Chapter 3 Chapter 3 The Owl of the Day

The magnificent Gifu Castle starts from Senjodaikan Pavilion at the foot of Mt. Inaba.The solid city wall made of boulders is hidden among the green trees and bathed in the sunshine of spring. Paulo, a Portuguese missionary who visited the city for the first time, described the city of Gifu in his letter to Figuelade, a missionary of Bungo: "The huge stones are stacked, the stucco is absolutely invisible, and it is only a magical work." He even said , the city of Gifu was larger than the official residence of the Portuguese governor in Tianzhu at that time. In the courtyard of Senjotai, pear blossoms are like haze.Nong Ji, who had just returned from the capital, walked into the strong city gate without saying a word, passed through the mansion, passed a pear blossom forest, and came to the inner courtyard.

Mrs. Nong rarely loses her composure like this.She only glanced at the concubine's room who ran out to meet her in a panic, walked straight to her bedroom, called the maid Yuxu, and asked in a low voice, "It seems that someone has come to the outer court meeting room, isn't it?" "Yes...but I don't know who it is." "I don't know who it is? You are too careless. Fukuhei Zaemon should be on duty today. Call him here." After Yuxu exited in a panic, Azhu passed Yuxu with a tea bowl in his hands, and placed it in front of his wife.Nonghime took it and looked up at the pear blossoms in full bloom.Her husband, Nobunaga, has not yet withdrawn from Kanazaki Castle. "It's really worrying..." she said to herself.

The city built by her father, she watched helplessly as it changed hands.First it was the father, then Yoshiryu who killed his father, then Yoshiryu's son Ryuheung, and now her husband Nobunaga. Knowing that Nobunaga sent troops to Echizen, Nouhime was not very worried. It was not because of his wife's preference, but Nouhime was very aware of her husband's great talents.As an enemy, there is nothing more terrifying than Nobunaga.But if you understand his ambition and talent, and then get close to him, you will find that he is actually full of true feelings.Nohime thought this way, thinking that Ichihime's husband Asai Nagamasa and Ashikaga Yoshiaki, who became a general with Nobunaga's support, would also recognize and support Nobunaga.It now appears that she was just wishful thinking.

On the day Nobunaga set off from Sakamoto, Shogun Yoshiaki sent someone to Nohime's house in Banjing Lu'an, where she lived, and invited her to taste tea.Nohime happily went there accompanied by Asayama Hichijo. The general's new house in Nijo Castle was built by Nobunaga with huge sums of money in order to calm people's hearts, and it was directly dedicated to Yoshiaki after it was completed.Nohime even heard that the general poured wine for Nobunaga himself at the celebration banquet.Because of this, she passed unsuspectingly, but found that the atmosphere was not right after arriving.

It's not that Noonghime has no experience, so she wouldn't panic in that tense atmosphere.The missionaries called Nobunaga the king of Gifu, and Nohime the princess. Indeed, after years of training, Nohime has the majesty of a princess.Compared with Mrs. Tsukiyama who became more ignorant after giving birth, she has incomparable strength.In the temporary tea room built near the nine mountains and eight seas of Nijo Castle, in addition to the owner, Shogun Yoshiaki, Hino Dai Nagon and Takakura Counselor, Hosokawa Fujitaka and Mibuchi Yamato Mori were also invited to attend.Nonghime sat down without being humble.Nohime's composure obviously surprised Hosokawa Fujitaka.After tasting the tea, kaiseki dishes were served.After eating, Nonghime was about to get up and leave when something happened...

Because Asayama Hiroshi, who was brought by Nohime, went to the Imperial Palace Dojo on an urgent matter, they asked Nohime to wait for a while.She was then taken to a small dressing room far away from the general's residence.too weird!Nohime thought of this, and immediately left the room to check the exit leading to the courtyard.Then, she put on the clogs that were placed on the steps, and pretended to be careless to the courtyard.If it was an ordinary woman, she would be frightened by the abnormal atmosphere and panic.But Nohime was not like that. While admiring the rockery calmly, she quietly went behind the general's bedroom.She had already planned that if someone found out, she would say, "I am attracted by the beauty of the courtyard, come out and have a look." When she walked near an old plum tree, she suddenly heard the quarrel between General Yoshiaki and Hosokawa Fujitaka.Although Hosokawa Fujitaka is Yoshiaki's retainer, he is also the half-brother of Yoshiaki and the former general Yoshiki.

"The general was very wrong. This new house symbolizes the revival of the Ashikaga family. You should first seek the world with Nobunaga." "Fujitaka, you still don't understand Nobunaga. Although Nobunaga supports me so much now, he will soon kill me to stand on his own. So, no matter what I say, he refuses to accept the position of deputy general." "I don't think that's what the general should say. The world is in chaos today, and since the general can't do anything, he should support Nobunaga who wants to calm the world regardless of his family and life."

"Hehehe!" Yi Zhao laughed, "It's too late, it's too late, Fujitaka." "Late? General, you mean..." "Asai and his son have probably launched an attack behind Nobunaga's back. I'm not the only one. The monks of Mount Hiei and Honganji are also against him. Fujitaka, I have sent a secret order to Takeda of Kai, ordering him to rush to Beijing to take over Nobunaga territory." When Nong Ji heard this, her expression was stern, and the brows trembled violently. She couldn't believe her ears.Yoshiaki once entrusted Nonghime's cousin to beg Nobunaga: "I can't rely on Echizen, Yoshiaki will rely on Nobunaga in the future."

At that time, Yoshiaki was still a desperado.Now, he lives in this Nijo city, which is enough to make the people of Kyoto dumbfounded, as the general who conquers the barbarians.Nohime always believed that Yoshiaki would support Nobunaga from the bottom of his heart.Unexpectedly, he actually instigated Asai Nagamasa to defect, and secretly ordered Kai's Takeda to plot to get rid of Nobunaga... Hearing that a secret order had been issued to the Takeda clan, Hosokawa Fujitaka seemed stunned. "The general thought that Takeda would immediately enter Beijing after receiving the secret order?"

"Hahaha, Fujitaka, you seem to have forgotten." Yoshiaki laughed again, "The original lord of Gifu City, Saito Ryuko, now lives in the Asakura family in Echizen. Saito, Asakura, Asai, and others Ruishan, Honganji, and Takeda Shingen, who is known as the number one martial artist, under such circumstances, how could he not go to Beijing immediately?" "Wait a minute!" Fujitaka interrupted Yoshiaki, "Echigo's Uesugi Kenshin, Sagami's Hojo, Mikawa Tokugawa's Tokugawa are all thorns in the eyes of the Takeda family. But even if he can quickly defeat these forces, he will not be able to easily take the Kinki area Oda clan's territory."

"No, no, what you said is wrong. At that time, Nobunaga may have died under the attack of Asakura and Asai. Even if he can survive, Mrs. Nong is in our hands, forgive him. .” "No!" Fujitaka's voice shook the window lattice, "As long as I, Fujitaka, are still alive, I will not be able to hold Mrs. Oda as a hostage!" "You mean to let her go back so easily?" "That's natural. Such behavior will only leave a laughing stock for future generations." Hearing this, Nohime quietly left.The anger in my heart has gradually subsided, leaving only indescribable sadness.Thinking of that ungrateful villain, Nohime felt deeply sad again.She quickly returned to her room, clapped her hands to summon the servants of Nijo Castle, and ordered them to prepare to return to Gifu Castle. Later, Hosokawa Fujitaka and Lanyuan Yamatoshou came over as if nothing had happened.Nohime calmly greeted them, returned to the post, and set off in a sedan chair.After resting overnight in Sakamoto, we returned to Gifu Castle. She was worried about her husband's safety, and at the same time, she was more concerned about how to deal with various things in Gifu City after Nobunaga left. Nohime, who returned safely to Gifu Castle, had just finished drinking a cup of tea when Fukuhei Zaemon came over. "Sorry, I couldn't go to meet Madam..." Nohime glanced at Heizaemon, gently put the teacup in her hand on the saucer, and then looked at the pear blossoms outside, before asking, "Have you got a letter from your lord?" She pretended to be surprised by Asai's change I don't know. "Since the dispatch of troops to Echiqian, there has not been any news. It is probably approaching Yicheng Valley at this time." Nohime didn't answer, just sighed and frowned.No letter was sent back to Gifu, indicating that her husband's retreat had been cut off by Asai's family. "Hirazaemon. Starting today, I will be in charge of Gifu Castle." "what?" "Although my lord told me not to meddle in government affairs, I will break this precept today!" Hirazaemon looked at Mrs. Nobu in surprise and blinked.In her seemingly gentle demeanor, there is a strength hidden that even Nobunaga dare not underestimate—this is Nobunaga's exact words.Hizaemon felt that the situation was unusual. "Hirazaemon, Asai and his son have already joined the Asakura family. In this situation, you should know how to deal with it, right?" "Asai father and son..." Hirazaemon wanted to leave but stopped, "Is this serious?" "How are you going to deal with it?" "My lord is going on an expedition, I have already made preparations and can provide reinforcements at any time." "I'm not talking about reinforcements!" Nohime's tone became severe, "Stick to the city, we have to attack Xiaogu Castle of Asai and his son as soon as possible. Prepare immediately!" "yes." "Wait!" Nohime called Hirazaemon who was about to get up.There was a deep light hidden in her eyes, as bright as stars, and a smile appeared on her plump cheeks. "My lord attacked Chao Cang's house this time, and many people who are good at fighting have been taken away. We went to attack Xiaogu City, it was just a bluff... Do you understand?" Heizaemon swallowed heavily and nodded. "In fact, we should prepare for a battle to defend the city, in case Asai and his son attack." "That's right. But if you just defend the city, it won't help you. So you have to pretend to attack Asai..." Heizaemon finally understood the meaning of Nohime's words. "Madam, don't worry!" He patted his chest. Not long after Hirazaemon left, there was a commotion of people and horses inside and outside the castle.Nohime listened quietly, like a statue, motionless. The change between Shogun Yoshiaki and Asai's father and son must have involved Ichihime and her children.The sense of impermanence in life hit Nohime's chest violently.The phantom of her husband appeared in front of her, and she called out to him with infinite emotion. As Nobunaga's wife, Nohime's life is destined to be full of thorns and ups and downs.Her father placed her next to Nobunaga and asked her to take the opportunity to get rid of Nobunaga.After marrying in Furuno City, she kept warning herself not to fall in love with Nobunaga, but she still fell in love in the end.In the cycle of man-made and nature, nature and man-made, the happiest thing for a woman is to fall in love with her husband... She finally realized this.After going through the same mental journey, Nobunaga also fell in love with his wife Nohime. But God did not give Nong Ji enough favors to give her a child.So A Lei, Nana, and Miyuki appeared, competing with her for Nobunaga's love.As a woman, how sad and lonely she is... What's more, the two concubines gave birth to a child one after another.The pain deep in Nohime's heart reached its peak at that time. Seeing Nobunaga's eldest daughter De Ji, her heart was filled with infinite emotion.Immediately afterwards, Nobutada Mikimaru, Nobuo Chazumaru and Nobutaka Sanchimaru were born one after another.The birth of these children made the concubine's status even more unshakable, and it also made Noonghime deeply feel that she was like a candlestick that was about to burn out, lonely and helpless.At that time, if Nong Ji had made a slight mistake, she would have had no place to stand.But she worked hard to control her jealousy, instead of competing with them for favor, she might as well appease them from above. How could I let myself fall into the position of being jealous with these women!This kind of psychology inspired Nohime and Nobunaga to grow rapidly together. Now Tokuhime is at Tokugawa's house, Nobuo is at Kitajima's house, and Nobutaka is at Kobe's house. They have all left their father, and only the eldest son, Nobutada, remains in Gifu City.The children respect Noohime very much.Nohhime thought, whether as a wife, a woman, or just a person, she has not lost.Staring at the pear blossoms in the courtyard, scenes of the past appeared in front of Nohime.After a while, she got up abruptly and walked towards the city. Feigning to attack Xiaogu City, but actually preparing to occupy the city for a battle.This move is really to confuse General Yoshiaki and Asai father and son, but in troubled times, she still cannot easily let his heir Nobutada go out of the city.The Bikkimaru of the past - the current Nobutada, is already fourteen years old and has held the Yuanfu ceremony. Nohime walked through the Senjodai and headed towards the hall.Nobutada was already dressed neatly, sitting at the front of the hall, looking around solemnly.Seeing Nohime, he nodded expressionlessly. "Nobutada, you are mighty!" Nohime strode to the side and sat down, "No matter what happens to your father, you must not mess up your position. Victory or defeat is a common matter in military affairs." "Yeah!" Nobutada nodded vigorously. The important officials left behind gathered around Nobutada.Oda Xinbao sent envoys to Takikawa Kazuyoshi and Kawajiri Hizen Mamoru at high speed.Ikoma Hachiemon and Fukuheizaemon sent people to spread rumors: "The Gifu Army is going to attack Otani Castle!" If these rumors can split the Asai Army into two, it will undoubtedly reduce Nobunaga's pressure. The horn sounded.Listening to the sound of the trumpet, Nong Ji couldn't help smiling.Having seen too many ups and downs in life, she prayed for Nobunaga's safety and hoped that she could end her career perfectly.It is an unavoidable fact that a murderer will eventually be killed. The question is how to face the reality of being killed. Nohime felt that there was no barrier between herself and Nobunaga.She is a part of Nobunaga, and Nobunaga is a part of her.No matter whether she has children or not, "Nobunaga and his wife" let her experience the feeling of two bodies in one. As expected, when the horn sounded, the inner court suddenly became commotion.Although the concubines gave birth to a child with Nobunaga, they did not integrate their lives with Nobunaga.They didn't understand Nobunaga's ambitions, and were baffled by the actions in front of them. A Lei was the first to rush over in a panic. "Nobutada." She called her child, glanced at Nohime next to her, and sat on the ground as if she had collapsed, "Are we going to fight?" Nana also ran over with a sword in her arms: "I just heard the horn of the expedition..." Nohime stopped the two of them with a serious expression. "Nobuto is here, don't panic." When Nobutada heard Nohime's words, he said proudly, "Don't worry. We are going to fight the enemy." "Yes. Go back to the inner court immediately and make some preparations. If there is any emergency, we can also retreat to the mountain." "Yes. So, who is the opponent?" "The thief of Xiaogu City." "Ah, Asai..." Nana and A Lei looked at each other, terrified.Seeing all this, Noonghime deeply felt that there was a huge difference between herself and them.A Lei and Nana are more pathetic and unfortunate than Nohime.They are not Nobunaga's wives, in fact, they are just women fed by Oda. Suddenly there was a sound.It turned out to be an owl, startled by the bugle, flew in from the window, and landed in the hall, still flapping its wings. "Ah, Owl! Owl!" Nobutada jumped up like a child.A Lei and Nana were also panicked by the unexpected intruder. "Nobutada!" Nohime dissuaded.It was only after Xin realized his majestic attire, he returned to his seat and sat down, saying, "It was frightened by the sound of people and horses." The owl flapped its wings in panic on the tatami, its round eyes radiated terrifying light, showing the majesty of a bird of prey, but in fact it could see nothing.Nong Ji couldn't help looking at the owl in surprise, she could no longer see A Lei and Nana who were trembling, but seemed to see General Yoshiaki.Owl of the Day... I'm not an owl—Nonghime involuntarily began to look back on her life. "Don't worry. If something happens, Nobutada will inform you. Go back first." "Yes. I will take my leave first." After the two women retreated, Nong Ji turned to Xinzhong with a smile on her face and said, "This is a lost day owl. What are you going to do with it?" If it was Nobunaga, he would run over and break the intruder's wings without hesitation... Nobunaga blinked his clear eyes, and said to Nohime, "I will let it go quietly." "Why?" "Because father is on the road too." "Oh, you have a heart of kindness." "Bayouwei, that owl can't see anything, it's very pitiful, let it go." Ikoma Hachiemon went to the porch and released the flapping owl. "Report!" Nobunaga's first messenger, Xia Heinai, accompanied by Yabe Zenshichiro, rushed in, sweating profusely, his face covered with dust. "Oh, so it's Hirai. Come and meet Madam." Nobutada urged.Xia Pingnei staggered and rushed forward.Probably due to long riding, his legs had become numb. "Pingnai, quickly submit the battle report." Nobutada urged again. "Yes. My lord traveled from Tsuruga to Kanazaki and Mt. Tetsutsu. When I was about to arrive at Ichijo Valley, I received a letter from Asai Nagamasa, proposing to break off the relationship." "We know what happened to father?" "My lord immediately withdrew from Echizen. There may be a tough battle on the way back to Beijing, so I ordered the villain to come and report to you. You must be ready for battle while you stay behind." Nobutada looked at Nohime and smiled proudly: "We have already prepared Prepared. Don't worry." "But the villain heard on the way that instead of preparing to defend the city, you are going to attack Xiaogu City... Then... please wait until the second messenger arrives—" "Don't worry. We won't leave the city easily. Well, go down and rest!" Noonghime smiled, this is the real couple!She guessed Nobunaga's mind without any misunderstanding. On the second day, April 30th, a second envoy came flying from Sakamoto Castle to report that Nobunaga and his party had safely crossed Kuchiki Valley and were heading for the capital.As Tokugawa Ieyasu expected, Asai and his son never expected that Nobunaga would withdraw his troops so quickly, and did not completely block the way out. Hearing this news, Nohime left Nobutada and returned to the inner court. "Never slack off until your father has instructions." Those rumors that she sent out are undoubtedly making Asai Jun's heart tremble now, because they failed to intercept Nobunaga-an incredible feeling came to Nohime's heart.Nobunaga advances thousands of miles every day when attacking, and retreats like lightning, which is admirable.Asakura's attack did not seem to have the desired effect.Since Nobunaga did not return to Gifu City, but decided to return to the capital, this has been clearly stated. After returning to the inner court, Nohime immediately called the three side rooms into her own room.It has been raining since this morning.The pear blossoms in the courtyard reveal bursts of fragrance in the misty rain. A Lei, Miyuki and Nana came one after another, Nohime looked at them, she didn't hate any of them.They used to be rivals for favor with Nong Ji, which made her jealous, but that has become a distant past. "I have a happy news for you: Your Excellency has safely evacuated Echizen and arrived in Kyoto. You can rest assured." "Ah, safe retreat!" "The Hachiman Bodhisattva is indeed protecting the lord." Miyuki, who used to be Nohime's maid, remained silent, while A Lei and Nana were already jumping with joy.Nohime looked at all this with a smile on her face.These women are not Nohime's enemies, but her handmaidens, so innocent.Not only did they recognize the unshakable status of their wife, Nohime, but they also had no ambitions or doubts about their respective fates. "My lord, why didn't you return to Gifu, but retreated to the capital?" Nana asked. "Yes..." Ah Lei also looked up at Nong Ji.They looked all ears and wanted to hear Nohime explain the details. Nohime smiled and said, "Your Excellency now owns more than Mino and Owari. He should visit His Majesty the Emperor first and then come back." Her tone was calm and her heart was warm.Nobunaga is already a man of the world, and she is his wife.These women are also owls of the day.Thinking of this, she felt extremely happy.