Chapter 9 Chapter Nine Southern Barbarian Ambition

It was past noon when the sedan chair arrived at the Asakusa Pharmacy Hospital.There were no patients in the hospital, and the willows swayed quietly in the wind.The appearance of the Yakuin is not special. There is a Japanese-style porch as soon as you enter the door, and a cross hangs like a family crest under the eaves. Before Chang'an got out of the sedan chair, the armed attendant ran to the porch and announced loudly: "Master Okubo Chang'an is here to see the dean." A short man in white clothes came out, of course he was Japanese. "Where is Mr. Okubo feeling unwell?"

Chang An had already put on sandals and came to the porch. "You don't know Mr. Okubo?" the gunman said impatiently, "Mr. Dean knows. You just inform, it is Mr. Okubo Chang'an who came." The man muttered, turned and entered the house. "Why don't you come out!" Chang'an said to the armed attendant, "This guy Sodero is probably going to the streets to do something again." The gun-wielding servant lowered his head and said, "My lord, the place you've been to today is a bit weird." "Yeah! I'm like a tinkerer trying to put Europa back into one."

"A pot split in two?" "No, it's not a pot, it's Europa. It's like the Nichiren sect and the Jodo sect." "Uh." The attendant from Sado shook his head and remained silent.He seemed too lazy to think about these incomprehensible things. "But neither Acupuncture nor Sodero are evil people. They are kind in nature. Yes, because they are the sons of Heavenly Father!" The servant with the gun said nothing, he stared at the empty porch, waiting for the sound of returning footsteps. "These kind-hearted people think that they are the only ones who hold the right way, so there are disputes from time to time. But as long as you explain the reason to them, they will understand."

"My lord, it seems that someone is coming." "Oh, maybe a Japanese healer." "Not alone. Ah, a man with a kappa head came out with several monks and women." "Okay. The one with the Kappa's head is Sodero." The armed servant walked up to Chang'an and stood there, Chang'an laughed.Sodero looked serious and walked out solemnly.His Japanese is like reciting scriptures, dryly: "Master Okubo Chang'an, welcome from afar." "Please come in. It doesn't matter if you come in with your shoes on." After speaking, Sodero put on a show, turned around quickly, and walked in with his head held high.After everyone saluted respectfully, Chang An followed his words.

Miura Yasuke seemed to be the son of the common people, but Sodero was not. He boasted that his father was a well-known municipal councilor.Because of this, the lifestyles of the two in Japan are completely different.Although the Japanese are as frugal as a needle, Sodero looks majestic. Sodero probably wouldn't live in the academy and enjoy drinking tea like he did.Just as Chang An was thinking about it, they had arrived at Sodero's bedroom next to the chapel.The room is in Nanban style, with a red sandalwood chair.Western paintings hung on the wall, and a large map was hung beside a tulle bed.The glazed vase on the desk gave off a faint light.

Sodero came to the case and said: "This is Brooke Leon, the doctor of our hospital. Next to him is Father Manius. Over there are Father Barnaby and doctor Johannes. Next to him is the head nurse Maria." When they were introduced, those people pretended to bow their heads to salute, Chang An deliberately nodded casually and did not return the salute.He stared at the head nurse as if no one else was there, comparing her with the woman Sodero dedicated to Date Masamune, who was better looking.Chang'an thought, this one still looks good.This is by no means a purposeless pastime, Chang'an doesn't believe in any priesthood, he just wants to see if Sodero will dedicate the beautiful woman to Zhengzong, or keep it by his side?

The relationship between Masamune and Sodero is really interesting.Masamune loves to put on airs and is unparalleled in the world; Sodero is even better.Sometimes looking at the two of them makes one laugh.Masamune wanted to see Sodero very much. Of course, what he was looking forward to was the profit of the transaction, and he also wanted to know some overseas situations.Therefore, he made the woman who was sent to pretend to be sick, called Sodero and Brugilion to his home in the middle of the night, and put on a play with great effort.Later, when the patient claimed to have recovered, Masamune sent Sodero gold, silver, clothing, and silk.But Sodero didn't accept it, "I just did what I was supposed to do." Instead, he gave Masamune 50 pieces of bread, 30 white candles, three catties of cloves and three catties of pepper.

Chang'an is about to win over this fox now. After the introduction, apart from Sodero, the Japanese doctor and nurse also stayed.They sat beside Sodero, like decorations to set off his majesty.Sodero's Japanese is not bad, no translation is needed. "I came here today to ask for advice. Who do you think the sea belongs to?" Chang'an said arrogantly. "I don't dare to do it. I'm very honored." Soderoma replied immediately, "Needless to say, the sea belongs to our country and Portugal. Many people in your country don't know it. year by Pope Alexander VI."

"Oh, please tell me the details, so that I can know a thing or two." Sodero immediately turned his head, pointed at the big map with his stick and said: "There is a meridian on the earth that runs through the Atlantic Ocean from north to south. It is 370 nautical miles west of Cape Verde Island. This is the boundary dividing the power of the two countries. This line goes east, bypasses the Cape of Good Hope, sails to Goa in Tianzhu, then Malacca, and then from Tianchuan to Hirado and Nagasaki in Japan. On the contrary, the people of Banguo go west from this border, sail to Mexico, and then pass through South America The Strait of Magellan reached the Pacific Ocean, sailed to the Mariana Islands, Manila in Luzon, and then came to Hirado and Nagasaki to meet the Portuguese.”

Okubo Chang'an smiled slightly, and asked: "So, all maritime powers now belong to the two countries?" "Yes. I am serving the priesthood according to the will of the Pope of Rome, and I must respect this decision. At the same time, the kings of the two countries also abide by this decision." "So, England and the Netherlands, who are now sailing into the sea, are lawless pirates?" "Yes. The Great Imperial Palace also fully complies with this practice. In the eighth year of Qingchang, Dutch pirates attacked a Portuguese ship from Tianchuan and plundered all the ships. In fact, the robbed ship contained the salary of our missionaries. We After reporting this to the Imperial Palace, he quickly compensated us with three hundred and fifty taels of silver, and gave an additional five thousand taels of silver to help the missionaries preach. This is an example of what he thinks the Netherlands has done inappropriately."

Sodero's tone is not humble enough, but his extremely clear mind and fluent reply are very different from the dullness of the ancient warriors in Miura's needle. Chang'an's fighting spirit became more and more vigorous. After he finished speaking, he smiled slightly and said: "So, if the Great Imperial Palace wants to get a share of the sea—if he has this plan, what should he do? Except for being like Queen Elizabeth of England. Since then, there is no other way to win by naval battle? In short, the English ships and the Dutch ships are now invading your country's waters in a grand manner." "This..." Sodero said, "You can ask King Philip to join the alliance. If only the king agrees, you are not at ease. I can help you mediate with the Pope." Chang An burst out laughing and waved his hands.He made this contempt on purpose, because he knew that this would hurt Sodero's self-esteem the most. "What are you laughing at?" "Haha, the priest doesn't seem to have considered it carefully enough. The Great Imperial Palace thinks more deeply than you. If you request to join the Alliance of Your Country's Emperor, you will dedicate the country to your country's Emperor just like Mo and Luzon. Regarding this, the Great Imperial Palace I really understand." Sodero immediately changed his face, "This statement surprised me very much." "Haha, let me tell you something unexpected. In the 10th year of Qingchang, the Great Imperial Palace wrote to the Governor of Luzon specifically, asking him why there are fewer ships coming from Banguo recently. Japan wants to do more business with your country. Then, the Imperial Palace asked quite solemnly, what exactly did you transport to Luzon from the Mo country under your leadership?" "How did the governor answer?" "Haha, I didn't expect you to expect that. The governor's answer at the time was that all the soldiers were transported. Haha, therefore, you, who belong to the Francis faction, were wary of the Great Imperial Palace from the very beginning, and those transported by Japan were also all Soldier? Everything is difficult at the beginning. Haha!" Sodero hurriedly ordered the left and right to retreat, "It's rare for adults to come here, you go and prepare some meals." When there were only two people left, he smiled, "Okubo-sama!" "What?" "Thank you sir for telling the truth as a friend." "Isn't it too early for the priest to thank you now?" "No, I understand what the Imperial Palace is thinking. He just hopes to do some business." "Haha, that's true. It just so happens that Mister wants to become the archbishop of Japan. In this way, your power will surpass that of the governor. The Imperial Palace is as eager as you are." Sodero immediately rang the bell on the table.A boy comes in. "Bring coffee," Sodero ordered.After that, he silently watched Chang'an.Chang An became more restless, his upper body was tilted, and he picked his nose with his hands—he wanted to annoy Sodero. "Mr. Okubo!" Sodero said.He originally wanted to call Chang An "Master" but now he changed it to Mr.Of course Chang An noticed. "What are you looking for me for?" "Are you the kind of person who just do what others tell you to do?" "Then, state your terms!" "Hey! You are a person who is very different from the Jesus School in Portugal, and Chang'an also admits this. In short, this medicine hospital has merits." "Yes! This is the priesthood for which I would lay down my life!" "Okay, I also admit it. However, I hope you will stop talking about nonsense like 'the sea of ​​the world belongs to the country of Portugal'." "Oh?" "Japan is also in the ocean. I also know that in the 16th year of Tianzheng, your country's navy was defeated by England." "This……" "Your country's fleet attacked with 129 warships, 3,000 cannons, 20,000 water troops, and 34,000 land troops. It fought fiercely with the English navy with only 30 ships for seven days and seven nights, and was defeated. Then , England entered the sea of ​​the world majesticly. You actually said that the sea of ​​the world belongs to your country and Portugal as if you were telling a story to a child." "Wait, Mr. Okubo, I haven't listened to your conditions yet, let's talk about it." "Okay, let me tell you, the ship from the Netherlands is coming to Japan recently, and the ship from England is coming soon." "Oh……" "The Great Imperial Palace treats everyone equally. Of course, I will try my best to prevent England and the Netherlands from invading your country's ships in Japan's harbor. The rest depends on your ability." "I see." "I also have a condition. The person who represents your country to meet with the Imperial Palace, when asked by the Imperial Imperial Office about the method of dividing the mine..." "How to divide?" "Yes! I hope you let them answer, at least six or four points, usually seven or three points. That is to say, the royal family gets 30%, and the miners get 70%." Sodero didn't seem to understand right away.The topic suddenly changed from maritime hegemony to the distribution of mine surplus, no wonder he couldn't understand it.He stared at Chang'an for a long time, then suddenly Fang patted his knee. "Do you understand?" Chang An smiled. "Yes." Sodero patted his knees and nodded, "How did you know that General Sebastian Viscaino is coming? The only one who knows about this should be me!" "This corresponds to the old saying of the Tang Dynasty: only a woman and a villain are hard to raise. This is leaked from a woman." Chang'an is inconvenient to name the woman, because she is Date Masamune's foreign concubine. "Well, there is such an incredible thing." Sodero pondered for a long time.At this time, the coffee was served. "I see." He regained his previous arrogance, and while enthusiastically persuading Chang'an to drink coffee, he said, "You mean, if the Imperial Palace wants to hire technicians from our country to mine mines, the conditions proposed by our country will be It means that 70% of the gold and silver mined will go to our country, and 30% will go to the Imperial Palace, right?" Chang'an nodded earnestly, "The Imperial Palace should ask the upcoming General Biss about this matter, and I hope he can give a clear answer: 70% to 30%." After finishing what he needed to say, and there were only the two of them in the room, Chang An put his feet on his knees, and his posture was very condescending, "Mr. Sodero, what are your plans? Why did you specially invite General Bis here? Hugh Don't hide it from me anymore." "This... I don't have any special intentions, it's just because our country's former governor of Luzon, Don Rodriguez, has received meticulous care in your country. To express my gratitude, I feel that it is necessary to send someone with status, It was presented to His Majesty the King." "Haha, how strange! Your Majesty trusts General Viscaino so much?" This kind of question is unpleasant, Sodero blinked his blue eyes vigorously, "You know that too, Mr. Okubo?" "I have a good ear, and I can even hear the secret conversations of hell soldiers clearly." "Then I won't hide it from you!" Sodero snapped his fingers, "Actually, General Viscaino wanted to hunt for treasure after reading Marco Polo's experience. More of His Majesty's people come out because they are lazy. I don't want to lose to England and the Netherlands, so I have made all these efforts." Sodero finally told Chang'an the truth.Chang'an also achieved the purpose of visiting Sodero.The mystery of General Viscaino's coming to the East has been completely solved.Sodero wanted to become the archbishop of Japan. In order to achieve his goal, he had to increase the transaction volume that Ieyasu valued so as to win the favor of the Japanese. The Ban people used to be too arrogant towards Japan.Therefore, although more than 350 people under Don Rodrigo were rescued, no one of considerable status was willing to come. Only General Viscaino was interested.Needless to say, it was Marco Polo who wrote the Golden Island and so on with his guesses, which aroused his sense of adventure. Of course, General Viscaino did not fully believe what was written in the book.According to his imagination, the reason why there is so much gold must be that there are huge reserves underground.In fact, before him, there were people who had such a dream, but they believed that the map of Golden Island had been secretly mastered by him.In a word, Viscaino was looking for gold.It is deceptive to make people think that he is the envoy who came to thank Don Rodrigo and others for their kindness. "I understand what Mr. Okubo means, so I also have a request..." Just as Sodero was about to speak, Chang An immediately waved his hand forcefully and said, "Mr. Sodero, it's better not to say anything." "Huh? I haven't said anything yet..." "Don't you say that I understand. You must hope that when General Biss comes, he can meet with the Imperial Palace as a state guest?" "As you said," Sodero leaned back, "he is a distinguished guest, and he has nothing to do with the royal family." "Mr. Sodero, you are thinking too simply." "how do I say this?" "Once you become a guest of the Great Imperial Palace, you will be treated solemnly, and it will be inconvenient for the general to hunt for treasures in the future. Do you understand?" "yes." "The Great Imperial Palace and General Biss formally met, and then took a small boat around the island... to start treasure hunting. Wouldn't doing so hurt your country's dignity?" Sodero leaned back in his chair and said with a smile: "Mr. Okubo, you are very good at mountains, but you may not know much about seas." "Oh?" "Actually, the general wants to be the honored guest just because of the convenience of treasure hunting. He may tell Dayu that in order to increase the number of trading ships between the two countries, please let him go to the sea to explore and see where it can be a good port. This is for The common interests of the two countries, therefore, must be investigated in detail. Otherwise, how to hunt for treasures?" Sodero said, looking at Chang'an like a challenge. Chang'an was secretly surprised: Sodero's mind turned too fast, even if he was in close combat with him, he still didn't see any disadvantages.He said, "Is it for the common interests of the two countries?" "Exactly. Japan has land maps, but no ocean maps. If you want to rule the oceans, you must have blueprints. About these, our country knows better. Can your country accept such a request?" "I understand!" Chang'an nodded cheerfully—when fighting hand-to-hand, the sword must be drawn quickly, "But how long does the general plan to stay in Japan? In fact, Japan does not have real golden islands. Chang'an can tell you something place." Chang'an's unexpected proposal confused Sodero for a moment, and a shadow appeared in his mind: What conditions does Chang'an have? "Mr. Okubo, are you going to take the general to Sado Island?" "Haha, do you think it's inconvenient for distinguished guests to see the Golden Island?" "No, the general is obsessed with treasure hunting. If you take him there, you may be able to find the underground treasure more accurately than you." "Oh……" "If he says he wants to stay in Japan all the time, I'm afraid there will be trouble." "Well, you want to be the archbishop of Japan, so the general staying here will cause you trouble, won't it?" "Mr. Okubo, he can't stay too long." "Hey, if you stay too long, you will show your fox's tail." Chang'an smiled nonchalantly, "Then let's leave this matter alone. But if he probes everywhere but finds nothing, it would be too pitiful." "I have a plan, let him stay in Edo for a while, and then hurry to Sendai." "You win over Mutsu Mori?" "No, people in Sendai are keen to learn new things, so we must let the general go." Sodero said this, thinking of something, and his eyes were strange.Changan felt that that kind of gaze was like a fox caught in the hand with a stick... "Mr. Okubo!" "Your gaze is unpleasant. What is it?" "Do you know that there is an interesting saying in the world?" "Interesting statement?" "Speaking of the gold mine in Sado, the production of gold has been greatly reduced recently." "Did you hear what Mutsumoru said?" "No, it's not just him. But, has Sado's gold really decreased?" "What do you mean?" "The world says that Okubo-sama used tricks..." "means?" "Yes, people in your country call this a private song. That is to say, hiding the excavated gold privately, or avoiding a certain place when digging, is called a private song. Please pay close attention to the people around you..." In an instant, Chang'an's hair stood on end.This is beyond what ordinary people can say, but the deliberate intimidation of the golden-haired nine-tailed fox who has traveled all over the world.This guy is really hateful! At this moment, Brooke Leon came to report that the meal was ready. Sodero is really scary, I'm afraid he wants to use these words to seal Okubo Chang'an's mouth, so that he doesn't dare to speak arbitrarily.However, the method of deliberately avoiding the mining of ore veins is known to the insiders.Ieyasu was a complete layman, but if someone told him this, he would be suspicious. When Chang An thought this way, Sodero got up leisurely and said, "Please go to the hall for dinner." After saying that, he went out in a serious manner. While they were having dinner, unexpected news came: the big ship built by Rodrigo was hit by a big wave and was completely damaged.Therefore, he may have gone to Edo to meet with Shogun Hidetada, and then turned to Shunfu to entreat, hoping to borrow the 120-ton sailboat that Miura had built.It was Sodero's colleague and confidant who brought this news—the missionary Alonso Mnoz. Mnoz assists Xiuzhong every day.At this moment, he reported that he also listened to what old Kang Sike said.Because he was so worried, he even forgot that Chang An was present, and quickly reported.Of course, Chang An couldn't understand what he said, but he knew that old Kang Sike was referring to Honda Zhengxin, and Adams was referring to Acupuncture.Moreover, he heard the names of Ieyasu and Hidetada again, so he couldn't keep silent. "What kind of big deal is this, Mr. Sodero?" Chang An asked in a low voice. Sodero saw that the matter could not be concealed, so he said the truth: "Governor Rodrigo is good at foreign affairs and is very famous in this country. The Lord of the Imperial Palace will definitely be persuaded by him." After saying this, Sodero couldn't help but sighed. Face embarrassed. Chang'an is very clear about Sodero's thoughts.Sodero understood that the Imperial Palace did not particularly welcome Catholicism, and his purpose was nothing more than to strengthen trade with the European countries and Luzon.Therefore, the transaction is the most important bait for Sodero.However, Rodrigo, the former governor of Luzon and good at diplomacy, suddenly appeared, and his talk had nothing to do with missionary work, but only trade. As a result, Sodero's position was in jeopardy. Okubo Changan was also very worried, because once Ieyasu met Rodrigo, he would definitely ask about the mine. "The wind and rain came earlier than General Bis! I'm leaving, and you still have something to discuss." Changan took the opportunity to get up. After Chang'an left, Sodero and Mnoz discussed in secret.They were worried about Rodrigo's shipbuilding from the very beginning, but they didn't expect the situation to deteriorate so quickly.Perhaps those craftsmen who had no confidence in shipbuilding deliberately let the ship be hit by wind and waves, or Rodrigo changed his mind knowing that Miura had already completed a 120-ton ship.In any case, he wanted to cross the ocean to Mexico, so he knew very well that he could not take a dangerous ship.However, he suddenly wanted to pay respects to General Xiuzhong and the Imperial Palace, which was a serious blow to Sodero.Since Rodrigo went to borrow the boat built by the needle from Ieyasu, he would definitely accept it regardless of whether the conditions proposed by Ieyasu were feasible or not. As a result, Sodero worked so hard to build a medicine hospital, and his plan to curry favor with the shogunate was completely disrupted.But he will definitely not tell the dignitaries of the shogunate frankly about Europa. "You can't stand idly by," Sodero said. "Yes." Mnoz said. Sodero folded his arms and pondered for a long time, and said: "I hope you can arrive at Junfu one step earlier than him. I will write a letter, and you take it with you. Rodrigo will pay a visit to Little Kangsik one step ahead." The so-called Xiaokangsike refers to Honda Uenosuke Masakazu. "When you meet Consike, tell him, in order for Rodrigo to abide by the agreement, please allow us to take the same ship to Nobisban (Mexico) in the new country." "However, if both of us are not in Japan..." "They can't all be here. One of them will pretend to be sick. I can do it, and then I'll let you go alone." Mnoz opened his eyes wide, thinking about what Sodero had said.First of all, he went to see the important minister of the shogunate, Honda Masazumi, and told him that Rodrigo only wanted to go back to the country, so he asked to go on the same boat, so that Rodrigo could earnestly abide by the agreement.In this way, Zhengchun and Jiayasu will let them go without hesitation.Then, one of them pretended to be sick and stayed in Edo, which also had the meaning of being a hostage and seemed more real. "Okay, I'll go to Junfu right away!" Mnoz was completely impressed by Sodero.