Chapter 23 Chapter Twenty-Three Two Heroes Meet

Tokugawa Ieyasu led a brigade to Beijing in a mighty manner. It was October 24, the 14th year of Tensho. Along the way, they were treated lavishly, much to the consternation of the resentful Mikawa warriors.They originally wanted to find fault with Hideyoshi's rudeness and slow treatment, but no matter how wide their eyes were, they couldn't find any excuses or abnormalities.Without exception, the daimyos from all over the country greeted each other solemnly. If the daimyos were not there, the important ministers such as Cheng Dai and Feng Xing would come out to greet them, which was very thoughtful.Wherever the Tokugawa people went, they ate polished rice, and horse rations, hay, firewood, etc. were also well prepared.

"I don't see any hostility." "Yes! It seems that they are all Hideyoshi's strict orders." "Maybe they really regarded the lord as Guan Bai's sister-in-law." "No, don't be so naive. Don't forget that Hideyoshi is a scheming person." The troops of the brigade entered the capital from Dajin official road via Awataguchi, and the expressions of the common people gathered on both sides surprised them.The people didn't panic in the slightest, they all calmed down and praised the luxury of the team.The ministers among the common people were also uneasy like the Sanhe warriors, but at this moment they all calmed down.Such a huge team entered Beijing, but the people showed no signs of panic. Even in the era of Oda Nobunaga, there was never such a scene.

The street that caught Ieyasu's eyes was a scene of peace.Including the two major projects of Juledi and the Great Buddha Hall, houses are being repaired and built everywhere.Compared with the time when Lord Nobunaga died at Honnoji, the people, the land, the city and the sky at this time have completely changed. Ieyasu originally planned to live in the house of Shiro Jiro, a tea house, to rest for a while, leaving only three thousand guards around him, and the rest of them were arranged by Ma Yixiu to live in major temples.But in the eyes of the world, the number of this team seems to exceed the actual number. According to the "Diary of Duowonin", "Ieyasu has more than 60,000 riders in Beijing" and so on.

As soon as Ieyasu moved into the mansion of the tea house, he said to Shiro Jiro who was sewing new clothes: "Thank you." His tone was calm, and his expression was even a little reserved. "It's really gratifying and congratulatory for the lord to enter the capital safely. Now the ministers and monasteries in Beijing will send envoys with gifts to your place of residence - Lord Hashiba's mansion tonight to express their congratulations." Ieyasu looked around Shiro Jiro's newly built big house helplessly, and said with a shy smile, "This is not like your words, isn't that just to make Mr. Guanbai look good?"

Chaya Shiro Jiro pretended not to hear, and continued: "Everyone in Kyoto is very excited about the arrival of the lord, which is really touching." "Qingyan, how much did it cost to build this house?" "More than ten ingots of gold." "Heh! It's even more extravagant than the imperial palace of Lord Jiaxin." "This is all to welcome the lord." "Qingyan, the world is really at peace now." "My lord really thinks so?" "I brought so many people here this time, but they didn't show any fear at all."

"yes." "Moreover, they even sent gifts to my subordinates. Guan Bai is quite scheming." Jiakang said, sighed, and then smiled, "This is the hope I have seen since Lord Youfu passed away!" "I don't know how happy the gods and Buddhas are!" "When will Juledi be completed?" "Maybe next summer." "Next summer?" "My lord is saying..." "Madam is very lonely. After Jule Building is built, she has to live with the Dazheng Office." Chaya Shirojiro glanced at Ieyasu secretly, then quickly lowered his head and remained silent.He understands Ieyasu's state of mind, and peace in the world is Ieyasu's aspiration, and he has been working hard for it.The world is peaceful, but it is not Jiakang who creates peace.In the future, as long as Ieyasu can endure and obey Hideyoshi, his old enemy, his ambition can be achieved.Ieyasu said that letting Asahiji and Dazhengsuo live in Juledi has shown that he wants to be patient.Jiakang knows the general situation but remains wary.

"Businessmen in Sakai and Hong Kong must be very happy to see the world is peaceful." Ieyasu said again. "Yes, shipbuilding is everywhere, in full swing." "You shouldn't fall behind either. You must clearly remember that Guan Bai and Tokugawa have become brothers. Now you must completely remove distracting thoughts in your heart and get closer to Guan Bai." "yes!" "Then, I'll change immediately." "I would like to invite my lord to have some refreshments first." "Tea? Okay, let's use some - you have a tea room too?" Ieyasu got up and regained his relaxed state.Shiro Jiro also breathed a sigh of relief, and led Ieyasu to the newly built tea room.

This four-story large tea room was built according to Qian Zongyi's idea. Shiro Jiro estimated that Hideyoshi would invite Ieyasu to drink tea, so he wanted him to get acquainted with it first.When he arrived at the tea room, Ieyasu had completely let go, sitting on his knees with his obese body, quite uncomfortable, but acting unpretentious and unpretentious.After all, he is also an ordinary person!Shiro Jiro swept away the dullness and restraint at the beginning, looked at Ieyasu, and served tea. "Very good." Ieyasu said, putting down the tea bowl.He didn't care about the cups and plates at all, he just concentrated on tasting the tea and experiencing everything here.

Not long after, the two left the tea room, Ieyasu went to change clothes, and the tea house Shiro Jiro was stopped by the servants rushing forward.After Ieyasu changed his clothes, he was about to go out when Shiro Jiro hurried back and said in a low voice, "My lord! Let me know something." He winked and signaled Ieyasu to back away. "Oh, everyone go down to get ready, Shintaro stays behind." Ieyasu lowered his voice, "Any news from Mikawa?" "No! Master Guan Bai's attendant, Zeng Luli, has some friendship with this subordinate, so he sent someone to sue."

"Guan Bai's escort?" "Yes. He said that the maid who accompanied the Dazheng Office to Okazaki had a letter to the Beizheng Office." "Oh! The Dazheng Office seems very satisfied!" "This..." Shiro Jiro stammered, "Daimasa said that Ii Bingbu-sama is very kind, but Honda is Zaemon... let's just say it. Honda piled up firewood around the annex. In case If the lord has an accident in Beijing, he will burn the Dazheng Office to death! They are very scared, and hope that Guan Bai will punish him immediately." Ieyasu frowned immediately, but he didn't say anything, just nodded.

"Master Guan Bai must have known about this, and you must be prepared." "Oh." "My lord...has a calculation?" "Oh. People do do things like that when they're old." "Also, I heard that Master Guan Bai is very annoyed." Ieyasu just nodded and said, "Please tell me, let's go." He urged Shintaro towards the door. Zuo Zuo, you finally did it! Ieyasu couldn't help laughing several times after leaving the Chaya mansion, and on the way to Hashiba Hidecho's mansion near Uchino Juraku.Hideyoshi's attendant was worried that this matter would affect the relationship between the two parties, so he came to sue secretly out of the interest of safeguarding the interests of Hong Kong people.This was out of good intentions, but he wanted Ieyasu to bow his head to Hideyoshi.Maybe this is an order from Hideyoshi!But if Hideyoshi gets annoyed, his younger brother Hidecho will naturally be angry too—Da Zhengsuo is their mother! When we arrived at Xiuchang's mansion, the garden trees, earth and stones were still very new, and the ground was covered with autumn frost everywhere.Hidecho and the young Masuda Nagamori come out to greet Ieyasu.But there was no smile on Hideonaga's face, and Oda Nobuo and Oda Yuraku, who Ieyasu thought would come out to welcome him, were nowhere to be seen.If there is music present, you can know the truth of the matter. Tadashi Sakai and other veterans have been arranged elsewhere, and only Masanobu Honda, Masakatsu Abe, Yasunari Makino, and Shintaro Torii are following Ieyasu.When Ieyasu walked through the long corridor and came to a room, Masuda Nagamori said first: "Master Tokugawa has worked hard all the way. On the 27th, Lord Kanbai will receive you in Osaka. Please rest well today and tomorrow." "Thank you for your hospitality." The other party was indifferent, and Ieyasu also replied coldly. After speaking, he glanced at the gifts that were sent from all over the place and piled aside. Xiuchang and Changsheng already knew about the leftovers, but Ieyasu didn't make it clear, so it was inconvenient for them to speak up. "Tomorrow, the priest and the monkey musician will be summoned to comfort my lord after a tiring journey." Xiuchang's tone was very cold, and Ieyasu could clearly feel his anger.Xiuchang is different from Hideyoshi, he is a willful person, and if there is a grudge in his heart, it will be revealed in his words.He said straight: "My lord, how many people do you plan to bring with you when you go to Osaka?" "It's not settled yet." "If you want to go by boat, you have to prepare in advance, so please ask." "By a boat? Going by water will be a big trouble to everyone." Just as Ieyasu was saying this, Honda Zhengxin said at the door: "You can't take a boat!" Jiakang stopped him with his gaze, and said, "About 3,000 people, if they have horses, they'd better go by land." "Oh, that's it." Hideonaga's response was still very cold, and Ieyasu felt a little embarrassed. Hideyoshi was indeed annoyed.Ieyasu believed that Hideyoshi was angry and understandable, but he didn't mean to blame Saemon. Unaware, Honda Masanobu waited for Hideaga and Changsheng to prepare meals, and said to Masakatsu Abe, "The situation has changed!" "Yes! There seems to be something strange." Abe said. Zhengdao: "It's really possible that something will happen. I'm afraid it's not appropriate to bring only 3,000 people." Ieyasu quietly watched the spring stone in the garden.In the evening, the temperature drops, carp can be seen on the sand, and camellias are blooming beside the spring.It already feels like early winter.At this time, Ieyasu felt that under the current situation, he should be like that carp, wait and see the changes, stop with stillness, and don't move rashly! "My lord, didn't you find anything?" "what?" "My lord, don't you realize that Xiuchang is not normal?" "What do you think, Mihachi?" "I am quite puzzled. I can't hear anything unusual from his words, but his expression is quite cold." "Okay, don't worry about it." Jiakang said, "If there is a conspiracy, we will act without waiting for us to enter Beijing. If there is a commotion here, what is the meaning of Juledi and the Great Buddha Hall?" At this moment, the sound of panicked footsteps came from the corridor, and everyone immediately fell silent. "It's getting late. Where's the lamp? Where's the lamp?" someone shouted, rushing into the house.Everyone held their breath and couldn't help pressing the handle of the knife one after another. "Why didn't you even prepare a hand stove? You're so careless! Hey, Changsheng, Changsheng!" "Yes... yes!" Changsheng ran over and knelt down on the ground.By the time everyone in Ieyasu realized that it was Hideyoshi who was standing there and yelling loudly, a lot of time had passed. "Hmph! Don't you know that Hamamatsu is much warmer than here?" "I'm confused." "Hurry up and light the lamp, and bring the dinner!" "Obey!" "If my mother is treated in this way in Sanhe, what should I do? If I don't treat her wholeheartedly, how can I do it! By the way, call Xiuchang!" "Yes." Masuda Changsheng replied and hurried away.Xiuchang came quickly. "Senior! Senator! I can't wait any longer, you know? I miss Ieyasu very much! I want to drink with Ieyasu, and the official meeting in Osaka is another matter. Take the retainers to another room and bring two dinners. After finishing the order like a storm, Hideyoshi turned back with a smile and said, "Ieyasu, I laughed, I was so busy just now, everyone is happy." Hideyoshi smiled, but Ieyasu couldn't smile at each other.What a surprise!The tea house did not say that Hideyoshi was in the capital, nor did Hidecho.Although there was no accurate news that he was in Osaka, it was not expected that he would be in the capital.It was originally said that we would meet in Osaka on the 27th, but Ieyasu never thought that Hideyoshi would be in the capital. Hideyoshi's sudden appearance disturbed the peaceful atmosphere.His emotions infected Ieyasu. "Ieyasu, you've worked hard all the way." Hideyoshi rushed to Ieyasu's side, sat down, and the commotion started again.The servants rushed over, some spread tatami mats, some held candles, and some waited behind the guests, coming in and out, making a fuss. Ieyasu signaled Honda Masanobu who was hesitating whether to quit with his eyes: Don't worry, follow the original plan, Im Hideyoshi will make trouble.He turned his head and glanced at Torii Shintaro who was holding a knife behind him: "You can go down too." Hideyoshi immediately said: "Haha! That's right! You are Ieyasu's attendant. The attendant can't leave, you can stay." At this time, only Hideyoshi, Ieyasu, Torii Shintaro and Hidecho were present. "Xiuchang, I wanted you to stay with me. But I want to talk to Ieyasu alone. I only have two meals, no need to pour wine, I will do it myself. Go down." Hideyoshi drove away Hidecho, and Xuan said to Ieyasu: "Only our brothers are left. Dr. Zuo Jing." Ieyasu stared at Hideyoshi, a little dazed, and it took him a while to realize. "Doctor Zuo Jing" refers to Jiakang's official title, which is far inferior to Guan Bai's, and is only the fourth rank.Hideyoshi clearly called him that on purpose!So, his sudden visit and sarcastic smile were premeditated? Ieyasu was thinking about it, and Hideyoshi smiled again: "Don't mention these superfluous words, there is no Dr. Zuojing, and there is no Guanbai, just you and my brother. I am so happy! If we don't meet each other, let others spread the word." Boring and slanderous rumors will only cause disharmony in the world." Ieyasu didn't even have time to think, but bowed his head solemnly to Hideyoshi.In this kind of situation, you have to pretend to be confused, and don't speak casually. Probably because of Hideyoshi's appearance, the candlesticks and meals were all ready in a very short time.Hideyoshi poured the wine for Ieyasu with his own hands, instead of showing anger on his face, he looked as light as a boy because he was too excited. "No one understands our hearts! Therefore, when Hideyoshi sent his mother to Sanhe, everyone thought she was a hostage, but you led the team to Beijing, and everyone thought there was going to be a war...Haha, have another drink. Hideyoshi shook his body, the wine in the flagon almost spilled out. "I'll go back to Osaka tomorrow morning." He lowered his voice, "When you arrive in Osaka, you will still be staying at Hidecho's Mansion, by the way, you will still have to meet people from Honganji Temple, Xingmen, and Xinmen, they are all waiting for you. They were afraid that you would lead an army to fight me, so they retreated halfway. Hahaha! Hidecho set up a stage for you in Osaka. There is Kinharuta's Noh play! Yes! I must show you "Takasago" ", "Tiancun" and "Jinzha". I will return to the capital on the first day of November. I have ordered that the Jule Building be built so that you can move in. I have ordered Fujido Takatora to handle this matter. The Taiwan office is in charge of the council. After moving into the new mansion, we are waiting for the emperor’s succession ceremony on the 7th. This day will also be reassigned..." No matter how quick the mind is, it may be difficult to keep up with such fast-changing conversations.Ieyasu couldn't help but blush when he realized that he couldn't keep up with Hideyoshi.But if you appear unfamiliar, it proves that you are narrow-minded. "Lord Kanbai, Ieyasu respects you!" Ieyasu put down his cup and took the jug from Hideyoshi, "Please forgive my clumsiness!" "Haha, how can I ask you to pour wine for Hideyoshi, you come from a noble family..." "What's the matter with a good background? There are many people who have great ambitions but have lost one after another, and there is no one who is noble. But my lord, your topic changes too quickly, and Ieyasu can't keep up. When Ieyasu is still pondering the last sentence, you have already skipped to the next sentence." went." "Haha, that's because I was too impatient. But the world's major events, the pacification of Japan, must not be taken slowly." "Ieyasu toast to you again." "Alcohol is a good thing. It can bridge barriers. It can't be like this when we meet in Osaka. Tonight, just say what you have to say, and let's talk about it!" The ingenuity is amazing. "Everything is for the peace of the world! This is Hideyoshi's long-cherished wish since the death of Youfu! Ieyasu, don't you also have this goal? If it weren't for the world, I would be a bastard, right?" "Where are the adults talking?" "This time Hideyoshi wants to do something for you. You may have complained or misunderstood me. It doesn't matter, don't worry too much. It's just the two of us tonight. Say what's on your mind." "No, Ieyasu has nothing to complain about." Ieyasu also gradually became more relaxed—it's up to you tonight, and see what medicine you sell in your gourd!After making up his mind, Ieyasu relaxed completely, and said, "But there is only one thing to ask for." "A thing?" "Yes. I hope your lord will give Ieyasu the Jinhaori on your body." "Jin Haori?" Hideyoshi didn't understand Ieyasu's meaning for a while, and asked doubtfully, "This seems to be wrong. Hideyoshi is Guan Bai, and he is also a general!" "That's why." "how do I say this?" "Ieyasu's coming to Beijing this time is to open his mind, so from now on, adults don't have to wear haori anymore!" "Ieyasu... Ieyasu, you mean, you will be in charge of the future battles?" "If you have Jiakang, how can you trouble Mr. Bai again?" "Okay!" Hideyoshi stretched out his hand and patted Ieyasu on the shoulder, and sighed loudly, "Hideyoshi is conceited that he has a smooth tongue, but he can't say such reassuring words! Haha, Ieyasu is really a tough man!" "Ha, Mr. Guan Bai, thank you." "Ieyasu, I'll give you this haori weave at Osaka Castle!" Hideyoshi deliberately lowered his voice as if joking. Jiakang put down his cup and said with a smile, "Your Excellency is here at this time, okay?" "Great!" Hideyoshi said brightly, "Hideyoshi doesn't want to show his heart in front of everyone, but just wants to let the world know that we are close. For the sake of the world, Toyotomi Hideyoshi has done his best!" "Tokugawa Ieyasu is also willing to be Dr. Sakyo!" "It's a deal, Ieyasu!" "For the sake of the world, one word is settled." "For the sake of the world!" Hideyoshi said, suddenly hugging Ieyasu tightly.Torii Shintaro, who was sitting behind Ieyasu holding a knife, was startled.Hideyoshi embraced Ieyasu's shoulders and shed passionate tears.If there are outsiders present, they must think this is acting.But Hideyoshi is very natural - he really did it out of affection, not on purpose.His childlike innocence deeply moved Ieyasu. Where does this cheerfulness come from?It was this kind of innocence that made Katsutoyo Shibata betray his adoptive father, and that made Toshiie Maeda and Narumasa Sasase completely convinced... Ieyasu thought, feeling a little ashamed.He felt that he should have the same innocence as Hideyoshi.It is this kind of innocence that sharpens the mirror and clearly reflects Hideyoshi's shadow.After all, Hideyoshi is a unique talent, and there is a world of difference between him and the Hojo Clan at the bottom of the well! "Ieyasu! Hideyoshi is very pleased." "My lord! Ieyasu feels the same way." "Hideyoshi has so many outstanding retainers, but the world is so big, where can you find someone who has the world in his heart like you?" "Your honor." "No, no. The late Lord Youfu once said that there are many people who steal the world, but who cares about the world?... Hideyoshi found you." "Come on, Ieyasu has another toast to your lord." "Drink! Of course I want to drink!" Hideyoshi let go of Ieyasu, wiped away his long tears, and said with a smile, "Hahaha, Ieyasu, let's share!" "share?" "Hideyoshi asks the emperor to apportion the positions of important ministers such as Sakai Tadaji and Kanbara Yasomasa who came with you this time." "Ieyasu thanked my lord for them." "Also, take this opportunity to dispel their doubts about Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi will give you the feather weave in public. But you can't go to Kyushu!" "But why?" "The world is not peaceful, and the crux is not in Kyushu. When Hideyoshi goes to war, you only need to strictly guard the east. In this way, your important ministers can rest assured. What do you think?" "Ieyasu is very frightened." "No, no. If you are dedicated to the world, you and I will cherish each other and have the same heart. If you have made up your mind, you can conquer Kyushu and I will go." Hideyoshi smiled, "The reason why I have not raised my sword for a long time is because I'm afraid of you—do you understand? Hahaha." Ieyasu had to re-examine Hideyoshi. "You are the only one who threatens me" What an honest statement!Life is a battle, and the winner is always afraid of others seeing his weaknesses. Therefore, many people always pretend that nothing happened, and even tell outrageous lies.Wei Hideyoshi is able to surpass ordinary people, and he does not hide his fears and speaks frankly. "My lord's misty soup is so scary!" "Missed soup?" "Yes. How can you say that you are afraid of Ieyasu? Ieyasu is still thousands of miles away from you!" "Oh, hey. Hideyoshi just told the whole story." "My lord was joking." "Haha!" Hideyoshi patted his forehead and laughed, putting his hand on Ieyasu's shoulder.They are all drunk.The smell of wine and body odor mixed with the smell of wood, mixed into an indescribable smell.Hideyoshi said, "Oh, this room smells like peeing on cedar leaves." "Two elderly warriors, sweaty and drunk together." "Ha ha, yes! This is the taste of the world!" "For the sake of the world, let's drink again." Hideyoshi took the cup and lowered his voice, "What do you think of women?" "like." "Oh? Hideyoshi was too careless. Hideyoshi is an honest man, I understand and tell him." "You don't have to worry about it tonight." "What's the matter? Don't worry too much." "No no, haha, people, don't be too greedy, the journey is hard, you should take a good rest." "Hahaha, actually..." Hideyoshi put his face closer to Ieyasu, and said, "Hideyoshi wanted to give you a daughter-in-law, but she didn't listen to me, so I..." He quietly looked around and looked at Ieyasu. Shintaro glanced behind him, and said again: "Come back to business. Who is this young man's descendant?" "He is the grandson of Torii Tadakichi and the son of Mototada." "Oh? This young man has a bright future! He held such a heavy sword in his hand for an hour without moving a muscle. He is full of energy, strong and motivated, just like when I was young. By the way, Xiuchang! Where is Xiuchang? Put your Bring my baby girl, let's talk about big things!" Hideyoshi yelled loudly.Hideyoshi is defiant, enthusiastic, even crazy.His nature is like this, coupled with the fact that he is in a high position in Guan Bai, he is even more unscrupulous.After he clapped his hands, Xiuchang brought in a twelve or thirteen-year-old girl who was still like a green plum.Ieyasu was at a loss. "Hidecho! Do you know Tokugawa General Torii Igamori Tadayoshi? Oh, you don't know. Torii Igamori Tadakichi, the late Ufu-sama often said that I was young at the time. It was this elder Those who let Ieyasu grow into an unparalleled general! Do you know?" "I don't know." "Yeah, how do you understand! After this elder, he also came this time. He is Kofu Jodai and Tokugawa important minister Torii Hikoemon Mototada! Am I right, brother?" "yes." "The son of Yuan Zhong is this young man with a big sword. I'll be your matchmaker and let him be your son-in-law. You don't have a son-in-law. In this way, the family will be safe and sound, how about it?" Xiuchang looked at Shintaro calmly.His daughter, who is not yet an adult, looks shy.Ieyasu couldn't help but look back at the uncomfortable Shintaro. "Haha, Xiuchang, this young man doesn't care, he doesn't even blink. If you don't promise your daughter to him, who else can you promise? This matter will be discussed in Osaka. Let's take the little girl to leave first. " Hideyoshi grinned. After Xiuchang retreated, Hideyoshi changed the topic to women again, and asked Ieyasu, "What kind of woman do you like? Are you stubborn and aggressive, or gentle and elegant?" "Moderate enough. What about adults?" "I like gentle women, but I'm always dissatisfied." "Could it be that the adults are surrounded by fierce women?" "Everyone is tough and aggressive. They all dominate me. Oh, Hideyoshi is afraid of women!" "My lord is tired!" "When the world is peaceful, women will be more trouble-loving. But peace is something to be thankful for, just be patient. Mother and Asahi are such people, so you don't need to be serious with them!" Ieyasu was surprised, he didn't expect that Hideyoshi would mention Taisho at this time, and the next step would be to talk about left.Thinking of this, his whole body became a little stiff.But Hideyoshi quickly brought the topic to the tea ceremony, seemingly honest, but in fact he was hiding his wit.Although Ieyasu felt that he seemed to be a plaything in Hideyoshi's hands, he felt an inexplicable peace of mind, and felt very happy inside, but he didn't know the reason.