Chapter 33 Chapter 33 Invincible

Date Masamune's letter to his son-in-law Matsudaira Tadaki is mixed with fiction and reality, and it seems to be full of flaws, but in fact it is watertight, which is admirable.In his letter, he made a very detailed analysis of the civil strife that may occur after Ieyasu's death: when the giant tree falls, there will be waves.If the successor of Duke Jiakang lacks the ability to calm the waves, it will lead to the collapse of the ancestral business.The death of Okubo Chang'an, and everything that happened afterward, were just unavoidable minor disputes.Zhonghui is still young, so he must take everything calmly.This shipbuilding, sailing from Yuepu in Hart County, is actually a preparation for the future.The world has finally come to peace today, and it must not be defeated by internal strife and external conflicts.At a time when there is a lot of waste to be done, we must clearly distinguish between things that are beneficial to the prosperity of the country and things that are not conducive to the prosperity of the country, so as to regard them as the cornerstone of a prosperous age.Is it beneficial to the world, Philip III of the Southern Barbarians, or James I of the Red Hair?No one really visited, so the envoys were ordered to cross the ocean to see Europa. At the same time, Sodero and other priests were ordered to open up a trading route for Japan, so as to test their loyalty and strength.He wrote: Those who are powerless don’t have to go back to Japan, which can be regarded as cleaning up the country’s dirt.

In addition to the letter, there is also a copy of the letter written with the Governor of Mexico and the leader of the sect, which shows Zhengzong's complicated thinking.It reads: The trade between Japan and Mexico will not be detrimental to Manila in Luzon.Ieyasu just wanted to do business and had no intention of using troops.If trade can bring benefits to Ban Guo, the old sects will be treated favorably by the shogunate.But Yagyu Mataemon was puzzled by the few words at the end. Masamune supported the most powerful person who would become the next emperor, and he had the trust of Ieyasu. The dispatch of envoys this time would definitely not cause Ieyasu and the general any displeasure.Therefore, please make it convenient for the envoys.

This kind of "convenience" does not mean that Masamune hoped that Ban Guo would send a military ship as soon as possible, but actually asked Ban Guo to send Masamune a next emperor who Ieyasu trusted and the general was willing to support-the meaning is really complicated and difficult to distinguish. There is no doubt that Matsudaira will get this letter from his father-in-law.If he thinks that "the next emperor" refers to himself, what kind of consequences will it cause? Date Masamune secretly distanced himself from Okubo Chang'an in order not to be mistaken for Chang'an's accomplice.

Masamune, who was so cautious, clearly stated in the letter that sending Hakura Changcho to Europe this time would never cause displeasure to the Imperial Palace and the general, and his intentions were very clear. Without the permission of the two of them, the huge ship weighing 500 tons would never have been built.Needless to say, Sodero, General Biss had no ships and could not leave Japan.Therefore, Masamune must have privately obtained the permission of Ieyasu and Hidetada to drive out those hated priests and missionaries before he could build a huge ship.But Masamune ordered people to destroy the stone Buddha in Zuiyan Temple, advertised foreign religions in the main hall of the city, and built two small churches under the city. What is the purpose of all this?Things are not that simple, and Youemon can only think this way. At least, Masamune has long expected that something will happen after the death of Okubo Chang'an. signature on the petition.In fact, just as Masamune feared, something would happen immediately after Chang'an's death.

At the same time, it should be noted that Masamune's mind has undergone a great change.The death of Chang'an and the arrival of the English envoys brought about a drastic change in the situation.Foreign believers in Japan thought of the suppression during the Taiko period and started rioting. The joint letter of Chang'an was rumored to be evidence of "Zhonghui's rebellion", which amplified the anxiety.In this way, as Zhonghui's father-in-law, Date Masamune will also be in an extremely dangerous situation, and he also accelerated the dispatch of Sodero and Hasekura to Europa.Since May, craftsmen have been rushing to build the giant ship day and night, regardless of black and white; and before the giant ship is completed, it has been scheduled to leave the port on September 15th.No matter which aspect you look at, you will fully feel the urgency of the matter and Masamune's impatientness.

Could it be that he was worried that the ship would not be able to sail smoothly at that time, so he allowed to post notices in front of the gate, and even in the hall of the city.Not only that, Zhonghui should have obtained permission for this matter.Undoubtedly, such a wonderful word "the next emperor" is implying the existence of Zhonghui, and begging Ban Guo in the name of Zhonghui.If this is the case, it is almost a fact that Date Masamune did not oppose the Great Imperial Palace, but became the leader of the anti-shogunate. When Date Masamune saw that the civil strife was about to start, he began to prepare... He was planning for Ieyasu's death in accordance with his usual meticulous style.General Xiuzhong wanted to join forces with the Protestant countries of England and the Netherlands, so Masamune began to use Ban Guo and the Pope.Since he can extend his hand to Europa, he must also be secretly looking for available forces in the country.His actions, in the eyes of Youemon, are indeed "anti-Hidechu".However, if we change the angle a little bit, it can be said that they are all "for the sake of Xiuzhong". Masamune's planning and methods are really terrible.

Zongju wanted to report the matter to Jiakang.Ieyasu has handed over the "commercial certificate" to the English envoy Sayles, and he is a little relieved.He has lost some weight, but he has dealt with the affairs of the envoy, and he is in a good mood. "Mataemon, Yingjiri said they want a house in Edo, and they are looking for a place. I will protect them while they stay in Japan." Mataemon was a little puzzled: Why did Lord Ieyasu deliberately do something that might offend the old-school believers?Do you want to see their reaction? In fact, in the treaty signed by Ieyasu, the British were given special privileges: in addition to free trade, they were also allowed to live in Edo, giving them extraterritorial rights.That is to say, if an Englishman commits a crime, the crime shall be judged by England.How could the previous Southern barbarians get such kind treatment?

"There is news from Tsukiura in the Date Territory that the newly built ship will go to sea on the 15th of this month. Naturally, it has been approved by the adults." Ieyasu smiled and nodded, "Mutsu Shou wants to help me with all the hated guys. Clean up." "So, my lord also knows the contents of the letter he intends to deliver to King Ban Guo?" Ieyasu rolled his eyes and looked up at Mataemon, "Before the ship goes out to sea, I want to keep my face down." "Calmly?" "Yes. It's only been a few days, so it's better to keep calm. Mataemon, I heard that the Seven Hands Group from Osaka Castle is going to Kaga for business. Do you know about this?"

"Oh?" "I heard that they want to build Osaka Castle, so I'll invite Dr. Ukon Takayama." "Where did your lord hear this?" "It's Maeda Toshinaga, but Toshinaga is someone who knows and doesn't report." "Hmm." Mataemon responded in a low voice, suddenly stepped forward on one knee, and said in a low voice, "The messenger from Osaka is Hayami Kaimori?" Ieyasu said indifferently: "I heard that Hideyori's close ministers have recently been to Jiudu Mountain in Kizhou." "Xiu Lai's close minister?"

"Yes, it seems to be called Ibaraki Dansho. Today, the only ones who can rival the leader of the shogunate are the youngsters of the Sanada family." "This... who did you listen to, my lord?" "It's really puzzling." "So you really want to build Osaka Castle?" "That's right, Takayama Ukon and Sanada's son are unparalleled in the world in building castles. By the way, what happened to Mutsu Mori's letter?" Ieyasu did not forget it, but just avoided it for a moment to ease the atmosphere. "One of the words is quite puzzling."

"Oh?" "It is said that Masamune supports the most powerful person who will become the next emperor. Do you know about this, my lord?" "The next emperor..." "Yes. The next emperor naturally refers to the next generation of generals, and the one Mutsumori supports, I'm afraid it's Mr. Sosuke." "Yes." Ieyasu replied pretending to be indifferent, but he couldn't hide the turmoil in his heart.He hurriedly took the glasses and put them on again, but his vision became blurred and his expression became blurred.Yaemon couldn't bear to face this situation. "You think Mutsu Shoyu just took the initiative because he saw that the riots were inevitable, don't you?" "Yes. He verbally ordered Sodero, General Biss, and Tsunakasa Hasekura Rokuemon to urgently borrow a military ship..." "Mataemon!" "exist." "I want to go to Edo immediately after the ship leaves Yuepu." "I am willing to go together." "After discussing with the general, I plan to deal with Zhonghui's matter personally, and find out whether he has any intention of belittling my brother. Then, I'm afraid I have to invite you to the capital." "yes." "Of course Zhonghui and Hideyori don't know anything, but this is embarrassing! They don't know, but at this time they are obstacles. In fact, people who know that they can't take action, but because they don't know, they can't do anything." Judge the situation." "My lord's meaning, I understand." "Oh! I was too careless! There was a fire under my feet." As he spoke, Ieyasu quickly took off his glasses and wiped the corners of his eyes. Tokugawa Ieyasu is not the Tokugawa Ieyasu of the past.He once said, "Patience is the foundation of longevity, and anger is the enemy of life." This is the primary practice of the master of the world.This remark was made during the Battle of Sekihara.At that time, he suffered a mild stroke in Qingzhou City, but he still insisted on going into battle with a calm expression and a rock-like heart.But now, he was crying in front of Yagyu Mataemon, which made Zong Mo at a loss.The "invincible place" mentioned by military strategists is just a kind of thought, and it can only be reached when there is no fear at all, or when the winner or loser is forgotten. "If you send troops, you will win!" In the past, Ieyasu always had absolute confidence in his heart, and he had the majestic beauty of being invincible. "To be the master of the world, one must have the heart to sit in a leaky boat or lie in a house of fire." Ieyasu used to say this, and he always made all preparations carefully.Absolute self-confidence has always supported Ieyasu, and it is this solemn beauty born of self-confidence that made him defeat the world's famous names.However, what happened to Ieyasu today? General Hidetada's brother, Sousuke Zhonghui, was dissatisfied with his elder brother and wanted to join forces with Date Masamune and Osaka Castle Toyotomi Hideyori to show resistance.This, of course, made Ieyasu very upset. Not only that, Date Masamune also informed Ban Guo of his thoughts, intending to use the power of foreigners to take action to overthrow General Hidetada.Did Ieyasu fall from "invincible ground"?If his self-confidence collapses, will the world return to chaos? If his father, Shi Zhouzhai, finds out that the "secret technique of stealing without a sword" created by himself has been broken, what will happen to his later years?This kind of imagination often set off a cold wind in Mataemon's heart, but now, the same bleakness seemed to appear in Ieyasu. "Ataemon," Ieyasu wiped his mirror, then wiped the corners of his eyes, and finally said helplessly, "I naively thought that if I recited the Buddha's scriptures every day, I would have already reached the Pure Land, and the boat would have reached the other shore." "..." "But, but, the other shore is not that close. I am standing in front of the huge abyss now, I don't know if the remaining physical strength is enough..." Andemon was speechless.Sure enough, the belief in invincibility has gradually disappeared from Ieyasu with the aging of his body. "I will go to Edo to see Zhonghui first, and I will go secretly, and then I will decide whether to be an evil spirit or a Bodhisattva. I can see for myself how effective my belief is this time. You should also be prepared, and borrow Give me strength..." Maetemon really wanted to say something suitable to comfort Ieyasu.Someone is plotting a terrible conspiracy, and the dark clouds of disputes are rolling up. If this is the case, it will be simple.During the Sekigahara War, there was a solution, but this time the situation is different.This time, there is no leader like Ishida Mitsunari, and there is no Otani Kichitsugu and Naoe Yamashiro who are willing to be buried with Mitsunari.However, the danger lurking in the situation is far greater than that of the Sekihara War, and it is rapidly deteriorating. Okubo Changan is not a villain, nor is he a leader.After his death, his property was confiscated, all his sons were executed, and all the relevant people were distributed to the big names. The matter was sorted out in a very short time.Masamune Date himself could not be regarded as the leader, he just realized that the Okubo Chang'an incident might unknowingly implicate the Date family, so he cautiously switched from defense to offense.Speaking of Songping Zhonghui, he didn't even know what kind of unhappiness Chang'an's death had caused between himself and Xiuzhong.Did Hideyori of Osaka Castle know that the Seven Hands or other attendants had gone to Kaga, or went to Mount Kudo to look for Sanada Yukimura?However, according to information from Osaka, under the instigation of Father Paul and others, foreign believers disguised themselves and poured into the city one after another. Takayama Ukon will also leave Kaga for Osaka soon.Tokugawa's Banner General has not dispelled his hostility towards the Toyotomi family, so he will definitely become more nervous... It would be simple if it was just something happening in Osaka; however, Matsudaira Zhonghui was involved, and the matter was much more complicated. "How could Mr. Sosuke oppose the general?" However, Date Masamune and other daimyos stood in front of everyone brazenly.From the very beginning, Masamune tried to win over the chief executive, and took great pains to realize his ambition.Once his son-in-law Zhonghui was captured by his devout Catholic daughter, Masamune showed his sharp teeth.Rumors are nonsensical, but they have the advantage of disturbing the minds of the world. Thinking of this, Maetemon couldn't bear to see Ieyasu again. "Mataemon," Ieyasu said again after a while, "It seems that you haven't spoken the truth to me yet. You don't just know how to lead soldiers to fight. You can see where the sword comes from. ?” Zong Ju hadn't made up his mind yet, he was just silent. It's not nothing to say.The leader of this incident is not only coveting the position of general, but also thinking about how to seize the people's hearts in peacetime, and behind it lies an ambition beyond seizing power. "What's the matter, Matemon? It's up to me to decide whether to accept your opinion, you just say it, it doesn't matter." "My lord!" Mataemon finally made up his mind and raised his head, "If I keep my mouth shut, it would be dishonest. My lord is willing to listen, so I will tell you what's on my mind." "Ha, it's okay, let's talk." Mataemon moved forward and said straightly: "The root cause of this disturbance is not someone, but the foreign religion." "Well." "Therefore, if your lord allows the Netherlands and England to establish commercial houses in Hirado, the first priority is to alienate Miura Yasuke." Ieyasu didn't expect Maetemon to make such an opening statement.He bowed his head for a while and remained silent. "Then, punish those foreign believers who caused trouble according to law." "Punish according to law?" "Yes. Belief is freedom, but spreading rumors and disrupting the world is absolutely not allowed." "Among those who made trouble, there are also big names who believe in foreign religions." "Exactly! The believers among the people just listened to rumors and caused some small ripples." "Who do you think should be punished?" "First is Mutsu Mamoru. As you know, Mutsu Mamoru posted a bulletin on the gate of the residence to promote foreign religion. Then there is the elder of the genealogy, Okubo Sagami Mori. This is my humble opinion." "Loyal Neighbor...well, Zhong Neighbor also believes in foreign religion?" "Exactly. Therefore, it should be said from Sagami's mouth that the adults have alienated Miura Yasuke and treated the Protestantism and the old religion equally. However, disturbing the world is absolutely not allowed." Ieyasu stared quietly at Mataemon for a moment, then nodded and said, "In this way, the foreign believers can calm down. So what about the discord between the general and Kamisousuke?" "I think it's best to hand it over to Mutsu Date." "Well." "Mutsu has thought a lot about this matter, and both parties must trust it. To put it badly, it means that both sides have the right to do it; to put it nicely, it is old-fashioned. The key is that they cannot be allowed to be hostile to each other." Ieyasu nodded slightly, "The rest is Hideyori from Osaka. I heard that there are so many believers from the Western religion pouring into Osaka Castle, why is that?" Hearing Ieyasu's question, Maemon took a few steps forward, and he would do this when he had important insights. "The art of war is about eliminating enemies, not making enemies." Zong Ju said passionately. Ieyasu looked away, a look of displeasure evident on his face.But Yuemon did not back down, "Your Excellency has always believed that as long as you are invincible in your heart, there will be no enemies. This is your heart and Buddha's heart. Your Excellency does not have any hostility towards Hideyori. But Osaka Castle is different. This city From the very beginning, the Grand Pavilion was built to deter the enemies of the world." "An enemy of the world?" "Yes. Various buildings actually have different meanings. The Imperial Palace in the capital is an imperial palace that ignores wars, so standing in front of the imperial palace, no one will become hostile. However, Daban Castle is different. Standing on Daban Castle and looking out , you will have the idea of ​​fighting the old and new enemies. Just looking at the city can arouse a strong desire to fight." "Oh?" "Therefore, whether it is the exiled person, the person with deep hostility, the person who resents the injustice of the world, or the ambitious person, they will all be greatly aroused by it. Daban City is a chilling city, so Biss launched Those wild words provoked the delusions of foreign believers and linked them with the ambitions of resentful ronin." "Well." "My lord still places Hideyori in Osaka. I often think about it, if one day Hideyori gets misunderstood and thinks that my lord is going to kill him, it will be too wronged for my lord..." "Wait, Matemon!" "yes." "You also think that I really hate Hideyoshi?" "My lord put him in the city of chills, and there must be a reason for it." "Ugh." "The situation is the same for Kamisousuke. Kamisousuke-sama has no famous ministers such as Naruse of Nagoya or Ando of Suruga. No matter what you say about Okubo Changan, he is far inferior." "Mataemon." "exist." "I understand what you mean, and I have similarities and differences with mine. However, if Hideyori never leaves Osaka no matter how hard I try, what will happen?" "At that time, the world will be in chaos." "I ask a lot. Foreign believers and ronin who fear the world will not be chaotic keep pouring into Osaka, so we must not ignore it." "However, at that time, adults may not only have to deal with Xiu Lai..." "Oh?" "At that time, I'm afraid Kasousuke-sama and Hideyori... my lord, I'm afraid you will be sad right now." After saying that, Mataemon covered his mouth in surprise. Ieyasu's body was shaking violently, Yagyu Mataemon's words probably touched his sore spot. "Well, Hideyori is not hostile, but since he is with Osaka Castle, he has become the source of crime." Youemon remained silent.The previous words may have been too harsh, and he hesitated. These words seemed too cruel to parents.But he does not regret speaking out his true opinion. The buds of riots have grown, and in order to prevent problems before they happen, Zhonghui and Date Masamune must be placed under surveillance, Masamune's restlessness and delusions should be cut off, and Hideyori should be transferred to another place.Other than that, there is no other way. What Youemon thought was, if Hidetada and Ieyasu said: "Zhonghui is too young to be used by Chang'an. In order not to delay his future, please give him enough education!" Masamune is as shrewd as a fox, he It can be seen that in this way, Yida will be safe, so she will put away her dissent.Then, the important ministers around Hideyori could see clearly that they could no longer stay in Osaka Castle, and even offered to transfer the seal... However, Youemon felt that he had slipped his words.If Xiu Lai wants to fight against Ieyasu, Ieyasu can only be punished with his son Zhonghui on the charge of rebellion.In other words, Ieyasu will kill Taiko's son Hideyori and his own son Zhonghui together, and completely cut off the source of the disturbance.Mataemon's suggestion was like howling the cold wind. After a long time, Ieyasu said, "The decision is actually not that difficult." "As the adults said, the previous preparations and arrangements are the most important." "Naturally, you can't miss this opportunity. You are a military strategist, so you should think that my handling is too indecisive?" "No, I don't dare to think that way." "But I haven't given up yet. I want to wait until Date's ship departs from Tsukiura, and leave Sunfu secretly. On the way, I will first visit Odawara Castle, where Okubo Sagami is guarding, and then go to Edo. Before arriving in Edo, I must make a decision. Make a decision. I also want to have a good life and worship the gods and Buddhas along the way, please ask for some Buddha's thoughts." "yes." "Please don't leave me during this period. Also, tell me all the news you got from various sources." "yes." "Remember, this talk is only between you and me. You must not leave my sedan chair!" "Yes." Mataemon felt that Ieyasu seemed to be afraid of something invisible. According to calculations, Ieyasu left Sumfu on September 17th and headed for Edo. The 500-ton giant ship built by Masamune Date, carrying Hasekura Tsunecho and others, set off from Tsukiura on Hart Island two days ago.Masakazu Honda, Mataemon Yagyu, Masashige Hattori, and Tadakatsu Mukai each sent their own people in advance. Once the giant ship breaks down and causes a delay, Shunfu will definitely get the news.However, Junfu didn't get any news about this, so Ieyasu set off as scheduled. It was late autumn, and from the perspective of the world, this trip seemed like a relaxing trip to the mountains and rivers.The eagle bearers followed on both sides of the sedan chair, and there were three female sedan chairs behind.One of them sits Zhonghui Shengmu Tea A Ju.She still doesn't know that her son, who was born in October of her pregnancy, is now in a difficult situation... "When we arrive in Edo, we will be able to see Mr. Kamizusuke, whom we haven't seen for a long time." Hearing what the maids said, Cha Aju nodded with satisfaction. After the group rested in Numazu Castle, Ieyasu visited Okubo Tadasa who was ill.Zhong Zuo was over seventy years old, he was already too old to sit up, and his knees were desolate and childless. "My lord, you must come again." Hearing what Tadashi said, Ieyasu couldn't help but burst into tears: "Don't worry, I want my younger brother Hikozaemon to inherit your family business." Zhong Zuo said, "Is that incompetent guy competent?" Then, the group went to Mishima, where they received a tip-off that "the house of Tadashi Okubo in Odawara is uneasy".According to reports, due to the Okubo Changan incident, the retainers were worried that they would be tricked by Honda and his son, and the atmosphere was abnormal. "The wind and waves seem to be bigger than expected." Ieyasu just said to Mataemon, but kept silent to Honda Masanori who was traveling with him. They stopped in Mishima for a day, and the next day, the group visited Ming Shrine.Then a close minister suggested to release the eagle, but Ieyasu was absent-minded, completely different from before. Youemon also pondered, if this matter cannot be resolved, Lord Ieyasu will die, and he wonders what kind of chaos the world will lead to. After passing the checkpoint in Hakone, Odawara appeared in front of his eyes, and Yuemon suddenly felt uneasy: Ieyasu was getting worse and worse, and at the end of his life, when he was about to close his eyes with confidence and satisfaction, something happened. This kind of thing, the blow is huge, it is really unimaginable. Andemon never took a step away from Ieyasu's sedan chair.However, Ieyasu often fell into deep thought and seemed to forget everything around him...