Chapter 10 Chapter Ten Blossoms on the Tree

After experiencing a serious illness, Tokugawa Ieyasu realized that the gods and Buddhas neither favor Toyotomi Hideyoshi nor Ieyasu, but stand as fair judges for the sake of the world.Hideyoshi, who has become Guanbai, no longer puts Ieyasu in his eyes, and wants to make a big splash. At the end of July in the thirteenth year of Tianzheng, they started to act separately. First, Ieyasu, who had just recovered from his illness, set off for Junfu to personally command the troops. Hideyoshi learned from Ishikawa Shumasa that Ieyasu was surprised and dissatisfied with asking the old man to be a hostage.

"This is difficult! Since Ieyasu thinks so, what kind of hostage do I need?" He simply withdrew his order. Not long after, Honda Zuzaemon also proposed: "Honta Senchiyo's mother is dying, and I hope that Senchiyo will be allowed to return immediately." Knowing that Ieyasu was testing him, Hideyoshi replied with a smile: "Oh, of course. The most important thing for a person is to have filial piety. You should go back and take good care of your mother." Therefore, not only did Ieyasu not send any more hostages, but even Senchiyo wanted to come back.Hideyoshi seems to have been tricked by Ieyasu.In fact, his mind is not so simple.He didn't ask for hostages, but he gathered Ieyasu's team in one place, which did not prevent him from conquering Sasaka.Hideyoshi just asked Uesugi Kagekatsu of Echigo to instigate Sanada Masayuki and his son of Ueda Castle in Shinshu to betray Ieyasu.This method may be much better than rejecting hostages.

Looking at the overall situation, the most steadfast allies of the Tokugawa Clan are Odawara Hojo Uji, who was married to Ieyasu's daughter, Du Ji, and Uji Nao's father, Ujimasa.However, at this time there was a disagreement between the Hojo clan and Ueda Castle Sanada Masayuki - the Hojo clan asked Sanada and his son to hand over the Uedagawa Numata Castle that they had personally acquired. Sanada father and son flatly refused.At this time, Ieyasu came forward and cleverly dealt with the two parties, trying to replace Numata City with another.But the scheming Hideyoshi would not miss this opportunity, and he immediately asked Uesugi Jingsheng to be Sanada's backing.

If Uesugi's reinforcements arrive, Changxing will not listen to Hojo's.And since the Hojo clan is Ieyasu's only ally now, if Sanada expresses dissatisfaction with this, Ieyasu will never stand idly by and will definitely send troops to crusade.But if Ieyasu attacked Ueda Castle, Hideyoshi would be more at ease in conquering Sasa Naruma than holding two or three hostages in his hands.This coup made Ieyasu, who was just recovering from a serious illness, rush to Junfu without hesitation before Hideyoshi, and personally plan the attack on Ueda Castle.However, this does not mean that Ieyasu's power is getting weaker. This can be proved from the fact that Ieyasu kept smiling and marching forward on the way to Junfu that day.

Hideyoshi has Hideyoshi's strategy, and Ieyasu has Ieyasu's plan.In their struggles, both sides often gain.For Hideyoshi, Ieyasu gathered the main force at Ueda Castle, which was an excellent opportunity for him to attack Sasa Naruma.And Hideyoshi's interests are not absolutely useless to Ieyasu. Ieyasu turned his head and said to Honda, who was following closely behind on horseback: "The situation is favorable!" "Yes." Zhengxin also smiled. "These things, Hideyoshi did a good job." "Well, this way, the Hojo father and son will not be suspicious, and the construction of Junfu Castle will be done in an open and honest manner." Over the years, Ieyasu has always wanted to completely remodel the Junfu Castle in order to strengthen Jia and Xin.Allies in troubled times are not necessarily true allies.Now Shizheng's son, Shizhi, is Ieyasu's son-in-law, but Du Ji has been married for four years, and Shizheng has not let Shizhi see Ieyasu again.On the surface, the two sides are good allies, but secretly they never let down their vigilance.The attack on Ueda City this time was of course based on righteousness and reason.Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to renovate Junfu Castle not only to strengthen Ko and Shin, but also to guard against the Hojo Clan.

"Needless to say, we had to stand by and watch while Hideyoshi crusade against Nagasa!" "yes!" "In this war, I have concluded that there are three gains." "Only three?" "Yes! The first is to transform Junfu City, and the second is to boost morale and consolidate the land of Jiaxin." "What about the third?" At this time, Zhengxin took out a green bamboo tube from his waist and handed it to Jiayasu, "I sweat a lot, please drink water." "Well, I'm just feeling thirsty." Ieyasu took a sip of water and returned the bamboo tube to Masanobu, "The third is to make Hideyoshi feel that we are easy to cooperate."

"So, is there a fourth?" "Hehe, what is the fourth?" "Hojo and his son will admire the lord who sticks to righteousness, this harvest is not small!" "Haha!" Ieyasu laughed.The road was dry and dusty, and the troops behind were invisible.There was no wind and no clouds.The fields on both sides of the road seemed to be continuously gushing out heat waves. "Also, I have something I want to ask the lord." "Is there a fifth harvest?" "No. Does my lord really want to kill Sanada and his son?" After hearing this, Ieyasu hurriedly looked around, "Hush! Don't say ridiculous things, Zhengxin!"

Zhengxin also looked around.No one seemed to hear their conversation. Abe Masakatsu and Makino Yasunari who were following behind were pointing to the mountains in the north, talking about something. "Don't talk about death casually, what if it affects morale?" "My lord, forgive me!" "This matter..." Ieyasu drove his horse closer to Zhengxin, "Sanada and his son must be wiped out!" "I think so too." "While Hideyoshi and Chengzheng are fighting together, let's build Junfu Castle while fighting." Zheng Xin nodded understandingly.He already understood Ieyasu's thoughts very well.Behind the Sanada father and son, there are Uesugi Jingsheng and Hideyoshi.If the Sanada family is destroyed, Hideyoshi and Jingsheng will definitely point the finger at Ieyasu once the matter of Sasaka Naruma is resolved.If the war with the Sanada father and son fails to decide the outcome for a while, Hideyoshi will definitely act as a peacemaker to promote the peace talks. At that time, he can pretend to look at Hideyoshi's face and let the Sanada father and son live on.

In this way, the Hojo father and son's suspicion and hatred for Hideyoshi will deepen, which will make them closer to the Tokugawa family, which will strengthen the anti-Hideyoshi power more than killing the Sanada father and son. Masanobu Honda Yachiro thought so, so he wanted to test whether Ieyasu thought so.When Nobunaga, in order to survive, he must defeat the enemy in order to protect himself.Now that harsh situation has disappeared, and we have entered an era where we must look at the overall situation to win.Not only to be a strong general, but also to understand domestic and foreign affairs.Therefore, Masanobu Honda, Masakatsu Abe, Yasunari Makino, and the brave Sakai, Tadakatsu Honda, Ii, Kanbara, etc., often advise Ieyasu.

It has been more than ten days since Ieyasu entered Junfu City.At the beginning of August in the thirteenth year of Tianzheng, Hideyoshi also set off from Osaka. Hideyoshi's expedition seemed even more leisurely.He took the boat from Kyoto to Osaka, showing off the majesty of Xinguanbai, and went to Sakai Port to announce the general trend of the world. After drinking tea, he slowly stood in front of the expedition team. The equipment of Hideyoshi's army is even more luxurious, dazzling and frightening.The Tanima Seal, which was once used by Saito Ryuko in the attack on Mino, is dazzling under the scorching sun.Hideyoshi's proud Malan leaf feather helmet is also splendid.His appearance had even changed completely: with thick eyebrows and a beard, he had a new look, like a mighty warrior in a painting.Of course, he didn't want to fight Sasa Naruma at all.Hideyoshi determined that Ieyasu's main force was gathered at Ueda Castle, and it had already created a huge deterrent to the surrounding area.

Hideyoshi's expedition this time is like traveling in mountains and rivers.He deliberately recruited Oda Yurakusai and Sorori Shinzaemon, who was recommended by people from Hong Kong, Sakai, into the army, and everywhere he went, he made a big splash: This Shinkanbai is approachable and humane. No matter how stubborn Chengzheng was, since Niwa Chohide committed suicide and Ieyasu's main force was gathered elsewhere, no one would help him.Hideyoshi planned to simply surround Chengzheng and play tricks on this famous stubborn person.There is absolutely no tactical strategy to speak of, it is just to let people see the difference between the skills and strategies of the old generals and the new Guan Bai. In this sense, it can be said that Cheng Zheng has never been so lucky, and he has never been so unfortunate.Fortunately, his life was safe from the beginning. Unfortunately, although his life was saved, it became a foil to prove Hideyoshi's greatness. Ieyasu said "Hideyoshi did a good job" and so on, and smiled.At this time, Hideyoshi had the same idea as Ieyasu.When Hideyoshi heard the emissary sent by Nobuo say that Ieyasu was preparing for battle in Ueda, he narrowed his eyes and smiled.Ieyasu stayed in Sumfu and was dispatched to the front line, including Okubo Tadashi, Torii Mototada, Hiraiwa Shinkichi, Shibata Yasutaka, Okato Nagamori, Suwa Yoritada, Hoshina Masao, Matsudaira Yasuo, Yashiro Katsunaga, Saneda Changji, Shiro Masashige, Sone Masashi, etc., as well as Ii Naomasa, Osuga Yasutaka, Matsudaira Yasushige, Makino Yasunari, Suganuma Fujizo, etc., mobilized a total of 15,000 people. "With so many troops on the front line, can we still fight on two fronts?" Hideyoshi asked.However, he still has an unspoken secret in his heart.He expected that Ieyasu would not spend much time in Ueda Castle.Hideyoshi imagined that when Ieyasu's army penetrated deep, if Uesugi Kekatsu's Echigo army could ingeniously enter... The change in the battle situation is really unpredictable.If Tokugawa's army was cut off by the coalition forces of Uesugi and Sanada in Shinano, they would have to fight hard there.In this way, Sanada's army will resist to the end, and Ieyasu and Jing Sheng will also fight bloody battles. Both sides will suffer heavy casualties, and both sides will suffer.If this continues, both Tokugawa and Uesugi will become clawless cats.Hideyoshi not only fantasizes like this, but also creates more opportunities for them to restrain each other, and there is hidden smoke of fiction and reality. Therefore, neither side will retreat, one side is in Ueda Castle, the other side is in Hokuriku, and the war will start. On the second day of August, Ieyasu began to send people to attack Sanada Yasuo Masayuki in Ueda Castle. He seemed to be angry, but he didn't seem to be angry. He occasionally stopped the offensive and observed the surrounding situation, sometimes advancing and sometimes retreating.According to the records of the war, the Tokugawa army suffered bitter battles due to the sufficient combat readiness and strong morale of the Sanada army, and the war came to a stalemate. Of course, this does not mean that Ieyasu will no longer attack Sanada's troops, but he has seen the arrival of Uesugi's army and Hideyoshi's movements, so he wants to observe the situation here, wait for the opportunity, and also observe the behavior of the troops in Koshin. ability.During this period, Junfu City began to be rebuilt one after another. The Sanada Army, the training object of the new retainers of the Tokugawa Clan, is indeed a rare opponent.The new retainers and the former enemy Tokugawa army fought hand in hand for the first time against the elusive Sanada army, and shared honor and disgrace. The two sides naturally became closer and cooperated more closely, and the newcomers trusted the Tokugawa clan even more.Especially when they saw Naomasa Ii leading the troops alone, chasing Fujita Notomori who led Uesugi's reinforcements to Shinshu, and Kiso's Ogasawara reinforcements, they trusted the Tokugawa clan even more. On September 26, based on information about Hideyoshi, Ieyasu ordered the troops near Ueda to consider retreating. Ieyasu himself had returned to Hamamatsu Castle five days ago, assembled the generals who stayed there, and completed deployment; on the 26th, he ordered Ueda's army to withdraw, and then leisurely patrolled Mikawa's Nishio and Kira Castle. Hideyoshi, who had conquered the North Country as planned, re-allied with Uesugi Kagekatsu, returned to Osaka, and began to deploy strategies to attack the four countries. Ieyasu inspected the coastal defenses in fear that Hideyoshi's powerful navy would surprise Mikawa.However, the morale in the county is strong and the army is fully equipped, so it goes without saying. Hideyoshi has completed the plan, and Ieyasu is also competing with it in vain. However, Ieyasu did not eliminate Sanada Masayuki and his son and withdrew his troops, which dissatisfied the Odawara Hojo Masatodai. This was originally expected, and it was the only thing that made him brood.Wakashi Masaru knew that Ieyasu attacked Sanada this time, in fact, he just wanted to take the opportunity to build Sunfu Castle, so he might be furious and even send troops to Suruga.It is now necessary to take a gentle approach to the Hojo clan. On the third day of October, Ieyasu, who returned to Hamamatsu Castle, began to think about the strategy for dealing with Ujimasa and his son.He hasn't met his son-in-law Uji Nao yet, so he plans to find an opportunity to meet Uji Masa, Uji Nao and his son at a suitable place, and let them know that the withdrawal of troops this time is to fight against the common enemy Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and it is a last resort Of.Ieyasu took great pains to explain this truth, because the Hojo clan's political father and son are a bit like spoiled children, and they are wayward people who are far from being compared with Hideyoshi. At this time, Hideyoshi gave him another unexpected problem. Hideyoshi's problem is: From now on, until Shikoku, Kyushu and other parts of the world are completely pacified, all daimyos must send hostages to Osaka to assure Hideyoshi and help him restore peace.Now that everyone has surrendered, Ieyasu, like the famous names in the world, will send hostages immediately. Why did Hideyoshi's attitude suddenly become so tough? In addition to the fact that his new strategy of attacking Sasa Naruma has worked, there is another reason, that is, when Hideyoshi became Guanbai, he had already obtained the private permission of the Minister of Taizheng: he was not only the real power in Japan, A hero above ten thousand people.In this way, Hideyoshi no longer has to rely on force to deal with the daimyos, he can use the majesty of the royal family to command the princes, and be an imposing orderer-he is about to devour Ieyasu with this posture. Ieyasu has retreated from Ueda Castle under the protection of Hideyoshi.This matter made Hideyoshi speculate that Ieyasu had fully realized his intentions, so he had no choice but to do so, and at the same time he knew his own strength and acted carefully. Sasa Naruma was easily subdued by Hideyoshi, and accompanied him to the capital, showing Hideyoshi's power even more.Uesugi Jingsheng also announced to the world that he would do his best to assist Xin Guanbai.The big names will of course hand over the hostages obediently.The situation was getting more and more favorable for Hideyoshi, so Ieyasu could no longer refuse. However, when the important ministers of the Tokugawa clan received this order through Oda Nobuo, they were immediately outraged and furious.At this time, the retainers clapped their hands and cheered for the return of Senchiyo, the son of Saemon Honda.They didn't think they would lose to Hideyoshi this time. Although they retreated without capturing Ueda Castle, it was just a strategic need to build the Junfu and contain the Hojo clan's government.They believe that the strength of the Tokugawa family has not been damaged in the slightest, and has even been enhanced. And Hideyoshi actually asked that in addition to Ieyasu's children, he should also send the family of the important minister to Osaka.He didn't think that he had a problem, and he just emphasized that it is a matter of course to recognize that this is in line with the current situation.However, for the furious Tokugawa family, this is a complete problem. The important ministers began to communicate frequently on October 15th.On the twenty-eighth day of the same month, because of Hideyoshi's urging again, Ieyasu temporarily gathered all his ministers in Hamamatsu Castle.At this time, the smell of gunpowder was very strong in the air. The important ministers who came to the big academy in this city one after another were all aggrieved.The visitors included Sakai Tadashi, Honda Tadakatsu, Honda Sakuzaemon, Kanbara Yasomasa, Ii Naomasa, Matsudaira Iechu, Okubo Tadashi, Honda Masanobu and others.Only Ishikawa Shuzheng looked unusually calm, showing the anger of the others. Ieyasu sat in the main seat, showing a bitter expression. "Tadaji, tell me first. Nobuo sent someone to inform that almost all the hostages have arrived in Osaka. Probably these hostages will stay in Osaka until Hideyoshi returns from conquering Kyushu..." "Refused!" Chuji replied angrily without waiting for Ieyasu to finish his sentence, "My lord, don't listen to Hideyoshi in everything, Mr. Ugimaru is enough, don't go too far!" Jiakang neither nodded nor blamed him, but just said to Jiazhong who was sitting next to him, "What about you?" The kind-hearted Jiazhong said: "I think that we should treat him with courtesy. Since this is the order of Master Guan Bai, it is not easy to refuse it outright, but Mr. Yu Yiwan has become Guan Bai's adopted son, so we should not be treated as ordinary His retainers look upon it." "What about being left?" Honda Zuzaemon arched his back when being asked, and roared in a contemptuous tone: "Tell him not to push forward and be unscrupulous!" "Where's Zhongshi?" "I think we should decline him politely, so as not to cause misfortune to Mr. Yu Yiwan." "Where's Zhongsheng?" Ieyasu's voice was as calm as water, but his eyes were deep, and his distress was gradually increasing. "We must realize that war is inevitable. Only with this determination can we talk about rejection. Without the determination to fight the war to the end, it is absolutely impossible to solve the hostage matter so easily. If we have high fighting spirit, Hideyoshi will definitely be afraid." "Where's Kang Zheng?" "I agree with the idea of ​​loyalty and victory. If you succumb to this, you will become more and more passive. Whether to become his retainer or to contend with him, you should decide now." "What about Zhizheng?" The youngest, Naomasa Ii, saluted angrily, "I have the same opinion as everyone else, and you can send me to the battlefield at any time." Jiakang's face became lighter, and he smiled, "Then, if no one agrees, everyone will reject it? The number is right, what do you think?" Ishikawa Shuzheng closed his eyes tightly all the time, as if he was sleeping, and did not move. "The number is positive, tell me your opinion!" After being patted by Ieyasu, Shuzheng opened his eyes, "I have already shared my thoughts with the lord many times, so there is no need to say it again." "Oh. So you're the only one who doesn't agree with fighting Hideyoshi?" Ieyasu muttered. Honda Saemon patted the tatami, walked forward on his knees, and shouted, "The number said to send hostages?" Shuzheng smiled slightly and said, "Even if I say I want to send hostages, but the important ministers are against it, I have no choice. I can only obey the opinions of you and my lord." "Number is right!" Sakuzaemon took a step forward and stared at him, "You are timid!" "Oh, it's weird that you say that!" "Once a samurai has made up his mind, stop caring about other people's opinions, but stick to his position openly, and don't follow the crowd!" Suzumasa looked at Sakuzaemon in surprise.These words pierced his heart sharply and made him feel like he was on fire. Zuo Zuo once said: "Only you and I don't care about the glory. It doesn't matter if others don't understand. We must be willing to become the pillars of the Tokugawa family and be a man. No matter you go first or I go first, don't expect to have it." A stable life in old age." The two understood each other at the beginning, and the same look reappeared in Zuo Zuo's eyes. "Haha!" Shuzheng laughed, "Zuo Zuo, you have brought Xian Chiyo back from Osaka, and you have become tough!" "That's interesting. You agreed to send other hostages because Katsuchiyo was in Osaka?" The tone of the two people was very sharp, and everyone couldn't help holding their breath.Ieyasu had a bitter expression and stroked his chin. "Zuo Zuo, since you ask that, I'll say it straight: what exactly is the lord's wish?" "Does it need to be said, the world is peaceful!" "This world is not a chaotic world, but a peaceful world. The master's grand ambition is to rebuild a peaceful and prosperous world." "What does that have to do with the hostage incident, tell me!" "Of course I want to say! What will happen if my lord is in a dispute with Hideyoshi now? No matter which side wins, it will cause chaos in the world again. Judging from the current situation, the Tokugawa clan does not have the upper hand. Fighting such a battle is a man's courage. If you are patient for the time being, if you follow Hideyoshi a little bit, won't you also realize the idea of ​​peace in the world?" Shuzheng stopped at this point. "Number is positive!" "Master Ishikawa!" "Shut up!" There were sharp scolding sounds from all around.If Ieyasu doesn't make a sound to stop him, maybe someone will come out and attack the logarithm.Patience to help Hideyoshi, etc., is a taboo in the Tokugawa family.Ieyasu knew that Sazaemon intended to say such things on purpose. "Quiet, stop making noise!" Ieyasu shouted. Shuzheng thought with emotion: What is coming has finally come!He felt lonely deeply, so he kept silent. "Wait until the number is finished, I have my own opinion on whether to adopt it or not. Be quiet!" Ieyasu reprimanded everyone again, "Shusho also said that if everyone unanimously decides not to send hostages, he will also listen to everyone's opinions." "The Lord has to make the final decision on this matter." Zuo Zuo said. "What else do you want to say about Zuo Zuo?" Ieyasu asked. "Yes! I am timid. Who would think that even if there is a battle, you will only lose but not win? Then just fight and see! I will be the first to bring Hideyoshi's head to show you! This kind of warrior is under the banner of the lord. It's just as numerous as a cow's hair!" At this moment, Shuzheng could clearly see that there was a certain sadness in Tsukuru's left eye, and he said: "It's still the same sentence, wars are not won by the number of manpower." "Of course! Osaka is nothing special... Didn't they already see the battle of Komaki Nagakute?" "Moreover, our army has never given up training in the mountains and fields in the places of Jiaxin!" Shuzheng looked contemptuously at the once again agitated crowd.Every one was strong and determined and loyal, but their anger was so superficial that it was not so much anger as awe-inspiring anger.Shuzheng was thinking this way, when he suddenly met Ieyasu's eyes, he was startled.Sadness emerges from Tsukuru's left eye, but behind Ieyasu's nonchalant calmness lies deep melancholy and sadness.Shuzheng felt hot: Only the lord and Zuozuo understand me! "I'm sorry, I was stimulated by Zuo Zuo, and the next impulsiveness affected morale, please forgive me!" Tsukuzu turned around abruptly, subtly hiding his true emotions as usual.Some know this, some don't. It was dark, and the servants came up with lamps. Everyone is against sending hostages, but the countermeasures to be taken still need to be discussed. "Then, let's fill our hunger with some food!" Ieyasu said, looking back at Honda Masanobu.Compared with real knives and guns on the battlefield, the virtual reality in the tent is more important. Hideyoshi grandly ordered all the daimyos to send hostages. If they refused, it would cause commotion.In order to prevent riots, there must be countermeasures.It would be best to design Hideyoshi not to ask for hostages, but that would be tantamount to seeking skins from tigers.Therefore, the most important thing is to be safe in case of Hideyoshi's sudden attack. Naruma Sasao had surrendered to Hideyoshi, and Jingsheng Uesugi was hostile to Tokugawa.Because of the matter of Ueda Castle first, the Hojo clan political father and son are dissatisfied, and if they refuse to send hostages, Oda Nobuo will also lose face and lose peace.Because of this, the high morale became a worrying thing at this time-Hamamatsu Castle encountered an unprecedented crisis.It must be considered that if Hideyoshi is angered, Yu Yimaru's life is in danger, and the possible invasion from the sea must also be fully considered. The ministers debated all night, and finally decided on three major issues. First of all, Ieyasu refused to send hostages to Osaka, but asked his ministers to send hostages to Hamamatsu Castle.Doing this not only means that there will be no internal accidents in case of unexpected incidents, but also to warn Hideyoshi: the Tokugawa family is ready to deal with everything. Secondly, Ieyasu went to Odawara in person to meet Hojo and his son not only to seek peace between the two sides, but also to exchange oaths with each other's important officials.They have already seen that if Hideyoshi and the Hojo clan shake hands and talk happily, the Tokugawa clan will be alone and helpless.I had considered meeting Hojo several times before, but I always gave up because I couldn't find a suitable way.It would be inappropriate for Hojo and his son to come to Junfu, and it would be disrespectful for Ieyasu to go there.The result of everyone's discussion is: Ieyasu crossed the Kise River and went to Mishima to meet them. During this period, we must try our best to maintain the friendship between the two parties.Again, it is to use Oda Nobuo to ease the relationship with Hideyoshi, but I don't know if it will be effective. The meeting is over and it is daylight.The dazzling sun of October 29 shone into the courtyard, and the morning light was everywhere. Everyone was about to leave the table, Ieyasu said: "Everyone has worked hard! A hearty breakfast has been prepared for you this morning, everyone just wait." As he spoke, he asked his servants to bring up the prepared meals. "The number is positive, this is soup made from the cranes I shot!" Jiakang didn't know what he was thinking, so he called Shuzheng first, then smiled and said to everyone, "Come on, eat, I'm afraid I'm hungry already! Have a bowl of crane soup." Pursing his lips, he stared at the courtyard. "Oh, it's really a crane!" "The crane is very auspicious, but I still hope that this year will pass as soon as possible." "That's a good sign." "Hey, there are more vegetables than crane meat." The important ministers who ate and talked were quite like a group of innocent teenagers.Smiling and boasting of his family fortune, the joker hides deep melancholy.But these naive retainers didn't seem to notice it. After dinner, everyone prepared to go back to the city.No one seemed to doubt the decision to send the hostages to Ieyasu instead of Hideyoshi.One should trust one's own people unconditionally, and one should completely hate one's enemies. This is the character that a general should have.It is precisely because everyone has this character that the Tokugawa clan is what it is today. "The number is positive, how does the crane taste today?" Shuzheng went out of the gate, and when he was about to mount his horse, Sakuzaemon called him from behind, "Do you want to go down to the house? I am worried that I will quarrel with you, and I want to see you." "No, I won't go today." Shuzheng replied bluntly, "When I think of my lord's worries last night, my heart hurts like a knife." "Oh. That's all?" "What do you mean?" "Okay, I won't force you to go to my house." "Be on the left! My lord is going to Mishima and kneel to Hojo and his son." "What?" "I've been thinking, let him not please Hideyoshi, but let him bow his head to the Hojo father and son who are far weaker than Hideyoshi. Is such a courtier considered a loyal minister?" "Don't think about it!" "I didn't think about it!" "Okay, let's not forget how the crane tasted this morning!" Zuo Zuo said. "Can you forget? My lord is so heartbroken." "This is not a rare thing! If you raise a powerful eagle, you will often be scratched by the eagle. However, you can't chop off all the eagle's claws, so what's the use of the eagle? Don't talk stupid!" "Stupid?" Shu Zheng glared at Zuo Zuo, but after a second thought, he immediately took the reins from the servant, "Then, send my regards to Madam." Zuo Zuo didn't answer, just nodded.Shuzheng whipped his horse, and as soon as he left the city, he burst into tears.In the morning frost, tears merged into the earth. The sky has its true and false, and the earth has its true and false, but which side of life is false and which side is real?Shuzheng thought that he might have to fight this city forever in this life!He knew that he couldn't see Hamamatsu, but he couldn't help but look back frequently, "My lord, take care..."