Chapter 10 Chapter 10 The Woman Messenger
I'm afraid it's not enough to send Katagiri and Yuan alone.Mrs. Dian felt this way because it was not long after Qi Yuan had set off from Osaka.Watanabe Neizosuke made a big announcement that he should fight against the city.The 600 shi rice cakes and 2,000 bottles of wine for offerings have been piled up on the pier in the city. Although it is early autumn, the autumn tiger is still raging.
Not only that, Mrs. Dian always felt that Chiu Yuan's back was full of desolation when he left Osaka.At this time, a Shingon monk who had practiced with Master Mu Shiying came here, and Mrs. Dian asked him to make a divination.As a result, the monk replied that the rice cakes and wine would not be wasted, but if you want to fulfill your wish, you must work harder.
"Both wine and rice cakes will not be wasted. So the 17th anniversary celebration was successfully held? I'm really worried about Yuan going alone." So Mrs. Dian rushed to Youyue Mansion, asking Youle to go on a mission immediately.
You Le refused with a sullen face: "I often have abdominal pains and cannot travel long distances. If Madam really wants to explain to the Imperial Palace, I will entrust the matter to the Dazang Bureau and Zheng Rongni, and just let them go there."
"Dazou and Zheng Rongni, how can we let them go?"
"There is nothing wrong with this. In this way, Katagiri Kemoto sent envoys for the young master, and the two women are envoys for the madam. In this way, it can be proved that you have no different views. If you work together, there is nothing to worry about. "
"Is that good?"
"Of course! The monk said that neither wine nor rice cakes will rot, which seems to have a deep meaning."
"Deep meaning?"
"Even if the 17th anniversary anniversary cannot be held as expected, the wanderers who have entered the city one after another will eat the rice cakes. If you explain it this way, isn't it a waste?"
"Why do you talk like that?"
"Oh, I just asked you to send the Dazang Bureau and Masahiro Ni to Junfu."
Mrs. Dian still hasn't figured out what You Lezhai wants to do, "You're teasing me again, I'm here to discuss with you sincerely."
"It's not a joke." Youle said nonchalantly, "It's because my wife came to discuss with me that I offered this idea. You still don't understand? The Dazang Bureau repaired Mother for Ohno, Masakani helped Watanabe Naizo, Right?"
"I know!"
"Since that's the case, isn't it easy to understand? That is to say, after sending those two people there, it will be clear at a glance whether the Imperial Palace will release them or hold them hostage?"
"Ah, held hostage?"
"I'm so scared! My mother has been detained, will Naizosuke and Xiu still decide to fight? This is the key to determine whether the wine and rice cakes are used as offerings or eaten by ronalds!"
Mrs. Dian woke up like a dream, and couldn't help shivering all over.How terrifying is the heart of a man!However, this is indeed a good idea to kill two birds with one stone.Katagiri Kamoto is the envoy of Hideyori, and the Dazang Bureau and Masakani are the envoys of Mrs. Yodo. If they try their best to argue, the inscription does not mean to curse Tokugawa at all, and the effect will be much better than Kamoto alone.However, I'm afraid that repairs and internal assistants are firmly opposed.They concluded that Ieyasu had already started to provoke, and the first step to respond was already too late, so the current focus should immediately shift to combat preparations.If both of them firmly advocated "no war" at this time, the fire in the city would be extinguished.An opponent like Ieyasu really wanted to do something, and he would definitely not turn a blind eye to the presence of the mothers of the two masterminds in Junfu.He will definitely take the second daughter as a hostage first and use it as a bargaining chip in future negotiations. It can be said that this is the usual way of war.
"Uncle is terrible."
"Madam thinks it's scary, but she just laughed it off. Just doing this will be more effective than Kong's self-discussion a hundred times, and it can also figure out the mind of the Great Imperial Palace. This old man is talking nonsense."
"Then send the two of them there." Mrs. Dian nodded earnestly, "However, I am not as sinister as you. I just sent them to clarify the misunderstanding."
"That's okay. It's best for the two women to carefully explain the madam's thoughts. In this way, the two women may also give up their narrow prejudices and stop the son's stupidity. Otherwise, the wine and rice cakes will really be necessary." I've become the bait of the wanderers." You Le still controlled herself and didn't say any more ironic words.
In fact, Mrs. Dian didn't know the truth.In fact, in the longhouses of the Qishou Group in the city, there are groups of ten or twenty people who quietly live in every moment.They all lived in as servants or guests, and they did not report to Xiu Lai.However, if you say all of these things, Youle is afraid that his own life will be in danger.Zhong Ming was just an excuse, and the chaos in the future is still unknown.
Even Kimura Shigenari, who began to pay off his pride and resolutely opposed the war, has stopped talking about his opposition recently.Maybe he, like You Le, has already sensed the desolation of flowers blooming and withering.There are rumors that Chongcheng initially strongly refused to marry Aju, the daughter of Mano City's houshou, but finally agreed to the marriage.Times are dire.In fact, Yule's suggestion to send the Dazang Bureau and Zheng Rongni to Junfu is actually ironic. He wants to see the embarrassment of Nei Zangsuke and Brother Ohno.
Although Oda Yuraku's methods are quite heartless, he is still doing his best for the Toyotomi family.As for the suggestion of sending two old women, he just wanted to give it a try. He just wanted to advise Mrs. Dian that it would be better for her to accept it, and it doesn't matter if she doesn't accept it.However, Mrs. Dian actually accepted it on the spot.As a result, he felt sorry for his niece again, and after reminding him three or two times, he sent Mrs. Dian out of the house.
He bid farewell: Before arriving at Junfu, it is best not to let the two old women meet Katagiri Kaemoto.The two old women can meet Jia Kang directly through the Tea Bureau, which is currently in charge of everything around Jia Kang.When they came to Ieyasu, they could talk less about family affairs and talk more about "how heartbroken Mrs. Dian is about this incident".Mrs. Dian returned to the inner court, immediately called the Dazang Bureau and Zheng Rongni, and gave orders earnestly.All the cronies were shocked.As expected, Brother Ono and Naisuke Watanabe were the most astonished, and the two mothers were also extremely frustrated.According to the situation in Osaka City, it is not difficult to imagine that Junfu City must be filled with murderous intent.
Sending two old women who have no strength to restrain chickens to the land of tigers and wolves, everyone would never have imagined that the madam would make such an order.
"Forgive me, it's hard to accept." The elder Masahiro Ni was the first to refuse, "There are younger people like Xiang Ting and You Jin Tai Fu Ju beside Madam. Once an old woman like me goes, it will be a shame if she makes a fool of herself." No. I can only refuse my wife, what do you think, the Great Tibetan Bureau?"
But Masakani's refusal was suppressed by Mrs. Yodo's words: "No! No one else can do this envoy. It is precisely because Dazo is Xiu's mother and you are Neizosuke's mother that I let you go. "
After Mrs. Dian said this, the two had no reason to refuse.On the downside, the two may fall into danger, either being killed or detained; but on the upside, the envoy chosen by Mrs. Dian is the blood relative of the person who can most shake the situation in the city right now.
That day and night, at the residences of the two women, a farewell banquet was held for mother and son.Not to mention Brother Jicho, Neizosuke will definitely say something stupid like "Please give your life to your son" to his mother.
In this way, two days after Qi Yuan set off, the two old women, under the escort of fourteen strong young warriors, left Daban City and headed straight for Junfu.Just in case, another person was added—Watanabe Chikugo Mamoru's mother and the second bureau as deputy envoys.She is much younger and can take care of the two of them, and can also help with counseling.
Qi Yuan rode his horse and galloped all the way. On the evening of the fifth day of the lunar new year, he arrived at Juzi Deyuan Temple, which was specially arranged for the envoys in Osaka.
Several women rushed to other rooms in the same monastery in sedan chairs. It was already the evening of the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, but they didn't know the inside story.
Let's say that when the Dazang Bureau and Masakani rushed to Sufu in panic, Katagiri Kamoto had already lived in Juzi Tokuganji Temple, waiting to be subjected to Ieyasu's severe cross-examination.This time, as usual, as soon as he arrived at Tokuganji Temple, Kaemoto couldn't wait to ask for an audience with Ieyasu, but until late at night, all he was waiting for was Honda's solo visit, which made Kaemoto even more panicked.
"Master Dayusuo ordered that even a meeting with Lord Mayor will not help. What is the agreement between Your Excellency and Dayusuo?" Zhengchun also seemed very confused.
"What does your lord mean, that you don't want to lead me down to meet the lord of the Imperial Palace?"
"Your Excellency said that I don't want to see you. So far, Shizheng has not fulfilled a single agreement. I really misunderstood the person. That's all my lord said."
Qi Yuan's eyes were suddenly dark.
"Issei, my visit tonight is really considering your lord's difficulties. Has your lord not fulfilled the agreement with the lord of the Imperial Palace? If you have fulfilled it, please show me the proof. In this way, I can help you mediate, otherwise, I'm afraid I can only ask you to return."
For a while, Qi Yuan just trembled all over and couldn't speak.After Zhengchun said this, Qie Yuan's sleeping memories were awakened one by one. "Don't say anything, let Hideyori hand over Osaka Castle first, and accept the transfer to Koriyama..."
"Shizheng," Zhengchun continued to be anxious, "I think, I'm afraid you won't be able to answer on the spot today, and I didn't come to visit with the intention of knowing the answer. However, I am often by the side of the Great Imperial Palace, and I can roughly guess the meaning of the Great Imperial Palace. My lord's thoughts. It seems that the lord of the Great Imperial Palace announced the intention of transferring the Toyotomi family at the same time as holding this offering. Since Osaka Castle is a key place in the world, it should not be owned by one family and one surname. Under the general's management, in order to maintain the peace of the whole of Japan. Based on this idea, the Great Imperial Palace hopes that Lord Youfu can move to another place. There are some things, even if I don't say anything, I think you know that the sixth son of the Great Imperial Palace, Zhonghui, is due to If he wanted Osaka Castle, he was severely reprimanded by the Imperial Palace, and even ordered him to build a new city in Takata. The Minister of the Right should not be an exception. Although the current Koriyama Castle is small, the Lord of the Imperial Palace will sooner or later build a city that meets the status of the Minister of the Right. The Osaka Castle where the late Taiko-sama once lived will be handed over to the people of the present world, and then the largest festival in the country will be held to comfort the spirit of the late Taiko. In this way, peace will be created forever. Out of this consideration, I would like to , the Great Imperial Palace must have reached some kind of agreement with your lord. Now I want to ask, does your lord have any satisfactory reply from the Great Imperial Palace?"
What Honda said was pure and clear, like a huge nail piercing into Qiyuan's chest.And Yuan can only answer "yes".But what should be done about the offering to the Buddha and the seventeenth anniversary?Does Ieyasu feel that the East-West War is inevitable?
"Shizheng, if you have no doubts, I will be rude and leave. It is already late at night, and I will listen to your reply tomorrow."
"Please wait a moment." Qi Yuan didn't know what to say, and was very anxious in his heart: If Zhengchun is allowed to leave like this, everything will be over. "What the Imperial Palace said is convincing, but...but it still makes me regret. For Qi Yuan, this is really a cold problem."
"Oh?" Zhengchun was a little surprised, "Since you are sincerely convinced, you are regretful, so you made a weird statement."
"I really understand the painstaking efforts of the Great Imperial Palace, but Osaka also has difficulties in Osaka. Therefore... Therefore, I must follow the wishes of the Great Imperial Palace for the matter of moving the seal, but for now, please look at Qie Yuan's thin face and take care of it first. It was originally planned to hold an offering. I have repeatedly asked the Lord of the Imperial Palace."
"Oh." Zhengchun opened his eyes wide, "So, the Great Imperial Palace has agreed?"
The pure and calm interrogation put Qi Yuan in a dilemma of being speechless.Qi Yuan did request this, but Ieyasu did not explicitly agree. "From now on, I will treat the right minister as a grown man." Ieyasu's terrifying voice still echoes in his ears.
"Shizheng." Seeing that Qi Yuanli's words were poor, Zhengchun pretended to get up and leave, while lowering his voice, "As far as I know, the Great Imperial Palace has not agreed. Otherwise, he would not use Zhong Ming and the like. For the question, I deliberately set a riddle for the right minister."
"Oh? That Zhong Ming is a riddle thrown to the right minister?"
"That's right. My humble opinion is that Minister You has become an outstanding patriarch of the Toyotomi Clan. The Imperial Palace threw this riddle to him to see how he can cultivate himself and manage his family, and how powerful he is."
"This... this... is really surprising."
"Mayor, what the Imperial Palace is waiting for is the answer. Have you brought it? If you haven't brought it, what's the use of meeting you? The Imperial Palace must think so. So please think carefully and send yours tomorrow." Let me reveal the meaning to you. Other things, you can talk about it when you understand it.” After speaking, Zhengchun straightened his clothes and stood up.
And Yuan Yu pulled Zhengchun again, but was blocked.I'm afraid Zhengchun has already seen through it, and Yuan still repeats the old words this time, without bringing any new decisions or oaths at all.
Qi Yuan is like an idiot, sitting until dawn.He finally understood what Ieyasu was looking for.If you don't bring Hideyori's oath to Jiaocheng according to the intention of the Imperial Palace, everything will be avoided.But, it's too late now.Taiko's death day is on August 18th, and it is absolutely impossible to return to Osaka and bring the affidavit within the remaining ten days.Maybe it is true that I, Katagiri Kazumoto, obediently fell into the trap of the Great Imperial Palace, as Xiu and Neizosuke said?
At times like this, people don't always want to blame themselves.Qiyuan had enough time to convey Ieyasu's intentions to Xiuyao or Mrs. Dian, but he was only busy with the trivial matters of the Buddhist bell and the bell tower, completely neglecting the main purpose.Of course, it was precisely because he trusted Ieyasu too much that he made such a big mistake.He thought that if he didn't oppose Tokugawa, Ieyasu would give him some face.How naive!
Qi Yuan gradually regretted it: I was so sincere to the Great Imperial Palace, but in the end... Thinking of this, Fang Fang felt that the depth of Jiakang City Mansion was really frightening.No matter how much he struggled now, it was futile.From the very beginning, he was a little moth caught in a giant net.From the time when Okubo's loyal neighbor was dismissed, the Okubo has been determined to destroy Osaka Castle, which sheltered foreign believers.But his heart is definitely not for Ieyasu, he is only for the Toyotomi family.
For the whole day on the sixth day of August, Qi Yuan kept thinking wildly, but in the end he still didn't visit Zhengchun.People are deliberately challenging, he has already fallen into fear, and has no time to take care of other things.
On the morning of the 7th, he decided not to say hello to Masamune, and went directly to the main city of Sufu, and once again petitioned Ieyasu for the sake of Hideyori and the Toyotomi clan.Otherwise, even if he died, he would have no face to face the Taige!
However, just as he was ordering his entourage to prepare, Junfu formally sent someone instead.
As Ieyasu's official envoys, the ones who came to Tokuganji Temple were Masakazu Honda, who secretly visited Qiyuan the night before, and Takaden Kinjiin.
Qi Yuan welcomed the two envoys into the guest hall and invited them to the upper seat. He just fell to the ground and saluted, tears streaming down his face unconsciously.He thought about it all day, and there was only one answer: If Kanto's wishes were violated right now, and the war started, Osaka would have no chance of winning.At this moment, there is no choice but to move with emotion.
"Just now, I was about to go to see Lord Dayusuo in person to repent for my mistakes." Qie Yuan said with tears.
Today, the two envoys sullenly did not give him a chance to speak. "Dayu has two things I want to ask you." As soon as Chong Chuan, who was dressed in a monk's robe, said, Zheng Chun respectfully and respectfully opened the letter of Ieyasu, and arrogantly opened it.
Qi Yuan couldn't help being startled—it seems that I will be detained here and sacrificed to them.As a military commander, he is not afraid of death, but he regrets deeply when he thinks that he will never see Toyotomi again.
Unfolding the letter, Zhengchun read out sharply: "First, Dong Zha violated the precedent and did not record the name of the craftsman. What is the basis for it? Second, it is rumored that Osaka recruited a large number of ronin. What is the purpose? These two, sincerely Please explain."
Qi Yuan put his hands on the ground, he couldn't help but doubt his ears, was this the only thing he was questioning?He was greatly surprised, "Please forgive me for taking the liberty to ask only these two questions?"
"Yes. If there is a defense, I will listen to it. Please speak."
"My lord, I want to go to the Junfu to meet the lord of the Great Imperial Palace and explain this matter in detail. I wonder if it's okay?"
"No!" Zhengchun rolled up the letter and refused sternly, "Master Katagiri said, you don't need to see Katagiri." After a while, he lowered his voice again, and said, "Don't tell me the envoy still doesn't understand? If you are in a hurry, you will make reckless actions such as harakiri. This interrogation will be handed over to you first. If it is difficult to explain it now, you can submit it to Mr. Hideyori, and after consultation, we will send a defense envoy."
Katagiri was at a loss.For Zhong Ming who had problems, the other party did not blame him, but only brought up the matter of Dongza and the recruitment of ronin. What does this mean?This is another mystery...
After receiving the letter from Masazumi, Katagiri Kademoto fell into deep thought in despair.Seeing this scene, Honda Zhengchun also felt sorry for him, and said: "My mission as an envoy has been completed. Next, Zhengchun wants to talk to you in a private capacity. It is said that the city is very fond of rice cakes?"
"Hey, rice cake?"
"I remember when telling the story of the samurai family in the past, the adults said that when they were young, they often hung some baked rice cakes around their waists, secretly encouraging themselves, saying how could they be killed by the enemy before eating such delicious rice cakes! Win the battle, eat rice cakes again...do you still remember, my lord?"
"Remember...it did say that."
"Today I brought some rice cakes, and I have given them to the monk who does odd jobs. I hope you will think about it after tasting it."
"Thank you very much!"
"I hope that your lord will make a defense after careful consideration. I will leave."
Qie Yuan hurriedly stood up and watched the two of them walk out of the gate.In the end, he couldn't ask anything, what happened to the Zhong Ming of "National Well-being"?It was time for Elder Qing Han to come to Jun Mansion to explain, but he didn't mention it, he left in a hurry after throwing another mystery.Is it for the in-law Weng Ina Tadamasa to help secretly, or is it for the niece-in-law Honda Masakazu's brother Zhongxiang to make peace?
At this time, a monk doing odd jobs came in with freshly baked round rice cakes dipped in miso soup. "This is a gift from Mr. Honda Zhengchun." He respectfully placed the tray in front of Chie Yuan, "Master Honda has ordered that if you need it, please wrap it up for you so as not to get cold."
"wrap up?"
"yes."
"No. You back off."
In fact, "Baoqi" also contains a hint, but it's a pity that Qi Yuan was worried and panicked, and didn't realize it at all.The baked rice cake, if dipped in miso soup and wrapped, can keep soft and warm, and it is an excellent dry food during the journey.This was clearly Honda's pure good intentions, and he wanted him to hurry back to discuss with Hideyori with the form of interrogation.However, Qiyuan neither wanted Hideyori to make a decision, nor expected him to make a decision, and believed that it was all his own responsibility.
Qi Yuan focused all his attention on the two questions.
The name of the craftsman is not written on the donja. Is this issue so important?He would not have thought that this actually contained the answer to the mystery of distinguishing between public and private, and handing over the city of Osaka.When recruiting ronin to ask, he knew very well that this was clearly asking whether Osaka had betrayed his heart.But Qiyuan can swear to heaven and earth: Daban has no such intentions.
On the eighth and ninth day of the lunar new year, Qi Yuan thought about it for two days, and finally decided to go to see Ieyasu.At this time, several women had already arrived at Deyuan Temple.
When Qi Yuan learned that the two old women followed him from Osaka at the behest of Mrs. Dian, he was extremely disappointed at first.Ieyasu had made up his mind, and handing over Osaka Castle to the shogunate was already a certain problem.It is useless for women to list a bunch of complaints.But not long after, his thoughts changed slightly—the tea bureau in Junfu City sent an envoy to greet the second daughter.
Qi Yuan was deeply surprised, and also changed his mind suddenly.If the two old women successfully met Jia Kang in the name of visiting the tea bureau, they could at least find out what kind of medicine Jia Kang sold in the gourd.
Thinking of this, Qi Yuan slapped his thigh.When there is no way out, let the woman say the hard things to say.Even if they think differently from Qi Yuan, they will not cast cold arrows.If the two old women testified for Qi Yuan, saying that Xiu Lai and Mrs. Dian had seriously considered the matter, there would be room for maneuver.
Qi Yuan decided to go back first.The two women also didn't want to see Qiyuan before meeting Ieyasu.This is by no means just out of a woman's face.Besides, Yuan is the envoy of Xiu Lai, and they are the envoys of Mrs. Dian. They don't want to be misunderstood as that the hatchback meets at Deyuan Temple and discusses secretly.
It seems that this is not something I can justify with a single mouth. I should rush back as soon as possible, and after discussing with the young master and his wife, I will send an envoy... Qi Yuan was riding on the horse, talking to himself, while looking back at the mountain gate , He always felt that he was too sorry for the two old women by doing so.Don't tell them how angry Lord Jiakang is, and let him go to Junfu City, it's really not what a man would do.
After leaving Deyuan Temple, there was a light rain in the sky.
The women's sedan chairs are probably already soaked, they usually like to dress up, and they don't know how much they will complain about this rain... Depressed, Yuan Yuan galloped away.
The Dazang Bureau and Masahiro Ni arrived at Sunfu Castle at sunset.
As guests in the inner court, the two old women were welcomed in by the maids of the Tea Bureau, and then invited into the academy-style guest room, waiting for the master to come out.At this moment, the faces of the two were pale, their expressions were tense, and their hearts were hanging.
Both the Dazang Bureau and Zheng Rongni knew his son's intention to summon the ronin.Because of this, both of them felt quite sad on the way here.
They talked a lot: Akechi Mitsuhide’s mother was taken hostage by a traitor’s family and then killed; Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s mother was also sent to Okazaki as a hostage, and firewood was piled up around the house... Similar disasters were witnessed It's about to fall on them, why don't they tremble with fear?
"It's been a hard journey. How is Mrs. Osaka?" Cha Aju came in, put away the gift Kagaran, smiling all over his face, but the two did not smile back calmly.
"Mrs. Cha'aju looks as good as ever." Before the words finished, Dazangju was already choked up.
"It's really gratifying." Zheng Rongni quickly took the words.
It can be seen that both of them are desperately suppressing their fear, and it is really sad to be scared like this.
"Hehe, don't be restrained, you two." Cha Aju showed confidence in his firmness, "I haven't seen you two for a long time, and when I heard that you are coming, I will pick you up regardless of your exhausted journey. Let's talk about the message later, first Take a break and have some simple food."
"Thank you very much." The Dazang Bureau seemed to be more nervous than Zheng Rongni, said something, and realized that his voice was trembling, so he coughed dryly, and said, "Actually, Mrs. Dian... it is quite a matter of delaying this offering It's quite heartbreaking for..."
"Let's talk about this later."
"No, before meeting with the Great Imperial Palace, among us women... have a nice chat with Madam..."
Zheng Rongni took over the conversation: "Mrs. Cha, Mrs. Dian quite... misses the days when Master Dayusuo lived in Xiyuan. How should I put it, the rumors at that time..."
Seeing the gaffes of the two old women, Cha Ah Ju couldn't help feeling sorry for them.They were so flustered that they even forgot to feel pity for women.Cha Ah is Ie Kang's concubine, and telling her about Mrs. Dian's affair with Ie Kang can only embarrass her. "Please don't worry. I'll talk to Mr. Dayusuo and let him meet you two. I'll ask you two now."
In fact, at this time, Cha Ah Ju has already got Jia Kang's promise to ask her to introduce two women.
"Ah!" After Cha A Ju went out to report, Zheng Rongni, who was still somewhat calm, said unbearably silent, "Tea A Ju said that, she must know that she will take us hostage, and thinks we are pitiful."
"Are you sure?"
"There must be nothing wrong. You don't have any expectations."
"This... oh!"
Having said that, it is really hard for the two of them to imagine what happened, and they feel uneasy.Not long after, Cha Aju came back with a serious face, "Da Yu said, since Mrs. Dian's envoy has come from afar, I should meet with her. Meals are being prepared now, please wait a moment."
After someone brought dinner to the two of them, Cha Aju left the table again.Compared with the meals in Osaka, this is by no means a feast, but it is not a simple meal.I don't know what this reception means?
"Servants come to guide the two of you." About half an hour later, a maid appeared, led the two old women through the long corridor, and brought them to Jiakang's room.
As soon as he looked up, he saw Cha Aju hastily greeted him.The two old women became more and more nervous. If someone asked about the curse, how should they reply?No one knew exactly what Hideyori and Mrs. Dian were thinking, and no one dared to assert that they had no intention of cursing Ieyasu at all.The pain of conscience of the two became more and more intense, and their introspection became deeper and deeper.
"Oh, it's been a long journey, it's hard work. Hurry up, come in." Seeing the two kneeling silently in front of him, Ieyasu also felt a little sad, "Heard from Cha A's mouth that you are coming, I can't help but think of Okazaki Castle in the past. When I was a kid, Okazaki Castle was full of unhappy widows."
"Don't dare." Zheng Rongni spoke first, "It's a great honor to meet Mrs. Dayusuo under Mrs. Cha'a's arrangement. Greetings sir."
Afterwards, the Dazang Bureau also said: "Master Da Yusuo is still in good health, congratulations."
"The polite words will be spared. You are still as healthy as before, that's great. Come, sit inside. Have a couple of cups first. Tea, you have tasted the poison, pour it for the two of you."
As if in a dream, the two old women sat down in front of Ieyasu tremblingly under the urging of the maids.The atmosphere was like welcoming a long-awaited distinguished guest. For the two old women, it was quite unexpected, but it made them feel even more frightened.
"Oh! I never thought it would cause such a big disturbance." Dang Jiakang heard the panic from the two old women from the Cha A Bureau, and said pitifully, "Men are not up to date and always make women cry, so you should remember that , what is the crime of a woman?" Jiakang said to Cha A Ju, looking very angry.If Yuan Yuan had been more experienced, he would have persuaded Xiulai's mother and son earlier, and the women would not be as panicked as they are today.
"They all seem to be timid people, please don't scold them loudly."
"Nonsense! Ieyasu is at his age, how could he scold two innocent women? What do you think of me? Treat them well, don't make them worry!"
"Thank you, my lord, Cha Ah finally has some face... After all, they are all women."
After the meal, Ieyasu asked someone to prepare cups and plates for the two old women.The wine glass was handed to the Dazang Bureau first, and the Dazang Bureau took it respectfully, and said with both hands on the ground: "My maidservant is terrified, Mrs. Dian has a message, so I dare not drink first."
"A message? I haven't heard it yet. Okay, let's hear it."
"Thank you, my lord. In fact, Mrs. Dian is very sad about the postponement of this support."
"Oh?"
"It is said that there is an ominous word on the bell inscription that curses Kanto, such a thing... the madam doesn't know about it. Not only that, but the madam often asks us worryingly about whether the Great Imperial Palace is in good health..."
"Haha!" Ieyasu couldn't help laughing, and interrupted the Dazang Bureau, "What did I think? In Osaka, there are elders, elders, and Ufu who has grown up. Besides, I also told Katagiri Kamoto that nothing has happened for the time being. Don't worry, I will live in the city tonight. Tea, they are far away Coming from the road, I am exhausted physically and mentally, so please entertain them."
The two old women looked at each other, blinked in fear, were so surprised that they were about to shed tears, and looked very pitiful.The two thought they would be reprimanded, but Ieyasu said it was nothing, and the panic was evident on the faces of the two daughters.
"Mrs. Dazang, it's time to let go of the heavy burden. Drain the wine and pass it to Zheng Rongni, and let's talk about the past slowly."
The once forgotten smile crept onto the faces of the two old women again.What a surprise for them, who imagined things to be the worst!Ieyasu didn't seem to feel the sinister atmosphere of the upcoming battle in Osaka Castle, and smiled like a successful old man.The Tea Bureau is meticulous and helps mediate.In this way, isn't Osaka's worry unfounded?
"It's really a blessing." The Dazang Bureau handed the wine glass to Zheng Rongni, and couldn't help sighing.Suddenly, she thought, was she deceived by Katagiri Kamoto's intimidation before?Jealousy and strife always go hand in hand.Katagiri Kazumoto, who was once the ruler of Osaka Castle and arbitrarily dictatorial, is increasingly threatened by the Ono brothers and Watanabe Uchisuke.Otherwise, how could someone as majestic as a well-off family treat two women so kindly?
Masahiro Ni was also filled with emotion just like the Dazang Bureau, she held the wine glass in her hand with forgetfulness, the corners of her eyes were red.
"It's almost dry in one gulp, and then pass it to Mrs. Dazang... Mrs. Dazang, please have another drink."
"My lord." Zheng Rongni couldn't help but said, "The hospitality I received today surprised me so much that I couldn't believe it was real. But..."
"Ok?"
"In Osaka Castle, headed by Mrs. Yodo, all the cronies panicked. There are rumors everywhere in the city that Edo's army is about to attack."
"Hehe!" Cha Aju smiled coquettishly, with a kind of pride in serving the strong in his smile, "Don't worry. No matter what the situation, Lord Dayusuo will not harm women and children. You are a man who will always be with the Buddha. You are a kind person here." As he spoke, Cha Aju laughed again.She really wanted to tell the secret that only she knew - just in case, Ieyasu had issued a secret order to Yagyu Somo, and even thought of a way to rescue Mrs. Dian, mother and son, and Chihime.
"I really didn't expect to receive such hospitality, right, Dazang?" Masahiro Ni completely relaxed, "I think it's time to tell Mrs. Yodo the good news as soon as possible."
"That's the best." Ieyasu put his hands behind his ears and replied, "What can a woman do wrong? Let's rest here today and leave early tomorrow morning."
That night, the two old women stayed in Jiakang's room for more than an hour, and then returned to the room of Cha A Ju, chatting and laughing until late at night.Once they learned that Ieyasu was not hostile, the two women naturally relaxed and were surprisingly happy.
In the morning of the second day, perhaps due to eating melons the night before, Zheng Rongni had a stomachache. After receiving medical treatment, he temporarily returned to Deyuan Temple and postponed his departure for a day.So they set off from Juzi, and it was already the twelfth day of the eighth lunar month.
They learned that Katagiri Katamoto had set off first and left Deyuan Temple, so they discussed: "Master Mayor has rushed back with good news, so that he can catch up with the death anniversary on the 18th."
"It must be like this. Let's go back quickly, so that we can enjoy the grand occasion of the festival."
The women hurried on their way, and when they arrived at Tushan Station, which was more than 120 miles away from Kyoto, it was already the evening of the 16th.Go back to Osaka from here, fearing that we will not be able to catch up with the Dafa event. Hideyori and Mrs. Yodo will also arrive at Fangguang Temple, so they simply went there... While discussing, the two rushed to Tsuchiyama Heijiro's residence near Shirakawa Bridge, and they were surprised. They thought that Katagiri Kemoto, who had already arrived in Kyoto, was still living here.
"What happened to the mayor?"
"Maybe I'm sick, let's go visit first."
The women believed that even if Katagiri fell ill during the trip, as long as another person was sent to report it, it would still not affect the holding of the Dafa Conference.
"The Lord Mayor must be sick. Since we live together, it would be unreasonable not to visit. Both of you should go and have a look."
Hearing what the Dazang Bureau said, the two bureaus immediately went to visit Katagiri Kemoto who lived in another building.
At this time, Qi Yuan had already had dinner, and was under the dim light, frowning and writing down his diary.
"Oh, it's the two bureaus. The geese flying from the back actually came to the front." Qi Yuan lowered his voice and said, "How is the situation in the Jun Mansion? What problems did the Imperial Palace give you?"
Hearing the tone of the question, the two bureaus knew that he was impatient.She always thought that Qi Yuan got sick during the trip, and she was very worried. When she heard this, her face suddenly became gloomy, "Master Shi Zheng, how could you do this? Please stop teasing us girls."
"What? I obviously left Deyuan Temple one step ahead of you, and I waited here because I was worried about you, and wanted to ask what happened."
"Hehe, what is this? It turns out that your lord is not sick. The Dazang Bureau and Zheng Rongni are coming to visit your lord."
Upon hearing this, Katagiri Kemoto's expression changed drastically, and he immediately stood up, "I'll go see them myself. Lead the way."
From the words of the two bureaus, Katagiri Kazumoto felt the strong dislike of several women towards him.At first, he thought that it was all due to the difficulties of Jiakang.So far, he has never talked about the transfer of seals. I don't know how the two old women will react to this.Ieyasu must have told the two old women about his earlier agreement.I'm afraid the two old women have been scared out of their wits.However, Qiyuan never mentioned this agreement in Osaka, which is a bit embarrassing.
But even if this is not the case, some people in the Seven Hands Group are already whispering: The city is having an affair with Kanto!
Qi Yuan urged the two bureaus to lead the way and hurried to the residence of the two old women.When the two old women saw him, they were shocked and hurriedly welcomed him in.
"Master Mayor, are you not sick?"
Qi Yuan didn't answer, but simply said: "You don't have to worry. I can't go back to Osaka alone." He sighed faintly, and said what he was most worried about: "Even if Katagiri and Yuan are smashed to pieces, we can't hold the meeting as scheduled. The long-awaited seventeenth anniversary!"
"Hey?" Zheng Rongni asked, "What did you say, Lord Mayor?"
"Oh, it can't be held. Even though you are reluctant, the eighteenth day of Taige's death is destined to be missed. Let's not talk about this, what kind of problem did the Great Imperial Palace give you?"
"Problem?" Masahiro Ni held his breath and stared blankly at the Dazang Bureau.大藏局也睁大眼，有些发懵：市正究竟要跟我们说什么？客室一角的二位局紧盯着且元，她以为且元乃是在心怀不轨地揶揄女人们，便道：“市正大人，您可知大御所大人的难题究竟是怎回事？”
“这么说，是特别的难题？”且元探出身子。
“正是。”正荣尼向大藏局使了个眼色，应道，“大御所对我们几个女人无甚说的，说事情全都吩咐片桐大人了。对吧，大藏夫人？”
“是，就是这般说的，那么，大御所究竟对市正大人说了些什么？”且元顿时缩回了身子，脸上血色全无，像冻僵了一般。
“对，究竟说了些什么，快给我们讲讲。”看到且元的反应有些不寻常，正荣尼故意追问道。
正荣尼和大藏局也都受到了影响，对且元不再抱有好感，观在，这种反感越发明显。二人思虑，且元究竟在想什么，究竟有何企图？她们和家康、茶阿局都直接会了面，还被告知一切皆不必担心。她们坚信十八日的祭典定会如期隆重举行，方才兴奋地踏上了归途。可是，为秀赖全权代理佛事事宜的片桐且元却滞留在此处，更为奇怪的是，他竟还危言耸听！如此一来，女人们自然对他猜疑不已：说不定，佛事延期亦是片桐市正的阴谋呢。
当然，且元不会这般想。他并未从女人的话中听出弦外之音。家康对她们什么也未说，他自觉甚是意外，同时，又觉得有些可能。此乃天下大事，非女人可置喙者。家康的做法实无不妥，但自己又当如何？
且元脸色大变，心内依旧茫然。
“市正大人，您究竟是怎的了？怎的不说话？说说啊，大御所究竟对您了么？快些告诉我们。”对于且元的沉默，正荣尼已完全怀疑起来，语气也变成了责问。在这种情况下，她们的误解已愈来愈深。
“对，说说吧。”大藏局也帮腔道，“我们紧跟在市正大人之后赶来，是因为大御所什么也未告诉我们，只让我们问市正大人。我们的任务还没完成呢，你说呢，正荣尼？”
“是，大御所究竟出了道什么难题？”
她们的责问，与其说是出于责任，不如说出于好奇，甚至乃是发泄和作弄。片桐且元额头上渗出一层急汗，他脸色铁青，灯火将他脸上的阴影映得更深。
“家康公什么也未说？”
“因此，我们才问市正大人呢。那难题究竟是什么？”
“好吧，我就告诉你们，希望莫把你们吓坏了。”且元叮嘱了一句，之后又犹豫了：女人能明白这难题的意味吗？
“我们洗耳恭听。请讲！”
两个老女人完全变成了且元的对手。她们并非想从且元那里问出事情的真相，单想取得证据，撕下他的伪装。
“此次供养延期的难题背后，有着深刻的缘由。”且元一面顾虑着女人的理解能力，一面道。两个女人互相施了个眼色，催道：“那还用说？大家如此期待的太阁十七周年忌，若连法事都没有，丰臣氏的脸面可就丢尽了。”
“若把话追溯到以前……但现在看来，只怕一切都没用了。重要的是，究竟如何才能解决这个纠纷。算了，我直接把一路上认真思量之事告诉你们。听好了，第一，须及早把淀夫人送到江户为质。”
“啊？”正荣尼发出一声怪叫，看着大藏局，喃喃道，“把淀夫人交作人质？”
看到两个老女人如此惊愕，且元也有些发慌，“若非如此，少君就只有交出大坂城，移封他处。”
两个老女人什么也没说，但眼里却充满血丝，脸上也明显浮出极度厌恶的神情。
“前面两件，恐怕都很难定下来……如此一来，少君只好亲赴江户，与将军讲和……只此三个选择，此外别无出路。”
且元本来一片赤诚，可他这么一说，更加深了女人们的误解。他应原原本本把自己与家康的交涉过程说出来。但是，他却认为那都不过是些废话，遂把自己一路上思量的解决之方悉数道出。
女人们先是惊愕不已，然后，嘲讽的怜悯之笑浮上嘴角。她们只相信亲眼所见的家康，自然把且元的话都看作借家康名义来实现狼子野心的弥天大谎。
“说不定，大御所仍对淀夫人怀有爱慕之心呢。”
“是啊，世人都说，老人的爱恋之心十分执著。”
“可是，让少君下江户，应是关东期盼已久的事。若找个人在途中伏杀少君，兵不血刃就可以把大坂城弄到手。呵呵！”
听到这话，且元脸色变得甚是难看，讪讪说了几句，便沉默无语——即使把深思熟虑的解救之方说出，女人们恐也无法理解。他端坐在那里，眼泪不觉簌簌落了下来。
人与人之间，言语本乃沟通桥梁，但万一言语不慎，便成难渡之壑。加上且元与女人身份完全不同，女人一开始就把且元视为“可疑之人”，而且元则认为她们“未见过世面”。双方只有一点相同，便是具有对丰臣氏的忠诚之心。
“总之，这三条当中，必选其一，否则，恐有灭顶之灾！”
“既然如此，那市正大人就与我们同行，把这些禀报给夫人吧。”大藏局以揶揄的口吻道。
“不，我怕还得晚一步回去。”且元诚恳答道，“此次虽说钟铭的难题解决了，可是，直接命令我暂停供养的却是板仓大人，故我还要绕回京都，把我的想法告诉板仓大人，跟他好生商量，以求对丰臣氏最为有利，然后返回大坂。”
听且元这么一说，二位局睁大眼睛，插言道：“这么说，大人在见夫人和少君之前，要先去见所司代板仓大人了？”
“是。若得不到板仓大人的首肯，只怕事情不好办啊，这是大坂眼下的处境。”三个女人面面相觑，沉默不语。
“我回城之后再详加说明，你们回去之后，也请先转达一下市正的意思。”说完这些，片桐且元心情沉重地离去。他所想，乃是先去问一问板仓胜重的意思。事到如今，要想隐瞒家康移封的真心，实是不可能了。
且元离去之后，三个女人瞪大眼睛，不知从何说起。
“可把我惊出了一身冷汗。”最先开口的为大藏局，“大御所竟然要把夫人纳为侧室？”
“若真把这样的事禀告夫人，不知她会何等愤怒！”
“可是，却也不能不说。此非大御所大人所言，而是片桐市正欺我们无知，信口雌黄编派出来的。”
片桐且元说过要把淀夫人送到江户去做人质，但是并未说要让她做大御所的侧室。由于女人们对且元的成见，她们的话自是大变其味。
“市正真是可怕，居然要把少君送到江户！少君可是连城都未出过啊。”
正荣尼偷偷拭掉眼角的泪珠……