Chapter 28 Chapter Twenty-Eight

At the beginning of winter in the 16th year of Keicho, Date Masamune proposed to officially invite Father Sodero of Asakusa Shiyaoyuan to preach in the mansion. This was not because of the enthusiastic recommendation of his daughter, Mrs. Matsudaira Tadaki.The reason is that when he went to Edo Castle, the general Tokugawa Hidetada said in a daze: "The Great Imperial Palace does not rest every day, and the Buddha's name is purified every day. It is said that half of it has been completed." At the beginning of this year, Tokugawa Ieyasu's constant death made his sense of impermanence even stronger.Masamune also knew that since the first lunar month, obituaries have been published one after another.On the third day of the first lunar month, Yuliang died; on the twenty-first day of the first month, Yoshihisa Shimadzu passed away; on the sixth day of the second month, Kazume Inatomi, a famous gun master, died; on the twenty-seventh day of the second month, Shanke Yanjing went again.During Ieyasu's visit to Beijing, many obituaries followed.On March 23, Ben Duoyasu died; on March 24, Hojo clan won.Before the enthronement ceremony of Prince Masahito (Emperor Gomizuo), on the seventh day of April, Asano Nagamasa passed away at the age of sixty-five.

Feeling that Osaka's power was greatly weakened, Masamune quickly facilitated the marriage of Ieyasu's adopted daughter and son Tadamune, and married Tokugawa again in late April. Then, people continued to die.On the fourth day of June, the death of Lu Xing Sanada; on the seventeenth day of June, the death of Yoshiharu Horio; on the twenty-fourth day of June, the death of Kiyomasa Kato... Knowing that Sanada, Horio and Kato had died one after another, even Masamune felt sorry for him.He is not only worried about life and death, but also broods over Toyotomi's bleak fate.Not long ago, in order to build the most magnificent city in history, Kato Kiyomasa always took the lead when moving stones and wood, with his beard waving on his chest... This situation will never be the same again.

Asano, Sanada, Horio, and Kato are all loyal followers of Osaka, and they are all loyal even if they are different in size and mind.This group of people seemed to be hooked together and left this world. Does this imply something?Masao Sanada was sixty-five years old, and Yoshiharu Horio was sixty-nine years old, which can also be called Tianshou.However, Kato Kiyomasa is only fifty-one years old! Next, Tokunaga Shouchang died on the 10th day of July, and the famous doctor Qu Naose Masarin also passed away on the 9th day of August. He was only 47 years old.Later, Tadashi Okubo's son Tadashi also passed away at the age of thirty-two.For this reason, Zhong Neighbor is depressed, and has basically stopped serving the public recently.

However, Date Masamune specially invited Sodero to preach, not only because he lamented the impermanence of the world. Masamune ordered his retainers to take Sodero's entourage to another room for entertainment, leaving Sodero alone in his own room. "Mr. Sodero, it's the first time I've met you. I'm Date Masamune, do you remember?" Sodero froze for a moment, looking at Masamune. Although it was the first official meeting between the two on that day, they had met more than three or five times in the past—the two had met more than ten times in order to treat the foreign woman.

"I remember. Yes, I remember." After a long time, Suode Luofang swallowed heavily, nodding repeatedly, but a little strange.He heard that Masamune had learned how to make bread, which came in handy during falcon hunting. "Mr. Sodero has escaped a catastrophe. I heard that General Biss' ship has run aground!" "This is……" "Don't make excuses. The general is already furious. Naturally, because he has seen your mind clearly, why didn't you tell me clearly?" Sodero's face tensed up.He didn't want to talk to Zhengzong about it yet.The ship ran aground because of Viscaino's coercion, but no one would know the truth if the matter had not been leaked.

General Viscaino, as the leader of the Mexican army, went to Japan as a representative of the king and governor of the country to thank him. In fact, he is a greedy and adventurous person. The real difference is to go to the Golden Island to hunt for treasure—he I will try my best to keep such low-level matters as secret as possible. "Then... the general..." "Answer my question first! Why didn't you tell me in advance?" "Viscaino is so despicable that I am ashamed to speak." "Hmph! Do you know that because of my ignorance, a great chaos is being caused?"

"Eh? This... this... I never expected it." "If it weren't for that, I wouldn't have called you here." There was only a young guard with a knife at the door. Masamune's posture was very casual, and he laughed loudly as if no one was there, "Okay, Mr. Sodero, I don't want to listen to your preaching seriously. But there is one important thing, I have to listen carefully." Tell me. There is a person beside the general who knows everything about my dealings with you." "Which one did the adults say?" "Okubo Chang'an!" Masamune spit out a string of words in a hurry, "You don't really know that both the Netherlands and England have set up shops in Hirado, right? What do you want!"

Sodero calmed down slowly, and his usual arrogance returned to his face.Of course he was not ignorant of the Dutch and English people who came and went from Hirado.Just as the missionaries of Portugal and Spain abused them in every possible way, the missionaries of the Netherlands and England also openly declared that the missionaries of the Old Church were the vanguard of King Philip's aggression. "This matter is very clear to me, but it is difficult to say about General Viscaino." "You know?" "Yes. I know." "You don't know!" Zhengzong suddenly patted Fuji and reprimanded, "What do you think Bis is going to do? He asked his superiors to allow him to delay returning to China until the new ship was built, and he borrowed the ship from Anzhen. Start exploring Edo Bay!"

"So, those, are all his dastardly treasure hunts..." "Shut up! The Golden Island doesn't exist, don't mention it again! But, do you know how the Dutch will communicate with the general once they learn the truth? They must say that in Europa, no other country is allowed, especially It is a precedent for the army to explore the country's land or coast. If even these are indulged, the army will soon come to the city. Biss has begun to detect, which shows that Ban Guohuang has the ambition to invade Japan. If you stop this, disaster will happen." Sodero turned pale.However, even in such a mess, he would not lose his footing.

"This is really surprising." He flatly denied, "As for General Viscaino, I have repeatedly said before that he will not have such ambitions. If your Excellency asks you to produce evidence, I can measure it." The map is presented to the general, anyway, the general will use the chart. In this way, he may be able to get the general's pardon..." "Shut up!" Masamune interrupted him, "What's the use of this little trick? Sodero, you conspired with Biss to deliberately let the ship run aground and help him find an opportunity to survey the coastal waters of Japan. You have such sinister intentions, people with discerning eyes can see You know, everyone in the world says you should be arrested and brought to justice. I managed to suppress the matter, but you still act as if nothing happened!"

"Here, you want to arrest me?" "Huh! The other priests said that you can't be careless with Sodero. Bis is an envoy of the country, so you can't take it lightly; but if you catch Sodero, let him tell the truth...you still don't know? " Masamune questioned sharply, and Sodero finally stopped talking.The corners of his lips twitched violently, maybe he really didn't expect that things were so dire. Seeing that Sodero was shocked, Date Masamune also withdrew his sharp blade, thinking, Sodero is unparalleled in the world, once he is given a chance, he will definitely come up with a plan to survive the desperate situation. "Sigh." Sodero stared sharply at Masamune with his light blue eyes, and whispered, "So, I have been involved in the struggle between Okubo's party and Honda and his son?" "Exactly." Masamune replied bluntly, "Masamune burned a man named Okamoto Daihachi under Masamune Honda, did you know that?" "yes." "Doctor Arima's territory was also confiscated, and he was placed under custody by Chang'an. The matter is very unfavorable to Honda and his son. You are so close to Chang'an, I'm sorry you don't like Honda and his son." "My lord is too serious." "Since you know the depth, why did you wait so long? Hehe, Sodero, who is quite familiar with Chang'an, worked together with Biss to help him hit the rocks on the ship that was going back to China. Biss went back to survey other countries the coast of Europe, and can this be grandiose in Europa?" "This……" "In addition, the damaged ship was specially brought to Sakai Port, so that Bissun was able to meet Toyotomi Hideyori, the lord of Osaka Castle. Biss even said that if necessary, the monarch of the Ban Kingdom would send a large military ship to help Hideyori. " "This... These words have also reached the general's ears?" "Hmph! In Osaka Castle, Toyotomi Tokugawa's people are divided equally." Sodero's face sank and he turned his head away.He felt that since the general knew about it, things would not be so easy to calm down.Regardless of Zhengzong's current plans, he must first make calculations for his own well-being. "Think about it. The Okamoto Daihachi incident will cause Honda and his son to suffer many misunderstandings in the world, which is extremely unfavorable. In any case, Dahachi stole too much money. Did he really get it alone? There are all kinds of doubts in the world. How can father and son settle? So, arrest you, Chang’an’s confidant, and spit it out of your mouth: Keeping Bis in Japan, allowing him to survey the coast, and letting him meet Hideyori are all ordered by Chang’an. Someone like this Leave it to me, I have to act according to plan." However, Sodero is not someone who is confused by these few words, "Mutsu Mori, to hear you say this, this matter is indeed a big deal for the general! However, Okubo Changan is closer to your lord than I am." , is still the elder of Guidong bed. If you tell Chang'an, you have discussed this matter with Mutsu Mori and Kamisousuke, what will happen? I will listen to your orders." Sodero could only bite Masamune tightly and not let go.Zhengzong asked him to come, and he had a chance of winning in his heart.He can only calmly analyze Masamune's meaning first, and then look for flaws. Sodero said again: "There is a proverb in your country: the hunter does not kill a poor bird in his arms. Sodero was originally a poor poor bird. To be honest, when Viscaino said that in Osaka City , I am also very embarrassed--to walk with such a stupid person, my hard work will be in vain. But the clown whose heart is blinded by gold will not understand, he will just boast and boast. Indeed, if this matter It is connected with the survey of the coast, and I will not be able to argue with it if we continue to pursue it. Lord Mutsu, please save this poor poor bird!" Masamune moved his lips and pondered for a moment.As soon as he opened his mouth, he sternly showed no room for change, which had already made Sodero paralyzed.Masamune is naturally rebellious, and he also has the self-confidence that he can turn danger into safety under any circumstances. "What a troublesome fellow!" Masamune sighed, "You should first write a pleading letter, and write down how you were persecuted by Bis and his real purpose. On the surface, that guy is an envoy of Ban Guo, but in fact He has sinister intentions, has done all kinds of evil things, and dares to deceive and wander around. You must solemnly beg the general to send him back as soon as possible." "meet." "Also, you said that you traveled with him because he wanted to visit Osaka Castle, but you didn't expect him to make such nonsense. Keeping this person in Japan for a long time may bring trouble to all the missionaries. He measured Although the purpose of the coast is to find the Golden Island, if the survey map falls into the hands of other countries, it will not be beneficial to Japan, so I will risk my life to get the map back, or ask it to be presented to the general. Finally, in order to repay the general's great kindness , you want to rebuild the big ship and do your best for the transaction." "Master Oshou will hand it over to the general?" "There is no other way. At the same time, I will also speak. Sodero is an indispensable person for the future development of Japan, so you cannot be regarded as the same as Biss and Okubo Changan." "Uh, Chang'an with Okubo?" "Yes! The ones who don't like Honda and his son are Chang'an and Sagami. Even if you have to interact with them occasionally, you won't sincerely draw them as confidantes. Saying this, the poor bird will be able to fly out. After saying that, Masamune's expression became sombre, and he fell into deep thought. Masamune reconsidered the whole incident again.The fact that the ship that hit the rocks was not too damaged beyond repair had already reached the ears of General Xiuzhong.This made Masamune extremely anxious.Bis forced Sodero, and Sodero was also worried that he would not be able to be the archbishop of Japan, so he agreed to join forces with him. Xiuzhong is very clear, "Sodero is treacherous and should not be underestimated. He said that in order to expand the deal with Japan, not only Mexico, but also England and Rome will use it. In fact, he just doesn't want to leave Japan." Hearing what the general said, Masamune felt a chill go down his back.Indeed, Sodero wanted to stay in Japan and dominate all the congregation. "I heard that the ship was not too damaged to be repaired. It seems that it sank near the port on purpose. It was to visit Hideyori at Osaka Castle. Master Mutsu should also pay attention." Hidetada reminded Masamune in this way, explaining that he The relationship between Ida and Sodero is already known.Perhaps in Xiuzhong's view, Sodero came and went to the Matsudaira Mansion because Mrs. Zhonghui preached the teachings; but he was close to Okubo Chang'an and often saw Masamune, so things were a little complicated.At that time, Masamune had no choice but to answer: "In the name of preaching, call Sodero to the house, and let me test and test his mind." Therefore, the general knew about the meeting between Masamune and Sodero today. "Mr. Sodero, let us proceed with the plea. There is one other concern. You must answer truthfully." "Of course. How dare I deceive your lord?" "How did the general know that the ship was not seriously damaged? Who do you think told him?" Sodero shook his head slowly, "Maybe... it was when I was waiting to go to Osaka, the boatman at the port saw..." "Although the ship looks dilapidated, it didn't sink when it arrived at Sakai Port." Sodero's tone was relaxed when he replied just now, but there was a subtle cloud on his face. "You handled the matter thoughtfully. If you didn't let the ship sink immediately, there must be some reason. Tell me." Zhengzong felt that he would definitely tell the truth. Sodero lowered his eyes and remained silent for a long time. "Actually..." He looked around and said, "There are some things that I really can't bear to sink that boat." "Can't bear to sink?" Masamune asked unhurriedly. "Yes. Someone said privately to my sire that it would be useful to smuggle the ship elsewhere. He begged my sire." "Oh, who?" "This... can we not talk about this person?" "You do what you want! However, if you don't even tell me, the help I can naturally have is limited." Sodero wrung his hands in embarrassment, "Let's just say it! He has something to do with the boss on the bed." "So, it's Okubo Chang'an?" "Yes. I told Ishi Jianshou about being coerced by General Viscaino, and he entrusted me with it." Masamune moved forward quietly, "What do you think Ishi Jianshou's purpose is?" "He said that it was for Mr. President to go to the sea of ​​the world." "The Sea of ​​the World?" "The general is now obeying the orders of the Imperial Palace. But the Imperial Imperial Palace is old and will pass away someday. At that time, Mr. Shang Zongjie..." Masamune couldn't take it anymore.If things go on like this, once Ieyasu leaves, the general brothers will get into disputes. "Oh. But why did you accept such a great trust and burn the boat down after returning from Osaka?" "In Osaka Castle, Viscaino spoke a lot of big words. Sodero has absolutely no intention of provoking the dispute between Osaka and Edo and causing the generals to fight each other. But if the general knows that I have handed over the ship to Ishi Jianshu, I can't argue with a hundred words." Masamune breathed a sigh of relief and nodded heavily.This seems to be Sodero's innermost thoughts.Even if he wants to take over the power of the church, he doesn't want Japan to fall into war again. "So, you feel in Osaka Castle that there will be another dispute between Edo and Osaka?" "Exactly." Sodero quietly looked around, "If there are people who instigate... Well, people with bad intentions may have an opportunity... I thought so at the time, so I quickly got rid of the boat. sinking." Masamune turned his gaze to the courtyard, and at some point outside it was raining icy cold. Masamune felt a strange emptiness in his heart.In his view, no one seems to have "ambition" at the moment.He fully understands Sodero's ability, and Okubo Chang'an also has a side that he needs to pay more attention to.Chang'an and Okubo Tadanechi behind him just lit a fire casually, and they played a key role in the matter of Arima Harunobu and Okamoto Daihachi.If someone subtly instigates Daban, the world will rise again. What is even more vigilant is that even Sodero can think that after Ieyasu's death, it is almost inevitable that the general and the Zhonghui brothers will have a dispute. Masamune's thoughts are completely different from Moto Ami Koetsu's. He will not be so stupid as to reveal his tail hastily, but he is very interested in other people's eagerness.He believed that even if he was involved, he would be able to remain unscathed and do his job with ease.In fact, after Sodero uttered the truth, Masamune was very disappointed: Although this little thorn is full of thorns, it is only mediocre. If you really want to maintain peace, you should bravely challenge bigger waves. After the food and wine were served, Masamune said, "Come on, it's cold, let's drink some wine to warm you up!" He handed the big red wine glass to Sodero, tried the poison himself, and felt a strange feeling in his heart: peace will be the most important thing in the world in the future, so is there still a need for such a poison test?Is Taiping beneficial or not? "Mutsu Mori-sama thinks there will be no war between Osaka and Edo?" "This... If there is no big dispute, it should be impossible. How can a battle be so easy, just fight if you want to fight?" "Yes, that's why I sank the boat in a hurry." "Haha, I'm afraid there are people in Osaka City who are hoping for a close battle." "Yes. Many people think so. Therefore, if the Dutch and English instigate, this..." "Okay, no, not at all. I will also mediate in front of the general. Don't forget the plea just now." After Masamune said, he raised his chopsticks to hide his displeasure. The fact that Date Masamune specially invited Sodero from Asakusa Shiyakuin to preach at his home quickly spread in Edo, and even spread throughout the world from the residences of the major names in Edo. Since the age of six, Masamune has been taught by Zen Master Huzai of Yuanshan Jueben Temple, making him a heroic general.Zen Master Nahuzai was born in Machi, Fangxian County, Meinong, and was a disciple of Kuaichuan, the famous monk Datong Zhisheng, who was also from Meinong.When Kaichuan was burned by Oda at Huilin Temple in Koshu, he yelled "The fire is very cold", and the story of Fang's death after that has been passed down among the generals of the time.Zen master Huzai is a generation of talented people. He studied under the monk Kuaichuan, and he was called the "young master" when he was just 20 years old. Date Masamune's father, Sakyo doctor Huizong, named Masamune "Brahma Maru" when Masamune was born, and searched for famous teachers for him among the monks.In the third year of Yuangui, when Masamune was six years old, Zen Master Huzai was recruited to Zifu Temple in the suburbs of Yonezawa, and became Masamune's teacher.Masamune is now forty-six years old, and he and Zen Master Huzai have had a master-student friendship for forty years, which is well known to the world.Now that Masamune actually wants foreign priests to preach, this will naturally become a discussion after tea and dinner. Some people think that Masamune was influenced by his daughter, while others say that Tadao Okubo persuaded him to believe in religion, and some people think that the matter is by no means a simple matter of belief.Masamune, a military general, is more devout than ordinary monks in the world. His purpose this time is not for faith. He is probably planning to use foreign religions to carry out overseas transactions.When the discussions were divided, some people stood in the middle and flattered both sides, saying that Masamune may have been influenced by Mrs. Zhonghui, or because of the persuasion of Okubo Tadane and Chang'an.But Masamune did not change his believers so easily, he could never forget the word "use". However, at this time, another topic was circulating.Sodero will be captured by the shogunate and sentenced to death.This matter has long been discussed.It was said that Sodero himself argued that he boarded General Biss' boat, accidentally steered the wrong course, and the boat hit a rock and sank.These remarks angered General Xiuzhong, who denounced Sodero as a cunning person.Although everyone has made a lot of efforts, it seems that there is no room for recovery.Therefore, the rumors that Sodero has been arrested and brought to justice are rampant. Rumors have always had magical powers. Sometimes they can stir people's hearts and guide discussions in a good direction, but sometimes they can cause irreversible riots. As soon as he heard that the saint Sodero of the Asakusa Pharmacy Hospital was about to be arrested, the untouchables of Edo immediately surrounded the hospital.When the guards came to arrest Sodero, they had to pass among the untouchables. Such riots are by no means limited to Asakusa.The believers of foreign religions scattered all over the country echoed each other, and it may eventually turn into a riot that is more serious than the Yizongzong riots in the past. In a certain longhouse in Kanda, the remnants of the Sekigahara war are wielding their swords and ready to move, wanting to take advantage of this bad wind to come back out of the arena. "I also know about those ronin. Those people clap their hands and pray to the sun every day: the world is in chaos, the world is in chaos..." I don't know how much truth there is in these rumors, but Machi Tsuchiya Gonemon Yumasa has ordered spies for this Enter the busy city and strengthen the security. One day, Date Masamune came to Edo and met General Hidetada at a small academy in the city. Xiuzhong regards his younger brother Shang Zongjie Zhonghui's father-in-law as his father's comrade-in-arms, respects him very much, and speaks very respectfully.He didn't even let Honda Sado and Toshikatsu Doi stay by his side, and only Yagyu Somo sat facing the winter sun in the courtyard. "Mutsu Mori-sama thinks that Sodero can't make a big wave?" "As written in his plea, Sodero submitted because he was coerced by General Biss, that's all." "But I heard that he took Biss to meet Okubo Sagami." "I think, I'm afraid it's also forced." "Hey." Xiuzhong didn't show any contempt for the one-eyed general in his words, but he didn't reveal his feelings either.He was calm and well-behaved, but the conversation was anything but open-minded.He weighed and chewed every word and every sentence in his heart, and then continued to think.What a watertight person—Masamune always felt that way. "Actually, Sagami Okubo hasn't been here recently." "Are you feeling unwell?" Masamune recalled, "Or because of Aizi's new death, are you depressed?" "Well, I think so too. I heard that Zhongchang is also a devout follower of foreign religion." Masamune was shocked: what on earth did the general want to say? "I heard that Zhongchang is only thirty-two." He brought the topic back, "It's a golden age, and it is indeed an unbearable pain for a white-haired person to give a black-haired person." "Therefore, be more careful. Sodero is a member of a foreign religion, and he calls other beliefs a cult." Xiuzhong continued calmly. "oh oh?" "People are strong and weak. If Sangmi blames his son's death on his belief in a cult, it may disturb his mind." "Forgive me for being rude, but I don't think Sodero will attack such a small weakness." "Oh..." Hidetada tilted his head slightly, "If Sagami continues to keep his temper, rumors about foreign religions in various places will stir up big waves. If someone instigates that even Okubo Sagami also supports foreign religions, and recently he will not be open to public opinion." , what should I do then?" Date Masamune said: "The general will strictly order him to serve the public." Xiuzhong shook his head lightly: "How to deal with Sodero?" "I want to hear what the general means first." "Actually," Hidetada changed the subject, "Owari Inuyama Castle Lord Hiraiwa Omokichi passed away at Nagoya Castle, and the Imperial Palace seems to be dissatisfied." "Master Pingyan...is he already old?" "Yes, seventy." "Even if the birthday is already high, it is still unfaithful to die in front, so the Great Imperial Palace must be dissatisfied." "Exactly." Hiraiwa Omiyoshi died in the Erdao Castle of Nagoya Castle which was just built.Since Ieyasu was in Junfu as a hostage, Qinji has shared joys and sorrows with him.For Hidetada, Kiyoshi is a Tokugawa important minister, who not only taught his brother Nobuyasu, but also the teacher Yoshinao.That's why Xiuzhong sent Abe Shiro Goro Masaoyuki to visit Nagoya.During this period, Qinji died, and the place of death was in the new Nagoya Castle, which became a problem. This old man who has devoted his whole life to Tokugawa must be extremely reluctant to part with the new Nagoya city doctrine.At this time, he was already serving as the Lieutenant General of the Third Rank Right Guard Quan, and he still didn't want to leave, so he died in Nagoya without returning to his own Inuyama Castle. However, when he heard the news, Ieyasu was very unhappy.He had expected that something might happen, so he sent Naruse Masanari and Takeyao Masanobu to Nagoya Castle.Ieyasu felt that Kiyoshi should not stay in Nagoya with an old body, and should return to Inuyama Castle to die. "The Great Imperial Palace is really difficult for a strong man. Master Pingyan can be said to be dying, life and death are destiny, not human..." Masamune deliberately smiled. Xiuzhong didn't smile, he said with a serious expression: "Dayusuo Dao, no matter how old you are, if you lose your mind before dying, it's because you haven't cultivated enough." "Haha, you are really stubborn. Master Huzai Zen Master taught the same thing." "Mutsu Mori-sama, do you think what Ou said is too much?" "How dare you." "For those who are entrusted to the world, it is not a blessing for the world if they do not cultivate enough. Therefore, I think about it and make good preparations on weekdays so that I will not regret it when I leave this world." "The general's mind is admirable." "Hmph, Sodero..." Xiuzhong straightened his clothes, "If this evil is not eradicated, the world will be in trouble." Masamune was taken aback, it seemed that Xiuzhong was more serious than he thought. "The general thinks this way, and Masamune naturally has no objection." "If you take measures lightly, you will be laughed at as thoughtless. There must be a reason for a mature and prudent person like Mutsu Mori to bring a petition." Masamune felt his heart skip a beat, and sweat broke out all over his body.Xiuzhong's attitude was harsher than he had imagined, and he could only use stronger skills to deal with it, "Haha, so the general thinks that I'm here to beg for mercy for him?" "No. Sodero is a member of the Southern Man, but I don't understand the nature of the Southern Man. Therefore, after he is captured, we must not spread any unfounded things to disturb the public." "I heard that Sodero also went to the mansion of Mr. Matsudaira Tadaki, and also went to Okubo Sagami and Okubo Ishimimori's mansions to preach. Maybe he accidentally said some strange things." "Lord Mutsu Mori!" "exist." "Xiuzhong will not take the gossip of the world to heart." "yes." "Hidetaka wants to know if Mutsu Mori wants to save Sodero's life." Masamune blinked his single eye, feeling very unhappy, but what Xiuzhong said was irrefutable, so he became even more unhappy. "General, I don't understand." Masamune deliberately leaned forward, "You seem to be talking ironically?" "Oh?" "When I was young, I followed the Great Imperial Palace, and now I am closer to the Great Imperial Palace. No one knows the favor I have received." "This... because of this, Xiuzhong didn't hide anything..." "My lord general!" Zhengzong raised his voice, "Why can't you tell me clearly? Sodero was arrested and brought to justice, should I let my servant save him, or leave him alone?" "Well." "Masamune and the general are of one mind, and I will do whatever the general thinks." "..." "Don't worry too much, general. Zhengzong made the letter of appeal to let the general know more about the affairs of the world. As the old saying goes, thieves have three points of reason. The general only listens to the words of the people around him, and his vision will be clouded. This is the admonition that the Great Imperial Palace will never forget. I know that everyone has their own duties, and the decision is made by the general, and I only need to obey the order." Xiuzhong nodded slightly, and quietly closed his eyes.Zhengzong was angry again, but he didn't dare to say any more, otherwise, if he said a word carelessly, he might be in great trouble. "Hmm..." After a while, Xiuzhong opened his eyes, "Then let's do this. Hold Sodero first, after all, he is the one who sank the ship. If it is not intentional, even if it is negligence, you have to ask clear." "Obey!" "Acquisition should be justified." "yes." "It would be boring to make him say something bad. I want Mutsumori to save him." "Rescue? Understood." "Okay, since Mutsu Mori wants to help him, I will hand him over to you. But, he can no longer live in Edo." "yes." "Actually, it would be better to send him back to his own country." Isn't this developing in the direction that Masamune had planned from the beginning?Zhengzong fell flat on the ground and bowed deeply, "The general is wise! I admire you so much." Words are a wonderful thing.If the other party was Ieyasu, Masamune would not flatter him so blatantly, because words would reflect the weight of the other party in his heart.However, Xiuzhong is still immature after all, not enough to worry about, at least he is far worse than himself.With this in mind, Masamune will be able to speak out against his will, which is the so-called "playing with the palm of the hand" as the saying goes. Xiuzhong sighed softly, he had spent a lot of thought before finally saying "spare Sodero's life". "Then, I'll order Doi Taiyaku to assist you, okay?" "Understood. I will never disappoint the general. I order Sodero to return home early and build more ships." "You let him make atonement like this?" "Yes. If you have talent, don't use it. The crime is like murder. I will discuss with Admiral Mukai, who is in charge of shipping, and try to build a more magnificent military ship for the general!" "it is good!" Xiuzhong fell into Zhengzong's trap in this way, and he was helpless to fight back.Recently, the shogun's staff has overreacted to the daimyo's building a "giant ship".And in this way, Masamune was tantamount to asking the general to personally allow him to build a giant ship, but Xiuzhong didn't seem to be aware of this. "General, do you know that Sodero's move is because he wants to stay in Japan?" "Because Japan is a peaceful country that is rare in the world today?" "No, no, no. He wants to be the archbishop including Japan and Ming Dynasty." "archbishop?" "Exactly. That is the abbot and monk of the foreign religion in the East. The largest abbot is in Rome." "Oh." "Therefore, if the general agrees, I would like to use Sodero a little more." "Besides building military ships, does this person have other uses?" "Exactly! Let him go to Rome as a Japanese envoy, and he will gladly accept it. Instead of doing some minor errands in Japan, he might as well meet the archbishop directly and get the archbishop's approval. Of course, the benefits he can get are different from those of the general. If If you want to expand Japan's business to Europa, you need to hire the right people. Sodero can ride the wind and waves, and some of them are worth using." Masamune finished speaking nonchalantly, and suddenly changed the subject: "Ah, it's time to apply, so I'll resign, no Interfering with the general's handling of government affairs." He put his hands on the ground again and saluted respectfully.