Chapter 34 Chapter Thirty-Four

When the news of Maeda Toshiie's death came, Ishida Mitsunari was changing clothes in his room, ready to visit him. Kitagawa Heiemon, who had been staying in Maeda Prefecture, hurried back and asked him to back off, but Mitsunari reprimanded: "Except for Osode, there are only you and me...Why, Dai Nayan passed away?" "Yes... yes. It's gone, but the way Da Nayan died..." "Is it weird?" "yes." "Is it suicide or death?" Kitagawa Heiemon opened his eyes wide in horror, and glanced at Sode.Axiu was quietly packing up the clothes that Sancheng had just changed, not looking at them at all. "The appearance is very terrifying. It is said that he died of vomiting blood while holding a dagger in his hand."

"Hmm. Sancheng understands his distress very well. Since that's the case, I don't need to wait there anymore." Sancheng muttered, "Then, did Hizen Shou enter the city to report his death?" "Yes. The daimyos who had been waiting there for a long time also went to the city to report to the young master." Sancheng nodded vigorously, but he didn't mention whether he would also go to the city to pay his condolences.The one who died was not an ordinary person, but the prominent Hide Lai Fuchen.Therefore, it is reasonable for the eldest son, Li Chang, to report to Hideyori first, and then the daimyos go to express their condolences.

"Are you going to enter the city immediately, too?" Heiemon asked, and Mitsunari shook his head slowly: "You follow my orders, so that you can guard the mansion." "So, my lord doesn't go to the city to express his condolences?" "No. Among the people who went to the city to express their condolences, there must be a group of generals headed by Qingzheng. If we meet them, trouble may arise." "Aren't you going out?" "It's better to be like this. But...it's not that if I don't show up, the situation will be stable, and they will definitely vent their dissatisfaction. Therefore, we must guard the mansion..."

According to Sancheng's thinking, apart from Kato, Fukushima, Asano, Kuroda, Hosokawa and others might come towards him in a fit of anger on their way back.The two sides have been at loggerheads since the Korean War.Since the defense of Ulsan City, the truth of the bitter battle has not been reported to the Taiko truthfully. Kato, Asano and their generals angrily blamed the responsibility on the then supervisors Fukuhara Nagataka, Kagami Namo, and Kumagai Naomori.Fukuhara is Sancheng's beloved son-in-law, and the other three are also Sancheng's confidantes.Therefore, everyone thought that all this was under Sancheng's instigation.Therefore, once they meet in the city, their dissatisfaction will undoubtedly be exacerbated.Recently, when Sancheng was waiting in Qiantian Mansion, he also negotiated with them, but it ended in vain...

"The subordinates know what to do, so let's strengthen our guard." After Heiemon left, Mitsunari asked Ashuto to burn incense and pray for Toshiie's good fortune.Even if people can barely feel at ease, their confusion and distress will not disappear.The death of Li Jia was a heavy blow to Sancheng. "Axiu, I've made a complete decision." The death of Li's family was already expected, and the mission in the future is to attack from all directions and defeat each one.Because of this, he will work tirelessly to guard Li's side all the time.This approach is particularly important for stabilizing the situation after Li Jia's death.If he wants to choose the next co-government, he will recommend Terumoto Mori.The 30% who are so close to the Toshi family recommend Mori Terumoto, and the generals will gather under Mori's command soon, and this force will gradually grow into a force capable of confronting Ieyasu.In any case, he must carry this matter through to the end, and there is no room for maneuver.

If you can't commit seppuku, you will die without peace. Lijia has such a state of mind, and Sancheng is the same. If he can die for Toyotomi, he will be content. "Axiu, the day we parted is getting closer and closer." Axiu put the tea in front of Sancheng, but looked away. "What are you doing? Do you understand what I just said?" "No, I don't understand." "I just said that the day when we parted is getting closer and closer." "Why?" "Because you showed me the maze, I don't want to kill you. In order to save your life, I have to divorce you. Now is the time."

There was a wry smile on Axiu's lips, and said: "Is this appropriate?" "What fits?" "The concubine is saying that it is appropriate for adults not to go to the city to express their condolences?" "You don't need to worry about this. Everyone is angry today. It's best not to meet them." "Oh..." Axiu said anxiously, "Since your lord doesn't want to go to the city, why don't you just go back to the collar to recuperate for a while..." "Haha." Sancheng smiled happily.Axiu cared more and more for him, and a feeling of love and affection flowed warmly through Sancheng's heart, "Now you speak very differently from before. If you were in the past, you would definitely be sarcastic."

"My lord, if you don't go to the city, just hide in the mansion, isn't it too careless?" Sancheng's heart sank, "You mean, if we don't meet each other, it will intensify their hostility towards me?" "Is not it?" In fact, Sancheng was as uneasy as Axiu.On the same day when Ie Kang returned to Lee's family, San Cheng's appearance at Maeda Mansion caused countless rumors.It was rumored that not only the generals who gathered at the Maeda family, but even the Toshi family were furious and wanted to kill Sancheng on the spot.Under Jiakang's persuasion, the matter was settled... In fact, last night, 30% stayed in Maeda Mansion until very late.For those who understand the truth, rumors are not worth mentioning at all.However, those who believe in the rumors believe that the relationship between the two parties has deteriorated.

"It seems that you still think I should go to the city." If it was before, 30% would definitely laugh and blame Axiu.But today, he is afraid of this woman's sensitivity. "No, I didn't say that going to the city is the best choice. What I mean is that it's better to leave here and go outside for a while..." "Are you worried that the Chief Accountant will attack here today?" "Yes." Axiu replied without hesitation, "Everything is fine, my lord, so you can rest assured to say goodbye to your lord." Sancheng's face became pale and stiff, this woman saw everything through!His own people have been placed everywhere in the city, and news will come soon, and he knows the situation of the big names like the back of his hand.The problem is, he can only make decisions on a case-by-case basis.In fact, he had already considered temporary avoidance for a long time, and even thought out the specific steps, but "the secret must not be revealed".Don't say that he didn't reveal anything to Masuda Nagamori, Konishi Xingchang, Ukita Hideka and others, even his children.

"Axiu, you are such a scary woman!" "What did your lord say?" "Around me, there is no one who can see through every detail like you, who can penetrate the secrets of life at a glance." "Your Excellency still divorce me?" "Here, I'd better divorce you... For me, you are indeed not useless. Even so..." Sancheng smiled and sighed, "You just said that I should stay away temporarily, so if the chief planner Really coming to attack... where should I hide?" Axiu stared at Sancheng coldly, "My lord already knows it well."

"You said just now that it's best to go back to the collar?" "Yes, there is another place, which is next to Mrs. Dian in the city..." "Oh, wait, Osode. You're right! Of course it's good to be with Mrs. Yodo. But how can I return to the territory? Even if I retreat to the Fushimi area with difficulty, I will be enemies on all sides! The road leading to Omi , I am afraid it has already been blocked." Axiu let out a clear laugh, "Okay, okay...don't talk anymore. Therefore, you still can't divorce me?" After being pointed out by Axiu, Sancheng couldn't help being anxious, "Axiu, have you seen through my mind long ago?" "Yes. This is not difficult to see from your lord's calmness recently. If your lord was worried, he would have killed me long ago." "Hmph, what a scary woman..." Sancheng murmured, closed his mouth, and swallowed the rest of the words.He never revealed his future plan to anyone, but Axiu guessed it.If you ask again, Axiu decided: "It is in the arms of the Neifu." Exactly as Osho said, if Kiyomasa and others attack the Ishida mansion, there are only two ways to escape in 30% of the cases: one is to go to Mrs. Yodo, and the other is to go down the Yodo River and rush to hide at the place of his sworn enemy, Tokugawa Ieyasu .Thirty percent has already made up his mind not to go to the city to offer condolences.In the event of an accident, he will find a way out. If you ask Mrs. Dian for help, it will make the generals even more embarrassed.However, once he arrived at Jiakang's office, the result was completely different.Ieyasu is not ready to kill him yet.Under the protection of Ieyasu, those generals who hate 30% will definitely be at a loss. Their estrangement melted away overnight... If Ieyasu could really have this illusion, 30% would kill two birds with one stone.Of course, if the generals in the city were in a calm mood today, he wouldn't have to deliberately risk himself.But even this secret seems to be seen through by Axiu. Sancheng once again stood on the brink of confusion: should I throw this woman away, or should I keep it by my side?There is no need to worry that if you let her go, the secret will be revealed, but there is always a mirror-like person by your side, and you will feel dreadful.Ah Xiu even saw through his hesitation, how could he not feel uncomfortable? If Hideyori's close minister Kuwajima Jiemon hadn't arrived in time, 30% would have asked Ashu to bring wine, and after drinking the farewell wine, he would kill her quietly. "Kujima Jiemon rushed from the castle and said that there is something urgent to report to your lord." Kitagawa Heiraemon ran all the way to report to Misunari, it was past noon. "Okay, please hurry up." For some reason, Sancheng heaved a sigh of relief—it's better to save Axiu's life first. Because of 30% of the election, Kuwashima Jiemon had become Hideyori's close minister before Taiko's death, and received a thousand shilumi.He was also flustered like Kitagawa Heiemon, and once he entered the room, he asked to turn away from the left and right, but Sancheng refused with a smile: "This woman is like my wife, it doesn't matter. Just talk about what you have to say." "Yes." Despite this, Sang Dao lowered his voice vigilantly, "They have already negotiated with Chidori." "Who participated in the secret meeting?" "Kato chief planner Kiyomasa, Fukushima Zaemon doctor Masanori, Kuroda Kai Nagamasa, Hosokawa Koshichu Mori Tadako, Ikeda attendant Teruma, Asano Sakyo doctor Yukinaga, and Kato Saumasuke Yoshiaki, a total of seven people." "Well, it's all together. So, what was the talk?" "At the beginning, they planned to have the previous supervisors Yuanmi, Kumagai, and Fukuhara cut their seppuku today, but they didn't agree..." "Who suggested it?" "Ikeda Teruma!" "and then?" "They said, taking advantage of the great opportunity of Dai Nayan's death, immediately surround the mansion of the lord and kill you. Then send the head to the Fushimi Inner Palace." "Hmph!" Sancheng said deliberately loudly, "Have you discussed the specific time?" "I'm afraid it will be today and tomorrow. After the secret talk, everyone withdrew early." Sancheng couldn't restrain the joy in his heart, and took a quick look at Axiu.A sleeve is concentrating on making tea for them. "I..." Jiemon suddenly fell back and saluted, "Master Jibu's kindness will never be forgotten. Please let me stay in your mansion from now on. The villain came here with the heart of death. Anyone who uses Yes, Master Zhibu just give orders." Sancheng said softly: "Oh, it seems that we must act as soon as possible." After speaking, he looked flustered, clapped his hands and called Heiemon over. "Please drink tea." As soon as Osode opened his mouth, he was reprimanded by Mitsunari: "Don't you have long ears? You bastard! Kuwashima, immediately report this news to Uesugi-sama. Then, Heiemon..." He A little trembling, "You go to Lord Yuxida immediately, and ask him to send troops to reinforce immediately... These chaotic parties have caused troubles for no reason. If I just sit idly by, wouldn't the world be in chaos? You two go, and come back as soon as possible after the incident is over. I report." The two took the order to leave, and Sancheng just regained his composure, and took the tea that Axiu handed over. "It smells so good." But Axiu didn't speak.Sancheng continued: "I'm afraid I will leave the mansion for a while. When I'm not around, you should stay at home." While speaking, he suppressed his excitement. Axiu still didn't answer.She has seen through every corner of Sancheng's heart, and she has long planned to stay in the mansion and resign herself to fate according to Sancheng's words.After Sancheng leaves, the retainers may imprison her or kill her.But she admitted it.The battle between Sancheng and Ieyasu has reached the point where fire and water cannot be tolerated, and the two are born to confront each other.It was Axiu who realized this first, and it was Axiu who reminded 30%. There is a deep calamity between Axiu and Sancheng.Since Axiu left his hometown, he has met countless men.However, among so many men, there is no one who can be as predestined with her as Sancheng, it's incredible.At the beginning, she hated Sancheng, but later she gradually became restless because of his aloofness.Thirty percent thought they were extremely smart, and that all their actions were carefully planned without any flaws, but in fact they were full of loopholes.Axiu saw all this and was anxious about it.An inconceivable emotion arose spontaneously in the anxiety, which made her even surpass the duty of a concubine.In fact, a woman like Ah Xiu doesn't have the same feelings as ordinary people. The more flawed and arrogant the other party is, the more it can arouse her inner feelings. Less than an hour after Kuwashima Jiemon and Kitagawa Heiemon left, two more panicked rushed over.One is Ukita Hide's important minister Hanafura Shimamori, and the other is Satake Yoshinobu who hastily rushed from Fushimi because he was worried about Sancheng's personal safety.Yoshinobu Satake stationed the troops he had brought with him in the Moriguchi area, and rushed to Ishida Mansion with only five or six followers. "The mansion is at stake. In the name of recuperation, my lord should go to other places to take refuge for a while." Huafang Zhimoshou persuaded.He still has doubts about Ah Xiu and whispers to San Cheng. Sancheng had planned this for a long time, and he should agree to it. Unexpectedly, he rejected the other party's offer: "What about escaping? Why don't you hurry up to reinforce and severely punish those villains. There is nothing else Law." But Satake Yoshinobu kept shaking his head, "We can't stop them. Moreover, if we ask for reinforcements, it will bring panic to the world and inconvenience other daimyos..." Under Yoshinobu's painstaking persuasion, Sanchengfang reluctantly agreed, took a female sedan chair to leave the house, first went to the Ukita Hideka's mansion in Osaka to take refuge, and then made a long-term plan. It was almost dusk.It seems that Axiu is going out, but in fact, Sancheng fled in a hurry.Axiu remained motionless, watching them leave, feeling boundless in his heart: If I am not here, how will the adults escape? When Kato Kiyomasa and other seven generals rushed to Ishida Mansion in the name of negotiating, Sancheng had already rushed to Ushita Mansion in a sedan chair, and the difference was less than half an hour. It was late at that time, and a group of people knocked on the closed gate, shouting "open the door".Axiu had no idea who would go out and how to deal with it.She has no way of knowing how many people will come.The remaining retainers in the mansion knew that the master was no longer in the mansion, so everyone was extraordinarily calm. "We came here today to ask your master for an explanation. I want to ask Master Ishida if he would hand over Fukuhara, Kakinami, and Kumagai." The door was opened, and a sound of footsteps came from the door.The voice was very familiar, and it must be Asano Yukunaga who frequented Hakata Yanagicho frequently.In an instant, noisy footsteps went from the door to the corridor. "Everyone, please come back another day. Because I had been waiting at Da Nayan's sick bed for several days, my family became sick from overwork. When Da Nayan passed away, he went out of the house to recuperate." It was roughly opened, and in the light and shadow of the torch, a vague figure walked in, it was Yukunaga Asano.After that, some people came in one after another. Axiu didn't have a good impression of the expressions of the people who came, but I only remembered that their faces were full of murderous looks, as if they wanted to cut 30% in two. Axiu was about to reprimand them for their rudeness, but Xingchang spoke first: "Are you Axiu?" "You guys are so rude! Lord Zuo Jing, yes, the little girl was indeed Hakata's concubine before...but now, I am the concubine of Jibu Shaofu." "Hmph! We are here to negotiate with Zhibu. Hurry up and hand over Zhibu!" "My lord is not in the mansion now." "Huh?" Xingchang responded hoarsely, but seemed to suddenly remember something, he laughed, "I remember. You are indeed a woman who can't lie." After finishing speaking, he turned back and shouted to the others, "Look, everyone, this is the woman that Hakata's island house dedicated to Jibu. Since this woman is so calm, he is indeed not here." A group of people chirped for a while, then withdrew like a tide. "How could he have escaped?" "Where did he slip away from?" "I really can't be paralyzed." Discussions reverberated in Axiu's ears intermittently. It seemed that they were determined to continue chasing.Suddenly, the voice of Zahe Bingbu came from my ear: "Madam, while the adults are away, I have to take good care of you. You should stay in the mansion." Axiu breathed a sigh of relief.Hearing Asano Yukunaga's words, the Ministry of War must think that she is a spy sent by Shimaya. "Of course I will be here. Ishida-sama said the same..." Axiu wanted to laugh, but finally shed tears...