Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen

In the spring of the first year of Tensho, which had a turning point for Tokugawa Ieyasu's fate, Oda Nobunaga was in constant crisis. Takeda Shingen, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, Honganji Mitsusa, Asakura Yoshikage, and Nobunaga's sister-in-law Asai Nagamasa all gathered under the anti-Nobunaga banner, and their power became stronger and stronger.Later, Sasaki's remnant party, Kitabata (zai) Gujiao, Miyoshi Yoshitsugu and Matsunaga Hideo, of course became Nobunaga's enemies.In order to survive the crisis, Nobunaga ran around, thinking hard about how to deal with Takeda.One of the strategies is that Nobunaga sent Oda Sobe to Shingen in the first month to show that he had no second thoughts, but Shingen didn't believe him.As a result, there is only one way to turn the tide: an alliance between Oda, Tokugawa, and Uesugi.Even so, Nobunaga did not have the energy to send reinforcements to support Ieyasu; and how long Ieyasu could resist in the Mikawa area was directly related to Nobunaga's fate.

Just when he was worried, the spy reported: "Takeda Shingen has stopped entering Beijing." Nobunaga didn't believe the authenticity of the news at first. "That old fox is probably plotting again." Judging like this, because the confrontation with Ieyasu was too bitter, Shingen decided to abandon the Mikawa area, and joined forces with Kitabata (zai) Gujiao of Ise, and chose to take a boat directly from Yoshida Sakai City, where it made a forced landing.Like that, Nobunaga's power must be divided into three.One is to deal with the invading army from Mino, one is to guard against Asakura and Asai, and the other is to prevent Takeda from landing...

After making a judgment, Nobunaga immediately went to Beijing.In the siege of Nobunaga, the weakest link is undoubtedly the general Ashikaga Yoshiaki who occupies the capital.The loathsome bastard!Nobunaga Yuanran hated it secretly, but after besieging Ertiao City, he still sent people to show that he had no second thoughts. With Yoshiaki being besieged, the two sides held negotiations.Yoshiaki tried to hold on until Shingen arrived in Beijing smoothly. He pretended to be reconciled and signed an oath with Nobunaga. On the seventh day of April, Nobunaga had already left Kyoto.It is his good strategy to defeat each of them with lightning speed.He sent Sakuma Nobumori and Gamo Ujigo to attack Yoshibi Sasaki, who was guarding Omi Nyue Castle, and he himself went to visit Kinoshita Hideyoshi, who was guarding the fortress of Toromae Mountain, which was built to guard against his sister-in-law Nagamasa Asai.

On the evening of the ninth day of April, the "monkey" Hideyoshi Kinoshita, who already received a salary of 50,000 koku in Nagahama, and his beloved generals Kato Toranosuke, Katagiri Susaku, Fukushima Ichimatsu, and Ishida Sakichi finished the drill to attack Otani Castle, and Hanbei Takenaka was in the process. Commentary. "Fujiyoshi, you did a good job." Nobunaga got off his horse in front of the military tent that had a bird's-eye view of Otani Castle. "Oh, it's my lord." Hideyoshi ran to Nobunaga generously.It's not that he didn't know that Nobunaga had arrived, but he pretended to have just noticed. "Ah, I'm so sorry. Everyone was careless and didn't see the lord has arrived. Toranosuke, Ichimatsu, come quickly."

Hanbei Takenaka and others ran over to say hello to Nobunaga.Nobunaga handed the reins to the attendant, looking at the strong fortress that was built facing Xiaogu Castle, he couldn't help frowning.He wasn't dissatisfied with Hideyoshi's design.Call loudly here, and the people in Xiaogu City can hear it clearly.Thinking of his younger sister and three lovely nieces living there, Nobunaga couldn't help gnashing his teeth with hatred for the confused Nagamasa and his son. "If the weather is fine, you can see Shi Ji and the children from here." Hideyoshi said. "Tokyoshiro, come inside. Hanbei also come here."

"Yes." Hideyoshi was the first to stand up, went into the tent, and moved the support for Nobunaga. "The general seems to have temporarily tucked his tail. I heard that Takeda Shingen has given up his move to Beijing." "Any more news?" Nobunaga took the tea handed over by Hideyoshi's subordinate, Ishida Sakichi, took a sip, and signaled to push everyone away with his eyes, "Hanbei is Hideyoshi's military adviser, stay here, and I want to hear your opinion." Hideyoshi ordered everyone to retreat, leaving only three people in the room. "Takeda Shingen seems to be dead. Is that so, Hanbei?"

Banbingwei lowered his head and said nothing: "I have sent people to investigate his movements after going to Fenglai Temple, and there is no sign that he is still alive." "Oh." Nobunaga's gaze was like a hawk, he looked at Hanbei, then at Hideyoshi, and said, "Ieyasu made a tentative attack in early March?" "Yes. Then Takeda suddenly announced that Shingen had recovered from his illness and sent troops to Mikawa again. He himself sat in Pinggu, built fortresses in the Tewa, Miyazaki and Nagasawa areas, and sent Yamagata Saburo soldiers to attack Yoshida on March 16. city." Hanbei replied.

"How is this move different from before?" "The so-called difference... is the judgment of the Mikawa people. In fact, it's not just the Mikawa people who think this way, right, Hanbei? It is said that Shingen who sits in Hiragu looks younger..." "Hanbei!" Nobunaga said suddenly. "exist." "This is your guess, is that Shingen a stand-in?" Hanbei Takenaka's fair face twitched slightly: "I heard that that is Shingen's fourth cousin Xiaoyaoxuan." Nobunaga hurriedly said: "If Shingen is dead, Hanbei, what should you do? Answer me as Takeda's military advisor!"

Hanbei saluted calmly: "If it were me, I would hide this news and withdraw the team back to Kai." Nobunaga's next question was even more pointed: "Why are you hiding it, Hanbei?" "Because Ieyasu is not an idle person. Ieyasu was unfavorable, and Shingen repeatedly humiliated him. If the news of Shingen's death is known to Ieyasu, they will not be able to return home smoothly. This is one of them." "What about the second one?" "Those daimyos eagerly looking forward to Shingen's entry into Beijing will immediately collapse, and the Lord's power will expand rapidly."

"The third?" "Third, some of the retainers headed by the three parties of the Yama family who temporarily surrendered to Shingen may not accept victory or defeat, and will continue to collapse." "Okay!" the letter head shouted, "That's true, even I will conceal the news of death. Let me ask you again, what is Katsuyori's capacity?" "Not as good as my father, there are two." "What is one?" "age." "second?" "Irritable personality." "Haha," Nobunaga laughed, "When it comes to character, I am much more impatient than him. If you, as a military adviser, hide the news of your death, what will you do next?"

"People must be self-aware. After concealing the news of death, they should quickly withdraw to their home country, abandon Suruga and stick to Koshin and Koshin." "What if Katsura doesn't listen?" "Then the Takeda clan will perish... Hey, I'm going to retire." "What a ruthless person! Did you hear that, Hideyoshi? Hanbei must not be taken lightly." Nobunaga laughed, and then said, "Fujikichi, it's your turn." "yes." "If you were Ieyasu's military advisor, what would you do?" "Confirm Shingen's life and death." "Send spies?" Hideyoshi laughed: "I will guess the mind of the enemy military commander, first spread rumors among the three parties of the Yama family, and take advantage of the situation to attack Suruga." "So, there are two answers?" Nobunaga said, "I still don't know whether Shingen is still alive, or whether Katsuki is stupid or ignorant." "If he is a stupid person, he will be even more flustered after his father dies. He sent people to attack Yoshida Castle... Is it a bluff? You only need to fight against it to know. If I were a military adviser, I would immediately speak to Ieyasu. , let him take action." "Understood! If the two of you are my military advisers, what should I do? Think carefully, otherwise, hum!" Hideyoshi patted his forehead suddenly, and shouted: "My lord!" He laughed happily, but Nobunaga didn't smile, he stared at Hanbei and Hideyoshi with sharper eyes, as if he had made up his mind. "If I were the lord, once it is confirmed that Shingen is dead, I will return to the capital immediately." Hideyoshi looked at Hanbei, full of confidence, "This year is a year that will determine the general trend of the world. Even the Hieizan Temple dared to burn down, why did you allow that bastard Yoshiaki, Hideyoshi, I don't understand." Nobunaga didn't answer, just looked at Hanbei.Banbingwei slowly shook his military fan, and gently closed his eyes.He also seems to be dissatisfied with the pact that Nobunaga and Shogun Yoshiaki made.Nobunaga's face was sarcastically distorted.In fact, he himself thought that this kind of covenant would not last for three months.Once he leaves the capital, Yi Zhao will definitely launch a rebellion immediately.All his life had been such indiscretions. Hideyoshi continued: "My lord is too lenient to the general, but he can't appreciate your kindness. The times are cruel, and the trees with fallen leaves in winter will never spit out buds. Because you can't handle things as you like, the result is defeat. It's justified. , It’s not uncommon in history. I believe that the lord should not care about other people’s criticisms, and should first make up his mind.” Hanbei Takenaka seemed to agree with Hideyoshi’s opinion, and slightly closed his eyes. Nobunaga laughed and said, "Oh, I understand what Fujikichi thinks! So, what should we do next?" "Kick Yizhao out of the capital, and wipe out Hanoi and Setjin." "What about after that?" Nobunaga was also a little startled before he knew it, and closed his eyes.What he really wanted to ask was when to attack the small valley city shrouded in twilight in front of him.Everything is ready now.But the city still lives with my younger sister Ichihime and three nieces... Hideyoshi grasped Nobunaga's mind sensitively.Nobunaga wants to establish a new order in the troubled times.In order to realize this ideal, he has sacrificed too much flesh and blood.Killing the younger brother, punishing the family members, and giving away the children to others, and now, in the chaotic world, the three nieces who don't know the world will be involved in this bloody battle. "Next," Hideyoshi tried to pretend to be in a good mood, "Hideyoshi may be sent to attack Asai and Asakura." "Are you telling me not to fight?" "As long as the lord goes out to fight, Hanbei and I will definitely be able to cut off the connection between them and make the situation better." "Hahaha." Nobunaga laughed suddenly, "Monkey, you are thinking about me. Okay! I have made up my mind. Let our blood be shed in troubled times!" "The lord wants to return to Beijing immediately?" "Who wants to go back to Beijing!" Nobunaga scolded. "This, this..." Hideyoshi couldn't help scratching his head. Said that he was reprimanding Hideyoshi, Nobunaga's face was more like facing Hanbei: "April is here... It's time to harvest the wheat." "indeed so." "Do you think Yi Zhao will endure until the wheat harvest is over and the sowing is over?" Hideyoshi couldn't help but slapped his knee, "That's right! He will definitely take action before the harvest is over." "Before that, I'm going back to Gifu to rest for a while. I'll entrust Mitsuhide with the matter of the capital." Hanbei opened his eyes and finally smiled reassuringly: "Before then, the situation of Yuanjiang and Sanhe will also improve." "Oh, even Hanbei thinks so? If Shingen dies, Ieyasu will be more relaxed than us. Well, until then, you must stick to this place." "That's natural." That night, Nobunaga stayed in the military tent here.The next morning, under the cover of dense fog on the Ane River, he took a few guards to Gifu.The preparations for dealing with Asakura and Asai have been completed, and while looking at the wheat seedlings on both sides of the river, Nobunaga sped towards Gifu City, but there was a heavy shadow in his heart.Facing Shingen's meticulous formation, he could only defeat them one by one.The fighter plane is fleeting. Before the harvest is over, Nobunaga needs to rest his team, first destroy Yoshiaki, and then send troops to Hanoi; if the two nails of Asai and Asakura cannot be pulled out before the autumn harvest, the Maori forces in the central region will rise upon hearing the news. 〖Fifty years of life are like dreams and illusions. There is life and death, what regrets do strong men have? 〗 This is Nobunaga's life.He hoped to wash away the filth of the earth with blood, which should also contain his own blood, and he was not afraid.Ashi, give me your blood, and your children's blood!When he arrived at Senjodai in Gifu, which is shaded by green trees, there was also news of the suffering of his relatives waiting for him. After the left-behind samurai Sugaya Kuroemon reported the lawsuit, Fushi Tokuro and Takano Fujizo reported the financial situation, and when Nobunaga was about to step into the sedan chair, Iga Makoto Inoko hurriedly ran into the inner courtyard and stood on one knee. Kneel down: "I have something to report to the adults." "Okay, come inside." After Nobunaga finished speaking, he went straight to Nohime's bedroom. "Anon, the military assistant has something to say to me. Go and bring some tea." After Nobunaga finished speaking to the well-dressed Nohime, he sat down cross-legged on the porch, "What's the matter?" "I can't bear to read a letter from Okazaki." "From Deji? Okay, tell me." At this time, Nong Ji came up with tea.Nobunaga glanced at his wife: "Anong, come and listen too. Something seems to have happened in Okazaki Castle." Nobunaga sat down four or five feet away from Nobunaga. The assistant put his hands on the floor: "Miss's personal maid reported to my subordinates that the concubine named Changpu that Sanlang Xinkang married seems to be a spy of Kai." "Xin Kang married a concubine?" Nobunaga couldn't help but smile wryly, "I don't want to blame him. Then, what happened to Kai's spy?" He turned his head to look at his wife, and said, "Ah Nong, this can't be caused by De Ji's jealousy, right?" Mrs. Nong tilted her head, silent. "You should also pay attention. Deji is still a child. If she is jealous, you should reprimand her...then what?" "The maid said that Tokuhime hadn't realized that Ayame was a spy. She claimed to be the father of Ayame, and used her identity as a doctor to cling to Ieyasu's wife, and there were signs that Ieyasu's wife was secretly dealing with Kai, so she informed us not to Take it lightly." After Zhuzi Bingsuke said this, he looked at Mrs. Nong, wondering if he should continue. "I want to tell you the original words in the letter." "Oh, but it doesn't matter." "There was a discord between Ieyasu and his wife, so Mrs. Tsukiyama hooked up with Langzhong Jiajing and doted on him very much, it was unbearable... That's how it happened." "Mrs. Ieyasu hooked up with the doctor...hahaha!" Nobunaga laughed boldly, "There is such a thing! Is this what you want to tell me?" "There is another retainer who colluded with Mrs. Ieyasu and Kakyo, and has been colluding with Kai. That person is..." "Wait!" Nobunaga's expression suddenly became serious, "The Tokugawa family and my family are not ordinary relatives. I don't want to hear that person's name. Okay, you step down!" "Yes. I will arrange the actions of my subordinates immediately." Zhuzi Bingzhu said cautiously, moved back two or three steps, and stood up quietly. Nobunaga immediately stood up. "Changing clothes." He said softly, unbuttoning the hakama jacket, looking back at his wife behind him, "Ieyasu's wife is Yoshimoto's niece, right?" "I remember so." "Are women so afraid of being alone in an empty room, Anong?" Mrs. Nong didn't answer. "The little attendant is kind, I think something must have happened. If it were you, what would you do?" "You're teasing people again." Madam said while dressing Nobunaga, "Deji is a child who doesn't calculate, and there is only one servant by her side..." She looked up at Nobunaga who was tying up his belt absently, carefully said. After Xinchang casually changed his clothes, he sat down cross-legged, and couldn't help thinking carefully.Ieyasu rarely stayed in Okazaki Castle.For him, the three cities of Hamamatsu, Yoshida and Okazaki are the whole of his life.He has been desperately guarding these three cities.Of course, the most urgent thing is to capture Nagashino, Sakushou and Tianmine Castle, Kai's portal.They are all guarded by Shanjialan Fangzhong, and most of Ieyasu's thoughts are spent on them, obviously he has no time to take care of the inner court. "Ah Nong, do you think it's possible for something like that to happen?" "It's entirely possible." "Then," Nobunaga continued while flapping his open chest with a fan, "if there is indeed someone among his retainers colluding with Kai, then he must not remain indifferent." "The concubine also thinks that she should not stand idly by." "I deliberately didn't ask that person's name just now, and there's no need to ask. Let's tell Ieyasu about this matter through other channels, and don't let the military assistant talk about it." "Then, De Ji..." "Leave her alone! Things will get complicated if you get involved with De Ji. If someone suspects me of spreading rumors because I love my daughter, it will be bad." After Nobunaga finished speaking, his wife frowned slightly.That's not what she's worried about.After Ieyasu received Nobunaga's report, he would definitely investigate thoroughly. In that case, Tokuhime, who was caught up in this dispute, would inevitably have disputes with Xinyasu of the same age.But if you think too much and too carefully, once you fall into the trap of someone with ulterior motives, things will be even more difficult.Although the little attendant has strong adaptability, De Ji, who grew up in adversity, cannot calmly deal with it. Seeing Mrs. Nong lost in thought, Nobunaga turned his gaze to the courtyard, pretending to be nonchalant and said: "Don't think too much, A Nong. Ashi, Deji, and those attendants are all victims of this era. As long as you can give Troubled times bring peace, so let the blood of my Oda family be sprinkled on the earth as much as I want." The lady glanced at her husband and lowered her head obediently.Her husband's character is so strong and stubborn. Nohime is very clear, probably because of getting older, her husband who has been singing "fifty years of life" since he was seventeen or eighteen years old, even if he sacrifices his life, it is his great wish to establish a new order in this world.When she didn't understand her husband's will, she felt happy; when she understood, she became miserable. Although Noonghime thinks she is an unfortunate wife, but things have come to this point, her only thought is how to spend the short life with her husband. "De Ji's matter, leave it to my concubine. I have my own way." After a long time, Nong Ji whispered. "Ah Nong, you are a smart woman." Nobunaga smiled heartily. It has always been Mrs. Nong's idea to try not to upset her husband with the affairs of the inner court, but the storms of troubled times will always shatter her little wish.What she is most worried about now is the princess of Xiaogu City.Once the two families go to war, what fate will Shi Ji and the three children face? Women cannot escape the war, but they must save the lives of the mother and child no matter what.The matter had already reached Toragomaeyama Fortress through the mouth of Hideyoshi's wife and children who lived in Gifu Castle.Hideyoshi's wife is Ning Ning of the Fujii family known as Yae in the past.After Ning Ning told Hideyoshi what Mrs. Nong meant, Hideyoshi sent a letter, saying that there might be a way to save Shiji's mother and son, but Shiji must be given to him afterwards... Nongji smiled bitterly and was speechless, but she felt relieved.In Hideyoshi's tent, there is Takenaka Hanbei, who is known as a rare resourceful man. If the two of them are willing to save Ichihime's mother and son, they should be safe. Tokuhime of Okazaki was not so lucky, no one can guarantee her rescue.Nong Ji had long heard that De Ji was caught between Mrs. Tsukiyama and Xin Kang, and it was very painful. She never thought that Xin Kang would marry a concubine, and even Takeda's spies had infiltrated it. Taking advantage of Nobunaga's opportunity to attend a banquet in the outer court hall, Nohime called Inoko's assistant again and asked for details. "Bingsuke, you should know the details. Who persuaded Xinkang to marry his concubine?" "I heard it's Mrs. Tsukiyama." "Madam herself..." "Yes. According to the information I got, Mrs. Tsukiyama hates Miss Deji very much." "So, how is Xinkang? How is he treating Miss?" "This……" Bingzhu's words became blurred, "He is still young after all, and he often hears unfounded rumors from people around him—" "You mean the lady is alienated... don't you?" "It's not as harmonious as it used to be." "Oh, I see. But don't tell your lords about it." "Yes. The villain understands." "Also, do you have a suitable candidate who can be sent to Okazaki to accompany the little attendant?" "The villain understands." "Okay. Make sure no one finds out about it. Also, what's the name of the person you mentioned earlier who took refuge in Kai?" "He's a surveyor, named Dahe..." "Dahe," Nohime said to herself, as if she wanted to engrave this name in her heart, "The Tokugawa house is our east door, and nothing big can happen." "yes." "You must protect the young lady... If the young lady encounters misfortune, it will bring a rift between the two families, and how much chaos it will bring to the world. No one can predict. You must explain this truth to the little attendant." Madam Nong sighed softly. Deji and Xinkang are at odds, and her husband has a violent temper. Thinking of this, Mrs. Nongji seems to see that the seeds of tragedy have been deeply planted, and she feels uneasy.