Chapter 18 Chapter Eighteen

Matsudaira Tadaki heard from his mother, Cha Aju, that Toyotomi Hideyori, who is about the same age as him, will finally become a real husband and wife with Chihime in March this year, and he is filled with emotion.As a young man, he didn't know whether to bless Hideyori or to reciprocate his sympathy. "Why are you laughing alone?" The bride Goro Hachime sat a step away from Zhonghui, and she had already trapped him with a wonderful big net. "Well, nothing else. Oysterbirds are flying around each other, which is kind of weird." Tadaki Matsudaira sat facing the Sumida River with the paper door wide open and a wine tray in front of him, looking very relaxed.He is six feet tall, and his facial features and figure reveal a majestic aura.

Of course Zhonghui didn't know that the people around his father and the elders of General Xiuzhong would sigh when they saw him: "It's like Mr. Xinkang is reborn!" Cha Aju didn't like this kind of praise.Xinkang is the son of Mrs. Tsukiyama, and Lord Nobunaga orders him to commit seppuku.However, Zhonghui didn't mind, and was even a little proud. Zhonghui often hears people say that although Xinkang has a violent temper, he is very skilled in martial arts, and his talents are not inferior to his father's.Zhonghui sometimes even imitated Xinkang, saying: "If my brother is alive, I don't know what kind of achievements he will make." When Ah Ju sees him imitating Xinkang, he will be very angry, "Never say that kind of words casually! What should I do if it reaches the general's ears?" Zhonghui just laughed, "The general will not think that I have Betrayal. Well, well, I will be careful."

Before Date Masamune's beloved daughter married into the family, Zhonghui already knew women well.The retainer Kuze Hanzaemon has a woman named Otake, and the affair between Zhonghui and her is widely circulated among women.Date Masamune's beloved daughter, a Catholic bride, married Zhonghui with strict precepts, which was by no means a blessing for him. "What's so strange about oysterbirds snuggling up to each other?" asked Goro Baji. "Like you and me." "No surprise. Birds also have mates, so they cling to each other." "Hmm. Hideyori and Chihime will be leaning on each other soon."

Wulang Baji's expression was very serious, thinking about Zhonghui's words, and said: "I don't quite agree with your lord's words." "Oh?" "Hideyori must become Chihime's reliance." "So what?" "It's nothing. Is Xiu Lai unwilling to let his wife rely on her?" "This...maybe, maybe not." Zhonghui was a little speechless, and then said, "Hey, do you like Okubo Chang'an?" "For the servants of the adults, even if the concubine hates them, she must like them." "Oh. So is Hideyori. Even if he hates Chihime, he still has to like it. Maybe he thinks so."

"grown ups……" "What's wrong?" "Is your lord the same for concubines?" "Ah...I'm different, I like you!" Zhonghui suddenly fixed his eyes on Ba Ji, "You...do you think that because I'm your husband, you pretend to like me?" Zhonghui's uneasiness shows that he has already fallen in love with Baji, but Baji is more frank than him, "I don't hate you, I thought you... a little scary." "Scary? Me?" "Yes. Every time the adults look at me with terrifying eyes, I feel like my heart has stopped beating. But..."

"Well?" "You are not scary, you are kind." "I'm kind? Good!" The maid behind Ba Ji hid her face and sniggered.Zhonghui didn't blame them, "Xiurai is a head taller than me, if she grows stronger, she will look like a general." "It's the same for adults." "Oh? Frankly speaking, Ah Qian is too small, I still like tall and slender like you." "grown ups!" "What's wrong?" "My lord likes Xiu Lai?" "Not annoying. We're about the same age." "Don't say you like it."

"Why is that?" "Echizen's brother Hideyasu used to say that Hideyasu was good, but the elders resented him." "Who said that?" "Father." Hearing this, Zhonghui rolled his eyes slyly a few times. "Mutsu Mori-sama really speaks extraordinary words, and what he said is three-pointed." He quickly asked, "What judgment does he have on the late Taiko Toyotomi?" Wulang Baji looked calm and said: "He said... he is very envious of Taige's life experience." "Taige's life experience? He was born in a poor family in Owari and wandered around since he was a child. What is there to envy?"

"Although life is hard, it is enviable to be relaxed and free, like a dandelion." "Like a dandelion?" "Yes. My father said that compared with the Taige, he and the Imperial Palace were born with the fate of the family and were bound by heavy responsibilities. They could only focus on other things and couldn't even breathe." "Ma'am, how do you see me in private?" What Zhonghui wanted to ask was not actually his father-in-law's evaluation of Toyotomi Taiko, but how to talk to Baji about his son-in-law. Ba Ji smiled strangely. "Why, he laughed at me?"

"No. Father said, if only you had been born a few years earlier." "How early were you born?" "Yes. If this is the case, it is still unknown who will be the general." "Hmm. Father-in-law didn't say I wasn't?" "But I didn't praise it." "how do I say this?" "Later my father said again, you are in an embarrassing situation now, even if you have the ability, there is nowhere to display it. Okubo Chang'an and you are like a fox and a Pegasus. My father also told me to hold the reins of the Pegasus."

"I'm a pegasus?" "Yes. Okubo Chang'an is the fox on the Pegasus." "Ma'am! Don't you think your father-in-law's judgment is wrong?" "This……" "It seems that you think he's right?" "The concubine can't judge." "Okay. But why did my father-in-law say that?" "You are not inferior to the Great Imperial Palace... Maybe he thinks so." "Well, no matter how you say it, it's not a good word. Don't tell anyone." Zhonghui held up the tea bowl with a bitter expression on his face.

"grown ups!" At this time, a person rushed in from the outside in a panic and knelt down in front of Zhonghui with a pale face. It was Huajing Enjiangshou. Huajing Yuan Jiangshou married Zhonghui's half-sister, who is the daughter of Cha Aju, and is currently the acting representative of Haijin Chengcheng.The shogunate has decided to allow Zhonghui to grant the territory of Hori Tadatoshi, the former Fukushima lord of Echigo, in addition to the old leader of Kawanakajima, and become the lord of the great feudal clan with an annual salary of 600,000 koku.Yuan Jiangshou came to Edo this time to discuss this matter.Echigo Fukushima Castle is located in the north of Naoetsu, far from Takata.In the past, the city had been in charge of Toyotomi's former minister Hori Hideji to rule Hokuriku.In the generation of Zhongjun, there were constant turmoil in the territory. Zhongjun moved to Iwaki Kingdom on the grounds that he was too young to control, so the shogunate decided that Zhonghui would go to govern. The combined old and new territories amounted to 600,000 shi.Hanai Yuane stayed at Kawanakajima in Shinshu, and Okubo Changan discussed everything with Date Masamune. If there is a little carelessness, there may be big worries. At this moment Huajing Yuan Jiangshou's face changed drastically, as soon as he entered the door, the rest of the people were forced to retreat, something must have happened.The women stepped back quickly. "Tell me, can't Madam listen too?" Zhonghui asked, seeing that Wulang Baji was still sitting firmly and had no intention of getting up. "Ma'am, that's all." Yuan Jiangshou slurred a bit at the end of the sentence, "Master Okubo Chang'an suffered a stroke, and I'm afraid he won't be able to move again." "Chang'an suffered a stroke?" "Yes. I'm afraid I drink too much on weekdays. It's an important time for your lord to move to Echigo Shinling. It's really embarrassing." "Hmm. Chang'an really knows current affairs!" "Life is unpredictable. But speaking of troubles, there is a sudden news from Okubo." "Is there any other trouble?" "yes." "Speak! Don't worry!" "So...Actually, there is also a joint signature." "A joint signature?" "This...Chang'an wants to enter the sea of ​​the world..." "Oh, what's the matter?" "The joint signature certificate is signed by Okubo Tadane-sama, Toyotomi Hideyori from Osaka Castle, and others. Also, there have been some gossips in Edo Castle recently." "What kind of gossip?" "This……" "I said, don't worry, just say it." "It's rumors with ulterior motives, saying that the people headed by adults in the joint signature are tired of the current general's rule and have the intention of rebelling..." Zhonghui laughed loudly, "It's so boring! Just because of this, because of this, can Chang'an's illness be cured? It won't be cured." Seeing that Zhonghui didn't care much about the joint signature, Huajing Yuanjiang was just about to breathe a sigh of relief, but then he became worried—fearing that someone would use this rumor to cause trouble, he said: "My lord, have you heard of Okubo and Ben recently?" Many fathers and sons disagree?" "Honta father and son and Okubo Tadao?" "Exactly. There are rumors in the world that the two sides are facing each other. We must pay attention to those two people, but we must not take sides. We must be vigilant." "What does this have to do with me? I'm asking about your condition in Chang'an." "As your lord knows, Okubo Chang'an was recommended by Okubo Sagami and Shouzhong Neighbor, so he came to be today." "Oh?" "My lord, don't take it to heart, and listen carefully to me. His surname also follows Sagami Mori-sama. Because of this relationship, if there is a mistake in Chang'an, Honda and his son will definitely take the opportunity to attack Okubo Tadao-sama!" Hanai Enjiang exaggerated his uneasiness, "This is exactly what I am worried about." "Well." Zhonghui nodded lightly, "So, Chang'an is now ill. If my name and status are revealed in the world at this time, and rumors spread, Okubo Zhonglin will be in some trouble." "The joint signature has become incriminating evidence, and it's not just the loyal neighbors who are in trouble. Your name is on it, as well as Hideyori from Osaka and your elder brother Hideyasu." "Okay, okay. I'll explain." "grown ups!" "Why is the face so scary?" "Forgive me to speak bluntly, if someone spreads a rumor, saying that you want to join forces with someone to harm a certain veteran, and that you are colluding with Daban in rebellion, you can't argue with it!" "I colluded with Osaka?" Zhonghui, who had always been bold, couldn't help but get nervous.He no longer remembered what was written on the joint signature letter, but he knew that there was no intention of treason, so he didn't pay special attention to it at that time. "Hmm. In this way, Changan's illness... may indeed be suspected for no reason." "My lord, I hope you can go to the Eighth Prince to see Chang'an in disguise." Yuan Jiangshou had something to say, stretched out his hands, and fell to the ground. "Yeah. I have to go and see first." Zhonghui was a little nervous, and Xuan returned to his previous lazy look, "You are right. Madam, go to Hachioji to see. You have to do something!" Baji was more enthusiastic than Zhonghui, "Master, please take my concubine with you." "Well. Now the days are getting longer, the weather is getting better and better, and the scenery along the way is very beautiful." After speaking, Zhonghui became serious, "Yuan Jiangshou, I am going to visit Chang'an. Mr. Songping Shangjie Zhonghui is considerate of his retainers and housekeepers. A man with a kind heart. I don’t want to see Banners going to slander their father and elder brother.” When Zhonghui said this, it was Ieyasu's face that appeared in front of Zhonghui's eyes.However, Hanai Yuanjiang didn't seem to pay attention to Zhonghui's mind, he was only thinking about the crisis in front of him. "My lord, please bring back that joint signature certificate!" "However, Chang'an is ill, so I'm afraid it's inconvenient to give instructions." "Let his family look for him." "Trouble! Okay, you go together too. Chang An and his family will be happy to know about it!" Zhonghui has never been very worried about the joint name certificate.He looked at Wulang Baji happily, and said: "In this way, father-in-law's wish can be fulfilled in the matter of building the city of Echihou. Chang'an is indeed a bit stubborn on that matter." Goro Baji's thoughts have flown far away.Her gaze quietly fell on the river, and her plump cheeks shone like spring water.Zhonghui felt that the wife at this time was extremely beautiful, and he couldn't find words to praise him for a while, so he could only remain silent. Suddenly, Wulang Baji looked at Zhonghui, and said bewilderedly: "Your Excellency, just like my concubine, convert to the Lord! In that way, you will surely be favored by God." "Let me also believe in foreign religion?" "Yes. The concubine will always pray for the adults." "Okay, let's discuss this matter again. There is no need to rush. My father believes in Buddhism. I heard that he has been copying scriptures whenever he is free recently. In addition, my elder brother Xiukang once said that he would be buried in a Zen temple, but his father refused. The family has believed in the Pure Land Sect for generations, so it was reburied..." "Oh." "Therefore, don't be in a hurry, haste makes waste." For Zhonghui, now seems to be the spring of life. Goro Baji wanted to say something more, but after thinking about it, she still kept silent.She just wanted to ask, why is her husband so afraid of the Imperial Palace? Date Masamune often admired Ieyasu: "He will not impose his beliefs on those around him. In this regard, the Ogosho is truly a saint. He deserves to be tempered in adversity. He is very cautious!" At this time, Ba Ji thought of her father's words and felt a little discouraged. She was just persuading others to be kind, so why should my husband be worried? "My lord," Ba Ji finally couldn't help it, and said, "The Great Imperial Palace is a man of Minghui, why did you ask Mr. Yucheng to be reburied? I heard that the Great Imperial Palace will never impose its own beliefs on others." "Haha!" Zhonghui seemed a little ridiculous, "Because elder brother is father's biological son!" "So, can you force your own son?" "No. Someone once advised my father to convert to a foreign religion." "Oh?" "The man said that if you believe in something else, you won't be able to enter heaven, but will only fall into hell. The father said, then there is no need to change your belief. The man asked why, and the father said: According to what you said, my ancestors have all fallen into hell? They I am no longer alive, so I am afraid I have to go to the underworld to change my beliefs! My ancestors are all in hell, and Ieyasu is also going to hell. This is filial piety, and I can't leave my ancestors alone!" Zhonghui laughed loudly, "Therefore, Echizen's The elder brother cannot be separated from the ancestors. That is why the father ordered the reburial so unkindly." Ba Ji was silent. Although she was speechless, the suspicion and dissatisfaction in her heart did not dissipate.The young Baji couldn't understand that these words were actually a small tease, she just thought it was an old man's incurable stubbornness, and couldn't agree with her.However, the human feelings and filial piety contained in the words also made some sense, so she decided to keep silent for the time being, and wait until she really thought about it. Zhonghui said again: "How long did it take us to be so in love with each other?" "This……" "Is there any discord between the two of us?" "This..." Ba Ji also felt the same, and hurriedly replied, "When I come back from visiting Chang'an... Well, please take my concubine with you."