Chapter 24 Chapter 24 Drunken Dreams in Osaka

That day, Mrs. Dian still got up very late.When she was young, she felt drowsy as soon as it got dark, and opened her eyes again just after dawn, and she was refreshed all day long.But recently it's been reversed. At night, she was always tossing and turning, and she often fell asleep only when she heard the first cock crowing under the covers and everyone got up one after another.Whenever she was awakened by the sound of footsteps, she would throw a fit of rage.And every time the reprimand was over, she would smile wryly by herself.It's three poles high in the sun, and it's Si time. At this time, it would be too embarrassing for others to walk around on tiptoe.

That morning, Ono Jichang's mother, the Dazang Bureau, waited for a long time beside Mrs. Yodo's shop. "Is Madam awake?" Seeing Madam Dian's sleepy eyes open, the Dazang Bureau said in a low voice, "Master Masaru Katagiri has returned from Suosi's mansion and is waiting for you. I am in a hurry." But Mrs. Dian did not answer. An unspeakable nightmare made her drenched in sweat.She dreamed of Xiu Lai.Xiu Lai has grown rapidly recently, and is now six feet tall, which is a bit abnormal, and she felt worried before going to bed.Hideyoshi was known to be short in stature.His son kept growing.Even if it was not the case, there have long been rumors that Hideyori was not Taiko's own birth.Therefore, Mrs. Dian became more and more worried.

Perhaps because of this, in the dream, Xiu Lai would tease her.Mrs. Ruodian repels Xiu Lai, maybe she won't be so unhappy when she wakes up.She didn't refuse, however. She blamed herself and felt inexplicable anxiety, like struggling in a swamp of pain. Seeing that Mrs. Dian closed her eyes again, the Dazang Bureau stopped making a sound and stayed there quietly.She could never imagine what Mrs. Dian dreamed about.People say that women have the body of a snake, but it is shameless that they are so unbearable in their dreams. Mrs. Dian sometimes called Zhichang, the son of the Dazang Bureau, into her room.Everyone thought that they were in love with each other, and they envied that Zhizhang could be favored by Mrs. Dian, but Mrs. Dian did not feel that easy.Jichang is just an offering to the despicable snake body hidden deep in her heart.

"Ma'am, Katagiri-sama is still waiting." Only then did the Dazang Bureau realize that Mrs. Dian had fallen into deep thought. Mrs. Dian finally remembered.She temporarily suppressed the unhappiness in her chest, got up, and silently dressed up. Katagiri Qiyuan received a secret order from Mrs. Dian to go to the capital to visit Katsushige Itakura.Because after the shocking Toyokuni Festival, a rumor spread wildly in the Keiban area that Tokugawa Ieyasu was going to retire. Ieyasu turned sixty-three this year, and Hideyoshi-kun passed away at this age, and Ieyasu also remembered this.Rumor has it that even in good health, Ieyasu would have resigned as general and handed over power to younger juniors.

"I carefully recalled Taiko's lesson: people don't know when they will die. Behind me, for the sake of peace and stability in the world, the younger generation must get used to the burden on them." This sounds like Ieyasu's words. Mrs. Dian didn't take the rumors seriously at first.When Taige handed over the position of Guanbai to Xiuji, it was also out of this kind of thinking.Wayward old people often say unexpected things in order to find some novelty and change, and Ieyasu may be the same.He has been a general for less than two years, how can he resign at this point?At first, Mrs. Dian thought so.

"The general seems to have made up his mind. To hold a grand Fengguo Festival is to show off his martial arts and martial arts, and to give the world a thought, just like the Daigo Flower Appreciation Party held by the Taige back then..." Hearing the people around him talking, Dian Madam also became worried.If the rumors are true, doesn't it mean that Ieyasu has already determined the successor in his heart?So, she told Qi Yuan about it, and asked him to go to the capital to find out the truth.Among Ieyasu's confidantes, Katsushige Itakura has always been known for his prudence and prudence, and he is deeply relied on by Ieyasu.Mrs. Dian guessed that Shengzhong must understand Ieyasu's mind.

After washing and washing, Mrs. Dian went to the outside room and asked someone to pass on Qie Yuan. After a long time, Katagiri Katomoto came in with Ono Jichang with a happy face. "Qiyuan, how is the situation?" "After Honami Koetsu's dealings, I met Itakura-sama in the tea room and then came back." "Oh. Is Katsushige telling the truth?" "Yes. He said that these things would eventually be made public, and he told me everything he knew." "Is the rumor true?" "My lord general said that Lord Taige drove the crane west at the age of sixty-three. He could not enjoy the blessings of fate, so he wanted to retire."

"When will you retire?" "Scheduled for spring..." Mrs. Dian couldn't help but moved forward. "Laichun? So, the candidate for the next general has already been determined?" She deliberately did not mention Xiuzhong and Xiulai, and pretended to be calm. If Ieyasu established Hideyori and asked Hidechu to assist the government, Katagiri Katagiri would have made it clear long ago.But I'm afraid there is no hope. Xiulai is too young to bear the big responsibility.In order not to let herself be too disappointed, Mrs. Dian forced herself to be calm, but Chimoto looked very relaxed. He and Ono Zhichang looked at each other, smiled and said: "It has been confirmed. Moreover, I think this is enough to protect the Toyotomi family." Antaeus."

"Can you keep Toyotomi safe?" "Yes. Itakura Katsushige is definitely not a frivolous person who talks nonsense in order to deal with his subordinates. He has always made it clear to his subordinates." "The general will abide by the agreement with Tian Tiangong, and return the post of general when Xiu Lai is sixteen?" Madam Dian asked, but even she herself didn't believe it.I don't know when she started, she has understood that the so-called handing over power is just a dream that cannot come true.Why this happened, she had no way of knowing. Katagiri Katmoto looked at each other again and then smiled slightly.The two seemed to have discussed this matter, and both parties were very satisfied.Qi Yuandao: "Ma'am, the general's idea is really clever, it's really unexpected."

"It's not according to the agreement with Tianxiagong..." "Yes. That agreement has become a waste of paper due to Jibu Shaosuke's reckless actions. The general has worked tirelessly for the royal family and the young master, and sent troops to conquer Aizu, but Ishida and Otani took the opportunity to attack Fushimi..." "Okay, I know all these things." Mrs. Dian interrupted Qiyuan, "At that time, if the general was hostile to us, why would he send the repairs back from Otsu on purpose? Because Hideyori and I didn't know about it. From the day he forgave us, things changed completely. Repair, what do you say?"

Ono Jichang responded in a low voice, saluted Mrs. Dian, and said, "Please calmly listen to Katagiri-sama's words." "Okay, I'll listen. It must be a good thing to see the smiles on both of your faces." "Madam is right. We are completely relieved. In order for the Toyotomi clan to survive for generations, the general intends to hand over the position of general to Hidetada, and at the same time appoint the young master as the right minister." Katagiri Kamoto said word by word. . "General? Xiuzhong? Take Xiulai as the right minister? What does he mean?" Mrs. Dian really didn't understand.Ohno Repair is also very pleased, it seems that it is not a bad thing.Although she thought so in her heart, she still didn't know how it would benefit Toyotomi. At this time, Katagiri Kasumi nodded with a smile and said: "The general's idea is really unusual, and I never thought of it. The right minister is the last position of Lord Nobunaga. Shaojun was elected as the right minister at the age of thirteen, and soon he will be appointed as the right minister. Guan Bai, Minister of the Taizheng, will definitely inherit the position of the Taige in the future." "Oh." "Moreover, there will be no more wars in the future. This is because the Toyotomi family has nothing to do with General Zhengyi and the generals under his rule, but as the pillars of the court. In a word, as long as the court is not destroyed, Toyotomi will live forever.” Mrs. Dian opened her eyes wide, with an expression of disbelief, "As long as the royal family exists, the Toyotomi clan will last forever?" "yes." "The Asai Clan is gone, and the Shibata Clan is also gone. My son Hideyori and his descendants, who inherited their lineage, will last forever like the royal family?" "When I first heard this, I was also furious, so I asked Katsushige: General, do you want Toyotomi to receive a salary of at most two thousand shi like the five regents who only have official positions?" "yes." "However, this is not the case. Sheng Shige said: Toyotomi is a daimyo, and he will be promoted to Regent Guanbai soon. With such a gate guarding the imperial palace, the shogunate can govern the world with peace of mind. Besides, Toyotomi has a close relationship with Tokugawa Not only Taige and the general have built the foundation of peace together, but the young master is the grandson-in-law of the general, and Takechiyo is also his wife's nephew, the young master's brother-in-law, and also a cousin. Guan Bai and the pillars of the Wu family are like right-hand men, assisting the royal family, who is it? Can you still shake Japan? This is the general's ambition. Hearing this, I feel ashamed." "That is to say, my flesh and blood and A Jiangyu's flesh and blood will make the country of Japan permanent?" "Itakura Katsushige said with tears in his eyes. This is another way for the general to fulfill his agreement with the late Taiko. At that time, there was Honami Koetsu beside him. Even the stubborn Koyue burst into tears when he heard it. Can't help sighing: This is the first time I saw a living Buddha, and the general is the living Buddha of this life..." Qi Yuan began to cry, and the eye circles of Mrs. Dian and Ono Zhichang also turned red. "Oh, that's it..." After a while, Mrs. Dian raised her head and said seriously, "I understand. Qi Yuan, no matter what happens, I will leave the affairs of Kanto to you in the future. You have worked hard. I am more at ease. I'm going to hold the Buddhist hall to offer lamps." Katagiri Kamoto said in a low voice, "The Toyotomi clan can last forever." Mrs. Dian nodded repeatedly, and stood up, "Call Shaojun to the Chifo Hall, and tell him about it. Qi Yuan, what do you think? If such an important matter is not let him know, it may cause misunderstanding in the future." Ono Zhichang also stood up, "What madam said is, let's go down and invite Shaojun." Katagiri Kamoto knelt there, trembling violently. Mrs. Dian and Qi Yuan left the room and hurried to the small academy located between the city and Erdao City.It used to be Hideyoshi's favorite room. After Hideyoshi passed away, Mrs. Dian turned it into a Buddhist hall. In fact, it was the place where she complained. "Oh, did you hear that?" As soon as they entered the room, the maid immediately lit the long lamp.Mrs. Dian ordered: "Okay, okay, you go down, Shaojun is coming." The maid retreated, and Mrs. Dian suddenly burst into tears: "My lord, our family can be safe forever. Xiu Lai... Xiu Lai..." When Hideyori came in with Akashi Sobu, the tears on Mrs. Dian's face were still wet. "Mother." Xiu Lai stood at the door, showing displeasure on her face. "Hiurai, come in." "What's the matter with mother? Now is the time to go to the racecourse...you should know." "This is a major event that cannot be compared with the daily work, so I called you here. Come!" "Oh." Xiu Lai looked very reluctant, "Master, this is your bad habit. If you call the child to the Buddhist hall, what else is important? The child knows everything. The child is no longer ignorant of world affairs urchin." "Oh, what are you talking about? Today is not ordinary." "Mother, you are so cowardly. If you want to scold the child, you can do it upright. Why do you keep bringing the father out? The child has had enough of using the father to oppress the child!" Xiu Lai seemed to have misunderstood, and went to scold him. Osamu Ono also did not show up. "Hehe!" Mrs. Dian laughed, "What are you thinking, my son! Mother called you because Shizheng is back. Sigh, sit down and wait for mother to tell the good news to Lord Tianxia." "No!" Hideyori yelled, turned around and was about to go out, Katagiri Kasumi grabbed his sleeve. "Young Master!" Qi Yuan's voice was low, but extremely stern, "The inner palace should be like the inner palace. As an inner minister, but you talk back to your mother, if it gets out, won't you be ridiculed by the world?" "Hmph, you just want to say that Master Taiko is wise and wise, and that I, Xiu Lai, am an unfilial son, right? I know what you want to say." Although his mouth was stiff, Xiu Lai did not dare to break free and walked away.He sat down in front of Mrs. Dian with a face of reluctance, and said, "Speak, I'll listen." Mrs. Yodo originally only wanted to talk to Hideyori alone, but after such a disturbance, she couldn't let Akashi Sobe and Katagiri Kamoto avoid it. "Shizheng, it's up to you to speak. He won't listen to what I say." "Shizheng, why don't you say it soon?" Urged by Xiu Lai, Qi Yuan suddenly sobbed, "I said, I said, sir, please listen carefully." Hideorai looked dissatisfied, stared at the Buddhist altar, and hummed resentfully. "At the order of my wife, I went to the capital to visit Katsushige Itakura." Qi Yuan's tone was very calm. Xiu Lai breathed a sigh of relief, and seemed to want to listen: "What is the matter with you looking for Sheng Zhong?" "I want to find out the authenticity of some recent rumors. When it comes to rumors, what does Shaojun know?" "Rumor? Could it be that Xiulai is stubborn again?" "No, it's not about the young master, but about the general who is going to retire." "My lord general is going to retire?" "Yes. The next general is..." "Wait, Mayor!" Xiu Lai rushed forward, "So, the so-called good news means that the next general is me?" Qi Yuan couldn't help biting his lip.He should first talk about the promotion to the right minister, not who will inherit the position of general. "No, it's not. The next general is Duke Xiuzhong, but before the general is appointed, my lord will be promoted to the right minister." "Minister Right? I knew it would be like this! Is this considered good news?" "Why did your lord say that? General Conquering Barbarians is a military post after all. If the court is in trouble, he should stand up and lead the army to fight. How is such a position beneficial to the continuation of the Toyotomi clan?" Qi Yuan actually thought It is too cruel to say that "Toyotomi has no such ability", but it is too cruel to say so, so I have to cover it up. "Ichimashi, do you think Toyotomi Hideyori can't be the general who conquers barbarians?" "Young Master, please think about it carefully. Even during the Sekihara War, most of the world's famous names have followed the general. Four years have passed, and now only Tokugawa is qualified to be the general who conquers barbarians and controls the world. .” "Is it because I'm not as good as my late father?" "Shaojun, don't think so. Tokugawa and Toyotomi are inextricably linked. Because of this, they took on the responsibility of protecting peace. At the same time, Toyotomi, as the regent Guanbai, joined the Among the public officials, they are in charge of guarding the imperial palace. Do you understand that, throughout history, no samurai family can last long. The prosperity of the Ping clan is like a dream, the three generations of the Minamoto clan died, the Hojo clan fell into disarray, and the Ashikaga clan’s doom is inevitable. During the wars, the generals often abandoned the city to mourn their families... The strength of the Wu family is one after another, but the public family can last forever. As long as the royal family exists, the public officials will not perish. In short, the Shaojun is still young, so I have to release the Shaojun In the safest position, to ensure that nothing happens. This is the painstaking efforts of the general." After hearing what Katagiri Kasumi said, Hideyori was expressionless.It's a little bit hard for Xiu Lai to understand these words.Not only Hideyori, but also all the big names in the world, there are only a handful of people who can fully understand these words.The power of the world is exercised by force, and it is defeated by force. Only the royal family and ministers who are far from the chaos can stay out of the matter and survive forever. Why is this?If this doubt could be resolved, the world would have been freed from meaningless struggles long ago. "My lord general once promised to the late Taige to teach and take care of you well. This is the best way out for you, my lord general." When Qi Yuan spoke, Xiu Lai's lips kept trembling.As soon as Qi Yuan finished speaking, he turned to Mrs. Dian and said, "Is what Shi Zheng said and what mother is going to complain about today the same thing?" "What are you talking about? Do you understand what Shizheng said?" "Understood. That is to say, because I don't have the ability to control the world, I let Qianji's father inherit the position of general. Even the old man in Edo joined forces with everyone and treated me as a laughing stock. Is that what it means? " And his face changed color with vitality: "Young Master!" "Why? I'll just listen to you and finish your sentence." "Qi Yuan doesn't want the adults to listen to me honestly. I'm worried that you don't understand the deep meaning, so I want to tell you carefully." "Hmph! You mean, Hideyori doesn't understand those words?" "You understand the general's kindness?" "How could I not understand? I, Hideyori, am no longer an innocent three-year-old child. Akashi Sobe and others have already told me what the old man in Edo is planning." Qi Yuan glanced at the sweeping department in surprise, sweeping the department hastily lowered his head, his whole body was stiff. Qie Yuandao: "Young Master, do you know how the General took great pains to strictly fulfill the agreement with your father?" "How could I not know? He only thinks about himself. Even the world says so." "Young Master!" Qi Yuan couldn't bear it anymore, and said loudly, "What's wrong with Lord General? How can he be selfish? Tell me what you say. This is a major issue concerning the future of Toyotomi." Hearing Qi Yuan speak so loudly, Xiu Lai's resistance became stronger: "Ichimasa, are you Toyotomi's retainer, or Edo retainer?" "Shaojun, don't say such heartless words! This is the late Taige who single-handedly promoted me. Because of this, I gave up the idea of ​​getting ahead and serve the young master." "Then don't turn everything to that old man Edo." "Young gentleman regards the general as an enemy?" "Yes, they are enemies! Aren't these people around me all my enemies?" And Yuan Ji wanted to cry.Xiu Lai is not small, but judging from his words, he is still a child.Qi Yuanchang sighed: "If Shaojun said that, Qi Yuan would be speechless. But the general is by no means your enemy, but a wise man you can rely on." "Whatever you say. Can I go? I've had enough of this Buddhist hall smell!" "Young Master, the spiritual seat of your father is placed in this Buddhist hall. His deepest love for you has turned into an agreement with the General, and it is precisely because the General strictly abides by the agreement that the Young Master can spend every day in this city with peace of mind. One day." "Then I will say thank you to my father, can I go?" "Young Master, please experience the late Taige's love for you with your heart. In this way, you will naturally understand the kindness of Lord General." Qi Yuan regained his composure.Xiu Lai also calmed down, and walked to the Buddhist altar with a serious face, clasping his hands together. Qi Yuan looked at Xiu Lai with his palms folded, tears streaming down suddenly.In the next three or four years, Hideyori will be reborn?And Yuan suddenly became worried: If he was promoted from right minister to Guanbai Taizheng minister, would Hideyori be able to do it?How can Hideyori, who grew up in the inner court since childhood, control those daimyos who grew up in troubled times?Besides, whether he can successfully become Guan Bai is still a question.Anxiety weighed on Qie Yuan's heart like a boulder.Now it seems that Ieyasu still has expectations for Hideyori.But Yuan Neng felt that someone in Osaka City was still telling Hideyori: "Ieyasu, the enemy is also." to vent their dissatisfaction since the Battle of Sekihara. "Ichimasa, did Father really care about me?" Suddenly, Hideyori asked. Without waiting for Qie Yuan to answer, Mrs. Dian said in a trembling voice: "Ask Lord Tian Xia, has he ever cared for you..." "I'm not asking my mother, I'm asking the city. My father..." Qi Yuan stopped Madam Dian who was about to speak: "Madam, don't embarrass Shaojun. When Master Taige passed away, Shaojun was only six years old. It's not surprising that he can't remember these things." "However, he said such things..." Qi Yuan ignored Mrs. Dian's complaints, and turned to Xiu Lai: "Young Master, if you talk about the late Taige's treatment of Shaojun, it is really moving." "Oh? What you said must be true." "When Shaojun was just born, the Taige did not allow everyone to address you respectfully, saying that only in this way can they grow up safely." "Doesn't that mean he hates me?" "This statement surprised me. Taige was afraid that he would value you too much and bring trouble. But in less than a year, he himself forgot what he said, and said "young master" every time. From this, it can be seen that Taige treats you too much. How precious." "Oh." "He regards Young Master as a treasure. No matter how busy he is, he will hold you on his lap and never let him go. Sorry for your impoliteness, this may be a bit indecent: Taige's knees have been wet by adults many times." "I'm convenient on Father's lap?" "Yes. But Taige didn't feel dirty at all. He used your urine-stained hands to get snacks and pour wine for us. At that time, everyone had nothing to say." Xiu Lai listened to Qi Yuan speak with great interest.Qi Yuan was secretly happy, and said: "When Taige was dying, he called the five elders to him and repeatedly asked them to take care of the young master. The one who asked Miss Qianji to marry you is Taige, who worked hard for the survival of the Toyotomi family. It is also the Taige. The general has fulfilled the promise to the Taige one by one. If there is no agreement between the general and the Taige, when Guanyuan joins the war, Guandong will drive the young master and his wife to Yizhou. I am sorry, then If Shi was driven to Yizhou, you and Daban City would no longer exist today. This is all because of the agreement between Master Taige and the general. But I never thought that Master would doubt Taige's love for you." "You mean, Hideyori is a ruthless person compared to Father?" "What did your lord say?" The words were unexpected, and Qi Yuan asked with doubts about his ears. "I'm asking, am I born to be a ruthless person?" Xiu Lai looked serious. "What does this mean?" "The child pissed in my arms, and I felt very dirty, so I would throw the child out." "Ah!" Mrs. Dian called softly.She seemed to know what Xiu Lai wanted to say.Two days ago, Rong Ju gave birth to a baby. He must be talking about the first time he held the baby.Qi Yuan went to Kyoto at that time, but he didn't know about it. "Who are you saying...dirty?" Qi Yuan asked in surprise. "my child." "Your child?" "Yes. A baby girl. But I've never seen anything that ugly. And she pissed all over me, so I threw her away." "So... so, Rongju has already produced?" "Shizheng, compared with my father, am I born a ruthless person?" Because the incident happened suddenly, and Yuan was there in a daze, unable to find the appropriate words to respond.He knew that a disaster would happen sooner or later, but he never thought that Xiu Lai would compare his love for his children with that of his father. Qiyuan originally wanted Hideyori to understand Toyotomi's current situation seriously, but Hideyori didn't really understand what Qiyuan was thinking.Qi Yuan suddenly felt uncomfortable: Xiu Lai, who was still a child, has become a father. "Why don't you answer me, Shizheng? Father once loved me so much, but I think my child is dirty and hateful. Isn't that my child?" "Young Master, don't think so. Newborn babies are not good-looking, but after a while, you will find her very cute." "Then, am I not a heartless person?" "Yes, yes, exactly, my lord is definitely not a heartless person. It is because Shaojun has feelings in his heart that he hopes that she will look better. Is this the reason, madam?" Mrs. Dian did not say a word, her resentment towards Rongju had not been eliminated. Qi Yuan's thoughts immediately turned to the child.The title to be given to the child, and where to be brought up, should be determined at once.Hideyori breathed a sigh of relief, smoothed the wrinkles on the hakama, and stood up...