Chapter 26 Chapter 26 Heading East With One Heart

On the fourth day of December in the 14th year of Tensho, on the eve of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's expedition to the west, Tokugawa Ieyasu moved his office to Sumpu Castle. Ieyasu returned to Sanhe from Osaka on November 11th, and only twenty-three days later, he moved there, which was very hasty.Of course, there was no time for reconstruction, and the repairs did not proceed as expected.Ieyasu was full of emotions, how many sad and happy events in the castle of Junfu and in the town of Major General Miyamachi! "The Orphan of Three Rivers!" I was insulted like that before, but now, these mountains and rivers are all my own.From the hands of Imakawa Yoshimoto and Ujima's father and son, it was transferred to Takeda Shingen, and Ieyasu, who lives here now, wants to cooperate with Hideyoshi again.This is the necessary residence for Ieyasu who is determined to go east!It's a pity that buildings and mountains and rivers are all inanimate things. If they have feelings, they will have more emotions than people.

Junfu is not a big city.There are six towns in the vertical direction, five towns in the horizontal direction, and the castle tower is only twenty-eight rooms in a radius.There are three layers of moats, and the houses of the infantry and attendants are connected together. It is intended that Takekoshi Yamashiro, Wakabayashi Izumi, Okubo Hikozaemon, Itakura Katsushige, Ando Daito, Dr. Nagai Ukin, Murakoshi Shigesuke, Nishio Tanba, and Honda Masanobu , Mizuno Inaba and others lived there.However, due to the approaching of the New Year's Eve, only Okubo Takanechi accompanied him during the relocation on the fourth day of the lunar new year.As soon as Ieyasu arrived in Junfu, he immediately went to Linji Temple to pay homage to the tombs of Zen Master Xuezhai and his grandmother Huayangyuan.

The relocation ceremony had already been held on the auspicious day before, so Ieyasu immediately started building the servants' housing and dividing the area as soon as they moved here.Hamamatsu Castle was handed over to Suganuma Masahide for defense, and itakura Katsushige was responsible for the new execution of Sunfu.The first building of Asama Palace under Sumfu Castle and the move of Hodoji Temple in Tegoshi to Miyazaki Town was to commemorate his father.When the retainers moved in one after another, they had to use the name of going to Mount Fuji to hunt in spring to conduct offensive and defensive training.Ieyasu wanted to build the new city before Hideyoshi came back from conquest of Kyushu, the roads and post stations had to be completed, and all exercises and defenses had to be completely completed.

It is conceivable that the first month, February, and March of the fifteenth year of Tianzheng will be spent in a hurry.When the cherry blossoms were in full bloom in Junfu Castle and the banks of the Abe River, the Erdao Castle built by the Matsudaira Family Tadashi was drawing to a close.In the continuous drizzle in the early morning, there are new shoots everywhere, making Junfu City full of spring atmosphere. "Report! Mr. Chang Songwan just came back from the racecourse and wants to see you." Ieyasu looked away from the boundary map of Baotou Temple spread out on the table, "Call him here." Then, he glanced carefully at the attendant who came in to inform: "Oh, Hirasuke, have you eaten venison? "

"Yes, I have eaten the Tianyuan deer that my lord hunted." "how is the taste?" "Not much." Okubo Hikozaemon rudely shook his head and smiled wryly, "The villain will bring you in." Ieyasu waited for his son with a smile on his face.Hikozaemon Heisuke's expression showed that he had something to say, was it Nagamatsumaru's fault, or did they both want to say something else to Ieyasu? "Changsong Maru met father." Changsong Maru came in. "Oh, come in. Practice riding?" "Go back to father, I've practiced." Twelve-year-old Nagamatsumaru saluted respectfully, facing Ieyasu with a dignified posture.U Yoshimaru, who became Hideyoshi's adopted son, is a bit rough and domineering.But Changsong Maru was completely influenced and molded by Mrs. Ai, and behaved very decently.However, sometimes when Ieyasu faced this well-behaved Nagamatsumaru, he would suddenly feel uneasy: Is this child cautious, or is he resourceful?He will be able to do well in the things that are explained to him, and he has considered the wording and attitude quite carefully.His martial arts are not outstanding, but they are not bad; he writes well, and his equestrian skills are also good; he can dance with knives and archery, swim and walk, neither will surprise, but will not disappoint.Such a son can be said to be mediocre in aptitude, or he can be said to be both civil and military.

"You seem to have something to say, what do you want to say, tell me in one sentence." "Yes. But one sentence... I can't say clearly." "In an emergency, speak clearly." "Yes." Nagamatsumaru replied, thinking for a moment, "In a word, this matter is very important to the Tokugawa clan." "Oh, important to the Tokugawa family? Then I have to go into details. What is it?" "I heard that Daban's elder brother is going to accompany Master Guan Bai on the expedition." "Oh." "For the people my father sent to Osaka, Sakai Zaemoni just greeted him and returned. The only one left was Hirotaka Honda. Including the infantry, there were no more than 3,000 people who went with my brother, right?"

"Yes. You don't know?" "I don't know. The boy thinks that, in this way, elder brother will be looked down upon by Lord Guan Bai." "Oh? Do you think more troops should be sent?" "Yes, much less than other daimyos, it won't benefit you in the future." "Tell me honestly, who taught you this?" Ieyasu asked with a smile. Chang Songmaru hesitated and said: "I have no education. Even if I have education, my child can't tell him." He said it quite naturally. Ieyasu was a little irritable. Changsong Maru's trip was not childish, but if things were too out of routine, it would make people feel deeply disturbed, so he said: "It's out of good intentions, so don't say anything. But, Changsong, this expedition to Kyushu is a big trend. It has been decided. In December last year, Guan Bai was appointed as the Minister of the Taizheng, and he was given the honor of the surname Toyotomi. He postponed the conquest until this year. A trend of suppression has been formed, and a southward stronghold has been established for the Otomo clan. Although the Four Kingdoms Rebellion and the defeat of Otomo Yitong occurred during the period, these things are really nothing to the powerful and popular Master Guan Bai The situation is always in favor of the Toyotomi Clan. Everyone in the world must understand that it is not wise to oppose Kanbai. This time, Maeda Toshiie is on top of the defense, Hashiba Hideji is on the capital defense, and Kanbai has already marched towards Kyushu on March 1st. The total force is 120,000. This battle is more than capable. This is why my father only sent 3,000 troops, do you understand?"

After Ieyasu finished speaking earnestly, Changmatsumaru gave another salute in doubt, and said, "But the number of people sent should not be too small. I think we should take this opportunity to let people see our strength!" "Changsong! You still haven't understood my words!" Jia Kang paused, and then said, "Last summer, I didn't expect to be able to go to war in such a mighty way. And the changes in the battle situation from the end of last year to this spring don't need to be concerned." Bai personally went out. One of the important reasons for this was my entry into Beijing. I deliberately reduced the number of troops. I think I have made great contributions to the entire battle situation."

Chang Songwan seemed very surprised, he hadn't thought of this at all.Ieyasu was moved by his thinking about this matter. "Since you have done your best, you only sent Hiroko Honda?" "That's right! In fact, even if you don't send out a single soldier, it's still worthy of Guan Bai. If the 120,000 army becomes 125,000 or 128,000, it won't have much impact on the overall situation. It's better to let People can see that behind his army, there are countless Tokugawa people as the backing. This can deter the enemy even more. Your thinking is still too superficial."

Chang Song Wan seems to have understood.Children can be taught!Ieyasu was thinking so, Chang Songmaru said again: "I still want to ask something." "Oh! Well, tell me." "I have two mothers, my birth mother and Mrs. Asahi. Which of these two mothers is more honorable?" The words were too unexpected, and Ieyasu was caught off guard, so he couldn't help turning his face away.Chang Songmaru didn't intend to embarrass his father, but his question did touch Ieyasu's pain.How did the kid think of asking that question?He is his own son, and since he is so serious about the matter, he should not be ignorant, and should not answer casually. "Chang Song, which of the two mothers do you like?"

"The kids love it." "Isn't that nice? What else can't you understand?" "The city is almost built." "Oh." "The residence where the biological mother lives has been completed, and she has moved in. However, Mrs. Asahi's royal palace seems to be unfinished. I don't know why, and the child doesn't know." Ieyasu was taken aback by this question, and couldn't help but look around.He originally wanted to keep Asahiji in Hamamatsu City for a while, and send her back when Jule Building was completed.Asahi has already experienced the pain of losing her husband, so it is not appropriate to let her stay alone in the vacant house, at least let her live in the capital city closer to her family.However, Ieyasu didn't really sympathize with her from the bottom of his heart.Asahi Hime was not attractive to him, even if he was a concubine, he would find it unbearable, but such a woman became the wife of the wife.Ieyasu wants the women in the inner court to be more considerate to Asahi Hime, but he seems to be full of selfishness and willfulness in his heart.I'm afraid at least in the eyes of the well-behaved Chang Songmaru, his father is like this.Ieyasu was shocked by this. "Changsong! Is this your own idea?" "Yes...no!" "The Xixiang Bureau told you? She asked you to ask Mrs. Asahi about the Royal Palace?" "My child can't say it." Chang Songwan was a little flustered, with a look of embarrassment on his face. Jia Kang said that he was serious, and said: "Okay, you don't have to think about it. Mrs. Chaori has the highest status, because she is the wife of the wife! Therefore, I will find some high-quality wood in the collar and give it to her." Build the Royal Palace. Got it?" "Yes, the child knows." "That's how it is. Your biological mother will indeed worry about these things, so you should tell her the truth." After Ieyasu finished speaking, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.It's not surprising that Changsongwan asked this question. If she really didn't build a residence for Asahihime in Junfu, but sent her back to the capital, more people would definitely ask questions. Chang Songmaru backed away respectfully.He is not domineering enough, but his calmness and kindness leave a deep impression on people.The future situation may be more favorable to such children. At this time, Okubo Hikozaemon came in and sat down cross-legged, he still looked quite dissatisfied. "Hirasuke, you taught Changsong?" Ieyasu asked. Hikozaemon looked around and said to him: "This year's climate is good for recuperation." "Healing? Who is sick?" Hikozaemon has served at Ieyasu's side since he lived in Sunfu Castle, but he is different from his nephew Takanechi, he is always not so easy-going, and deliberately avoids Honda Masanobu, he may not like Masanobu's temperament very much.Ieyasu thinks this is good, because people with different temperaments can restrain each other and make up for each other. "Who is the patient? Your Excellency really doesn't know?" "I don't know, who is sick?" "Mrs. Xixiang." Hikozaemon puffed up his cheeks and said, "My mother is sick, and Mrs. Asahi does not have a palace, so Mr. Nagamatsumaru is worried." "Oh?" "However, the young master is very educated, and he speaks in a gentle manner, so he couldn't speak clearly." "Hirasuke, speak more clearly. You want me to build the Royal Palace and pay more attention to the Xixiang Bureau? Since Ah Ai's condition is not good, I should visit her more often?" "No, I dare not say that. These matters must be decided by the Lord himself." "Oh." "But because my lord is busy with official duties, I was a little negligent, and I often can't help talking about it. If you hear it, please don't mind." "Is Ah Ai's illness that serious?" "So, the lord really doesn't know. This is not a trivial matter! The Xixiang Bureau not only gave birth to the lord's children, but also did a lot of hard work when he was in Hamamatsu. He was a good helper. And the lord didn't know that she was ill. , was fascinated by the new concubine, and was negligent. From this point of view, the lord treats the veterans and heroes..." "Isn't this talking to myself? Presumptuous!" "My lord, please forgive me." "Changmatsu Maru didn't know what to do. You taught him?" Hikozaemon shook his head violently, "No, the son couldn't stand it any longer, so he spoke to the lord. He already has the talent to clear the source." Ieyasu snorted disapprovingly, and then smiled strangely, "Is Changmatsu Maru trying to get me right? Hirasuke, is that what you should say?" Hikozaemon averted his gaze from Ie Yasushi, and said, "My lord, I'm afraid that I'm worried about the lord who forgot to build the imperial palace and takes the world as his ambition." "Okay, Hirasuke, but let the child think about it for himself. First build the lady's royal palace, and then visit Ai." "I'm afraid it's too late to visit at this time." "Too late?" "My lord doesn't know the truth, the son will be surprised." "It hurts too?" "The Xixiang Bureau gave her everything to the lord. She devoted herself to raising the sons, managed the inner court, and even took care of Mrs. Asahi's wedding ceremony, while the lord hangs around with other women..." "presumptuous!" "I'm talking to myself. My lord, take care of me." "Hmph! Good! I'll go visit the Xixiang Bureau right away and call a doctor!" "It's not necessary. The Xixiang Bureau is not short of medicine, what she lacks is the love of the lord." "Haha, what a sharp mouth. Let's go together!" "Mrs. Xixiang will be overjoyed." Ieyasu didn't answer.Thinking back carefully, he had indeed not visited the Xixiang Bureau for four or five months.Despite her frail body, she was always busy with inner court affairs.Seeing her like that, Ieyasu thought that visiting her would make her even more tired.This is his arbitrariness, he has been accompanied by A Zhu and Mu Xu recently.Atake is the daughter of Ichikawa Jurozaemon Ichimasa, Takeda's survivor, and Mosu is the daughter of Mitsui Jurozaemon Yoshimasa. Both are younger than Saigoju. From this point of view, men are really ruthless! Ieyasu came to Aai's room and stopped.The house is built with old and new wood, only the walls exude a fresh woody fragrance.A'ai's maid was taken aback, and said anxiously: "My lord is here." Jiakang signaled her to be silent, and said softly, "Madam is lying down? Don't disturb her!" He quietly looked inside the partition, signaling for everyone to be quiet.Ah Ai got up in a hurry and came out to welcome her.Her shoulders were thin, her hair was disheveled, and she was sweating from the heat. "I heard you were sick, why didn't you let me know?" "It's too messy here. Ali, hurry up and smell good." Aai ordered the maid, and then bowed respectfully like Chang Songmaru. Ieyasu stared at Ai silently for a long time.The astonishment when I first saw her in Hamamatsu Castle and her charm are still vivid in my memory like yesterday.Ieyasu still clearly remembered telling himself that she was not the ghost of his first love, the widow of Toyoma Iio.He was so infatuated with her back then.At that time, the old plum tree was in full bloom, and Ah Ai was nineteen years old, looking younger.Although she has given birth to a child now, she shows no signs of aging, and still looks at Ieyasu tremblingly, her eyes are like two crescent moons. Ieyasu suddenly looked away, and he couldn't help but ask himself: What have I done for this woman?The woman I love deeply in my heart is only her.His love for her was unswerving, but instead made her suffer.Her thin shoulders, slender neck, sunken chest, and bloodless face are the proof! This woman is a good woman who works hard and takes care of the inner court!Is this kind of trust really a kind of happiness for this woman?Because of trust, can you ignore her? Yu Yimaru's biological mother, Awan, and Mrs. Zhushan, either like to pester endlessly, or like to wantonly resist.Only Ah Ai is different, when she is not by her side, she works silently; when she is hugged, she quietly closes her eyes.Almost everyone is close to her, everyone respects her, but she doesn't put on a show of power at all, and always respects Ieyasu, guarding him secretly.This kind of woman has been neglected. Could it be that Ieyasu has been possessed by an evil spirit?If so, it would be a big mistake. "Aai, are you feeling uncomfortable? Lie down and rest." "Yes...but..." "Okay! If you are disobedient, I will leave immediately. I want to talk to you, so you can lie down." As he spoke, Ieyasu winked at the maid. "My lord, I will take my leave first." Okubo Hikozaemon quietly exited the room. Ah Ai no longer refuses the maid who comes to help her lie down.She was lying obediently, with her right cheek leaning on the pillow, staring at Ieyasu. "Is it uncomfortable?" "No." "What did the doctor say?" "You can't force yourself to say it." "You can't force it...but you are forcing yourself!" Ieyasu's eyes never left A'ai, and regret suddenly flooded his heart.He murmured: "I didn't know you were so sick. Alas! I..." Ah Ai is dying.Ieyasu once heard that Ai vomited blood on the way from Hamamatsu to Junfu.However, he didn't expect it to be so serious, so he didn't visit her in time, but ordered Hikozaemon to tell everyone in the inner court to take good care of her until they got familiar with the new city. "My lord," Aai suddenly said, "Please forgive me!" Ieyasu put his face closer in surprise, "What are you talking about? It's my fault for making you work so hard." "No, this relocation...you are so busy... Aiwei can help me a lot, please forgive me." "Aai, are you sincere? I'm too busy to visit you. You resent me, don't you?" A'ai stared at Ieyasu in surprise, her words were not sarcasm nor resentment, "My lord!" "Oh, what do you want to say? Oh, you're crying! Don't move, I'll wipe it for you." "My lord, please forgive A'ai." "What's the matter with you? There is nothing to forgive or not to forgive! You are so hardworking and enthusiastic." "No...no, if my lord doesn't forgive Ah Ai, I will feel uneasy." "The more you talk, the more outrageous it becomes. What's wrong with you?" "This relocation...for the lord and Changsongmaru, it is a lifelong event. And I know this, but I am so powerless..." "Oh, Aai, of course I must forgive you. I forgive you! Aai..." "Thank you, my lord!" Ieyasu still didn't understand the meaning of her words, thinking that she might be ill and lost her mind.While thinking about it, he went to shake A'ai's hand, but A'ai dodged it lightly, and gently pressed his forehead back, saying: "In this way, A'ai can rest in peace and go to the Pure Land first..." "Nonsense! You are still young, so there is nothing wrong with your illness. Apart from famous doctors and wonderful medicines, your state of mind is the most important thing." But Ah Ai didn't seem to listen, she slowly moved her eyes to a corner of the room.There was an old Iga vase with a bunch of cherry blossoms just in bloom. Jiakang said softly: "Oh! Spring is here! Ah Ai. The earth returns to spring, a hundred flowers are blooming, and there are beautiful scenery everywhere... Spring is the season when people are most energetic! You will definitely get better, and I will come to see you often in the future you……" Ah Ai seemed to have heard it, but also seemed to have never heard of it. She was still staring at the flowers intently. After a long time, Fang said weakly: "Aai has something to ask." "Oh, what's the matter?" Ieyasu asked immediately, but A'ai was a little speechless.Maybe these words were not what Aai wanted to say, but just blurted out.She was a little afraid, and turned her eyes to the cherry blossoms again, shaking her head slightly. "Speak up if you have something to do, don't worry about it." As he spoke, Jiakang suddenly thought that Ah Ai never asked anyone for anything, and his heart felt like a knife.This woman must have a lot to say, but she has suppressed it until now, and only blurted it out when she was seriously ill.Jiakang couldn't help urging again: "Aai, tell me, in fact, you should have spoken out your heart in the past, but you kept it in your heart... This time, you must tell me." Aai remained silent, as if I have concerns. "You're worrying too much, A'ai, just now you said you have something to say." "My lord, please don't ask any more questions. My concubine has broken the principles that I have always followed in the past." "in principle?" "Yes, like the cherry blossoms, no, not just the cherry blossoms, all the trees and flowers are..." "But I don't know what this means?" "No matter how difficult the trees and flowers are, they will always exist in their hearts if they have any requirements." "It's true." "And when spring comes, even if the environment is not good, they still try their best to germinate and add greenery." "Oh! So you take them as models?" "Yes, for the sake of my lord and Changsong Maru, Ai has always restrained herself like this. Therefore, please don't worry about my words anymore, my lord." After hearing this, Ieyasu couldn't help but look at the cherry blossom branches.Yes, no matter whether the vegetation is insufficient in fertility or the weather is dry, there is no requirement. No matter whether people care about it or not, it will germinate quietly, bear fruit quietly, and finally wither silently.Is this woman trying to warn me with grass?Ah Ai lives with the heart of grass and trees!Ieyasu has never felt so pitiful and sad for A'ai as he is today.However, she is also a human being, and she is ashamed of herself for a sentence that she blurted out suddenly, which is really a pathetic way of following the rules! "A'ai, I have to ask. If I don't listen to your wish, I won't leave here. Tell me." Ah Ai looked around in fear again, trying to sit up. "Just lie down, just lie down." Ieyasu hurriedly put his hands on her shoulders, his eyes were moist. "My lord," A'ai said, "Since you are so sincere, I will tell you." "Okay, let's talk." Ieyasu held A'ai's shoulder with one hand, and quietly wiped his tears with the other.This may be her last words!Ieyasu began to feel guilty, Aai's illness was much more serious than expected.This woman will never lie down if she can get up. Once she lies down, she will be "withered".Ieyasu really hated himself for being negligent. "Please don't make jokes, maybe the adults have noticed it." "Oh! How can you joke? Tell me." "My lord! Now that you have endured to this extent, there is no need to argue with Master Guan Bai." "This...is this...your request?" "Yes. Guan Bai accepted Yu Yimaru as his adoptive son, and married his younger sister... Changsongmaru is also Mrs. Asahi's child." "Well." "The matter has come to this point, if the two families continue to fight, I am afraid that the gods and Buddhas will also blame them." "..." "When my lord left Hamamatsu Castle, my mother-in-law also said that disloyalty to gods and Buddhas is a shame. Moreover, if you can bear it, you can save the people from the suffering of war. If you can't go to the west, please avoid it and go to Go east, go east... This is what Mother told us." Ieyasu folded his arms silently.It was indeed beyond his expectation that Ah Ai could say these words.However, if you think about it carefully, this is exactly what you have neglected.Since you have vowed to study vegetation, you should observe it with keen eyes. "Please forgive me! To the east, to the east... I wanted to ask my lord for this, but I felt ashamed. My lord has already grasped this point... Maybe I was worried about Chang Songwan, so I didn't dare to speak." "Ai!" "Please forgive me, my lord, the concubine has broken the principle." "You're right, I'll do as you say." "My lord... please forgive me." "Don't worry, I planned to do the same, so I moved to Junfu." "The concubine is even more ashamed..." "No, no. I will firmly remember this sentence. It is a disgrace to deceive gods and Buddhas. Not only Ieyasu, but also Nagamatsumaru. Whether you can dominate the world or not, you must live for the common people. I will tell Nagamatsumaru that you must He wholeheartedly serves the people of the world and is loyal to the gods and Buddhas." Ai nodded repeatedly and closed her eyes.Two lines of hot tears slowly flowed down her face, probably because she was too tired, she immediately let out a slight snoring sound.Ieyasu watched her peaceful face silently. After confirming that Ah Ai was asleep, Ieyasu quietly walked out of the room.As Hikozaemon said, she was already dying of illness.She felt uneasy about leaving immediately, but she was afraid that staying here would prevent her from resting. Hikozaemon watched Ieyasu come out, and set up his clogs, but silently followed behind him.Ieyasu walked out of the courtyard, and there were maple, willow, cherry and plum trees everywhere. Looking up, he saw the towering Mount Fuji.Ieyasu said, "Hirasuke, using these trees as a comparison, which one is Ai? Cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, or willows?" "It's Matsu." Hikozaemon replied. "Oh, after she dies, I will plant pine trees next to her grave." "Whether Madam can see it or not, plant some smoke-like flowers for her every year." Ieyasu was speechless, he walked thoughtfully for a while, then stopped, and said, "Hirasuke, all the trees around here grow eastward, and none of them grow westward!" Hikozaemon tilted his head: "Plants and trees like to grow in the direction where the sun comes out." "So, the pine tree, Ah Ai, also likes to go east?" "Ah? What did your lord say?" "I didn't care about Ah Ai's illness, I apologize to you. I didn't expect her to be so sick!" "Madam must be very pleased, Madam is admirable!" Hikozaemon paused and said, "My lord, what are you looking at?" "Mount Fuji." "Today's Mount Fuji is not so clear, and there are thin clouds in the sky." "I pissed on that Mount Fuji, in the corridors of the halls of this city..." "Ah! That's when the lord was a hostage, right?" "Yes, it was the time when the Sanhe warriors were ridiculed and homeless, but today I became the master of this city." "My lord must be feeling a lot." "That's right, Hirasuke, wouldn't I still be homeless after such a long ordeal?" Ieyasu really felt emotional. Hikozaemon tilted his head silently.Maybe everyone's life is homeless, just going on a long journey.