Chapter 22 Chapter 22 Metamorphosis of the elbow and armpit

The wind swept across the lake, blowing continuously from west to east, and blowing into Oda Nobunaga's room on the third floor of the Azuchi Castle Building. Even so, Nobunaga's body was still sweating profusely.He was shirtless, and asked Hasegawa Takemaru to open the military equipment map of Takamatsu Castle, lay down on it and pondered it, and circled it with a red pen from time to time. Beside the three brothers Mori Ranmaru, Bomaru, and Rikimaru, Ogawa Aipei, Takahashi Toramatsu, Kanamori Yoshito and others sat in turn, and behind them were the guards of the middle-aged who were specially called, including Tsuda Genjuro and Kato Hyogo Head, Nonogi Mataemon, Yamaoka Tsushimamori and others, they wiped their sweat from time to time, standing there.

"You guys have to be careful when I go out." Nobunaga seemed to be thinking about something, and said to himself, "The main castle is guarded by Tsuda, Kato, Nonogi, Toyama, Shiki, Ichihashi, Kushida, etc., while Erdaocheng is guarded by Kamo, Kimura, and Yun. Hayashiin, Narumi, Grandfather E, Sakuma, and Rokuro, plus Fukuda, Senfuku, Marumo, Matsumoto, Minami, Yamaoka and others are on guard, so we must be more careful and not slack." "Yes!" Everyone replied in unison.Nobunaga, however, seemed to be half listening: "Qingshan and Zong haven't returned yet?"

Mori Ranmaru immediately stood up and walked out of the room, and hurried back after a while. "I just rushed back, and my clothes are soaked in sweat, and I'm changing." "Changing clothes? You're really serious." Nobunaga slowly rolled up the map in front of him and asked Mori Ranmaru to put it on the bookshelf. "Qingshan and the president will meet with your lord." "Thank you. Has Mitsuhide returned to Sakamoto Castle?" "Yes, I have taken all the people and set off early this morning." "Oh, this bald man, he is in a normal mood after rewarding him with two countries... His mind is too sensitive, he is really a tricky guy..." As he said, he couldn't help sniffing, "Qingshan, after you came in, it seems that there is a It smells weird." Then, he smelled himself, and stuck his head out again, "What a strange smell, it seems to be stinky fish."

"I'm sorry..." Yu Zong also frowned, "The smell on my body is too strong, so I went back and changed into a dress to see the adults. It seems to be the smell left on the underwear." "Huh? What's the smell on you?" "Hinata Mamoru's subordinates threw leftovers all over the place. I'm discussing with Hori-sama how to get rid of them. In short, I have arranged for Tokugawa-sama's subordinates to Hori-sama's house first." "What, you said that Baldy's men dumped leftovers into the ditch?" "Yes. Therefore, the surrounding area of ​​Dabaoyuan is already full of stench." Mr. Yu replied tremblingly.

"Hahaha..." Nobunaga shook his half-naked body and laughed, "What a silly bald man. He only cares about his own happiness, but he forgot that it's a hot day and things will rot, but the smell is still very strong... Ieyasu didn't Say what?" Since Aoyama and Zong didn't know how angry Nobunaga was, they had been trembling with fear, seeing Nobunaga laughing, he couldn't help but heaved a sigh of relief, and quickly wiped the sweat off his face. "If this is normal, I will never spare him lightly. In this way, the whole Antu will be full of stench, and I'm afraid I can't even breathe."

"Yes Yes." "Forget it. I was just preparing for the expedition in a hurry and neglected the guests. Ieyasu will definitely blame me. The place where I stayed has been moved to Kutaro's house?" Not knowing what Nobunaga was thinking, he nodded briskly, which was really surprising. "It's only today, so don't be too shameless. Tomorrow, I'll meet you at Somiseji...you go to Ieyasu again and apologize for Mitsuhide's recklessness. Mitsuhide looks good, but once he's about to go to war, he's going to be like this ...If you say that, Ieyasu will laugh it off."

"yes." "Go right away!" "Yes Yes." "Why don't you go? Do you have something else to do?" "Yes. Mamoru Hinata..." "What's wrong with the bald man?" "What Hinata Mamoru thinks is not a problem, but his retainers are very dissatisfied with this change of mission..." "Hahaha. Of course I understand this. Those people are as cowardly as mice, no different from women. Therefore, at the beginning, they would be a little cranky, thinking that someone would be slandered or relegated. It is precisely because I understand this that I can Promise to give them two kingdoms after the war. Now they are already happy and are planning how to make meritorious deeds. Don't be suspicious."

"Oh." "You still don't know? Didn't you say that when you went to deliver the order last night, the bald man sent you outside the gate on purpose?" "Yes, it is precisely because of this that I am a little worried." "worry about what?" "It's especially worrying to send me out on purpose, but dump all the leftovers in the ditch." "If you still don't believe it, you can go to Dabaoyuan again and ask the monks. Maybe you will collapse before you go on an envoy. I know the problem of the bald man's anger. When he gets angry, even his subordinates forget to tell him , and left from Dabaoyuan.”

"Oh." "Seeing that the bald man left the Great Treasure Court, he also knew about the replacement of the errand. Those stupid people who were partial to the master threw away all the leftovers, thinking that they were loyal to the master. Maybe Guangxiu didn't know about it at all, and happily said Back to Sakamoto Castle." Hearing what Nobunaga said, Aoyama and Zong seemed to gradually understand. "Go check it out. If the dumping of leftovers happens after the seal of the two countries, you will report to me immediately. If not, you don't have to worry about it anymore. Tell Jiutaro, make good plans for tomorrow's affairs, don't spend a little It’s not right. Goroza, Kurogoro (Hasegawa Takemaru), Kuroemon (Sugaya) and others, I will tell them personally.”

"Obey." If it wasn't for Nobunaga's analysis so thoroughly, Yu would always ponder over it in his heart. Mr. Yu rushed to Dabaoyuan and asked, as Nobunaga said, the dumping of leftovers did happen before sealing, and those servants were scolded by the housekeeper for it.The president was relieved, and then went to visit Tokugawa Ieyasu who was driven to the Hori house by the stench. Since Ieyasu has put on a lot of weight recently, he has been tossed by the heat and bad smell for the past few days.But of course he wouldn't undress and lie sprawled on the bed.At this time, he was sitting in the simple study of Horikyutarou, which was incomparable to the luxurious Daihoin, waving his fan gracefully. "Chuji, it would be fine if Lord Youfu didn't go down the mountain today."

"Why?" Tadashi Sakai was also choked by the black smoke of agarwood that had been burned one after another since the morning, and there seemed to be a faint black circle around his nose. "Thanks to the fact that Master Youfu lives on the top of the mountain, there is no major incident. If Master walks to the street, Guangxiu will be in trouble." "You're talking about this matter, you really need to be careful. I didn't expect it to turn out like this..." A smile suddenly appeared in the corner of Ieyasu's eyes, staring at Honda Heihachiro and Okubo Tadao. "Maybe Sensei-sama is very unhappy about being assigned to Hashiba's tenure." However, the deep meaning of this sentence, everyone seemed to have not understood it for a while, and Ieyasu did not mention it again. It's just that whenever the south wind blows, it brings a bit of coolness, but it also brings an unbearable stench.Everyone looked at each other, dumbfounded.At this time, Aoyama and Zong brought Nobunaga's message. "Hehe, so Master Youfu also knows?" Ieyasu found it inconceivable that Nobunaga was not angry even though he had already learned about the stench. Probably Nobunaga was anxious about preparing for the war. At this time, Kazuyoshi Takikawa was stationed at Stable Bridge in Kanto, and Katsuie Shibata and Narumasa Sasas were besieging Uozu Castle in Etsuchu.Nobutaka has arrived at Sakai Port and is about to cross the sea to attack Awa, while Nobuo is stationed in Ise with his troops.It can be said that Nobunaga has a lot of soldiers in his hands.From this point of view, I have to be patient... When the stench finally disappeared from Azuchi Castle, it was already the morning of the 18th when Nobunaga personally took care of Ieyasu.In the early morning of that day, Ieyasu took more than 20 retainers who owned land, and also brought Anayama Meiyuki, and rushed to Somiji Temple together. When Ieyasu and his party arrived at Somiji Temple, Nobunaga was already waiting there. "Oh, Ieyasu, welcome! Nobunaga will treat you personally today." He flushed with excitement, took Ieyasu's hand to the front of the banquet, and personally served Ieyasu with vegetables. Nobunaga has never been so attentive.Therefore, Niwa Goroza, Hori Kyutaro, Hasegawa Takemaru and others who accompanied the table became serious instead.Of course, the retainers of the Tokugawa family saw it, and they couldn't help feeling extremely reverent and grateful to their lord.The food and wine were of course the most extravagant delicacies at that time, and five tables were set up.After the banquet, Nobunaga personally led everyone to visit Azuchi Castle. The castle tower towering high on the top of the mountain is magnificent, magnificent and breathtaking, which opened the eyes of Ieyasu and his party.After the visit, when we arrived at the lobby on the third floor, Nobunaga specially distributed two unlined garments to each of Ieyasu's retainers, and said that one of them was a gift for the retainer's wife.It's really considerate, even a little surprising. The feast lasted until the nineteenth.This day is still at Somiseji Temple, and the banquet is as luxurious as the previous day.After the banquet, I watched a Noh play performed by Taifu Kowakahachiro Kuro. Coincidentally, Konoe Maeku from the capital was also there, so Maeku, Nobunaga, and Ieyasu all sat in the private seats in front to watch.Konoe seemed to be good at observing words and emotions a long time ago, and always walked around Nobunaga alone, but Ieyasu deliberately pretended to be a country bumpkin, trying not to touch Nobunaga's mind. Despite this, Nobunaga continued to say: "I have thought about when we will be able to enjoy peace like this now. The two of us have finally waited for this day." Then he sighed and said: "Because it is in the In front of my Nobunaga, the entertainers are more restrained than usual." Fortunately, Wakatafu's dance seemed to suit Nobunaga's taste.After dancing the second field song "The Big Weaving Crown", Nobunaga asked, "How is it, Ieyasu?" "That's right, I've been fascinated by it." Ieyasu replied. "Okay, call the husband here. I want to reward you heavily." "You danced well. This is my reward." Nobunaga rewarded Taifu with ten ingots of gold, laughing heartily. The next thing was Mei Ruotao performing Tanba Sarugaku "Hagoromo". However, after dancing for a while, Nobunaga's eyes kept blinking.Merutafu had heard about Nobunaga's violent temper a long time ago, even more than Mitsuhide.So, as soon as he stood on the stage, he felt that the eyes from the grandstand were shooting at him like a sharp arrow. He panicked and became confused, forgetting how to dance behind him. When "Yiyi" was about to finish dancing, there was only a roar, which was several times louder than the song, which shocked everyone. "Why did I forget again? What's going on! Call Mei Ruo!" Ieyasu immediately felt that Nobunaga seemed to be murderous.On such a festive occasion, if someone kills and defiles the temple... He deliberately pretended to be very involved, and shouted: "Very good! Good! You are worthy of being a famous actor!" This shout shook Nobunaga's shoulders. Trembling, after a while, Nobunaga's breathing became steady. Mori Ranmaru brought the bloodless Merutafu in front of Nobunaga. He didn't even have the strength to raise his head, lying on the ground like a spider, sifting the chaff all over his body in fright. "Mei Ruo, I have a reward for you too. Here." As he said, Nobunaga threw the ten gold ingots in front of Mei Ruo as before, and called Mrs. Xing Ruo Tai's name loudly. "You, dance again." Ieyasu's heart sank again.Nobunaga's angry roar just now made Jin Wei tremble for a long time.He could tell that this was no longer the voice of the right minister... "Ieyasu, you still like Noh so much that you even reward Meiruo..." "But I think it's pretty good. I don't even have the chance to see such dancing skills, so..." Ieyasu said. "Oh, if that's the case, that's fine. That said, the dance just now was not in vain, so please watch Xingruo's dance again." Nobunaga seemed to have finally calmed down his anger.Even so, when Mei Ruo retreated tremblingly, Nobunaga still stared at him fiercely like a hawk. The feast for Ieyasu lasted for three days from the 18th to the 20th. In the end, due to insufficient troops, Nobunaga had no choice but to recall the eldest son of Kofu, Nobutada, and let him also go to China.While waiting for Nobutada, Nobunaga seemed to have a feeling of being inseparable from Ieyasu. On the 20th, the place of the feast was changed to Kounji Temple, and Nobunaga still talked to Ieyasu in a joking tone, and personally served him food. "Ieyasu, I don't know if there will be days like this when you and I spend our hearts together!" At this time, Jiakang kept reminding himself not to fall into the trap of the other party, if he laughed out loud, it might lead to a catastrophe. "What did Mr. Nobunaga say? The world is about to be pacified. In order to have another feast in the capital, Ieyasu is willing to do his best." "Oh, let's have another drink." Nobunaga personally picked up the jug and poured it for the panic-stricken Ieyasu, "If there is no war in preparation, Nobunaga really wants to accompany you to visit the capital, Nara and Sakai in person. Hong Kong. But since Nobutada has come from Kofu, let Nobutada accompany you to the capital." "Ieyasu is sincere and fearful." "Let's go to the capital tomorrow. I know what you asked Mitsuhide to convey, so let's put it aside before the expedition, and go to the capital to the fullest. Outside of the capital, there are Osaka, Nara, and Sakai Port. In addition, I will let Hasegawa Takemaru, Miyauchi Keihoin (Matsui Yukan) and others guide you around, and I will not cause any inconvenience to you. Let's get drunk today, so don't let it go. I will drink as much as I want, Don't be restrained, we won't go home until we're drunk." It is said that the feast of that day was an unheard-of luxurious feast, with five banquets in full, and the dishes that appeared on the banquet were even called "Antu Menu" in later generations.On this day, the vassals of both sides were also unrestrained and drank to their heart's content, which lasted until dusk, and the noise was endless, which was really very lively. At the end of the banquet, it was almost Haishi, and Nobunaga personally sent Ieyasu out of the gate. "It will be very pleasant to walk freely while watching the charming fireflies. Don't worry, there will be no accidents under Nobunaga's castle." Nobunaga smiled heartily.In the stinky Antu City, dots of fireflies are flying around. Ieyasu saluted respectfully, walked out the door, and looked back at Nobunaga at the exit.It seemed to him that Nobunaga was still standing there.Sure enough, the two met eyes and smiled together. "It has been thirty-five years since then. Just now, I counted." "Exactly..." Ieyasu also nodded.That refers to when Ieyasu was six years old, when the two first met.I have been in a safe relationship with Nobunaga for thirty-five years... Twenty-one years have passed since the five years of Yonglu when the two formed an alliance. "Then, you can go for a walk in peace." "Then I'll take my leave." Ieyasu walked out of the mountain gate slowly, while Nobunaga gave orders loudly, preparing to return to the city. But no one thought that these words would become the farewell between the two in this world. It was the night of May 20th in the tenth year of Tensho. Tokugawa Ieyasu was forty-one years old, and Nobunaga was eight years older than Ieyasu, at forty-nine years old. At this time, in Omi Sakamoto Castle, where Mitsuhide was ushered in, the important ministers stayed up all night, discussing matters.Headed by Joshiro Akechi Mitsuren and Rendoucho Kansai, Okuda Miyake Kazushi, Miyake Shikibe Hidetomo, Yamamoto Tsushima Mori Kazuhisa, Suwa Hida (da) Morinao, Saito Uchizo Toshizo, Ise Gathered with Saburo Zhenzhong, Murakoshi Sanro Jingze and others, plus everyone who knew about Antu, to study Nobunaga's mind. Akechi Zuomasuke, Siwang Tiandan Mashou, Bing Hesaobu and others also spoke in unison, saying that Nobunaga was determined to get rid of Mitsuhide. "Although Izumo and Iwami countries have been sealed, these two countries are still in the hands of the enemy. During the dispatch of troops, once the old territories are taken back, the whole family will not even have a place to stay. Sakuma Nobumori and Hayashi Sado Mori have the same fate. This must be Nobunaga's conspiracy to destroy Akechi." Under such circumstances, the most incredible thing is that although they said they wanted to add two kingdoms, they didn't say that they wanted to take back the old territory, so this became the focus of everyone's contention. That night, Guangxiu hardly said a word.The whole second day, Guangxiu was still anxious.He always felt that Nobunaga would notice the smell and immediately send someone from Azuchi to blame him.However, until the end, the interrogator did not come. On the night of the 20th, Guang Xiu called everyone together again. "Right now, the wise family is at stake." He said in a heavy tone, with tears streaming down his cheeks. "There is an old saying that it is better to strike first than to sit and wait for death. In my opinion, it is the best policy to strike first. I don't know what you think." At this time, everyone had already made up their minds, and naturally no one objected. "If there is no objection from everyone, then, Zamasuke, Jizaemon, the Four Kings Tendan Mashou, and all the Hesao tribes will rush back to Kameyama Castle in Tamba immediately, and explain to Arakiyama Castle Guard, Oki Gorobei, etc. Regarding the situation, it was reported to the outside world that on the 30th they would march to the newly sealed territory, and the whole army would gather at Guishan.” "But, my lord, you..." "I have to start from Sakamoto one step later. On the way, I have to visit the shrine at Mount Atago, and then rush to Kameyama. Without my consent, don't do anything rashly!" Now that the determination to rebel has been made, it is necessary to do something thunderous.On the 24th, Sakamoto's vanguard marched towards Tanba. On the second day, Mitsuhide led the remaining 3,000 cavalry to cross the Shirakawa River and take the steep Shakado. There, he handed over his troops to Okuda Kannai and Murakami Izumi, while he led only a few attendants to Mount Atago.On the surface, Mitsuhide was praying for the dispatch of troops to China, but in fact he was visiting the Xingyou Room of Xifang Weideyuan to participate in a Bailian song party that he was fond of on weekdays.Whether you like it or not, you have to fight Nobunaga!Thinking of this, Guangxiu felt that whether it was the sunlight shining through the old cedar tree or the moss-covered stone steps, everyone seemed to have something on their minds, and they all whispered to him. Xingyoufang is the master of Liange.Hearing that Guangxiu was coming, he gathered his fellow masters Shaoba Faqiao, Changchi Faqiao, Xinqian Faqiao, Master Jianru, and Dashanyuan Yuyuan from Shangyuanfang to wait for Guangxiu's arrival.On the way, Guangxiu paid homage to the God of Great Power, and drew a lottery three times, while Xingyoufang accompanied him with a smile. "Hinata Mamoru is still the same. It's just that the lottery was drawn three times, but why?" Of course, Xingyoufang didn't intend for Guangxiu to hear, so his voice was not loud.In fact, Mitsuhide was extremely cautious, even a little suspicious, which was often reflected in his subsequent behavior. After they gathered in Weide Courtyard, they first chatted lightly about a little worldly gossip, and then prepared to sing continuously.Mitsuhide's vassal Torokurobei wrote the pen, and he was quite good at waka and renka, especially his handwriting. Guangxiu first recited a sentence: "Time flies, the world is in May." Then Xingyoufang: "The water in the source of the river rises to the summer mountain." Shoba seemed to be taken aback for a moment, he was still savoring Guangxiu's sentence over and over again. "Time ① goes by... time goes by, the world is in May..." 『①Time: "Time" and "Toki (Akechi)" in Japanese are homophonic. 』 Shoba was still talking, and Guangxiu obviously became uncomfortable, sometimes he seemed to be leisurely listening to the wind outside the window, sometimes he opened and closed the fan seemingly unintentionally, and sometimes he was quietly lost in thought.Shoba knew Mitsuhide since childhood, but he knew Nobunaga better than Mitsuhide.Therefore, when the two sit together, Guangxiu always has a feeling of pain and depression. Nobunaga pays more attention to Mitsuhide than anyone else, and Mitsuhide pays more attention to Nobunaga than anyone else.It would be fine if there were no conflicts between the two.Shoba once told Xingyoufang about this idea, and Xingyoufang ridiculed him at the time. "Hyuga Shou is an honest and responsible person, how can Lord Youfu have doubts about Hinata Shou?" Although I laughed it off at the time, but looking back today, I always feel weird.Whether it's drawing the magic lottery three times, or the poem "Time flies, the world is in May"... Shaoba put aside his inner doubts, and then Xingyoufang added the next sentence: "The flowers fall into the stream, Layers of petals flow by water." So Liange was connected one sentence after another. In this Lianka meeting, Mitsuhide wrote a total of sixteen sentences.Near the end, Faqiao said in front of his heart: "The beauty of the country is heavenly and fragrant, and it is like a drunken flower." Then, Mitsuhide continued: "The nations are still in peace." After chanting, he asked Torokuro to write the name of his son Shibingwei Guangqing below.Here, the "time" in "when the countries are still quiet" is also a homophony of "Toki (Master Akechi)". It was really strange, Guangxiu seemed to have something on his mind.Shoba was very puzzled all the time. After the singing session was over, everyone had dinner and went back to the bedroom. Only he was still observing in secret. Lying on the bed, the chirping of owls and doves came from outside, which aroused Guangxiu's thoughts again.Although it is the season for them to sing, but... Although he was comforting himself, the series of screams still reminded Guangxiu of some ominous things, so he lost his temper with himself. According to the information that Xianghi got in front of the Shakado in Sagano, Ieyasu's sightseeing in Beijing has ended and he is heading for Osaka.Niwa Goro Zaemon and Horiku Taro have rushed to Beichu.Nobunaga will also enter Beijing on the 29th and stay at the Honnoji Temple. There are not many people around him, and he is almost defenseless. This is a godsend opportunity, don't let it pass you by!However, Guangxiu hesitated again.Should I immediately occupy the capital and announce to the world, or should I join hands with Maoli in China and catch Hideyoshi's troops by surprise from behind?He could not make up his mind.If Hideyoshi and Mori join forces, Shibata, Sasaka Narumasa, Takikawa and others allege with Uesugi when the capital announces to the world, and if his rival Tokugawa Ieyasu is added, he will surely fall into a situation of fighting alone. "Bastard!" Guangxiu couldn't bear Ye Xiao's shouting, and couldn't help cursing, which was heard by Shoba who was sleeping in the adjacent room, and Shoba yelled: "What's wrong, Hinata Mamoru? Is it a nightmare? gone?" When Guangxiu heard this, he couldn't help breaking out in a cold sweat. "What did you say?" "I see you are tossing and turning and can't fall asleep, are you very disturbed?" "What time is it? The sound of the water in the water bucket can no longer be heard." Guangxiu continued: "If we can win this expedition, then the entire mountain vagina will be in our hands. I pray heartily for victory once, then descend. Gotta take a good rest..." Shoba was silent. "Shanyin is coming soon..." It turned out that I was excited about this. The next morning, Guangxiu seemed very happy, and went to pay homage to the God of Great Power when he got up together. He presented fifty ingots of gold, five hundred guan of bird eye gold, and rewarded fifty taels of gold to Xifang, and ten taels to each of the singers. , donated two hundred guan of bird eye gold to the whole Atago Mountain. "That's it for now, I'll come to visit after my triumphant return." Everyone sent him out of the mountain gate, and Guangxiu went down the mountain leisurely.He secretly thanked himself for not revealing any flaws. Guangxiu Guangxiu, the eldest son of Guangxiu who returned to Guishan City one step ahead of time, has been suffering from a cold since Guangxiu signed his name in the Atago Mountain Lianka Festival.Even so, Mitsuhide didn't take it too seriously.Although on the surface he was still pretending to be in military preparations, he had already decided to raid Nobunaga from the middle of the night to the dawn of the second day, and was making various preparations in an orderly manner. After preparing for the battle, Mitsuhide Akechi's 11,000 troops were finally called together. At Shenshi on the afternoon of the first day of June, the whole army divided into three groups and set off from Guishan City in mighty force. The first route is Akechi Zuomasuke Guangchun as a general, leading the four kings Tiandanma, Murakami Izumi, Miyake Shikibu, Tsukiji and other ministries with 3,700 troops. The second group was headed by Akechi Jizaemon, and led Fujita Dengoro, Hesao Busuke, Ise Yosaburo, and Matsuda Taro Zaemon, each with 4,000 people. The main general is Mitsuhide, and there are also Akechi Jurozaemon, Arakiyama Castle, Akechi Tomojo, Suwa Hida (da) Mamoru, Saito Naizosuke, Okuda Miyauchi, Mimaki Sanzaemon, etc. More than two hundred people.Except for the general, almost everyone mistakenly believed that the target of this expedition was the Chinese region.