Chapter 8 Chapter 8: The Battle Outside the War

Tokugawa Ieyasu sent Otani Yoshitsugu away, and immediately started preparing to go to Beijing. Toyotomi Hideyoshi has made up his mind.The Hojo clan boasted to the world and deliberately let Hideyoshi see his combat readiness. Therefore, Ieyasu and Hideyoshi already knew everything about the Hojo clan. Hojo Ujiki is the general general of Izu Nirayama Castle, the general general of Shishihama Castle is Naohisa Oishi, and Yasari Castle is garrisoned by Kaji (wei) Kagemune and Miura Shigenobu. Kangying, Edo Settsu Shouchatada and Takahashi Danba, who were concentric with Shimizu, were stationed.The newly built mountain castle between Hakone and Mishima is headed by Yasunaga, the nephew of the veteran Matsuda Owari Morihide, and Hojo Ujikatsu, the lord of Tamawa Castle. Prepare for the enemy to launch a frontal attack from here.Ujimasa's younger brother, Sanoshi, stayed loyally in Yugara Castle, while Edo Castle Dai Toyama Keisha was in Xinzhuang Castle to prevent the enemy from attacking from the northwest.In the west, such as Miyagino and Dikura, the defenses are also very tight. In the rear, Hachioji Castle, Musashi's Shinobi Castle and Iwaki Castle are being built day and night.Therefore, once this battle starts, it will definitely cause more casualties than the conquest of Kyushu.

Hojo's morale was high.Even young farmers and businessmen are carrying bamboo guns.Among them, there is a saying: "If you win the first battle, we will all be warriors!" However, Ieyasu was still worried.He understood Hideyoshi's tactics too well.Hideyoshi will lead the army and confront the Hojo clan for a long time.The problem is, Ieyasu is worried that Hideyoshi will appoint him as the vanguard of the attack on Odawara and pass the responsibility on to him. "What are the Tokugawa's troops doing? They can't even take down a single Odawara!" During the war, if such comments were made about the Tokugawa clan, the world's famous names would inevitably have doubts about Ieyasu's power.If Hideyoshi insisted on changing Ieyasu's territory, this argument would become a deadly excuse and immediately break the balance of power between the two of them. "I haven't made any great achievements. What's the dissatisfaction with granting Guan Bazhou to him?"

After Ieyasu had a general understanding of the formation of the Hojo Army, he went to Hamamatsu in hunting clothes, where he discussed with the important ministers.Like Hideyoshi, Ieyasu had made up his mind.Although he can order directly, it is bound to be difficult to eliminate the dissatisfaction of his retainers.This discussion is just a formality, in fact, it's all Ieyasu's intention.The summoned retainers included Ii Naomasa, Sakai Tadayo, Kanbara Yasomasa, Honda Masanobu, Honda Saemon, Okubo Tadarin, Naito Masanari, Aoyama Toshichiro, and Torii Mototada who came from Koshu. "Guan Bai urged me to go to Beijing in the first ten days of December. I heard that the last attack on China and Kyushu, all the daimyos sent their wives as hostages, and I have to send Xiuzhong to Kyoto too. Everyone share their opinions. "Ieyasu said these in a low voice with no expression on his face.

"I heard that my lord personally refused to send Mr. Hidetada as a hostage." The first person to speak was Yasumasa Kanbara, "Even the envoy didn't say that Mr. Hidetada must be sent. Is it necessary?" It's past time.The shadows of ancient plum trees that have fallen leaves are reflected on the window paper, which is picturesque.Ieyasu shook his head bitterly, "Kangzheng, that won't work." "However, Guan Bai's attitude is not tough." "I said to stagger the time when Xiuzhong and I went to Beijing, not to not send Xiuzhong to Beijing. I said this to let people understand that we also have our own arrangements and considerations."

"but……" "Okay, listen up, I've decided to fight, and I've decided to be their ally, so I don't have to deliberately make people dissatisfied, it's better to go happily, so that we have more leeway." Ieyasu took a look. Sakuzaemon stared silently at the mat like a stone, "Sakuza, I'm going to Beijing, but I'll be back soon. I have to prepare Hidetada to go to Beijing now. Send Ii Naomasa, Sakai Tadashi, Naito Masanari, Aoyama Fuji Shichiro and the four go together. Is this appropriate?" Zuzaemon didn't move at all as if he hadn't heard of it.Ieyasu smiled wryly, and turned his attention to Okubo Tadao, "As long as we send Hidetaka there, Kanbai won't be suspicious. In this way, Tokugawa's face can be preserved, and there will be no estrangement after the matter is over. Everyone Hurry up and get ready."

"Yes." Naito Masanari and Sakai Tadayo answered in unison, but Naomasa and Toshichiro did not respond. "Listen well, the most important thing in this war is not to make Guan Bai suspicious. This is a protracted war, and you must be familiar with the terrain during this period. Be careful not to let Guan Bai make us the main force." Sakuzaemon suddenly sneered twice.His ridicule has become a habit, regardless of the occasion. "Zuo Zuo, what objection do you have?" "Even if I have objections, my lord will not listen." "What did you say?"

"It's not a negotiation at all. It's just that the lord is giving orders alone. It's a lie to say it's a negotiation." "As I said, if you have an opinion, just mention it." "I have a big opinion. I have been silently listening to my lord. No matter what unreasonable demands that monkey Hideyoshi makes, my lord will accept it. My lord, just serve Hideyoshi! You will say that is loyalty. Is that right?" ?” "This is your opinion?" "Don't dare. I'm just adding to what the lord said. Everyone, listen carefully. Our lord was frightened by Hideyoshi at some point, and has lost his spine. Therefore, no matter what, Hideyoshi is the first, and he will only treat Hideyoshi. Nod and bow. That's all I have to say."

Ieyasu let out a long sigh.It seems that Honda Zuzaemon is really old.He used to be known as the ghost, and he was very prestigious in the Tokugawa clan, but now he is just a stubborn weirdo who goes against everything.Such a veteran is not the only one on the left.The same goes for Tadashi Sakai, the gatekeeper who did not let him come today.He married Ieyasu's aunt, who was even more arrogant than Zuo.Zuo Zuo just satirized a few words mercilessly, but Chuji dared to reprimand anyone in the Tokugawa family.Ieyasu had no choice but to order him to live in seclusion.In comparison, Zuo Zuo is still a person with insight, ideas, and achievements.Ieyasu let him sit at the same table because of this, but he seemed out of date.

"Hahaha, you still dare to speak out. In fact, you are not wrong, but I have not lost my integrity. I issued such an order for the sake of the people. Today's matter is settled like this! If you have anything, you can talk about it." Zuo Zuo sneered again, but this time he didn't say anything, he just said: I understand the Lord's thoughts, so there is no need to say anything.Although he still wanted to be sarcastic, considering Ieyasu's tough attitude, there was no need to speak.This discussion, as Zuo Zuo said, was carried out entirely according to Ieyasu's ideas.Although there were objections, Ieyasu always overwhelmed them and insisted on his own opinion.He decided to set off on the seventh day of December and arrive in Kyoto on the 10th, where he discussed with Hideyoshi and offered ten gold ingots to the palace through the tea house Shiro Jiro, and then returned to Junfu immediately to prepare for the war.In this way, Hideyoshi will definitely think that Hidetada has no need to go to Beijing within the year, so that the face of the Tokugawa clan can be preserved.Even so, in order to avoid Hideyoshi's suspicion, Ieyasu arranged for Hidetada to go to Beijing on the third day of the first lunar month.He emphasized that necessary means should be used to conquer relatives like Hojo.

Sakuzaemon remained silent, and the others had no objection.After a smooth decision was made, everyone withdrew.At this point in the discussion, there is no tea or hot water, let alone wine.Those who hadn't eaten all ate something casually, and then went back separately.But Tsukuzaemon didn't move.At some point, he had fallen asleep with his head drooped. "Old man, it's over. Get up and go back." Ieyasu said. Sakuzaemon looked around blankly. "My lord, what did you just say? I'm a little deaf lately, so I can't hear you clearly." After he finished speaking mockingly but flatteringly, he sat up straight.

"I said it's over, you can step back." Ieyasu sensed that Sazaemon wanted to say something, so he stayed, but he still urged. "Has the lord finished? I forgot what I wanted to say." "Forget it. Go back and rest." "By the way, I remembered. I had a dream just now." "Oh? The dream you had was definitely going to contradict me again." "No. I saw Ishikawa Susho in my dream." "Number positive?" "That guy seems to be persuading me to retire, saying that I am not suitable to stay in Okazaki Castle because of my size, saying that my era is gone forever, it is better to retire and make way for young people." Ieyasu was surprised: This old guy is not old yet, he understands what I mean. "Oh, why did Shuzheng say such things? Do you have any agreement with him?" "Hmph, I'll make a pact with that guy! He's the source of my lord's fear of Hideyoshi." "Why do you dream about him, it means you care about him." "My lord!" "Let's talk, it's just the two of us here." "My lord, please allow me to go into seclusion. You dare to run into my dream even when you are counting, and tell me what to do. It seems that it is time for me to go into seclusion." "Hmm..." Ieyasu suddenly felt sympathy for Zuo Xin, "Are you still thinking about the incident where you piled firewood around her residence when Taimasa was staying in Okazaki, thereby angering Hideyoshi?" Tsukuru turned his head to the side, but this time he didn't sneer. "You don't have to worry about this matter. The two of us are here, so I tell you: I am grateful to you from the bottom of my heart. Since then, Hideyoshi has understood the unity and tenacity of the Mikawa samurai, so he gave up the idea of ​​buying Tokugawa retainers." Zuo Zuo turned his face and said mockingly: "Is this what the lord wants to say?" "So, you didn't ask for hermitage because of this?" "My lord, my ghost Zuo Zuo is also a man!" "Oh, you're suddenly rejuvenated." "I will consider Hideyoshi's feelings, and go into seclusion because of stacking firewood? Am I going to be so spineless?" "Oh." "When I should pile firewood, I will pile firewood; when I should retire, I will retreat according to my heart. I will not lose my spine just because I have eaten my salary and obeyed the lord's unreasonable orders for the sake of loyalty. Don't underestimate the lord." He leaned forward and stared at Ieyasu stubbornly, his gaze was compelling. Ieyasu wanted to turn away.To speak like that to Tsukusa's face is really rude!Such a person, the Tokugawa family really couldn't find another one. "Zuo Zuo, you say I underestimated you?" "That's right." Zuo Zuo took a breath, "Today I really want to fight the lord." "Stop talking nonsense. I'm not too old to recognize your true nature." "My lord, please remember that Zuo Dui piled firewood and threatened the Dazheng Office. He neither regretted nor was afraid!" "That thing bothered you so much?" "From birth to now, Zuo Zuo has never regretted doing things. But my lord doesn't know why I dreamed of counting positive. It's really a pity!" "Is that why you're angry?" "My lord! Shuzheng claimed to be the number one loyal minister in the family, and went to Osaka confidently. Do you know all this?" Ieyasu was taken aback and held his breath.Did Zuo Zuo discover the tacit understanding between Shuzheng and me?But even if he knew it, he shouldn't say it. Zuo Zuo continued: "Shuzheng thought that the Tokugawa clan had no debater who could compete with Hideyoshi except him, so he sacrificed himself and went deep into the enemy's line. Hmph! It's just a nice word. That soft-boned man thinks that only his own path is the real one. Bushido." Ieyasu was speechless. "No matter how much Shuzheng coaxes Hideyoshi around with his three-inch tongue, what if the Tokugawa family is afraid of Hideyoshi? The most important thing is whether in front of the enemy, among the enemies, or behind the enemy , don’t be afraid! If you are afraid, you will immediately perish. Hideyoshi is very shrewd, so Shusho never let others know his difficulties. I told him that if he complains to others, I will despise him for the rest of his life! He already understands my It makes sense. Now, the number is appearing in my dream, advising me to retire, but the lord still can’t understand, it’s a waste of my life with you! Zuo Zuo is so sad!” Ieyasu hastily turned his gaze elsewhere.He finally understood Zuo Zuo's thoughts: Zuo Zuo was worried that his attitude towards Hideyoshi would affect everyone and make them afraid. "My lord, do you still remember what you said to me? You said that you shook hands with Hideyoshi to make peace, which does not mean that you surrender to him, but depends on whether he can govern the world. This is the benevolence that complies with God's will... That being the case, how can you do it if you are afraid of Hideyoshi?" "If I'm afraid, does that mean I'm negligent?" Ieyasu still looked away. "I didn't say that!" Tsukuzaemon shouted with his shoulders trembling with excitement, "Is it enough to obey the will of the Lord alone? Even if you try your best, if the retainers behind you are afraid, you will not be spared." The lord originally planned to help Hideyoshi, but instead he was swallowed!" Ieyasu suddenly laughed in a low voice: "Old man, I understand what you are worried about." "My lord doesn't understand yet, if you don't understand, you will stumble. Don't think that the old man is long-winded. Just like today's discussion, you are so arrogant and complacent. You pretend to be the only one who obeys the destiny and suppress everyone. Because you recognize Hideyoshi's supremacy, I don't want to hear objections. My lord's attitude will make everyone fear Hideyoshi, and it will be a big disaster... Over time, the retainers will think that Hideyoshi is far above the lord. Not all members of the family are as enlightened as you. You should use If they can understand, let them understand why they can't fight with Hideyoshi now, they have to be friends with him, but one day they must defeat him! To defeat him, they must always be vigilant and not show any flaws! The most rare thing is It’s about reassuring everyone...a general should have the spirit of a general!” "Old man, I understand... I said too much, okay?" "No!" Zuo Zuo retorted loudly again, "However, it is useless for me to say it again. Please consider my retreat, my lord. I will retire first." "The old guy really surprised me." "The old guy doesn't want to do this. Only by surprising Hideyoshi can he not dare to act rashly. Well, I have to go back early and meet Suzumasa in my dream." After that, Sakuzaemon stood up with a straight face and said no walked away loudly. As soon as his back disappeared, Ieyasu stood up immediately.Sure enough, it was true that he called Tsukusa from Okazaki to Shunfu.As he said, if the retainers feared Hideyoshi, what hope did he have for Hideyoshi's good intentions?Ieyasu began to consider who should be Okazaki's Joyo. In the corridor, Honda Zuzaemon ran into Okubo Hikozaemon. "Old man, your voice just now was really loud." "Hirasuke, did you hear that too?" "It's such a loud voice, even if your ears are not good enough, you can still hear it." Hikozaemon lowered his voice and said, "However, I don't want others to hear it, so I have been keeping watch outside. Anyway, my lord is also Quan Dana. When the lord is not clear-headed, you can't let the young people see it." "Hirasuke, I want to stay at your place for one night." "Of course." "You go to change the duty, and then take me there. Just prepare some wine for you to drink before going to bed." Hikozaemon let Sakusa wait in the porch, ran out by himself, and came back soon with a smile. "The wine is ready, but there are no appetizers." "It's okay, I have something to ask." "Oh? Please tell me." "Is the atmosphere in Junfu a little loose recently?" "As long as I, Okubo, are around, I won't." "He can really talk big." "Compared to you, it's still far behind." "Heisuke, have you ever met someone who doesn't care about salary, reputation, or life?" "That's an interesting question. Yes, but only one." "That person is me as the left." "No." "Who else?" "Okubo Hikozaemon!" "Hahaha, you really have a few brushes, you are nosy, talkative." "I learned it from you." "I don't talk much, but when I say it, it always makes people angry." "That's your strength. But I hear you want to go into seclusion, and that's out of the question." "You even heard that?" The two walked out of the gate side by side, turned right in the vestibule, and walked towards Okubo's house.Among the Okubo brothers, Sakuzuo only likes Hirasuke.He is very similar to Zuo Zuo, they are both tough guys, his straightforwardness is not inferior to Zuo Zuo, but he is quite a straightforward person with a human touch.Furthermore, his literary and martial arts are also comparable to Zuo Zuo. Sakuzuo walked into Hirasuke's house with a rare bright expression. The Okubo Mansion is the residence of Hirasuke's elder brother Tadayo and his son Tadane.There is a small door facing Mount Fuji in the left corner, and Hikozaemon's room is inside.There are still two or three chrysanthemums that have fallen in the frost and snow at the entrance.Hondasakuzaemon came to the narrow entrance, and without saying a word to the attendants and maids who came out to greet him, he silently followed Hikosakuemon into the hall.Next to the eight-fold hall is a four-fold room with a lookout to the east. "Oh, Hirasuke, you are extravagant. There are scrolls hanging on the wall, and the knife holder is more stylish than mine. Your horse must be very fat." "Hahaha," Hikozaemon smiled sheepishly, and moved Tsukuru to the top, "If you like, you can live in seclusion with me. But in that case, my lord will be in some trouble." "My lord wants me to come to Junfu?" "It must be troublesome." "Pingsuke, why do you think I should go into hiding?" "I must have done something that shouldn't be done. Did you talk nonsense and was scolded by the lord?" "My lord thought that I wanted to live in seclusion because I was afraid of Hideyoshi. I am so disappointed!" "You purposely came to stay with me for one night, are you going to teach me a lesson tonight?" Hikozaemon made a preemptive strike, and then ordered the attendants to prepare wine. "It's been a year since we talked alone like this. At that time, you could say whatever you thought in front of the lord, and you were called an outspoken talker." "Yeah, that's exactly what I'm going to talk about today." "You mean, you want Hikozaemon to be your successor?" "Mr. Hirasuke." "It's so rare. When did you start calling me Mr.?" "I want to talk about the conquest of Odawara this time." "It seems to have been decided." "Why do you think this battle was fought?" "This... I think the Hojo Clan, Ujinao and his son are too complacent with the glory of the Hojo Clan for a hundred years, so they must be defeated and punished..." "No. This is just someone else's opinion. I'm asking you, if you look at it from the perspective of Tokugawa retainers, what is the reason for this war?" "This……" "If you can't recognize it, you can't serve the Tokugawa clan. From the perspective of the Tokugawa clan, Guanbai's actions are not a battle to conquer Hojo, but a war to change the territory of the Tokugawa clan. " "Huh? Oh." "Listen well. Old Monkey Hideyoshi doesn't take the Hojo family seriously at all. Why did he let the lord move to Junfu? It's also for this reason that he came to Mt. Futu to play." "Visiting Mt. Fuji?" "Yes. He wants to take Mount Fuji for himself. Only then can he feel at ease. Hideyoshi is such a person. Hirasuke, do you think we are ready to deal with him?" Sakusa pouted hard, looking at Hikozaemon . "I'm afraid it's still early." Hikozaemon stared at him and said, "Hideyoshi's going to war has another great benefit for him." "Yes, even Hirasuke can see it." Zuo Zuo said with a smile. "He drove the lord to the direction of Mt. Ashgara in Hakone, so that the lord can contain Date and Uesugi in Oshu. In this way, he can build a safe dam in the east and rest easy." "Hirasuke, since that's the case, I don't need to say much. But listen carefully, your opinion is correct, but it's not enough. Think again, you just talked about keeping Date and Uesugi at bay..." "good." "Thinking about it the other way around, Date and Uesugi can keep holding back the lord so that the lord can't take care of himself." "Oh." Hikozaemon responded in a low voice, the young man didn't seem to have considered this level, "Yes, yes!" "Do you understand? Not only that, but if the lord shows any flaws, Hideyoshi may back up Date and Uesugi and let them destroy the lord." "..." "If you want to go to war, you can always find a reason. This time Odawara is a good example. Odawara's real purpose is to make Hideyoshi hand over a hostage equivalent to the Daizheng Office when he goes to Beijing. In this way, the matter of going to Beijing It's about saving face. If the opponent is a strong opponent, Hideyoshi can of course hand over the hostages smoothly, but the problem is that Odawara is nothing. Odawara's important ministers didn't see such an important matter." "indeed so." "After the old monkey conquered Odawara, he would force the lord to change his territory. But the lord intends to accept it." "Oh?" "But the retainers are very dissatisfied, especially me...Of course, this is only superficial. What I worry about is, after sweeping away the remnants of Hojo and transferring the seal of Kanto, can the family's dissatisfaction be calmed down, and whether Hideyoshi, Date Settle this matter with Uesugi's humiliation? If Tokugawa shows weakness, the old monkey will take advantage of it. We will be besieged on all sides. Now, you should understand why I am worried?" Hikozaemon nodded heavily.After all, it's too old to seek the country!In addition to admiring Zuo Zuo's frankness, he also felt ashamed—he never thought about it, and sighed: "This is really a big deal!" If you want to move the seal of Guandong, I am afraid that most people in the family will oppose it.It's not that Ieyasu doesn't know that everyone will obey no matter how dissatisfied they are.What Sakuzaemon was worried about was that the Tokugawa clan would encounter a huge crisis at that time.Sasa Naruma of Kyushu had already learned such a lesson.After Naruto Sasaki was transferred to Hihou, he thought it was a great success and was very happy.However, the local foreign believers did not obey his order and rioted in the territory.Hideyoshi took advantage of the situation to convict him, and eventually made him commit suicide. Now the Hojo family has even issued weapons to the common people and conducted strict training.In the midst of the war, and the retainers were unable to coordinate with their hearts, Odawara would surely follow in his footsteps, and the riots alone would make him overwhelmed. "Oh, this is a big conspiracy that can't be sloppy." Hikozaemon sighed again. Zuo Zuo sneered twice: "It's not a conspiracy, it's common sense! Those who show weakness must have real weaknesses. The weak must lose...there are no exceptions in this world." "That is to say, if the territory is changed, don't show weakness." "Yes." Sakuzaemon nodded emphatically, staring at Hikozaemon's big nose without moving, and said, "If the lord is transferred to the Kanto region, he is considered a famous name on the surface, and he is the lord of the eight or ten places. But , Pingzhu, if you think that you can own territory or a city just because of your outstanding status as a hero or veteran, you are very wrong! Once there is a riot everywhere, not only will you not be able to collect your annual tax, but you will also waste people and money to put down the rebellion. Leader What's the use of having a large territory?" "yes." "In this way, the old monkey will definitely take advantage of the opportunity to attack. Therefore, if you want to gain a firm foothold after moving to the Kanto region, you must disregard wealth, reputation, and life. If there is any movement, you will be smashed to pieces! Otherwise... Pingzhu, can you do it?" "Of course!" Hirasuke murmured, "What about you?" Taizaemon looked at him sharply and said, "Of course I can!" "I can't lose to you either!" "If you say that, I'm relieved." "How can Yanzaemon be willing to stay behind!" Yanzaemon said, wringing his fingers, "Isn't it wealth, fame, and life?" "Yes, if you want wealth, you will definitely feel dissatisfied because of the lord's reduction of salary after the transfer of title. Once you are dissatisfied, you can't resist Hideyoshi's temptation, so you will be stingy with your life." "Old sir!" "What else do you not understand?" "You retired because you realized this?" Zuo Zuo laughed. "Hirasuke, you still speak so bitterly." Hikozaemon refused to admit defeat and said, "I'm still far from being dizzy, so how can I not be bitter?" "Humph." "Your laughter is very unpleasant to hear. Why do you go into hiding, tell me." "No, I can't say, you go and realize it yourself." "Hmph. Is there something in the world that you can know without telling it?" "Yes. People should have this ability. Hirasuke, my heart is already attacking Odawara." "Oh? Your words are becoming more and more wonderful." "Although I want to go back to Okazaki for the sake of seclusion. But next time I will come back to this city with Guan Bai old monkey!" "And Guan Bai?" "Yes. I have already guessed what Guan Bai will say to the lord when he enters Beijing this time. I also know most of how the lord will reply to the old monkey. The old monkey will take the Tokugawa clan's city, Okazaki , Hamamatsu, and Sunfu. The most stubborn hermit of the Tokugawa Clan will absorb the old monkey like a leech! Hahaha, how is it, Hirasuke, is it interesting?" Hikozaemon looked dumbfounded at the old man's frog-like face, and was amazed.When Daisho came to Okazaki earlier, it was Tsukuru who piled firewood around her annex and threatened that if Hideyoshi dared to be unreasonable to Ieyasu, he would set fire to Daisho.Hearing that his mother was frightened, Hideyoshi was furious.So when Zuo Zuo proposed to retire, Ieyasu and Heisuke thought that Zuo Zuo was concerned about Hideyoshi... This is not the case.Moreover, when Hideyoshi came here, if Sakuzuo really sucked him like a leech, it would really give him a headache. "Well, the old man is really interesting." "Humph." "You sneered again. Let's call it a day. The wine is ready, and we'll have dinner here." "Thank you. I talked a lot today." Hikozaemon clapped his hands, asked the maids to bring the wine, and immediately turned away the others.The two drank together, and he had a strange feeling in his heart that there was no one else, just because there was an old man who was not afraid of Hideyoshi at all.Just thinking about it like this made Yan Zuo very happy. After speaking, both of them fell silent, they just sipped their wine one after another, and looked at each other occasionally, but neither smiled nor nodded.In the eyes of others, it is really too much to say, but in fact, the two have a heart-to-heart connection and enjoy it. "Pingsuke, do you understand?" "Understood." For about a quarter and a half, the two had only these two sentences.They have been reflecting and sorting out what they just said.Hikozaemon repeatedly recalled what Sakuza said, "My heart has already attacked Odawara".When Ieyasu went to Osaka, his heart should also attack Odawara. The battle of Odawara was called Hideyoshi's "visiting Mount Fuji", but for the Tokugawa clan, it was a turning point in the rise and fall. This is not a direct conflict with the enemy resorting to force, but a protracted battle, drawing on all experience so far.Hikozaemon couldn't help but think of Akechi Mitsuhide who rebelled against Nobunaga.Mitsuhide at that time was like Ieyasu now, and Hideyoshi was like Nobunaga back then, using the same means to deal with the Tokugawa clan.Mitsuhide rebelled when he heard that the old leaders such as Tanba and Omi's Sakamoto would be taken back, and moved to the San'in area where the enemy was. "The old collar has been taken back. If we can't get the new collar, all of us will be homeless." This kind of anxiety gave him an attempt to seize the world that didn't match his status.There are rumors in the world that it was Hideyoshi who caused Mitsuhide to have a different heart.So Hideyoshi will regard Ieyasu as a person with the same skills as Mitsuhide, and wants to try again.It's no wonder he thought so.But Honda Zuzaemon has seen through Hideyoshi, and has already figured out a countermeasure. Interesting old man... No, the sharp-eyed old man, Hikzaemon was thinking this, put down his glass, and said, "The old man is sleepy. He fell asleep." Pingzhu responded, and said: "I see. I'll go talk to the lord tomorrow, you just rest assured." He clapped his hands, and told the maid: "Bring the best bedding at home." Before dawn on the second day, Honda left for Okazaki. Hikozaemon sent Zuo Zuo away and came to the city. When Honda Shoshin came out, the two met Ieyasu together.Now that Masanobu Honda has served as the guardian of Sado, he is called Lord Sado in the city, and Ieyasu no longer calls him Yahachiro, but also changes his name to "Sado". On the way, Hikozaemon said, "Master Sado, do you understand the Lord's decision?" "What decision?" Sado pretended to be stupid. "Of course it's the conquest of Odawara." "My lord has already made a decision on this matter, and it is useless for us to say more." "My lord once said that it would be good to be an ally of Odawara." Honda Sado looked at Hikozaemon in surprise, but did not answer. "My lord, old Mr. Tsukuza from Okazaki stayed at my place yesterday, and he went back today." Hikozaemon said when he saw Ieyasu. "Oh? He can't even walk at night?" "The old man is old and faint, it's better to let him go into seclusion." Ieyasu just glanced at him, and said to the right channel: "I heard that Guan Bai made a big fuss and sent the order to conquer Hojo to the world's famous names. Is it true?" "This..." Sado said, "It's Guan Bai's temper to give orders to the daimyo, so don't worry too much. It's just the content of the order, and I'm looking into it." "My lord!" Hikozaemon rudely interrupted the conversation between the two, "At this time, if those who don't understand your intentions all ask to retire, what should we do?" "Pingsuke, why do you say that?" "I just feel that whether it is the battle of Mikatahara, Komaki Nagakute, or the battle of attacking Odawara, which must be won, is a major event for the Tokugawa Clan, so I say that." "Definitely win?" "Yes. In this war, the experience of those old ministers will not be of use. Why don't you just be ruthless and rectify these veteran ministers!" "Oh, even Hirasuke came to make trouble." "Even my lord, you have to go to Beijing to obey Hideyoshi's order. The most important thing right now is to gather those people in your family who bow and bow and obey you." Ieyasu glared at Heisuke, and continued to discuss with Sado Mamoru some preparations for going to Beijing.Ieyasu planned to enter Beijing on the seventh day of December, and missed Hideyoshi's order "Hidetada does not need to enter Beijing"-the two sides launched a subtle out-of-war battle for Odawara.