Chapter 21 Chapter 21 Loyal Minister

In the 15th year of Keicho, Tokugawa Ieyasu felt most at ease when his relationship with Osaka was eased. At the beginning of the first month, Katagiri Kasumi, as the envoy of Toyotomi Hideyori, or Mrs. Yodo's envoy, came to Junfu to celebrate the New Year.Qian Ji and Xiu Lai soon consummated their marriage.In February, the Nagoya Castle built by various daimyos was completed, which made Ieyasu very satisfied.He ordered the construction of Nagoya for the sole purpose of moving Matamaru (Goro Tamaru), who succeeded his elder brother Zhongkichi. It was rumored in the world that Ieyasu had worked so hard for his sons who were born in old age, and loved him very much.

Although Ieyasu ordered the daimyos to build Nagoya Castle on the grounds that the flood of the Gojo River surrounding Kiyosu Castle would damage the foundation of the city every year, but this excuse is very old-fashioned, and anyone with a discerning eye can tell that he actually has other purposes. Ieyasu once ordered the daimyo to be prohibited from building castles at will, and the repair of the existing castles is also fully responsible for the shogunate.In peacetime, this limitation is based on the minimum needs of the defense.Fundamentally speaking, this measure was taken out of the overall consideration of the shogunate's financial resources.Now that the times are not chaotic, princes and generals can no longer be as vain as they used to be, like to compare themselves, and build cities at will.Now the shogunate encourages reclamation, builds water conservancy, enriches the treasury, and prohibits city building.The daimyo in power did not dare to uphold the supremacy of force as they did in the troubled times. What they value most now is how to win the hearts of the people.

However, this does not mean a renunciation of the defense of the homeland.As in the past, the minimum requirement is to do a good job of defending each city.In addition, at the key points in the center of each territory, a city larger than the previous scale must also be built to accommodate the shogunate army. Nagoya is located in the hinterland of Toho, and all the efforts of the whole country are devoted to building a majestic city here. Naturally, it is the core of a series of measures to show the authority of the shogunate, and it is also a national plan for a century.No matter what the world says, Yoshinao is only staying here temporarily. The real managers of this place are Takashi Hiraiwa, Masanari Naruse, and Masanobu Takeyoshi who have been recognized by Ieyasu.Naruse Masanari is Ieyasu's most trusted person - Ieyasu even secretly ordered him to take justice and kill him if necessary.

In order to build Nagoya Castle, Ieyasu ordered Maeda, Ikeda, Asano, Kato, Fukushima, Yamauchi, Mori, Kato (Kamei), Hachisuka, Ikoma, Kinoshita, Takenaka, Kanemori, Inaba, etc. Almost all daimyos who coveted the northeast Participating is to see how many daimyos can really understand his ambition.Although testing is the main purpose, the project is also proceeding in an orderly manner. Echigo Castle also has the same meaning.In terms of geographical location, this place will become a pass directly to all parties in Japan; Ieyasu sent Matsudaira Tadaki to sit in the fortress and guard it closely.

In February, Tadaki moved from Shinshu to Fukushima Castle. In fact, Ieyasu wanted to abandon Fukushima Castle and build a large city comparable in size to Takata, but in terms of natural conditions, the Northeast was not as good as the Kansai, and financial resources did not allow it, so it had to be postponed.Ieyasu's idea is to focus on Date Masamune, and let the Kanto and Ou masters who participated in the construction of Nagoya Castle continue to assist in this matter. He and General Hidetada watched carefully from the sidelines. Ieyasu's only anxiety now comes from the palace.The emperor and the crown prince were at odds with each other, and several ministers intervened in it, which was about to set off a huge wave.The reason for the turmoil in Pingdi may be that after the ministers escaped from the poverty of the troubled times, they have their own plans and want to regain their dream of power.

When Mr. Hideyoshi was appointed Guanbai, the ministers were not pleased with the world that was about to settle down, but instead thought that he had desecrated the state system, and there were many discussions.In the future, if Xiu Lai becomes Shangguanbai, his status surpasses them, and as a vassal of the shogunate, he will get a territory with an annual salary of 600,000 shi, which will greatly hinder them. "The Toyotomi Clan is just a humble person who conquered the world by force. Under the samurai system, it is enough for the generals to become famous. If they are allowed to lead the Wushe family, they will be arrogant!"

Although this kind of words could not be said, it eventually led to discord between the emperor and his son.Afterwards, Emperor Goyosei expressed his wish for an early Zen position, and Ieyasu made a request to postpone the matter of the Zen position, and the matter was temporarily suppressed. Ieyasu's major concerns were almost dealt with, so he wanted to go to Beijing again, under the pretense of meeting the Emperor, but in fact he wanted to meet Hideyori, Chihime, and Mrs. Yodo.However, at this time, he could no longer act casually, because if Ieyasu went to Luo at this time, the palace might think that he was trying to interfere in public affairs, which would inevitably lead to stronger criticism, and probably also involved Hideyori.Ieyasu thought of Hideyori and Chihime's joyous situation after consummating their marriage, so he decided to put aside the matter of going to Beijing for now.

One day, Kato Kiyomasa, who had been busy building Nagoya Castle, came to Junfu suddenly.Ieyasu received him very gratifiedly. In Ieyasu's eyes, Kato Kiyomasa is not only an outstanding general, but also a very capable parent official. He is not brilliant, but he can see the current situation more clearly than Ishida Mitsunari and others.Both Sancheng and Qingzheng are stubborn and refuse to admit defeat.However, Sancheng believes in power, while Qing Zheng is honest by nature, and is extremely disgusted with playing power.Qingzheng has always respected Gaotaiyuan, and although Sancheng was regarded as Mrs. Dian's faction, he pushed Mrs. Dian into a difficult situation.

"Qingzheng, please sit down! Is there something wrong in Nagoya?" Ieyasu received guests in the lobby and usually kept a distance, but Kiyomasa went directly to him.Masazumi Honda was still serving beside Yu Jiayasu, and Naoji Ando, ​​who assisted Lai Xuan this time, was also invited. At this time, although Lai Xuan has been designated as the guardian of Junhe and Yuanjiang with an annual salary of 500,000 shi, he still stays by his father's side and accepts his father's training. Qingzheng is still the same, with thin cheeks hidden in a proud beard.He doesn't like flattery, and always strokes his beard first when facing people, which is both arrogant and majestic.Before he spoke, he always coughed and cleared his throat, appearing quite solemn. "The dignity of the Great Imperial Palace has not changed..." This is like a greeting, but also like showing off, and sometimes even like a preaching.

"Okay. I am very aware of the merits of your beard. Come closer." "Haha!" Qingzheng went straight to Ieyasu, sat down and said with a smile, "The Great Imperial Palace seems to know that, but I'm going to complain again today." "Complaining? Your laughter is going through the roof!" "My lord is right. My lord, Kiyomasa is going to put on a good show this time, better than those female Kabuki performers. The stage is in Nagoya." "Oh? Interesting! How do you want to act?" "A few days ago, I went to Daban City to visit Shaojun."

"Oh, how does he get along with Qianji?" "I talked with Qi Yuan about this for a long time, and he was so grateful for the painstaking efforts of the Lord that he even burst into tears." "Oh, have you seen Shizheng yet? In fact, Mrs. Dian specially sent him to visit me in the first month. There is no spring day that makes people feel so happy like this year. Haha, then Shizheng didn't tell you anything what?" Haokang actually wanted to ask about betrotting Qingzheng's daughter Bashiji to Lai Xuan, but Qingzheng still diverted the topic: "There is one more thing. I met a Nanman in Osaka, a priest named Paul. He was about to Do business according to the wishes of the Imperial Palace. Guess what Paul and I said?" At this point, he puffed out his chest vigorously, stroked his beard, cleared his throat, and smiled slightly. "What did you say?" Ieyasu leaned forward.Seeing Qing Zheng holding his head high and chest out, he deliberately appeared casual. "Da Yusuo, who do you think is the richest country in the world today?" "Hey, number one in the world... This question is not easy to answer. The priest is proud that he is from Banguo?" "No, no, no." Qing Zheng shook his head vigorously.Today, there was a rare urchin-like naughtiness in his eyes. "Oh, what kind of flattery did you say? A foreigner living in Edo came to see me and said that Junfu is the second largest city in the world." Qingzheng smiled happily: "So, which country is the largest city in the world?" "He said it was Edo. Haha! Edo is number one, Junfu is second, and Osaka is third! Banguo and Moguo don't have the bustling cities of Japan's peace and prosperity. Of course, I just take this as flattery listen." "But that's not flattery." "Huh? Is this your opinion too?" "Paul is not a flatterer. He said that the greatest country in the world today is Japan." "Oh, you believe it?" "He didn't lie, so I believe it. In fact, in August of the ninth year of Qingchang, he also participated in the Fengguo Festival. At that time, he thought that it would be good if the peaceful weather lasted for two or three years." "Oh?" "Usually, if there has been no war between Nanman and Hongmao for five years, it is worthy of celebration. However, Japan has been free from war for ten consecutive years. Because there is no danger of war, the villages where the people gather gradually become towns, and the world lives and works in peace and contentment. He These words come from the heart.” "What did you just say, a good show?" "Well..." Qingzheng puffed out his chest and shook his fan, "Japan is number one in the world, so it's not justifiable not to celebrate it." "Oh, that makes sense." "Qingzheng is not a reckless person. Nagoya Castle is built in an unprecedented style. I want to call Hara Saburo, Hayashi Yuichiro and others from the capital, and find hundreds of geisha, as well as the popular female kabuki for them. Put on the same attire, and let me lead the song. Do you approve of such a celebration?" After speaking, Kiyomasa puffed out his chest and stared at Ieyasu. Ieyasu hurriedly put one hand behind his ear, and said, "Higou Mamoru, what are you talking about? You want to stand in front of the geisha... to spin the wooden cylinder?" Qingzheng was taken aback on purpose, "Your Excellency disagrees?" "No, no. Do you really want to do that?" "Why did Baba go to Junfu to tell lies? Japan is already number one in the world. To celebrate, I want to mix with geisha, wear the same clothes as them, lead the singing, and dance. The pavilion is also happy under Jiuquan. But..." Qing Zhengyi stroked his beard, "If the Imperial Palace objects, that's all." "meet……" "My lord, please think carefully before agreeing. As your lord knows, Shaojun and Mrs. Dian are in a much better mood recently, and they are about to rebuild the Great Buddha Hall. Therefore, I plan to hold a celebration that is unparalleled in the world." "Oh. Let's have some tea first. Nagoya's Wooden Rolling Festival is a celebration like no other in the world!" "Exactly." "The masters of the geisha in the capital——Na Yuan and Lin used to lead horses for Taige, right?" "Yes. In the peacetime period, they have a long-term vision. They are allowed to train geisha in the Liumachang in the outer city. They are really discerning and smart people! As long as they say hello, the geisha in the capital will rush over with cheers." "Oh. So, this celebration doesn't have nothing to do with Taige?" "Lord Great Imperial Palace!" "Ok?" "If your lord thinks that I'm here just to cater to Osaka and lobby like this...then I can't argue with it." "Hey, who said that?" "No, if my lord thinks this way, it will violate my original intention. If the Imperial Palace allows it, I still have something to ask." "Tell me what's going on?" "My lord has to approve the ceremony first... Qingzheng can't speak until I get my lord's permission." "Okay. Then I agree! Although Ieyasu doesn't like unnecessary expenses, Higoshou-sama will not do that meaningless waste and deliberately make the people suffer. You can just use those two, I agree. " "Haha!" Qingzheng laughed heartily, "I guess adults will talk about frugality. Haha, that's why young people stay away from the Great Imperial Palace. But the Great Imperial Palace, things are still a little tricky." "Troublesome?" "Yes. After all, Japan is number one in the world. In order to celebrate, I hope that the Great Imperial Palace can really do something." "You want me to give you some gold and silver?" "Not a few, but as many as a mountain. Haha." Ieyasu shook his head vigorously.Always cautious and upright, with a urchin-like light in his eyes, which is really rare.He had no malicious intentions, and he had some playfulness, and he must have wanted to do something that would surprise and delight Ieyasu. In fact, Kiyomasa showed extraordinary sincerity in the construction of Nagoya Castle.All the daimyos summoned a large number of craftsmen from their respective territories to Nagoya to work day and night.Some of the artisans molested women, drank and made troubles, which aroused dissatisfaction among the common people, officers and soldiers.However, only the people brought by Qingzheng live in peace with the common people.Their task was to fill the valleys and lowlands with soil from the hills around the old city. "You have to think that you are building your own city. The lowlands cannot become the thoroughfare of the sea. Shovel all the highlands and fill the lowlands!" Higo craftsmen quickly leveled the high mountains and filled up the lowlands to make the ground wide and flat.Pingyan Qinji and other five daimyos who participated in the construction of the city are very grateful for this. The new Nagoya Castle is centered on Gumidai in the old city, and a piece of land with rocks underground is selected as the foundation to resist earthquakes.The five people responsible for this are Makinoemon Nobuji, Takikawa Toyozenmori Tadashi, Sakuma Kawachi Moromasa, Yamashiro Miyauchi Shosuke, and Murata Gonzaemon. All of them are very grateful to Kiyomasa. This is Qingzheng, who is like a child now, with shining eyes, asking Ieyasu to give more gold and silver.Ieyasu was happy and tried his best not to defeat his happiness. "So, Higo Mamoru-sama intends to force the thrifty... to force the iron cock Tokugawa Ieyasu to give out gold?" "It's not coercion. It's just praying for your congratulations." "It's the same!" Ieyasu replied, "It depends on Zensheng taking it out. You don't seem to know me." "Haha!" Qingzheng laughed again, "No matter how you say it, this is to celebrate the Great Imperial Palace building the world's largest castle! The world's largest castle tower, we must find a suitable and elegant decoration for it, that is A gift for posterity." Ieyasu raised his chest proudly, looked at Qingzheng, and understood.When it comes to the decoration on the castle tower, everyone will think of the killer whale on the roof-there is nothing more appropriate than it.Qingzheng wanted Ieyasu to give him a golden killer whale! However, Ieyasu would not agree to agree immediately, he wanted to play with integrity again. "Hey, what you said is getting more and more interesting." Ieyasu shook his head intentionally, "Master Higomori forced... no, I hope Tokugawa Ieyasu will send you a congratulatory gift. In terms of friendship, I can't refuse. Okay, you just Speak." "A gentleman never breaks his word!" "Hehe, Ieyasu doesn't remember that he has a relationship with Lie." "Haha! That's it! Qingzheng said that since it is the number one city in the world, it cannot use mud-fired tiles. Qingzheng wants to use gold to cast killer whales in the castle tower." "Gold...golden killer whale?" Ieyasu opened his eyes wide in surprise, "This... this is unusual!" "Adults disagree?" "Gold...is a needless waste." On the side, Ando Naoji and Honda Masakazu didn't dare to show their air.They have not yet seen that Ieyasu is actually posturing, but they know that Hideyoshi used to inlay gold on the tiles of the Fushimi castle castle tower, and Ieyasu criticized its extravagance, and even said that such extravagance offended the heavens. , the earthquake is punished.Now Kiyomasa actually said these words to Ieyasu, but the words have been spoken and cannot be taken back. "Only the two killer whales are made of gold, not all the roofs are made of gold. Jinshan follows what Okubo Chang'an once said, don't worry about gold. He also said that there is a lot of gold, and he wants to use it for people. The Imperial Palace, this time The meaning of the city is extraordinary!" "I really promised an incredible thing." "My lord promised? Haha, then it's settled! Qingzheng wants to get my lord's promise now." "In such a city, the killer whale is too small! I was plotted by Master Fei Houshou." Qingzheng shook his body in a rare way, looking very happy, "Haha! Qingzheng has also been rewarded. In a few months, he fulfilled the wishes of the Great Imperial Palace, and made the descendants feel proud! Haha!" "Master Fathou," Ieyasu said with his back arched and a gentle voice, "However, you can't do everything you want. I also have a heartfelt request." Kiyomizu suddenly stopped laughing, and he was a little dazed, "Daiyusuo, are you going to force Qingzheng?" Ieyasu's tone made him unable to refuse, and he was a little panicked. However, Jiakang was happy to see Qingzheng nervous, "Don't you want Master Fei Houshou?" "What... is this?" "You really want to hear it, so I'll say it." "This... I will listen to the adults before I think about it." "Master Fat Houshou." "What is it?" "You often make unreasonable demands on me, don't you?" "No, there is absolutely no such thing. The Great Imperial Palace has a lot of work to do every day, and it is extremely hard work. I will never dare to mention unreasonable things, but before listening to the adults, Qingzheng dare not agree easily. This is my temperament, please understand." Ieyasu was very surprised and said, "Then I'll say it." "Appreciate further details." "Master Fei Houshou, do you have a daughter?" "Daughter? My lord said Bashi Ji?" "That's right, Miura Yuharu met at the mansion before, and her name is indeed Bashi Ji." "Miura-sama has a crush on the little girl?" "Yes. But you don't have to be so surprised. Miura won't marry a little girl who is not yet ten years old." "Oh." "He wants Ling Qianjin to be Changfu Wan's wife. Changfu Wan is already the guardian of Junfu and Yuanjiang, and his name has been changed to Lai Xuan, and he will take up the post soon. How about you, would you like to betroth Bashiji to her?" Him?" After Ieyasu finished speaking, he deliberately opened his eyes wide and stared at Qingzheng seriously. Qingzheng had a complicated expression, he seemed a little confused at first, and finally laughed, "So, the Imperial Palace wants a little girl?" "Maybe it's not suitable, Higo Mamoru-sama. Chofukumaru has a gentle temperament. Although Mizuno Shigenaka and Miura Yuharu have been teaching him, it's not enough, so I let Ando Naoji be his boss. Of course, both children I'm still young, so make an appointment first. If Higomori-sama is willing, I will choose an auspicious day and send Mizuno or Miura to propose marriage. This is forcing Higomori-sama's flesh and blood to be my daughter-in-law. Tokugawa Ieyasu is really greedy !" Qingzheng straightened his sitting posture with all his strength, tears welled up in his eyes. What Ieyasu said was completely beyond Qing Zheng's expectations.If this happened, it would inevitably lead to criticism from all parties. Some people might think that Qingzheng's daughter was a hostage, and Qingzheng himself would be seen as begging for mercy from Jiayasu in order to protect his family. But Qingzheng never cared what others thought.He didn't care to wipe away his tears, and said: "If this is the case, sir, please think twice." He seemed to have become the unusually cautious and honest person in the past, "Because, I think that this marriage will bring some difficulties to you." "Oh." Ieyasu seemed to know that Kiyomasa would say this, and he was not surprised. "What is my problem?" "If someone spreads rumors, saying that the Great Imperial Palace will use the same means as in the past, first to win over Qingzheng, and then to pose a problem to Osaka..." "Master Fahoushou, your criteria for judging gains and losses are too biased. I just want to take away what you love. Those who use such tricks are not ordinary villains." "Your Excellency is joking again. My son, Mr. Xichang Fukumaru, is older than my little girl. It's not that I don't want my little girl." "Don't lie! I know you are a tough guy. If you want to take away from me the gold second only to my life, even if I ask you to pay back." After saying that, Ieyasu turned his head to Naoji, "You also have some kind words. Tell me, how did Miura fall in love with Yasohime." "Yes!" Naoji immediately looked at Kiyomasa. Kiyomasa suddenly raised his hand to stop Naoji, "Miss Ando's love, Kiyomasa has accepted it, please don't say any more." "So, you agreed?" Ieyasu finally laughed loudly, "Okay, then it's settled. Serve the wine! No objection, Hihoushou-sama?" "Yes, by your lord's kindness, the Qing Zhengzu really accumulated evil virtues." "You were also tricked by me. I can't let you take the gold for nothing." Qingzheng said nothing, puffed up his chest again, and stared at Ieyasu.From the perspective of Masazumi and Naoji, this posture seems to have some kind of strange provocative meaning. At this time, the maids served four dining tables. After drinking for three rounds, Qingzheng finally recovered his cheerful appearance.Before that, he looked annoyed and self-reproaching, and both Masazumi and Naoji were wary.Afterwards, Qingzheng chatted about all kinds of interesting things during the Wenlu War, retired after drinking, and returned to the vows temple.At that time, it was already four quarters. After Kiyomasa left, Ieyasu asked Masakazu to take out the design drawing of Nagoya Castle, put on reading glasses, and stared at it for a long time. "How does Mamoru Higo look like?" Ieyasu folded up the drawings, as if talking to himself, without mentioning Furuya. "At the beginning, it seemed like a different person than usual, and Japan became the number one in the world... He seemed to be happy from the bottom of his heart." When Masamune Honda said this, Ieyasu raised his face sharply, looked at Masamune and Naoji, "Naoji, you think so too? The orca that inlaid gold on Nagoya Castle is to celebrate Japan becoming the number one in the world." ?” "That's all he can say." "Oh, so what do you think the real reason is?" "Naturally, I am happy because the atmosphere in Osaka has eased." "Hmm. Zhengchun, what do you think?" "As Ando-sama said, Kato-sama has Hideyori in his heart. Therefore, I think he is as happy as you, sir." "ridiculous!" "Isn't that all?" "There is one more thing, you don't understand!" "There's one more?" The two said in unison, looking at each other. "Alas! Golden killer whales need four. Two groups, a total of two groups." "Golden killer whale?" Ieyasu nodded, and put the drawings of Nagoya Castle on the shelf, "Although Higo Mamoru is kind and righteous, he also has a lot of thoughts. He sees through that Hideyori will have to leave Osaka Castle sooner or later." "See through?" Zhengchun said. "It is precisely because I have seen through it that I said that I will bring the geisha from the capital to celebrate!" Masazumi and Naoji couldn't help but look at each other. "To build Nagoya without complaining, to hold a unparalleled celebration, and to cast a golden killer whale are all pawns played by him because he sees through the future. This is Higo Mamoru." "Ah!" Naoji whispered, "So, it's a pawn he laid out for Hideyori's new residence?" At this time, Zhengchun also patted his knee.The two finally understood what Ieyasu meant. Not only that, but Ieyasu realized that Kiyomasa had foreseen that Hideyori would eventually have to leave Osaka Castle. Will Hideyori move to Nara, Koriyama, or Shangso or Anfang, which are very close to Edo?No matter where he goes, his residence will inevitably refer to the scale of Nagoya.Therefore, if Nagoya's castle tower uses golden killer whales, Hideyori's residence will naturally be as luxurious as Nagoya.Qingzheng is really putting on a good show. "I see, I understand. Ando-sama, we are still blind!" Naoji also nodded sympathetically, "Yes. What did you say that Japan is number one in the world..." Jiakang shook his head again, and said, "You guys are thinking about it again." "wrong again?" "According to what you said, I fell into Qingzheng's trap?" "He really worked hard." "I think differently," Ieyasu seemed to be in a good mood, and said while sipping tea, "I paid a lot of money for Kiyomasa's loyalty to Hideyori, do you understand? If Japan is to become the number one in the world, the Japanese should be the ones in the world." The first measure and insight!" "Yes. A fool can't be number one anyway." "I'm willing to follow Fei Houshou's wishes because he has a clear vision of the current situation. However, he can't be called the number one if he has vision! If a person has no heart, vision may be a bad thing. Ishida Zhibu It is a precedent. He has long seen that after the death of the Taige, the lord of the world will be Tokugawa Ieyasu, so he was in a hurry to cause chaos, and he was defeated. He killed everyone who cared about him. Instead of doing this, it would be better not to gained those insights.” "yes." "However, although Higoshou has a vision, he first helped me with enthusiasm. This is sincerity. Therefore, I cannot refuse. The heart of a child can move the world!" The two people under the seat coincidentally corrected their sitting postures. "Okay, let's make an agreement! If I die, you all must abide by this agreement! Japan must be number one in the world, and it must be done!" After speaking, Ieyasu quietly closed his eyes and whispered Said, "Look for an opportunity, tell Hideyori how loyal Higomori is..."