Chapter 22 Chapter 22

On the afternoon of October 18, the 14th year of Tianzheng, the Dazheng Office and his party arrived in Okazaki.Songping's main hall assistant Jiazhong led more than 300 riders to the pond to welcome her into the city.Sanhe's team was particularly spectacular, and the atmosphere was quite warm. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was about to enter Beijing, went to Yoshida Castle on the 14th, and rushed back to Okazaki on the 15th to wait for the Taisho Office.The soldiers are all over the Xisan River, which is enough to make the hearts of the people tremble. "My lord is finally going to attack the capital!"

"No. Master Guan Bai sent his mother as a hostage. He was afraid of Master Tokugawa." "No, I heard that after seeing Guan Bai's mother, my lord will lead an army of 30,000 to negotiate." "Negotiate what?" "Of course it is to hand over the world to the adults!" "No, no, no. Guan Bai wants to use his mother as a hostage to make the adults relax their vigilance, and then play some tricks. The lord has already made preparations, and if something happens, he will immediately fight back." "So, the mother sent here is a fake?"

"It's a conspiracy! It's definitely not Guan Bai's mother!" The remarks of the retainers are completely different from those of the leaders. They all say that the Dazhengsuo from Osaka is mostly true.After arguing about this for a while, the retainers focused on sending troops or negotiating.They believed that the lord assembled the army for the following reasons: if the government is false, it will go to war immediately; if it is true, it will negotiate.Zuzaemon convinced people of this. In his opinion, if there is harmony, it will anger everyone. However, Dazhengsuo didn't feel the tension at all. What she cared about most in her heart was her beloved youngest daughter, Asahihime.What touched her the most was that Baiwa treated her with great enthusiasm when the team passed the Ozhang border.In her hometown, the villagers lined up to welcome her: "Dedicate the flowers to the happiest person in the world!"

"Flowers, flowers!" They dropped yellow and white chrysanthemum petals and prayed endlessly. When the sedan chair entered the main gate of Okazaki Castle, Kashiwagi, the maid selected by Ning Ning, held the hand of Dazhengsuo and walked up the steps. "Oh, this is the son-in-law's city!" Da Zhengsuo wrinkled his face and looked around with a smile, "It seems that this place is still relatively poor! Oh, I will tell Guan Bai to make this place rich." She muttered happily Then, he said to the stern-faced veterans: "Thank you everyone! Thank you for taking care of Asahi!"

Eighteen maids and the Taisho Office went up the steps, and Ii Bingbu Shaosuke Naomasa, who was in charge of the reception, immediately went forward to lead the way. Sakai Tadaji, Okubo Tadashi, Kanbara Yasomasa, Honda Tadakatsu, Nagai Naakatsu, etc. all raised their heads and observed carefully. All of them sullenly looked surprised.Dazhengsuo is so rustic and looks like an old country woman. It can be seen at a glance that she has worked hard in the first half of her life.Thinking that this is the all-powerful Guan Bai's mother, one can't help but laugh. Is she really the mother of Guan Bai?This expression was evident on everyone's face.Hondasakuzaemon saw it and stopped the last person to leave. "Don't relax!"

"Haha!" Someone couldn't help laughing. "Hmph! Is it time to laugh?" "Yes, but Master Honda, if she is fake, how can she be so natural?" "So don't be careless. The truth will be revealed when Madam comes from Hamamatsu Castle in the evening." Sakuzaemon said solemnly, feeling ashamed.When he saw Dazhengsuo's rough fingers, he suddenly wanted to cry: such a mother would still be sent... He was ashamed of his insincere words: Did Dazhengsuo already know that he was taken as a hostage?When she arrived at the destination, she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and feel refreshed. Is this her true temperament?How should we treat this simple old lady?

According to the arrangement, when the Dazheng Office entered the newly built annex in the inner courtyard of the city, it was time to rest and change clothes, and then go to the lobby to meet Ieyasu.At that time, Ieyasu would introduce the important ministers to her one by one, and then have dinner together.At this time, Asahi Hime also came from Hamamatsu Castle. It stands to reason that Ieyasu should go out to welcome him, but Zuo Zuo would not let him do this. "It is really unreasonable for the victor to meet the hostages sent by the enemy." Zuo Zuo told everyone the same idea, but the important ministers all showed expressions of deep approval. , "Yes! If it is fake, if you go out to meet him, you will be laughed at!"

Ieyasu was noncommittal and left it entirely to his retainers.Of course, he was very clear that Sazaemon did this on purpose.If the retainers can feel relieved, Zuo Zuo may go to the pond to greet him. Knowing that Dazhengsuo had already rested in the annex, Tsuzaemon went to Ieyasu's bedroom and said, "The old lady from Osaka has arrived." "Excuse me, what's the matter, isn't it fake?" Ieyasu smiled, and glanced at Honda Masanobu next to him, "Yahachiro said that the Taisho Institute is fake." Honda Masanobu has always been by Ieyasu's side, and he has not seen the Dazhengsuo yet.

"How did Yahachi know?" Okubo Tadayo, who arrived one step earlier than Zaemon, said contemptuously.He didn't seem to like Ben Duo's righteousness, and whenever he had the opportunity, he would ridicule him a few words.Zhengxin only showed dissatisfaction with his eyes.Zhong Shidao: "It seems so simple and kind. If you deliberately send a fake one, you will definitely choose a woman who is exquisite and impeccable." "Who can say that this is not a trick? Pretending to be a peasant woman is easy!" Honda said rightly. "Mihachi, you are so insidious! When Madam comes from Hamamatsu, the truth will be revealed? Let's make a bet."

"Bet? Very boring." Ieyasu stopped the two with a wry smile, "Okay, Zuo Zuo, is everything ready?" "Nothing is lost." "Then, go to the annex and bring her." "Hold on." "So, Zuo Zuo agrees with Yahachi?" Zuo Zuo shook his head unhappily and said, "It doesn't matter if it's true or not, but my lord can't just see her casually." "Just because she is Guan Bai's mother?" "Yes! What we did was just to cooperate with Guan Bai, not our own idea, and we must not forget this in the future."

"It's in a sentence!" "My lord, this matter is not limited to today. When you go to Beijing in the future, you must not take the initiative. Just tell him that we have arrived." "It's unnecessary, do you think I'm a child with a yellow mouth?" "Haha! The lord seems to have reached the age where he can't tell right from wrong!" Zuo Zuo laughed. "Hey. Then, I won't go to greet you. You go there again, and when the preparations for the Great Political Office are complete, come and let me know." "Obey!" Sakuzaemon got up and left, still thinking about things at home.Okubo Tadayo, who has met the Dazhengsuo, believes that she is real, but Honda Masanobu, who has not met him yet, is still full of doubts.It can be seen that the Tokugawa people have deep-rooted aversion and suspicion towards Guan Bai.The more unexpected Toyotomi Hideyoshi is, the more confused the innocent Mikawa people will be.Ishikawa Shumasa's departure deepened the suspicion and resentment of the Tokugawa people towards Hideyoshi.These emotions cannot be ignored. Sakuzaemon brought Taisho to the hall.In an atmosphere full of hostility, Ieyasu and Dazheng lie in vain and submissive.Zuo Zuo suddenly thought that if he didn't save the beautiful flower that was spit on, he would be a person who didn't know right from wrong. As soon as the Dazheng Office saw Ieyasu sitting in the front of the hall, his eyes widened, and he said to Ii Naomasa, "Is this the son-in-law? You can tell he is a good man at a glance! It seems that he is more blessed than my son!" Ii Naomasa lowered his head sadly.Dazhengsuo became more and more happy in his heart, and loved him deeply.Naomasa Ii is reserved on the surface, giving an honest impression.It was with this in mind that Zuo Zuo and Ieyasu chose him.Zuo Zuo also specially instructed: "Military Department! Don't let the two sides hate each other! Don't worry about other things, just serve the old woman well, and don't leave an excuse for Hideyoshi to blame us in the future." Ieyasu and Sakuzaemon breathed a sigh of relief seeing Daisei's happy mood, but everyone present frowned.Jiakang said: "It's too late to welcome you! The son-in-law thought that the mother-in-law must be tired, so he didn't dare to disturb her." Dazhengsuo listened, nodded again and again, went to the upper position, and sat next to Ieyasu. "You're welcome, son-in-law." She looked around and said, "With your good fortune, you can live in a better city than this!" "So, this city is too shabby?" "No, it's better if the conditions are worse, it can motivate you." "yes." "I'm really sorry for making you spend it! I even built a new house for me!" "Does mother-in-law like it?" "Oh! I like it, I like it. The Royal Palace in Osaka is too luxurious and extravagant. I feel at ease living here." Jia Kang laughed loudly, "The son-in-law will leave for Beijing early in the morning, and the mother-in-law will talk to Asahi in detail." "Yes, yes, of course... But, son-in-law!" Dazheng talked too much, and the maid Kashiwagi tugged at her sleeve.The Dazheng Office shook off Kashiwagi's hand with a smile, and reprimanded: "You know? Living in a big place is not a good thing!" She turned to Ieyasu and said, "The old lady once asked my daughter-in-law and daughter to let me farm in Nagahama or Himeji Castle. They told me that I have become a major government office and can no longer do that. But there is an open space in the yard. What a pity! Besides, the vegetables grown by oneself are still delicious.” "Mrs. Tai," Bai Mu pulled the sleeve of Dazhengsuo again, "it's time to take out the gift." "Hey! I'll take it later." The Dazheng Office shook his hand again, "By the way, has your son-in-law ever drank red wine?" "wine?" "Yes, it is the wine soaked in the golden pot used for making tea. It is Mr. Qian Zongyi's favorite wine! Because it is too astringent, I don't like it very much. If the son-in-law likes to drink it, it is the best." Hondasakuzaemon watched the crowd, wanting to know how people would react to these words.He thought everyone could smile knowingly, but everyone was silent.They associate every simple word with Hideyoshi's high position, and dare not be careless.Tsukuzaemon felt unhappy: The wine that Dazheng hates, but the lord wants to drink it, really disregarding other people's feelings!Hideyoshi's whimsical temperament is probably inherited from his mother's personality.The most interesting thing is that the old woman who grows vegetables is shut up in the Qionglou Yuyu, drinking wine from the golden pot. That situation can be said to be her greatest pain and sorrow.There was something even sadder than her, the warriors of Mihe, who were full of hostility and murderous intent, listening to these jokes helplessly... Zuo Zuo was thinking about it, and Dazhengsuo, who was in a good mood, suddenly said something that surprised everyone. "The old lady thought that if she came to Sanhe, she would be killed. Son-in-law!" "Why do you think so?" "This is what Asahi said in the letter! She is very filial." "Ma'am!" Bai Mu finally burst into anger.Not only Kashiwagi, but even the silent four seats became commotion. "It doesn't matter." Dazhengsuo said calmly, "But now I feel at ease. It's Asahi's overthinking. Are you right, son-in-law?" Ieyasu nodded with a smile, he was really surprised just now.This is really shocking.This may be a common weakness of human beings. They believe that everyone will play tricks, so they are always on guard and dare not close their eyes for a moment. "Son-in-law, in fact, relatives should get along well." Honda Zuzaemon thought to himself, in this way, the harmonious atmosphere that just appeared might be lost again.He secretly begged the Dazheng Office not to say any more outrageous things.At this time, Okubo Heisuke came to report "Madam has arrived", and everyone diverted their attention. "Invite her here immediately." Ieyasu said, and the Dazheng Office also leaned out: "Hey! Is the morning sun here? That's great." When preparing to welcome Madam, everyone was still a little puzzled.At this time, Asahi Ji walked in quickly.No one was more anxious than her. She ran to her mother, hugged her and wept. "Oh! Asahi!" "Mother." It was already dark in the room, but everyone could clearly see the crystal clear teardrops in the mother and daughter's eyes.When I think about it carefully, there is nothing more sad and uncomfortable than the meeting between the mother and daughter.Ieyasu's eyes were moist, and he remained motionless like a statue. Tsukuzaemon also let go of his tightly pursed mouth, and many people turned their faces away.Everyone understands that this great government office is absolutely true.Even so, it cannot make the two families feel relieved and treat each other frankly. Ieyasu asked the mother and daughter to sit together, introduced the important ministers one by one, and then sent the two of them to the other hall. Everyone whispered and discussed. "Even if it is true, don't be careless." "That's right, Hideyoshi is very ambitious, maybe he will play some tricks." "If it's really a conspiracy, Hideyoshi can be regarded as extremely terrifying!" "Yes, not only using my own sister as a bargaining chip, but even my mother as a bet." "That's not true. I said not to be careless, but I mean that there may be a second Ishikawa in the family." "how do I say this?" "A person can't kill his mother no matter what, but Hideyoshi sent her mother here easily. He wanted to trick the lord into Beijing, looking for an opportunity to harm him. At the same time, there was a second Ishikawa in Sanhe as a response. Therefore, his mother There is no danger." "This is a big deal, who is that person?" "No matter who it is, if Hideyoshi has such a person, he will feel more at ease." "Hmph! If there is an internal response, then of course there will be no worries for the Great Government Office." "Of course. This person will take advantage of our indifference and trick everyone's family members into hostages!" "Oh... this can't be careless!" Hondasakuzaemon listened to everyone's conversation and remained motionless, lost in thought.Hideyoshi's unexpected and bold tactics made Mihe people full of suspicion.What an unreasonable suspicion and trap that the so-called Ishikawa is number two!Once this seed of suspicion is planted, the family members will become paralyzed, suspicious, and panic-stricken.From this point of view, the worry about running away from home cannot be explained in a few words. Shuzheng once said that Hideyoshi has no intention other than to cooperate with Sanhe.Zuo Zuo understands the painstaking efforts of counting positive numbers, but painstaking efforts alone cannot handle the affairs of the world. Zuo Zuo waited for the crowd to disperse, and carefully inspected the city.Ieyasu was going to leave early the next day, but the annex where the Dazheng Office and his wife lived remained lit until midnight. Tokugawa Ieyasu exhibited on October 20, the 14th year of Tensho, and led his troops on the way to Beijing. Honda Zuzaemon sent them outside the gate, and when he returned to the city, he suddenly felt exhausted. Ieyasu didn't feel any uneasiness, and went there calmly, and Hideyoshi would not be as scheming as Mikawa people feared.Since things are going so smoothly, why do I still feel uneasy and unable to calm down? Winter seems to have come very early this year.Although it did not rain that day, the weather was gloomy and windy.The wind whizzed through the pine forest, and when the wind stopped, it was as cold as snow. Tsukuru went back to the hall, but before he calmed down, Naomasa Ii came and said, "Master Honda, are you tired?" "Military Department, what happened to the mother and daughter?" "It seems that there are endless things to say. There has been no rest, and the conversation has not stopped." The young Naomasa respected Sakuzaemon very much and replied, "Sometimes I really hope that Tadakatsu Honda can meet Ishikawa Kazumasa in the capital or Osaka. .” "Zhongsheng has something to say?" "He said that if he was allowed to touch Shi Chuan, he would kill him with one knife to show his will." "Military Department!" Zuo Zuo finally found the reason for his uneasiness, "What do you think the number is positive? I think he really has difficulties." "Sorry?" "If Shuzheng took refuge in Hideyoshi just to get inside, what would you think?" "This should not be what you said, my lord, and you would not imagine it." "Oh?" "Even so, it's an evil way. Allowing the existence of evil ways will disrupt the right way." "Oh." "This is real?" "No, just because you mentioned him, I suddenly thought of him." "It's windy." "Well?" "Be careful with the fire and candle. If the lord loses the fire when he leaves, it will be a big deal." Tsukuzaemon said nothing.Number positive cannot be understood by more people!Thinking about it this way, Zuo Zuo felt that he was so pathetic. "Didn't Dazheng feel that he is a hostage?" "At the beginning, I thought that way, but now I have no doubts, and I am very relaxed. She also encouraged his wife to be a good wife. I don't know if these words are sincere." "Oh, you're asking that?" Sakuzaemon sighed, Ii Naomasa didn't even understand Taisho's state of mind, let alone Shusho and his own heart. "I came here to keep warm." Naomasa didn't notice Zaemon's helplessness, and said, "The maid at the Taisho Office said that it was too cold and everyone wanted to light a fire, so I came to discuss it with you. " "Fire?" Zuo Zuo muttered, "Stove? Tell them, it can't be done! If each person has a stove, if there is a fire, it will be a big disaster, no." "Oh, then I'll go back to them like that." "Wait! Ministry of War, it doesn't matter if you don't give it to the maids. They are still young, but the Dazheng Office is an exception! Tell her that I don't agree, but you think she is old, and light her a fire." "As expected of Mr. Honda! Your heart is kind." "To warm up the whole room, one or two stoves is not enough, so I need to give her three. Besides, if she has any grievances, push them all on me Zuo Zuo." "Well, I have to give her three stoves. But I can't push everything to adults, but I can't do it in a humble position." "This is intentional!" Sakuzaemon felt helpless against Naomasa's straightforwardness, "I said earlier that it's good for them to hate one person. If they go back to Osaka and are asked about the situation in Okazaki, they will say, Everyone is very kind, only Zuo... All this is for the sake of the lord. I don't want you to do unrighteous things, but I want you to think about the lord." "I understand." "Hurry up and bring the fire to the Dazheng Office." After Zuo Zuo said solemnly, he fell silent again.He was too childish to understand his own thoughts, but he felt a little unhappy when he thought of his blunt tone. "Obey!" Naomasa saluted respectfully and left. Tsukuru frowned and stared at the partition for a full two moments, then suddenly burst out laughing. "Hahaha! If you don't understand, why bother with him!" He shook his head and hurriedly called the chef supervisor Osawa Motoemon. As soon as Yuanyouemon arrived, Zuozuo scolded angrily as usual: "Do you have any firewood for cooking? Take two or three hundred bundles of firewood and pile them around the annex where Dazheng lives." Yuanyouemon said in horror: "What do you want those firewood for?" "The old woman said it was very cold, so pile up the firewood to keep out the wind." "This……" "In case Hideyoshi dares to disrespect the lord who came to Beijing, we will light the firewood and burn all the women in the museum to death. Understand?" Motoemon didn't even blink, and stood still. "Why are you in a daze? Go!" Zuo Zuo ordered sharply, but immediately became suspicious again: Will I be suspected as I said? In order to appease everyone's resentment, Zuo Zuo intends to take a tough approach.Hideyoshi may treat the important ministers who came to Beijing favorably, which can be imagined from the preferential treatment Kanbara Komasa received at that time. The practice of being left may surprise and shame the important ministers who came to Beijing with Jiakang.They will definitely feel resentful and angry, thinking that this move is too unfair and too much!Zuo Zuo wanted them to think this way, and Fang had to do everything right. If they thought about it this way, they might kill Zuo Zuosheng.Zuo Zuo was quite calm.Now, what is his fate?Ieyasu may be more angry than others, and Hideyoshi's anger is even more irresistible. He will definitely say angrily: "If you are rude to Dazhengsuo, you are rude to Guan Bai! Make him harakiri!" He may even send someone to take his head immediately. class. If this is the ending, of course Zuo Zuo will give Hideyoshi his head without hesitation.But think about it carefully, what is this for?Zuo Zuo laughed to himself, he thought of Ishikawa Shuzheng's state of mind when he left the city, and thought: Shuzheng, I have also fulfilled my promise! Seeing Motoemon still standing where he was, he said: "Understood? Snapshot ordered it to be done." "But, Joshiro-sama," Motoemon showed a troubled expression, "If the Taisho or Madam ask, what should I say?" "You said it was to keep out the wind." "If they know the truth, they must tell Guan Bai, and Guan Bai will make things difficult for the lord." "Dare to make things difficult for the lord?" "Guan Bai will definitely think this kind of thing is too hateful, and he will be furious." "If he dares to be rude to the lord, he will burn the mother and daughter, won't it be over?" "What about my lord?" "Hey, my lord will apologize again and again. Go!" Motoemon shrank his neck and left hesitantly.Zuo Zuo laughed again, but calmed down again. This matter will quickly spread throughout the city, how many people will applaud, and how many people will firmly oppose it?If you applaud, Zuo Zuo will go crazy with anger; if you firmly oppose, Zuo Zuo will be very disappointed.He was thinking about it when Jing Yi Naomasa rushed over. Naozheng was young and energetic, and before he sat down, he opened his mouth and said, "My lord, well done! I didn't expect my lord to give such an order before departure, what a great wisdom and courage!" Tsukuzaemon bit his lip and said nothing. "Everyone said that it was to keep out the cold, but the maids are in a hurry. Seeing their posture, they may write to Guan Bai immediately. My lord, do you want to stop them halfway?" "No need." "Let them deliver the letter?" "Military Department!" "The humble staff feels that it is better to let the letter be delivered later." "You say this is the Lord's order?" "Isn't it?" "no!" "Then, is it your own idea?" "right!" "How can that be! It's just... nonsense!" "Military Department! What the lord can do, why can't I do it as the left?" "My lord actually said that! If my lord had known in advance, I would have prepared to avoid Guan Bai's blame. But it happened suddenly, and you are creating a problem for the lord. Burning the Dazheng Office is not good for the lord!" "Shut up!" Zuo Zuo sternly said, "It's my ghost Zuo Zuo's duty to think about how to defend this city." "It's the responsibility of a humble job to receive the big government office." "I didn't say to burn them right away. If Hideyoshi harms the lord, I will burn them to death. If there is an accident on the lord's way, such as Hideyoshi sending troops to come, such as internal response in the castle, what I do is to reflect the wisdom and strength of the Mikawa warriors." Courage. You tell the Dazheng Office that the Sanhe warriors are always vigilant, but if Guan Bai has no conspiracy, he is just keeping out the cold, so there is no need to make a fuss." "grown ups!" "What are you waiting for?" "Are you crazy?" "Oh! The Ministry of War thinks so?" "My lord has brought an army of 30,000, which is enough. If it is the lord's order, it's a different matter, but he wants to give the other party a bad start before negotiating with the other party. You have made such a violent move, and you are leaving no excuses, don't you?" Aren't you adding trouble to the lord?" "of course not!" "If the lord becomes passive because of the accident, won't it bring obstacles to the peace talks?" "Shaosuke Naomasa, Ii Bingbu, you are too naive!" "Hmph! My lord is really crazy." "No, you are childish!" Sakutomoemon looked away, looking at the courtyard and the gray sky, where the withered leaves fell all over the ground, "Look, the wind is getting stronger and stronger." "I'm very disappointed in my lord's stubbornness. Forget it, I'll report this to my lord immediately!" Naomasa stood up angrily. "Hear me!" Sakuzaemon immediately replied, "If you let my lord know first, my lord will be half shorter in front of Hideyoshi from the very beginning." "what?" "If you want the lord to lose to Hideyoshi in terms of momentum, please notify him!" "Without informing the lord, let him be passive in front of others?" "Hehe, if the lord doesn't have the ability to adapt, he can't take the initiative no matter what when confronting Hideyoshi hand-to-hand." Naozheng was full of anger, sat down again, and said, "You wayward old man, it seems that he intends to stick to his own opinion and be stubborn to the end?" "Hehe! You are stubborn and willful! Knowing that you may be blamed by the lord, why didn't you report it earlier? Considering the lord's temper, it is our responsibility to make up for his shortcomings. It is extremely inappropriate to want to be a good old man." "Hmph!" Zhizheng's expression changed, he was so angry that he slapped his thigh, and was speechless for a moment.The thoughtful Zhizheng finally heard the unusual meaning from Zuozuo's words, "My lord, do you want to bear all these responsibilities alone?" "Well……" "You have said several times that it is better to focus all the hatred on one person." "You can tell the Dazheng Office that if I set fire to it, you will recite her. In this way, the Dazheng Office can rest assured. Everyone has their own responsibilities." "However, what if Guan Bai gets angry and asks your lord to cut his belly?" Zhizheng hesitated a little, "What should we do then?" "Listen to my lord's orders." "What if you can't know what the lord means?" "Military Department, an elderly person is especially lonely in life. Even if he does not die on the battlefield, he will eventually leave this world. Now I am not far from death." "What does that have to do with what we're talking about?" "No, it's nothing. That is to say, I feel lonely and want to do something good before I go. I can't escape this death! The old man is lucky, and he has a master who can dedicate himself to it. If it gets to that point, whether it's asking me to cut seppuku or Kill me secretly, as long as it is good for the lord, I will be in the right place. If you don't understand this, stop talking." Zhizheng was silent.Zuo is very satisfied.Stacking firewood around the annex may surprise Omasa, and Ieyasu will be blamed by Hideyoshi for this, and he will blame Saemon in turn.However, the Tokugawa clan is already invincible, which is beneficial to both the lord and the retainers.Has Zhizheng understood?Zuo Zuo pondered silently in his heart...