Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Go out to lure the enemy

In the fifth year of Keicho, when rumors were flying all over the world, Tokugawa Ieyasu was methodically preparing to attack Uesugi.Ieyasu's series of actions were rather outrageous and unreasonable.Five people, Masuda, Nagatsu, Nakamura, Ikoma, and Horio, joined forces to appeal, but he ignored them. Even the envoys sent by Kato, Hosokawa, Fukushima, and Kuroda were turned back. Kato and other former Taige generals said: "There is no need for the Neifu to go out in person. If you want to conquer Uesugi, you can just order me to go there. This must be the Zhibu and his accomplices deliberately using Jing Sheng as a bait to fish out the Neifu. Sneak in and use your conspiracy. Please think twice."

But Ieyasu was unprecedentedly persistent: "Thank you for your advice. I thank you for your kindness. But this time, I hope you will definitely help Ieyasu. If this continues, the authority of the court will be seriously ignored. Besides, Shimadzu and Hojo refused to enter Beijing back then. I have also crusaded. You can't easily despise the young master just because you are young, this time I have to show them some color and punish them for disrespect!" Everyone in the world believes that Ieyasu's persistence this time is entirely due to the arrogant and rude reply letter of Uesugi's Naoeyama Castle Warden.Ieyasu was also very angry from time to time: "I have lived for nearly sixty years, and I have never seen such an arrogant and rude letter!"

Ieyasu set the day for attacking Aizu in mid-July, and on the second day of June, he called the generals for the first time in Osaka Castle.Of course, during this period, he did not forget to send people to carefully investigate the movement of the big names.Which ones are allies, which ones must be won, and which ones are allowed to stand on the sidelines... Therefore, the meeting on the second day of June also wanted to bring together all the generals in Osaka to confirm their aspirations. In addition to more than a dozen of Hideyori's cronies, Maeda, Masuda, Nagatsu, Otani, etc., there were Yukunaga Asano, Toyo Hachisuka, Kuroda Nagamasa, Horio Yoshiharu's son Tadashi, Ikeda Teruma, and Hosokawa Tadashi. Ko, Arima Noryori, Yamauchi Kazutoyo, Oda Yuraku, Hori Naomasa, and Ieyasu's most trusted followers filled the Nishien Hall.

The people in the hall are mixed, and the participants must have their own thoughts.But at the very beginning, Ieyasu announced: "With regard to the attack on Uesugi, the deployment of various routes to attack Aizu has been decided, and I will announce first." He looked serious.This is no longer a discussion.But the crowd immediately quieted down. The weather was so hot that no one dared to shake their fans. "The Shirakawaguchi is in charge of Ieyasu and Inuko Hidetada, the Sendoguchi Minamisatake Yoshinobu is in charge, the Nobuoguchi is in charge of Date Masamune, the Yonezawaguchi is in charge of Mogami Yoshimitsu, and the Tsukawaguchi is in charge of Maeda Toshinaga and Hori Hideharu..."

After speaking, everyone couldn't help looking at each other.It's no wonder that Satake and Mogami, who everyone believed to be the 30% alliance, were entrusted with important tasks. All the daimyos will be sent to attack the five important strongholds in Aizu respectively, but if Ieyasu sends troops, Misaka will join hands with Uesugi to raise troops. This situation is not difficult to imagine.However, under such circumstances, Ieyasu appointed Yoshinobu Satake and Yoshimitsu Mogami as generals. What is his intention? Ieyasu seemed to ignore everyone's doubts, and went straight on: "The date of departure from Osaka this time is scheduled for the middle of this month. Passing through Edo, it should be the end of July when we attack Aizu. Therefore, everyone Return to your skills early and prepare to go to war." Ieyasu's tone was firm, without the slightest hesitation, "Of course, the Shaojun and his ministers must stay in Osaka to ensure smooth government affairs. In addition, in order to assist the Shaojun, two or three people should be left to handle official duties. , who do you think is better to stay?"

This is like a discussion.The start of the war is a foregone conclusion. Letting whoever stays to assist the government is tantamount to handing over the key to the decision of the war.No matter how great the victory in Aizu is, if those who stay behind hand over the city to Sancheng, Ieyasu will never be able to return to Osaka.In this way, victory is defeat. Everyone's eyes were cast on the executioners, and the foreheads of several executioners were dripping with cold sweat.Masuda, Nagatsu, Maeda, Otani, etc. have a closer relationship with Sancheng than Ieyasu, and everyone knows this fact.The four practitioners were also quite nervous.Both Masuda Nagamori and Nagatsu Masaka are currently in close contact with Sancheng.As for Maeda Gen and Otani Kichitsugu, although it is difficult to determine whether they have any dissent for Sancheng, they are definitely not Ieyasu's confidantes.Among these people, no matter who is left behind, there will be hidden dangers.Everyone thought that Ieyasu had duplicity, but actually wanted to keep others.It's just that it's inconvenient for him to bring it up because of sympathy, and he hopes others will speak for him.

Everyone was silent in the tense and dull heat. At this time, Ieyasu spoke again: "Everyone has no objections, so I have no choice but to order." He glanced around as if nothing had happened. "Two people don't seem to be enough, let's leave three." Masuda Nagamori swallowed hard, and quietly glanced around.I saw Changshu Zhengjia's whole body was stiff, and he hardly dared to look at Ieyasu. "First of all, please Maeda Fayin to stay. It is more suitable for you to be a civil servant." "yes." "It's best to have people who are familiar with government affairs, Masudaemon, Nagatsu Daizo, just the three of you. The Otani Criminal Department will go out with me."

After hearing Ieyasu's decision, everyone couldn't help being dumbfounded.There was commotion in the audience, and every word Ieyasu said surprised them all.By leaving San Fengxing, who is obviously a gang of Sancheng, in Osaka, is it possible that Ieyasu has completely lifted his guard against Sancheng, or is he deliberately creating opportunities for them to lure snakes out of their holes?If the reason is the former, it is not completely unfounded.In any case, when the Seventh General was chasing and killing Sancheng, Ieyasu saved his life and escorted him back to Zuohe Mountain City safely.Therefore, those who are close to Qijiang all doubt: Did Ieyasu and Sancheng have a secret agreement at that time?

Or on the contrary, Ieyasu deliberately left Sanfengxing in Osaka to give Sancheng a chance to raise an army?Those generals who waver in their hearts and try to follow the wind are all full of doubts.This shows that Ieyasu was full of confidence from the beginning, and he didn't take Sancheng seriously at all.He first wiped out Uesugi in a calm manner, then rectified a little in Edo, and then returned to Osaka... If this is the case, the Toyotomi family may become a lamp in front of the wind and frost on the tiles.When Sancheng entered Daban City, he would definitely join Sanfengxing in holding Xiulai to order the princes to declare Ieyasu a traitor.And in this way, Ieyasu can attack Toyotomi Hideyori without any scruples.The world is really going to be in chaos... Although many people are thinking this way, no one dares to bring it up on the spot.

"The Kansai generals will follow me and Hidetada's main force, and the Ou generals will follow Yonezawa's Mogami Yoshimitsu. As for Maeda Toshinaga and Hori Hideji, who are in charge of Tsukawaguchi, let Murakami Yoshiaki and Mizoguchi Hidekatsu go together." Ieyasu's The tone changed from indifferent to unquestionable, "The purpose of this war is to inherit Taige's legacy, unify the world, and conquer those who have ulterior motives. This battle will determine the general situation of the world. Ieyasu has reported it to the court in detail. According to the secret order of the court , On the eighth day of this month, Quan Da Nayan will send Quan Da Nayan to persuade Xiusi Qingfengqing to come to Osaka as an imperial envoy to reward the soldiers. I want to say goodbye to Shaojun after welcoming the imperial envoy, and then go to the expedition immediately. At that time, Shaojun will officially issue an order I want Maeda, Masuda, and Nagatsu to stay and assist the government. The important task of assisting the young master is entrusted to the three, and I think you have no objections."

Everyone was stunned, but no one answered immediately. "Since you have no objections, let's make a decision first. As for the details, Ieyasu will discuss with you again. Alright, that's all for today..." Ieyasu hadn't finished talking, when a voice rang out from the seat, it was Hori Kanmono Naomasa who led the way for this battle. It seems that Zhizheng really regarded this meeting as a discussion, he moved forward and said: "My lord, I have something to say." Ieyasu lowered his face and said, "Naozheng, why are you worried?" Stirred by Ieyasu, Naomasa Hori became more impassioned: "Since we have decided to send troops, there must be no omissions in the pre-war discussions." "Tell me, what makes you worry?" "It goes without saying that adults know that the terrain in the Ou area is steep." "That's why you are responsible for leading the way." "That's right. I want to say a few more words just because I'm in charge of leading the way. There is a place between Shirakawa and Aizu called 'Horseback Ridge'. It can allow one person to pass through. Therefore, please think twice, sir, to avoid mistakes in the front line." Naomasa Hori held his head high and talked endlessly, showing his stupid and straightforward character. "Shut up!" Ieyasu yelled, causing the roof to buzz. "A business trip? What's the big deal? What's wrong with the dangerous terrain? If the enemy stabs me, I return his shot. The outcome of the battle depends on the soldiers and horses." Strength or weakness does not depend on the terrain. Since you said it was dangerous, Tokugawa Ieyasu will personally play the striker for you. Since he became the lord of Okazaki, Tokugawa Ieyasu has experienced many battles, not to mention whether he fights more with less or gathers people to fight at night. Attacks, ambushes, sneak attacks, forwards, and the rear, which one have I never experienced? I have never missed. It is because of this that I have mastered Guan Bazhou. This is enough to prove that I am superior in strategy, strong in martial arts, and skilled in using troops." "Yes." When Ieyasu suddenly shouted angrily, Naomasa hurriedly fell on the ground. "That guy Jing Sheng would only hide in a small city, and would never dare to come to meet our army. Our army is the best in the world, and there is no obstacle to the supply of food and fodder. Originally, I was enough to attack Jing Sheng, but in order to show righteousness , I sent the army to go. Don't play smart and say useless words!" Seeing that Naomasa was lying on the ground in an orderly manner and did not dare to make a sound, Ieyasu said to the others angrily, "Do you still have any concerns?" Seeing Ieyasu so furious, everyone dared not say anything.Ieyasu had already decided everything by himself, and he would never allow others to have any objections. "It seems that everyone understands." Katagiri Kamoto hurriedly smoothed things over, "Ouchi and Shaojun both sent people to express their condolences, and the envoy said that since even the inner government has personally conscripted, both those who went out and those who stayed behind should be treated as good students." Allegiance to the court." Ieyasu glanced at Katagiri Katamoto, stared again, and scanned the people present. Now that Ieyasu had spoken, the number of people on the expedition and other matters should be discussed after everyone returned. All the people present could only nod in unanimous agreement, and no one spoke rashly to avoid unnecessary suspicion.Only one person was sitting upright, his face was covered with a white cloth, and Ieyasu couldn't see his happiness or anger.He is Jiji, the young assistant of the Otani Criminal Department.He had leprosy and covered his face tightly. Ieyasu glanced at him, got up and left the table. In the past, when Hideyoshi summoned the generals, there would be a big banquet after the meeting.Those who were severely reprimanded by him at the meeting, when they arrived at the banquet, he would pat their shoulders and laugh to comfort them, which was Hideyoshi's habit.But Ieyasu is very different from Hideyoshi. He will neither reprimand people easily, nor will he comfort others after reprimanding. "It's really small. I don't even give up a glass of water and wine." Although the seven people around Xiu Lai whispered, for those who cared, Ieyasu's anger was deeply imprinted in their minds. Before Hideyoshi died, Ieyasu once yelled at everyone in Fushimi Castle: "If you want to quarrel, just quarrel. But all those who quarrel, don't even think about leaving this city tonight. No one can escape Severe punishment." At that time, Ieyasu ordered the gates of the city to be closed tightly and shouted angrily, which scared all the people present.Today's outrage is no less than that time. Jing Sheng boasted that he was worth 1.2 million shi, and had the most powerful soldiers in the world since Qian Xin.Even Uesugi Jingsheng, who is so strong and strong, Ieyasu disdainfully called him "Jingsheng that guy", no wonder the other generals were frightened.Ieyasu seemed to have expected everyone's reaction. Ieyasu got up and left the banquet, and all the generals also got up, each with their own thoughts and trembling, and went out.One can imagine how the envoys shuttled back and forth between the mansions after this. Kazutoyo Yamauchi, owner of Kakegawa Castle in Enshu, also took a wait-and-see attitude.As soon as he arrived at the gate of Xiyuan, he said to Otani Kichiji who was behind him: "Master Shaofu of the Ministry of Justice, there must be a reason for the inner government's decision to attack Uesugi?" Among the four executions, only Yoshitsugu Otani, who was ill, was ordered to go out.Regarding this matter, Jiji's feelings are undoubtedly of great significance to Yifeng. "The inner government seems to have far-reaching considerations." Ji Ji, who was wrapped in bandages, smiled slightly and said. "What kind of consideration is it?" "Perhaps, the inner government wants to make an example. Once there is a rebellion, it will quickly send troops to wipe it out." "But there is no need to scold Mr. Jianwu angrily. I always feel that this matter is unusual." "It's not because he is angry. Once he is angry, he becomes scary... Some people are like this. Usually, they rarely get angry, but once they get angry, they will be thunderous." "Does the Lord of the Ministry of Punishment want to go out with the inner government?" "Of course. The inner government has worked tirelessly to conquer Aizu, and even the palace and the young master have sent envoys to express condolences. If I don't follow, wouldn't it be a rebellion? I think the inner government's determination is unshakable." After listening, Kazutoyo Yamauchi solemnly bowed to Kichiji, turned and left. The time seems to be ripe.Ieyasu's yell put tremendous pressure on the generals.Under such circumstances, who else would dare to say no?Osaka, Fushimi, and the capital are all shrouded in thick clouds of war. On the second day of August, Quan Da Nayan persuaded Xiusi Qingfengqing to come to Osaka as an imperial envoy, condolences to Ieyasu, and gave him a hundred pieces of bleached cloth.After sending the emissary away, Ieyasu immediately summoned his troops, and by the 15th, everything was ready, and then he went to see Hideyori to say goodbye. "I heard that grandpa is going on an expedition to Ozhou?" Hearing Hideyori's question, Ieyasu said: "That's right. The late Taiko's last wish was to realize the unification of the world. If someone dares to violate Taiko's last wish, no matter where he is, I will never forgive him." "Aozhou is far away. Grandpa has worked hard, hard work." Under the hint of Katagiri Kasumimoto, Hideyori's reward was piled up in front of Ieyasu.The gift list clearly stated: an authentic short knife, several tea utensils, 20,000 taels of gold, and 20,000 shi of rice.Mrs. Yodo stood beside Hideyori with a stiff expression.At that time, it was widely rumored inside and outside Osaka Castle that Mrs. Yodo had an affair with Ieyasu.It is said that when Ieyasu showed his affection to Mrs. Yodo in the past, Mrs. Yodo was pregnant with Ono Xiuliang's flesh and blood, so she had to decline calmly.Later Mrs. Dian turned to Ieyasu, but at this time Ieyasu already had a young concubine Mrs. Agui, so the competitive Mrs. Dian alienated Ieyasu... "Nonsense! How could such a thing happen? I will never let you down if you spread some non-existent rumors!" Katagiri Katomoto was furious when he heard the rumors.This has become a new topic of conversation in the market. "Grandpa is invincible and invincible. This time, he will return triumphantly. You can stay at home with your mother and wait with peace of mind." Jiakang said. Xiu Lai is the Shaojun in name, but in fact it is just a parrot trained by Qiyuan and Mrs. Dian.After a relaxing farewell to Hideyori, Ieyasu withdrew from Honjo and returned to Xien, where he invited Maeda Genichi, Masuda Nagamori, Nagatsu Masaka, and Sano Tsunamasa to deliver Hideyori's order.After Ieyasu left, Sanfeng was in charge of government affairs, and Tsuna Sano led a team of 500 people who were not controlled by Hideyori's seven generals to guard Xiyuan. After all arrangements were made, on June 16th of the fifth year of Qingcho, Ieyasu led 3,000 soldiers and set off from Osaka Castle to Fushimi.His entourage are all Tokugawa elites who have shared life and death with him, such as Arii Naomasa, Honda Tadakatsu, Kanbara Yasomasa, Okubo Tadori, Honda Masanobu, Hiraiwa Kikichi, Sakai Ieji, Sakai Tadashi, Osuka Tadomasa , Nobumasa Okuheira, Yasushige Honda, Yasunari Ishikawa, Hidemasa Ogasawara, Tadakata Takabo, Masada Einuma, Nobushiro Naito, Iejo Matsudaira, Ieki Matsudaira, Masaji Abe, Tadashi Kotoyama, Yasunari Honda, Yasuke Amano and others.In addition, Ieyasu also ordered forty-five daimyos, including Asano, Fukushima, Kuroda, Hachisuka, Ikeda, and Hosokawa, to lead their troops to concentrate in Edo, with a total of 56,000 troops.There is no more daring decision than this - to gather all the friendly forces together, set off in a mighty way, and turn Osaka into an empty city... Even Ishida Mitsunari sent Yuto Gonroku as an envoy, and said to Ieyasu: "I originally wanted to go with the Neifu, but I was thinking about it, so please allow Inuko Hayato to lead the team and go with Otani Yoshitsugu .” Ieyasu smiled and agreed. When Ieyasu led a large group of people to Fushimi Castle, Torii Hikemon, who was in charge of staying at Fushimi, had already made peony cakes like hills, cut them into large pieces and piled them up locally. Reward the armed forces. Seeing this scene, those alcoholic people frowned: "Hikoemon, Zensheng only made some peony cakes?" Torii Mototada also seemed to be angry, and replied: "I'm specially prepared for those who love to eat." Then, he gave a deep salute to those who ate with gusto, and didn't forget to ask them to wrap some more belts. Walk. "There are still a lot left at home, everyone thinks it's good, just bring some more, and save them for the road. Everyone, eat well and drink well." Torii Mototada has been with Ieyasu since he was thirteen years old, and he is sixty-two this year. Ieyasu is still three years older, but standing side by side, it seems that Ieyasu is more than ten years older than Ieyasu.Although his lameness has been sore lately, he still commands the city on crutches.In addition to Mototada, Naito Yajiemon's parents, Matsudaira main hall assistant Katada, and Matsudaira Gozaemon Jinzheng also stayed in Fushimi Castle and were responsible for the defense. The main castle is guarded by Hikoemon Mototada, the west garden is under the charge of Naito's parents, the main gate is guarded by Matsudaira Iechu and Jinzheng, the Nago house is Iwama Hyogo, the Jibu Shaofu mansion is under the charge of Komai Inosuke, and the Songyuan is the Seijuro Fukao, Koga, and Youemon's mansion is guarded by lower-ranking soldiers... Ieyasu settled down quickly, causing everyone to retreat, leaving only Ieyasu and Yuanzhong in the hall of the city.Ieyasu said distressedly, "Hikoemon, do your feet still hurt?" Their hearts are close.When Ieyasu was sent to Junfu as a hostage when he was young, the two were inseparable. Fifty years later, the two are even closer than brothers. "As you get older, you become more and more like Lord Iga." Yuan Zhong didn't answer, but said: "My lord, you have finally made a decision." Under the half-white eyelashes, his eyes pierced Ieyasu like needles.After a long time, he sighed again: "The arrow is on the string, so I have to shoot...but if the arrow misses this time, half of the hard work of my life will be in vain." "You mean I'm a bit reluctant, Hikoemon?" Yuanzhong laughed: "I mean, such a decision is really rare for adults. In the battle of Xiaomu Nagakute, even though he won a big victory, the adults still avoided the decisive battle with Taige. But now, you actually Take the initiative to launch a war that will determine the general trend of the world." Ieyasu wanted to laugh, but couldn't.As expected of Yuan Zhong, he saw through his painstaking efforts at a glance.He then said: "That's because at that time there will be a decisive battle, no matter the winner or loser, the world will only fall into chaos." "But this time is no exception. Once the war is defeated, the situation will be irreparable. Once civil strife breaks out in Japan, the Ming Dynasty and North Korea may not ignore it..." Yuan Zhong muttered to himself, and suddenly straightened his upper body, "My lord! Stay behind I am enough for this castle. You can also bring Yajiemon and Lord Densuke with you." He had a serious expression and his eyes were shining. Ieyasu shivered involuntarily.Yuan Zhong is clearly worried that this is the last time the two will meet.Even though his mind was as clear as a mirror, he still pretended to be confused, and asked back: "With your strength alone, how can you defend this city?" "grown ups!" "What, are you worried?" "Surely this was not your intention?" "It's not my intention, what is that?" Perhaps because he realized that his tone was too aggressive, Yuan Zhong chuckled, "This is the second big gamble in your life. The first time was the three-party battle. At that time, you were young and impulsive, but this time you used the world as a gambling capital... ...I will not stop your lord." "You see this expedition as a gamble?" "Heaven is also watching you. If you don't act, the world will fall into chaos again." "You're right, Hikoemon. If I sit and wait for my death, within half a year, the world will fall apart. But I don't see it as a gamble." "My lord has a chance of winning?" "certainly." "Since that's the case, I am enough for this city. Please take Naito Yajiemon and the main hall assistant with you. If you are here, you can only die with me. It is too late to die like this in this very time. Pity." This is completely Motochu's words from the heart, and Ieyasu can't help but tremble: "Hikoemon! Do you think that after I leave, this city will be surrounded by the army sooner or later?" "My lord, haven't you already seen through it? It's clearly written on your face." "Now that you've seen it, I won't hide it anymore. Yes, this city will be surrounded first." "Please don't talk about it. Hikoemon's death will show them what kind of man Mikawa Samurai is! Anyway, I will go first. My death will split the world into two, and then adults will have fun Soon to rule the country. Hahaha. In order not to leave any regrets, you see, I made all the rice into peony cakes, and I also performed rituals for those who ate them." As he said, Yuan Zhong grabbed a peony cake, and when Chewing on Ieyasu's face. Ieyasu also laughed.He stretched out his hand while smiling, and picked up a peony cake, but at this moment, his eyes were blurred, and he couldn't even see the cake in his hand clearly. "Hikoemon, I think you are becoming more and more like Lord Iga. At that time, Lord Iga always scolded me and always liked to teach me. Ieyasu finally heard the voice of God and Buddha, and finally became what you said A person who can make a big gamble. Take Yajiemon and the main hall assistant. These are the martyrs I gave you. You take them to the underworld so that they can be your talking companions. .” "That's too wasteful." Motochu continued to insist, "As long as Matsudaira Gozaemon and Jinzheng are enough, I am in charge of the main city, and Gozaemon is responsible for guarding the outer city. And you take Yajiemon and It will be of greater use for the Lord to help the two of you!" After finishing speaking, he was full of emotion and laughed: "Your Excellency is going to Aizu, if the situation does not change, Gozaemon and I can stay behind. After you go east, something happens, and sooner or later the city will be surrounded by enemies, and there is no rescuer nearby. Therefore, even if you leave five times ten times as many troops, the result will be the same, instead it will lead to unnecessary sacrifices." "It's not a meaningless sacrifice!" Ieyasu finally shed tears, "Yes, there is indeed no reserve team nearby, and there are no people who can come to rescue. But if Fushimi Castle is well defended, it will be enough to contain those who are ready to use the wind. The most important thing is that even if I leave you alone and take the other two away, they will never agree. No one will fight a mortal battle. Even if it is for the only hope of survival, Ieyasu will Always try your best to arrange everything, otherwise, future generations will call Tokugawa Ieyasu unjust. Don't force yourself on this matter!" With his face turned away, Yuanzhong quietly listened to Jiakang's words. He no longer forced himself, and nodded happily, "It's not unreasonable for you to think so." "You see what I mean?" "No, my understanding may be different from yours. My lord wants to win, and the world must be unified. For this purpose, my lord put Yuan Zhong to death from the very beginning. You are so cruel... If you let the people of the world have this kind of misunderstanding, you must Yuan Zhong's original intention. Since this is the case, I will obey the arrangement of adults." "Hikoemon, I remember when I was young, I raised a mozu and let it imitate an eagle, but you taught me a lesson." "Hahahaha. Yuan Zhong was indeed very angry at that time. He was kicked down the corridor by the adults at that time, and he was quite frightened." "Thanks to you, Ieyasu is an eagle." "I also have a deep understanding. But it is not enough to be an eagle in a small place. My lord, please go through this battle and become an eagle in the world." "Yuan Zhong, tonight you and I will get drunk together?" "My lord can appreciate your face, Yuan Zhong is very honored." That night, the two drank until late at night.They toasted frequently, indulging in the remembrance of the old past. Torii Mototada is seriously examining his own death.Ieyasu did the same, but he didn't say it.They have transcended life and death and staked everything.Only half a year after Toyotomi Hideyoshi passed away, the world fell into chaos.Can such a world be united again?Could it be that Ieyasu has endured untold hardships and endured for more than fifty years, and his life will be in vain like Matsunaga Hide and Akechi Mitsuhide? The two looked at each other hand in hand from time to time, crying or laughing.At dawn, Torii Mototada was dragged back to his bedroom by Ieyasu. "I have no regrets in this life." Yuan Zhong casually said, and hastily covered it up, "I firmly believe that your lord will be able to revive the world." He was full of emotions, because he had already passed his sixtieth year when he realized how difficult it is to govern the world. "Even an unrivaled hero like Taige is helpless. He has more than enough heart but not enough power... You must never forget this..." Yuan Zhong said repeatedly.No matter how great a person's stamina is, a person's lifespan is limited after all.If you don't realize this, all your efforts will be in vain in an instant.Recently, Yuan Zhong asked someone to interpret for him a book published by Jia Kang Ming Yuan Ji.In the past, he was no less stubborn than Honda Saemon, but now, he just said: "Knowledge is the most important thing." There is more than enough strength but not enough morality." "Even if hundreds of thousands of troops are forced to come, Yuan Zhong never knows what to be afraid of. At worst, he will perish with the city." That night, every word was deeply seared in Jiakang's mind. The next day, Ieyasu ordered his horse to rest in Fushimi Castle for a day.At dawn on the 18th, Jiakang set off in a sedan chair.Yuanzhong, parents, Jiazhong, and Jinzheng stood side by side outside the gate to send them off. Everyone looked serious, without showing any sentimentality or nostalgia. Once you leave Fushimi, you have already entered the battlefield.Omi, which must be passed next, is already close to Ishida Mitsunari's sphere of influence. At noon, Ieyasu arrived in Otsu, and was warmly received by the Kyogoku Councilor Takashi.Gao Ci's wife is the younger sister of Xiulai's biological mother Mrs. Dian, and the older sister of Xiuzhong's wife A Jiangyu.Ieyasu has always regarded Takaji as an ally, but it is inconvenient to point out to him at present.On the surface, Ieyasu still regarded Uesugi Jingkatsu as an enemy, and went all out to conquer Aizu. Leaving Dajin, on the same day, Ieyasu took a few close officials to Shibu.Surprisingly, Changshu Zhengjia, who had always been closely related to Sancheng, rushed over to ask for a visit.He must have been instructed by Sancheng to come to check on Jiakang's movements. The 60,000 stone residence of Changshu Zhengjia is at the mouth of the near river.Shuikou is in front of Shibu, and it is more than 80 li away from Shibu. Therefore, Zhengjia must first enter his own city, and then return to Shibu to welcome Ieyasu.In the eyes of those who don't know the inside story, Zhengjia is really loyal. Accompanied by the elder Matsukawa Jinqi, Zhengjia came to Ieyasu, "I want to entertain the inner government in the city tomorrow morning, please do not hesitate to honor the inner government." Jiakang suddenly felt sorry for Zhengjia.The person in front of him is indeed good at managing money and food, but he is always cautious, vacillating, and has no opinion. "I will definitely go. As for the banquet, don't be too extravagant." "Just a little expression of my heart." "It's better to be respectful than obedient. What kind of hospitality will your lord give me?" Before the words finished, Ieyasu regretted his teasing.This person in front of him has always been good at talking. Could it be that he really prepared "a little heart" for himself? Ieyasu suddenly had such an idea, so he asked casually.As expected, Zheng's family was very embarrassed. Jiakang felt pitiful, so he took out the Guoguang short knife and Xingping long knife, and said: "I remember that there are many small rivers from here to Shuikou, and loach should be considered a famous product in this area." Then, he gave the short knife to Zheng Family, the long sword is bestowed on the son of the Zheng family. The Zheng family retreated in fear.It was dusk, although the Zheng family was riding a horse, it was probably already night when they returned home. Thinking of this, Jiakang was suddenly startled: for tomorrow morning's banquet, Zhengjia came here specially, but he couldn't say what to entertain him, what does this mean? Ieyasu waved to Torii Shintaro, and ordered in a low voice: "Go and find out how many followers the Masakaya has brought." Torii Shintaro understood, and immediately chased him out.After chasing him to the beach of Baizhichuan outside the post station, Shintaro saw the Zheng family and seventy or eighty retainers gathered together, and immediately came back to report. "He asked his entourage to wait for him on the beach?" "Yes. But why did he take his entourage out of the station? What a queer man." "How far has Zhengjia gone?" "Eight miles away." "There's still time..." Ieyasu began to think deeply, and when he arrived at Xushi, he suddenly got up and ordered the troops to set off from Shibu overnight.He must be worried that in Shibu, he was unprepared at night, and once the army was attacked, the consequences would be disastrous.But on what basis did he deduce that he would be attacked?Shintaro was puzzled. "Hurry up, the moon will come out. One step slower will cause great trouble." Ieyasu said to Shintaro.Shintaro immediately ordered someone to call the bearer. "Can't others carry the sedan chair?" Jiakang anxiously got into the sedan chair. Since it was so urgent, I couldn't wait for the bearers to arrive.Watanabe Chuemon, who was accompanying him, put on straw sandals, tied his leggings, and shouted: "My lord, please be patient." He immediately lifted the rear shaft of the sedan chair, and the front was carried by an ashigaru samurai from the Musketeers. There were only twenty personal guards in the entourage, and the female family members who came later, Mizuno Masashige, Sakai Shigekatsu, Naruse Masakazu, Honda Tadakatsu, etc. were left behind. "Xintaro, go quietly and tell everyone that I'm one step ahead, and ask them not to be careless." After the sedan chair crossed the Shachuan Bridge, Ieyasu finally showed his face, looked at the sky, and said to the back of the sedan chair, "Who is behind the sedan chair?" "My lord, I am Watanabe Chuemon." "well-done." "Praise from adults." "Chuemon, do you know why I left Ishibe in a hurry?" "My lord, this question of yours is hard to kill a villain. Do you think that the Changshu Zhengjia came here under the instigation of the Minister of Administration, so..." "The Zheng family was ordered by the governance department to come to greet me, so I must leave the stone department in a hurry?" "Yes. One of Ishida's subordinates is Shimazakon Katsumo, who is good at night attacks. You must not be indifferent to this person. And Nagatsu Masakae must have come here this time under the order of Jibu Shaosuke to inquire whether your lord I want to stay overnight in Ishibe. In this way, Ishibe won't be able to stay for a moment. My lord, you..." "Hahaha, Chuemon, do you really think I feel comfortable carrying the sedan chair?" "Don't dare. Please continue to be patient, my lord." "Don't worry. Even if they launched a surprise attack, it would have to be at least in the middle of the night or at dawn, and before that, we had already crossed the mouth of water. The Zheng family never imagined that Ieyasu would dare to pass through his city with only such a few people. You Look, the moon is out, don't be nervous, relax." Ieyasu rushed from Tagawa to Quanzhong, and Honda Tadakatsu led his troops to leave Ishibe and chase them.When the large army arrived at the Shuikou River Beach at dawn, Ieyasu's sedan chair had already left Shuikou eight miles away. "Okay, you are a long beam, you think I will go quietly. Scare him first, and then rush over." Honda Tadakatsu ordered Mizuno, Sakai, Naruse and other troops to light the fuses, and the other soldiers took up positions on the river beach under the moonlight, shouting loudly.The sudden sound of gunfire broke the silence of dawn. "Okay! Let me rush over!" Honda Zhongsheng took the lead, leading his troops to rush through the city like a storm. Once fighting, he will rejuvenate like a fish in water. This is Honda Tadashi.Not only Honda Tadakashi, but also Ieyasu. Once a battle started, he immediately became sharp and flexible.The experience accumulated through hundreds of battles has become an incredible habit, hidden in the body.But after all, he is already fifty-nine years old, time is not forgiving, and fatigue is inevitable.The sedan chair traveled another sixteen or seven li to the east from Shuikou, and when it reached Tushan, Jiakang's joints were already sore.There are more than 800 miles to Edo from here. It seems that this journey is a physical exercise. At this age, Hideyoshi has already conquered North Korea.While Hideyoshi was tired of trivial matters, Ieyasu began to fight for unification.Maybe this time took more time than Hideyoshi's expedition.Ieyasu couldn't help but sigh with emotion, it's incredible that people have worked so hard all their lives!Such a heavy burden, I will never even think about taking it off my shoulders... There was no city in the Tsuchiyama area, so Ieyasu ordered someone to temporarily set up a tent in front of the house of a family named Tsuchiyama Heijiro.Just after lunch, a horse galloped over, and the person who came was Chang Shu Zheng's family. In Shibu, Ieyasu knew that he was a spy sent by Sancheng. This time he must have felt that Ieyasu had seen through the trick, so he was restless and wanted to take the initiative to explain: "It's a pity that my lord didn't come to the small town for a rest..." Zhengjia He should have said that, but unexpectedly he turned pale and said: "I am so reluctant to part with you, my lord. I always wanted to come to say hello, so I came here." Ieyasu blamed himself, if Bai Ji could be a solid backer, they would not be so confused.What Zhengjia said was from his heart, he must be thinking that once Jiakang goes east, he is afraid that he will never be able to meet again. "Coming from afar, Ieyasu is really scared. I'll give this to you." Ieyasu took out a Raikunimitsu sword and put it in front of Zhengjia.Zhengjia couldn't help being startled, Lai Guoguang is Ieyasu's favorite knife, and now he actually gave it to him.It seems that Ieyasu no longer wants to return to Osaka. "I am truly ashamed of myself." "Just treat yourself as me to cherish this knife." "How dare Zhengjia?" "I finally figured it out after I set off from Osaka. Taiko was also my age when he marched to Nagoya. Although I took the lead in defeating Uesugi, it was not that easy. Hahaha." Although Ieyasu wanted to comfort Zhengjia , but it is completely the tone of a fighter. Zhengjia finally felt relieved, thanked Jiakang repeatedly, and returned to Shuikou.These things will definitely reach Sancheng's ears. 六月十九，家康宿于关地藏，二十日抵达四日市，桑名城主氏家内膳正行广恭恭敬敬出来迎接，要款待家康，家康却不敢轻易相信他。 倘若在这里遭到三成一众的袭击，即使能平安突围，恐怕也会落下笑柄。更重要的是，若有人趁机诘责，极有可能损害自己的武功和声誉。“多谢多谢。家康明晨将前去拜访。”家康先是爽快地答应下来，然后趁夜备好船只，径直赶赴三河的佐久岛，再由此进入冈崎城。 冈崎城乃是家康出生之地，亦是祖居之城，家康的奋斗与此城息息相关。现负责守卫的乃田中兵部大辅吉政。 吉政曾被任命为秀次督官，秀次事件之后，他遭到秀吉严厉斥责，后在家康的说和下才幸免于难，因此，他对家康感恩戴德。 “此处是内府出生地，还请好生歇息。” “实乃怪事，一来此城，我就感到安心。尽管太阁故意刁难，改封了我，还把城主也换了……” 吉政挠了挠他的秃头，笑了：“此处领民都对内府感服得很。在下进城之后，发现处处皆渗透着内府厚德啊，真是令人敬佩……”他话题突然一转，道：“有人正等着见您，还请内府允准。” 话未毕，一人随即走进书院，竟是一个年纪轻轻的尼姑。 家康不禁一愣，直直盯着那尼姑，总觉她与吉政很是相似，遂道：“你是否兵部大辅爱女？” “是。贫尼乃高台院身边的庆顺尼。” “你侍奉高台院？” "Exactly." “你是好久没来看望令尊了，才特意赶来的？” “不，贫尼奉高台院之命，专程来恭送内府大人。” “不敢当，不敢当。” “高台院本想亲自前来为大人送行，可竟未能成行，因此打发贫尼来冈崎，代为问安。” 家康点着头，眼角湿润了。芸芸众生之中，唯有高台院一人明白他的心志，这也形同自己得到了秀吉的理解。 “当今天下，能够真正继承太阁遗志的，只有内府一人，还请内府珍重——这是夫人原话。” “家康实在惶恐，惶恐！你回京城之后，一定要告诉高台院，家康感动至极。” 尽管时机已然成熟，但对于家康来说，这次出征仍是前途未卜。一旦稍有差错，就极有可能像今川又元和武田信玄一样一败身灭。五十九岁的身体已不再适合戎马倥偬的生活，就连平索爱游山玩水的秀吉，在从肥前赶往名护屋期间，都明显衰老了，此为家康亲眼所见。此外，世人都在用奇怪的眼光看着家康：“都这把年纪了还发动战争？”这令他更加痛苦。 关八州已然握在手中，万无灭国之虞。知足者就该悄然隐退，安享晚年，才是最聪明的活法。可家康却孤注一掷，再次发动一场决定天下大势之战。世人十之八九都认为家康此是贪心不足。就这种困境中，比任何人更理解秀吉心思的高台院竟悄悄来声援他，这无异于黑暗中的光芒。 不久，就谈到高台院枯淡的日常生活，以及拜访她的那些太阁旧将。 “谁真正拥护少君，经常成为武将们谈论的话题。”庆顺尼道。 “我想也是。每当那时，高台院如何回答？”家康问道。 “夫人总是毫不掩饰地回答是她自己。其他人只是徒有一片忠心，并无应对突发事件的准备。高台院还说，为了少君，不定什么时候还得由她来求内府呢。若是不用求就好了……” 庆顺尼太直率了，就连吉政都有些尴尬地责备起她来：“这些事谁不知道，用得着你说！” 冈崎以东的行军，变成令人舒心的游玩之旅。 二十三日晚，家康在滨松城受到堀尾带刀吉晴父子的迎接；二十四日晚宿于佐夜的中山，同日，路过挂川，山内对马守一丰还特意前来献了午餐。 家康清楚，一丰也已然铁心跟随他了。二十五日，家康派使者到他无比怀恋的骏府去探望城主中村一氏的病情，本人则住在二道城，受到了款待。 当晚，病中的一氏乘轿来到二道城，为了家族未来，他流着眼泪向家康祈求道：“想必大人您也看到了，在下如今病魔缠身，无法与大人同行，真是无比遗憾。孩儿们又年幼，就请让愚弟彦右卫门一荣加入大军，为大人效犬马之劳吧。” 以清洲的福岛为首的诸将，原本都是秀吉为压制家康而特意安插的，可他们现在全都变成了家康的盟友。他们乃是在接管了家康旧领之后，才深刻地感受到家康不为人知的仁德一面，渐渐心服口服。 二十七日，家康抵达小田原，二十八日到藤泽，二十九口参观了江岛镰仓……当家康进入诸将陆续集中而来的江户时，已然是七月初二了。