Chapter 7 Chapter Seven: The Sword of Immortality

No one in the world knows what happened between Jiakang and Qiyuan.But not long after, Yagyu Mataemon, who came specially from Edo, realized the secret. After Zong Ju entered Jiakang's guest room, Jiakang also supported everyone around him.It was already very hot in the room, but Ieyasu even dismissed the fan boy and maid, and asked about the atmosphere of Edo as soon as he opened his mouth. "The general won't change his face over a trivial matter, but what about Toshikatsu Doi and Tadyo Sakai?" Mataemon smiled and replied, "In my eyes, the two of you are very calm."

"Oh, well, it should be so. Then, what's the news of Mrs. Yodo? Mrs. Yodo's envoy should have rushed from Osaka to Edo." Andemon knew this very well.Due to some complaints from the envoy, it is said that the general's wife is worried that if Edo and Osaka go to war, Chihime will be the first to be killed.But he didn't dare to mention it clearly, he just said: "I have heard a little bit about it, but it is inconvenient for me to inquire about the matter of the general's wife." "Oh. You really can't do anything about women. Any news from Ida?"

"Mutsu Mamoru-sama immediately went to Gaode in person, and seems to be enthusiastic about building the castle." "I heard that Sanada's granddaughter married Katakura Kojuro, is there any trouble?" "Everything is as usual. I'm afraid this is to leave a way out. If something happens, the blood will not be lost." "How is the situation in Jingban? Do you think the consecration of the Great Buddha can be held smoothly?" "Now the world is spreading rumors that participating in this grand event will lead to positive results, so people flock to it. It is said that Kyoto is already full of osmanthus rice beads."

"Why, you still keep in touch with Guangyue?" "Yes. We have been in touch from time to time. I also begged him for a sword through Sakazaki Dewa in Kyoto." "What did Guangyue say?" "He thought riots were inevitable, inevitable." "Oh." Ieyasu was not surprised. After a long while, Fang sighed, "In this way, Ieyasu Tokugawa will become a villain again!" "Why did your lord say that?" "Didn't people say that when a war breaks out, Daban will kill Qianji first? People will say that I, the old man, took the initiative and offered Qianji's sister to the palace. If you want to save A-Chien, they will definitely say, I am a wicked person who even thought of such a plan." After saying this, Ieyasu got to the point, "Mataemon, I have made a decision. Do you understand? , In the past, I supported Xiu Lai, but now I will give up."

Hearing Ieyasu's words, Yuemon became puzzled, "Please clarify, my lord." "I always regarded him as a child before. I believed that everyone has natural strength and luck. Before that, I always had an illusion that everything could be changed according to my will. Now it seems that this is disrespectful to the heavens. .So I'm going to treat him like a grown man in the future." "Oh." "There are dark clouds floating between Edo and Osaka now. If I agree to the consecration of the Great Buddha, there will be an earth-shattering chaos. Therefore, I will treat Hideyori as an adult man and give him a difficult debut."

"problem?" "The consecration of the Great Buddha is not allowed!" Having said that, Ieyasu stopped and stared at Maemon with burning eyes. Matemon nodded slightly.Ieyasu wanted to regard Hideyori as a general, and told him that if he wanted to hold the consecration ceremony of the Great Buddha, he had to assume the responsibility of maintaining order in Osaka.Maybe Ieyasu wants him to leave Osaka, accept the transfer, and retreat to Yamato Koriyama?Can Hideyoshi solve this puzzle? Seeing Mataemon nodding, Ieyasu smiled slightly, "Whether Hideyori can solve this difficulty depends on God's will, and Ieyasu can't do anything. I told Katagiri Kamoto this."

"Can't the consecration ceremony of the Great Buddha be held?" Ieyasu nodded, as if he didn't want to talk about this matter again, "If Xiu Lai has the stamina, it's fine if he can get through this hurdle safely. If he still thinks that Osaka City is still as impenetrable as before, and he can really do whatever he wants, his dream You must wake up!" "My lord is wise." "It depends on his good fortune. Although the negotiations a few days ago were based on God's will, once a war breaks out, the outcome is self-evident. In the final analysis, Hideyori and Ieyasu are children and adults. This is a battle won without a fight." Take on the battle that has already been decided. Oh, please promise me something."

"My lord ordered." Ieyasu nodded lightly, "I don't want to kill Hideyori. Otherwise, I will violate the agreement with Taiko, the muddleheaded agreement with Taiko who is as old as an ordinary person... When I think of Hideyori and Mrs. Yodo, my heart aches unceasingly .Mataemon, in the event of a war, I will definitely save the lives of Hideyori and Mrs. Yodo. Can you prepare for me in advance? The highest state of Yagyu's sword is to kill without killing." Yagyu Mataemon opened his eyes wide, his mouth was tongue-tied, and he didn't move for a long time.He chewed on Ieyasu's words: In Ieyasu's mind, is it inevitable to attack Osaka?At the very least, Ieyasu has made up his mind that as long as the other party does not accept the transfer to Yamato Koriyama, he will not agree to consecrate the Buddha.

Once Xiu Lai can't solve this problem, the war will start.Once a war breaks out, there is no doubt about the outcome. Of course, Edo won and the war subsided.However, these matters are the official duties of General Zhengyi, and personal affairs can only be taken into account later.Ieyasu really wants to save Xiu Lai's mother and son in private? Seeing that Mataemon was still deliberating carefully, Ieyasu continued: "I have nothing to hide from you." He lowered his voice and continued to chatter: "Of course I want to help not only Hideyori mother and son, but also Save Aqian, and Aqian's daughter who he regards as his own."

"It's just human nature." "Oh, I'm afraid the world will scold behind his back, that old bastard, for the sake of Chien, even saved Xiu Lai's mother and son. It doesn't matter what they say. I wanted to ask Brother Katagiri Ichimae about this, but I always feel that Ichimae Difficult to trust, he still disagrees with me.” Mataemon fell silent, staring straight at Ieyasu. "Shizheng always wanted me to agree to the consecration first. He thought that in this way, Hideyorai and Mrs. Yodo would understand Edo's good intentions and agreed to transfer the title. He also advocated that all ambitious people should know about it before that. The fact that the army is not paid enough to prevent them from entering the city. He is simply dreaming. There is a big hole in the dam, how can it stop the flood? That's why I called you here." Ieyasu looked at Mataemon, "You If you have an opinion on my ideas, just say it, don’t be restrained.”

Mataemon couldn't reply for a while.He already understood Ieyasu's meaning very well: as long as Hideyori decides to withdraw from Osaka Castle before making offerings, everything will be fine.But in the view of Youemon, this is also a road to nowhere.If the hatchback is unwilling, war will start.Once the war broke out, those desperate ronin and the crazy believers who were willing to die for religion, would they really be able to save Xiu Lai's mother and child?To them, Hideyori and Mrs. Yodo, exactly like Chihime, are nothing but hostages... "Mataemon, why don't you answer, do you have objections?" "No, why do I have any objections? My lord's words are reasonable, and I am very convinced." Yagyu Mataemon did not deliberately flatter, this was his sincere words.Ieyasu's thoughts and feelings are so organized that it's frightening. In order to save Qianji, even Xiulai's mother and son had to be rescued by the Imperial Palace. It is very likely that people will discuss this, but even if there are criticisms everywhere, so what?When Ieyasu said this, Youweimon felt chills on his back: How can someone see people's hearts so deeply!Is the world really in turmoil as Ieyasu said? "Mataemon. Since you don't want to say it, let me say a few more words. Listen, I want to save Chien too! If possible, save Chien, and at Chien's begging, decide on Hideyori The fate of mother and child...I want to do this, what do you think?" "Forgive me for being stupid..." Having said this, Maeemon didn't make a clear statement, which might be pretentious, "My lord's words are the most reasonable, but once things are broken and Osaka Castle is heavily guarded, who can enter the city?" To save Miss Qianji?" "That's right. I can't rely on the ninjas of Iga and Koka for this matter, so I invited you here." "This, I don't know if I can do it..." "Mataemon, ronin from all over the world will flood into Osaka Castle anyway. Think about it, is there any cat in the world that doesn't eat fish?" "My lord is holy." "At that time, you can send a group of confidantes into the city early, won't that be enough?" Maetemon couldn't help trembling.It's not that he didn't take this into consideration: he could send a credible team into the city in advance and order them to secretly protect the safety of Xiu Lai's mother and son and Qian Ji.There are people who enter Osaka City dreaming of prosperity and wealth, but enter the city for the inexplicable purpose of saving people. Not only may they lose their own lives, but they may also take a whole family with them. Is there such a person in the world? ? Maetemon thought of this, but couldn't speak.At this time, Jiakang continued: "I have thought about it carefully. Those famous names of the genealogy have not understood my thoughts. As long as they share the joys and sorrows with me, their descendants can achieve wealth and glory. They all think so However, you are very different from them. What you pursue is to make the sword of immortality famous all over the world, and to keep the world peaceful. The Yagyu family has always been fighting for this. It is for this reason that I am included in the wall of Shizhou Zhaimen , the general has also become your disciple, and I just discussed with you today." Yagyu and Emon knew that he had been slowly tied up.Taoism is like iron, friendship is like fire!Behind Ieyasu's extremely realistic handling, is there always such a calm friendship hidden?Previously, Yagyu Mataemon had always refused to accept the kindness of the shogun and Ieyasu, just to inherit his father's behest: never let his own sword degenerate into a domineering sword serving the tyrant!But today, Ieyasu cleverly hit Yagyu's death spot, and hit the point he is most proud of. His words are completely high-sounding: since Yagyu's sword is the sword of the world, it is only natural to help Tokugawa, who wholeheartedly wishes for peace in the world Ieyasu. "Mataemon, I beg you, you will come up with a good idea." At this time, Mataemon seemed to have fallen under Ieyasu's spell, and was desperate. If he replied that he could do nothing, his father's martial arts and reputation would be insulted.Besides, Ieyasu has already seen through this.This is not a problem for Xiu Lai, it is clearly a dog problem for me Yagyu Somo first! Mataemon smiled slightly, and the knot in his heart seemed to be relieved a little. "Thanks for your great love. In front of adults, Yagyu Mataemon is willing to bow down." "So you agreed?" "It's okay if I don't agree to this matter. It's a bit late, but I still realize it. Even if the incident in Osaka really broke out, it was not out of your intention. In order to prove your heart and Buddha's heart to future generations, We must let Xiu Lai's mother and son and Miss Qian Ji survive." "Ah! Yagyu Mataemon who knows me." "I understand. However, this is a heavy burden." "Yes, it is a heavy burden." "Even if you enter the city skillfully, if you can't get close to them, and you can't help them when things are in a hurry, it's meaningless." "yes." "Let people serve as guards for Xiu Lai and others. Once the city falls, rescue them, and then go away quietly. Maybe this is the ending." "Well... Maybe. If I am lucky enough to still be alive, I will never forget this matter." "I'm sorry to offend you, but if you come here for your lord's words, I'm afraid no one will be able to complete this task." "Oh, so..." "Therefore, please calculate carefully in the next few days, and allow you to reply to your lord in two or three days." "That's fine. But, Matemon, this is between you and me. Don't reveal it to the general." "My lord, just rest assured." Afterwards, Mataemon immediately retreated to the next place—Honta Uenosuke Masazumi's mansion.His face was pale, no matter what Zhengchun asked, he didn't say anything, Zhengchun thought he was reprimanded by Ieyasu.On the morning of the second day, he suddenly disappeared from Junfu. Yagyu's hometown Yamato.In the green fields, the rice is heading, and the summer is scorching. On the hills on both sides, the lush branches are dancing under the breeze. The small Kuayuan in front of me is one of the five courtyards called Shizhouzhai’s mansion by the villagers—the Kuayuan where Shizhouzhai lived in seclusion. Behind the courtyard is a fortress that was used many times during the previous war fortifications.In front of the yard, a white-haired old woman was picking worms from red beans, and she had been working here for a long time. Going further along the downhill road, a broad avenue stretches out, and the small river and Zhengmuzaka in front of the avenue are hidden among the green leaves. "Mrs. Tai, please stop your work and go to the house to rest." A young maid said.The old woman glanced at her and didn't stop.Probably because her hair is too white, her complexion looks rather ruddy.It is amazing how similar her face is to Yanagi Mataemon. In fact, she was Mataemon's biological mother, Yagyu Ishishusai's main wife, Mrs. Harumo who married from nearby Okuhara.She is already an old woman, but she is still called "Mrs. Chuntao", which is strange, but the villagers like to call her this way, and she is also happy to do so. Mrs. Chuntao's father is Okuhara Tonoe Shusuke Toyo, who is also a wealthy family in this area. From the Northern and Southern Dynasties, whenever there was a great chaos, the Okuhara clan would fight side by side with the Yagyu clan.As for why the girl married from Okuhara was called "Ms. Chuntao", the young villagers didn't know much about it, but the elderly people recalled with nostalgia: "It's because she is beautiful and gentle, It looks like a spring peach." Among the wealthy families in this area, the title "Madam" is quite rare, but her mother is Miss Gongqing from the capital, so she was also called Miss since she was a child, so , After getting married, she was honored as "Madame". This Mrs. Chuntao was beautiful and had many children, including the eldest son Yansheng, the second son Jiusai, the third son Tokusai, the fourth son Goroemon Zongzhang, the fifth son Maemon Zongji, and There are four daughters.Not only that, she even brought up her concubine's daughters by her side, and found a suitable husband's family for them. After her husband Shi Zhouzhai passed away, she stayed here alone, paying homage to her husband and spending her old age peacefully. "After picking the worms in the red beans, I still want to make pottery. Can you soak the pottery clay in water for me first?" The madam thought that the little girl she was ordering was still by her side, and said.At this time, a figure fell in front of her, and she slowly raised her head, "The guest is here. I don't know who the honor is, and the maids didn't come to announce it." The visitor put his hands on the edge of the bamboo hat, looking at the mountains behind the house with great nostalgia, "There are still flocks of tits here, my lord." "Ah..." Mrs. Silver Hair exclaimed, "You are from Edo, Maemon?" "Mother, I haven't visited you for a long time. You are still so healthy, which is better than anything else." Then Maemon took off his bamboo hat, bowed, and admired the surrounding scenery again. "What a coincidence, when I was picking red beans just now, I suddenly thought of your wife and Qilang." "Oh, what a coincidence." "Is your daughter-in-law okay? After all, your heir Qilang is already eight years old. Has he grown taller?" "Yes. Although very naughty, I have been studying hard recently." "Speaking of which, there are two younger brothers under Qilang that I haven't even seen before?" Also, Weimon heard that his wife had informed his mother about the birth of the second and third sons last year. "Yes, mother has never seen those two before." He scratched his temples and smiled wryly, "It's very busy anyway. Let's go into the room, my lord." "Yes, enter the house, enter the house. Oh, did you come alone, without your children?" As soon as the old lady asked this, Mataemon put his finger on his mouth and made a strange face, "The child came here on a whim. Don't tell the neighbors. Hey, mother, I was in this area before, and Sokichi can't bear it." My father reprimanded me a lot." The old lady nodded while standing up.Only then did she realize that she was no longer as high as her son's shoulders. "Mother, I heard that you started pottery recently?" "What kind of pottery! I just use clay to make a Buddha statue and burn it from time to time to chat about it. Even so, these are not ordinary clay puppets. I made these Buddha statues with the hope that everyone in the clan will be safe and healthy." The mother and son went around the sunny front porch and entered the house. "Come here, serve tea." The old lady stretched out and shouted. At this moment, the joy of not seeing her son for a long time appeared on her face. When Mataemon mentioned the purpose of this journey home to his mother, half an hour had passed, and the mother and son sat around the unfired hearth and chatted for a while about their current situation. Mrs. Mataemon was the daughter of Matsushita Kaheiji, a samurai from Enshu who Hideyoshi served at the beginning. The old lady was quite satisfied with her daughter-in-law and once let her live by her side for a while.The head of the Matsushita family is also under the banner of Tokugawa and lives in Edo. "Qilang has two younger brothers..." This refers to Zongji's second son, Youji, and the third son, Matajuro Zongdong. The old lady seemed to always think that the second son was twins, but it was not the case. The third son Youjuro was the son of the concubine, and the second son was the son of the concubine. Mataemon felt a little lazy, so he didn't mention this again, but casually talked about the purpose of coming back, "Mother, from your point of view, among the Yagyu clan, including family members, who is the most capable?" "Why do you suddenly talk about such nonsensical things?" The old lady was a little surprised, and Xuan nodded slightly again.Mrs. Chuntao is an extraordinary woman. Her keen sense is slightly inferior to that of Shi Zhouzhai, and her fortitude is also known far and wide.She is kind by nature, so she kindly speculates that Shichiro's two younger brothers are twins.She is also thoughtful, at this moment, she is already thinking about why her son suddenly appeared. "That's why you came back?" "The child hasn't said anything yet, mother." "However, I don't think you should ask your own mother, let Wei Niang say that the most powerful person in the clan is yourself?" "Haha, so the mother already understands that the child is here to find someone?" The old lady smiled slightly, and replied: "Everyone has their own strengths. Some people are suitable for dancing spears and clubs, and some are suitable for sage books. You can't generalize." "That's right." Maemon touched with deep emotion the hearth where he used to sit opposite his father, looking up at the thick and dark beams. "So, even your own mother can't reveal it?" "Yes...ah, no no." "Your father often said before he was alive, among you brothers, Shinjiro Yansheng is the best in terms of swordsmanship, Goroemon Zongshang is the best in temperament, and you are the number one in wisdom. Since even you support Hesitating, it must be an unusual event, why not let Wei Niang guess." "Mother, don't make fun of it. How can the child let... Or, mother can just guess?" Saying that, Maemon looked around the room very vigilantly. "No one is eavesdropping." The old lady smiled softly, "You are already the general's servant. So, you are looking for a teacher for the head of Nagoya this time?" Mataemon shook his head seriously, "Actually, this matter is not unheard of. If you want to make a formal recommendation, my son would like to recommend a military assistant from my family, but this time it is not for this matter." "Oh, I didn't guess." "Yes. This time, it doesn't have to be limited to our brothers..." "Oh, so there are also Okuhara's cousins?" At this point, the old lady closed her mouth with a serious expression on her face. "Mother, who is the most reliable over there? You watched them grow up..." The old lady was silent for a long time, and said, "Mataemon." "Mother." "Is there going to be a fight with Osaka?" Andemon was startled. "No, this..." He hastily denied it, but at this time the old lady had already stared at him tightly and said, "That's why you came back alone?" Andemon felt a heavy shock in his heart.The father is awesome, and the mother has shocking sensitivity.This is not intuition, but a vision developed over the years by a woman who has sent her husband and children to death many times.For a man like Liu Sheng Zongju, she can easily see through the secrets hidden in his heart... There is no mother who knows a son. "I understand." The old lady said, "I won't ask any further questions. Let me tell you, in Okuhara, the most capable person is the current head of the family. However, it depends on his mind..." The words did not stop After finishing speaking, the old lady stopped, and changed her words: "Forget it. This is not the time when an old woman is in her early years. I have long since stopped seeing, hearing, and talking about things outside of me. But, you will never even talk about your elder brother. Let's go without seeing each other?" "This……" "Your brother happened to have guests. If you don't go and see, it won't sound good if people talk about Yagyu Mataemon's visit to his hometown and leave without even seeing your brother." "Who is the guest, does mother know?" "It seems to be some kind of Shizhou... By the way, it is a relative of the Ukita clan that your brother served when he was young. He is said to be Ukyo Ryo Ukita." "Ukita Ukyoyo? Isn't that the current Sakazaki Dewa Morinari Masama?" "Mataemon, do you know that person?" "Of course. He is now the name of Shizhou Jin and Ye Sanwanshi." "In that case, let alone. You'd better show yourself." "But, why did Sakazaki come to my brother's place?" As he spoke, Mataemon suddenly shook his head vigorously, "Mother, please don't tell about my son's visit. My son and brother have a bad temper, and we will only meet each other when we meet." Arguing pointlessly, you will have to leave angrily when the time comes. My child does this for the sake of future..." The old lady nodded, and said: "I understand. Then, let's talk about this matter." Then, she called the little girl who was serving her, and asked her to soak the red beans she had just picked in the water, and said: " Anyway, today I will make you some of your favorite peony cakes for my mother." Seeing his mother so excited, Maemon couldn't leave that night. His elder brother Yan Sheng had previously served the Ukita family and was injured on the battlefield. Later, in the second year of Motoki, who was born in Mataemon, he fought against the Tsutsui army as a general of Matsunaga Hideo. His leg was injured again, and he could not even walk comfortably. So he dragged his disabled body and lived in seclusion here.But his son Bingzhu Liyan was outstanding in skill, so Shi Zhouzhai passed on the mantle to Liyan, and he also greatly honored Owari Yagyu's family. This is a later story.Now, Sakazaki DeHamoru is coming, where is he going to push his soldiers? That night, Mataemon chatted with his mother, and left quietly the next morning. Along the official road leading from Yagyu's hometown to Iga Ueno, within a four-mile walk, is the place where the Okuhara family lived.Cross Zhushukouban, and you will see a stone statue of the Taoist ancestor, which has been around for many years and is covered with moss. Yagyu Mataemon sat on the cedar tree stump behind the stone statue, folded his arms and meditated for a long time.This Zhuzuguchizaka, which connects Yagyu and Okuhara, has a lot to do with Yagyu's ancestors. It is said that during the Kasagi offensive in the Southern and Northern Dynasties, Yagyu's ancestor Harima Shou Yongzhen once led 270 horses to the Kasagi Palace to meet the emperor. When he arrived here, he was ambushed by the enemy.At that time, there were many members of the Okuhara family mixed in Yagyu's army.In that fierce battle, thirteen people from Liu Sheng's army were killed and more than thirty people were injured. Even so, they still repelled the strong enemy and finally rushed to Lizhi. Since then, the Yagyu family and the Okuhara family have become extraordinary relatives, and they are still comrades-in-arms who share life and death.Since then, the in-law relationship between the two families has been maintained from generation to generation. If a family has a daughter, it will marry to the other family, and if a family has a son, it must be the son-in-law of the other family. Now, Maetemon sits on a tree stump beside the road, sniffs the green cedar forest and the atmosphere of the mountains, and sometimes has the hallucination of galloping horses' hooves rushing past. Compared with the Battle of Kasagi, Somo's question seems to be more difficult.At that time, the two families worked together to support Emperor Go-Daigo, and Yagyu and Okuhara, who were the warriors of Kasuga of Nara, became famous in the world.However, Yaemon's trip had nothing to do with glory, nothing to do with fame. "For the sake of peace, can you please lead people into Osaka Castle?" If you say that, I don't know how Toomasa Okuhara, the head of the Okuhara family, will treat him. It would be a different matter if the Okuhara clan lived in Keiban, but living here, they are naturally indifferent to the vicissitudes of the world.They lived here peacefully, guarding the god-leading clan. If we talk about peace, I am afraid there is no more peaceful place than here.However, for the sake of peace, it is really senseless to force the Laoyuan clan into the vortex of struggle.But apart from them, there seems to be no one who can entrust important matters. There is also something that hurts Mataemon even more. When he thinks about it, he can't move his foot. What if he asks Okuhara Toyomasa about the reason but is flatly rejected?Don't let outsiders know about this matter. At that time, I am afraid that I will have to take Fengzheng's life.Although my mother said that Fengzheng was very powerful, she never had an open-minded conversation with him who was four or five years older. The mountain mist that once dissipated faded over again, and the chirping of birds seemed to stick to the ears. Five sons, Shi Zhouzhai let three of them learn the art of war, and two of them converted to Buddhism.The eldest son Shinjiro Yansheng, the fourth son Goroemon Zongzhang, and the fifth son Yaemon Zongji were the ones who practiced the art of war. The other two sons converted to Buddhism.Shi Zhouzhai didn't intend to let his sons learn the art of war and Buddhism separately, but because the eldest son Yan Sheng was seriously injured at the age of 20, he looked like a useless person, so Shi Zhouzhai ordered half of the other sons to be sent to the killing gate and half to the world of compassion. This world is far from a morally clear world, far from being able to completely abandon weapons and the art of war.Having said that, if force is allowed to run rampant, it will fall into an unmanageable chaotic world.Therefore, Shi Zhouzhai let the four sons half into martial arts and half into Buddhism.If the son's strength is balanced, the world will hopefully be balanced. This is his painstaking effort.He wants to combine Buddhism and Taoism with the art of war, so as to become the guardian of peace and achieve the state of stopping killing with the sword.But can Toyomasa Okuhara understand the meaning? As a man, one must not only ensure the survival of the race, but also the glory of the family.Therefore, Shi Zhouzhai is very careful about his daughter's marriage.As a result, there are many matrilineal relatives in this area. The eldest daughter of Shinjiro Yankatsu is married to Sagawa wealthy Fukuoka Sonemon.Nasunyouemon received the blessings of his ancestors, and his blessings were passed down to later generations, which lasted for two to three hundred years.The second daughter married Oshio Kyuzaemon of Ohirao, and the third daughter married Tansheng Heizo of Tansheng's hometown.All three women have children.Mataemon's younger sister married Moharu, the priest of Kamo, and his two younger sisters also married Yoshioka Niemon of the town and Anhekiemon of Pingbara.These in-laws are all well-known families who have taken root in the local area for generations, and their son-in-laws are also included in the Shizhouzhai gate wall. Shizhouzhai always takes world peace as its mission. In this way, will Toomasa Okuhara Shinjuro understand the cruelty and righteousness of Mataemon's ruthless request? Toyomasa led people into Osaka Castle, but everyone knew that Osaka would be defeated. Moreover, they had to rescue Hideyori, Chihime, and Mrs. Yodo when Osaka Castle fell, which was incomparable.Even if the rescue is successful and Osaka Kaesong surrenders, they still cannot become famous in the world, but have to return to their hometown.Thinking of this, Maemon was even more struggling. The residence of Toyomasa Okuhara Shinjuro is on the hill behind the mountain. The morning fog has cleared, and the entrance is surrounded by a bamboo forest on one side and terraced fields on the other.In the bamboo forest, large flocks of birds were chattering non-stop.Perhaps in order to drive away the birds, Toyomasa Okuhara was raising his musket and firing it into the air. boom-- Just when Toyomasa was about to pull the trigger again, Yagyu Mataemon walked out of the bamboo grove with a smile on his face, approached Shinjuro, and said, "It seems that muskets are also needed in this peaceful countryside." Seeing Mataemon, who looked like a traveler with a bamboo hat under his arm, Shinjuro was stunned for a moment, before he recognized the person in front of him, "Oh? Yagyu-sama?" "Hey! My brother will visit after a long time, and I still look forward to Haihan." "It's really rare, I thought, why don't you even bring a follower?" While speaking, Shinjuro's brows suddenly clouded, but Yaemon didn't notice it. Shinjuro said again: "It's rare to come here once, let's talk after entering the door. Let me guide you, the ground is full of wheat, so be careful where you step." After saying that, he walked forward. The front of the court is full of flowers and trees, and peonies compete for beauty.Seeing this, Yaemon couldn't help sighing in his heart, everything was so peaceful. "My lord, people in the village say that we are quite similar." "Oh. That's not surprising, we're cousins." "But they also said that you always have a smile on your face, but I am cold and look a little stupid. Haha, the one with the smile is Matemon, and the one with the silly face is Shinjuro." The two walked towards the backyard through the flowers, and Mataemon smiled and said, "Who said that?" "Recently, there have been a lot of rare visitors here. Yesterday, it was Ukita Ukyoyo from Kyoto, who is now Mr. Sakazaki. Dewa Mamoru Sakazaki came to stay for one night and went. These words are Mr. Sakazaki's comments." Toyomasa walked around the corridor, first stepped on the stone slab where the shoes were taken off, "You don't need to wash it, just come in." "I'm sorry. I don't know why Sakazaki-sama is here?" Ukita is currently at the place of Yagyu's elder brother, but Eemon still looks ignorant and asks. "You'd better guess it yourself." Shinjuro smiled and put the cushion on the upper seat, "You are now the general's servant, and you may become the general's teacher in the future." "Hey, wait a minute, cousin, who said these words?" "Of course it is Mr. Sakazaki. Even I feel honored. I would like to express my congratulations." After saying that, Shinjuro put his hands on the couch, bowed solemnly, and said, "Mr. Sakazaki is upright and funny. I heard that He and you are close friends. He also said that this world is a Shura field, with blood and flesh flying everywhere, and it is impossible to live in one place for a long time. Therefore, he not only changed his name, but also changed his family crest. I only wear the Ergai Li pattern clothes with the pattern of the bamboo hat, and I wear the bamboo hat with the pattern of the Ergai Li." After exchanging greetings, Shinjuro first offered a cigarette to Zong Mo. "So he wants to be a traveler all his life?" "Yes. It's just that this journey is not his alone. Therefore, only one bamboo hat is definitely not enough." "Oh, so the remaining bamboo hat is for the traveling companion?" "Speaking of this traveling companion, it's really funny. He said that this traveling companion is actually the hot blood in his body. Idewa Sakazaki asked for something, so he came here on purpose, accompanied by the hot blood. Please agree no matter what... Listen , What a ridiculous remark!" Mataemon shuddered.Dewa Sakazaki came from Kyoto to ask the Patriarch Okuhara, why did he come? "No other reason." Shinjuro Toyomasa seemed to have seen through Mataemon's mind, and continued, "The Great Buddha Hall that Toyotomi has been looking forward to is finally completed, and the consecration ceremony will be held soon, so I would like to invite I took my clansmen to visit Beijing." "invite you?" "Exactly. I heard that a large number of wanderers gathered from all over the place for the reason of this consecration, intending to plot big things. The rumors have spread all over Luozhong and Luowai." "Oh." "The emperor and the lord are very worried about this, fearing that the capital will suffer a tragic war again. Lord Sakazaki Dewa has been in charge of all affairs of the court since the Taige was alive, and he has a good relationship with all the ministers, so he was secretly entrusted by the emperor's cronies. Come to the house." Mataemon clapped his knees and said, "Understood." "Have you finally guessed it? He was not entrusted by His Majesty Itakura. Since he was entrusted by the emperor's cronies, it was no different from an imperial order: I was asked to bring my clansmen and pretend to visit Beijing. , and suppressed it together with the people on behalf of the department.” "Oh. And then?" Maemon Mataemon wanted to ask Toyomasa if he agreed, but he still controlled his impatience—even the minister became active, which was very unusual. "Although he asked so much, I couldn't agree immediately, so I reasoned that I should think about it first and sent him back. Maetemon, should I agree to him?" Mataemon didn't answer directly, but pretended to say something else: "It seems that Sakazaki Ideha is just wearing a hat with blood, not a man with a second hat." "what do you mean……" "The matter this time is not as simple as he thought. If the current situation can be resolved by suppressing it, I won't be in this business anymore." "Huh?" Shinjuro Toyomasa raised his frown and rolled his eyes, "It seems that you are also here for this?" Mataemon ignored it, and continued: "It's best not to have a war. But, I'm just afraid that things don't go as expected!" He said decisively: "Shinjuro, I just want to ask for something." "I think it's the same. From the moment you entered the door, Fengzheng's heart has been hanging." "My request is really difficult. Therefore, even if you refuse, I have no complaints." "Ok?" "As you know, I am determined to inherit my father's behest, so I politely decline Edo's appointment." "What you are proud of is that you are the successor of Yagyu, not the retainer of Tokugawa, and you are only mentors and friends with the shogun, right?" "What you said is very true. Moreover, I don't care what happens to my descendants in the future. This kind of honor will definitely be upheld in my lifetime." "In your eyes, this war is inevitable. But the battle is big or small. If there is a big war, it will inevitably bring disaster to the people of the world. This will violate your father's will, so you want me to join the Tokugawa side. Yes Isn't that what you mean?" Toyomasa Shinjuro said calmly, looking at Maemon.For a moment, the two of them stared at each other with burning eyes. "Shinjuro." "You finally spoke?" "Andemon, like my late father, is in awe of the Ogosho from the bottom of my heart." "The Great Imperial Palace is worthy of the respect of the world." "Therefore, if possible, the Imperial Palace will preserve Hideyori after this battle." "Oh?" “若秀赖被杀，大御所的理想和一生荣耀就会受损。世人会说，大御所也不过一介司空见惯的盗贼，最终还是对无助的太阁遗孤痛下杀手。况且，会作如此风评的多为当今大名。唉，众人都在乱世长大，信奉的都是杀伐，本也无可厚非。因此，我才选中了你。请你离开奥原，率人进入大坂城，不知你是否愿意？”又右卫门淡然言罢，静待信十郎的反应。 信十郎丰政把视线转向了庭院里的芍药。不知从何处飞来两只蜜蜂，正在盛开的花间转来转去。 丰政已然惊住。他原本以为，又右卫门充其量就是让他加入德川一方，然后悄悄潜入京都和大坂。 “啊！”良久，丰政呼了一声，既非叹息，亦非呻吟，把视线收了回来，“柳生大人。” “如何？” “若我说难以胜任，推辞不去，你欲如何？” “那我就再到熊野一带去看看。” “若你还有别的中意人选，我就谢绝了。” “我既已向你透露了如此重大的秘密……你恐怕只有交出性命。我若这般说，你又将如何？” “哈哈！柳生石舟斋弟子奥原信十郎就此被杀死，将辱没师名。故尽管力量微薄，我怕大人出不了此地。” “哦，要取将军幕宾的首级？奥原家必被一举荡平。这样一来，可就乱起来了。哈哈！” "grown ups." "how?" “恕难以从命。” “早有所料。” “奥原不似柳生，实无怨恨丰臣氏的理由。” “哦。”宗矩死死盯住信十郎的额头。 “太阁之弟大和守秀长大人在这一带担任领主时，柳生家代代所领三千石，悉数被没收，当然心有怨恨，可奥原的领地却原封未动。因此，看在这些'恩义'的分上，若令我加入大坂，或许还可考虑一下。但若让我冒此风险，成全江户，这样的纷乱，在下还是不加入为好。” 又右卫门大大叹了口气，“那么，你是真要推拒了？” "Exactly." “既如此，柳生家和奥原家恐因此而为仇敌。唉，我乃是想请你在战事发生时，唯将军马首是瞻，作为内应，暗中救出千姬、秀赖和淀夫人。看来，你是万般推拒？” “恕难从命。”奥原信十郎不假思索道，“只是，怎说你我也是表兄弟，好不容易见一次，我亦不能这样让你回去。无论如何，也要吃顿粗茶淡饭再走。请稍候。”说着，他铁青着脸出了客室。 室内静寂无声，又右卫门把视线转向院子。 厨下和客室之间隔着四个房间，大约有十二三间距离。那里确传来了准备膳食的忙碌的声音。 但是，周围似有杀气，虽然不能确定，但似有几人被叫到了屋子附近。 信十郎的妻子已故去，有三个弟弟，两个儿子，差不多都长大成入了。信十郎把这些人召集起来，所欲何为？又右卫门心里扑通一跳，但强忍住，脸上浮起微笑。 又右卫门悄悄站起身，走到廊前，拿起早晨出发时穿上的新草鞋，轻轻掸掉粘在上面的泥土，然后又若无其事回到坐垫上。返回后，他凝神静听，坐着穿上草鞋，然后用衣服下摆把腿脚遮住，盘腿坐下；接着，伸手把一旁的刀轻轻握在手里，拔刀出鞘，取出怀纸细细擦拭。他脸上颇为平静，看上去像是闲得无聊，在保养爱刀。此刀乃是直刃的备中刀，由青江初代次吉打造，由同为石舟斋弟子的黑田长政所赠。 擦拭完毕，宗矩举起刀，时不时侧耳凝神，听着外面的动静。 半个时辰静静过去。 “出来吧，信十郎。”又右卫门高举长刀，以完全不同于先前的粗暴声音，对着隔扇外大喊一声，“不愧亦为父亲的弟子，竟看穿了我的心思。任你如何精心准备，还是有所疏忽。我乃将军幕宾，岂能痴坐在此处等着受死？” 话音刚落，外间隔扇“哗”地被打开。不只是信十郎一人，他左右还有两人手持长枪，另有三个人在廊下，皆持刀怒视。众人围着又右卫门，一步一步逼过来。 “还是让你看穿了我的盛宴啊！”信十郎拎着尖刀，脸色铁青，“在兵法上你我乃是同门，自幼亦是要好的表兄弟，但世道艰难，我也不想以这样的盛宴来迎你。” “嘿，我何尝不是？在未看出你心向大坂之前，我无意杀你。但是，既看出你有意扰乱天下，我就不得不除掉你了。放你逃去，便是强过真田的角色。信十郎，这亦是习兵法之人的难处。得罪了。” 又右卫门再次挥舞了一下擦拭过的爱刀，缓缓举起。 但奥原信十郎纹丝不动。 “又右卫门。” “怎的，胆怯了，信十郎？” “非也。你难道不肯放弃取我性命的念头吗？” “这么说，我若放你一马，你便肯放过我？” “哈哈。”信十郎微微笑道，“在兵法上，你无疑胜我几分。否则，师父也不会把你举荐给大御所。” “哈哈，你以为只是兵法上的缘故？不只如此，是这里的问题。”又右卫门腾出一只手，指指自己的胸膛，道，“怎的，胆怯了？若不拿出斗志来，刀便不是刀。” 信十郎脸色苍白，表情僵硬，摇了摇头，“我不会主动出手。既然是心的问题，我就更不能出手了。石舟斋之剑的极致，乃是不杀。” "Oh?" “若主动出击，岂不成了不明道义的乱世杀人之刀？犯了这一戒条，就算到了那个世间，我也定被师父逐出门墙。且放马过来。” “哦。”又右卫门吐了一口气，“你很聪明啊，信十郎！” “不错，我只能采取守势，虽然还未达到'无刀'的境界，但估计还能接住几招，这点功夫我还是有的。” “哈哈！”又右卫门又一次大声笑道，“我已向你挑明了大事，你却二话不说就断然拒绝，我才迫不得已取你性命。哼，你们六人围住了我，却又不愿主动杀过来，究竟是何居心？” “这全出于师父的训诫。况且，你起杀心于先，我自救于后……” 就在这一瞬，又右卫门拨开右侧年轻人的枪头，猛地跃至庭前。 “勿追！”信十郎大喝一声。 又右卫门背对芍药花，刀指着信十郎，“信十郎，你这蠢货，居然搬出先父来钝化我的斗志！” “此言差矣，虫蚁尚且贪生，信十郎不过求得一命……” “住嘴！你明白我的弱点，哼！还说什么不杀乃是先父境界……好，今日且放过你。你这样的把戏能骗得了世人？告辞！” “休要追！”信十郎再次拦住了众人，“如风一般来的客人，就让他再如风一样去吧。” 从奥原的宅邸逃出之后，柳生又右卫门宗矩取道上野官道。就这样步行着去，还是从何处寻得马匹？总之，他不欲再返回了。往前走了一段，宗矩爬上一个高坡，这才回过头来。山间小路曲曲折折，掩映在层层绿叶之中，奥原的村落已看不分明了。 “唉，信十郎……”又右卫门忽念叨了一句，不知为何，平时鲜有恐惧的他，竟也小心翼翼地环视一眼四周。已没有闲暇去取斗笠了。烈日射在头顶，一只蝇虻总在鬓边嗡嗡地纠缠不休。又右卫门心不在焉将其驱走，他眼里竟忽然落下一滴泪来。 信十郎已经明确地说了，他会为师父的荣誉而死，又右卫门则将其理解为“答应进城”。 信十郎有他自己的难处，他根本无法公开答应。因为用不了数日，柳生又右卫门现身奥原村，恐怕就会传遍天下，他为何会前来拜访，原因不言自明。为了应对传言，信十郎才未为他准备酒饭，而是为他上了一桌刀枪之宴。柳生又右卫门只得把一直使用的斗笠留在那里，巧妙离去。 二人之间的默契，信十郎之兄弟和儿子皆未察觉，若非如此，他怎能进得了大坂城？即使入了城，也定会被人敬而远之，断无法接近秀赖。可是，战事之后，信十郎还能返回故里吗？ 令人意想不到的，是坂崎出羽守的到来，也为此次可悲的较量增色不少。坂崎劝了，柳生也出面了，奥原丰政仍断然拒绝各方诱惑，甚至以白刃相逐将军幕宾…… “请原谅，信十郎……”又右卫门义念叨了一遍，然后朝奥原家的方向轻轻合起双掌，“太平之神似还需要一些供品。我不会让你白白失了性命。”说着，不安忽然涌上又右卫门心头。坂崎出羽在事后听到这些，会不会看出破绽？但现在实无法再返回取其性命。此事就放在以后，再作打算吧。 转过头，又右卫门不再眷恋身后。在绿叶的波涛之中，他朝着上野方向疾步而去……