Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen

When receiving the news of the arrival of Hashiba Hideyoshi's reinforcements, Shibata Katsuie couldn't help but cursed: "You bastard!" the pity of my nephew. Although Huzuka's camp was only eight miles away from Neizhongweishan's big camp, he could neither abandon Sheng Zheng to retreat, nor could he attack alone. In this way, even I will lose my life at the end of the day... Thinking of this, Sheng Jia immediately ordered Sheng Zheng to retreat, and at the same time he had to retreat while restraining the enemy. "No tampering is allowed before dawn. Only after dawn can Sheng Zheng's location be determined and then retreat. This bastard..."

Although he said so, but before dawn, Sheng Jia had already arranged everything. If you want Shengzheng to withdraw safely, you must first pin down the two teams of Hideyoshi's right-wing Hidecho Hashiba and Hori Hidemasa so that they cannot move for a moment. However, what is the strategic significance of such an arrangement? There is no time to think about the meaning, the key is to fight Hideyoshi. "—Rather than living under your coercion, it's better to fight bravely, hum!" Even if you fight to the death, you still have to deal a severe blow to Hideyoshi's arrogance.If Hideyoshi is in command, Singer will definitely take the lead and challenge him.But unexpectedly, Hideyoshi handed over the matter of dealing with Singe to Hori Hidemasa and his younger brother Hidecho, and went to deal with Shengzheng alone.Therefore, no matter how much he cursed, Sheng Jia felt puzzled.

Singer is too familiar with Hideyoshi's habits and tactics, how can Shengzheng beat him?Therefore, Singer has long believed that: taking advantage of Hideyoshi's absence, he will fight for a while and then retreat, fight for a while, and then retreat again, such repeated harassment will disturb Hideyoshi's mind, and then seek opportunities for combat. Hideyoshi couldn't completely put aside the matter of Gifu.Therefore, if Hideyoshi retreats, he also retreats, and when Hideyoshi comes out, he will harass again... After repeating this several times, Hideyoshi will be furious, and will either launch a full-scale attack on Singer aggressively, or find an excuse to fight He makes peace.Singer saw through Hideyoshi's weakness and ordered Sakuma Shengzheng to withdraw his troops again and again.Unexpectedly, Sheng Zheng was too greedy for merit.According to his original plan, as long as Sheng Zheng obediently obeys the order to withdraw troops, those generals who see the wind and the wind can only hold their ground and wait and see.As long as they don't show signs of half-heartedness, the entire army will show a strong deterrent force, which is enough, but...

From dawn to noon, Sheng Jia kept holding the token and sat there meditating while listening to the bad news coming from ahead.Finally, when he heard the news that Maeda's team had fled the battlefield, he stood up from his seat and called Mao Shoujiazhao to him. "It seems that today is the day of my death." Jia Zhao just lowered his head and remained silent. "This bastard, he couldn't listen to me, and now he has finally fallen into Hideyoshi's trap. Even Maeda and his son feel hopeless." Mao Shoujiazhao still didn't say anything, just fell on the ground, waiting for Singer's order.

"Once Maeda and his son retreat, Tokuyama Hideken and Fupo Katsumitsu will leave their positions and flee. In this way, Shengzheng's army will fall apart, and Hideyoshi will come around behind us after a short rest. These, you I've already thought of it." "That's... I think so." "Hidemasa Hori also knows this very well, so he has never attacked us before. Although he is my enemy, he is a hateful smart person." Jia Zhao couldn't help but feel a little anxious when he saw that Sheng Jia hadn't given the order. "In half an hour, it is estimated that the two teams of Hidemasa Hori and Hashiba will move."

"Of course. Just rush to take the lead before the enemy moves. Once the miscellaneous soldiers learn that Maeda is retreating, they will definitely start to waver. I regret it very much." "My lord's mood is very clear to my family. Victory or defeat is a common matter in military affairs. In any case, please give an order to withdraw back to Beizhuang." "Since even you have said that, it may be even more difficult for Singer to give this order. Can you understand my mood? Don't say any more. Victory and defeat are not always commonplace in military affairs. This defeat is the end of everything." gone."

"My lord, I don't think so." "Stop talking." "No, I want to say it. I understand very well the Maeda Toshiie and his son who left the battlefield to avoid a meaningless war." "How do you understand that?" "The Maeda father and son both value righteousness to the lord and Hideyoshi, so they are in a dilemma. In order to live up to the feelings of either party, he has no choice but to put away his sword and withdraw from the battlefield. His retreat is tantamount to a silent remonstrance. He is asking the adults Advice to withdraw troops."

"Jia Zhao, why do your words sound so strange?" "Actually, it's not surprising at all. If my lord temporarily retreats to Beizhuang, Maeda and his son will naturally stop Hideyoshi's attack in Fuchu Castle, and then make peace with you and Hideyoshi... Therefore, my lord should make a decisive decision and quickly issue an order to withdraw troops. Family photo Please!" Sheng Jia didn't answer, he just raised his head silently and walked out of the tent weakly. "My lord, no matter what, please give the order quickly! A moment is worth a thousand gold, and every moment will decide the fate of an adult."

"Family photos!" "exist." "I can never promise you. Think about it, I, Shibata Katsuie, am a person who abandoned the reputation I have painstakingly maintained for 50 or 60 years and was scared away by Hideyoshi? Of course, I will give orders, but I will definitely not retreat. If If anyone wants to escape, please do as you please, I will not stop you. No matter what, I, Katsuya, will never run away. I can only fall against Hideyoshi's horse's head. This is my glory! Sad glory! Incomparable glory!" At this time, Nakamura and Zaemon ran in in a panic. "Report, Mount Wenshi has fallen into the hands of the enemy."

"Wenshishan is lost..." Before Shengjia could ask, Jiazhao asked in amazement, "Then, where is Master Sakuma?" "Life and death are unknown. The army is scattered and disoriented. There are not many gathered in the fox mound..." "My lord!" Before he could finish talking with Zaemon, Jia Zhao took a step back and said, "My lord, please make a quick decision. Otherwise, Horihide Zhengbu, who has come down from Mount Saone and blocked our army's way in the Higashino area, will They have launched an attack on our army. Hideyoshi will also respond to him and cut off our retreat. In this way, we can..."

However, Singer did not answer, and still looked up at his huge head, silently looking at the sky, pacing up and down on the grass.He can't think of anything anymore.The news was getting worse and worse, making him more and more miserable.Chaos broke out outside the tent, and the soldiers who wanted to escape had already acted. Once this sign is smelled by the enemy, Hashiba Hidecho and Hori Hidemasa on the right will definitely launch an attack together.Hideyoshi would also immediately cut off his retreat from the left flank.Sheng Jia couldn't be more aware of the enemy's tactics, and he felt great sorrow for his own powerlessness. If at this time Sheng Jia was thinking about righteousness and should bet his life here, he would not be so confused.However, what swelled in his heart was not righteousness, but glory.Why can't he obey the righteousness, devote himself to ending the war in troubled times, and submit to Hideyoshi willingly?Why is he so persistent? "My lord, don't hesitate anymore. Time has passed quickly, and the opportunity will also disappear. If you don't make a quick decision, the soldiers will be at a loss, and the situation will be even worse!" "Lead the horse!" Suddenly, Sheng Jia yelled angrily.This is the miserable and bewildered yell of an old military general who has been born and died on the battlefield for decades, "Put the flag of the charge on my saddle, and use a black horse! There is no need to talk about family photos and Zaemon. Look. , Hidemasa Hori has already shot at us. Hurry up, get your horses ready!" The sun above the head is shining on the earth, and the green leaves are rustling against the east wind.After a while, the guards brought a strong mount, and Singer flew on it. "Please forgive me." At this time, his tone softened again. "In this life, Singer has nothing to repay you. I just apologize to you. Let's meet again in the next life!" After finishing speaking, he reined in the horse's head facing south. At this time, Hideyoshi had already launched an attack from behind.However, Katsuya did not turn his horse's head in Hideyoshi's direction. He clearly wanted to sail towards Higashino's Hidemasa Hori's position, and wanted to die fighting there. "Tom tom tom" was another burst of violent gunshots, which sounded from the positions of Hidemasa Hori and Hidecho Hashiba. "My lord, wait a minute! My lord!" Mao Shoujia Zhao also stepped on a horse and chased him away. At this time, some people in the team have already escaped one after another, and the main force of the 7,000 people is now less than 3,000.It is precisely because of this that Sheng Jia didn't look behind him, he was afraid. Hidemasa Hori's troops, which had already begun to attack, launched the attack decisively just seeing that the opponent's morale had been shaken. However, before they were fully engaged in the battle, Hidemasa Hori was surprised by a counterattack from the opponent.There were at most five hundred cavalry behind Singer, but the dust was billowing, and it was impossible to see how many there were.The valley is full of dust, and it seems that there are thousands of troops. "Don't retreat, stand up for me! Just a few enemies, knock them back!" However, the persistent counterattack of the "wild boar" seemed to have shown great power, which frightened Hori Hidemasa's army.The soldiers in front suddenly collapsed, and the soldiers behind also began to retreat. Sheng Jia still took the lead, neither shouting nor announcing his name, only wielding a big knife in his hand, and bravely killed the enemy. "My lord!" Suddenly, Mao Shoujiazhao's war horse rushed in front of Singer, blocking his way.The war horse was frightened, let out a long cry, and raised its front hooves.Jia Zhao got off his horse and grabbed Singer's bridle. "My lord, please, are you still not withdrawing your troops?" "If you don't withdraw, I will never withdraw! Get out of the way, family photo!" "If you don't retreat, I won't dodge either." It seems that Jia Zhao also risked his life, "If my lord insists that not moving forward is an insult to you, then please kill me first." "Jia Zhao, don't embarrass me, let me die!" "No, I will never agree. In such a valley, it is an honor to hand over the head covered with mud to the enemy, no!" "If you dare to stop me again, don't blame me for being rude!" "Then please go ahead, my lord, please kill me first!" Sheng Jia was furious and swung his sword violently, while Jia Zhao was still clinging tightly to the horse's head, holding the rein tightly with both hands. "My lord, if you don't retreat now, you will never have a chance. The enemy has already retreated. Please change your horse quickly. Jia Zhao is willing to replace the lord with the helmet on and the flag, charge into the battle, and fulfill the lord's wish. Please withdraw to Beizhuang first... ...Let's leave now. Oh, why are you so confused!" Jia Zhao shouted hoarsely, grabbing Sheng Jia's thigh and shaking it vigorously. Singer screamed, the sword flew into the air and fell to the ground again. "Family photos..." "My lord, the head is covered with mud. This is not the true glory of a warrior! Mao Shoujia will be the lord's substitute as he wished, and will never insult the lord's bravery. Please trust me and give me the helmet!" Hearing what Jia Zhao said, Sheng Jia stood on the side of the road in a daze.Jia Zhao put on Sheng Jia's helmet, picked up the big knife, handed the war horse to Sheng Jia, and stepped on the black horse. "Guards, protect the lord! Don't hesitate, evacuate as soon as possible, Mao's family photo will never embarrass you." Singer stood there, staring blankly at his golden banner and horse seal.For Mao Shoujiazhao, the greatest honor is to defend the honor of the winner.The veteran valued his reputation, and his sad temperament had deeply affected Jia Zhao.Even the stubborn Nobunaga had to give the first place to Singer.Singer's heart is always full of infinite yearning for Nobunaga. Although Singer is fettered by his temperament and has done things that are not conducive to the overall situation, Jia Zhao may have developed a little dislike for Singer emotionally, but in any case, in his eyes, Singer is still a role model for a warrior, and he is A hero worth dying for. In order to gain time for the winner to retreat, Jiazhao broke into the enemy's line with a horse in his belly.This is the crucial moment.Without Jiazhao's desperate efforts, Singjia would have been chased to the edge of the Seto Inland Sea long ago, with nowhere to escape. After rushing into Wuliu Town, seeing that Singer's shadow had disappeared from behind, Jia Zhao hurriedly led the remaining people to Linku Mountain, which was about 100 meters away from Foxzuka Jiucho, and used it as a temporary base.Linku Mountain was originally guarded by Hara Hikojiro, the lord of the Mori Castle in the Etsuchu Plain, but it has now been vacated.Jiazhao asked the soldiers who followed him to garrison here, intending to stop the enemy here and cover Shengjia's retreat to Beizhuang. However, at this time, his men were less than 300 people. Hideyoshi took a short break near Jifukujizaka and regrouped the team.He observed the changes in the battle situation for a while, and then personally attacked the official road of the North Kingdom, where he joined forces with the left and right wings, and then launched a fierce attack on Lin Gushan. "Singer is over there, don't let him escape, kill him!" Kinoshita Moto and Ogawa Yutaka's subordinates entered Lin Gushan first, and under the cover of muskets, the energetic warriors launched an attack on Lin Gushan's position onslaught.At about 4:00 noon, the troops of the two finally reached the fortress of Lin Gushan.At this time, Singer had already abandoned the fortifications and retreated to Oak Valley Mountain behind. At this critical moment, of course, the more time you can win, the better. Therefore, Jia Zhao tried his best to tenaciously block the enemy.He was relieved to see the enemy's large group of troops continuously pressing towards Lin Gushan. "That's good, at least I didn't lose my face." After finishing speaking, Kazhao asked his elder brother Maozaemon to take out the remaining wine in a bamboo tube, and took a sip himself. There was still no cloud in the sky, and the sunlight leaked through the gaps in the leaves, which was bright white and very dazzling. "My lord has evacuated safely, we brothers have a sip of farewell wine, and then, elder brother, go follow the lord too." Saying that, Kazhao poured Mozaemon a glass, licked his tongue, and drank it all in one gulp. "Family photo, I will stay here too, and I will never leave!" Brother Maozaemon put down his wine glass with a smile, "If I leave you here alone to work hard, but I go back alive, won't I be laughed at by my mother?" "It's two different things. I fought and died here for my reputation. I have sworn to fight for the glory of the Lord. However, if the elderly mother finds out that you and I both died in battle, one will die in vain. It's no wonder you scold me!" "Haha..." Mozaemon laughed, "Okay, okay. If you die once, you don't have to die a second time." At this time, earth-shattering shouts and gunshots came from not far away. Jia Zhao stood up instinctively, and estimated the approximate distance between the two sides. The enemy was less than one town away from them. "Brother, no, you have to listen to me anyway." With that said, he picked up the big knife and stood up.This is not only to cover the elder brother's evacuation as soon as possible to serve his mother, but also to repel the enemy's miscellaneous soldiers so as not to be disturbed when he cut his seppuku. "Brother, don't you know the honor of the lord? Don't you know what I did to defend the honor of the lord?" If you think about it carefully, this kind of rhetoric is really strange.Jia Zhao probably didn't seriously consider the true meaning of this glory.To an outsider, therefore, these may seem like silly jokes.However, both Singer and Jiazhao regard this honor as a feat and must keep it at all times.It is a self-assertion, a firm belief.In the hearts of samurai in troubled times, only those who have this kind of belief are "honest" and real samurai. Jia Zhao stood up, spat in the palm of his hand, and picked up the big knife. "Brother, if I say no, it's no good. Don't you understand?" "I don't understand." Mozaemon didn't even look at his younger brother, "This kind of honor is not only for you, but also for me!"Mozaemon raised his spear sharply and charged at the enemy first. "Oh, what a cruel brother! This is really the sorrow of the old mother!" Jia Zhao couldn't help lamenting.For a moment, his lament turned into an angry howl, and he also raised his sword and rushed towards the enemy. "Come on, let you taste the power of Shibata Broadsword, the number one ghost in the world, come up if you are not afraid of death!" With a sound of "clang", the invading enemy's knife has been broken in two, followed by the second, third... The enemy retreated. At this time, Jiazhao only had more than 20 followers left. "Brother!" "What is it?" "Hurry up, for mother..." "Stop rambling, Jia Zhao, you must not miss the opportunity to cut seppuku." "If I cut seppuku, you'll go back? That's good!" Jia Zhao stepped back for twenty or thirty steps, and sat down suddenly. After a brief silence, when the attackers rushed up again, there was no living soldier in sight.As far as the eye can see, there are only scattered corpses and sunlight shining through the gaps in the trees, which is really an ironic quiet beauty. "Ah, this is not Xiuliang, it's his retainer Mao Shou's family photo, and it's his substitute." "Hmph, I wish he committed suicide on purpose for us to see, yo, this person is his older brother Mozaemon." However, Jiazhao could no longer be heard, and neither could his elder brother.In pursuit of that lamentable honor, they died quietly on the meadows of Oak Hill. Hideyoshi continued to attack the northern official road, and when he passed by the bodies of the two brothers, he watched silently without saying a word. After coming to Beiguo Guandao, Hideyoshi did not immediately pursue Singer, but pulled his horse to Fox Mound to inspect the battlefield.Everything was as he expected.The sun was still high, and the battle was over here, and the brilliant sun added to the splendor of his victory.In fact, as early as last year during the Kiyosu Conference, Hideyoshi had been planning this victory in an orderly manner, and the result was exactly as he expected.Besides Hideyoshi, who else knows these inside stories? At this moment, what did Singer, who was retreating to Beizhuang in embarrassment, feel?Can he think of the mystery that Hideyoshi easily gave him the city of Nagahama, and soon Nagahama became Hideyoshi's stronghold, which led to his disastrous defeat? Hideyoshi gave Nagahama Castle to Satsuya because he was familiar with the geography and human relations in this area, and it would be most beneficial to use this as the main battlefield for the decisive battle with Satsuya.However, Katsuya and his son Katsutoyo thought that Hideyoshi was making concessions to them... Last winter, Maeda Toshiie, Fuba Katsumitsu, Kanamori Nagachi and others who rushed to Yamazaki as Katsuya's envoys escaped from here without exception. , no one fired a shot at Hideyoshi's men, even an arrow.I don't know how Singer viewed these things during his escape... Hideyoshi urged his horse to come to the Singer's position in Fox Mound. Looking at the dead bodies all over the mountains, he couldn't help but think of Mao Shou brothers who committed seppuku in the woods. "My lord is really clever, another great victory!" Yiliu Zhimo who was following behind flattered him. "In this way, Shibata's team was almost wiped out. Xiuliang is a fool, why didn't he expect to lose the battle?" Kato Koyasu also echoed. However, Hideyoshi lowered his face and turned his head to the side: "As expected of Oni Shibata. You can't wait until you speak such wild words." "But, he doesn't know the strength of our army..." "Shut up! Do you think Sheng Jia doesn't know my strength? He knows too well that he is fighting for his dignity... This is the most powerful enemy!" Guangtai and Zhimo couldn't help but look at each other, and quickly shut up. Hideyoshi's face was covered with sweat and dust, only a pair of eyes were still shining, showing a kind of sadness that was completely different from usual. "There is nothing to fear from people who are sensible and greedy for utilitarianism. The most terrifying are those who neither obey righteousness nor love money, but only blindly pursue the so-called glory. There is nothing more troublesome than this. , you hurry to go to Kuroda Kanbei." "Kuroda Kanbei..." "You go and tell Kuroda officer and guard that everyone will work together to gather all the corpses and bury them. In addition, order the people in the village, whether they meet their own people or enemies, as long as they are still panting, try to give them some coir raincoats or bamboo hats. Humans, help them as much as you can, understand, otherwise, where will my face of Hashiba Hideyoshi be placed?" Hideyoshi's eyes shone with determination, and he urged his horse to turn north again. "Guangtai." "exist!" "Even if Hideyoshi takes all the principles of heaven and justice, Singer will never submit to me. In order to pacify the world, I have to send troops to attack him. It's not for other reasons. Don't get me wrong." Kotai stared at Hideyoshi's never-before-stern expression and nodded. Things are exactly as Hideyoshi said.Whether it is the Singer or the Mao Shou brothers, they are all fighting for the word "glory".There is another person who also fights for honor, and that person is Hashiba Hideyoshi. Give an order, and everyone will clean up the battlefield immediately.All the corpses were gathered in one place, and the wounded were moved to the shade of trees or valleys by the villagers, where they were carefully cared for. "As expected of Lord Hashiba, you are truly merciful! It is precisely because you have the heart of a bodhisattva that you will win a great victory." Amidst the applause of the villagers, Hideyoshi followed Hori Hidemasa's team. No matter what happens, he will not give in... Hideyoshi has already seen through Singer's mind, and naturally his pace of attack will not slow down. "Sakuma Shengzheng, Sheng Jia's son Quan Rokuro and others, just find them and save their lives." On the way, Hideyoshi informed everyone. "Singer is the only one who swears not to surrender, and the rest can be moved with true feelings." That night, Hideyoshi entered Echizen and stayed at Jinzhuang. When Mao Shoujia vowed to stop the enemy to the death, Shengjia took more than a hundred servants and fled to Yanase, then crossed Muya Ridge and entered Echizen.Along the way, he remained silent and rushed to the castle of Toshiya Maeda, who withdrew his troops one step earlier and entered the mansion.Wouldn't the Li family cut off the Sheng family's retreat and put the Sheng family to death?Some of the close ministers were secretly worried.When rushing from the avenue to the city, Singer suddenly stopped his horse and looked back at Shibata Yazaemon. "Go and see Li's family. You go to the city and tell them." "My lord, it is absolutely impossible. They are the ones fleeing on the battlefield. If they see us like this, what plans will they have?" "Just go to the city and tell him, don't be so long-winded! I have something to tell him." "That's too..." "Set down the seat!" Sheng Jia got off his horse, and hurriedly paced back and forth under the high wall of a big family's house. "My lord, do you really want to see Maeda?" "If you don't tell him about this, the Sheng family will have no face to see people alive. Go!" The attendants hurriedly settled down their seats, and Singer sat down, staring blankly at the sky again in a daze.Afraid of accidents, the close ministers all turned their backs to Singer, forming a heavily guarded human wall. The scorching sun ruthlessly shone on the defeated general.Despite sitting in the shade, the light around me was dizzying.The horses, armor and weapons are all like eggplants beaten by frost, and they look extremely bleak. Katsuya sat quietly under the scorching sun, patiently waiting for Maeda Toshiie who ruthlessly abandoned him and withdrew to Fuchu Castle ahead of time. Seeing this situation, the guards of the Maeda family took a few steps forward. "I'm coming." "You're still wearing armor, be careful!" Li's family brought about thirty or so servants out from the city. It seemed that he had already rested and even changed his horse. "Ah, Mr. Repairer, you are here." After dismounting, Li's family only brought a few guards with knives, walked briskly in front of Sheng's family, and sat down on the safe seat, "Time is running out, please retreat quickly Beizhuang, I still have to wait here for the Chikuqian guard." Sheng Jia listened, but didn't answer, just stared at the sky motionless, for a long time, Fang said: "Li Jia." "exist." "You and I have been friends for many years, and Singer has no words to thank." "My lord is too serious." "No, you are different from me. Singer used to be at odds with Chikuzen Shou. But you are different. You have been friends with him since you were young. You have been able to follow me until now, and you have done everything you can." "..." "No, it's not just today. You've even thought about the winner's retreat, and you decisively withdrew your troops from the battlefield for my future." "This... Thank you, sir, for understanding my reasons for withdrawing troops." The servants of Singer who stood aside all pricked up their ears and looked at each other—every word they said surprised them deeply. "The reputation of a samurai is extremely deplorable." Singe shifted his gaze to Toshie, "I know that you are staying here to stop Chikuzen Mamoru and make a final effort for our reconciliation." "Please allow me to do this. This is also my duty to you two." "No, the great ambition of Chikuzen Shou has been integrated into him. We have no room for compromise." Sheng Jia's voice was a little hoarse, but his articulateness was very clear, "Li Jia, the overall situation of the world has been decided." "decided?" "Although I don't want to see it, the world is still controlled by Chikuzen. However, Singer will never lose to Chikuzen willingly, this is my nature... Chikuzen can't tolerate a person who dares to never say defeat in front of him People, so let’s forget about the mediation. However, Sheng Jia will never forget the innate ambition. This is what I want to tell you.” "Could it be that I just opened my eyes like this..." "No, this is just Singer's wish. In fact, you have done your best to me. Therefore, you should do your best to Chikuzen now, and don't get involved with my stubbornness. Otherwise, Singer's face will be lost. " "Or because of face?" Li Jia's eyes became moist at some point, and he kept sighing. "Lijia, can you understand my thoughts?" "Actually, I'm most afraid that adults will say the word honor to me." "Haha... so to speak, it was really difficult for you before. Therefore, at the last moment of my life... please understand my thoughts." "Master Xiu... Do you think the Li family has no shame?" "Where is there. You are not only a friend, but you never betray even ordinary people. You can be said to be benevolent and righteous to others. Therefore, I have long wanted to meet you at this last moment." Sheng used his dirty Wiping the sweat with his hands, "Don't mention this. No one knows your mind better than me. Don't you want to hear my last wish?" "Last wish?" "I want you to buy me a meal." "What's so difficult about it?" "Also, please prepare a steed for me tonight that can reach Beizhuang." "I have thought of these things a long time ago, and I have already prepared a good horse for you." "Also...after Chikuzen's army arrives, can you take the lead for him and attack Beizhuang first? This is the only way to dispel Chikuqian's doubts. Not only because of these, there are some people...I don't need to mention names, Presumably you also know that they live in the city, and once the city falls, don’t hurt them. You must quietly help them escape, and try to bring them to the camp guarded in front of Zhuqian.” Hearing this, Li's family already understood that no matter what he said, Sheng's family would not listen to him anymore, and he was determined.When the city fell, the people who could not be harmed were Nobunaga's younger sister Ashi and her three daughters.Lijia has already considered this step. "This is my last wish, can you promise me?" "How can I not agree, I promise my lord." "In this way, I have no regrets. Please prepare a meal for me." "I've got people ready." After a while, a close attendant sent a three-layer food box that was usually brought to the camp from the city to entertain Sheng Jia.Lijia also asked people to prepare some rice balls for the followers of Shengjia.During the meal, Shengjia laughed from time to time, and Weilijia always had a gloomy face. I also brought some wine, because it was a farewell parting, so of course we had to drink a few glasses.After a few glasses of wine, Singer, who returned to the northern officialdom again, had a significantly different complexion from when he just dismounted, and gradually turned rosy. "Zhuqian has a long-standing reputation for his swift action. Before he catches up, retreat quickly! Singer bids farewell." Singer patted the gray foal prepared for him, and got on the horse. The sun had already slanted to the west, and the remaining heat was still there. Sheng Jia and others galloped eastward under the slanting sun above their heads.Lijia looked serious and watched them off silently. Is this a person's honor?In a certain era, people's thinking and actions never have fixed rules, but they go their own way. This may be the so-called troubled times.In it, people's behaviors and opinions often fall into the tragic vortex of comparison and vanity.Hideyoshi has Hideyoshi's vanity, and Singer has Singer's vanity... Maeda Toshiie feels that the pursuit of the two is so illusory.Like Nobunaga, Hideyoshi only pays attention to the peace of the world, but he seems to be too hasty, while Singer is born unwilling to be inferior to others and is too persistent. The backs of the Sheng family and his party disappeared from their eyes, and the Li family patrolled around the city again before returning to the city.Compared with Hideyoshi and Singe, Toshika only has a territory of 60,000 shi, and he is just a bystander who will always stay away from the battle.The world is so ever-changing. Hideyoshi still called himself Kinoshita Tokichiro. When Nobunaga took him in, Maeda Inuchiyo was already Nobunaga's confidant. Now, not to mention Hideyoshi, who owns a territory of two million shi, even Shibata There are 750,000 shi and Guangxiu 540,000 shi. Compared with them, the territory of the Li family is less than 10%, which can be described as a world of difference. However, there is nothing wrong with me living like this... Toshika also began to think deeply.He was also a fierce general, and was deeply influenced by Nobunaga's nature when he was young, and he definitely did not have the lofty ambition to make great achievements.However, at some point, an invisible force grabbed his unrestrained reins and pulled him back from the stormy scramble.Nothing else, it was Asong's Buddha heart that moved him, and it was the Buddha heart of his little girl, Asong, who was with him when he killed Aichi Juami and went into exile.Asong's mind is not so outstanding, she just has a firm heart of compassion. All living beings are the sons of the Buddha and should refrain from killing.This kind of belief is so simple, but it has become an unshakable attachment.Asong has been constantly admonishing Toshika: No matter how many reasons you have, you should try your best to avoid killing. This is a person's basic conscience... When Nobunaga encountered the change of Honnoji Temple and Mitsuhide defeated Yamazaki, these words came naturally Melted into Lijia's blood.Toshiya felt that the vanity of Hideyoshi and Singjia was pathetic and empty. After returning to the city, the Li family handed over the sword and helmet to the attendants, and asked Li Chang to be responsible for guarding the city, and went straight into the inner court by himself. "Why is it still so hot!" Facing Asong who rushed out to greet him excitedly, Li Jia said weakly, then took off his armor and put it on the cabinet. "I'm afraid Mr. Repair is hopeless..." As he spoke, Li's family sat beside his wife.Seeing this, the attendant gave a very tactful salute and retreated to the outside room.With years of experience in serving the Li family, they sensitively sensed that the husband and wife must have important matters to discuss. "It's hopeless? My lord means..." "He can't give up his vanity, he can't let go of anything." Mrs. Asong was silent, just kept fanning Li's family.After a while, she quietly looked towards the courtyard and said, "Have you told Mr. Repair what you think? I don't think there will be any hopeless people in this world." "Is this your Dharma again?" "As long as we treat each other with sincerity, our hostages will return from Beizhuang safely. As long as we trust each other, many lives can be saved." "A Song, I..." The Li family suddenly remembered the hostage they handed over to Beizhuang——the daughter. "If there is even a chance, I really want to save Shibata's life!" "My thoughts are the same as yours... But even if you can't do it, don't be discouraged." "You mean, even if I stand in front of Chikuzen's spear, I will never kill someone, right?" "You have done your best for Chikuzen Mamoru... It is absolutely not shameful to abandon the formation and run away. People should never kill innocent people indiscriminately! I hope that you will make this a family tradition of the Maeda family and pass it down from generation to generation." Li Jia didn't answer, just silently looking at the sunset in the sky. "Master Chikuzen must have entered the village..." "It is estimated that he will camp in Jinzhuang tonight, and he will come to negotiate with me tomorrow morning. His conditions must be very harsh, either a surrender or a war." "What did Li Chang tell you?" "The emissary who came to negotiate must be Hori Hidemasa...not only Toshinaga and I think so, but other important ministers also think so." "Do you even think that Chikuzen Shou will let me go? I think that after I surrender, Chikuzen Shou will let me attack Beizhuang as a vanguard." Let him be the first to attack Beizhuang, which is more troublesome than Kaesong's surrender.Even so, until this morning, the father and son still pretended to set up camp, as if they were about to fight Yuchai's army. At this time, Mrs. Asong clapped her hands and called the maid. "Pour tea for your lord." After she finished speaking, she stared at her husband nonchalantly. In terms of feelings, Lijia still favors Shengjia after all.Because of this, he always felt that Hideyoshi was somewhat scary.In the eyes of Mrs. Asong, Hideyoshi is also a terrible person.A long time ago, Hideyoshi had a better insight into the world than ordinary people. No matter who it was, he could see through the other person's mind with just a light glance.When something happens, you can either pat you on the shoulder and laugh it off, or secretly make up your mind, the two must be one of them.Once he made up his mind, he might deal with Lijia like Shengjia, and even if he saved his life, he would be exiled mercilessly. "My lord, the tea is here, let's drink the tea first!" "Oh, OK……" "grown ups!" "Do you have any ideas?" “从一开始，我就有主意。请大人舍弃修理和秀吉，从心底里彻底舍弃他们。”阿松夫人嫣然一笑，笑容中依然保持着二十年前那个坚贞少女的气质。 “不可瞎说！”利家对妻子的话似乎不大满意，“如我能同时舍弃胜家和秀吉，寻得一条中庸之路，哪还会有烦恼？你就别说这些来烦我了！” “我不是来烦你。”阿松夫人又微笑了，笑中洋溢着机敏和才智，“龙门寺的老和尚曾说，所有的迷惘都来自内心的犹豫。所以，请大人打定主意，莫再犹豫。我们的路只有一条，既不偏向胜家，也不偏向秀吉，只有一条，那就是不杀生……” 利家不禁焦急起来。“我早就说过，即使我想走这条路，可筑前守能答应吗？他定会让我第一个前去攻打北庄，哪里还谈得上什么不杀生？” “我并不这么看。”阿松夫人坚定地盯着丈夫，“如佛祖显灵，您说，佛祖会让什么人去打前锋？” “不知，我怎知你的佛法！” “并不是你说不知，事情就能完结。只有心里随时想着不杀生、慈悲为怀的大将，才是佛祖最满意的大将，既对己方有利，又对敌方无害。所以，明日的事情，恳请大人三思。” “你的意思，也是让我打头阵了？” “不，是在作出决定之前，请大人不要刻意迎合筑前大人。我和筑前大人阔别已久，想亲自为他做一碗泡饭，烧一份他最喜欢的腌鲑鱼，和大人一起去见一见他。” “你……也想去见筑前守……” “对。虽然筑前守乃名震天下的大将，可是，我身后却有佛法无边的佛祖。相信佛祖一定不会眼睁睁地看着我输给筑前大人。” “你说什么？”利家愣住了，不住地打量着妻子，这是阿松吗？真是可笑，全天下的男子一齐上阵，恐也不是秀吉的对手，而这个女人却笑嘻嘻地说要和秀吉对阵，还断言决不会输，她是不是疯了？ “经历这件事之后，我利家怕会胸无半丝斗志了，你明白吗？” “正是因为明白，才恳求大人。” 阿松夫人那娇媚的圆脸上，依然挂着迷人的微笑，“但是，大人，衰亡的背后却孕育着新生啊。” "..." “大人，您明白吗？如不杀生，我们就能往生极乐……如果我们遂了佛祖的心愿，佛祖就绝不阻止我们兴盛。无论如何，我都想尝试一下。” 利家无言，单直直地盯着妻子。阿松夫人似想以一人之力对抗秀吉，梦想着改变越前一国的命运。 我怎么娶了这样一个古怪的妻子？Li Jia remained silent.阿松夫人则伏在地上，满怀自信。 “大人，我求您了！怎样，大人？” 此时利家感慨良深。为何每次都是被这个女人慢慢说服呢？如这个女人自以为是，在他面前耍小聪明，恐早就被他疏远了。可是，与易被人情所困的利家相比，这个女人却拥有超过他的冷静和决断。 利家始终对信长夫人浓姬敬重有加。有一次，浓姬在他的面前对阿松赞不绝口：“你娶了阿松为妻，可真是造化。”因而他也时常庆幸娶了这么个好妻子。 阿松的娇躯所迸发出来的活力，总是让利家瞠目结舌。现在，这个女人仍然永不知疲倦，洗洗涮涮，缝缝补补。儿女、用度、家臣们的家事等，她都巨细靡遗，悉心照料。 这样一个阿松，说要和秀吉会面，就说明她有自信，她的微笑就是明证。她自信非但不会让前田家灭亡，甚至还会让它更加兴旺。 “大人是否觉得我乃女子，不敢相信？请您放心，从秀吉还叫藤吉郎的时候，阿松就是他的朋友，和秀吉的夫人宁宁也是至交，所以，阿松去见一见秀吉，也没有什么不妥。” 利家默默地点了点头，既然如此，就让她去试一试吧！ “大人答应阿松了吗？” “你细细想过了？” “大人，阿松还有一个请求。在筑前守到来之前，想必堀秀政会作为使者先到。到时，大人务必要告诉堀秀政，就说随时愿意把这座城池交给他……” “这件事我早就想过了，恐我不说，也没有办法啊。” “好，既然大人这么想，阿松就放心了。好不容易把人家迎来，一旦让人起了疑心，那便前功尽弃了。阿松得赶紧收拾一下，做出一副随时准备交予他的样子。” 一切都如同阿松夫人所料。第二日大清早，堀秀政就来到了府中，要求利家归顺秀吉。利家满口答应，而且把妻子阿松因好久没有和秀吉见面，想趁此机会叙叙旧，并想亲自做一碗泡饭敬献之意，也半开玩笑地说了出来。 堀秀政回去，便把这件事报告了秀吉。 当日辰时左右，秀吉千成瓢箪的马印随风招展，大队人马浩浩荡荡从今庄出发，直奔府中城。 这一日，天空晴朗，城门两侧种植的柳树在微风的吹拂下，带给人丝丝凉意。 一切准备都已就绪，随时可以交接城防。城门大开，利家父子和夫人阿松等人恭恭敬敬地在城门外列队迎接。秀吉带领着一群高傲的随从，昂首挺胸骑马而来。他看见阿松混在人群中，立刻停下马来，不禁皱起了眉头。一个是得胜的总大将，一个是不得不开城投降的败将的夫人，颇具讽刺意味啊。 目光相触之时，二人不约而同地“哦”了一声，似带着久别重逢的浓浓感慨。列队迎接的前田家的军队自不必说，就连跟在秀吉身后的侍卫、随从们也都连忙停止说笑，住了马。 “阿松啊，你还是这么年轻！” 阿松听了，慌忙出到前列，“筑前大人，阿松也甚是挂念您啊！” “既见了故旧，不可这样走过去。大家都下马！虽说是在征战途中，可毕竟是旧识，不叙叙旧怎过意得去？大家说呢？” 秀吉毫无顾忌地大声说着，率先下了马。一见总大将如此，所有的随从也都齐齐跟着下了马。胜利者如此奇怪地入城的场景，恐怕史所仅见。 秀吉走到阿松夫人面前，飞快地瞥了利家父子一眼，对夫人道：“啊呀，像极了，像极了，简直一模一样！” “跟谁一样？” “当然是跟内人一样了，跟宁宁一模一样。” “这……阿松怎可与宁宁夫人相比？快请进城吧，真是想念大人啊。已有许多年不曾见面了。” “是啊，那还是我在长滨的时候哪，起码有十年了吧。你却一点儿也没有变。已故的右府大人曾经多次说过，天下最幸福的男人就数我和利家了。” “这话从何说起？”利家惊道。 “我们二人都娶到了天下最好的妻子。宁宁是细心周到的女子，阿松更在宁宁之上。今日堀秀政告诉我，说夫人要在城里招待我吃泡饭，我都愣住了，想不到还能吃到那么好的东西……” “呵呵……”阿松开怀笑了，“阿松为大人烧的鲑鱼怎会那般可贵，筑前大人过奖了。” “你能不能看出'鲑鱼'价值几何？” “阿松怎会有那样的本事呢？只是，已在北国住了一些时候，也算熟悉了，如大人非问不可，越前、加贺、能登、越中等地的民风，倒是略知一二。” “越前、加贺，还有能登、越中，这些地方加起来，已经超过一百万石了。”秀吉捋着胡须，大笑了起来，“啊呀，真是令人刮目相看。可怕啊，可怕！” 说着，由阿松夫人引路，秀吉穿过俯首迎接的利家家臣，向城里走去，秀政、利家、利长等人跟在身后，再后则是秀吉的随从和侍卫。 城里，有人正在认真地清扫街道。秀吉这次并不是专为察看城内而来。这次的战事，可说是他跟胜家意志的比拼。胜家的器量和他的器量孰大孰小，胜过男子的阿松心中自有一杆秤。 如秀吉故意刁难利家，检视城内，在这个世事洞明的女人面前，极有可能暴露出弱点。即使此时有意让我检视，我也坚决拒之！秀吉执拗起来就像个孩子，他感兴趣的，是对方究竟会在背地里说些什么。 如他命令利家第一个攻打胜家，阿松到底会怎么回答？秀吉还真想让在贱岳战场上没有作一丝抵抗就自动撤离的利家作为进攻胜家的先锋。这样一来，诸将对秀吉的实力就更加折服，也是明确告知胜家：抵抗毫无意义。 阿松夫人究竟会如何应对秀吉呢？或许，她会对秀吉赞赏有加，或许，她也会存心刁难。 “里边请。从这座城里望去，日野山的风景便是最美的了。这里还有家夫的一间小屋，家夫平常就在这里边喝茶边欣赏风光。”阿松故意没去大厅，把秀吉等人带到了十二叠大小的书院。 “不错，门廊面朝东南，微风徐来，是个好地方！”秀吉在阿松夫人亲手缝制的坐垫上盘腿一坐，方才接受利家父子的祝词。 礼仪上的祝词结束之后，阿松夫人道：“筑前大人请看，这里香烟缭绕，处处都是寺院。不只是越前，从此往北，加贺、能登、越中等地，都有众多人笃信佛法。” “哦？现在一向宗还有这么多？” “是啊，很多。”说完，阿松夫人像是想起了什么，用袖子遮住脸，呵呵笑了起来。“就连右府大人都不敢轻视这一带的人心啊……真是不可思议。” “说的是，仅凭武力是不能让人心服口服的。”秀吉道。 “阿松担心的正是此事。因为从今往后，此处都将是筑前大人治下，如阿松刚才所言能为筑前大人提供些许参考，阿松实在荣幸之至。柴田大人太过分……” “怎么，连修理也没有看到这一点？” “是啊，修理大人依然照搬了已故右府大人的失败之策，以威势弹压信徒。他凡事都依靠武力恫吓，至今也没有笼络住人心。一个没有信奉的人，永远不会明白佛教中人的心思。” “言之有理。从明日起，秀吉也开始念佛吧。” “啊，对了，有一件事情，阿松想求筑前大人答应。” "What is it?" “此次进攻北庄，请大人无论如何也要让家夫和犬子打头阵。”阿松夫人亲自拿了一块侍女端上来的点心，放在秀吉面前，若无其事地切入了最关键的话题。 秀吉双眼炯炯有神，看看阿松夫人，又看看利家、利长和秀政。看来利家父子早就知道此事，却故意装作毫不知情。秀吉突然厌恶起阿松夫人来，她在这种场合，以这样过分的方式提出此事，完全出乎他的预料。这个可恶的女人如此多管闲事，且又做得滴水不漏。秀吉故意默默地思虑了一会儿，方道：“让利家父子作为先锋？” “是。阿松这样说，也是为筑前大人好。” “阿松，我希望你施舍给我的恩情，只有泡饭加鲑鱼，不可有别的东西。” “大人说到哪里去了，阿松说的是正经事，没想到大人却当成了儿戏！” “正经事？” “是。大人请想一想，阿松能和您说笑吗？您对战败之人如此友善，前田一门荣幸之至，无以回报，便向您表达这样的愿望。” “哦，你越说我越糊涂了。如让利家父子打头阵，对我到底有什么好处？” “筑前大人，若让家夫父子打头阵，就会使百姓深深地感到，筑前大人和柴田大人多么不同，必会非常拥戴您。” “倒也是。” “记得柴田大人刚入北庄，就已使领民忐忑不安了。百姓也会担心筑前大人是不是跟柴田一样。凡事第一步，往往最是关键。” “不错，不错啊。” “听来似有些自夸，可前田氏从来笃信佛法，奉行不杀生的戒条，始终对领民宽抚有加。如家夫父子攻打头阵，就会使百姓安心，也说明筑前大人乃大慈大悲的大将，要让普渡众生的佛光照耀四海，让百姓们安居乐业。由此，大人就不会像柴田一样，天天防备百姓起事了，而且还有助于消除他们胸中成见。这不正是大人和百姓亲善之良机吗？这样一来，北陆的百姓都会热烈欢迎、衷心拥戴大人。” 秀吉端着侍女递过来的饭碗，默默地盯着阿松。 “筑前大人，这就是阿松向您提出请求的缘由，请大人允准。” 秀吉突然发现，阿松夫人的眼里涌出了泪水，嘴唇也在不住地颤抖。见此情形，秀吉也不觉心头发热，泪水吧嗒吧嗒地滴到了泡饭上面的腌鲑鱼上，“阿松。” "grown ups……" “我佩服你，真的佩服。秀吉从一开始也是如此打算，竟是我误会你了，请你原谅……原谅……” 看见秀吉流出眼泪，阿松夫人后退一步，伏在地上。“难得听到大人的肺腑之言。大人答应了阿松的请求，前田举家都会感恩戴德，宣扬佛法，为大人尽忠。对吧，利家，利长……” 阿松夫人这么一说，前田父子也都郑重地点头。秀吉含泪笑了，他的心头涌起了一阵阵感慨。他想起了阿松夫人的心性。若说有才气的女子，世上也不少。可是，如此执著地宣扬自己的信仰，敢在他秀吉面前毫不讳言的女子，世上难道还会有第二个？这绝非寻常的才气，这一心为家的真意，豁达开朗的心境，甚至胜过男子。 “哈哈哈……”秀吉边笑边动起筷子来，“在此次的征途中，我遇到了天下第一的珍珠啊。对吧，利家。这样的珍珠可是无价之宝啊，你可真是有福啊！” 秀吉这么一说，利家有些尴尬。他做梦都没有想到，妻子竟会以此法巧妙地说服秀吉。如此一来，平时最不通人情世故的利家，也能接受作为前锋进攻胜家的安排了。胜家的体面保住了，秀吉的体面保住了，前田氏的体面自然也保住了。 利家把此前困扰之事一股脑抛开，此时他的内心已完全被一种义理占据，那便是主动要求担任先锋。 “大人，再吃一点，我来伺候您。” “啊呀，这怎么行，竟然让阿松夫人亲自来伺候，我怎么过意得去。” “大人莫要见外。” “这样的珍馐美味，秀吉不好好品尝怎可？嗯，味道大好。这大概就是不杀生的美味吧。阿松，你的谏言让我终身难忘啊。我现在也想通了，无论是归顺我的，还是誓死不降的，我一律让他们好好地活下去。今天，你真是令我有醍醐灌顶之感哪。” “筑前大人。”阿松亲自盛了一碗饭递到秀吉的手里，“阿松现在觉得似是遇上了真正的佛祖。” “秀吉……也能成佛？” “真是难得。长期以来，北陆信民的祈祷终于感动了佛祖，为我们派遣了筑前大人这样一位大慈大悲的菩萨来……阿松万分感激，阿弥陀佛。” “哈哈哈……好，我定不会辜负你的期望。”秀吉高兴地眯起眼睛，又让人盛了些汤，大口大口地倒进嘴里。 用完饭，秀吉当即召众将议事，由前田父子任前锋，自己则午时从府中出发。府中城就直接交给堀秀政接管，阿松夫人和女儿们留下来为质。前田的军队英姿飒爽地开始了讨伐胜家之旅。