or twice when Kagetora was young, and the others were just meeting each other for the first time.Jing Hu received them grandly. "Jing Hu was entrusted by everyone to send troops to Chuanzhong Island. Unfortunately, the generals he dispatched were not qualified, and he failed to defeat the enemy. I feel guilty for my entrustment!" Yoshiki Murakami replied on behalf of the crowd: "Don't dare, it's us who made the mistake! We have previous experience in fighting the enemy, and we know the enemy's combat tactics. We should inform the adults in advance to deal with it carefully, but we neglected this matter and investigated it. I’m also sorry for my missteps and disappointing adults’ wishes!” After Murakami finished speaking, everyone talked about Takeda's tyranny, and hoped that Jinghu would help. Jing Hu replied: "Naturally, although I am a younger generation, I dare not accept you so sincerely. As mentioned earlier, as long as your leader is still in the hands of Wu Tian, I feel the same as burning the next door. How can I sit back and relax? Takeda will definitely be expelled, and I will be grateful for you to live in peace!" The heroes of Xinzhou wept and thanked and said: "Since your lord has this sentence, then we will serve you from today onwards. Even if we can live in peace in the future, we will always be your servants!" Murakami Yoshiki even expressed his willingness to dedicate one of his two counties in Echigo to Jinghu. "I understand your intentions very well, but I haven't done anything for you. I don't dare to be greedy for nothing. I will do my best in the future. Let's talk about it when you and my subordinates are satisfied! For now, let's talk about it as a guest. Wait for everyone!" Jing Hu settled the matter clearly and tactfully, which convinced the six people. After exchanging pleasantries, when they talked openly and honestly with each other, Jing Hu asked about Takeda's combat strategy. "Although Qingxin is greedy and innocent, his strategy is really clever. In the past countless battles, he has never collapsed and failed. He always fights to the end, laughing at the defeated army. His tactics are different from others, and he never gets complacent , Always move forward cautiously, so there is no sudden change in the situation on the way, turning victory into defeat, this is really an incomparably solid strategy!" After Murakami Yoshiki finished speaking, the others nodded in agreement, citing their own examples as proof. Jing Hu listened, as if Wutian's orderly dispatch of troops and the battle situation with restraint came into view, he didn't feel a slight pain in his heart, and felt a depression like abdominal pain.He drained the wine in the vermilion lacquer goblet and said: "I understand that Harunobu's final victory is to expand his territory. But it's different, I don't care, and of course I don't intend to expand my territory. I just don't like defeat, probably because I'm still young! Hahaha!" He was a little drunk, with a proud heart.
About twenty days later, at the beginning of September, Jing Hu suddenly decided to go to Beijing.The main purpose is to go to Sakai Port to order muskets. By the way, I would like to thank the imperial court for last year's narrator. If possible, I will pay homage to the shogun and get his official promise to inherit the Kanto stewardship. On a certain day in early September, he set off from Chunri Mountain. Although the entourage was still the heroes of the past, they were too old and couldn't walk as fast as before, so he brought more than 20 young and strong boys with him. ten people. They were all dressed up as samurai, and those with samurai status rode horses. The retainers of Uesugi Kensei, the governor of Kanto who lived in Echigo, were also ordered by the master to accompany Jinghu to Beijing. Jing Hu and his party arrived at Yujin Port on the evening of the fifth day along the sea route they traveled nine years ago when they pretended to be wandering monks and returned to China.Overnight at a hotel near the sea. The next morning, Jing Hu got up earlier than anyone else, left the hotel alone, and walked around the town.This place was once conquered by his father, Wei Jing, and became his family's territory. However, after the domestic tyrants declared chaos and killed his father, this place was separated from Echigo.Speaking of which, this is the enemy town who has the hatred of killing his father. Even though he doesn't love his father, as a general, he still has the lingering thought of attacking the country to restore his old career and avenge his father's shame. He must take a good look at it. Clear the geographical situation of this town. The morning in Gangdu comes quickly, the sun has not yet risen, and few people can be seen near the seaside town where the water-blue dawn gathers.They all carried boxes like fishing gear, carried oars, and walked silently to the beach.Jing Hu also walked to the seaside like them, walked on the beach wet with tidal wind and dew, watched the port crowded with merchant ships and fishing boats from various countries, and then went around to the city. The city of this era did not have stone walls, castle towers, and towering majestic towers as in the later ages. Now it is just a wall of earth surrounded by grass. The same is true for Uozu Castle, which is slightly off the center and surrounded by samurai houses with many trees.Outside the city is surrounded by Cheng Hao, on which there are withered lotus leaves and water chestnut leaves, the water is black and blue, and it is bottomless. Jing Hu strolled along the road along the bank of Hao, which was shaded by willow leaves, and circled the city for a circle. Although the city was built on flat land, it was of a good size and strong. At this time, the sun came out.Jing Hu turned to the direction of the hotel, and when he passed through the street surrounded by samurai houses, he heard the sound of a piano from nowhere. The sound of the zither came from a distance, not very loud, but it sounded very moving in the dim morning light, on the road to the samurai's house with luxuriant old trees. "This is indeed a place where business travelers from all over the world come and go. It's not like a shabby village in the countryside, where there are elegant people." As Jing Hu walked forward, the sound of the piano became clearer, and he could hear the tune.The performer is very skillful. "Judging from this skillful technique, the person playing the piano is probably not young, but judging from the soft and beautiful sound of the piano, he doesn't look like an old man. He is probably a middle-aged samurai's wife, or a middle-aged blind girl! Early in the morning So elegant!" Jing Hu listened while thinking, and came to the house where the sound of the piano came out. It was a large mansion, surrounded by a moat about two feet wide, and the high earth wall on the inner side of the moat was planted with luxuriant goji tangerines. It was built very solidly, and it must be the house of the city lord's important officials or the city lord's family.The sound of the piano leaked smoothly from the dense tree gaps in the house. Jing Hu slowed down and finally stood still.He listened attentively, and for some reason, he suddenly remembered the appearance of his brother's concubine Fujizi. "I've heard her play the piano before, maybe this is the piece she played, but what's the name of this piece? It sounds very leisurely!" The sun is already shining. "This can't be done!" He hurriedly started to leave.