Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen In Cao Ying

On November 16, the thirteenth year of Tensho, the news that Ishikawa Shuzheng was leaving was reported to Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Sakai Port. After Ogasawara Sadaki had a conversation with Shuzheng, he also voted for Hideyoshi.Kowakamaru, the son of Zhenqing, was originally held in Okazaki as a hostage, but Ishikawa Kazumasa took him out as a gift by the way. "It's better to be Guan Bai! People come to seek refuge one after another." Hideyoshi smiled at the people nearby as if nothing had happened. He seemed to be indifferent on the surface, but in fact he was very disturbed.

There are many doubts in Hideyoshi's mind about the number of coming and going.If Shuzheng really betrayed Ieyasu and had to leave, that would be a major event, the biggest reason being that Ieyasu had decided to go to war against Hideyoshi.If there is another reason, such as just because it is difficult to stay in the Tokugawa family, it is very suspicious, maybe it is the other party's undercover agent.The third possibility is that Shuzheng is greedy for prosperity and wealth, and is blinded by profit.If this is the case, there is no need to worry, but he cannot be reused. It is enough to give him a salary slightly higher than that of the Tokugawa family and let him compare the size of the two territories.

Hideyoshi wanted to know what kind of motivation Suzumasa was, so he ordered Oda Yuraku to give him a moderate welcome when he arrived in Osaka, and tried his best to find out his real intention.However, Youle replied shortly after, saying that the reason for Shuzheng's departure was beyond those three assumptions: Shuzheng was for the sake of the world, and wanted to directly advise Hideyoshi, so he came to Osaka via the capital, but he was not by his side. It means to get an official position. Hideyoshi laughed heartily, "Shuzheng deceived Youle, a fool." It seems that Shuzheng will not lose to Youle, he already has the upper hand. "This is my fault. If someone asks me which of the two has the higher salary, it should be correct."

Hideyoshi plans to go to the imperial family to present a gift on the 23rd, and then go to Osaka Castle to meet Shuzheng. "I also met a lot of talented people in Sakai Port. How is Shuzheng? Can he compare with the sword master Tseng Luli Shinzuo?" While Hideyoshi was chatting with Ishida Mitsunari, he pretended to be calm and prepared to meet Shuzheng, with retainers sitting on both sides of him.Of course, he knew that Shuzheng would not talk too much on this occasion.He just wants to put on the majesty of Xin Guanbai, to see the positive performance of the ronin who has become a ronin.At this moment, Hideyoshi's mood can be described as overjoyed.

Ishikawa, who came in, was upright, saluting Hideyoshi respectfully, neither cowardly, hesitant, nor arrogant. Hideyoshi saw Shuzheng's calm attitude, and his childlike innocence suddenly arose, and he sneered, "Are you here to betray Ieyasu?" "It's not abandonment." Shuzheng was sitting on the seats where all the big names were sitting, and said firmly, "Everyone has his own ambitions, and good birds choose trees to live in. Since they can't be tolerated by the Tokugawa family, they have to endure it and leave." The generals present Qiqi turned his attention to Shuzheng.If, as the rumors say, Shuzheng betrayed Ieyasu and left, he should say something wrong about the Tokugawa clan.

"Oh. You still think Ieyasu is an unusual person?" "This is self-explanatory." Shuzheng replied, "I believe that Lord Jiakang is not under Lord Guan Bai, it's just that luck is different." "Luck?" Hideyoshi suddenly changed his face. "Yes. Ieyasu's luck is bad. Although he has many brave warriors, he has no retainers who can take the world as his own responsibility. I don't want to make mistakes. I realized that this is the disaster of the Tokugawa clan, so I had no choice but to leave." Hideyoshi, whose face changed for a while, showed a complicated expression, and his emotions eased down. "Oh, is this your true meaning? Come to my room and tell me the details. Pour the wine for Shuzheng."

Just as he was running out of wine, Hideyoshi ordered Sancheng to lead him to the room on the second floor of the castle tower. When the number arrived at the castle tower, he was still so calm and calm, which made Hideyoshi very anxious.Now all the flowers are withered, only the camellia is in full bloom.The few are frequently watching the potted camellias at the door. "This kind of precious flower that blooms in the cold wind is like a tsubaki, but it's not a tsubaki... What kind of flower is this?" Hideyoshi asked people to retreat before answering: "Number is positive, you really don't know this flower?"

"I don't know. It's like a toon, but the flowers and leaves are smaller than the toon. It reminds me of something." "When you saw this flower, did you think of it?" "Yes. If Master Guanbai is Chun, Ieyasu is a small camellia. Ieyasu is like Chun, but it is a little smaller. Shuzheng is deeply sorry for Ieyasu." Under the sunlight coming in from the south, Hideyoshi visibly frowned. "Shuzheng, is this your pandering speech?" Shuzheng silently took out the deployment map and armament instructions of the Tokugawa clan that had been prepared already from his arms.

"Is it pandering? You can tell after reading this. Ieyasu is actually Camellia. People who don't know him may mistake him for Tsubaki." His expression is serious and serious, and his actions are solemn and respectful. Hideyoshi silently took the picture and text, but put it aside casually.Tsubaki and Camellia... This shows that Ieyasu is a figure who can keep pace with me in the eyes of others.It seems that this number is just a test, to see if I am mentally prepared, and then said: "The number is positive, you told Youle that you have no intention of serving me." "yes."

"Is this to raise your social status, or is it really disheartened?" "Sorry, neither." "neither?" "I once made an agreement with Lord Guanbai and Lord Ieyasu: Although Shuzheng disdains his own trip, as long as he is in the Tokugawa clan, he must mediate between the two adults so that the war will not resume. However, this time you Ieyasu-kun is categorically difficult to request to send important ministers as hostages. Your Excellency’s order has been slack, and failed to convince the veterans to realize the necessity of sending hostages. I would like to apologize to both parties.”

"Oh. I gave Ieyasu unreasonable orders?" "No, my lord has his own reasons for issuing such an order. I think this is to calm the world, and I have to do it as a last resort. I am deeply ashamed that I failed to persuade the veterans, so I left. Therefore, it is inconvenient for you to serve your lord." Hideyoshi shifted his gaze to the camellia, and suddenly laughed. "The number is positive, the time is not long, you have made a lot of progress!" "Yes, after coming here a few times, my lord seems to have broadened my horizons." "Oh? I see. There are conditions for you to serve Toyotomi Hideyoshi." "I dare not. But otherwise, Shuzheng will forever be charged with greed for profit and betrayal of the lord, and be cast aside by the world." "Okay, okay! Let me mention your conditions?" "Forgive me. My lord understands that the only person who knows the details of the Tokugawa family is the right one." "certainly." "Since that's the case, if my lord can hand over all the matters related to the Tokugawa clan to my subordinates, I will do my best for my lord." "Otherwise, would you rather spend your life as a wanderer?" "Oh, everything is unpredictable." Shuzheng smiled calmly, "Maybe I will wander to Zhuzi and become an enemy of Lord Guan Bai. Therefore, if you think about yourself, you might as well kill me now!" "Hahaha! Good idea, the number is right, you must know whether I agree to your request or kill you. This is Hideyoshi's army! Haha." Hideyoshi laughed loudly, but his eyes scanned Crossing Shuzheng's forehead, looking into the distance, "Shuzheng, I don't want to obey other people's orders, but I will listen to the opinions of my retainers with an open mind. If it suits me, I will accept it; if it doesn't suit me, Just reject it. I'm afraid you won't be able to control me." Hideyoshi smiled and bent forward, speaking as if talking to a child. "Of course I dare not order your lord, it's just..." "Okay, tell me, if I entrust you with the affairs of the Tokugawa family, what will you do first?" "Yes!" Shuzheng corrected his posture and took a breath.He has put personal honor and disgrace aside, and now is the time to decide whether he can be a person who enlightens and moves forward, and it is also the time to determine the meaning of his life.His lips were dry and his heart was beating faster. "First, officially send a peace envoy to the Tokugawa clan." "The important minister is a hostage, so let's just let it go?" "Yes. In the past, I was sandwiched between the two adults and planned everything, but I couldn't communicate the will of the two parties. Therefore, if the envoys are officially sent, even if they have resentment over the hostage matter, they will calm down and re-evaluate." "Oh, when they insist on a war, I want to send an envoy for peace?" "yes." "However, Ieyasu will not come to Osaka because of this." "Of course. We must first promote peace, and when there is no objection, then urge him to come to Osaka." "You think Ieyasu will come?" "Difficult! Because important ministers will definitely object." "What about the third step?" "Officially propose Asahi Hime's marriage." "Oh." "Ieyasu will definitely agree. At that time, use the excuse of discussing the marriage to ask those stubborn high-ranking ministers to come to Osaka several times. In this way, they will open their eyes." Hideyoshi couldn't help nodding, and then patted his thigh.It seems that the few conversations with Shuzheng made him unknowingly throw away his inherent prejudices. "Hey, call the old ministers to discuss the marriage." "Yes, in order to prevent people from misunderstanding, there is no better method than this." "Well, who should I call?" "Hachiro Tadakatsu Honda, Kodaira Taiyasumasa, and Tadakasa Saemon Sakai are enough." When Shuzheng said this, Hideyoshi laughed again. "Haha, the three stubborn old men from Sanhe! Haha, good! Number positive, I understand you, you stay!" "Thank you, my lord, but you must obey your word!" Shu Zheng raised his voice and said selflessly. "It would be against God's will not to keep you." Hideyoshi's gaze became gentle, and he lowered his voice, "But, number one, there are different ways to keep you. You can stay as a daimyo of more than one country. You can also stay as a servant, or you can be a samurai under the banner. Which way do you want, tell me." Shuzheng couldn't help but panic.Did Hideyoshi fully understand what he meant, or did he think he had something to offer?I thought that the purpose of running away had been achieved, but a single word at this moment can change the world. "Well, tell me your hope. Since I came here on purpose, I will satisfy you." "I have never thought about it carefully, and I have no resolution in my heart." "have not thought?" "I only thought about whether I would be beheaded or be treated as a guest of honor. I never considered other things." "Oh." A half-admiration, half-sarcasm smile appeared on Hideyoshi's lips, and he nodded quietly, "Shu Zheng, I want you to become a famous name commensurate with your status, but the people around me may have some objections. " "Oh." "The man I took in may be a spy sent by Ieyasu, but he was given a generous salary. They must think so." Shuzheng became depressed.In fact, it's not that he hasn't thought about this point, but Hideyoshi brought it up this way, which really surprised him, and said: "Since your lord has these concerns, it's just that you don't want to be a big name." "Oh?" "My lord!" Shuzheng suddenly seemed to think of something, and said solemnly, "I care about the wishes in my chest." "desire?" "Since you really keep it here, you should make good use of it." "Of course! I can't take in any useless eaters." "The desire for the world is the motivation to live. Now that I have run away, I am no longer a servant of the Tokugawa clan, but I don't want to be Lord Guanbai's servant, but I want to dedicate my life to the world at any time through the Lord. No resignation. If I can stay freely, my salary will be enough to support my wife and children.” Shuzheng said this aloud, and his mood suddenly brightened, he was happy to have a heart-to-heart talk. "Not being anyone's retainer?" "Yes, it can also be said to be a retainer of the world, a loyal minister who is loyal to the world." "Okay! The number is positive!" Hideyoshi slapped his thigh vigorously and leaned forward, "Even if you compare with the cowhide kings in Sakai Port, you will definitely not lose to them." "Oh." "No one has ever said such big words in front of Hideyoshi. If you don't be Tokugawa Ieyasu's minister or Toyotomi Hideyoshi's retainer, you are God's retainer! If we have any fault, you will not let it go If you pass me, Ieyasu will not be spared. Hahaha! Okay, the number is right!" "My lord, please forgive me! I am bound by this stupid idea." "Okay! Toyotomi Hideyoshi is determined to take in Ishikawa Shuzheng who has a foolish idea!" "Thank you, my lord." "Guan Bai is the Guan Bai of the world. If I am afraid of your supervision, people in future generations will question me. Good! If you think that Ieyasu and I are not for the world, you can take our heads at any time!" "Thank you, my lord." "What a loyal minister who is dedicated to the world. Hahaha, so, how can money buy it, and the number is right?" "grown ups……" "Stop talking, I know you didn't deceive me. Not only are you honest and upright, but you are also extremely intelligent. I really don't have the right words and methods to praise you." "grown ups……" "Okay, okay! I will buy you, a servant of the world, but not now. I will first let the people around me understand your value in detail. Right now, I will take 20,000 stones from my younger brother Xiuchang to support your family." "Thank you, my lord." "Of course, this is not your worth. As soon as the Asahi issue is resolved, you will be the lord of the city." Hideyoshi said, shrinking his neck mischievously, "I will give you the most suitable place for you— —A place where it is convenient for me or Ieyasu to see you. Number positive, you can supervise us at any time to see who is not doing well. If you think I am not doing well, you can go back to Ieyasu at any time. How, this way, can you do you accept?" This time, not only his body was trembling, but his heart was also trembling. "Haha, the number is positive, let's stop here. You can go to the inner court to have a look. Asahi is very pitiful. You go to comfort her and let her have some courage. I will ask Xiuchang to do everything in the future. You go to the castle first. settle down." When Shu Zheng walked out the door, he still felt like he was in a dream.Ieyasu understands his ambition, but thinks that Hideyoshi will not be persuaded so easily, but Hideyoshi hits the pain in his chest.It can also be said that Hideyoshi gave a proper push when the number was the most difficult to make a decision, prompting him to make a decision.In this way, in matters related to the Tokugawa clan, Hideyoshi will fully adopt Shuzheng's views, and there will be no danger of war between the two heroes, and peace will finally come!Shuzheng couldn't help cheering.Hideyoshi's rise following Nobunaga, but Ieyasu did not dare to go one step further, probably because of the general trend of history. Shuzheng went to the city to pay a visit to Hashiba Hidecho, the general manager, and at the same time felt that his heart suddenly became brighter, and he couldn't help smiling wryly.His bold words in front of Hideyoshi are also his pride in his insight into the general trend of the world.It's ironic that I can feel the open-mindedness that I never had in Okazaki Castle in Osaka Castle!However, this also shows that Hideyoshi knows how to employ people. "I want to visit Mrs. Asahi in the inner court." Shu Zheng said.Xiuchang led him to the corridor of the inner court, and then ordered the maid in the inner court to take him away.Xiuchang knew that his sister was a poor person, and he also knew why Shu was going to visit her. "Now, where is Miss Asai Nagamasa?" "Second Miss and Third Miss are both married, and the eldest Miss Chacha lives in Master Oda's house." "Oh, both ladies are married?" "Yes. The second lady is married to Jingji's family, and the third lady is married to Mr. Xiusheng of Danbo." As she spoke, the maid suddenly lowered her voice and said, "But the third lady is very pitiful, because the son is not in good health." "Oh, what a pity." Xiu Sheng is Nobunaga's own son, and Da Ji is a cousin, rumored to be terminally ill.well!Are the three sisters lucky or unlucky?When Shuzheng thought of this, he had already walked through the long corridor and arrived at the door of Asahi Ji's room. "Report, Ishikawa Bokishou-sama pays his respects to his wife." The maid said at the door. Shuzheng entered the room led by the housekeeper, Asahiji was sitting in front of the desk, not knowing what she was writing, when she saw someone approaching, she hastily put down her pen and turned around. Copying scriptures?Just thinking about it made my heart ache.The one who led him to the inner court before was the honest man Saji Hinata, who has gone to another world.This poor woman may be writing some scriptures to mourn him, but now she has to persuade her to marry Tokugawa Ieyasu. All this is for the world!Those words that were extremely disgusting in the past made him feel very relieved now. Thinking about this, he gave a salute, and suddenly found a pot of camellia standing here, and said: "Although the color is not rich, it is a beautiful flower." Asahi Hime seems much older than when she first met.She glanced at Shan Cha and said, "I heard from You Le that your lord has escaped from Tokugawa's house." "Yes, Master Guan Bai is very aware of this matter." "Then, do I still have to go to Tokugawa's house?" She seemed worried about this, staring directly at Suzheng and asking. Shuzheng suddenly wanted to laugh, but stopped: "Master Guan Bai also mentioned this matter, saying that Madam may ask some questions, and said that if you have any questions, let me tell you what I know without reservation." "I still have to go?" Shuzheng pretended to be thoughtful, "Master Guan Bai and Duke Jiakang are married, which is the best way to calm the world." "Do you know about the marriage of the third lady of the Asai family?" "No, not at all." "The women in the inner court said that Xiu Sheng has a chest disease, and if he gets close to a woman, it will be the most harmful. But Master Guan Bai deliberately forced the third lady to marry, really..." "This is actually..." "Lord Guanbai's ideal heir is my sister's son Miyoshi Hideji, not adopted son Hidekatsu. Therefore, I used the most vicious method to arrange a woman by his side. I also belong to this category, Ishikawa-sama?" Ishikawa Shuzheng didn't expect her to say such harsh words, and was speechless for a while. "It's really tragic!" Asahi Ji added, "Your Excellency can say that this is all for the sake of the world. But for the sake of the world, you have to sacrifice the happiness of many humble people? I really don't understand!" Shuzheng couldn't help but leaned out, dissuading him: "That's not the case, ma'am." "No? Then, Miss San marries Xiu Sheng, and my husband and I are forced to separate each other. Do you think this is happiness?" "lady!" "Sometimes I hate the word 'world' very much, and I also hate my brother's success." "Madam!" Shuzheng felt that he was also being scolded, so he said decisively, "Madam's idea is not unreasonable. But, isn't this a dilemma for adults?" "Because of the dilemma, he will be the Minister of the Taizheng in the next step." Shuzheng resisted Asahiji's sharp edge, and his tone became passionate: "My lord may have seen Xiusheng's terminal illness, so I specially held a wedding for him!" "Oh?" Asahi Ji's eyes seemed to be a little dull, "He didn't want to marry the third lady for comfort?" "Yes, I think your excellency thinks so." "Then, it doesn't matter what happened to Miss San's life?" "This is beyond my expectation. Ma'am, don't say that. Even if something happens to Xiusheng, my lord is not the kind of person who doesn't care about Ms. Qianjing. He will definitely think about her future." "Okay!" Asahi Ji smiled melancholy, and interrupted him with a wave. Shuzheng suddenly fell silent—he intended to persuade her, but his words were so hollow. Asahi Hime smiled silently again. "After he dies, even if the third lady still has Xiu Sheng in her heart, she will have to marry elsewhere. Then the so-called world is to treat other people as playthings, but they still have to call it 'the world'. My heart is dead, There’s nothing you can do about it.” Shuzheng was disappointed in himself, and Asahiji made him panic.Although he was very dissatisfied with the result, but at this moment, he could not think of words that could convince the woman. At this time, the housekeeper brought refreshments. "Please use it! This is the refreshment Madam invited adults to use." The butler said arrogantly, as if she was the younger sister of Sekibai Hideyoshi. "Thank you!" Shuzheng felt an uncontrollable self-blame in his chest. The world and the individual, women and the world, they always seem to contradict each other.But at this time, who is right?Those who govern others are grandiose and eloquent, but those who govern others stand alone. However, Shuzheng said that he ran away because he was dissatisfied with the status quo, but he wanted to send this poor woman to the Tokugawa Inner Court. Now he is really disturbed. "You are Master Ishikawa?" The housekeeper looked at Shuzheng carefully, "I heard that you want to marry your wife to Master Tokugawa, what kind of person is Master Tokugawa?" Shuzheng was drinking tea respectfully, and looked at the other party with piercing eyes.The housekeeper may be the wife of an official in the imperial court. She looks contemptuous. Compared with the honest Asahihime, she looks cunning and fierce, and she has no scruples about her words. "Refers to……" "For example, what interests does he have, is he good at singing?" "Oh, military generals don't focus on this way." Shu Zheng said bluntly.After the refreshment, he returned to normal.Can't just quit like this.It's a pity that you can't convince the other party, but it's also very important to make your own point of view clear, otherwise, Asahi Ji believes that life is impermanent, and the future of the two families will be bleak.After thinking about it, Shu Zheng said seriously: "What kind of person Jia Kang is, it's really hard to sum it up in a single word, but in Fang's world, besides Lord Guan Bai, he is definitely the most capable person." "Oh, like this……" "Otherwise, my lord will not marry my wife to him and make him a sister-in-law. My lord knows what he is like." Shuzheng showed a smile, "My lord wants to deal with family affairs with Mr. Jiakang. If Mr. Jiakang hadn't... How can you live under others for a long time? But, Madam seems to be unacceptable to this marriage." "Oh, is he really that kind of person?" "Madam thinks that all people in the world are extremely cruel, so it is even more unacceptable." Shuzheng chuckled, "It's really difficult. It seems that women may not necessarily like people who adults like." As he spoke, he shifted his gaze to Asahi Ji Body, suddenly surprised.There was a gleam in her eyes, and she was staring at him deeply. "I'll leave after saying a few words to Madam." After a pause, he said rightly, "'People in the world' have their own unavoidable difficulties. Things that seem cruel to others are not the truth. Please understand this. He is also a man, and he knows the painstaking efforts of Lord Guan Bai. His love for you is hidden in his heart, and he wants to choose the number one husband-in-law for you. This man is the best man in the world besides himself. I firmly believe that this is the deepest affection. Madame really thinks that the adults are very cruel and don't care for you?" Seeing Asahi Ji's eye sockets gradually turning red, Shuzheng's tone became more intense.As he spoke, he loathed himself, and a phantom suddenly appeared in his eyes: a samurai who had been stabbed in the abdomen by a spear, staggering and swinging a knife frantically... "I understand! Well, I promise." Asahihime cried, of course, she didn't really understand, she had a faint feeling that if it weren't for this, even greater suffering would roll in, "Then, Master Tokugawa will treat you kindly." me?" "Of course!" Shuzheng felt that he had been stabbed in the chest again, "How can I not!" "Master Ishikawa!" This time it was the housekeeper who leaned forward, showing a look of wanting to stand up for the hostess, "Madame is the younger sister of Lord Guan Bai, and the Tokugawa family is already preparing to marry Shishi?" "Of course, I'm preparing." "Everyone agrees?" "Of course. The retainers are naturally happy for the lord." "Hearing what your lord said, the slaves don't have to worry. There are rumors that the other party is unwilling to marry this family and cares a lot." "No, everyone can't wait." Shuzheng couldn't stand his insincere words anymore, "If I have nothing else to say, I'm going to step back. Please take care." His mouth and chest seemed to be filled with sand, and he stood up heavily .The relaxation he felt from Hideyoshi had disappeared, and he felt his whole body was riddled with holes.Women are also terrifying, with sharp eyesight completely different from men's, Ling Shuzheng cannot escape.If she attributed what she has done today to "serving the world", how would Asahiji look at him? Shuzheng walked out of the corridor, shaking his head violently, eager to drive away the unhappiness accumulated in his mind.