Chapter 28 Chapter 28 A Test of Xiuzhong

Due to the incident in Oshu, Tokugawa Ieyasu went to Iwatezawa, passed through Furukawa, and returned to Edo on October 29, the 19th year of Tensho.Soon, he asked Tokugawa Hidetada to go to Beijing again on his behalf.When he heard that Toyotomi Hideyoshi recommended Hidetada as Lieutenant General of the right guard, Ieyasu clearly felt that Hideyoshi's intention of Zhengming would not change.He let Xiuzhong be the lieutenant general of the right guard, because he wanted to give up the heir to his nephew Xiuci, and let Xiuci be the minister first. Shortly after returning to Edo from Oshu, Shiro Jiro, a teahouse in Kyoto, sent three news one after another: Hideji, who had returned from Oshu, had become a minister of the interior; The king has already sent envoys to the Daming Kingdom, and the Daming Kingdom knows exactly what Hideyoshi is thinking.These news are all from the rich merchants of Gongqing, Daban and Diancheng, so there is no mistake.

The secret agents of Iga also came to report that Kiyomasa Kato started to build the castle at Nagoya in Hizen Higashi-Matsuura County in September, and it will be completed in February next year.Hideyoshi wanted to hand over the position of Sekishiro to Hideji, who was already the Minister of Internal Affairs, before February, and he himself went to Nagoya Castle to command the expeditionary force. In mid-December, Lieutenant General Xiuzhong wanted to come back.The streets of Edo were also blasted and dug everywhere, like a muddy field after the rain.It hadn't snowed once in the day, and the cold winter wind blew the smell of the newly opened land to Edo Honjo, which was built with white wood and wood stained with black coal.

With one candle, one furnace, and one table, Ieyasu sat opposite Amami and Honda Sado, who came from Kawagoe to pay their respects. "Xiuzhong will come back in the middle of the month, and Guan Bai will mobilize troops as soon as the first month arrives." "What do you think my lord thinks?" "What's the matter?" Ieyasu and Tianhai looked at each other and smiled wryly, "This question is not like Sado asked. What do you think, Master Tianhai?" Tianhai chuckled and didn't answer. "Didn't my lord oppose the expedition from the very beginning?" Zheng said.

"But there is nothing I can do. What Guan Bai decides cannot be stopped." "So, you have to bear it all the time and wait for the opportunity until Guan Bai is defeated?" Hearing Masanobu's words, Ieyasu raised his eyebrows: "Sado, Master Tenkai is also present, aren't you ashamed of saying this?" Sado hurriedly looked at Tianhai, Tianhai pretended not to know, and was contemplative. "Is this a shame?" Honda Sado thought that Ieyasu should not be concerned about Tianhai, so he was very puzzled.Since the first meeting, Ieyasu called Tianhai from time to time.Tianhai also visits frequently, discussing world affairs with Jiakang.Tianhai, who has studied Buddhism intensively and is also quite accomplished in Shinto, constantly persuades Ieyasu to be a "man of the world".Ieyasu also asked various questions because of this.Therefore, Sado believes that there is no need to hide in front of Tianhai.But today Ieyasu actually said that he has no shame.This statement surprised him, and he really couldn't understand it.

"Yes!" Ieyasu continued in a rough tone, "You sat with us, did you understand Master Tianhai's words?" "Your lord, is it forbidden to talk about military affairs?" "What did Master Tianhai just say? To treat the common people with the heart of a Buddha, this is the duty of the people in the world, and this is the essence of Buddhism." "I heard it below." "Since you understand, why expect Guan Bai to be defeated?" "Oh." "The heart of wishing for the decline of others is not the heart of a god or Buddha."

"So... my lord, you mean that you are sincerely willing to serve Guan Bai?" "This is wrong again. In this way, it is very difficult for Ieyasu to be a man!" "wrong again?" "Listen, Ieyasu is not serving Guan Bai Hideyoshi, but Amitabha Buddha. Therefore, don't have the heart of serving Guan Bai, but have the persistence of serving the Buddha." Sado Honda was confused, and looked at Tianhai as if asking for help.Tianhai laughed.This kind of laughter often made Sado unbearable, and felt that Tianhai was willful and arrogant. "Master Sado!" Tianhai still smiled ambiguously, and said to Zhengdao, "Are you quite dissatisfied with Tianhai?"

"No, this..." "If you are not angry, you are a puppet. The poor monk just wanted to make you angry and laughed at you, but he didn't do this to the adults. You must think that the monk is a flatterer." "What does this have to do with my lord's words?" "Haha, you are not a puppet after all, you are still angry. You should not say that you are serving Guan Bai, but you should say that you are helping Guan Bai, so that you will not be scolded. Don't you believe me?" Tianhai treated Sado like a child . Sado Honda bit his lip, suppressing his anger.If he showed disgust at this time, Tianhai would laugh again.Moreover, he is indeed afraid of Ieyasu, if he refute at this time, it will be even more petty. "Okay, I will ask again as the master said." After Sado answered gloomyly, he turned to Ieyasu, "Then, is my lord going to help Guan Bai sincerely?"

Ieyasu didn't smile, he still had a stern expression on his face: "Amitabha always has the wish to save all sentient beings. Keep it in your heart." "no matter when?" "Yes! Even the wicked must be saved. If I approach Guan Bai as you said, the Buddha's light will not shine on me." "Oh." "This matter has nothing to do with approving or disapproving of sending troops to the Ming Dynasty. Since Guan Bai is determined to send troops, we must wish him immediate success... Be more careful in what you say in the future." "Yes." Sado lowered his head, thinking in his heart, he was too careless, the lord is always helping Hideyoshi with all his heart, how can ordinary people understand the deep meaning of this?

Tianhai had already ignored Sado's existence, and said to Ieyasu: "The so-called human heart is quite inconceivable. You can feel it right away if you approach Guan Bai with good intentions, or if you have intentions." "Oh? Everyone has a god in their hearts!" "Yes, the gods and Buddhas in everyone's hearts can see this kind of intention. Therefore, if you approach Guan Bai with all sincerity, the people around Guan Bai will also recognize you as a trustworthy person and approach you. In that way, the world will naturally be It has come into your hands. A wise person is so unreasonable, Gods and Buddhas will not help him."

"Yes! You must always have a Buddha in your heart." Ieyasu nodded honestly, with a gentle tone, "Sado, do you understand? I have already decided not to tell my retainers that I do not approve of going to war." "My lord will obey Guan Bai's order and go on an expedition to North Korea?" "Of course. Guan Bai's younger brother Da Nayan has passed away. If he tells me to go, I will be a pioneer! My original intention is related to morale, as long as you understand it in your heart, don't say it." "Yes, I will be careful." Sado and Ieyasu still had a big gap in their minds, but Ieyasu had decided to lead the army into Beijing when Hidetada came back.

On December 17th, Xiuzhong returned from the capital.Tokugawa Ieyasu learned from other sources that Hideyoshi decided to enter Nagoya Castle on the first day of March in the next spring.The beginning of March is a very auspicious day for Hideyoshi.The conquest of Kyushu was the first day of March in the fifteenth year of Tianzheng, and the conquest of Odawara was the first day of March in the eighteenth year of Tianzheng.This time, he will definitely surpass the previous two times and win a big victory. However, the scale of Hideyoshi's dispatch of troops seems to be far larger than Ieyasu's imagination.The main force of the army was divided into sixteen divisions, plus the sailor team of the ships, the first and second non-staff teams, and Hideyoshi's banner team, the strength of Laichun reached more than 281,800 people.If the servants and husbands other than soldiers are included, the total will be close to one million. As the general of the sixteenth team, Ieyasu personally led 5,000 troops, which was really pitifully small.The Sixteenth Regiment can be regarded as the Kwantung Army. In addition to the 5,000 troops from Tokugawa, there are also 2,000 from Satake Yoshinobu, 3,000 from Uesugi Kagekatsu, 300 from Utsunomiya Kunizuna, and 150 from Nasu. People, 300 people from Mogami Yoshimitsu, 500 people from Date Masamune, 500 people from Sanada Masaoyuki, and 100 people each from Nanbu Toshinao, Sano Ryohaku, and Satomi Yoshiyasu, totaling 12,005 ten people.They planned to cross the sea last. "When is the first team scheduled to cross the sea?" Ieyasu asked. Hidetada replied clearly: "This team consists of six generals Konishi Settsushou, Sotsushima Shou, Matsuura Criminal Minister Hoin, Arima Osho, Omura Shinhachiro, and Goto Yamato Shou, with a strength of about 17,000." "Are these people going to cross the sea in one go?" "No, Konishi Settsutsu and Zong Mashou crossed the sea in the first month of the month to test the North Korean side's intentions. The second team Kato's planner will cross Ichi again and stand by." "So, after Kato builds the castle, he will go to war immediately?" "Yes. It's a pity that he let Xiaoxi Shetsushou take the vanguard, so he asked the wife of the Beizheng Office to take the lead. He is a brave man." "Oh. Kato is indeed outstanding in martial arts. But in the end, it was decided that Settsu Konishi will be the vanguard?" "Yes. Xiaoxi once went to North Korea as a drug dealer, and he is very familiar with the local area. He is also Zong Tuomashou's father-in-law, so Weng and his son-in-law were able to be pioneers together." Toshikatsu Doi added from the side: "I heard that Konishi Settsumori went to flatter Mrs. Yodo in order to compete with Kato to be the vanguard. And I heard that he was at odds with Kato-sama..." Ieyasu nodded with a smile.Joining the Sixteenth Regiment with 5,000 troops, the Tokugawas have nothing to complain about.If he really crossed the sea last, the outcome of the Korean War should have been decided before he crossed the sea.If you win, it's fine, but if you fall into a hard battle, you have to remonstrate and lead the army back.Ieyasu firmly believes that the person who can advise Hideyoshi is neither Maeda Toshiie nor Mori Terumoto, but himself.Therefore, he sternly warned himself: Only when the outcome of the battle is decided can he make an admonition, and at the moment he must remain calm. After learning about the situation in the capital, Ieyasu said: "Xiuzhong, you are now a lieutenant general of the right guard." "Yes, he was appointed on the eighth day of November. From that day on, Master Guan Bai called Hai'er Lieutenant General in front of everyone, which gave Hai'er a lot of face." "Have you met Xiuci in Juledi?" "Yes! Zhong Nayan has become the minister of the interior. I heard that when he inherits the position of Guan Bai, he will be made the minister of the left." "Will he become the left minister of Guanbai Toyotomi Hideji?" "yes." "After I cross the sea, will you have a good relationship with the new Guan Baichu?" "This...Xiu Cigong once specially called the child to be called my brother." "He treats you like a brother, so how do you respond?" "Boy thank him and ask him to teach me a lot." Ieyasu turned his head away with a bitter face.Since Mrs. Asahi's death, Xiuzhong's dress and attitude have completely changed to that of a minister in Beijing.Ieyasu is worried that his heart will be like his appearance, and he will become as sophisticated as Gongqing.For Ieyasu, the official position is just an illusion, just a decoration of life. The most important thing is to have a down-to-earth habit. "Master Lieutenant General!" "Huh? Father..." "You seem to like people calling you that. I'll let my retainers call you that too. However, if this name is just a decoration, it's meaningless. Generals and ministers, if they only have names, they are worthless? Do you think Hideji To be Guan Bai, can you be competent, or is it a little too good for you?" "Hey! This..." "No matter the others. Who is more suitable between him and the current Guan Bai?" "Of course it's Guan Bai now!" "So, do you think that the new Guan Bai is a little inferior? The lieutenant general thinks, can you ask such a Guan Bai to teach yourself?" Xiuzhong looked back at Doi Toshikatsu in surprise, with complicated eyes. "I'm not asking about Li Sheng, I'm asking about the lieutenant general." Ieyasu severely reprimanded Xiuzhong, "Now Guanbai has given up his position to Xiuci, and he has become Lord Taiko. As a father, I want to accompany Taiko across the sea. In this way, the new Lord Sekibai Toyotomi Hideji will rule the world, right?" "yes." "Understood, this time is a war overseas. What if..." Ieyasu cast a look, and Li Sheng and Zhengchun, who were sitting on both sides of Xiuzhong, were also listening carefully, "Father died in a different place, and the new Guanbai will make you Lead the entire Tokugawa clan across the sea to avenge your father, what are you going to do?" "Then immediately cross the sea to replace father..." Xiuzhong suddenly fell silent when he said this.He seemed to feel that this answer was not what his father wanted. "How about for father...?" "The hatred of killing one's father is not shared, but it cannot lead the whole army to go." "Oh, why?" "If you lead the whole army to go, Guan Bazhou will be empty." "Good! Then, how do you answer?" "Just answer him directly, and you can't go all out." "What if he says no?" "no……" "If he said that Guan Bai will stay behind and order the lieutenant general to leave immediately?" Xiuzhong blushed, he didn't expect his father to ask such a sharp question.Not only Xiuzhong, but Li Sheng and Zheng Chun were also taken aback.Only Masanori's father, Honda Sado, squinted and smiled with interest. "Master Lieutenant General!" "Father! Please teach the child, what should the child do if that time comes?" Xiuzhong is very honest, but Jiakang thinks that he is a little dependent, so he said coldly, "You don't know?" "It's hard to deal with." "At that time, sit in front of Amitabha Buddha, put your palms together, and proclaim the Buddha's name loudly!" "Buddha taught children?" "If I haven't taught you, I'll keep reading until I teach you." This answer surprised Sado Honda.Like Li Sheng and Zheng Chun, he blinked in surprise. "The child will do what the father says." Xiuzhong looked at his father seriously, and it took Yu a long time to answer clearly. "Understood?" "Understood. The Buddha's sad wish is to save all sentient beings." "What will the Lieutenant General do?" "Leave the matter of revenge aside. In order to close the eight states, we must solemnly declare that we cannot lead the whole army to go out." There was still no smile on Ieyasu's face, his voice weighed heavily on Xiuzhong's heart, "Master Lieutenant General, in this world, there are many stronger people who are not inferior to you, have you ever thought about it?" "Yes, there are mountains beyond mountains." "You said that you have to explain repeatedly that you can't go out with all your troops!" "yes." "If the other party repeatedly forces the order, what should you do? If you say five times, he will order six times. If you say six times, he will order seven times. What should you do then?" "This……" "The two sides are not giving in, and no one is willing to take a step back... Lieutenant General, by then, there will be a war." "War... yes." "That is to say, the outside world is fighting with the Ming Dynasty, and my father died in this battle, and the civil war has begun. What will you do at this time? This is what I asked for my father!" This time, Sado, Li Sheng, and Masamune were all in a more difficult situation than Hidetada.This matter is not impossible, but how should they advise Xiu Zhong?These problems have not been thought about in the past, which is indeed the negligence of everyone.Ieyasu understood this, on the surface he was admonishing Xiuzhong, but in fact he was testing everyone. Sure enough, seeing that Hidetada couldn't answer, Ieyasu looked at Honda Masamune first: "Masamune, what would you do if it were you?" Masamune glanced at his father secretly.Sado hurriedly turned his face away, he himself hadn't found the answer yet, he was in a panic. "Zhengchun, you are not very clear?" "Yes, what should be done, please tell me clearly, my lord." Ieyasu asked calmly again, "Where's Li Sheng?" Doi Lisheng suddenly took a knee step forward: "There are wars inside and outside, alas! Therefore... Therefore, I will go alone to assassinate the person who gave the unreasonable order." Ieyasu shook his head slowly, "The assassination will cause chaos instead. No." "No, at that time, of course, of course... that's the only way..." "Okay, this is the idea of ​​ordinary people. Those who govern the world should not be like this. If this happens, it will cause chaos." Ieyasu shifted his gaze to Sado Honda, "Sado, you heard what these young people said. In such an occasion, what do you have to do to be safe?" "This..." Sado closed his eyes.If he is helpless, his status will be shaken, but this problem is really annoying! "Teach the young children as you wish. If there is something wrong, I will add something." Ieyasu urged again.Sado suddenly realized Ieyasu's original intention.The lord was probing from the beginning, thinking about it, cold sweat broke out under Sado's armpit. Since he is an aide, he has to make decisions on behalf of the lord on certain occasions.Jiakang asked again: "What do you think?" "This..." Sado finally ran out of words.He has been forced to go to Liangshan, and in this kind of situation, he must not show off his cleverness, and answer inappropriately, and Ieyasu may despise him from now on.He then said slowly: "At this time, I must be humble. In this world, there are many things that human beings cannot do..." "And then?" Ieyasu asked calmly. "Constantly seek the help of the Buddha in daily life to make up for what you can't do." "This is like an answer, but it's not like it. You have the same idea as me when it comes to seeking help from gods and Buddhas. However, this does not open the eyes of these young people." Sado was lured to this point by Ieyasu, so he said with great interest: "It is very important to be careful not to be pushed to that point in normal times. Just like what the lord said just now, the other party is pressing every step of the way, and we will not give way... the matter If it develops like this, there is no cure. So it is important to prevent it before it happens..." "Precautions before they happen?" Ieyasu interjected. "Yes. When dealing with people, you should be cautious, and don't let people give such unreasonable orders... In other words, don't let the other party take advantage of it." Ieyasu laughed softly, it seems that his purpose is not to let the young man answer, but to investigate Sado. "Sado seems to really understand. Then, tell Hidetada how you should deal with it." "Yes!" Sado Honda suddenly understood Ieyasu's thoughts at this time, "Lord Lieutenant General, I think you already understand. The other party is worthy of your brother, but you can't completely listen to him. To make him understand, the Lieutenant General of Edo Will is definitely not someone who obeys unreasonable orders! In this way, he will also be careful and not dare to make mistakes. Before he gives an order, he will discuss it with you first." Ieyasu kept squinting his eyes, looking at Sado and then at Hidetada.Sado seemed to really understand what he was thinking, the next thing is to see if Hidetada can understand Sado.Ieyasu wants Sado to understand that human talent and resourcefulness are limited, but if wisdom and faith are combined, incredible power will emerge. "Lord Lieutenant General, my lord hopes that you will not be so obedient to Xiuci, otherwise, he will definitely issue unreasonable orders at critical moments." "If I don't obey everything, he won't give orders arbitrarily and will discuss with me. Is that what you mean?" "Yes. When he comes to discuss, you have room to make a statement. In short, all things must be discussed and acted on, so deadlock can be avoided. However, many people always hope that others will obey absolutely, which leads to deadlock. Xiuji in the eyes of the lord , is a person who will make unreasonable demands once you get close to him. Therefore, when interacting with him, you must keep a distance. I think this is the original intention of the lord." Xiuzhong nodded honestly and asked Jiakang: "Father, is that so?" "What do you think?" Xiuzhong shook his head and said, "I don't dare to make a judgment rashly, because I'm afraid my father has deeper meanings, so I asked." "Lord Lieutenant General! Your strength is humility and honesty. What happened today, just like what Sado said, you should be careful not to be too meek." "Yes, the child will keep it in his heart." "Sado," Ieyasu turned to look at Sado, "I have one more question to ask you." "yes." "Have you seen the light of Buddha?" "The Light of Buddha?" "Yes! Perhaps this cannot be expressed in words, because the realm of belief is difficult to describe in words. But, if you haven't seen it, I have to tell you." "Please advise." "The Buddha put me in the sixteenth team." "That's... Lord Guan Bai..." "No, the light of the Buddha shines on Guan Bai's heart. If I am in the sixteenth team, no matter how much I travel, I will still be safe and sound at home. That's what the Buddha intends. Amitabha." The young Zhengchun and Li Sheng looked at each other in surprise. "You don't understand yet, don't think about it! Even if you don't understand why Ieyasu recites Buddha's name all day long, you will understand one day. Just listen now." "Yes." The two knelt down. "But at Sado's age, he must understand." "yes." "Not seeing the light of the Buddha, not paying attention to the Buddha, but obsessing with the arrangement of fate is like burying a pillar in the sand. Even if you use strategies, there is no foundation." "Oh!" "The light of Buddha came from the moment I decided to help Guan Bai sincerely." "Oh!" "When I fight with Guan Bai, the world will be in chaos. Therefore, I must suppress my dissatisfaction and help Guan Bai with all my strength, so as not to lead to the destruction of the country and family. If you think so, tell Guan Bai that Tokugawa Ieyasu will try his best to fight. Therefore, This intention was understood by Guan Bai. What made him understand my intention was the light of the Buddha. Therefore, Guan Bai arranged me in the sixteenth team. He knew that if something happened to me, Japan would be in great trouble, so he arranged me here Team, if anything happens, I can save the mess." "yes!" Sado was suddenly agitated and knelt down.Honda believed in his wit and quick thinking, and he would never lose to Ieyasu. At this moment, he not only understood the meaning of the Lord, but also understood the light of the Buddha, and said loudly: "I understand, and my eyes suddenly brightened." "Have you seen the light of Buddha?" "Yes, I see it clearly." "Oh. Now is not just the time to deal with Guan Bai. Why are you collecting yearly gifts? Why are you storing gold and silver? Why are there rewards and punishments...because the Buddha is watching us." Honda Sado couldn't help but stiffen.He always thought that his intelligence was superior to Ieyasu's, but only now did he realize that he had been tamed by Ieyasu without knowing it, and he couldn't move his limbs.He shuddered at his own inadequacy.Because of the light of the Buddha, Ieyasu is useless. "Okay, you seem to understand." Ieyasu said, "Since that's the case, I can go to war with peace of mind. You guys have to stay behind, and I should also take care of my health." "Maintain your body?" "Yes. My body was born under the light of the Buddha, so I must take care of it and not get sick during the battle. Sado, let's go hunting in Ebara tomorrow! Go on a horse. Riding a horse and sweating can remove the fat on your body !" There are always several major turning points in a person's life.If Ieyasu hadn't moved to Edo at the age of forty-nine, he wouldn't have met Tianhai here, and his career would have come to an end.However, being transferred to Edo made it impossible for him to take up the task of expanding the new world and stabilizing the foundation of the world.He met Tianhai at the age of fifty.Tianhai decided to dedicate the essence of his life to him.If Hideyoshi sent troops first and met Amami later, Ieyasu's actions would be very different.However, by wonderful chance, Tianhai and Ieyasu met at the right time. Tianhai believes that the dispatch of troops this time is the gods and Buddhas testing Ieyasu. "I want to discuss the military situation with Guan Bai in Nagoya Castle...Have you ever thought about the deep meaning of this?" When Jiakang heard what Tianhai said, he didn't quite understand what it meant. "During the Battle of Xiaomu, Guan Bai learned about the strength of the Lord's army. This was the first opportunity for the Lord; secondly, from Mrs. Asahi's marriage and the Battle of Odawara, he knew that the Lord's strategy was extraordinary. This is the first time for the Lord. A second chance; and this is the third chance, but it depends on how the adults make use of it." Tianhai Langlang said.Ieyasu was a little embarrassed: "Master said this is a third chance?" Tian Hai reprimanded: "War requires strategy. However, if you are too careful because of this, you will gain nothing. This time, Guan Bai's important ministers must firmly remember that your character is not inferior to Guan Bai. In this way, Guan Bai’s successor, needless to say, is only an adult. The successor that the gods and Buddhas seek must be Guan Bai’s descendants. The vision of the gods and Buddhas is very far-reaching.” Tianhai is the incarnation of Buddha!Ieyasu patted his knee, suddenly excited.This expedition can be said to be a good opportunity for Ieyasu to get in touch with famous names in the world.And Hideyoshi will exchange opinions with him on military and political matters as the general.During the battle, there will definitely be various dissatisfaction, injustice and accidents. At that time, Ieyasu will sincerely assist Hideyoshi, and the daimyo will be convinced by him.Since this is the temptation of the gods and Buddhas, they must not disappoint the gods and Buddhas. From winter to early spring, Ieyasu diligently practiced martial arts to strengthen his body, which even made his close officials dumbfounded. On February 16th of the 20th year of Tianzheng, Ieyasu Tokugawa entered Beijing ahead of the army north of the Kanto.