Chapter 27 Chapter 27: Voice of the People

When Ieyasu arrived in Shigaraki, it was already dark. After overcoming one crisis after another, the road gradually widened.This is already the scope of activities of Wu Fushi Kameya Eiren and Chaya Shiro Jiro who are one step ahead in the capital. They can finally sleep greedily for half an hour, then put on straw sandals, and prepare to climb the lofty mountains of Maruzhu.Seeing that Ieyasu has the full protection of Iga and Koga samurai, Kameya and Chaya feel relieved and say goodbye to them. Already armed, all that remains is to fight against sleepless physical pain.Although there are often some unscrupulous bandits and robbers on the road, no one can resist them.When Ieyasu learned the most in his life, it was the day-and-night journey from Maruzhua across Kawai, Tsusue, Shikafudo, along the Suzuka River beach to Isekai.

Farmer Sun Silang followed them all the time.He seemed to have a feeling of nostalgia for Ieyasu, and when Ieyasu's eyes fell on him from time to time, he smiled slightly and lowered his head. Ieyasu remembered the past, when he was the hostage of Imakawa Yoshimoto in Junfu, in order for him to inherit the spirit of loving the people, Zen Master Xuezhai often mentioned a sentence when explaining the teachings of Mencius: "Heaven sees oneself, the people see God listens to me, and the people listen to me." Ieyasu remembered that the teacher had said this sentence many times. The so-called "people's listening" is to distinguish the meaning of truth from the voice of the people.As soon as a person thinks that truth exists outside the voice of the people, he will unconsciously fall into delusion.If you want to hear the voice of the people, you must first abandon your "self" and become "no self".And the complete "non-self" is the premise of establishing "self-seeking".Ieyasu thought he had mastered "no-self".However, it wasn't until the appearance of the farmer Sun Silang that he realized that he was not enough, and he kept laughing at himself in his heart.

This is probably the person sent by Zen Master Xuezhai!As Ieyasu walked, he kept looking at Son Shiro, engaged in severe self-reflection.If you don't listen to the people, you won't find the truth... Revisiting the ancient teachings of his predecessors, Ieyasu even felt that Nobunaga's death was not killed by others, but by himself.Nobunaga was the first hero who rose up by listening to the voice of the people.He represents the voice of the war-torn people who yearn for peace, facing all enemies.As long as he thinks it hinders the stability of the country, he will not forgive it, whether it is the monks of Mt. Hiei or the believers of Honganji Temple.

When the sun of peace finally shined on Kinki, Nobunaga fell down.Probably because at this time Nobunaga has gradually moved away from the voice of the people.The voice of the people asked him to recuperate, but he mobilized a large number of troops against China, which still had room for diplomatic mediation... Ieyasu had been thinking about it until he arrived at Shirakohama in Ise. What will happen if Nobunaga conducts flexible negotiations with China while letting the people of Tokaido in his sphere of influence rest and recuperate?I am afraid that Guangxiu will not have an opportunity to take advantage of it.Nobunaga blindly resorted to militarism and blocked the people's hearing, which made Mitsuhide have a different heart to replace him.

Even if the scheming and calculating Mitsuhide stood up and pointed out Nobunaga's "wrongness", if the hearts of the people were all towards Nobunaga, there would be no one who responded to Mitsuhide, and Mitsuhide would still have the courage to conspire against him? "Voice of the people... Voice of the people..." Ieyasu felt that during this trip, he heard the deepest teaching from a farmer.Before that, he only wanted to return to Sanhe, and he had never seriously considered what to do after returning. Out of his love for Nobunaga, Ieyasu will of course raise his troops to a showdown with Mitsuhide, but this is just adapting to the situation, can it really succeed immediately?From Kawada to Shirakohama via Suzuka, Ieyasu pondered this over and over again when he stood by the unidentified river and asked people to find a boat to cross the sea.

Compared with Nobunaga's militaristic conquest of China, if he raises his troops now and fights against Mitsuhide, is he eager for quick success and quick benefits, and will he make the same mistake as Nobunaga? From Shirakohama to Tokoname on the Chita Peninsula, there are no other boats except for the shortest boat for carrying firewood.But now, there is not even such a small boat.This area was originally Oda Nobutaka's sphere of influence. Since Nobutaka was going to cross the sea to Shikoku, he had already led his troops to Kishiwada. Therefore, almost all the large ships in the territory were conscripted to the vicinity of Sakai Port.

At this time, there happened to be a Matsuzaka merchant who came from Ominato and came to the river. His name was Kadoya Shichirojiro.Ieyasu called him from the boat to the river and begged him to mediate. "This is very difficult." Katoya put his hand on his forehead that was swamped by the tide and said, "I don't mind using a boat, but there is no pilot on the way. You probably know that something big happened in Beijing, and you don't know yet. How many ships will be needed in the future. Now all the villages and seaside piers in this area have posted notices, and even a ship carrying firewood is not allowed to sail to other sea areas without authorization."

"What, a notice has been posted..." "Yes. My boat can do anything, it's just farmers and fishers around here..." "I see. Well then, I'll find someone myself." After walking all night, the surroundings are already bright.Looking over, the only thing parked on the water is this corner merchant ship returning from Zhima.The tides are changeable, and it is really difficult to go to sea without a pilot, and Ieyasu and the others are very clear about it.With the intention of listening to the voices of the people, Ieyasu strode to the door of a farmhouse.

"My lord, do you want to call this family?" Honda Zhongsheng just wanted to call the door. "I'll come. Stand back and wait." Ieyasu stretched out his hand and tapped lightly on the hut that was sleeping in the darkness before dawn.Although it is a farmhouse, the linoleum huts scattered by the sea cannot compare with it.This can be regarded as a wealthy family above the middle level in the local area. "I have something to ask you, can you get up?" Before Ieyasu spoke, the people inside seemed to wake up.Only the sound of someone stopping the chirping was heard. "Here it comes. Who? What's your business?"

A man walked towards the door with a trembling voice, "You have seen it too. We are poor and have no money. Unfortunately, our daughter also went to visit relatives in Yokkaichi. If it is wheat, there is still a little..." "We are not strong thieves, so don't be afraid." Ieyasu felt a pang of sadness in his heart, "I think you know the things in the village better. I would like to ask you to help me get a firewood boat to Changhua on the other side." "Oh! Ask me to get a firewood boat... This is a very difficult task." As he said, the person inside opened the door and showed his head, "No ships are allowed to go to neighboring countries. Yesterday afternoon, the government just issued an order If I dare to disobey, my life will be gone. I heard that Oda-sama was killed in the capital, and the world will be in chaos again... What, you are samurai?"

Ieyasu nodded deliberately sullenly. "We have known about the order for a long time, and we deliberately came to ask you to see if we can help you." "Hey? You know I'm Xiaochuan Sunsan, that's why you called me up? Where are you from? Who are you?" "Sun San..." Ieyasu immediately called the other party's name and said, "In order to prevent the world from falling into chaos again, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the lord of the Three Kingdoms of Mikawa, Enjiang, and Suruga, wants to cross the sea and return home before dawn... ..." "Ah, you are Tokugawa's retainer..." For some reason, this farmer who claimed to be Sun San, who was nearly forty years old, suddenly sat down on the ground, "Oh! It's over, I still can't hide...you kill me , kill or cut as you like." "kill you……" "There is no way, if I can't borrow the boat, you will definitely kill me. If I get out of the boat out of fear, the lord will kill all the men, women, and children of my family. This...a farmer in troubled times...is really miserable. Ah! kill, come, kill!" Ieyasu suddenly felt as if a sharp knife had been pierced into his chest. He thought he was a general who defended his home and country, but he was regarded as a murderer with a weapon... It was dawn, and when the surface of the Ise Sea was dyed rosy, Kadoya's boat was heading towards Tokoname at high speed.Ieyasu was still standing on the boat thinking hard. At the bow of the corner house, a pilot Shirakohama firewood boat is heaving with the waves.Ieyasu sat with his back against the mast like a wooden statue. Now there are two people who are oppressing Ieyasu's heart. One is the small farmer from Omi Oishi who is sitting in the corner of the boat, and the other is Sunzo Ogawa who is the pilot.Ieyasu thought this was incredible, but it seemed normal. Sun San, a farmer in Baizibin, has always believed that if he says no, no matter whether it is right or wrong, the other party will kill him immediately. This is the way of samurai.Samurai are so mistrusted.Not only did the farmers never enjoy the protection of the samurai, but they were endlessly ravaged and trampled by the samurai.This is another kind of "popular voice".It came from Sun San's mouth to Ieyasu... Once Sun San got out of the boat, the whole family would be killed by the lord, so he said to Ieyasu: "You kill me." Ieyasu was instantly ashamed. "Did you hear that, Ieyasu? This is the real voice of the people." Ieyasu felt the whip being reprimanded by Zen Master Xuezhai whipped down towards him with a sound in the void. "Oh, so you think samurai are so lawless. Well then, I'll ask someone else to see it. It surprised you." Ieyasu said. Sun San didn't expect the warrior to say such words at all. "It's useless even to ask others... Which Tokugawa samurai are you, dare to ask Gao's name?" "I am Tokugawa Ieyasu himself." "—Ah! What did you say?" "I said, I am Tokugawa Ieyasu. Ieyasu has gained a lot from you. I heard that there are sudden changes in Beijing, so I hurried back to my country. After I go back, I will read your words carefully. I will never It is only for oneself to mobilize the teachers and mobilize the crowd, which wastes the people and wastes money." I don't know if Sun San heard what happened next.Sun San found out that instead of killing him, the samurai who was about to leave was Jun, Yuan, and the three guards—Tokugawa Ieyasu himself, and he was speechless. "Please... please... please wait a moment." I saw him crawling out of the door and fell to the ground. "Get out of the boat! The villain is willing to go out on the boat!" Once again, Ieyasu had a deep understanding of the miserable life behind Sun San's drastically changed attitude.This is a farmer who has been trampled and despised all the time, experiencing the joy of being respected for the first time... Sun San felt a kind of childlike and innocent gratitude. "I will definitely get out of the boat! No matter what happens to our family, as long as the adults say... I will, I will, how can I not!" In order to make Sun San less troubled in the future, Ieyasu came up with a plan and let him be the guide.So Sun San pretended to be kidnapped by an outsider of unknown origin, and had to entrust his wife and children to friends in Changtaipu.If Ieyasu could not rule the Ise area, Sun San's family would probably never have a day of reunion... The simple and kind-hearted two farmers who rescued Ieyasu from distress, and the tragic reality caused by Mitsuhide's rebellion, haunted Ieyasu's heart from time to time.Farmers help Ieyasu, whether they realize it or not, out of a good wish that he will ensure peace. However, if Ieyasu hastily withdrew, but did not immediately join the war against Mitsuhide, it would be injustice to Nobunaga.A new order should be established in this chaotic world to bring an end to the chaotic world that has lasted for more than a hundred years. In this way, Nobunaga's will and the people's hope will be unified. Thinking of this, Ieyasu couldn't help but patted his thigh vigorously.At this time, the sun was rising very high, and in the sea ahead, the deep blue of the Chita Peninsula seaside loomed.After comprehending these things, Ieyasu felt that even the sea breeze was blowing for him.Yes, that's it. Ieyasu finally realized that he should not stick to humble loyalty, but should inherit Nobunaga's grand ambition and be a true follower of righteousness in the world.After understanding this, he felt that Sun San's figure on the firewood boat in front of him had become a god and Buddha in the world, and he couldn't help praying with his palms together. "Look, the Lord is praying." Tadashi Sakai whispered to Ishikawa Hoki. "It seems that the lord is so happy. The three parties didn't pray when they were fighting." Of course they couldn't see through Ieyasu's mind, so everyone smiled.When the ship docked at the shore of Tokoname, and Sun San's firewood boat transported everyone to the shore again and again, Ieyasu's words and deeds were interpreted by the retainers as joy for their safe arrival. "Sun San, you have worked hard." Ieyasu stood on the bank and immediately called Sun San over, "This area may become a battlefield, so I will send you to Suruga, Suruga will never There is a war. Choose a piece of land you love there, and after it settles down, take your family to live and work in peace and contentment.” "Yes... yes." Sun San's answer was still so simple, and then he immediately ran to the nearby temple.The monastery is called Zheng Hospital, and there is a back door facing the sea.People in the temple buy Sun San's firewood every year, and they are regular customers. Soon, the gate of the temple opened, and a group of people got in immediately to avoid the scorching sun temporarily. "When you get here, there is no problem." "Even so, we can't relax our vigilance. This area is also a place where pirates frequently appear." "Anyway, let's meet the abbot of this temple first." Honda Tadakatsu ordered the young bodyguards to guard the surroundings.Under the guidance of Sun San, Ieyasu walked from the courtyard to the guest hall. At this time, he was still excited about the discovery that Nobunaga and the will of the people came to the same goal by different routes.Yes, they are consistent, it's just often overshadowed by self-centered desires... Only Ieyasu took off his straw sandals and went in, while the others chose a shady place in front of the hall to sit down.When the abbot Xiankong heard that Jiakang was coming, he hurriedly changed his clothes and came to the guest hall to meet him. "I don't know that my lord came here, but I was far away to welcome... The poor monk is Xiankong, the abbot of this temple. I heard that my lord did not lead troops this time..." The abbot fell on the ground respectfully, and before he could finish speaking, Ieyasu interrupted: "I disturbed Baosha in a hurry, forgive me. Actually, because the Youfu was killed by the rebellious Mitsuhide in the capital, I They are rushing back to Sanhe day and night." "These rumors... this old man just heard from the people of Baizihaibin, and he is also amazed at this ever-changing world." "Master, I want to rush back to Okazaki earlier, and raise my troops to attack Zhizhi immediately. If it were you, an eminent monk who has served the Buddha all the year round, what would you do at this time?" Xiankong, who seemed to be over half a century old, quietly put the tea brought by the little monk in front of Ieyasu, and meditated slowly. "I'm afraid, the thoughts of us Buddhists cannot be used as a reference for you as a general..." "In this world where a new order is just beginning to be established, the edifice is falling... As Buddhists, what must you do now?" "This..." Xiankong lowered his head cautiously again, "If you are a Buddhist, you should devote yourself to Buddha in order to seek reincarnation after a hundred or a thousand years." "So, what about Buddhism at this time?" "Guard the Tao, protect the Dharma—until the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss fills this world." "The pure land that appears in the world...does everyone live and work in peace?" "Exactly." "Then, let me ask you again, what is the 'Tao' you must follow in order to realize this day?" "The first is to quit greed, to be liberated from all desires." "Yeah." At this time, Ieyasu picked up the tea and took a sip with satisfaction, "Stop being greedy...good tea!" After saying that, he showed a gentle smile, "Your Majesty is probably too greedy, and wants to win peace quickly. Is it the same for Ieyasu... Even if he rushes back, if he is not mentally prepared, even if he returns to Sanhe Confused. I see, is it true that all people are fighting in their hearts before they are free from all desires? Is this the real world in the eyes of you Buddhists?" "Exactly." "It's reasonable, don't be impatient. After a hundred years or a thousand years... until that day comes. In this way, peace will come. This is the only 'way'. Break away from the world and become a monk, abandon all desires, In order to enlighten all living beings, this is probably the life of your monks. Okay, I understand, thank you. I will not be confused when I return to Okazaki, and I can arrange my affairs in the future." Xiankong lowered his head respectfully, counting the beads. "Thank you!" Ieyasu said again.During the question and answer with Xiankong, he had a new understanding. The ideals of the Buddha and the people are also unified.Therefore, the Buddha is respected, and the monks can always accompany the temple and survive to this day. Further, Ieyasu discovered that the duties of a samurai became clearer and clearer like flowers bathed in the rising sun.It is the true duty of a military commander to dedicate his life to the construction of the "Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss" that everyone hopes for.These are things that Ieyasu is all too familiar with, but he suddenly forgot them. "Master, I have also made up my mind. Don't be anxious or rash in everything. In this way, there will be no confusion. In addition, I also ask Master for one thing. Please, Master, help me find someone who will lead us across the sea from the sea here. Half, guide to Kipoura." "As ordered." Xiankong replied, "There happens to be a Zhuangwu Babingwei in the village, he is a chivalrous man, I have already sent someone to look for him." "Master has already planned for me?" "I want to catch up with the robbers on the road before they know...the robbers won't know about your ambition, so..." After hearing the abbot's last words, Ieyasu was very happy. It seems that Abbot Xiankong had understood his wish in the conversation with him. "Once Lord Youfu dies, the farmers and merchants in this area will undergo great changes in the future." "You say so..." "The lord is different, and the life is also different, just like the difference between a good harvest and a poor harvest. The poor people who finally took a breath, how difficult it is to be happy, I really want to protect them." Ieyasu smiled and nodded knowingly.So is his determination.Even if it is not as good as the Buddha's persistent pursuit of a better life after thousands of years, at least it should protect the people from the suffering of Guangxiu's rebellion and take good care of them.First of all, prevent those generals who are infected with banditry from entering the territory to commit violence, first consolidate the territory, and then let the seeds of peace spread everywhere.Go all out to resist Guangxiu, if you fail, how can there be no eggs under the overturned nest?As a general, there is no greater crime than this. Just thinking about this, a villager came sweating profusely and knelt outside the door. "I heard that the adults summoned... the villain is Shoya Hachibei." He raised a kind and simple face that had suffered from the war. "Hero of the village, this is Mr. Tokugawa." Hearing what Xiankong said, Hachibei was also deeply incredulous, and looked at Ieyasu again.The Ieyasu in front of him may be too different from the appearance of the Three Kingdoms Guard with Jun, Yuan, and San in his imagination. He must be very puzzled. "Ah, you are..." "Yes." Ieyasu said with a smile, "I haven't shaved my beard for three days, and my hair hasn't been cut. It looks a little ugly, but I am Tokugawa Ieyasu himself." "Ah, this, this, the villain really has eyes that don't know Mount Tai." Babingwei was stunned, and looked back at Xiankong, "Then, Master has something to do with Babingwei..." "Master Zhuangwu, Lord Tokugawa is on a journey, and now he has to return to Sanhe in a hurry. Can you show me the way to Chengyan Village?" "Going to Chengyan Village...it's not easy." After Hachibei finished speaking, he looked at Ieyasu again. "Hearing what you said, you seem to have heard a lot of rumors about your lord." "Of course." Hachibei was already smiling all over his face at this time, "Mrs. Aguju's... Oh, there are more important things than this. I just heard a rumor when I arrived at the beach today." "What rumor?" "It is said that Master Oda Youfu was killed in Kyoto. In this way, I am afraid that the world will be in chaos again. It is better to move to a place where there is no war." "Go to a place where there is no war?" "Yes, some people even say that I beg my lord to move to Hamamatsu Castle where you live. Those farmers and fishermen still have a lot of wishes and complaints." "That's right, that's what you said." Xiankong glanced at Jiakang quickly, "Hey, it's rare that you readily agreed. Then, my lord will eat some fast food here first, and then set off. I will entrust you with leading the way. .” Hachibei got up and went home to prepare clothes, and Ieyasu silently watched him go.Unexpectedly, this place is so close to Aguju, where my mother has lived for a long time, and it is almost the same as returning to Sanhe.People in this area want to live with Jiakang, and it is definitely not flattering words. Soon after, Ieyasu ate the vegetarian meal brought by Xiankong, and then left the hospital under the guidance of Shoya Hachibei.At this time, the hill in front was already filled with the sound of cicadas. "Chuji, the cicadas here seem to be quite different from those in Namba and Sakai Port." "Yeah, even the sound of cicadas is very similar to Sanhe accent." "Tadaji, after you arrive in Okazaki, immediately gather your troops and take them to Atsuta." "So, my lord doesn't take the lead..." "I'll appease the people in the territory first, so that they don't panic, and then rush to Anzu immediately... Although Guangxiu's rebellion made me very passive, I can't let the people in Jun, Yuan, and San riot. If there is a disturbance, we will Where is the face of this lord?" After saying that, Ieyasu looked up at the clouds in the sky ahead and laughed out loud.