Chapter 30 Chapter Thirty Article Six

Since the Battle of Sekigahara, there has been an endless stream of guests visiting Sanppongi Kodaiin in Kyoto.Kobayakawa Hideaki, Asano Yukunaga, Fukushima Masanori, Kuroda Nagamasa and others all came to report the situation of the battle one after another.Not only these old generals of Toyotomi, Tokugawa's chief Okuhei Nobumasa also said many times that he would come to visit, led by Chaya Shirojiro, Yodoya, Honami, Naya, Imai, etc., from merchants in the capital, Osaka, and Sakai Port to tea people , and all looked for excuses to come to visit. Although everyone brought a lot of information to Gaotaiyuan under the name of "visiting", Gaotaiyuan still tried not to see them.Let Master Xiaozang deal with the more important ones, and let Qingshunni get rid of the rest.

Therefore, Gaotaiyuan knew everything since the decisive battle on September 15th.And the more she understood the situation, the less she wanted to see those visitors. People who don't understand Kodaiin always think that she turned to support Tokugawa Ieyasu because she hated Mitsunari and Mrs. Yodo's mother and son.So many people even congratulated her blatantly. It was around this time that malicious rumors that once disappeared began to spread again: "Who is Mr. Xiulai's biological father?" Only Mrs. Yodo was pregnant twice, and Hideyoshi's other women had nothing to do.How can there be such strange things in the world?Is Tsurumatsumaru and Hideyori's father the same person?If so, then this person must be the governor of Ono, maybe Ishida Mitsunari... Such rumors filled the mansion, as if they were provoking, and brought unbearable unhappiness to the high-minded Buddhist monk Kodaiin.

The purpose of the visitors coming one after another is also obvious.They just want to say something nice to Gaotaiyuan so that they can stay under Ieyasu as an official—they are all selfish and selfish people who follow the trend!Going on like this, the one who betrayed the Toyotomi family would be Kodaiin, and I am afraid that someone would even say such a thing. One day, the servants came to report again that a monk from Dongfu Temple who claimed to be a confidant of Anguo Temple came to visit. "Let Qingshunni go see him." Axiu, who came forward to report from Gaotaiyuan, said.

Gaotaiyuan was very clear about the purpose of this visitor.On September 26, Hui Qiong, Konishi Yukaka, and Ishida Mitsunari, who set off from Otsu, were taken to Osaka and Sakai Port to parade in the streets, and then were taken to the representative office of the agency to await punishment.Except for Gaotaiyuan, there is no one else in the world who can save the lives of three people.However, until now, even if the Gaotaiyuan wanted to save them, there was nothing they could do. If you want to save 30%, Xiu Lai's crime will be aggravated; if you intercede with Anguo Temple, Mao Li will be even more difficult to forgive.

"Before they executed, I didn't see anyone." Just as Gao Taiyuan finished speaking, he suddenly found that Axiu's eyes were extremely red and swollen from crying.Gaotai Yuan felt that he couldn't keep silent anymore, and said: "When I come back, I have something to tell you." Axiu left sadly. Regardless of the feelings of the defeated generals in this battle, the one who suffers the most may be Axiu.Although Axiu's intelligence and affection are not inferior to any woman in the world, her life is completely involuntary. It would be great if I was forced to be helpless like Axiu, Gao Taiyuan once thought so wildly, even she was surprised.Sometimes, she seems to see her own shadow in Axiu's temperament and talent: being strong, stubborn, withdrawn, simple... There is also one thing that is very similar, that is, no matter what, she does not hate people, but gives people sincerity.

When Ah Xiu was in the brothel, he forced a smile on the guest.Of course, her efforts were not rewarded at all, and she often fell into deep sadness and loneliness.Betrayed in love, fell in love again after being abandoned... In the end, as an eyeliner, she was sent to Sancheng by Kamiya and Shimiya, and later arranged by Sancheng to Kodaiin.Although the sea of ​​suffering is boundless, she never blames everyone. As for Axiu, Gaotaiyuan already knows it well.Axiu hopes to save Sancheng's family.She must have thought that even though the man's crime is unforgivable, as long as the Gaotai Court is willing to intercede, the female relatives can at least save their lives.Besides, Gaotaiyuan has been planning this matter for a long time.Ieyasu is not a narrow-minded person, and Kodaiin pleaded for mercy, and he didn't want to lose face.

Surprisingly, the development of the situation took a turn for the worse, the battle of Sekigahara ended quickly, and the flames of war burned down Sawayama Castle in an instant.Gao Taiyuan and the others had no time to interrupt.The impatient person burned the whole family into the sea of ​​flames, and even Jiayasu didn't react. How could Ah Xiu not be desperate? Not long after, Axiu came back, "The servant has respected Madam's order and told Qingshunni." "Thank you. Come here." Gao Taiyuan said, "Add some incense to the censer first. I want to talk to you alone." She pretended to smile easily.

Ah Xiu held the incense basin as he said, and sprinkled some musk into the incense burner carved with peonies. "I think you seem younger..." Gao Taiyuan laughed again, "You are such a strong woman, why did your eyes turn red from crying?" "Yes. It's over. . . . I can't help crying when I think about it. You're laughing." "Axiu, you and I have many similarities." "I don't dare to be a servant. How dare I compare myself to my wife because of my humble status as a servant." "You and I are both the weak who want to be strong."

"Madam won the prize." "But we have only one place to be proud of. I wonder if you realize that?" "Why would a servant have..." "As a woman, you and I are the same. What we have in common is that we always strive to do things that are worthy of our hearts, and we are even willing to give our lives for it." Ah Xiu suddenly fell to the ground, his thin shoulders trembling. "Am I right, Axiu? As long as we feel right, we will overcome many obstacles to achieve it. We are willing to fight for it, not afraid of cynicism; even if betrayed, we don't hate others; Not flinching."

"lady……" "Cry if you want to cry. I have long thought that for you, I will work hard to save them. Alas! It was too fast, I didn't make it..." "Ma'am!" Ah Xiu shouted hoarsely, "I beg you, let this servant... let Ah Xiu go." Gaotaiyuan was stunned, never expecting that Axiu would say such words, and said: "No, it's not yet time." "No, it's time. It's all over." "Axiu," Gao Taiyuan's voice changed, "Did you hear about the days when Zhibu was on the road?" "Yes. Tomorrow... the elder of Dongfu Temple told the servants himself."

"Is it because of this that you are leaving? You should have known about Zhi's fate." "yes……" "What did you say in the past? Once Zhibu leaves Lord Taige, his competitive nature will drag him into the abyss. Therefore, in order to fulfill his integrity, let him go to Taige's side as soon as possible. For Defend your own integrity, Zhibu is in prison. I don’t think he will regret it, and he will die with a smile. When you go to the execution ground to die, it will hurt his heart. Women should endure the pain so that they can live to worship the dead. It is far harder than death. Unexpectedly, you chose the easier path." Axiu held back his sobs, and froze there motionless—everything was seen through by Gaotaiyuan.Thinking that there is no way to repay Sancheng's kindness, how can Axiu have the courage to live?Even if it was to save a young child, everything was reduced to ashes, and the hope that supported her was shattered.Just now the Gaotai Institute said that they are all strong and weak.Now, she is no longer strong and has become a real "weak person".Is it really necessary to continue to urge the cowardly soul to endure as the Gaotai Academy said? "Be obedient, Axiu..." Gao Taiyuan murmured softly, his tone was full of concern, and seemed to have a hint of humor, "We are too strict with men. We fight against them in everything, and always want to overwhelm their limelight. Think about it, isn't that the reason?" "yes." "But once we leave him, we will regret it. In fact, we are not hating him, nor are we rebelling against him. We just care for him and don't want him to lose to anyone." "Yes...it seems so." "But do others really understand what we mean? If it backfires, what will happen? Men will definitely think that we have a grudge in our hearts, so we continue to fight against it. Therefore, they often show their sincerity by dying." , Gaotaiyuan pursed his lips and smiled, "Oh! When Taige passed away, I also fell into hell. But when I think about it carefully, I was just fighting with myself. I have been thinking, can I seek death and go to Taige earlier? However, if that’s the case, I will definitely regret it. Taige made a mistake, and it was all because I kept silent and didn’t give him advice. This kind of pain is the real pain.” "..." "Hey, people have their own nature, and they can only live according to their own nature. Now you are just like me back then, standing on the edge of hell." After hearing Gaotaiyuan's words, Ah Xiu had to nod in agreement. At the beginning, Axiu didn't realize his affection for Sancheng.Therefore, she once said to Ben Ami Guangyue in a serious manner: "Little girl likes a man like you." However, from the moment she learned that Sancheng sent troops to Ogaki, Axiu's heart was completely taken away by Sancheng, and her worries gradually fulfilled.Now, Ishida Mitsunari is about to embark on the road to hell... There are countless reasons that lead to 30% of the tragedy, and it is not the responsibility of Axiu alone.But when Axiu was by Sancheng's side, he incited him to make a decision, which is also an undeniable fact.I'm afraid Sancheng doesn't think that he is being agitated by women. He may be arrogant and dismissive of women.Because of this, Axiu became more and more sad.She has long seen through Sancheng, he is a man who is more sensitive than ordinary people, and she is the one who made him embark on the road to hell.Thinking of these, Ah Xiu's heart felt like a knife. "Axiu," Gao Taiyuan said again, "you are still standing on the edge of hell, you just need to turn your eyes elsewhere." "yes." "Of course you have affection for Zhibu, it is because you have a compassionate heart. But even if you have the same compassionate heart, there is a difference between high-grade and low-grade. You have to put your heart in the top-grade position, so that you can pay homage to Zhibu. " "yes." "It's really going to be cut tomorrow, so go and see for yourself. In this way, you should also understand what kind of hope and thoughts Zhibu has set foot on the road to the underworld. You'd better build another grave for Zhibu It seems that Zhibu has a lot of friendship with the monks of Dongfu Temple, so you can build the tomb there, and burn incense and pray for him from time to time." "Thank you Madam for your guidance." Axiu fell on the ground, holding back tears.She knew what Gaotaiyuan was worried about.But the more she understood, the more disturbed she felt, because she could not accept the suggestion of Gaotaiyuan. "I'm afraid you haven't really understood what I mean. Don't embarrass yourself too much. Go back and rest. Go see the Zhibu off tomorrow, and then come back here. This is my order. As for whether I let you go, it will be in the future." thing." "Yes." Axiu silently lowered her head and left the room.Back in her room, she was stunned.Autumn is coming to an end, and the weather is obviously getting cooler, but Axiu can't feel the coolness of autumn.Her heart was colder than the weather, and the will and strength in her body had been burnt out, leaving only a pile of ashes. She didn't know whether she fell asleep that night, but she just opened her eyes, and it was early morning, and a few birds were chirping in the yard. Axiu got up, said something to Qingshunni, then walked towards Liutiao River Beach as if she had lost her soul. As soon as he entered the street, a murderous aura rushed over his face.There are more people on the street than usual.The government has already announced the route for Yasannari and others to go to the execution ground: exit from the residence of Soshidai in Horikawa Izumi, cross the intersection, then walk down Muromachi, enter Teramachi, and then cross Luozhong to Liujo River Beach.Although there is nothing abnormal, Ah Xiu always feels that the faces of the people he meets are full of murderous looks. Axiu tried his best to choose as few places as possible and rushed straight to Teramachi.From there, she wanted to follow Sancheng all the way to Liutiao River Beach, but when she arrived, it was still very quiet. It's too early, Axiu muttered.There is no place for people to sit for a long time in this area, so she walked slowly along the mountain road to Sitiao, and then turned back, repeating this process. Thirty-one people are not the only ones who will be beheaded today, Hui Qiong and President Xiaoxi will also be beheaded together.All three should be put to death together in the prison van after they have shown around the city. What face will he face the world?Ah Xiu really wanted to know, but was afraid to look.She shouldn't be afraid. She has tasted the suffering in the world and endured endless suffering. These are far more than 30% of the pain brought to her. How can there be fear? In Teramachi, Osode finally met the crowd. "Ah, it's here, it's finally here." "Really, that's a lot of dust. The people behind the car are all people." "It looks like they all followed the Liutiao River Beach to watch the excitement." Ah Xiu couldn't bear to listen anymore, so he walked to the river beach alone. The sky is clear.If it were normal, it would be an impeccably good day suitable for walking, but for some reason, Ah Xiu always felt his throat was dry and his body was cold. With so many people, it is impossible to see clearly when you get close. It is better to rush to Liutiao River Beach first, and then find a place where you can see clearly to pray for him.If Sancheng saw her, he would definitely smile back—does he still have the courage to smile now? The convoy appears to have arrived in Teramachi.It was already full of people and dusty. Ah Xiu decided not to turn back until he arrived at the execution ground, so he quickened his pace.At this moment, four or five people followed behind, and only one of them shouted: "Is that person in front of you Madam Axiu?" Hearing someone calling, Axiu suddenly stopped in his footsteps. "Oh, that's right." There was only one person catching up quickly, looking up and down at Axiu, it was Motoami Koetsu, "I know you will definitely come to see you off, yes, I can't help it either." "This……" "Mrs. Osode, let's talk while walking. Before, I always despised Jibu in my heart. But now, my opinion has changed. I was wrong. Mr. Jibu is really a sad man in this troubled world." is eager. Unexpectedly, Guangyue, who hated 30% in the past, would say such words, Ah Xiu unconsciously slowed down: "Oh?" Guangyue nodded vigorously, walking side by side with Axiu, "Master Zhibu is a sad man in troubled times. If it is not appropriate to say that, then he died for Master Taiko. In short, Master Zhibu is not an ordinary man." "Why did you change your mind about the Ministry of governance?" "While resting in Teramachi, Lord Jibu told the guards that his throat was dry and he wanted to drink water." Axiu swallowed.Her throat was dry and smoky too. "But there was no water nearby, so the guard took out some persimmons from his waist and handed them to Mr. Jibu." "Persimmon?" "Yes. Soft and delicious persimmons. The samurai also said that substituting persimmons for water can moisten the throat." "Ugh." "Unexpectedly, the Jibu said that the persimmon produces phlegm, so he flatly refused." "Oh?" "The samurai's face darkened suddenly, and he mocked that he was about to go to the execution ground, and he still had time to talk about how to keep in good health." Guangyue continued to observe the reaction of Axiu, "the result was that Master Zhibu reprimanded him sharply, saying: The so-called man, even at the moment of dying, should cherish the body." "Oh." Axiu was disappointed.It seems that Sancheng has given up the unnecessary struggle and is leisurely watching his last journey of life. "This is not the state of mind of an ordinary loser. If it were an ordinary person, he would have bowed his head to fate at this time, leaving only a daze. But Zhibu still scolded others with confidence. If he was not born with outstanding intelligence, he would not be able to launch such a big battle what." Hearing this, Axiu stared at Guangyue intently.Guangyue is the complete opposite of Axiu, he seems to admire Sancheng's arrogance.He was still unsatisfied, and continued to speak impassionedly: "It is Mr. Taige who is wrong after all. Zhibu is so smart, how could he do such a stupid thing? It must be what Taige said to Zhibu. Over time, such an extremely smart person as Zhibu I also had the illusion that Taige also hated the inner government. Therefore, this riot is purely a misunderstanding." Ah Xiu didn't answer, but quietly moved away from Guangyue.Guangyue's emotion was that Ah Xiu had never thought about it, and was rather surprised. "Axiu, in fact, such examples abound in the world. For example, a loving couple in the eyes of others, but the child's mother is full of complaints. She dare not get angry in front of her husband, so she has to complain in front of her child. If things go on like this, the child will He would see his father as an enemy and argue with him, only to find it difficult for his mother. This kind of thing often happens.” "Sir is right." "It was the mother's complaints that misled the child. I think that the late Taige, the Inner House, and the Zhibu had this kind of relationship. The Taige and the Inner House are not incompatible, but he is like the whiny His mother feels oppressed by the existence of the inner government. This is the weakness of the Taige. He must frequently vent his dissatisfaction and complaints in front of the Zhibu. Maybe he is now in a hurry: Zhibu, Don't act recklessly, it will ruin the Toyotomi family... and the governor also had an illusion, thinking that Taige and the inner government are just a fake. It is Taiko who caused this ending. A person who is so strict with himself , before he died, he lost his temper for the mistakes made by others. To this day, I am still very dissatisfied with the Taige." As he spoke, Guangyue pressed his mouth to Axiu's ear, "In this way, everything will be closed. Guangyue had no choice but to pray for him in her heart." Ah Xiu still vaguely understands what Guangyue means.When she really understood what she meant and felt extremely embarrassed, the two had already arrived at the execution ground and saw Sancheng. Sancheng wore a pair of small water-colored sleeves, with his hands cut behind his back, but with his head held high, he proudly walked into the execution ground.He didn't squint, and looked ahead as if nothing had happened, and went straight to the execution platform.Although his cheeks were much thinner, his complexion was rosy, and his lips were strangely red.Obviously, he is still trying to show his arrogance. The next person who was pulled over was President Xiaoxi, his eyes were slightly closed, and his expression was extremely calm.The little Sinaiian seemed very peaceful, maybe he was depicting the scene of heaven at this time. The third one was Hui Qiong. He looked around and walked into the execution ground with the same calm expression on his face, as if he had finally realized his epiphany. Guangyue's whispering voice came from Axiu's ear again: "It's all fake. Xiaoxi wants to hold on to God tightly, while Anguosi pretends to be deep and wants to escape from the sea of ​​suffering. Don't they know the value of life at all? There is no affectation at all, only he died a pity." At this time, the Venerable Master from Qitiao Taoist Temple and the Parade Master from Shizong Jinguang Temple also came, and they came to chant scriptures for the three of them. Axiu Wuxin agrees with Guangyue again.From her point of view, President Xiaoxi and Hui Qiong have already figured it out, and only 30% are still lingering in the flames of karma.But Axiu had no time to think about who was right and who was wrong. Several stones were thrown in through the fence.One of them fell on Huiqiong's shoulder and rolled onto Sancheng's feet.Huiqiong turned her head and smiled, but Sancheng still didn't look sideways. The soldiers pretended not to see them and did not reprimand them. Three straw mats were laid out on the ground, and a white bucket was placed next to each mat.The executioner knelt on one leg beside the bucket, all of them looked serious. When the three of them stepped onto their respective execution platforms, the master of Qitiao Daoist bowed and saluted, and began to chant sutras with his two disciples. Suddenly, Sancheng, who had been looking up at the sky, said with a stern face: "Although I don't know where you are a monk, there is no need to chant scriptures." Three idioms came out, and for a while, there was silence inside and outside the fence. "The benefactor doesn't need to worry, the poor monk came here voluntarily." The Master said gently. "No!" Before the Venerable Master finished speaking, Sancheng roared angrily, "I don't like to accept charity from others. I believe in the Dharma Hua School, so you don't need to do anything extra." Axiu trembled all over: Sancheng has been completely reduced to a devil, who made him become like this? Just when Axiu was thinking wildly, Sancheng also affected the other two prisoners.Both President Xiaoxi and Hui Qiong, who had been quite calm before, were quite surprised. I am afraid that before being dragged here, the three of them had broken with each other because of their mutual hatred, and suffered from it.In Hui Qiong's view, Sancheng is the hateful mastermind.In Sancheng's eyes, Huiqiong was just an irresponsible boaster who made Maori betray the two armies.As for President Xiaonishi, at the critical moment, Sancheng rejected his suggestion and missed the opportunity, which is resentful.But at this moment, the three are one. "Yes." The president said, "I'm also exempted. I'm going to see God, so you don't need to babble here." "The poor monk doesn't need it either. The poor monk is a Zen believer." If Sancheng's shout of anger is so effective on the battlefield, what will be the result? The Venerable Master of Qijo Dojo looked at the three sadly and left in a hurry.After the Master left, the three sat on straw mats. The sun was shining brightly, the gurgling of the river was clear to the ear, and the crowd of onlookers was silent.Gradually, Ah Xiu felt like he was dreaming.Is life really like a dream?After these people are killed, will they have a real life?If this is the case, isn't the six river beaches in front of you just a large delivery room? Obin Nobuchang is giving orders to his opponents, but for Axiu, they are far away.They just stay near the delivery room and have nothing to do with people's life or death.As for those executioners, they are even more insignificant, they just wander here, not even knowing what they are doing. The knife shone brightly.Sancheng, Xingzhang, and Hui Qiong suddenly lost their heads, and their bodies fell forward weakly. At this moment, Axiu seemed to hear the cry of another baby in the world. The crowd began to stir.Both the head and the body were gone, and the servants were washing away the blood that had been spilled on the ground. Axiu staggered and stood up.The cry of the baby was still ringing in her ears.In the following period of time, she didn't know how she walked or where she went. Pushed by the crowd, Ah Xiu came to the Three Bridges and saw a head hanging there.But at this time, they have nothing to do with the three people who were dragged to the execution ground just now.In Axiu's eyes, they are just decorations of the three bridges, which makes people feel no trace of sadness. Ah Xiu seemed to have reached the door of an empty house, and then returned to Liutiao River Beach.Why she returned, she was also at a loss.Could it be the head at the head of the Santiao Bridge that made her return to the river beach to find the old relics? The fence of the execution ground has been torn down, and there is not even a trace of blood.Only some people stood there, pointing and whispering.All this is like a phantom. The sun slanted to the west, and soon it was dark on all sides.The river water turned into a fiery red belt under the reflection of the setting sun.Axiu has long known the morning and evening——did I come here because I was looking for Sancheng?That's really the case, after seeing Sancheng, what should I say?To apologize to him, saying that I did not help at all; or to ask him why he was so angry when he was dying?No, what I am most concerned about is whether Sancheng is dead, or has he been reborn?If he could be reborn, where did he go? Axiu sat blankly on the river beach, tears streaming down like rain. As night fell, Axiu still didn't want to leave.The stones under my feet are gradually getting cooler, and the evening mist is also drifting here from Dongshan.Axiu recalled the past scene by scene. Isn't it Axiu himself who hinted that 30% of the boats are at the bottom of the boat?She really saw such a Ishida Mitsunari today. Even if it is true what Ben Ami Koetsu said, Sancheng's righteousness is awe-inspiring, and his momentum is far superior to the president and Hui Qiong, Axiu is not at all at ease.Thanks to Sancheng's "strong will", his father, brother, wife and children all passed away. Not only his relatives, this war has caused many people to cry, curse, and helplessly disappear from this world. How could Axiu ignore these bloody facts and live peacefully?Her eyes could not be covered, her ears could not be plugged.She wants to pray for all the dead. Ash stood up.The wind blows away the clouds, and the starry sky is very beautiful.Axiu couldn't remember what time it was, and she completely forgot about Gaotaiyuan.At this moment, only 30% of her face was in her mind, 30% of her figure was walking on the execution platform with her head held high, and 30% of the face of Master Zongyuan of the Sanxuanyuan of Dade Temple who had listened to his teachings devoutly. Why does the face of a monk come to mind?Axiu was taken aback.She had to accept the fact, otherwise, she would never forgive herself. Go to Sanxuanyuan to find monk Zongyuan, and beg him to build a pagoda for Sancheng, which is in a corner of the temple, and he himself follows Sancheng.At that time, 30% will definitely reprimand her.Maybe he didn't care about her at all.Even so, she would follow him.Be confident and follow him silently, otherwise, her heart will never be at peace. Where and how did he get there?Sancheng's shadow could no longer disappear from Ah Xiu's eyes.No matter where he goes, Axiu will follow. When Axiu stumbled to the Dade Temple in Omiya Village, the roadside grass was already covered with dew.The mountain gate is closed tightly, and the palaces, towers, tombs, and vegetation are all immersed in a deep sleep.Axiu saw that San was like a puff of smoke, and quickly got into the closed door. At this moment, Ah Xiu suddenly changed his mind.There is no need to see Elder Sanxuan.Compared with these trivial things, there are more important things to do, which is to catch up with 30%. Thinking of this, she hurriedly sat down in front of the temple gate, took off her bodyguard and carried the sword, and stabbed it into her chest...