Chapter 24 Chapter 24

On March 27th of the twelfth year of Tianzheng, when Ikeda Katsuto and Mori Musashi guards gathered all the boats from Jinshan to Inuyama and waited anxiously on the river, Hideyoshi led a large group of people and horses to come. up. On this day, the sky was cloudless.Due to continuous rainy days since the 19th, the water flow of the Kiso River is still very turbid.If it hadn't been for this rain, Katsuto and Musashi Mori would have to go out to meet Ikejiri and hold a military meeting there.However, due to the flooding of the Kiso River, it was too late to go to meet them, so the two had to meet Hideyoshi's order at the same place.

Therefore, when Hideyoshi's symbol, the thousand-nature ladle Tanama seal, moved from the black boats filling the river to the river bank, Katsuto and Musashi Mamoru couldn't hold back their enthusiasm, and hurried up to greet him.I'm afraid that both of them have the same idea - after Hideyoshi entered Inuyama Castle, he immediately held a military meeting. Hideyoshi didn't wear any armor, but only wore a haori that he usually wears most, and a Tang crown on his head.Seeing the two people coming up to meet him, he said: "Go and check Jiakang's position first." His face was gloomy, and his expression had never been so serious. "There should be no omissions in our army's position, but if I don't look at Ieyasu's position, it may be difficult to arrange future wars."

"Your Excellency, what do you mean, instead of entering Inuyama Castle, go directly to the front line?" Before Katsuto could speak, the impatient Kii Morimotosuke asked first. After hearing this, Hideyoshi glanced back inadvertently, and said, "I want to take a look at Ieyasu's position right now. Presumably all the preparations have been made?" "How can you bother me with these trivial matters, I have already prepared them. Take me to Erguan Mountain now." "Oh." Hideyoshi couldn't help scratching his head, "Go to Inuyama to eat some food first, and then it's not too late to check the position. Then go back to the city first."

Fortunately, Katsuto has made all the preparations, otherwise, he would be reprimanded by Hideyoshi.Katsuto quietly winked at his son-in-law Musashimori, and followed behind Hideyoshi. "Victory." "exist." "In order to give you the land around Owari to the Ikeda clan, Hideyoshi has also taken a lot of trouble." "This...inadvertently disturbed Master Chikuzen, and I'm really terrified." Katsuto replied hastily.From this point of view, the protagonists of this decisive battle are Katsuto and his son, and Hideyoshi just came to help. For some reason, after entering the city, Hideyoshi still had a gloomy face, without a smile.After resting for half an hour, he proposed to go to Ergong Mountain and left the city immediately.

"It seems that Chikuzen is a little unhappy." For some reason, Hideyoshi let Katsuto stay in the castle, which puzzled him a lot. He was about to whisper a few words to his son, but his son Kii Morimotosuke turned his head away dismissively and said Muttering, as if to say: "It's hard to have such a sunny day, and it was ruined by someone." It wasn't until Hideyoshi climbed up Mount Ninomiya in one breath and inspected Komaki's position in the south that he smiled heartily. "Hahaha... The scenery here is really good. Ieyasu built a strong position himself, trying to lure me into a field battle. I have seen it for a long time. What do you think, Ki Yishu?" Next, it was A sentence that deeply distressed Shengren and his son: "If you take that hill ahead of time, you don't need to fight in the field at all. Just attack Qingzhou City and the war will end."

From Ergong Mountain to Komaki Mountain, Hideyoshi inspected the surrounding terrain, roads, and villages one by one, and then rushed to the front line immediately. "Where is the closest to the enemy camp in Xiaomu Mountain?" "Niebori." "Then lead the way." As soon as the words fell, Ishida Sakichi hurriedly said: "My lord is not even wearing armor, I'm afraid..." "Hmph!" Hideyoshi deliberately dismissed it.That expression was not so much a reminder to Sancheng, but a deliberate reminder to Kii Mori Motosuke and Musashi Warden Ke. "Do you think my body can be penetrated by enemy bullets? Don't you see that Ieyasu never came out. You say, who dares to challenge me? No! Even if they saw me, they would definitely not dare. "After saying that, Hideyoshi smiled proudly and flew on his horse.

Hideyoshi's speculation was not wrong at all.When the group arrived at Erzhongbori on the northeast side of Komaki Mountain, there was no horse seal of Ieyasu on the top of the mountain, only the banner of Tai Yasomasa Kanbara Kodaira waving in the wind. "Who is staying there?" "Kanahara Xiaoping Taikang Zheng." Mori Musashi answered quickly.Hideyoshi smiled, looking like a prophet. "Haha...that's Mrs. Xiaoping, the one who called me a pawn in the right mansion?" Hearing this, Yuanzhu took a deep breath.Mori Musashi still had an impassioned attitude, "Has your lord heard about that announcement?"

"Not only do I know, I even sent someone to send the palindrome." Hideyoshi said a few words lightly, and urged the horse to go to the enemy's gate. "My lord, it's dangerous, you can't get so close..." Nao Motosuke hurriedly dissuaded him. "Are you worried that the enemy's bullets will hit here?" "The enemy has spotted you." "Did you find me?" Hideyoshi became more and more aggressive, arrogant and disgusting, "I just want the world-renowned gourd to stand here, and I just want them to see it on purpose." "Once there is an accident..."

"Ki Yishou, if something happens to me, this world will be handed over to you father and son. Haha... If the heavens doom me, Hashiba Hideyoshi, to be the kind of person who eats Xiao Heita's bullets and dies, then I would rather die now. "Speaking, Hideyoshi is like a naughty boy who likes to play pranks, leaning towards the enemy's gate, deliberately sticking to the gate to peep inside. Seeing this situation, everyone was sweating.Especially those who came with Hideyoshi, Hineno Bitakamori and Hori Hidemasa, were more nervous than Motosuke and Musashimori. "Danger!" Hineno Bitakamori and his son rushed forward to stop them.At this moment, a burst of "bang bang bang" gunshots came from the top of the mountain.People desperately stood in front of Hideyoshi.Only Ikeda Norii Morimotosuke secretly glanced at Hideyoshi with a malicious look on his face.As a general, he actually put himself in danger!But this cunning old fox's bragging ability is amazing.

Of course, Ji Yi Mori Motosuke is not the only one peeping at Hideyoshi.Although it was only for a moment, the expressions of the people around them all changed drastically. Unexpectedly, something even more outrageous is yet to come. I saw Hideyoshi laughing loudly, and immediately opened the military fan, shouting frantically: "Hashiba Hideyoshi is here, you fight, fight!" This is definitely not pretending, His face didn't change at all. Ikeda Norii Morimotosuke suddenly felt a chill go down his back.His father, Katsuto, admired Hideyoshi so much, it could be said that he was almost a believer, but Motosuke always had a great aversion.Is there really such a big gap in human strength?Hideyoshi is just luckier and more cunning than ordinary people... Motosuke has been looking at Hideyoshi with this prejudice for a long time, but today he was really convinced.In his eyes, Hideyoshi has completely become an alien.In the face of the enemy's artillery fire, there is no fear at all, but like a child who likes to play tricks, he opens his fan and deliberately waves it at the enemy, it is really amazing...

Although this place is not within the range of muskets, Hideyoshi is brave in the face of danger when everyone turns pale with fright... "Prepare, prepare." While Hideyoshi called Hineno Bitaka Morihiro, he continued to approach the enemy's gate.At this time, the second burst of gunfire rang through the valley again.This time, the bullets whizzed past, and the surrounding air seemed to be exploding. "What are your orders, my lord?" "This position is strictly guarded by your father and son, and there must be no mistakes!" "As ordered." "All of you remember, since the enemy has made plans for positional warfare, we can't be in a hurry. From this area to the east, build a high earth wall fifty-five rooms long from east to west and forty rooms wide from north to south." "Yes... from here to the east... fifty-five rooms from east to west..." "Yes, it's forty rooms wide from north to south. I'll show them that we'll stay here too." "As ordered." "You'd better move your camp here immediately. What's next, Kiimori?" There were beads of sweat on Yuansuke's forehead: amidst the bursts of enemy gunfire, he could still think about the fortifications of building the position in an orderly manner... This is by no means a bluff, nor is it intentional.It seems that Chikuzen is really not a mortal.Thinking of this, Yuansuke couldn't help but feel excited, he shouted, his voice seemed to be trembling. "Next is Tanaka's fortification." "Go and have a look." "yes." "Ji Yishou, what's the matter, Xiao Pingta's bullets saw me, did they obediently dodge?" "This... I was worrying too much just now." "Xiu Zheng!" "Here." As soon as he heard himself being called, Hori Hidemasa hurriedly urged the horse to come over. "The Tanaka position next to Niebori is a key stronghold. You must guard it carefully. Maybe it will become the main battlefield of the decisive battle." Hearing the words "main battlefield", Mori Musashi could not help stretching his neck and pricking up his ears.How he wished he had been called now! Erzhonghori was no more than two miles away from Tanaka's position.Now, Mori Musashi is leading a team of people responsible for detecting the movement of the enemy.Therefore, Musashi Mamoru of course thought that Hideyoshi would send him to station there, so before he was called by Hideyoshi, he pulled the horse's rein tightly, pricked up his ears and listened attentively to every word.However, in the conversation between Hideyoshi and Hori Hidemasa, his name never appeared. "Xiuzheng, you lead a team of troops to guard the easternmost part, and fully support Beizhongshou and his son." "Of order. My right hand position..." "The place has to be garrisoned by Hosokawa Tadake. He is brave and resourceful, and he is the perfect candidate. What do you think?" "If Master Hosokawa, the morale of our soldiers will definitely be boosted." "Okay, Hasegawa Shuuichi on the right is more appropriate, what about going to the right?" "How about Kato Sakuuchi Koyasu?" "No, Tsukune is not competent. Oh, Chusaburo is the best candidate, let him go." The Zhongsaburo mentioned here refers to Gamo's hometown. "Place Chusaburo there, with Takayama Ukon on his right hand, and then Tsukuchi." Mori Musashi rode cautiously, getting closer to Hideyoshi.This is already the frontal position of the main battlefield, but his name has not been called yet.Ikeda Kii Morimotosuke seemed to have the same idea, I saw him looking at the two from time to time. "So, Tsukune Koyasu is in charge of the right wing of the camp?" "It's not the right wing, and Hayabusa Kimura is suitable for the right wing. Tanaka's fortress needs to be stationed with 10,000 troops. Together with the Hinone and his son's troops, there are about 15,000 troops." While talking, I realized that I had arrived in front of Tanaka's fortress.At this time, Hideyoshi seemed to be fascinated.He wanted to build a gate about 16 rooms wide from east to west and 30 rooms long from north to south on the front. With this as the center, Hori, Hosokawa, Hasegawa, Gamo, Takayama, Kato, Kimura and others lined up like fish scales. Open, unexpectedly meritorious deeds.In this way, this place naturally became the vanguard of Hideyoshi's camp located in the rear. Hideyoshi did not hold a military meeting in Inuyama Castle, but deployed them one by one on the spot, which was unprecedented in his life.From this point of view, he had already made arrangements before coming to Inuyama Castle. Outside Tanaka's fortress, from Mount Outer Kubo, Mount Uikubo to Mount Iwasaki, Hideyoshi inspected the fortifications one by one, arranged for guards, and even gave specific instructions on the length of the earthen walls and gates.Outer Kubo Mountain was guarded by 3,000 soldiers led by Niwa Gorozaemon, and Uchikubo Mountain was guarded by 3,500 soldiers led by Morinaga Jin and Hachiya Lairyu.Iwasakiyama stationed 3,800 troops of Inaba Kaztetsu and his son Ukyo Ryosadatsu. When Hideyoshi finished giving instructions on Mt. Iwasaki and rushed to the fortification of Ozuka (Qingzuka), Mori Musashi seemed to be dejected.It appears that Hideyoshi was annoyed at Mori Musashi's defeat by Haguro, and was determined not to place him in an important position anymore. When we arrived at Wang Tomb, the sun had already set in the west.Hideyoshi walked happily, even asked the names of roads and trees from time to time, and put his hands on his forehead several times to look into the distance.Inadvertently—perhaps pretending—Hideyoshi looked back at Mori Musashimori behind him. "What's the matter, is there something wrong?" His tone seemed to be sarcasm, "Then the important task of defending the position will not be entrusted to you." "No, my body is fine, I don't feel any discomfort..." "Oh? That's great. Then you'll be in charge of defending the far right wing. I've already dispatched 7,000 troops from Tsutsui, Igamori, and Ito Sobe to help you. You're in charge of reinforcements, understand?" "My task is to guard the king's tomb?" "Yes, Wang Zhong's defense is left to you, don't make mistakes." "Of order. Thank you, my lord, for your appreciation." Although Musashi Shou's voice was loud and clear, this little bit of excitement was gone before returning to Inuyama Castle.It seems that Hideyoshi is still thinking about the defeat of Musashi Mori Haguro, and no longer values ​​him.On the far right are the armies of Tsutsui and Ito, and on the left are the troops of Inaba Kazutetsu and his son. Mori Musashi is sandwiched in the middle, becoming a dispensable chicken rib. This kind of uneasiness and dissatisfaction also exists in Shengren and his son.They originally thought that they would be sent to the front line to confront Ieyasu's main force.But after returning to Inushan City and looking at the troop deployment plan that had been prepared, Katsuto and his son realized that they were still left in Inushan City. In the past, Inuyama was the forefront of this war, and it was also taken down by Katsuto and his son with great difficulty.Unexpectedly, the former minister of meritorious service became a reserve of Hideyoshi's reserve army.Especially Motosuke Kii, who always had doubts about Hideyoshi's cunning and always emphasized the strength of the enemy, looked at this troop deployment map, and felt a chill in his heart: Could it be that Hideyoshi has seen through his own mind? The cutting-edge troops have already arrived, and it is only natural to carry out the defense handover with the exhausted Katsuto and his son.However, if they are arranged at the end of the large army, the chance of making meritorious service will naturally disappear. That night, when Hideyoshi had dinner with Katsuto and his son, they were still full of praise: "This time, you and your father took down Inuyama Castle. Hideyoshi will always remember your hard work." However, wise people As soon as he heard it, he understood that this was just a compliment that Hideyoshi squeezed out between his teeth. "Ieyasu's strategy is now clear. From now on, I will move the base camp to Letian, and wait for Ieyasu's attack leisurely. You have worked hard a few days ago, this time you can stay in the base camp and have a good rest." Hearing this, Katsuto, who has always been kind, suddenly had red eyes, and Hideyoshi's friendship deeply moved him.But on the second day, this emotion turned into the same anxiety as his son-in-law and son. "It seems that Shengren and his son are still not good. Since I came in person this time, Shengren and his ilk..." This kind of anxiety finally prompted the father and son to make a decisive decision: they must take action and let Hideyoshi see.On the second day, that is, the night of the twenty-eighth day, Shengren and his son called all important ministers to discuss matters. On the 28th, the opposing armies were already extremely active. The progress of the matter was just as Hideyoshi expected, and just after he finished his patrol at the front line, there was a light rain in the sky.Later, the rain became heavier and heavier, and finally it became a torrential rain.Hideyoshi's side continued to dispatch troops and generals, and Tokugawa's side naturally did not dare to neglect. Ieyasu left Kiyosu Castle in person and rushed to Komaki to change defenses.Nobuo was not idle either.As soon as he heard that Hideyoshi had arrived in Inuyama, he hurriedly set off from Nagashima and moved to Komaki. Every position is full of swords, lights and swords, people shouting and neighing, and it is a mess. In the midst of such tension, the bulletin board originally erected by Komasa Kanbara has been replaced with a bulletin written in solemn Chinese characters, and the text has been distributed to all Hideyoshi's generals. "Come on, I am always waiting for you!" The two sides continue to challenge each other, and the combat opportunities are becoming more and more mature. Ikeda Katsuto gave Hideyoshi the use of the large academy in Honjo, and retired to the academy in Erdaocheng.He summoned all the important ministers of the clan. "I must take action to repay Master Chikuzen's love." This is indeed what Katsuto said in his heart, "Master Chikuzen thought I was too tired and asked me to rest at home. He also said that in order to give me Owari There are a lot of gods. Since my lord has taken care of me with all my heart, how can Katsuto Ikeda stand idly by when the enemy is at hand? Therefore, we must take secret actions to help my lord and make him famous in this battle. Otherwise, my lord's friendship will be real Nothing to repay." Although this kind of rhetoric sounds a bit strange, Yuanzhu has no objection this time.He finally understood that the reason his kind father admired Hideyoshi so much was because he did have extraordinary strength and charm, which was irresistible.But the younger brother Sanzaemon Terimasa resolutely objected: "Is it true what my father said? I don't think so. There are a few points that I don't agree with." "Do you have any other opinions? Chikuzen-sama definitely didn't intend to exclude us. I have known him for many years, so I know it in my heart. What exactly do you suspect?" "My son can't be convinced. My father also said just now that Lord Chikuzen did not intend to exclude us. This in itself shows that my father has already felt the alienation of Lord Chikuzen." "Don't beat around the bush! As a military commander, speak in an open and aboveboard manner. I said that Master Chikuzen didn't intend to exclude us, so you can conversely conclude that I have this intention? If you have doubts, don't be so secretive, just say it out loud !" "Okay, then excuse my son's bluntness. If we have not accomplished an inch here, can father and Musashimori hold their heads up as samurai?" "What did you say?" "Father did this because he wanted to please Master Chikuzen." Seeing his younger brother's words getting more and more intense, Motosuke hurriedly stopped him. "Don't say anything!" He smiled and tugged Teru Masa's sleeve, "Wait, wait, don't talk nonsense. My father didn't do this to please Master Chikuzen, he just wanted to serve Master Chikuzen wholeheartedly. " "serve?" "Yes, this is not the same as allegiance. Father is like an infatuated woman in front of Chikuma, and he serves with that kind of mood." "Shut up, you rebellious son!" Shengren couldn't bear it anymore, and roared, "You are actually looking at this war with such a dirty heart? This is definitely not a joke! What kind of infatuated woman... unexpectedly said such a stupid thing. What if In one sentence, to be a father is to 'die for a confidant'!" "Father." Motosuke smiled. "In recent years, not all the scholars have died just for their confidantes. I think everyone is making small calculations behind their backs. What do you think, Musashi Mamoru?" Musashi Mamoru, who came quietly from the camp, couldn't help feeling angry. "Are we going to talk about business tonight? I think it's better to listen to the opinion of my father-in-law first." "Yes, this is the main topic of tonight. I have a clever plan to win." "Father..." Sanzaemon still wanted to stop him, but Motosuke stopped him: "Brother, why are you still relentless? Chikuzen-sama is someone my father respects, and we should respect him too. That's a human being." the superior." "That's right. Yuanzhu, Huizheng, you are still young, and the people your father trusted all his life, can you be wrong?" "Please tell me the main points of this meeting. I will record it." The elder Iki Chuji skillfully grasped the topic and wrote to urge Katsuto. "I have roughly mentioned it to everyone before. Based on the situation yesterday and today, my judgment is correct. Ieyasu is still sending troops from Sanhe continuously." "Indeed, my lord is wise." "The most urgent task at the moment is to try to prevent Ieyasu from being dragged into a protracted war. Once an army of nearly 70,000 people is dragged into a protracted war, the consumption of food and grass alone will be a huge amount. Therefore, I would like to propose to Master Chikuzen to rush in Okazaki." "My lord broke into Okazaki?" "Exactly. Soon, Sanhe will be completely empty. We seized the opportunity to make a surprise attack. Even if Ieyasu didn't want to, we had no choice but to withdraw our troops obediently." In fact, Yuanzhu had heard about this so-called clever plan several times, so he just nodded slightly.Musashi Rule stretched his neck long, looking very interested.I'm afraid he is also eager to join Katsuto's battle, so as to change the impression of Haguro's defeat. "My father-in-law's plan, can Master Chikuzen agree?" "As long as I ask him personally, there should be no problem. I am very clear about Master Chikuzen's thoughts, and he also knows that if we are dragged into a protracted war, we will be in big trouble. Once he knows that I have a plan to defeat the enemy, he will definitely He will be overjoyed, and immediately agree to me. How? He launched a surprise attack on Okazaki, and Ieyasu hurriedly withdrew his troops after hearing the news... In this way, Nobuo was left alone, and he was defeated by Chikuzen-sama. In this way, the situation will be clear..." Yuansuke said: "Father's idea is impeccable..." "It is?" Shengren's words were cut off before he finished speaking, and he couldn't help getting angry, "If we don't talk about the strategy first, where do we start with the specific arrangements? Shut up, stay aside and listen!" "Father-in-law is really wise. The specific plan is..." Mori Musashi's eyes lit up and he supported Katsuto. "This matter needs to be further calculated. Once Ieyasu withdraws his troops, we are bound to start a decisive battle with him in Sanhe. Of course, we don't need to defeat them in one fell swoop, we just need to make preparations for a safe withdrawal. The key to the question is, what exactly does this require? How many troops." "Father-in-law's six thousand, plus mine three thousand, the total is nine thousand, isn't it enough?" "Musashi, it's not enough." Motosuke stopped, "Once Ieyasu leads the main force to withdraw, have you calculated how many people there will be?" "This……" "If you want to fight a decisive battle with the enemy on the enemy's territory, you have to have twice as many troops as Ieyasu. According to this, even if Ieyasu has only 15,000 people, our army must have at least 30,000 people. Therefore, our side You have to think twice before you act. Whether Lord Chikuzen can spare so many people is still unknown. Even if Lord Chikuzen can send out an army of 30,000, how can so many people be able to hide from the sky." Sanzaemon showed a look of disdain. "Thirty thousand? We don't need that many people at all!" "Tell me your reason, Huizheng?" "Since it is a surprise attack, there is no need to use a large army. At most, the number is the same as the enemy's withdrawal. In other words, Ieyasu withdraws 15,000 people, and we have 15,000." "What if we are spotted by the enemy on the way and are attacked before rushing to Okazaki?" "Of course there is a way!" Sanzaemon refused to budge. "Once encountering a surprise attack, the enemy will be very embarrassed. How can the 15,000 people retreating in a panic be compared with the 15,000 people with high morale? Although the two are the same in number, the combat effectiveness of the latter is equivalent to twice as much as the former." "It makes sense." Shengren couldn't help applauding Huizheng's statement, "If it's a surprise attack, 15,000 people will be the same as 30,000 people." "But if you really have 30,000 troops, the enemy will immediately lose their fighting spirit. I think this is the best strategy..." Motosuke suddenly realized that his words were contradictory - he just said that it was impossible for Hideyoshi to divide up an army of 30,000, and even if he did, he would not be able to act secretly. "How many troops are needed and who should join this battle, I want to hear your opinion." The retainer Hioki Saizo interjected. "I would like to ask Chikuzen-sama to let Miyoshi Sonichiro Hideji be the general of this surprise attack." "Let someone else serve as the general?" Mori Musashi interrupted in great disappointment.Katsuto ignored him, squinted his eyes, and proudly stated: "Master Hideji is the nephew and confidant of Mr. Chikuzen. Only by letting Hideji make great contributions can he be worthy of Mr. Chikuzen's affection." When Hideji was mentioned, both Mori Musashimori and the young Sanzaemon looked extremely unhappy. "Hideji is only nineteen years old, let him be the general, can this battle still be fought?" Sanzaemon interjected angrily.However, at this time, Shengren can no longer take care of his son's feelings.Perhaps, this is the clever trick of winning people. "Confused!" Katsuto immediately stopped him, "Of course I will still be in command, Hideji is just the general in name. If Hideji is allowed to make great contributions, wouldn't it mean that I have repaid my debt to Master Chikuzen? " "What time is it, still talking about righteousness..." "Bastard! As a military commander, if you forget the word giri, then you are still a military commander? What is the bounden duty of a military commander? It is life for giri and death for giri! Don't you see it? This time Chikuzen-sama also intentionally let Xiuci made great contributions, and even wanted to adopt him as an adopted son. I knew it well, so I specifically proposed to let Xiuci be the general." "Is this also a strategy?" Iki Chuji quickly complimented. At this time, Shengren seems to have forgotten the word "righteousness" just mentioned. "If you ask Hideji to be the general, Chikuzen-sama will definitely agree to my request and send us enough troops... By the way, Ikeda and Nakake's troops are far from enough, and Hideji's 8,000 troops will be added. , and also ask Hori Hidemasa to lead 3,000 people to be the supervisor, so that the total force will reach 20,000, and the deployment will be impeccable. Do you have any objections?" "Just, can Master Chikuzen agree to such a request?" "I have confidence, just leave it to me." "My son-in-law still wants to ask. Since the chief general is Miyoshi Sonichiro, and the supervisor is Hori Hidemasa, what about us?" "Where did you think of it? This decisive battle was given to others in name, but it was not our father and son who led it? This time, Ji Yishou and I will be the vanguard, and the second team will naturally be you, the chief. Three Hori Xiuzheng is in the Route Army, and Xiuci is in the Fourth Route Army. Since I am the general, I naturally have to stay at the end. This is the brilliance of my use of troops." Katsuto was fascinated by the upcoming victory, "The vanguard and the Second Route Army entered Okazaki side by side with overwhelming force!" Mori Musashi seemed to finally agree. "Then... anyway, please father-in-law!" He bowed his head and stopped talking.Sanzaemon Terimasa is still relentless. It seems that he still has a grudge against letting Hideji be the general-general—he actually used a surprise attack to repay the so-called giri, and let a brat who didn't know anything about the war serve as the commander-in-chief. Commander-in-Chief, what on earth is this? Motosuke saw that his father's determination had been made, and if he didn't implement it, he feared that Mori Musashi would become decadent, and his father would also be disheartened, so he said, "Father, it's best not to reveal this plan to Master Chikuzen. Now Ieyasu's Troops are still pouring in from Mikawa. Wait until Mikawa is completely empty...it won't be too late to ask Chikuzen." And so it settled down. After several discussions, on the fourth day of April, Katsuto Ikeda finally proposed to Hideyoshi a plan to attack Mikawa.At this time, Katsuto has completely convinced Motosuke, Sanzaemon, Mori Musashi, etc., so he has to put all his eggs in one basket and fight hard.The route of the sneak attack has also been discussed on the map no less than ten times, and spies were also sent to conduct a detailed investigation. Although there have been many small-scale conflicts between the two sides before, Hideyoshi also deliberately calmed down and fought a protracted battle with Ieyasu. He ordered the soldiers to build a two-and-a-half-high building between Iwasaki and Niebori overnight. Fifteen rooms long and eight feet wide, the big earth barrier couldn't calm down. In fact, compared with Ieyasu, Hideyoshi does not have any advantage.Since Ieyasu's front line is close to Mikawa, the road between the front line and Mikawa is guaranteed to be unblocked, allowing short-distance free travel; however, it is not easy for Hideyoshi, who came all the way from Osaka, to ensure supplies.For example, when constructing the large earth barrier at Erchonghori, we encountered the problem of insufficient shovels, so we had to mobilize 200 shovels from Nagahama in Omi. Therefore, Hideyoshi has always been anxious: Is there a way to win without fighting a protracted war? Katsuto is well aware of Hideyoshi's concerns, so he sees the opportunity to visit the main city of Inuyama Castle.At this time, the doctor was giving needles to Hideyoshi's waist.Katsuto took out a map from his pocket and sat down with a smile. "You can't sit still, Shengren? If you are in a hurry, Jiakang will be happy." "Where did your lord go? You are not in a hurry at all?" "Why am I in a hurry? I'm relaxing here. Owari is my hometown, and the wind from my hometown is very comfortable." "Your Excellency is still the same, and you still want to save face. That Shengren is really careless." "Where am I trying to save face? I will quietly go to Zhongcun in two days. There is a lovely girl named Qianhe there. She is the daughter of a friend when I was young. I really want to go and see it." "Don't blame me for speaking badly. The lovely girl your lord mentioned is probably in her thirties." "Hey, what are you doing with that map in your hand, wanting to raid Sanhe?" "Even Master Chikuzen has such an idea? Yes, in this battle, I don't think there is any other option but to force Ieyasu to withdraw his troops by raiding Mikawa!" "Oh? This is your strategy? Go south to Kashiwajing first, then cross the river, cut off the access to Mikawa in the Kobata and Yinba areas, and go straight to Iwasaki Castle on the east side of Nagakute." "Your Excellency is wise! However, Iwasaki Castle is just a springboard. We will stay there for a short time, and then immediately launch an attack on Okazaki." "So, this sneak attack is still a large-scale operation." "You promised? If I launch a surprise attack on Okazaki, Ieyasu will not have a decisive battle in Owari. In this way, we will end the battle within half a month at the latest, and if it goes well, the war will end within ten days." "If that's the case, that's not a bad thing." "You agree?" "No, I still don't agree. I really don't want to hurt you. I want you to be an old friend who can talk for many years..." Hideyoshi smiled nonchalantly. "Hearing what you said, Katsuto can't keep silent." Katsuto said heartfelt words to Hideyoshi, "Katsuto knows that you are sympathetic to my hard work, so you let me rest. For your deep friendship, the Ikeda family is grateful Tiling, in order to repay the Lord, he came up with this strategy. I hope that the Lord will take back his order and let us kill the enemy and make meritorious deeds." "Oh?" Hideyoshi's eyes widened.Since Shengren trusted him so much, he couldn't laugh anymore. "In order to repay your friendship, Katsuto wants to do his best for you at the last moment. I implore you, please fulfill Ikeda and his son!" "To be honest, you surprised me deeply. Launching a sneak attack on the other side in the tense confrontation between the two armies is by no means a trivial matter, but a risk with a risk." "I've thought it over. If I don't take this risk, I will fall into the trap set by Ieyasu. Ieyasu's intention is obvious, that is, to launch a sudden attack when we are exhausted and have to withdraw our troops." Playing field battles and chasing deserters are Ieyasu's forte, and the lord must be very aware of this." "Of course I'm very clear, it's just..." Hideyoshi hurriedly swallowed the rest of the words.He almost slipped his mouth: I'm just worried about you... Katsuto is too serious, even Hideyoshi, who has always been unscrupulous, can't talk about it. "I really hope to hear you say: Shengren, well said! This is my greatest hope. The adults' concern for me makes me uncomfortable. In short, please take back your life and fulfill Shengren." "It seems that you have thought it through?" "Yes. The so-called scholar dies for his confidant...My lord, please listen to my strategy." "Ok……" "The more you sympathize with our hard work, the less we can back down." Katsuto always believed that Hideyoshi was sincerely sympathizing with his old age, so he refused to agree. "I would like to recommend the general of this sneak attack, Mr. Sun Qilang Hideji." "Let Xiuci be the general?" "Yes! As for the vanguard, Katsuto and Inuko Kii Mori will be in charge. The second line of troops will be led by my son-in-law Mori Musashi, and the second son Terumasa Sanzaemon will also be added. If only we The Ikeda family may not be able to compete with each other in the battle, so I suggest Lord Hidemasa Hori to lead the third army and supervise the army from now on." "So you've already thought about it, Shengren..." "If there is no certainty of victory, no matter how much you plan, it is meaningless. My idea is that Hori Hidemasa-sama is in charge of supervising the entire army while serving as the general of the third line. My son and son-in-law must not be allowed to act recklessly. The fourth line The army is led by Mr. Miyoshi Hideji. A total of 20,000 troops, no matter how self-willed Ieyasu is, he dare not take it lightly. You think, Ieyasu has sent troops to Xiaomu Mountain. Once I cut off his connection with the rear, Jun, Yuan, Jia Mikuni is in chaos. If you agree to Katsuto's request, even if we only sneak attack on Okazaki and then retreat immediately. We have already placed internal support in Mikawa." "Internal response?" "Yes! Mikawa already has our helpers." Katsuto brows were full of confidence, and moved closer to Hideyoshi.However, Hideyoshi still didn't say the word "good". In fact, Katsuto's judgment was not wrong at all.Hideyoshi was also helpless at this time, although he seemed to be at ease, he was actually more anxious than anyone else.If Ieyasu did not take the initiative to attack him, but continued to confront him for a long time, the losses of both sides would be incomparable, and the consequences would be unpredictable.Therefore, Hideyoshi, like Katsuto, has been thinking about the same strategy over and over these days, but so far, no suitable candidate has been found. In the tense confrontation between the two armies, instead of launching an offensive directly at the other side, it is of course a clever strategy to quietly go around behind the enemy and launch a sneak attack on its lair.However, this requires absolute secrecy.Once discovered, the consequences would be disastrous.Therefore, a general with a flexible mind and a comfortable response to the situation is needed.Once the command makes a mistake, it will fall into isolation and helplessness.If this is the case, of course Hideyoshi can't wait to die, so he has to divide his troops to rescue him for the second time. In this way, the balance of confrontation will be broken immediately, and the seeds of great defeat will be planted... 秀吉正在犹豫不定，胜人竟然亲自登门，向他提出这个方案。索性狠狠心让他去？突然，秀吉想道，万一偷袭不成，自己的人马完全陷入敌人包围，干脆就见死不救。若有这种最坏的打算，让胜人冒一冒险也未尝不可……但秀吉不禁斥责起自己来：真的见死不救，这个世上最忠厚之人就太可怜了。胜人带着一脸的自信，正在屏息凝神地等待着答复，他是那么忠厚，是那么诚挚…… “胜人，我看你还是放弃吧。即使要采取行动，那也得再等等看。” “不，我决不放弃！”胜人斩钉截铁道，“若放弃了这个计划，我方势必完全陷入被动。” “战争，有时比拼的是耐性。如我在这里待上若干年不动弹，家康有再大的耐性，也会着急。我正在考虑两个方案。一是想方设法调动信州的上杉景胜，一是我自己平心静气地赶赴大坂或京城，随心所欲地指挥这场战争。总之，不能让他把我钉死在这里。这样一来，敌我双方的心理就会发生逆转。我完全有这个定性，家康却没有。一旦上杉景胜被调动，家康的心自然就不在这边了。” “您是觉得我的主意不好？” "What do you say?" “我是怀着必胜的信念向您提出这个请求的，因此推荐三好秀次公子担任总大将。没想到您老是担心出现意外。那好，我现在就取消建议。” “哼，你以为我是担心秀次？” “都怪在下一厢情愿，我只想着要取得一场大胜，帮助秀次公子立一次大功，不料事情居然如此复杂。都怪我考虑不周。” “胜人！”这次秀吉的脸真的红了，一向处事慎重的他，最终也为单纯的胜人所感，“你难道真以为我是疼爱秀次，才不允许你去偷袭吗？真令我失望。我方才已经告诉你了，我并不想失去你这个多年的老友。一旦出现意外，不仅是你，纪伊守、辉政，还有你的女婿武藏守，都有性命之忧。我才让你再等等看，你却还不明白！” 秀吉这么一说，胜人的眼泪不禁簌簌地滚落下来。“那我更得请您答应了。一旦我发生意外，绝不请求增援，也绝不会发牢骚。在下求您，无论如何也要成全我，让我报答您的恩义……” 秀吉惊呆了，他不禁重新打量了一下胜人。他从未见过如此信赖别人的善良之人。 “您答应我了，大人？” “你现在可不是一般的人，你对我尤是重要！” “您既然这样说，我更不能打退堂鼓了。请接受我这颗赤胆忠心。” 胜人的真心太感人了，秀吉都被感动得欲泪下。一个计划在他心中悄悄地成形：既然胜人下了如此大的决心，如让他白白忙活一场，未免有些不近人情…… “好！”秀吉气沉丹田，终于说出了胜人一直期盼的话。“你先把内应带来，让我见见他，再对作战计划作一些补充，才能答应你。” “您已经答应了？您终于答应了！” “那个内应是……” “就是此前企图在大草村起事，正隐居西尾荣邸的森川权右卫门。此人现拥有火枪八百支，附近的人都很是拥戴他。我已经和他商议过了，他答应帮助我们，并愿意为我们引路。只要大人一声令下，此人甘愿为大人冲锋陷阵，搅乱三河，帮助您战胜德川。” “好，赶快将此人带来。至于总大将，就按照你说的，让秀次来担任。海上的水军也要动员起来。出发之前，我将大本营移至乐田，做出一副要从正面发动攻势之态，来掩护你们。但有一事你要牢牢记住：事前绝不可走漏半点风声。” “这是自然！”胜人使劲地摇摇头，用力地拍打着胸口，“此事关乎我们父子身家性命。此前我们一直在秘密策划，您也是到了今日才知。” “那好。但你还是要多加小心。” “请您放心！” “那么，全军由秀政督导，因此，你定要和秀政保持密切联络。” 就这样，秀吉最终被胜人的真诚感化，采纳了偷袭三河之计。一旦采纳此计，便不能再举棋不定，而是要殚精竭虑，作好所有的准备。 胜人如愿以偿，脸上现出了灿烂的微笑。