Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Fortification Storm

Toyotomi Hideyori of Osaka Castle had to send men to repair Sunfu Castle at a rate of five hundred stones per person.On behalf of Itakura Katsushige, the director told this to Katagiri Kamoto, and Katagiri was a little surprised. When Tokugawa Hidetada entered Beijing, Hideyori refused to go to see him, which made Kaemoto very nervous. I don't know how furious Tokugawa Ieyasu would be!However, Ieyasu did not express any anger, and instead asked Zhonghui to come to Daban City to seek medical advice on behalf of the general.This made Ji Yuan very worried.No matter who looked at it, Osaka Fang was justified: his father-in-law was appointed as the general who conquered the barbarians, but his son-in-law refused to visit him. This is really provocative.It is really rude to do such a thing in full view without any strength.However, it was rare for the other party to show no trace of anger.Qi Yuan believes that Ieyasu and Xiuzhong must have lingering hatred in their hearts, and they are holding back because Qianji is a hostage in Osaka, but after thinking about it carefully, this concern will disappear sooner or later.

At this time, Qi Yuan didn't care about the future class service anymore, it was useless to think about it, and he also had some intentions of flattering him.He then said: "Understood. The young master will do his best." The donations to various temples and shrines must continue. Compared with those silver coins, what is this tax and labor?After agreeing to Itakura Katsushige, on the way home, Chi Yuan began to think about giving gifts to all parties. Unexpectedly, although Xiu Lai readily agreed and Mrs. Dian had no objection, there were unexpected objections, which came from the women around Mrs. Dian.I don't know whether it was Watanabe Neizosuke's mother, Masakani, or the Xingting Bureau who had objections. Anyway, when the word reached Chie Yuan's ear, even the Dazang Bureau began to object.Ono Jichang, the son of the Dazang Bureau, even publicly reprimanded Kaemoto: "It's really a leaky house and it's raining!"

Qi Yuan immediately asked if there was any major event going to happen.But the governor was vague and unwilling to explain, but the implication was that it was really disrespectful to the Lord Toyotomi's levy and other ordinary daimyos, and he had to reject it outright, otherwise there would be endless troubles. "This statement is wrong. If you feel that performing taxes and servitude is unpleasant, you should consider it a congratulatory gift to the Imperial Palace." After Qi Yuan finished speaking, he had no choice but to visit Hideyori again. On a daily basis, Hideyori summoned various entertainers from the market to the city, sometimes to enjoy Sape music, and sometimes even summoned Kabuki girls from the capital.

Oda Changzhen often tried to persuade her, but Hideyori said: "How is mother? Have you asked her how she is?"You Le once said to Qi Yuan: "People who have no way may as well let him go." This remark can be understood as You Le's helplessness, or it can be understood as a mockery of Chang Zhen... When Qiyuan arrived in the inner court, luckily, all the women were not there, only Rongju stood aside with a displeased face, and Xiu Lai was playing chess with a group of monks and servants.Xiu Lai seemed to have quarreled with Rong Ju just now, and shouted at her loudly: "Bring tea! Tea..."

"My lord, I have some troublesome things to tell you, I hope others can avoid it a little..." And before the Yuan talk was over, those people dispersed one after another, leaving only Eiju and Hayami Kaishou.Qi Yuan also waved to the two of them. He wanted to ask Xiu Lai about those who strongly opposed taxation. "Mayor, what's the matter, tell me quickly!" "Your Excellency is not happy?" "Yes, Rongju just said some stupid things." "Nonsense?" "She said, I'm not allowed to go to my mother's place, and I'm not allowed to invite people from the street, and I'm not allowed to play with the servants casually...No this or that, what should I do?"

"Oh." "I heard that Mr. Edo thought about me and banned the sale of poison in Osaka. But something more terrifying than poison is now popular in the market. Mayor, is this true?" "What is more terrible than poison?" "Smallpox! If you have smallpox, nine out of ten you will die. Even if it is cured, there will be serious scars on your face. That's why Ah Rong said, don't go to your mother casually." Qie Yuan nodded with a wry smile, "That's why you scolded Rong Ju?" "That's right! My mother is not sick. She said such a thing, clearly trying to provoke me to discord with my mother."

"Your Excellency is bad. There are a lot of people around Madam, and Rong Bureau is also thinking of you, worrying that those people will bring serious diseases. It should be praised!" Xiu Lai stared at Qi Yuan seriously, and said: "So, you also brought the root cause of the disease? You look very bad!" Looking at the big from childhood, and seeing the old at the age of three, there are always traces of people's changes.But before adulthood, people are often surly and volatile. After this period, people like to bluff-Hideyori always tries to behave like an adult at this time. Although it is not offensive, it is always showing off and mocking. capable.These are actually superficial, far from what adults do.Right now, Xiu Lai made a sarcasm in his mouth, he can only say that he misses and trusts Qi Yuan - he trusts others, and he also hopes that others will trust him.

Qi Yuan only recently understood this truth, and after he understood it, he felt even more distressed about Xiu Lai.What were the late Taiko and himself doing when they were Hideyori's age?At that time, Mr. Hideyoshi was living in Hachisuka Xiaoliu's family, and he was busy playing adventures every day; Qi Yuan was working as a servant boy beside Hideyoshi, seeking fame and fame. What he thought about every day was how many people he would defeat and how many people he would kill next time. The first priority is to ride horses and play guns, and spend the day in a daze.However, Xiu Lai was confined within the high city wall, his hands and feet were firmly bound, and he couldn't breathe.Although Hideyoshi was poor when he was young, he was unrestrained and able to enjoy himself to the fullest; Hideyori was burdened by wealth and fame from birth, like a prisoner.

"It's okay for the old man, but the young master should not approach people who are seriously ill." "Shizheng, you don't seem to understand that I am mocking you. What I mean is that if you are really afraid of my illness, you can't come! Don't you often walk outside?" "This statement is wrong." Qi Yuan remained unmoved, "This old man must continue to speak to your lord." "Hmph! You say that every time you see me." "Young Master, what do you think about the Great Imperial Palace that is building a city in Junfu and is about to retire?"

"He's old." "These jokes should be enough. Do you think he is an enemy or a friend? Do you like him or hate him?" "Hmph, how can people tell the difference so easily? Everyone has good and bad sides, don't treat me like a child!" "Yes. So why does Young Master like him, and why do you hate him?" "What's the point of asking this? I don't want to answer meaningless things." Xiu Lai said so, but gradually revealed her thoughts. "Young master's words are wrong." I don't know when it started, Katagiri Kamoto became fond of talking with Hideyori, "Ichimasa never said meaningless words, because the matter is important, I just want to hear your opinion .”

"Oh? Then I'll be blunt. Mr. Edo and his late father are rare heroes in the world." "Then, do you like him?" "Yes. Rather than liking him, it is better to say that he is worthy of awe. But in Osaka City, there are too many people who don't understand the Great Imperial Palace." Katagiri Kasumi wondered if he had heard it wrong, "It's true...I think so too. Shaojun, I got the news before, asking Osaka to send a servant as soon as possible at a rate of 500 stone per person." "I've thought about this matter carefully, and it's better to refuse." "My lord's thoughts have changed again?" Xiu Lai nodded lightly and said: "There are too many people who oppose it in the city. I asked their opinions, and I think it makes sense." "Master, please explain more clearly." "It means the Seven Hands Group. They think that the Toyotomi family spends too much on temples and shrines, and they should stop." "This……" "The Toyotomi family is an unusual name, and they have to fulfill their obligations in both aspects, which is tantamount to prodigal." "Did they think...you were overburdened?" "Exactly! That's why I said to stop spending. A huge amount of money is wasted just for prayers... I plan to cancel the alms, but the women are against it, fearing punishment from gods and Buddhas. Mayor, women are really annoying!" In order to continue to repair the temples and shrines, they opposed supporting Junfu to repair the city. This is what the women mean.Qi Yuan couldn't help but look at Xiu Lai again. Hideyori suddenly said something unexpected: "It would be nice if foreign religions have prayers similar to Shugendo like Japanese temples and shrines, but they don't seem to have them." "Shuken way?" "Yes! If there is, the women will turn to God to pray. No matter what, they are all for me. This superstition really makes people feel distressed! Poor, Mayor!" Katagiri Katomoto suddenly leaned forward, "Young Master, you mean that the female relatives are unable to change their beliefs, so they object to funding for the repair of Junfu City? This is really a strange statement." "Probably." Hideyoshi nodded vaguely. "If you can pray for the safety of the young master through foreign religions that don't cost money, what will happen?" "In that case, the investment in temples and shrines will be reduced, and there will be no reason to oppose the repair of Junfu City at that time..." Xiu Lai muttered to herself with fingers, as if to keep this in mind, "I can Tell them, God can also protect me, so that women have no reason to object." He said very seriously, quietly watching Qi Yuan's reaction. Qi Yuan said: "I am confused." "I'd be happy to do something for Dayu, do you understand? He has worked hard all his life." "Young Master, who is the first to object?" "Food Court Bureau." "Then which one of the Seven Hands group proposed to stop giving to temples and shrines?" "Hayami Kaishu." "Hayami Kai believes in foreign religions, so he doesn't have a good relationship with the food court?" "No, the two get along very well." Hideyori wondered, "It's really strange, Shizheng." "Exactly!" "The two get along very well. Maybe they..." "Young Master, I'm afraid I can solve this mystery." "What's the answer to the mystery?" "Actually, Hayami Kaimori wants you to believe in foreign religions." "Hmm—that's why it's superstitious to go to temples and shrines to make wishes and pray?" "Also, the Xiangting Bureau may have joined the teaching." "That's weird. The Food Court objected to stopping giving alms to temples and shrines." Katagiri Kamoto bowed his head in thought, speechless for a while.Finally, the answer to the mystery is solved: Xiang Ting Ju has changed her beliefs, and she wants to catch her hard. As long as she hangs a cross on her chest, she can wait for the opportunity to win over Xiu Lai's belief in foreign religion.This is also a well-intentioned strategy. "Okay, I want to meet the Xiangting Bureau first." Hideyori still agrees, so there is no need to waste words.But when Mrs. Dian was involved, Hideyori felt troubled.The earliest objection was the Xiangting Bureau. She and Mrs. Dian's natal family were somewhat related by blood, and their relationship was quite complicated. Sometimes it transcended interests, and sometimes they opposed each other. "Young Master, this matter may be unexpectedly simple." Qi Yuanyan said goodbye, and went to Mrs. Dian's place. If Xiang Ting Bureau can understand the importance of the matter, it will be able to persuade - people who live alone for a long time, although they are very angry, they also have their weaknesses. Walking through the long corridor, Qi Yuan found that Mrs. Dian's residence is very quiet today, as if there are not many guests.He was relieved.A daily life of luxury and indulgence is never a good thing.He breathed a sigh of relief, and said to the maid at the door: "It's very good that the courtyard faces the sun so quiet." Recently, the number of people going in and out without being notified by the maids has increased significantly. In the past, only the lord of Kishiwada, Hidemasa Koide and Kagen, had this privilege. Now there are about a dozen people who have this privilege, but they are all close friends of Madam Yodo. The maids one by one Keep it in mind. Now it's Mrs. Dian's lunch break, and Xiang Tingju is resting in her room.When she saw Qi Yuan's appearance, she knew why he came. "My lord is now an important minister of the imperial court. I don't know what to do today?" "It's really frightening to interrupt at this time." "Hehe! Who dares to blame Lord Katagiri." The Xiangting Bureau asked the maid to straighten the mat, a little on guard. Qi Yuan nodded and sat down, probing by surprise: "Actually, I listened to Mr. Hayami's persuasion and planned to convert to God." This is of course a lie.Katagiri Kamoto has also become cunning. "This... Katagiri-sama wants to believe in religion?" "Yes. People need to be serious and simple... Maybe it's because they're getting old." After hearing this, Xiang Tingju showed a friendly smile.Although she is not a beauty, she is also plump and delicate. "However, there is one thing that I am quite puzzled about. Did I hear wrong?" Katagiri Kasumi deliberately looked very puzzled, "It's really strange." "What's so strange?" Xing Ting Bureau relaxed, and gradually took the bait. "Perhaps I'm a servant. I heard the young master say with my own ears that we will stop giving money to temples and shrines." Xing Ting Ju's expression was a little stiff, "I've heard about this too." "But there are rumors that you are the first to oppose the cessation of charity. This is really strange. You believe in God, so you should not object." Xiang Tingju looked away in embarrassment and blinked. "Considering my wife's various worries, I only mentioned a few words, but the Toyotomi family has indeed given too much to temples and shrines recently. I am worried about being criticized, and I am very careful in my words, but I think that faith is enough to save People's hearts." "My lord, from whom did you hear that I asked for continued charity?" "This, You Le Zhai..." "Actually, I want to stop worshiping." "Oh? Why is that?" "My lord, I have my own calculations." "Oh, it's surprising, I would like to hear more about it." "Recently there have been rumors about taxation in Junfu." "There is indeed a comparison." "The Toyotomi family will definitely object." "Well, maybe. In this case, we are not fulfilling our duty to the Shogunate." "So, I declare that the worship of temples and shrines cannot be stopped." "I seem to understand." "My lord, I will always oppose the abolition of offerings. If you are willing to accept taxation, please stick to your point of view." "I don't understand even more. Then, wouldn't it be embarrassing for you and I to argue in front of Shaojun and Mrs. Dian?" Qi Yuan pretended to be confused, but Xiang Tingju smiled for the first time, "One side thinks that it is related to the rise and fall of the Toyotomi clan, and absolutely cannot refuse taxes and servitude, while the other side is just superstitious, so there is no chance of winning. Shi Shaojun and his wife will understand. This is definitely not a betrayal of God." Katagiri Kazumoto was stunned, and sighed in his heart: "Women are really scary!" Food Court Bureau is very thoughtful, but also because there is plenty of time.She had made up her mind a long time ago. From the very beginning, she knew that taxes and duties could not be avoided, so she wanted to argue with Katagiri Katagiri in front of Mrs. Yodo and Hideyori, and then deliberately lost, so as to draw mother and son closer to the foreign religion.Is this just her own wisdom, or is it a conspiracy between Hayami Kaishu and other people who believe in foreign religions in the city? "Yes." Qi Yuan deliberately nodded vigorously, "In this way, Mrs. Dian and Shaojun may have suitable beliefs." "It can also save money and maintain the relationship with Junfu." "Astonishing. Madame is so intelligent, I am astonished." "Hehe, my lord, don't say that. No matter what, you can't hide from taxes, and we can't hide from handouts either." "I'm not against taxation." "Some things can be objected to, and some things can't be. If the current Toyotomi is getting along with the shogunate, if he is a little careless, it may be very bad." "I'm relieved to hear Madam say that. Before, I thought you objected from the bottom of my heart, and I was still terrified when I came here." "Hehe! Don't worry, my lord." "Then, I will resolutely argue with you?" Katagiri Kasumi skillfully concealed the heaviness that was difficult to dispel, and got up to leave. The Food Court Bureau sent him to the corridor and emphasized again loudly: "I oppose the cancellation of the enshrinement." There was silence in the corridor, and her voice hit Qie Yuan's chest. This city is being controlled by women. There is neither pioneering sweat nor critique of good governance here.In the whole world, only Daban Castle is floating above the huge clouds, turning into an illusory city isolated from the world. This made Qiyuan feel uneasy.Who exactly caused this?Mr. Xiu Lai is the orphan of Taige, and for Ieyasu, this kind of atmosphere is not to his liking.Could it be that Ieyasu is also an indecisive person like Hideyori? "No, it's not." Qi Yuan muttered, and walked towards Mrs. Dian's room, even if Jiakang pampered him for a while, Dasaka would surely be doomed. Qi Yuan came to Mrs. Dian's room and said, "Is anyone there?" Someone rushed over and pushed open the partition. It was Masakani, the mother of Naizosuke Watanabe. "Madam still awake?" Qie Yuan asked. Zheng Rongni whispered: "Yes. Madam is not in a good mood recently, and the lunch break has become longer." "Oh. Then I'll come back another day." Qie Yuan shook his head. "No. Poor nun will call her now. It's time to get up." Zheng Rongni thought for a while and walked towards the bedroom.She estimated that his wife would not refuse to see Katagiri Kemoto. There was a coughing sound, followed by Mrs. Dian's voice: "Oh, just call me. I woke up early." The voice was different from usual.Her voice was very moving before, but recently, I don't know if she has too many things on her mind, she sounds very tired, "Shizheng, why are you hesitating? Come here quickly!" "Excuse me." Qie Yuan walked straight into the bedroom and said straight to the point, "Madam, has anyone advised you to change your beliefs recently?" "believe?" "Such as converting to a foreign religion." "Hehe, what are you talking about, Shizheng?" Mrs. Dian thought that Qi Yuan was here to advise, and she looked very dissatisfied, "What have I done? Although I dote on the people around me, so what? And Taige's obsession with women In comparison, it’s nothing!” Men are allowed to take concubines, and there are many old practices of noblewomen recruiting young men after their husbands die, and no one will criticize them.Qi Yuan felt very embarrassed, he didn't say this. "I'm so terrified. It seems that someone is trying to persuade Shaojun to convert to foreign religions, so I want to ask Madam." Mrs. Dian showed a strange expression, but the unhappiness before disappeared immediately. "Oh, those things! Hehe, like the late Lord Tianxia, ​​I hate those boring precepts. Besides..." Mrs. Yodo clasped her hands together, "I also have a lot of worries, so I donate a lot at various temples and shrines. You know this too." "Qi Yuan came here because he was worried. Madam, is she against or in favor of repairing Junfu City? Qi Yuan hopes to hear Madam's innermost thoughts." Mrs. Dian gave a "shh", it turned out that Zheng Rongni was listening to them with narrowed eyes. "Masakani, do you have any Western desserts from Sakai Port? Bring them to Ichimasa." Zheng Rongni backed out.Mrs. Dian lowered her voice, and said: "If you don't give this gift to Junfu City, there will be big troubles. What do you want to say?" Qi Yuan didn't answer directly: "Some people around Madam seem to have strange ideas." "What do you mean?" "He did it knowing he couldn't do it, but he actually wanted to persuade Madam to stop donating to temples and shrines." After Qi Yuan finished speaking, he observed Madam Dian's reaction. Mrs. Dian looked at Qi Yuan, blinked thoughtfully, and said, "What's going on?" "I believe that some people think that going to temples to pray is superstitious." Mrs. Dian didn't seem to understand, maybe this kind of secretive way of speaking is also confusing, but she was worried that speaking too bluntly would make her angry, which was counterproductive. "Issei," Mrs. Dian was silent for a while, then Fang said, "Just pretend that I don't know about taxes and labor, and you can do as you wish. You want to avoid Zheng Rongni, you know? You must not be unfaithful to the Imperial Palace." When Qi Yuan heard such words, he hurriedly took a step forward, "Then... that's okay?" Mrs. Dian seemed apprehensive, looked around again, and nodded, "There are many rumors in the world that I hate Lord Ieyasu... What nonsense! I also plan to visit the Great Imperial Palace after Junfu City is repaired." Qi Yuan was even more surprised and couldn't help lowering his eyes.Is this her true words?If he doesn't understand and agrees with his voice, and his wife sets a trap just like the Xiangting Bureau, what should he do? "Mayor, I have thought about it carefully." "Oh." "When Xiuzhong went to Luo, I didn't let Xiu Lai go to congratulate him. It was really my fault. I was guilty!" Mrs. Dian's confession seemed to be true, her words and expressions were the true feelings of a competitive and lonely woman.Katagiri Kazumoto nodded nervously. "Yesterday Zong Xun passed the Song Dynasty. He said that every time Lord Jiakang asked me about Qianji's situation, he would first ask me if I was safe. I am really narrow-minded!" Mrs. Dian seemed really remorseful, her eyes were red with tears, and her voice trembled.Katagiri Katomoto's chest felt hot. Qi Yuan has always believed that women's misfortune mostly comes from their desire to monopolize men.The more aggressive a person is, the more obvious this tendency is.Mrs. Dian is domineering and domineering, making things difficult for others, which is the obvious manifestation of a woman's destiny.She did this to the late Taiko, and she was no exception to Hideyori and Ieyasu, not only to men, but also to tossing maids.So, now this conversation makes people feel sad.As soon as she heard that Mr. Jia Kang had shown her a little kindness, she regretted it.However, Qi Yuan's goal has been achieved - in terms of temperament, he will never be able to defeat Mrs. Dian! "Mayor, don't worry about the alms of temples and shrines, just do what Hideyori promised." Moreover, Yuan Ben wanted to talk more about the Xiangting Bureau, but upon hearing this, he gave up. "Qi Yuan is relieved. I will act according to my wife's words." "Shh! Zheng Rongni seems to be back." Mrs. Dian stopped Qi Yuan from continuing with her eyes. Qi Yuan smiled and brought the topic to Zong Xun, "Zong Xun often comes to Madam's place? I haven't met him recently." "He hasn't been around for a long time, and Shaojun invited him to have a drink. Zong Xun also tasted Western dim sum, and he praised it very much. He said that it melts in the mouth, and it is so wonderful." Mrs. Dian is in a good mood.Qi Yuan felt that her gentleness would become more and more obvious as she got older.He took the dim sum respectfully and took a sip, his reputation was indeed well-deserved. "How? Have a drink?" After that, the two talked about the types of red wine from the Portuguese ships entering Sakai Port.At this moment, Chong Cheng, the son of Kimura Chief Lu Jie Chong Zi, rushed over and reported that Xiu Lai had a sudden fever. "Ma'am, after talking with Master Katagiri, Shao-kun felt unwell, and then lay down in bed. It may be smallpox." "Smallpox?" The white fan in Qie Yuan's hand fell to the ground with a snap.He and Hideyori just said that smallpox is popular among the people now...