Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Sending troops to Daoming Temple

Pioneer was annihilated in Kashii, which embarrassed Ma Liangzhifang, the master of the field.It would be fine if he met Tokugawa's Banner, he never expected to lose to Asano Nagasheng.From secretly instigating the riot in Wakayama Castle to arranging Kitamura Kitao and Onoya Goemon's secret march, he thought that all arrangements were impeccable.He was so confident that he didn't know that Shiodanemon had died in battle and was still indulging in the banquet.However, both Danemon and Okabe University were wiped out, but the Asano Army retreated back to Wakayama Castle almost unscathed.After such a defeat, what courage does Zhifang have to act arbitrarily?

Back in Osaka City, Zhifang immediately asked his brother Ono Zhichang to call the generals to discuss matters. At this time, news came that the main force of the Kwantung Army was marching towards Yamatokou one after another.Katsunari Mizuno leads the first team, followed by Tadamasa Honda, Tadaaki Matsudaira third, Masamune Date fourth, and Tadaki Matsudaira at the rear... The news had been confirmed in Osaka City, but at noon on April 30th in the 20th year of Qingchang, all the generals gathered in the main hall of the city were calm and calm. Hideyori should attend today's meeting as usual, but Ono Jichang did not let him come. "I will report the results of today's discussion to Lord Youfu. Please open your hearts and speak freely." The reason why he didn't let Xiu Lai attend was probably because he didn't want everyone to see Xiu Lai's depression after hearing the letter of defeat, so as not to hurt her. morale.Xiu Lai was depressed because of the defeat in the governance of the house.Zhichang's complexion is not good either, since he was attacked and injured in the city, his face has been dull.

The first to enter the hall were Sanada Yukimura and Goto Matabei Keiji, followed by Mori Katsunaga, Fukushima Masanori's younger brother Masamori, Watanabe Neizosuke, Otani Yoshitsugu's son Yoshihisa, and Susukida Kaneso.Everyone bowed to the Chief Zhi, but no one paid any attention to Zhi Fang who was sitting side by side with the Chief Zhi.This Jibo, who died in the battle without the knowledge of Shidanemon and Daiichi, only knew how to drink, made them both pitiful and contemptuous. Akashi Mamorushige, who was sitting next to Goto Matabei, said to Jifang in order to ease the atmosphere: "It's a pity that Shidanemon's death. He should serve Ufu longer."

Goto Matabei Kiji who was next to him sneered, and everyone kept silent and didn't say much. Zhifang asked: "Goto-sama, what's so ridiculous?" "There's nothing ridiculous about it. I'm just thinking that Shiodanemon's bearded head has now been brought in front of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and he sneered helplessly." "Goto-sama!" "What is it?" "Are you saying that I only saw Ieyasu after I was dead, and I was taken to see Ieyasu when I was alive... That's why you laughed?" The Zhichang interrupted Zhifang in surprise: "What are you talking about? Don't forget that this is a place to discuss military and political affairs!"

However, Ji Fang raised his eyebrows and turned to Kiji. "It is precisely because this is a place where important matters are discussed that I have to say it. Goto-sama, you may also know the rumors in the city recently. Some people say that a person who has a close relationship with Honda Masanobu came to your account as a secret envoy." Now, I want to ask, is this true or false?" No matter who looked at it, Zhi Fang had become angry with embarrassment and lost his composure, but what he said could not be ignored. Everyone's eyes immediately turned to Goto Matabei Kiji.

"So that's the matter." Mahebei Kiji smiled coldly again, "Yes, there is indeed a monk named Yang Xitang who has a close relationship with Honda Zhengshin, who came to my place." The tatami mats in the main hall have been put away and piled up at the door, and most of the partitions have been removed. Under such circumstances, the hearts of the armed generals are filled with fierce and murderous aura, just like on the battlefield. "I heard that he came to persuade you to surrender, to persuade you to defect on the battlefield and seek refuge in Kanto, is it true?"

"Exactly." Ji Ci immediately said, "He came to convey the words of righteous faith, saying that it would be a pity if people like Ji Ci were ignorant of current affairs, and that the war might change even more because of Ji Ci's departure or staying. If I can turn my back Yizhi voted for them, Zhengxin will definitely recommend me to the Imperial Palace." The people present immediately looked at each other in blank dismay. Ji Ci remained calm and said: "At that time, I told the envoy to tell Zhengxin and the Imperial Palace, and I thanked them for their kindness. It would be flattering Ji Ci to say that my presence or absence can determine the outcome of a battle. But at this moment, It's not Kiji's nature to abandon Osaka and join the Kanto." After speaking, Kiji bowed to everyone, then turned to Sanada Yukimura and said, "Please tell me, my lord, about the use of troops this time...

Yukimura closed his eyes slightly and remained silent.Seeing that no one paid any attention, Ji Ci continued, "I think that if we continue to defend the city, I'm afraid it's not an option. There is no moat in the city, and the enemy troops can come and go without hindrance. Even so, if we meet the enemy on the plain, we will hit Germany's goal. Chuan Jiayasu has his own thoughts. Therefore, I think that when the main force of the enemy army is marching towards Yamato Road, it is the best strategy for our army to rush to the dangerous place on the mountain, wait for the enemy army to arrive, and ambush its vanguard. I wonder what you think?"

"Extremely true." Mori Katsunaga immediately said, "If you want to win more with less, you must make good use of the terrain. Ambush the vanguard and block the enemy's approach, and the enemy will retreat from Nara to Koriyama. They want It may take a few days to rectify the advance again. Therefore, in these few days, we can discuss the strategy of adapting to the situation." "What do you think, Sanada-sama?" It was Susukida Kensho who asked the question, and he and a group of veterans still only trusted Yukimura. Ji Fang saw that Kitsu cleverly avoided his questioning, and his tightly clenched fists were trembling on his knees.

At this time, Yukimura opened his eyes and silently looked at the map unfolded in front of him.Watanabe Neizosuke urged, "What do you think?" Yukimura picked up his fan and pointed to Nara on the map, but didn't speak.Goto Matabei Kiji meant that he wanted to enter Hanoi from Nara to meet the enemy troops entering Yamato Road.In this case, the battlefield is near Daoming Temple in Zhiji County, Hanoi. Daoming Temple is located about forty miles southeast of Daban City, with Kokuben to the east, which is the southeast border of Toyotomi's territory.This place is connected to Yamato in the east, and it is a must pass no matter whether you are going from Nara to Sakai Port or from Kii to Kyoto.Ikoma Mountain, Katsuragi Mountain and Geumgang Mountain are rolling up and down, separating Yamato from Hanoi.Therefore, to go from Yamato to Hanoi, you must cross the mountains.There are as many as 17 roads over the mountains, but only three can allow the army to pass through - the dark mountain road in the north and the Guise and Guanwu roads in the south.Kameze and Sekiya were merged into one in Kokubu.Therefore, Daoming Temple is the meeting place of the three ways.The terrain here is critical, and it is appropriate to meet the enemy here.

Yukimura thought about it, but didn't say it.In recent days, he has despaired of the war.Oda Yurakusai, father and son, and Oda Tsunema left Osaka Castle, and there was open and secret fighting between Ono Jichang and Jifang brothers, which made the originally energetic ronin more demoralized.Even if this is not the case, this army, ridiculed by the world as a mob, has gradually exposed its flaws.Even the brothers Jichang and Jifang couldn't be of one mind, Toyotomi Hideyori's fighting spirit couldn't be raised high, and a wave of pessimism spread wantonly in Osaka Castle. Shiodanemon died in battle at Kashii, and the famous brave warriors also searched for their burial places.This is the samurai mentality of loyalty and honor, but in Yukimura's view, this is just a sign of defeat: if there is confidence in winning this battle, no one will be so pessimistic. Yukimura put away his fan and looked at Jibo silently, "Of course, the battlefield is not limited to this place. I wonder if your lord has any suggestions? If your lord's opinion is different from Goto's, I would like to hear the details." Hearing Yukimura's sudden question, Jibo hurriedly turned to the chief, "I-I'd better ask my brother to make the final decision." Yukimura nodded slightly, and said, "Master Xiu, what do you mean?" Zhichang was even more at a loss than Zhifang.He sat there blankly, as if he was thinking about something else, and hurriedly said: "This... If Master Sanada and Master Goto agree, I have no objection." Naizo Watanabe patted his knee vigorously, and said, "Master Sanada hasn't said what he wants yet!" At this moment, Shigenari Kimura came in.If this were not the case, there would inevitably be a quarrel between Naizosuke and Jichang, making the atmosphere even more tense. Chong Cheng said: "I'm sorry everyone, I'm late. Just now Mrs. Dian went to the Master of Youfu, and Youfu ordered me to accompany you." Susukita Kensei leaned forward and explained the proceedings one by one.Chongcheng listened very carefully, and said: "I also agree to send troops to Daoming Temple." He was also determined to die. Yukimura once again looked around at everyone present, Kimura Shigenari, Watanabe Uchisuke, Otani Yoshihisa, Goto Keiji, Susukita Kansho, Nagaoka Xingqiu... From the faces and eyes of everyone, it can be seen that A determination to die.Live for righteousness, die for righteousness, what drove everyone to this point? Xingmura turned to Zhifang, and said softly, "Xingmura also agreed to meet the enemy at Daoming Temple." "Brother, please make a decision!" At present, only Zhifang still has hope for this battle. "Okay, I have no objection. I will report this matter to the Right Mansion as soon as possible and ask for a ruling. Before that, please prepare carefully." As soon as Zhichang finished speaking, Zhifang said, "If Sanada-sama agrees, I would like to ask my brother to be the first commander..." "No!" Goto Keiji immediately interrupted Zhibo, "I proposed this matter, and I, Goto Matabei, should be in command of the first battle." From Goto Jiji's tone, it seemed that he would never give in to others.But Zhi Fang ignored it and continued: "Your Honor wants to be the first vanguard to defeat the Eastern Army?" "Hmph!" Ji Ci's inner anger finally burst out, "In war, seven points of strength and three points of luck! If you encounter a strong enemy, you should fight to the death. I have never seen a person like you, drunk on the battlefield, and casualties. And shamelessly come back alive!" "Stop fighting!" Yukimura immediately interjected, "Since Goto-sama wants to command the first team, Yukimura should be the commander of the second team. But I don't know if Goto-sama has a leader candidate?" He obviously wanted to come out to mediate, Zhi Fang had no choice but to suppress his anger, stare his eyes, and shut his mouth. "I would like to invite Susukida Kansho and Akashi Morijuge to be the main generals of the first team, and please distribute the others appropriately." Kiji seemed to have even thought about the people who would die with him. Yukimura felt a gust of cold wind blow over his heart, he gently took out the pen and ink that he carried with him. "The vanguard of the enemy army must be carefully selected warriors, and our army must also be cautious." He said to himself, and he looked at the governor. Needless to say, the person in charge of the current Osaka Castle is Governor Ohno, and his wishes must be fully respected in the formation of troops.However, Zhichang replied: "I want to hear about Sanada-sama's plan." In fact, the governor just said that because he was at a loss.He definitely didn't completely trust Yukimura, but he had completely given up fighting, thinking that no matter how he fought, this battle would definitely be difficult to win.In desperation, Zhichang fell into self-blame self-reflection: Why did the situation develop to this point?Last year's winter campaign was already an unreasonable war... Tokugawa Ieyasu's dissatisfaction with Osaka Castle began with the Zhongming incident, and his dissatisfaction reached its peak after ronin from all over the world entered the city.At that time, Tata should have come forward to explain, and Katagiri Kazumoto also saw the situation clearly and even took action, but Chisho didn't notice anything... The more he thought about it, the more darkness there was in front of him. Could it be that my eyes were blinded by Madam's favor?After the Winter War, the Zhichang saw clearly the gap in strength between the two sides.But the current Daban City has been dominated by two forces, and there is nothing he can do.These two forces are nothing else, one is ronin who have nowhere to go, and the other is foreign believers who are in high spirits in the face of war and death. The two priests Paul and Torres and their many believers entered the Osaka Castle and became the backbone of the soldiers.Many people still firmly believe that Emperor Philip's large fleet will come to rescue, and this expectation keeps all the ronin behind.The ronin are extremely sensitive to the outcome of the war, so if there is no good news of reinforcements, most of them will abandon the city and leave the city for future generations. In a word, after the winter campaign, the lord of Osaka Castle is no longer Toyotomi Hideyori. The governor hated this very much - originally to prevent Ieyasu from taking the city, but the city was taken away by ronin and priests. "My lord, what do you think of this formation?" Zhichang came back to his senses, Yukimura had already put down his pen, and handed a piece of paper in front of him.The governor hurriedly picked it up, and saw that it read: In the first battle, Goto Keiji, Susukida Kansho, Inoue Tori, Yamakawa Kennobu, Kitagawa Nobukatsu, Yamamoto Koo, Kishima Shigetoshi, Akashi Morisho; In the formation, Sanada Yukimura, Mori Katsunaga, Fukushima Masamori, Watanabe Naizosuke, Ogura Yukiharu, Otani Yoshihisa, Nagaoka Xingqiu, Miyata Tokisada. "I have no objection, let's continue to discuss the next step." Seeing that Zhibo was coveting from the side, Zhichang gave him a glare, and handed the paper to Goto Keiji. Now that the governor has agreed, everyone will no longer raise objections. "In this way, the number of people in the first team is about 6,500." As soon as Jiji finished speaking, Yukimura replied: "Exactly. The second team is twice as large as the first team, about 12,000 people... This is because no matter how the first team wins or loses, everyone can Respond fully to the situation.” Kiji slapped his chest and laughed, "That's enough. If Sanada-sama is behind him, Goto Kiji can die with peace of mind." "Goto-sama!" "What's the matter, Sanada-sama?" "You can't say what you are going to die for!" "Hahaha! Excuse me, we must win, right, Susukita-sama?" Susukita Kensei shrugged his shoulders, smiled, and handed the paper to Katsunaga Mouri.Mori Katsunaga handed it to Fukushima Masamori, and the Masamori passed it on to Otani Yoshihisa. "In this way, I have become enemies with my father and elder brother." Nagaoka Xingqiu, the son of Hosokawa Tadaoki, laughed. At this time, Kimura Shigecheng interjected: "About this deployment, I will report to Lord Youfu immediately." "Nagato, wait a minute." Yukimura stopped Shigenari Kimura, "I think it's better to ask Mr. Xiu to go to the right government for a ruling, what do you think?" "Yes, I'm worried. I'll ask Mr. Ohno to go to the Right Mansion for a ruling." In this way, the paper returned to Ono Zhichang again, and he forwarded it to Hideyori. Yukimura asked the mayor to seek Hideyori's opinion, in order to see how Hideyori reacted to this expedition. Once they go out of the city to fight, many people will die in the battle, and they will never return.Therefore, he hoped that Xiu Lai could come to everyone immediately and give wine to the generals to boost morale.Only in this way can Hideyori, Jichang, Yukimura and Kiji be united as one. However, not long after, the governor came back alone, and said: "Youfu has no objection, and sent Iki Too to supervise the army. Youfu must make preparations for the conquest immediately, and you must not be negligent." Goto Matabei let out a long sigh, and secretly looked towards Yukimura.Yukimura avoided his gaze, and couldn't help but ponder: Matabei is determined to die.The loyalty of generals is often associated with honor and decency.Ieyasu praised Kiji as a brave general who could decide the outcome of a war, and before he set off, Hideyori didn't even give him a glass of wine to see him off.After the war, Kiji will repay Ieyasu's kindness with his death. Amid Kiji's sigh, Mori Katsunaga stood up, full of desolation. The difference between a person who is good at fighting and a person who is not good at fighting is whether he is good at boosting morale when going out.In troubled times, this favor is especially important.People will lose their lives at every turn, and it is inevitable that people feel that life is hopeless. Therefore, the samurai each set up a banner called giri in their hearts to seek comfort.Now, it is Giri who swears to the death to support Goto Matabei.Even Sanada Yukimura often relies on this kind of mind to persevere. Ieyasu had a deep insight into the hearts of the people. Knowing that he would be rejected, he also said that he would give 100,000 stones to Shinano Yukimura, and enshrined Keto Goto as the one who could decide the outcome of the battle with his whole body. General Yong.If you want a good horse to gallop, you must have the heart of bole, but it is really hard to make Hideyori, who has no understanding of the world, understand the mystery. In this regard, Osaka decided on the method of fighting against the enemy at Yamatokou, and Yukimura and Kiji began to prepare to send troops.Prior to this, they sent a large number of spies to various places to find out the enemy's situation and make correct judgments.They learned that after April 28, all the generals of the Eastern Army Yamatokou were stationed in Nara and its vicinity, intending to respond to the attacks of Fushimi Hidetada and Nijojo Ieyasu.Therefore, Osaka decided to complete the preparations before the 30th. Goto Keiji's first formation, with Susukata Hayato Shokansei and Akaishi Sabu's assistant Shoushige as the two wings, left the city on the first day of May, and camped in the plains that night, waiting for work at leisure. In the second formation, Sanada Yukimura served as the deputy general of Mori Toyozen Shoukatsunaga. After leaving the city, he was stationed at Tennoji Temple, and moved into a position where he could clearly see the enemy's attack route. In contrast, the Yamatoguchi first formation commanded by Katsunari Mizuno Hinata of the Eastern Army, the second formation commanded by Honda Mino Mori Tadamasa, the third formation commanded by Matsudaira Shita Soshou Tadaki, and Matsudaira Kamisuke Tadaki's The fifth team joined forces in Nara on April 30.Date Masamune led the fourth team, and he was still in Kizu that day, and it was already the third day of May when he arrived in Nara.Because of the late arrival of the Date Army, the date of the Eastern Army's attack was changed to the fifth day of May. The Eastern Army, headed by Katsushi Mizuno, departed from Nara and received the news that the Kamise and Sekiya Erdos were marching towards Kokubun and reached Yukimura at Tennoji Temple by noon on the fifth day of May.When he received the news, he immediately called Maori Katsunaga, and said calmly: "The decisive battle is about to begin, and it is best for us and Goto to meet." Yukimura and Mori Katsunaga went to the Hirano barracks together, and when he saw Goto Matabei Kiji, he was trimming his beard in the tent. "They're coming soon." Kiji put down his scissors, turned to the situation map of Domyoji Temple, and said, "I decided to set off from Hirano tonight, via Fujinami Temple, and go to Domyoji Temple to meet the enemy. If possible, go directly to Kokubun. If the opportunity arises, Then leaning against the shape of the mountain, I caught the enemy by surprise." Jiji's words were sharp, Yukimura and Katsuyaga looked at each other, and said: "Goto-sama, if there is a chance, I hope you can get in touch with Yukimura." "Hahaha! Sanada-sama is worrying too much. You should adapt to the situation when fighting. Since you are in the rear, Kiji can give it a go." "If the enemy army advances to Kokubun, please suspend the attack and notify us in time. Yukimura has vowed to cooperate with you from the beginning. If the enemy troops from Kawachiguchi approach Wakae and Yamao, please advance slowly." "Haha!" Kiji laughed loudly, "Don't worry about me. The enemy vanguards at Kawachiguchi are Todo Takatora and Ii Naotaka, please pay attention to these two, Sanada-sama. Who will deal with that vanguard?" "I want to send Kimura Nagato to guard Wakae, Nagasogabu and Masuda Moriji to guard Yaoo." "Oh, Chongcheng is guarding Ruojiang..." Jici's face was covered with dark clouds.Rather than saying that he was worried, it was better to say that the older man lamented because he was sympathetic to the young Chongcheng. In fact, at this time, Goto Keiji had already decided that no matter what the situation, he would not ask Yukimura for help.If there is a decisive battle in Ruojiang, they will encounter Ieyasu and Xiuzhong's banner troops, and those soldiers have been carefully selected.If Jiji asks Sanada for help, it will inevitably lead to Kimura Shigeto fighting alone.Kiji, who has been on the battlefield for a long time, should have sympathy for young people in his heart. "Anyway, Kiji is a lucky man." Kiji untied the gourd from his waist and poured a glass of wine for Yukimura, "Being entrusted by the son of the Toyokuni Daimyojin, and at the same time receiving the sympathy of the Edo Imperial Palace and the general, It is the greatest honor for a warrior to be able to die in battle like this. Hahahaha..." Katsunaga Mori was about to open his mouth, but Yukimura stopped him with his eyes.Yukimura picked up the wine glass and thought to himself: Matabei is determined to die.He came here just to confirm this point, because if Matabei had the desire to survive, Yukimura's fighting style would also change accordingly.But if the soldiers and guards have taken away the will to die, Xingcun should also make careful preparations when he is outside the battle formation. Yukimura drank the wine in one gulp, "Please do your best tomorrow." "Oh, do your best!" Kiji responded readily, and handed the wine glass to Katsuyaga, "Master Maori, I am very content with the honor of being in this world once. Your Excellency, you must also try your best." Shengyong hesitated to speak, smiled, took the wine glass, and drank it down. Yukimura and Katsunagai returned home without discussing more strategies with Goto Keiji.They originally wanted to say: "In the middle of the night, the three of you and I will meet at Daoming Temple, cross the mountains of Kokuben before dawn, and join forces with the second formation to meet the Eastern Army at the narrowest point of the road." Decided to rush into Daoming Temple alone, and even had the heart of death.If Yukimura and Katsunaga still insisted on letting him wait in the back line, they would be suspected of stealing credit. "If he falls into a hard battle, we will send troops to rescue immediately, and we will not move for now." After Katsunaga made an agreement with Yukimura, it was Haishi when he returned to Tennoji from Hirano. Ji Ci offered a farewell wine to the two, and after seeing them off, he slept in his clothes for an hour, and woke up before midnight.He hadn't woken up so crisply for a long time, and at this moment he was refreshed, without any nostalgia. "Everyone get up! Get up! Head towards Domyoji Temple!" Giji felt boundless strength in his body, and ordered his troops to advance, "If Da Kusu used his soldiers, no one would know where he was, but Goto Matabei would not do that. "He ordered the soldiers to light the torches that had been prepared, and led 2,800 people, and set off along the Yamato Road in an upright and majestic manner. If the enemy's spies saw this appearance, they would definitely run away in fright.This was exactly what Ji Tsin wanted, he no longer wanted to live anymore, and instead felt much more relaxed.He was not only trusted by Hideyori, but also favored by Lord Ieyasu. This double decency moved the general inexplicably.Jiji suddenly realized that life is nothing but finding a place to die for oneself.He no longer cares about whether he will go to bliss or fall into hell after death, and now he just wants to die. Ji Ci led the army to Fujinaji Temple, took a rest, and at the same time sent scouts to Daoming Temple.Soon, Tan Ma reported that there was no enemy in front.He then ordered to continue on his way, and when it was just dawn, he passed through Yutian and arrived at Daoming Temple. However, when Jiji was about to lead his army towards Kokubun, he received a report from a spy. "Report, my lord! The vanguard of the enemy army has arrived in Kokubun, with a strength of about two to three thousand. According to the villain's observation, it is Mizuno Katsunari's department." "Okay!" Kitsu said on his horse, looking at the dim morning mist, "It seems that the enemy army also came out after seeing our torches. Well done!" He ordered to cross the Ishikawa immediately and occupy Komatsu Mountain. Then he took the lead and galloped forward. It is the hot summer season, but the water of Ishikawa flowing quietly in the morning mist is very cool. "After crossing the Santu River, you can fight the enemy!" Kiji ordered.Without a trace of fear, he rushed forward without hesitation. After crossing the river, he quickly occupied Xiaosong Mountain.From here, go straight down the hillside toward the east, and you can go straight into the enemy's camp in the east. It was getting brighter.Visible from the top of the hill, the flag of the Eastern Army was moving on the road to Kokubun—the enemy had already moved.According to the common sense of military use, Kiji should wait here for the rear army. Sanada Yukimura and Mori Katsunaga also visited the barracks specifically for this matter.But Jiji no longer intends to stay here. He has been in the field for a long time, and he knows very well that the situation is beyond the control of Yukimura and Katsunaga. According to Kiji's judgment, Ieyasu would never stay in Kyoto after he executed Muneki Kimura who attempted to set fire to Nijo Castle and Kyoto.In this way, the battlefield is not only at Yamatokou, anyone may have an encounter with the Kwantung army coming along Yamatokou. But even if Sanada or Mori fought side by side with Ketsu, the ending would not change in any way.Whether you like it or not, in today's war, the armies of your own side will fight hard wherever they encounter the enemy, and resign themselves to fate. Goto Matabei Keiji understood the current situation very well.Seeing the enemy troops climbing to the top of the mountain one after another, he made everyone shout.It was a bold move regardless of the consequences. When he heard the shouts on Komatsu Mountain, Mizuno Katsunari's subordinate Okuda Miemon Tadaji was leading 60 or 70 people to climb the mountain, trying to occupy Komatsu Mountain to take advantage of the terrain. "Ah, someone shouted!" "Someone has already occupied the top of the mountain!" "It's not the enemy army, maybe it's Hori's or Niwa's army. Advance!" Mitsuemon Okuda, who was at the front of the line, raised his spear high, and the opponent corporals shouted.At this time, the people on the top of the mountain shouted and rushed down like a tiger descending the mountain. "Ah! The enemy! It's the enemy!" Miemon fell to the ground in surprise, and the army rushing down from the top of the mountain, led by Kiji, ran over him like a mountain. This is the first time Xia Ye has encountered a battle.Goto's more than 1,000 horsemen rushed down from the top of the mountain, and the Okuda army collapsed in the blink of an eye, leaving only seven or eight corpses, which rolled down like stones. When they arrived at the flat ground below the mountain, Okuda Shizhong hurriedly looked for the figure of the general, but Okuda Chuji was no longer alive.He was lying on the ground with a blood-stained spear beside him. He had died long ago, and there were still marks of stab wounds on his lower abdomen. His whole body was trampled on, which was horrible. Defeating the Okuda army in one fell swoop, Kiji led the army back to the top of the mountain. It was broad daylight.Kiji leisurely ate the rice balls in his hand on the top of the mountain, watching the battle situation down the mountain.The avenues, farmlands and river banks at the foot of the mountain were full of murderous men and horses. Mizuno Katsunari was Ieyasu's commanding general and a brave man.When it was Hichou, he saw the right torch moving on the road leading to Fujinami Temple, and immediately judged: "It must be Matabei Goto!" "As expected, they chose this place as their battlefield! The General and the Imperial Palace had expected this, so they sent troops to Hanoikou. Tonight, the General will arrive at Qianzuka, and the Imperial Palace will arrive at Xingtian. In the next five or six days, we will be able to fight the enemy for a decisive victory burden." Kanto believes that the enemy can only choose this place to intercept them.Before the Yamato ministries came from Koriyama and occupied Nara, the Daigosho and the generals stayed in the capital, considering how to lure the enemy out of the city.In this sense, the battlefields from Daoming Temple to Bayo and Ruojiang were actually chosen by the Eastern Army. If fighting the enemy on the plain, this is the only suitable place.Mizuno Katsunari ordered to occupy Komatsuyama to monitor the enemy's actions, and then ordered Okuda Sanyouemon and Matsukura Fenghoushou to send troops first. After the battlefield was determined, the high ground of Mount Komatsu naturally became a key point of contention between the two sides. Mitsuemon Okuda quickly headed towards Mount Komatsu.However, he died at the gunshot of Goto Matabei Kichiji, who took Komatsuyama one step ahead of him. The first battle was unfavorable, and at this time, shouts were heard from the top of the mountain. "Oops! The enemy has taken the top of the mountain! Whose flag is that?" The lord of Yamato Gojo, Toyo Matsukura, guarded Shigesho, and when he learned that Matabe Goto was on the top of the mountain, he immediately set up guns in the north, ready to launch an attack. At this time, Matsukura is not the only one who is ready to attack by the Eastern Army. "I can't fall behind and make people laugh!" Takajiu Fujido and Kegu Amano followed, each leading a small team to turn to the northwest side of the mountain and attack upwards. Before long, every time a gunshot rang out, someone from the Goto Department would fall.Moreover, the tighter the gunfire, the more people fell. "Scatter the enemy's musketeers first! We don't have enough muskets." Goto Matabei Kikiji galloped back and forth with long guns in hand, and nearly 80 people fell down the slope.Youbei couldn't help sighing, I've made such progress!In front of the enemy army, he has never been so calm and composed as he is today.But he also knows that today's battlefield is his burial place, and this has become an unchangeable fate. On Mount Komatsu, Kiji was attacked by Mizuno, Date, and the young and vigorous Tadaaki Matsudaira, and he could no longer hold on. Mori Katsunaga, Akashi Shoushige, Sanada Yukimura and others set off from Tennoji Temple and were rushing here. On the way, they must have encountered other enemy troops coming along the Kawachikou.Jici thought that he had better abandon this small Songshan Mountain and retreat to Daoming Temple, so as to more or less disperse the pressure of the Eastern Army for the friendly army. "Okay, brothers! We have to prepare to go down the mountain. Before going down the mountain, I have something to tell everyone." Matabei's beard did not hide his emotion. He rode on the horse and said with a smile, "Brothers have done a great job Good! Jiji thanks everyone from the bottom of his heart. However, everyone will have their own plans. So far, everyone has fought bloody battles, and you have fulfilled your responsibilities on the battlefield. Now, Jiji will go down the mountain and head west. If you want to live here, please leave the team, and staying here will not bring me a blessing." After saying this, he turned his horse's head and went west down the mountain until he reached the flat ground on the bank of the Shichuan River.Looking back, the army of nearly 1,500 people is still closely following.As the saying goes, there are no weak soldiers under a strong general, and with a brave general, the soldiers are also unusual. "Brothers, are you going to die with Gitz?" The soldiers answered in response, raising their swords high at the same time. Matabei's face was distorted due to emotion, and he said loudly: "Okay, Goto Keiji will not be polite to the brothers. Divide into two groups and attack the enemy directly!" "yes!" "Okay! Kill!" Goto Matabei shouted, feeling relieved and sighing in his heart: What exactly does death mean? Jiji sighed in every possible way, and rushed into the Mizuno army that was following him.The enemy immediately stepped aside, and two or three teams saw that they were in disarray. "Brothers, kill!" The heroic act of Goto Matabei at this time is described in the book of Akuta, a descendant, as follows: "...his martial prowess should be unparalleled since Genpei, and it is truly an act that has never been heard before." Since he made a brave move that no one had seen before, Kiji must have no distractions in his mind. Seeing that Kiji made Mizuno's army into chaos, Niwa immediately fired fiercely from the side.The cooperation between the various departments of the Eastern Army is really seamless. It was noon. The sun was scorching on everyone, and both sides were covered in dust, sweated, and exhausted.After being attacked by the Niwa tribe, the Goto army immediately lost its position, and they all prostrated themselves in the wheat field by the roadside.When they stood up from the wheat field, most of them were gone, and some fled in the chaos, but most of them were killed by muskets, and there were many corpses on the ground. Seeing that the enemy stopped shooting, Kiji jumped back on his horse.But at this time, everyone except him was injured and could no longer get on the horse. He became a veritable "single rider".Next to him, two generals, Yamada Geki and Guzawa Mikoko, were dead on the ground. "Go to the river!" Kiji said.He is based on the idea of ​​survival.Instead of standing here and being repeatedly shot by the enemy, it is better to jump into the water and kick to the other side.After wading across the Daomingsi River, I was a little closer to the friendly army.At this time, Susukida Kansho, Yamakawa Kennobu, Kitagawa Nobukatsu, Inoue Tori, Akashi Morishi, Mojima Shiri, Nagaoka Xingqiu, Ogura Yukiharu, Yamamoto Koo and others have arrived one after another. By the river of Daoming Temple.But I only sighed that Goto Matabei was at the end of his strength.He was single-handedly at the forefront, and was about to rush to the river when the Eastern Army fired again, forcing him into the wheat field. "Ah, ah!" Git groaned a few times, and his huge body fell off the horse and fell into the field. "My lord! Please cheer up!" The guard Jin Fanghei Zaemon hurriedly came to help him, but he saw Kiji who fell from the horse staring blankly at the sky with his big lifeless eyes. "It's fine if you have nothing to do, please let the villain carry you!" Heizawaemon took Kiji's arm and put it on his shoulder, trying to stand up.But Gits was so heavy that he couldn't stand up. "Quick, please cheer up, let's go a little further, at least we can find a hidden place." "Hahaha..." Jici was already foaming out of his mouth, and smiled apologetically, "Don't force yourself, Pingzuo, my waist is broken." As he spoke, he pulled his hand away, opened it, and held it in his palm. Impressively covered with blood. "I can't stand up anymore, haha, forgive me! If you don't cut off my head, I can only continue to fight the enemy with this crippled body." He raised his spear and waved it reluctantly. "Little one understands!" Jin Fanghezaemon had tears in his eyes, and drew out his sword. He chopped off Gitz's head, buried it in a nearby field, then quietly crossed the river and fled.