Chapter 5 Chapter 5: The Conspiracy Behind the Scenes

In Sakai Port, Sorori Shinzaemon was sick in his new home.He coughed from time to time, and the sputum was bloodshot.As soon as autumn came, he caught a cold and never recovered.Especially in the past few days, when it got dark, he started to have a fever, upset and irritable.But he was not used to lying in bed since he was born, and when he got better, he barely supported himself and met with guests from all over the world. "If I die now, I don't know what future generations will think of me." In front of others, Zeng Luli looked like an unrestrained, elegant and unrestrained person, but in his own home, he seemed to be a different person, very gloomy , "Am I a villain who hangs around Taige, has no insight, and only flatters?"

"Of course you can't say that." The person who answered was calm and smiling.This person is Nawusuke Zaemon who went to Luzon by ship within the year and is now preparing to go to sea again. "Later generations may say that you are a layman and a schemer of the city government." "Mr. Nawu, am I really a conspirator?" "Naturally you know it in your heart. You and I don't seem to have a lot of negative virtue." Saying that, the two looked at each other and smiled wryly.Suzaemon was about to ship silver and copper to Luzon, and then sell back pottery from Luzon, sweeping away Hideyoshi's gold.His counselor is Shinzaemon Sorori on the hospital bed.

"You can't be said to be a great conspirator, and you will leave a reputation for being capricious." Suzaemon said while urging Soruli on the futon to drink.The wine was the red wine he brought himself. "Anyway, I used to have a good relationship with Akechi Mitsuhide, but now I am a slave of Akechi's arch enemy Taiko." "I'm still helping others to take away the Taiko's gold... Well, let's not talk about it." Sorori Shinzaemon said sullenly, staring at the shadow of the plum tree reflected on the window paper, fascinated.He was born in a wealthy family in Sakai-Hong Kong. He was the number one in the business of weapons and harnesses, but he spent money like water. He once squandered his family property and later became a swordsman.In order to learn the tea ceremony, he joined Shao Ou's sect, the same sect as Guangxiu, and later joined the Zenbu Zongxin sect of Shino-ryu to learn incense skills.He is not only good at ditties, but also good at big drums, can also play the huqin, and plays the sanxian well, which can be said to be versatile.But he was naturally brazen and arrogant.He had seen through Guangxiu's ambition long ago, pretended to be sincere, and made a scabbard from the breast skins of eighteen cows for Guangxiu.Because he likes to play with muskets, he has long become close friends with Hideyoshi.Having such an experience, he always felt that danger was threatening.Sometimes, he would suddenly feel that life is impermanent, lamenting how sad the past was, but he sincerely envied Rikyu who fought with Hideyoshi to the last moment.

"What are you thinking about? You rare villain." Suzaemon said sarcastically. "Ah, it's nothing." Shinzaemon replied gloomily, "You're much younger than me. Young people don't understand the emptiness of old people." "Hehe." Suzaemon, who was strong and strong, laughed loudly. "We played with Taige like that, and we are afraid when we think about it." "Don't worry about it so much. Just treat it as the last evil." "It seems that I can't do it. Look at Jiaoan, she is quite old, and she sent her daughter to Edo Dai Nayan."

"He is indeed not simple, he always thinks that he is the king of the world." "Xin Zuo, you seem to think that taking gold from Taige is not a good thing." "Not necessarily." "Most of Taige's wealth comes from Sakai Port, and it is natural to take some back. This is also to end the war with the Ming Dynasty as soon as possible." "Having said that, if we help Xiuci, if there is a commotion, maybe someone will accuse us of treason." "This is also to make Taige turn his attention to the country so that the war can end as soon as possible... If you look at it this way, it is definitely a courageous and insightful act."

"Don't mention it again." Shinzaemon waved his hand impatiently, "I boasted that the rags you brought in were world-renowned, and I always felt guilty." "Hehe, your statement is indeed wrong. Luzon's pots can definitely be favored by those who pretend to be elegant." "We sold those pots to Taiko, and Taiko resold them to daimyo, and the daimyos had to buy them, and the daimyos who ran out of money sneaked to Hideji to borrow money...Mr. Nawu, as in personnel affairs, There is no point in living... I have fallen so far." "Hehehe, here we come again. What happened to the old man today? I'm thinking about a big thing."

"If there is anything that can make me discover the meaning of life, I would like to hear it." "Yes. Of course." The age difference created a gap between the two.In terms of experience, Suzaemon is certainly not as good as Shinzaemon, and in terms of strength and bravery, Shinzaemon cannot compare with Suzaemon.Suzaemon is known for his courage among merchants in Sakai Port. When he mentioned Taiko's overseas expeditions but failed repeatedly, he was impassioned and said that he would bring Taiko back to his youth; in addition, he traveled to Horai several times. (today's Taiwan) went to Luzon, and thus got the nickname "Luzon Zhuzaemon".

"Shopkeeper, Mr. Nawu's family is here." Hearing the servant's words, Suzaemon didn't even look at him, and said with a smile: "Just say I'll go back right away, I had a good chat with the old man today." "But the chariots and horses to pick you up have arrived, please go back quickly." Suzaemon drank the rest of the red wine in his glass and said, "I will visit you again before going out to sea. I hope you recover soon." "If I don't recover, there will be troubles on your side." Zeng Luli replied, laughing, "It's really weird. People who go to Luzon by sea are worried about people lying on tatami."

"You mean, your life is in danger, and I'm going to die too?" "Being on the tatami is not drifting at sea, there will be no accident." "Hehe, the catastrophe is approaching Sorori Shinzaemon step by step." "I will also be like Taige?" "Of course. It is the rising sun that I am helping Zaemon. But you, like Taiko, are gradually walking into the night." "Are you visiting a doctor? You're talking nonsense. Go away! Damn it!" "Hehe, once you get angry, your illness will heal faster. When you recover from your illness, you will be messing around like before." Suzaemon said loudly, leaving the seat and walking down the corridor.The entourage told him that there were guests coming to the house, probably Jiaoan.When family members mentioned Jiaoan, they would laugh and say: "The old man is here again, the cowhide is almost blown to pieces..."

Suzaemon has been having a dream recently: after Hideyoshi withdraws his troops from North Korea, he will find something bigger for him than going to North Korea.This dream is nothing else, but to build a huge city in the distant Tianchuan, no, the farther Annan.In this way, there is no need to transport troops, and there is no need to shed blood and sacrifice. In addition to the gold and silver produced in Japan, as long as you sell copper and Western iron, you can make a lot of money. You can buy large tracts of land without breaking a sweat.No matter what, Hideyoshi always wants to seize it with swords, it's too old-fashioned, and this old samurai must be opened his eyes.

Suzaemon's warehouse is by the sea not far from the shop, and his house is in a corner of Hatago Nongjincho near Shoan Betsuen.His family has more land than ordinary monasteries, and every time he returns from the sea, a pavilion will be built in his home.Some of his pavilions are imitations of Osaka Castle and replicas of Juledi, with large gold and silver rivets, vermilion lacquered pillars, and even the patterns on the sliding doors are exactly the same as Hideyoshi's, painted by the same artist.His influence in this area is evident. "The shopkeeper is back. Miss Mu Shi is here." The servant who went out to greet him said respectfully. "Miss Kimi?" Suzaemon was a little puzzled, but he didn't stop.He had proposed marriage to Jiao'an before, and wanted to marry his daughter Mushi as his wife.At that time, Jiaoan wrote lightly: "You go and ask her what she means. Everything is up to her." But when Suzaemon asked Mushi, Mushi couldn't stop laughing: "Hahaha, let me marry Suzaemon... Hehe, it's too ridiculous. Hehe..." "This isn't a joke. I'm telling you the truth." "That's why it's even more ridiculous. Giggle... What will happen if I really become Mr.'s wife? It's so ridiculous!" "That means you don't agree?" "Giggle..." "You think I'm not good enough for you, not worthy to be your husband-in-law?" "No. It's just too ridiculous. Giggle..." Suzaemon and Kino only said these words.He felt that Mu Shi was really arrogant, and it was normal for a man to be rejected by such a woman.From then on, even if the two met occasionally, Suzaemon would not even glance at her.Such a woman came to visit today. Suzaemon walked into the living room, only to see a woman sitting in front of the five-color painting "Spring Tour Mountain Picture", surrounded by a strong fragrance. "What a distinguished guest." Suzaemon greeted coldly, and sat cross-legged in front of the guest, "I don't know what kind of wind is blowing today. I don't want to be frightened before going to sea." "Mr. Nawu." Mu Shi sneered, "I came today by the order of the wife of the Beizheng Office." "Oh, aren't you in the mansion of Tokugawa Dai Nayan Jingzhong?" "These two things have nothing to do with each other." "Please ask your envoy to make it clear... how awkward, do I have to be so polite with you?" "Of course, I am the envoy of the Beizheng Office." "What kind of airs are you putting on, you woman... I'm sorry, I'm sorry." "Clever. That's how it should be..." "Don't put on airs. What's the matter?" "You rascal." "Did you say this, or Beizheng?" "Of course it is the Beizheng Office. I heard that you secretly lent gold to Guan Bai?" "Hmph, I'm afraid Beizheng Office can't take care of this matter. I'm doing business in partnership with Yodoya in Osaka, and I'm just pre-purchasing Guan Bai's annual gift." "Mr. Nawu..." Mu Shi smiled. "What's so ridiculous?" Suzaemon pursed his lips, "Now I am the well-informed ship owner Suzuo who has roamed the world, and I am no longer the brat you refused to marry me back then." Mu Shi laughed loudly: "Someone actually said you are a brat? Haha!" "Stop laughing. People said I was a good, reasonable guy then." "At that time? I heard that you had gone as far away as Wudao to do business at that time, and your face was so dark that it was exactly the same as the black man Nobunaga saw in Sakai Port...It's really funny." "Enough. What's the matter with you?" "You know what Guan Bai will do with the money, but you just lent it to him. Do you want to make the world into chaos? What are your intentions? Madam sent me here to question you." "I'm not just a ship owner, I'm also a rice merchant recognized by Lord Taiko. I'm a partnership with Yodoya, the richest merchant in Osaka. "Sir, your family's gold has caused chaos in the world, don't you feel ashamed?" "Of course I'm not ashamed." "Okay. Since you say so, I can't help you." "What's the meaning?" "I have no choice but to report your words to the Beizheng Office. As for how Madam understands it and how to pass it on to Lord Taige, I don't know." "What do you want, just say it straight, why beat around the bush!" "As expected of helping the left, I can't hide it from you." "Tell me!" Suzaemon smacked his tongue, "A woman with a strange yin and yang. What is the purpose of coming here today?" "It's not difficult for me to tell you. If you are a sensible person, it's fine. I'm afraid you will be confused and unreasonable." "Hateful. Say it!" "I want you to write a letter of apology and take it home." "Apology letter? What crime can I apologize for?" "Admit your sins, you shouldn't lend money to Guan Baixiuci, and you will never lend money again. Just write to me." "Let me write to you?" "I don't want to write, and I don't bother to plead with the wife of the Beizheng Office for you. The Beizheng Office will report to the Taige, and the Taige will treat you as an illegal businessman. What, help the left?" Suzaemon was very annoyed, and stared at Kiki, "You woman, how dare you threaten me..." Annoyance turned into annoyance, but he knew that even if it was just a businessman, if he knew his money would become something that would cause chaos in the world. The bane, should not be lent. "What if I wrote you a letter of apology?" When Suzaemon said this, Kino was already squinting to appreciate Suzaemon's garden. "Yeah, so what?" she said to herself, as if teasing Zuo Zuo, and laughed again. Zuo Zuo tried his best to suppress his anger.Although he is full of anger now, he is unknowingly attracted to Mushi.There is a special charm hidden in this woman who doesn't know what fear is, and maybe I have something in common with her. "You bring the letter to the Beizheng Office in Osaka...it proves the deal between me and Guan Bai..." "Smart! You deserve to be Assistant Zuo." "Tell me quickly, what will you do next?" "Mr. is very intelligent. I don't need to tell you how to do it." "Aren't you working for the Tokugawa family?" "Yes, I am Tokugawa's housekeeper now." "Since that's the case, it should be for the sake of the Tokugawa clan..." "Of course, loyalty comes first." "Then, what's the benefit to the Tokugawa family by giving the letter of apology I wrote to you to the Beizheng Office? I don't understand." "Hey." Mu Shi laughed loudly, "It's more interesting than guessing riddles. I feel like I'm back in my childhood. It's been a long time since I saw this feeling." Suzaemon glared at Kinoshi viciously, he seemed to understand the intention of asking him to write a letter of apology, "Kinoko, you are so hard to deal with." "Haha! Mister is not easy to mess with, even sharks dare not eat you." "It's definitely not your idea alone. Is it your father's idea?" "No!" Mushi shook his head, with a girlish innocence on his face, "It wasn't my father's idea. But your letter of apology will bring great benefits to the merchants in Sakai Port." Hearing her say that, Suzaemon also laughed. "Do you know why I asked you to write a letter of apology? Now the world is looking forward to the early end of the war in North Korea." Hearing what Kishi said, Zuzaemon's eyes shined, and he was proud, "No! I can't write. Luzon's Zuzaemon's intelligence is not as good as that of a girl... How can I leave the evidence to prove my stupidity to me? Later generations? I won't write." He had a cold face. "Haha..." Mu Shi smiled heartily again, "I never thought that Suzaemon would be so small-minded." "What did you say?" Suzaemon retorted, "A person like me doesn't care about trivial things at all." "Let me tell you the truth: If you had raised money for Shuji Kanbai, Lord Tokugawa would not have been sent to North Korea." "Hmph, it turned out to be a trick to prevent Tokugawa from going to North Korea." "Tell me why you don't want to write." "Miss Mushi." "So serious!" "The more I support Guan Bai, the greater the domestic turmoil. At this time, in order to control the domestic situation, the powerful Tokugawa will naturally not be sent to North Korea." "You are wrong." Mu Shi shook his head bluntly, "Lord Taige is not old enough to quell the turmoil by himself." "You mean, it is because he can still control the domestic situation that Master Tokugawa was sent out?" "Is not it?" "What losses will the merchants in Sakai Port bring to Tokugawa's expedition?" "You are really confused! If something happens to Mr. Tokugawa in North Korea... Taige is old, and Guan Bai is useless... tell me, what will happen?" "meet." "At that time, who will assist the merchants in Sakai Port to provoke Japan? Will the war resume? Date in Oshu, Shimadzu, Kuroda, and Kato in Kyushu, Mori in China, Hosokawa and Seki in Kinki Bai, what will happen to the painstaking efforts of merchants in Sakai Port? The world is once again in chaos!" "Hahaha!" Suzaemon suddenly raised his head and laughed, "Understood, Miss Kino." "As long as you know." "No, you misunderstood, I didn't explain the meaning of your words." "Then what do you understand?" "Don't worry. I understand why you don't marry me." "Zhu Zuo, why can't you let go of that old thing?" "Of course. How can you easily forget a man who has lost all his face? You are just a girl." "It's because I'm a woman that you want to marry me, don't you?" "No, women have long hair and short knowledge. I help Zaemon with high ambitions, how can I accept you? You are too small, how can you understand the lofty ambitions of a man? Now I finally understand that it is my luck not to marry you ! You can go back." After being sneered at by Zuzaemon, Mu Shi blushed and was burning with anger. "Ambition does not distinguish between men and women. What is the size? Mister has tarnished the word ambition." As she spoke, she moved forward vigorously, and said loudly, "You haven't answered the key question. Once Mr. Tokugawa has an accident in Korea, The Taige is old and decayed, Guan Bai is useless... At that time, what is your opinion, let me hear it." "Haha, do you want to know my thoughts so much, Mushi?" "Exactly. Say it quickly!" "It seems that you won't go back today without telling you." Suzaemon stretched his neck exaggeratedly, widened his eyes, and even distorted his yellow waxy face, "Why do people in the world keep fighting? I probably don’t need to say the reason.” "Everything comes from desire. People's desires are endless, and once they fight, they will be out of hand. You also have a deep understanding of this, don't you?" "I said earlier that you are short-sighted. It's really good. In fact, the root cause is that Japan is so small that people can't be satisfied, so they fight endlessly." "You have a point. But in my view, it's still people fighting over what they want." "We're so far away. I've seen the end of the war. I'm thinking about a big thing." "What's the big deal, tell me?" "Soon, the world will be unified. At that time, some people will become useless." "Useless person?" "Didn't you consider this? Once the world is stable, warriors will be useless, and they cannot be ignored. In this way, the world will change. If they become vagrants and wander on the streets, they will feel dissatisfied, and once someone comes out If they compete for the world, they will flock to them. The chance for them to get ahead is chaos in the world, and the most welcome thing is to compete for supremacy. But if they are arranged properly, the matter will be solved easily?" "Placement?" "That's right, I've already thought about this move. The world is big, not just Korea and Luzon, nor just Tianchuan, Ningbo and other ports, but also Annan, Siam and Tianzhu. Those places have a warm climate and rich products. It is a happy land where the grains are harvested twice or even three times a year. I want to build a city there. There will be no chaos, no burning, killing and looting. I can also build large ships and trade around. When it becomes a reality, you will still think of the scene of Tokugawa's death in battle, Taige's old age, and the red eyes of the samurai? There is no limit to human desires, but as long as you find another way of life, why worry about it... Understand these, you You can also be a great person.” Suzaemon was full of disdain. He thought the other party didn't understand his reasoning, so he deliberately stretched out his right hand and pulled his plump chin.Mu Shi solemnly pushed his hand away, eyes full of anger, "Sir, do you want to build cities everywhere to accommodate those warriors who have lost their usefulness?" "Men's thoughts are different from women's." "It's amazing. As expected of a giant in Sakai Port." "Are you convinced? If that's the case, go back obediently." "No. Since Mr. has great ambitions, you should listen to me even more." "Do you still want me to write a letter of apology?" "I'll be secretly praying for Mr.'s ambition." "What if I refuse?" "It's very clear that my husband has great ambitions, but he went to jail because he angered the Taige. The world will say that a man like Lu Song Zuzaemon actually ruined his future because of a letter of apology...you Still have the face to live in this world?" "You hateful woman..." Sukezaemon roared, "What a sharp mouth!" "Will you write it or not? I will go back when I hear the answer. Today I am not an ordinary person, I am the special envoy of Mrs. Beizheng!" It was hard to tell the winner between the two.Suzaemon has the upper hand in ambition, but Kishi's eloquence is slightly better. "It's a good idea. After the war is over, those warriors will be useless... If you abandon them, the world will be in chaos..." "Well." "Will you write or not? I just want you to say something. Say it!" "..." "Mushi has already admitted that you are a real man. You should agree." "Wooden." "What's the matter, Mr. Luzon?" "You just admitted that I'm a real man?" "yes." Suzaemon raised his hand again and reached for Kinoko's chin, "Can you show the evidence?" "What did you say?" "I want you to admit that I am the evidence of a clank man." "evidence?" "In the past, you looked down on me and ridiculed me. Now you admit it, then you have to admit your mistake to me." "Did you ask me to write a letter of apology too?" "No, what I want is your person, just once. I will write to you immediately after that. How about it, since you know you are wrong, take action. Once is enough." Saying that, Suzaemon pulled the wood With a firm shoulder, he pulled it in front of him.Mu Shi felt his whole body go numb, he wanted to run away, but his legs and feet couldn't move, he wanted to slap Zuo Zuo, but he couldn't move his hands. "You didn't resist?" Suzaemon was taken aback, and said to himself, "If that's the case, then you are willing to use your body to apologize to me?" As he spoke, he suddenly hugged Mu Shi's head, and kissed her neck, cheeks, chin, and forehead with hot lips, and finally landed on his lips.Zhu Zuo kisses Mu Shi like crazy.Mu Shi closed her eyes, she had experienced this kind of shock before, even though she was very disgusted in her heart, she couldn't move her body, and her mind was like paralyzed. "Haha..." Suzaemon suddenly laughed, with both hands still hugging Moshi tightly, "Haha... Momo, you are already my woman. It's amazing. Haha." The word "bold" was probably used to refer to this kind of man.Suzaemon kissed Kinoki's neck hard again, and then let go of his arm suddenly.But Mushi seemed to be in a daze, and still didn't wake up. "Well, since you've admitted your mistake, I can't live up to my words. A man like me only writes a letter of apology once in his life." Suzaemon said to himself, while standing up, fetched the paper and inkstone, and put it on the between people.Mu Shi came back to her senses slowly, and only then did she feel that her face was hot and her whole body was trembling. "Quickly tell me what you want me to write... I promise to write exactly as you want." "..." "Why don't you speak? Didn't you already have a draft?" Mu Shi swallowed hard.Zhu Zuo was right, she had already thought about the content, but she couldn't say it for a while.She is still in a mess. "No need to worry. I agree." Suzaemon cheerfully unfolded the paper and picked up the pen, "Kinoshi..." Mu Shi's eyes regained their brilliance.In retrospect, the relationship between the two is really strange, they are both from the Nawu clan, and they have been very familiar with each other since they were young.For the understanding of strategy, business, martial arts, and human heart, the two have been influenced by Jiaoan since childhood.They firmly believe that only the merchants in Sakai Port are the real pillars of Japan.Therefore, people's thoughts are surprisingly consistent at all times.Although they all believed that in the past it was Lixiu Layman, Zeng Luli, Zong Jiu and others who ruled the world, but in the future, the world will be ruled by them, but they refused to give in to each other and fought openly and secretly. "I dictated." "Don't tremble." "Apology letter..." "Apology letter... good." "Sinners help the left, because they don't think carefully, they actually lend gold to the noble and benevolent Lord. Now you have been persuasive and persuasive, and finally realized that this move really hinders the stability of the world." "Isn't this the same as saying that it is inappropriate to lend Guan Platinum?" "Exactly. Is it finished?" "It's done." "Afterwards, I must seriously reflect on it, and I beg you not to publish this book to the world. I would like to apologize with this book." Suzaemon was secretly amused while writing, and said: "If someone else sees this, they will think that I, Luzon Suzaemon, was stepped on by Ms. Kishi, and I am helpless." "If you don't write it like this, it's meaningless." "If you show this to the Beizheng Institute, the Beizheng Institute will think that if Tokugawa is not left behind, the country will be in danger?" "Yes. Seal it after writing." "Okay. It's done, Ms. Mushi." "Okay, I accept it." "I've given you the letter of apology, but I'll still earn the money. What you want is to keep Tokugawa in the country." Mushi didn't answer, wrapped the apology letter carefully, put it in his arms, stood up, "I'm sorry to bother you for so long." "Indeed." "It's surprising that you sent me away without even serving the tea. Time is running out, so I'll take my leave first." "Hmph, don't worry about that. Today, I am very happy to help Zaemon. I didn't even have to serve tea, but I got precious things. I can go to Luzon with peace of mind. Serve Ieyasu well, and don't play tricks anymore. " "Farewell." "If I make a lot of money, I'll lend you some next time. Hahaha..." Before Suzaemon could stop laughing, Kinoko's figure had already disappeared from his eyes.