Chapter 20 Chapter 20 The Female Assassin

Tianzheng first year (1573) summer. Deji's maid, Kina, asked two servants to leave Okazaki in a panic with prepared souvenirs, and arrived at Hamamatsu Castle on the evening of the third day. Getting closer and closer to Hamamatsu, Kina's heart trembled, which is really normal.Mrs. Tsukiyama secretly ordered her to assassinate Awan who was about to give birth to Tokugawa Ieyasu, but she still pretended to congratulate Awan as the maidservant of the young wife Tokuhime.If it is said that it was ordered by Mrs. Zhushan, some people may doubt it, but if it is said that it was sent by De Ji, most people will understand.Even when he met Honda Zuzaemon on the way, he reined in his horse and said, "It's so thoughtful, it's hard to be sincere for her."

His expression was serious, but he could still hear the meaning of condolences to her.Xina has repeatedly imagined the situation of assassinating Ah Wan, so there must be no accidents. After passing the beautiful pine forest and the white sandy beach on the seashore, when we are about to arrive in the new city, we can see Hamamatsu immersed in the quiet dusk.Looking at the huge city, Kina held her breath hard, trembling unceasingly.For an eighteen-year-old girl, the role and tasks of "Assassin" are too heavy.Madam once praised her for being outstanding among the maids, and Xina was secretly happy about it, but now, she regretted it.After all, she was too young, and the fear of failure was lingering.

The city gate looks very strong.The ashigaru samurai in battle uniform stood by the door with a serious face, as if he was facing an enemy.When Xina passed the first guard and arrived at Tongtong Gate, the city was already lit up. Ieyasu was not in the city at this time.He had already started to attack Changxiao City on July 19th, and he is currently stationed in Jiujian's Zhongshan Fortress.The troops staying at Hamamatsu Castle are on standby in order to guard against the attack of the Suruga side. Xina was about to pass through the general gate when four guards immediately surrounded him.

"Mrs. Deji from Okazaki sent me to visit Mrs. Awan." "Young Madam sent you to visit Madam Awan?" "Young Madam heard that Mrs. Awan is about to give birth, so she sent me to give condolences." "what is it call?" "I am Xina, the young lady's maid." "Wait." They seemed afraid to make a decision, and one of them immediately ran in to report.After a while, the guards finally let her in, and said, "Send someone to lead her. The city has changed, and it is impossible for a maid to know the way." Xina followed behind the guide and passed through the city gate. A stone in her heart fell to the ground, but her steps became heavy.Even if she succeeded in assassinating Awan according to Mrs. Zhushan's secret order, how could she escape from the heavily guarded city?Anxiety firmly grasped Xina's heart.

After passing through the thick and solid city walls and reaching the steps of the inner court, Xina's footsteps became heavier and heavier.Of course she couldn't tell the two servants.Therefore, they did not have any anxiety or fear, but Xina's psychology was not so pure.The woman to be assassinated is Ieyasu's concubine and is pregnant with Ieyasu's child.If she was killed, Xina would never leave the city alive. There were already five maids waiting at the entrance of the inner court to welcome Kina. "You have worked hard to come here after a long journey." It was Ieyasu's other concubine, Aai, who spoke. Although she had no official status, she was favored by Ieyasu and was in charge of managing the inner court.Xina can't remember how to answer Ah Ai.She found that A'ai had the calmness and elegance that Mrs. Tsukiyama lacked, and her whole body was filled with a gentle and gentle temperament.All this shocked the young Xina and made her head hot.

"Ah Wan is weak and has been staying in the bedroom. If you have anything to say, I will tell her." A'ai, who was dressed plainly, led Xina into the living room.Her quiet speech and demeanor seemed to envelop Kina in a soft air.Kina couldn't help being amazed that it is a young woman's habit to like to compare.She is more beautiful than Awan! "The servant girl came to Mrs. Da Shao Yun to express her condolences." "Yes. I'm all ears." "The young lady said that the young master doesn't have many brothers and sisters. Suddenly hearing that Mrs. Awan is about to give birth is a sign of the family's prosperity. Therefore, I hope to meet up and extend my sincere congratulations..."

"I will tell you exactly what you said." In the shadow of the candle, A'ai smiled softly and bowed her head solemnly. Shina is relieved.But if the other party refuses to let her enter the bedroom, what should I do?She couldn't help feeling flustered.The maids served refreshments.Ah Ai took the gift list brought by Xina and went to Ah Wan's room. "Are you tired?" An older maid said to Kina thoughtfully, "Is Mrs. Tsukiyama from Okazaki okay?" "Yes...not bad." "Madam must be very happy too. Madam Awan was serving by her side."

"Yes... yes. Of course..." Kina casually responded, while touching the dagger at her waist with her hand, she couldn't help holding her breath. For a long time, Ah Ai did not come back.It was gradually getting dark, and the tense atmosphere of combat readiness could be vaguely felt in the silent air.From time to time, the neighing of war horses could be heard, and the sound of crackling firewood was mixed with the talking and laughing of soldiers.Obviously, soldiers were everywhere in the city. "I kept you waiting." Ah Ai finally came back.Behind her were two maids, carrying food.

"Ah Wan is very happy to hear that you are here. Although she is very tired, she still wants to see you in the bedroom. She should dress up a little. You can go after dinner." The most thrilling moment is finally coming.There is no need to think about the question of seeing or not seeing, the question is how to kill her smoothly after meeting.The more Kina thought about it, the more she couldn't calm down.For a while, she felt that she could not go on an empty stomach, fearing that she would not have the strength;Fortunately, the limbs did not feel tired.As long as you don't panic, you should be able to complete the task.But what about after success?Shino couldn't help but worry.She will definitely not be able to get out of the city alive. Since she has made up her mind to die, how can she die?

Undoubtedly, Ah Wan will shout for help when the time comes, but there should be no man who arrives first.Thinking that she might kill Ah Ai together, Xina suddenly became afraid of the woman sitting quietly in front of her.But what made her more painful was what she saw after arriving at Awan's room under the guidance of Aai. Awan's room is very simple, and it is completely different from the inner courtyard of Okazaki Castle.Regardless of the fact that Mrs. Tsukuyama, who often calls herself Imagawa Yoshimoto's niece and likes luxury, is the young wife Tokuhime, because she is Nobunaga's daughter, she also lives in a luxurious house as a matter of course.Compared with the room of the two of them, Awan's residence is not much different from the maid's room.Awan sat in the quilt, her face was paler by the candlelight, and she greeted Xina happily.She looked very weak, with a distended belly, as if a finger could push her down. "I'm really grateful for Mrs. Deji's concern. How is Young Madam?"

"Yes. The young lady is about to give birth, and she misses you very much..." While replying, Xina sneaked a sideways glance at A'ai who was at the door.Ah Ai saluted and stood up, thinking that the light was too dim, she went to get the candlestick. What a time!For some reason, Kina's body trembled violently.What was wrong with this woman in front of her?Thinking of this, Kina couldn't stop trembling. Ah Ai brought a candlestick and placed it between the two of them.The room was brightened up, and Awan's thinness and joy could be clearly seen.She looked unsuspecting.Because she was sent by the young lady, her face was full of joy, and she seemed a little flattered.After conveying the words of congratulations, Xina moved towards Ah Wan. "Please don't be polite." Awan didn't know that Xina was looking for a place to cut the knife, so he raised his hand to persuade Xina. "No, no. Don't do that..." Xina got up and took Awan's hand.She felt that the other party's hands were cold, and she couldn't help but get excited.She decided to kill Awan and commit suicide on the spot. Awan stood up, obediently let Xina hold her hands, and staggered to her chest.At this moment, Kina suddenly pulled out the dagger that was shining with cold light. "Ah..." Xina and Awan screamed at the same time.A Wan was stabbed in the shoulder and almost fell down, the dagger was caught in A Ai's hand.Awan staggered and ran to the back room. "Ah, let go!" Kina struggled crazily when she found that the dagger was caught.In fact, at the moment of the stabbing, Kina had already forgotten the existence of Ah Ai.She thought it was impossible for Aai who was sitting at the door to hear her heartbeat, so she was relieved, but now she was desperate. "Don't shout!" A'ai hugged Xina tightly, reprimanded softly in her ear: "Shouting is not good for you!" She hit Kina hard with her sword.The dagger in Kina's hand jingled and fell on the tatami, and Aai kicked the dagger away forcefully.Ah Wan doesn't seem to know what Xina wants.She froze, trembling all over. "Awan, don't make a sound." Ai said while holding Kina firmly, "Master Honda Zuzaemon has already expected this, let him judge." There was a soft coughing sound from outside the door , Then, a big hand stretched out from the left side of the corridor and picked up Kina's dagger.That person was Honda Zuakuzaemon. He was wearing a battle uniform, a square scarf, and straw sandals, and he came to the lamp.He didn't look at A Wan, but just said to A Ai: "Okay, let her go." After finishing speaking, he silently sat down by the door and said emphatically, "Are you the youngest daughter of Fujikawa Hisei? I don't even know who your father is, let alone the purpose of your coming here. You have to be serious Bring it on, don't hide it." Xina was let go by Ah Ai, and her body shook.Caught between Zuo Zuo and A Ai, she couldn't help but fell to the ground, crying bitterly. "This matter is difficult." After a while, Zuo Zuo pouted at A Ai.He obviously wanted to find out the truth, but he didn't want to let Ah Wan know, so he gave Ai a wink and signaled Ah Ai to take Ah Wan away.Ah lovingly helped Ah Wan up.Awanru was in a dream, in a trance, trembling all over, and felt a little hot. "What on earth does she want? She..." "I'll figure it out later, go to my room first." A'ai said, helping Awan out of the room. I don't know where the owl's cry came from.As if it was a signal, Xi Nai stopped crying immediately.Her eyes were red, her pale lips trembled violently, as if she was extremely excited, she wanted to say something but couldn't. "Oh, what did you say?" Sakusa approached Kina, "Your sister seems to be serving Mrs. Tsukiyama, right?" When Xi Nai heard this, her emotions suddenly poured out. "Kill me. Kill me, the unfaithful!" "Oh, you said you were unfaithful?" "Yes. Because I want to kill my lord's concubine." "Since I want to die, I will kill you, but not now." Zuo Zuo scolded softly, clicking his tongue helplessly, "I want to hear your excuse. Who sent you to assassinate Mrs. Awan?" of?" "Don't ask. Kill me!" "No. If you don't tell me, I will immediately arrest your sister and father." Zuo Zuo said.Kina muttered to herself dumbfoundedly.Zuo Zuo pretended to have no intentions and said: "You are not a woman who can be an assassin. The one who sent you to kill Ah Wan will definitely not be the young lady, she will not be so confused. Right?" "Yes Yes." "Your father was always faithful. He wouldn't know your actions, would he?" "Yes... yes. Father... father doesn't know anything." "I have seen your sister two or three times at Mrs. Zhushan's place. Although I can't tell the difference between adultery and adultery, she is quite educated and looks like a loyal, serious and pure woman. Therefore, it should not be your sister's instigation." Kina leaned towards Tsukuru's left knee.It was evident that she was very much afraid of harming her family through her own faults. "Yes. My sister is definitely not a disloyal person." "Hmph!" Zuo Zuo nodded heavily, and suddenly changed his tone, "Do you know Mrs. Tsukuyama and the lord are at odds?" "This... this... I don't know." "Do you know or not? Your answer will directly affect my judgment. You have to calm down and answer honestly. Listen, this will be your last words." Hearing this, Kina quietly moved away from Tsukuru's left knee.She no longer trembled, as if ready to die.The pale tranquility made her face look very stern. "The slaves know that they have a bad relationship." "If you don't know, you're an idiot, and you won't be able to be a job. Which one of them do you think is right? Just speak your mind." "I'm sorry..." Xina quietly lowered her body, "This servant thinks the lord is also at fault." "I don't think so!" Zuo Zuo suddenly said, as if he didn't mean to explain, "So, you decided to obey Madam's order?" "Yes. What your lord has done is too cruel to Madam..." "Really? Okay, I understand. If I let you go, what will you do? You will run back to Okazaki Castle and report to Mrs. Tsukiyama that you have failed?" Kina didn't realize that the mastermind had been named, "No, slaves can't do that." She replied clearly, "I'll kill myself on the way." "Oh." Zuo Zuo looked at the courtyard, "Listen, I have something to tell Mrs. Tsukuyama." "Yes Yes." "Calm down first, listen up...just say you've arrived in Hamamatsu Castle." "yes." "But when you arrived, Awan was no longer in the city." "It's because of her that I..." Zuo Zuo suddenly widened his eyes and shouted angrily, "Shut up! Simple-minded woman!" "Yes Yes." "You were overtaken by me once on the way, right?" "Yes. In Akasaka." "At that time, I knew why you came. Your straw sandals were in tatters, indicating that you were in a panic. If it was an ordinary messenger, how could the straw sandals be broken from the front?" "..." "Listen. When you arrived in Hamamatsu Castle, Awan had already moved to the residence of the retainers outside the city. Therefore, you had no choice but to hand over the gift to the maid in the inner court and me, and then went back... Just report like this, understand clearly ?” "Yes... so, how do you deal with me?" "I should have killed you. But that would harm your family. What a bastard!" After finishing speaking, Tsukuru casually clapped his hands and called the servants, "Go and call Ai. I have already made a verdict. Let her Bring Ah Wan here." Xina was crying just now. A'ai and Awan came to the room, but Xina didn't look up for a while. Although "Ghost Zuo" scolded her severely, he tried every means to save Xina's life, and finally touched the heart of the eighteen-year-old girl. "Mrs. A'ai and Mrs. Awan, you also listen to me today." Zuo Zuo said to A'ai and Awan who were sitting behind Xina, "No matter what you do, you must think of the Lord and the child who is about to be born. For your own sake. I don’t want this matter to reach the ears of the lord.” Awan seemed to have heard everything in the room next door, and said softly: "I have no objection to letting Master Zuo handle it." Aai also lowered her head quietly: "Master Honda, please continue to give instructions." "The battle of a lifetime is within this month. My lord is already exhausted from taking care of so many things. I can't let him know about it, let alone other maids. So, I decided to transfer Mrs. Awan to the other places." "other places?" "Yes, I don't need to repeat it. This kind of thing is not allowed to happen again. I will leave with her... I hope you can understand." "Where's Awan?" Hearing Ah Ai's question, Ah Wan covered his abdomen with his hands and expressed his agreement with his eyes: "Everything is for the child, please tell me." Sakuzaemon stood up slowly. "You have to take corresponding actions." He said to Kina, "You are so involved in this matter. After you go back, say that you arrived in Hamamatsu City after we transferred." "Yes... yes. No... thank you very much." "Mrs. Ai. This is the honest daughter of Fujikawa Hisei. She accepted a stupid mission and was trembling with fear. She was delayed on the way, and when she arrived at Hamamatsu Castle, Awan had already moved. All this It's her luck...or the child who is about to be born is lucky...you can say it like this." "yes." "Xinai will stay at your place tonight. Tomorrow morning, you will send this young lady's emissary out of Hamamatsu City." "yes." "Other things will be dealt with later, but the safety of the child must be ensured first. I will arrange the sedan chair and attendants. During this period, Mrs. Awan will leave it to Mrs. Ai." After speaking, Tsukuzaemon quickly turned and left, disappearing Among the dappled green trees. "Is your name Xina?" Seeing Zuo Zuo leave, Awan finally asked.The emotion that had been desperately controlled finally broke out, and her pointed face was as pale as window paper. "Ms. Tsukiyama hates me so much, what a monster! It's a snake! Don't you think so?" Kina kept silent, just kowtowed continuously. "Why didn't you answer? Why did you pretend to be the envoy sent by Mrs. Deji?" Seeing Awan trembling with excitement, Aai persuaded calmly: "Don't hurt yourself, take care." Ah Ai is very clear where Zuo will transfer Ah Wan.It must be Genzaemon Nakamura's house in Ubumi, Yuta Village.When this castle was still the residence of Iio Fengmamoru, Nakamura Genzaemon was Hamana Mori.Zuo Zuo's decision to send Awan there was not entirely to save the life of the little girl in front of him. "This year will be the year that will determine my destiny." Ieyasu expressed his heart before attacking Changxiao City wholeheartedly.Ah Ai believes that the way of being left is to support and cooperate with Ieyasu.Ie-kang only has two children, Sin-kang and A-gui. If something happens, it will be out of control, so Zuo Zuo persuades A-ai to serve Ie-kang. If Hamamatsu City becomes a battlefield, then Awan and the child in her belly may fall into the hands of the enemy and become hostages.It is of course best to be safe and sound; but Tsukuru made the worst plan, so he chose Nakamura Genzaemon's house, which has been living here since Iio Bundomamori, as Awan's hiding place, which can be called a wise move .Even if Ieyasu had to give up Hamamatsu Castle in the end, Genzaemon was the only reliable candidate to protect Ieyasu's descendants.But Awan didn't seem to understand the deep meaning of Zuo Zuo. Under the urging of A Ai, A Wan finally leaves Hinai, but it seems that the lingering hatred has not disappeared. "My lord's child can't be born in my lord's city...I really want to tear her apart." Awan said while tightly strangling his stomach with the belt that Aai handed over. Zuo Zuo quietly appeared in the courtyard again: "The sedan chair has been prepared. Please hurry up." "As Zaemon-sama, does Awan have to go?" Zuo Zuo suddenly emphasized his tone: "For the child who is about to be born, for the lord...of course, also for you, we must go!" "Aai, please tell my lord..." Awan seemed to want Aai to convey his farewell to Jiakang.She looked at A'ai mournfully, and trembled down the steps.Sakuzaemon supported Awan's shoulder and said, "Mrs. Aai, I will leave the rest to you." A'ai lowered her head silently, she suddenly felt terrified.Is Awan resenting me?No way.She has always considered Awan in everything, and Awan has always trusted her very much. The figures of the two disappeared into the bushes, and the sedan chair was quickly carried away.Seeing them go away, Ah Ai came to Xina's side and said, "Don't cry. The matter is over." Her white hand lightly rested on Xina's shoulder.Kina cried even harder.Perhaps there is a sense of reassurance and trust in A'ai. "Okay, it's over." "Yes Yes." "Come on, wipe away your tears and tell me about Okazaki Castle." As Aai said, she stretched out her hand to turn on the light, and the room suddenly brightened.At this time, the cry of the owl came from nowhere. "There are owls in Okazaki Castle..." "Yes, yes..." Xina hurriedly stood up, wiping her tears earnestly, still crying, "But once there are more owls, the other birds will stop coming. So the young lady hates them very much." "Oh, the owl chased away the little bird..." A'ai listened to Xina's words and wondered whether she was an owl or a little bird.Perhaps, he is a much crueler owl than Awan.Because ever since Awan knew that Jiakang was in love with Aai, her eyes gradually became panicked.Probably because A'ai's gentle and quiet nature surpassed her. "Whether people or birds, there are many kinds." "yes." "There are traitors like Mrs. Tsukiyama, and there are also Awan..." When Ah Ai said this, she hurriedly stopped.She wanted to say that there are people like Ah Wan, who pitifully get close to Ah Ai who should hate because they are afraid of being neglected by Jiakang.She thought that such words might not be understood by an eighteen-year-old girl, so she put them aside. "Young madam, is it because she is kind-hearted that she is worried that the little bird will not come again?" "Yes, but Lady Calamus..." "Ms. Calamus?" "Yes. She is the young master's concubine." "Well, I heard that the young master married a concubine. How big is Calamus?" "Fifteen." "So, how is the young lady feeling?" "When the young master doesn't come to the young lady's room, she folds the paper cranes alone." Ai smiled and nodded.She seemed to see a fifteen-year-old principal who was being favored by a fifteen-year-old concubine and was stacking paper cranes alone.Such is the fate of women.But if you resist willfully, you may become more miserable like Mrs. Tsukiyama. "Are you serving the young lady?" "yes." "Why do you obey Mrs. Zhushan? I don't understand." A'ai suddenly asked a crucial question and smiled softly.Ask questions without hesitation. Hana's face stiffened.Ah Ai's gentleness made her unable to lie. "Yes. This..." She faltered, "In the beginning, it was Madam's order." "You mean Mrs. Tsukiyama ordered you to serve Mrs. Deji?" "Yes. Because the young lady is the young lady of the Oda family and is the enemy of the lady, the lady asked me to watch her carefully." "Madam really told you that?" "Yes. My sister is serving my wife." Ah Ai couldn't help being cold all over.Mrs. Zhushan's crazy jealousy didn't just vent on Awan, she even set her sights on Deji. "So, Xi Nai, you..." Aai tried hard to put a smile on her face, "This kind of thing must never reach the ears of adults, only you and I know." "That's natural..." Shina nodded, staring at the flickering candlelight with tearful eyes. It seems that the wind is blowing, and the sound of the distant tide is mixed with the sound of the wind blowing on the treetops. Why does Mrs. Tsukiyama hate De Ji so much?Ah Ai seemed to suddenly remember something, and continued to ask: "So, the calamus was also recommended by the lady to the young master?" "Yes. She often tells us... I hope that Calamus will give birth to a baby boy for the young master before the young lady..." "Is your young lady about to have a baby?" "Yes...so, Madame often summons monks to hold pujas to pray." "Pray for the safe birth of the child?" "Pray that the young lady will not give birth to an heir." Ah Ai shuddered.Madame is already crazy, that's all she can judge.Deji is pitiful, and Xinkang is also pitiful.If this matter reaches the ears of Nobunaga, the father of Tokuhime in Gifu City, I am afraid that he will never let it go. I heard that Nobunaga has a very violent personality. "Kina, you can sleep with me tonight. The topic just now—" "just now……" "It's about Mrs. Tsukiyama summoning monks to pray, and never disclose it to others." "Yes Yes." "If it spreads to Gifu City, it will not be good for the adults or the young master." Kina quietly lowered her shoulders and nodded.