Chapter 30 Chapter Thirty

On April 26th of the eighteenth year of Qingchang, Hattori set out from Edo and arrived in Junfu on the night of the 28th.Before meeting Tokugawa Ieyasu, he went to Honda Masakami's house first. "I am the second son of Hattori Masanari. Although it is late at night, I have something important to do. Please pass it on." Hattori is seriously asking his subordinates to report this. Zheng Chongxuan was brought into Zhengchun's room, and Zhengchun, who seemed to have fallen asleep, sat hugging the quilt, wearing a haori, and there was no one else around. "Are you upright?"

"Yes." Zheng smiled steadily and said, "Does my lord know why I came here?" Honda Zhengchun frowned, and said in a low voice with a little displeasure: "Did your father-in-law die?" "Exactly. Ueno Mori-sama should have been notified of this matter first." "Ishi Jianshou has been worrying all his life." "Respect is..." "Ishimi Mori, Hattori, and Ikeda were all married, but they left without leaving a last word." "My lord has also heard some rumors about Ishi Jianshou." "Oh." "For example, the master Suo Si in the capital is quite disturbed by Shi Jianshou's actions."

"Ah, I know that." Zhengchun understated it, then smiled slightly, "Since you are a son-in-law, you can't ignore it." "Yes. The Hattori family is dedicated to the public and will not favor in-laws." "Oh? Then let me ask you, there are legends in the world that Ishi Jianshou hid a huge amount of gold and silver for personal gain, how do you want to deal with it?" "This matter has also reached the ears of the Great Imperial Palace, right?" "Are you going to kill it?" "No, I have also heard these rumors. However, no one knows about the hiding place. Maybe it is in the house, maybe it is a village."

"There are all kinds of theories." "That's how the rumors are." Zheng Zhong immediately echoed. Zhengchun smiled softly again: "Zhengzhong, I'm asking you." "It's really impolite. Regarding this matter, Mr. Suosi seems to have grasped some information, so he deliberately made things..." "Itakura Katsushige?" "Yes. It seems that apart from gold and silver, he has even known about the joint signature." "Humph!" "grown ups?" "If he even knows this, it's better for you to separate from your wife, so no one will doubt the loyalty of Hattori." Zhengchun said solemnly.

Zhengzhong suddenly felt a surge of anger.From this point of view, everything is very clear: someone may have told Honda Zhengchun the news of his father-in-law's death first.Even if no one knew it secretly, Zhengchun was very clear about the fact that his father-in-law had a stroke and fell to the ground, and he might not be able to recover.Not only that, Zhengchun may have believed the rumors about Okubo Changan's self-seeking, and may be secretly planning to get those gold and silver.Even so, he actually asked my husband and wife to disperse as soon as possible, it is as poisonous as a snake!

In fact, it is Zhengzhong's speculation to say that Zhengchun wants to take Chang'an's private collection as his own.Honesty is pure advice. It is a foregone conclusion. In order not to be implicated, it is best to be prepared. "Hmm..." Zheng Zhong was in a daze. "Understood?" Zhengchun continued softly, "I don't want to endanger the Hattori family, and I don't want to find a random substitute." "yes." "Master Dayusuo is old, Zhengchun has no choice but to cut through the mess quickly - Ishi Jianshou is too unruly!"

Hattori was holding his breath.The resentment in Honda Zhengchun's heart seems to be far beyond his imagination.For Zhengchun, this is definitely not out of self-forgiveness.He has his own ambitions, if Okubo Chang'an stands in front and blocks him, this person cannot be tolerated! "This is considered as a reward for your special notification to me. There is no need to say more about the rest." "yes." "You keep this matter in your heart, and then think of ways to deal with it." "I will keep it in mind." "Shi Jianshou's hand has already been involved in some improper transactions, and the Imperial Palace is well aware of this. He once said with a wry smile that Chang'an wanted to make things difficult for him."

"So, there is something about Dr. Matthew..." "That's right! They colluded secretly to make huge profits by doing the business that the Great Imperial Palace lords hate the most." "The gold and silver, weapons and the like?" Zhengzhong asked anxiously, but Zhengchun didn't answer directly: "Not only that, he also associates with bad priests, is called a 'foreign religious name', and has plots. However, if there are only these, I might forget it; but he How can I ignore it? They are like Ishida Jibu in the later period of Toyotomi Taiko, they are all worms on the lion!"

Masashige was a little skeptical, but still nodded seriously.Only people like Honda Masazumi would first think of Ishida Mitsunari. "Okay, let me tell you—listen carefully!" Zhengchun reached out and wiped the oil on the candlestick. Hattori Masashige leaned forward slightly. "Go to Hachioji as soon as possible, and when the investigation starts, try your best to protect women and children." Zheng swallowed heavily, thinking, the matter has probably been decided. "His son may not be rescued, but it's not enough to punish even women and children. It's just that it depends on your efforts."

"yes." "Those who get married, since they belong to someone else's family, can naturally stay in their husband's house, and the children can also be secretly housed in the cottage or the acting mansion. Of course, I will help secretly, but I still need your help." Zhengzhong didn't understand Zhengchun's meaning at all, "Contribute your strength?" "You are resting at the house tonight. Tomorrow morning, I will report the news of your arrival to the Great Imperial Palace. The journey has been exhausting. I will ask someone to boil some hot water for you. I will think about the specific method on the way, and rest now." After saying that, Zhengchun clapped his hands, called a young attendant, and took Zhengzhong to the guest room.

Masashige finally fully understood what Honda Masamune meant, and it was after he finished his meal in the guest room. "Ah! So that's how it is." Just as he was about to get under the quilt, he suddenly understood the meaning of Zhengchun's words: It turns out...it's for me to look for evidence of my father-in-law's selfishness!In this way, we can only pray for the women and children in the clan to get some mercy. As a subordinate, you have to think about your boss's orders, and no matter how unpleasant your boss's orders are, you can only respectfully follow them.If you can't grasp the essence of the task, let alone hard work in vain, I'm afraid you'll have to move your head in the end. After thinking about it, Zhengzhong couldn't fall asleep.He wanted to go back to the Eighth Prince and explain the ins and outs to his wife clearly. She could claim to be staying at her husband's house, but she was actually still in Okubo Mansion.However, there is no way to save the seven men who live in Hachioji, including Tojuro and Geki.Just in case, Chang'an called Zhengzhong as his son-in-law.But the son-in-law had to find evidence against his father-in-law at this time.Although the war has finally stopped, the struggle between people is still endless.What kind of charges did Masamune Honda intend to charge Okubo Chang'an?What he said is quite intriguing, because if he really intends to investigate Chang'an, there will be accusations and evidence everywhere. When it was about to dawn, Zheng Zhongfang fell asleep in a daze. Just when Zhengzhong woke up, Zhengchun had already entered Junfu main city.Although Zhengzhong still has many doubts, if the report is delayed because of this, Zhengchun may also be suspected.He followed Zhengchun's instructions, washed up and went straight to Hachioji. Honda Zhengchun entered the city early in the morning and reported the news of Okubo Changan's death to Ieyasu. Ieyasu's eyebrows were suddenly clouded. "Tea, light the incense sticks." After ordering, he recited the Buddha's name, stopped his homework, and said to Zhengchun, "He didn't say anything about inheritance?" "Yes." Zhengchun replied solemnly, "My lord, please order others to step down." "Oh? Let Cha Ah and the maid..." Ieyasu finally nodded, "You all step back first. Ueno Mori-sama has something important to discuss with me." Recently, Ieyasu deliberately put the word "adult" after Zhengchun's name in front of people, or did so on purpose.The courtiers were quite surprised and bowed down to salute.Ieyasu's expression was serious.He also has to plan for the future: behind him, he will have to rely more on Zhengchun.He trusts Masamune very much. Until now, he often refers to Masamune's father Masanobu as "you" or "Sado", but he is very polite to Masamune.In this regard, it is quite like Toyotomi Taiko treated Ishida Mitsunari in his later years.Perhaps in order not to let Masamune repeat the same mistakes as Mitsuzaki, Ieyasu even paid great attention to his wording. "What did Masashige Hattori say?" When there were only two of them left, Ieyasu's speech returned to normal. "My lord, this is the same as what Soshidai Itakura-sama, Naruse, and Ando thought. Okubo Ishimimori's world evaluation is too bad." "Then," Ieyasu remained calm, "what evidence do you have?" "There is no evidence yet. However, Motoami Koetsu sent Soshidai something interesting." "what?" "A small box inlaid with emeralds, with autumn sketches drawn on it, the style is quite similar to the painter Zongda in the capital." "What happened to that little box?" "In the small box, there is a letter from Shi Jianshou's concubine." "Oh. What does that letter have to do with Chang'an Mou private?" "Ishijian Shou has a box similar to that small box in his hand, and the joint letter should be sealed inside." "Joint certificate? What joint certificate?" Honda said purely: "Shosuke Matsudaira summoned the foreign religious daimyo headed by Toyotomi Hideyori of Osaka Castle to point their arrows at the general. The concubine of Chang'an said that the joint signature was for this purpose." He intentionally In a light tone, choose the main points to say the matter. However, even though Zhengchun pretended to be plain, Ieyasu was taken aback.What will happen after Ieyasu's surprise, Zhengchun can no longer imagine. "Ding———" the clock presented by the red-haired man in front of the bookshelf struck the hour.After the bell rang, Jiakang said, "Zhengchun." "exist." "Say it to me again slowly, I seem to be a little deaf." "Yes. Sosuke Matsudaira summoned the foreign daimyo headed by Toyotomi Hideyori of Osaka Castle to point their arrows at the general. The joint signature signed for this purpose should be kept in another green box, hidden in a certain place in Hachioji's mansion." That's what it says." "Zhonghui? Zhonghui!" Jiakang Tuan leaned over and probed towards Fuji, "Who are the joint names?" "I don't know yet. The joint signature has not been found yet." "Oh. Besides that, there's nothing else on the letter?" "yes." "So, Masazumi... Itakura, Ando, ​​and Naruse also know about it? Let them check the authenticity of the letter." "The rumors are too surprising." "Chang'an incited the chief minister to rebel. If this is the case, it is true... But, Mutsu Mamoru... Doesn't Masamune know about this?" "This, and..." "Is it still just a rumor? Does the general know? Doi Toshikatsu knows?" "It hasn't been revealed yet. It's not time to reveal it yet, because it may just be a rumor right now." "Oh." "Shi Jianshou has made many enemies. If his concubine is talking nonsense because of personal grievances, it may be inappropriate." "Well." "Okubo Chang'an is regarded as a golden mountain, and the gold is like flowing water. He even invited prostitutes to the mining town, and his lewdness made the world stunned. Because of such rumors, people think that he may have grudges with women." Zhengchun's tone became stronger. Indifferently, "Besides, Arima Harunobu, who was ordered to be seppuku, actually wrote a secret statement, saying that he was entrusted by Ishimi Shouji to secretly hide weapons, gold and silver." "Zhengchun! Why do you like to circle around so much?" Ieyasu's tone suddenly became very severe, "Why didn't you say clearly that you want to search the residence of the Eight Princes? Don't you have any judgment on Chang'an in your heart?" Being reprimanded by Ieyasu, which was rare, Honda Masakazu remained as usual, showing no fear.He straightened up vigorously, and said: "My lord, let me be surprised. It has been rumored in the world that Zheng Chunben and Okubo Chang'an are not very harmonious." "So you go around in circles? Do you think this is for the good of the world?" "I didn't think this way, so I went around in circles. If my words are selfish, it will become slander and will cause all kinds of evil consequences. I only dare to speak out if I hope that the adults will make a clear decision. Zhengchun did not search the Chang'an mansion. Plan. If your lord thinks this way, Zhengchun will no longer have any opinion on Chang'an from now on." "Bastard!" Ieyasu blushed and scolded angrily, "Don't pretend to be so meaningless! Back off! Back off and stand by!" In an instant, Zhengchun's eyebrows stood up.However, he didn't make a sound, only answered "yes" and knelt down on one knee, saluted flatly, and exited the room with a pale face. "Wait!" Ieyasu trembled violently.Since Sekigahara, he had never shown such strong emotions.He squinted at Zhengchun, who was lying on the ground, and said, "Okay, back off. You can back off now." After Zhengchun stepped back, Ieyasu stared at the "Namo Amitabha Buddha" on the table with an inscrutable expression.After about an hour, he said: "Call me Cha Lai." During this hour, he seemed to be concerned not only about Zhengchun and Chang'an, he sent the chief executive Zhonghui, the right minister Xiulai, Qianji, Mrs. Dian, Cha Aju and others who gave birth to Zhonghui all thought about it. "My lord is called a concubine?" Cha Aju entered the room and saw Jiakang hunched over, looking like he was about to cry. "Let someone come, Mr. Luoshan, and Yagyu from Edo and Emmon!" "Mr. Luo Shan and Mr. Yagyu?" "Yes. I want to hear the opinions of young people. Although I have no desires and desires now, it is not impossible to think." "What's on your mind, my lord?" "It's useless to tell you. I'm not worried about anything." Ieyasu suddenly said, "Chang'an, it's time to die!" Ieyasu had already heard a little about the disagreements between Okubo Tadone and the Honda father and son.He also knew that the direct cause of this disagreement was not Zhongnei, but Chang'an.I'm afraid it's impossible to calculate how many bad things Chang'an has done.Gold mining gradually became a one-man specialty.Ieyasu was not afraid that he would conceal the mine and not report it, so he turned a blind eye. However, Zhengchun, who is upright by nature, thought that Chang'an was an intolerable selfishness. When Lin Daochun was brought in by Cha Ah Ju, Ieyasu had recovered his composure.On the ninth day of the twelfth lunar month last year, Ieyasu ordered Lin Daochun to move from Edo to Junfu, which was also his plan for his death.The legacy of the troubled times has been gradually changed, but the establishment of ethics and morality still takes time.The way of righteousness lies in enlightenment, and Ieyasu understands this, but it is difficult to break the situation with only ideas.Therefore, he called Lin Daochun to his side, and discussed matters with him sooner or later.Ieyasu also wants to hear what he thinks about Chang'an this time.However, after Daochun came, Ieyasu's thoughts changed again—it was a matter of politics after all.In addition, he does not want to leak political chaos.Therefore, he just chatted with Lin Daochun about the establishment of academies in various domains, and then let him go back.However, he and Yagyu Mataemon, who came later, had a secret conversation for about fifteen minutes. "Mataemon, Okubo Changan is dead." Zongji seemed to know this, and looked at Ieyasu with complicated eyes. "Master Uenosuke said that Chang'an's reputation is very bad, and he wants to check his mansion." "Then...my lord agrees?" "No, I scolded him. If you do this, Honda and his son and Okubo Sagami will definitely be in the same boat." "yes." "The faction sprouted a few days ago, so it's time to make arrangements for the future." "My lord no longer wants to inspect it?" Ieyasu shook his head slowly, "At this point, the paper can't contain the fire. Besides, Kamishosuke and Hideyori are also involved. The truth is unknown, but it can't be ignored. Therefore, I want to trouble you." "Don't dare." "I won't ask Uenosuke to investigate, and I won't let Machiho to investigate. I will investigate in person, so I want you to help me inquire secretly." After saying that, Ieyasu told Masatoshi what Masamune said one by one to Maemon . Yagyu Mataemon wasn't surprised at what Ieyasu said.On the surface, his current official position is "Revision of the General's Mansion", and he is responsible for correcting the art of war. In fact, he was sent by Ieyasu to Xiuzhong's side for conspiracy, and his keen judgment is sharper than a sword.Seeing Mataemon not surprised, Ieyasu was full of doubts: Could it be that these rumors have reached the general's ears?If this is the case, it will be even more embarrassing for me.Zhonghui and Date Masamune are not completely unrelated, but Xiuzhong is indifferent to this and doesn't care about it.Ieyasu had to cut through the mess quickly. After talking about the business, Ieyasu suddenly wanted to test Zong Mo. "General, did you hear any news?" He tried to ask as nonchalantly as possible, but this sentence still made Mataemon's face tense. "When Date Mutsumori went to intercede for Sodero..." "what did he say?" "Lord Okubo Chang'an and Mr. Sodero are close friends, but neither side seems to trust each other much, the general said." "Well, they don't trust each other." "More, I don't know. Please forgive me." "Haha, Zong Ju is still so cautious. Well, well, I won't ask any more questions. I'll write a letter to the general. You can investigate at ease, and don't bring any prejudices. But..." As he said, Ieyasu again Some doubts, "Honami Koetsu, Chaya Shiro Jiro, and if necessary, I think I can also understand about Soshidai, Fushimi Makoto, and Ishikawa Jozan. Remember, you must act in secret. If the world is in chaos, we will But I can't protect you." Zong Mo seemed to have fully understood Ieyasu's meaning, and he saluted and accepted the order with a firm expression. "Okay, bring the cup! Don't let unfounded rumors spread in the world, please." Ieyasu emphasized again, and Fang asked Cha Aju to bring the wine tray. The problem gets a little more subtle.Mataemon felt that Ieyasu's eyes were avoiding Cha Aju, so he couldn't help but turn aside.The sixth male Matsudaira from the Cha A Bureau, Mr. Zhonghui, subtly appeared in the center of the vortex, and Ieyasu was also very helpless.These rumors disturbed Ieyasu's old age intentionally or unintentionally.In fact, when Echizen Hideyasu passed away, there were rumors.At that time, the world took this as a topic and talked about it with great interest.Rumor has it that Xiukang was secretly ordered to be poisoned by Ieyasu. The reason is that Xiukang violated Ieyasu's will and was too sympathetic to Xiuyao.Rumor has it that Hideyasu became the adopted son of Mr. Hideyoshi when he was young, and then inherited the Yuki clan.For him, Hideyoshi's orphan Hideyori is his brother, and he should be taken care of in everything, but Ieyasu regards him as a heretic of the Tokugawa school.Among Xiukang's retainers, there may also be such delusional people.But Yagyu Mataemon just laughed off these rumors.But the current rumors are worse than before, if you don't pay attention, there may be troubles. Mataemon took the wine glass offered by Cha Aju, feeling chills for no reason...