Chapter 21 Chapter Twenty-One

The bonfire at night in early autumn attracted countless bugs.The little bugs were attracted by the bonfire, flew over one after another, and landed at their feet.Ieyasu sat on the bed table, staring at the bugs closely. The time to launch a general attack on Changxiao City is getting closer.The first round of attack was chosen on July 20th of the first year of Tianzheng. Ieyasu ordered countless rockets to be fired at Erdao City, setting it on fire, but it was only to test the enemy.It is certain that Shingen is dead, but Kai is still very strong, and he must not wait until winter to fight them.Kai's enemy Uesugi Kenshin is often trapped by the ice and snow in the northern country and cannot go to harass him, so Katsuyori has no worries in winter.Ieyasu must attack Nagashino Castle before the Mid-Autumn Festival and disrupt the Kai army's position.At present, Ieyasu's main formation is arranged in the formation of Shiozawa Village.

"My lord, do you want to rest for a while? The annex of Kuma Castle has also calmed down." From behind the fringed miscanthus bushes, the face of Okubo Tadayo quietly appeared. "I heard that Tsukuru returned to Hamamatsu." Ieyasu carelessly fiddled with the bugs at his feet with his horsewhip, "I'm very worried about Xinyasu." He blurted out, "Go and rest first." Tadashi shook his head slowly: "The Okubo family has no family motto of resting before the lord." "So, you're here to urge me to sleep?" "you could put it that way."

"Do you think anyone will come tonight?" "This..." Tadashi tilted his head and sat down opposite Ieyasu, "Probably the emissary of the young master who successfully captured Ashusuke Castle." Ieyasu glanced at Zhongshi and smiled wryly. "Then, maybe Hamamatsu will have good news." "Happy news?" "Mrs. Awan is about to give birth. The young master has no brothers. I hope it will be a boy." Ieyasu smiled wryly again, "You also have the same idea, but that's not what I'm waiting for." "Then you—"

"I'm waiting for the key to capture Changxiao City." "Oh?" Zhong Shi opened his eyes wide in surprise, "I don't know." "What time is it?" "It's almost Haishi." "Oh? It's so late. I hope there will be no accidents." Zhong Shi silently added firewood to the bonfire, he knew very well who Ieyasu was waiting for, so he came to protect him.Ieyasu also understood Zhongshi's thoughts, so he didn't deliberately avoid him.Suddenly, there was a commotion near the wooden fence.Ieyasu was giving orders to "go and have a look", Zhong Shi had already walked towards the noisy place.

"I'm not a spy, let me see Mr. Jia Kang." "It's so late, you are not a spy, what else can you be? Report your name, report your name!" Outside the fence, four or five ashigaru warriors were surrounding a black figure, shouting into a ball.Zhong Shi strode over and stood in front of the man. The man was thin and thin, wearing coarse clothes, with a hatchet hanging on his waist, like a commoner working in the fields.But with his sharp eyes and free and easy demeanor, one can tell at a glance that he is not an ordinary person. "Wait, he may be the guest the lord has been waiting for for a long time." Zhongshi stopped all the warriors and asked sharply, "Are you from the Opin family?"

"Your Excellency is..." "Okubo Shichiroemon Tadyo." The man still had a serious face: "My humble Natsume Goro Zaemon Harasada." "I'll introduce you. Please follow me." Natsume saluted, but said nothing.He is the vassal of Okping Mei Zuoshou Zhenneng, who pretends to take refuge in Kai and is now in Zuo Techeng.He obviously came here under the secret order of Zhenneng, so he had to hide his eyes and ears.Ieyasu didn't even want the bodyguard to know about it. When he came to Ieyasu, Natsume Goro said as expected: "Please screen the others away." He looked at Zhongshi and was not polite.

"No." Zhongshi replied, "I will never step away from the lord. Don't worry, sometimes, I don't have ears or mouth." Ieyasu chuckled and said, "Is that okay, Goro?" "Since you don't mind, why not?" "Okay, Zhongshi, you watch around and don't let anyone approach." After Ieyasu finished speaking softly, he said hard to Goro. Gorozuo solemnly knelt down on one knee in front of Ieyasu: "I will stop being polite and get straight to the point. It is imperative for your lord to attack Nagashino. The Takeda family keeps invading the Mikawa and Yuanjiang areas."

"Oh? Who are they?" "Those who attacked Mikawa were Takeda Saomasuke Nobutoyo and Tsuchiyaemon Yushoji of Kurose, and the attackers were Amarizaemon Wei Changchu; Attacking Yuanjiang, they set up formations around Senxiang, intending to capture Kakegawa and Hamamatsu." "Then what about Katsurai?" "My lord didn't mention him." "Oh. So, he intends to stay and deal with the Echigo Army. Any other news?" Ieyasu closed his eyes slightly and urged, Natsume Goro suddenly moved forward, "It is reported that Takeda Nobutoyo and Tsuchiya Masaji of Kurose will send troops to Shitarahara to cut off your retreat, and attack front and back."

"Front and back attack?" Ieyasu couldn't help opening his eyes, and leaned out suddenly.If the connection with Hamamatsu Castle is cut off, he will be defeated.That's why he secretly dispatched Ao Pingmeizuo to investigate the enemy's movements. Now it has been proved that his worries are not unfounded. "Oh, they really want to do that?" "Yes. My lord thinks...they want to isolate Hamamatsu, Yoshida, and Okazaki, and then attack them one by one." "Not bad." Ieyasu nodded, his expression returned to normal.If he is in a panic at this time, it will only lead to Okping Misaku's hesitation, and maybe he will really take refuge in Kai.In tough times, it is imperative to remain calm.In fact, the Kai army has already invaded the main castle of Kameyama Castle, where Misaku Okuhei is in charge. The general is Amarizaemon Wei Changzhong, and the supervising army Hatsune Kanodenemon.Forced to dedicate the city to the enemy and retreat to Erdao City, Meizuo is undoubtedly looking forward to Jiami's victory. "For the enemy's actions, your master should also have countermeasures, let's hear it."

"Please forgive me..." Natsume Goro's left eyes were burning, "I want to ask your lord something first." "Is this what you mean, or what your master said?" "This is the meaning of everyone in the family." "But it doesn't matter." "If we win, can we guarantee that we have the old collar?" "Oh, don't worry, your people have always supported Meizuo." "Second, I hope that your lord will betroth the young lady to our young master Zhenchang." "Agui betrothed to Zhenchang?" Ieyasu gently closed his eyes.This matter has already been mentioned to Mrs. Tsukiyama and Agui, but both of them strongly objected by coincidence.

"How?" Goro Zuobi asked, "If my lord can agree to these two conditions, my lord will definitely help you in this battle, even if you sacrifice your life." Ieyasu closed his eyes and nodded, "What will he do?" "He will make people spread the word that he has two hearts for Kai." "Does it make people think that he is interested in my Jiakang?" "Exactly. That way, neither Lieutenant Amari Zaemon, who lives in Sakute Castle, nor Takeda Samasuke Nobutoyo, who lives in Kurose, will dare to act rashly. At that time, my lord can use his hands and feet with confidence." Ieyasu nodded, although Agui's extremely reluctant face kept appearing in his mind, he still said firmly: "Misaku wants to sacrifice her life for me? Well, not only Agui, I will also present 3,000 new collars as a lady dowry." Natsume Goro Saemon Harasada leaned out suspiciously: "Not only will you marry the young lady, but also give us a new territory?" "Yes, I can't help showing Misaku's loyalty." "Thank you, my lord." Goro Zuo immediately lowered his head in respect, and was still crying.Ieyasu is very aware of Gorozuo's pain.Because, as a member of the three parties of the Yama family, the lord of the castle, Okuhira Misaku Shou Zhenneng, was also troubled by the division of his retainers: some people thought they should rely on Ieyasu, while others expressed their allegiance to Takeda, so the family was divided into two factions.Those who believe that they should be loyal to Takeda believe that Shingen is still alive, while those who want to take refuge in Ieyasu believe that Shingen is dead. Ieyasu couldn't be more aware of this, so in addition to letting people spread the news of Shingen's death, he also sent secret envoys to Zhenno.Being cautious by nature, he decided to attack Nagashino Castle in mid-August after confirming that Shingen was dead.He also sent people to declare that he, Tokugawa Ieyasu, would never harass the people with unrighteous teachers, let alone hurt the vassals who acted.Most people think that Ieyasu regarded Zhenno as an ally from the beginning, but in fact, it was the emissary who first grasped Zhenno's displeasure at the invasion of the Takeda army. Even so, the retainers did not regard Ieyasu as their own, such as Natsume Goro, they were suspicious of Ieyasu.He insisted on asking Jiakang to marry Agui to Zhenchang, also in order to test Jiakang's heart. Seeing Goro left crying, Ieyasu signaled Okubo Tadayo with his eyes to come over and add firewood. "Since you are an important minister of the American writer, you should know who the hostage the Okheira family sent to the Takeda family is?" Wu Langzuo seemed ashamed of his sadness, and said with a smile, "It's very clear. It's the young master Zhenchang's wife, Afeng." "how old?" "Fifteen……" Goro Zuo emphasized his tone, "We don't want to abandon Young Madam and marry Miss A Gui. Since we are allies, we need to strengthen our kinship. This is the wish of everyone in the family." "But once you form an alliance with me, the Takeda family will kill the young lady." “We have prepared for that and we have taken measures accordingly.” "Corresponding measures?" "We pretended to let the adopted daughter of the same clan, Ohei Liubingwei, Afeng, marry the young master, and then sent her there." "That is to say, the person sent here is not the real young lady?" "Yes. Since we are allies, let's tell the truth. In fact, Afeng is my daughter, but she is also Liubingwei's adopted daughter..." Goro left his mouth shut and laughed. Ieyasu nodded slightly, he finally understood why Gorozuo burst into tears.If Zhenneng could be Ieyasu's internal support, the young and vigorous Katsuyori would most likely kill Afeng in a fit of anger. Wulang Zuo suddenly said again: "I hope my lord will not think that I was weeping for my daughter's tragic fate just now." "I know. But even if you cry for your daughter, I won't laugh at you." "Forgive me." "Gorozaemon, war is so cruel." "yes." "Not only the warriors are fighting to the death, but also the women and the citizens." "yes." "When Afeng went to Kai, he was still a girl, right?" "Yes. When we explained the whole story to her and asked her to pretend to be the Young Madam... After listening to her, she comforted her crying mother, saying that she had dedicated herself to the family and that she deserved her death, and then she embarked on this road of no return." "Hey! As expected of your daughter, what a strong woman! Zhongshi, bring me some paper." Jiakang's eyes flashed the shadows of Agui and Afeng from time to time, and he was full of guilt.Agui, Afeng, forgive me, one day, I will let women in the world live a peaceful life.For that day, you... took the pen and ink, and Ieyasu did not hesitate to write down the oath of marrying Agui and donating three thousand pieces of land to the master.Gorozaemon also took out the blood-stamped affidavit of Misaku Okuhei, and handed it to Ieyasu. After Goro left, Ieyasu got up from the table and walked around the campfire.From time to time, insects would jump into the fire, and the sound of insects could be heard intermittently.The stars twinkle in the night sky.The enemy wanted to cut him off from Hamamatsu Castle, and it was a ruthless move, and Ieyasu would do the same.Must rely on internal response... Okahira Misaku deliberately publicized the matter of collusion with Ieyasu in order to hold back the Takeda Army.During this period, should they withdraw to Hamamatsu, or attack Nagashino Castle in one fell swoop?After Zhongshi came back, Ieyasu was still thinking hard: "Zhongshi, what would you do if it were you?" "What is it?" "Should we take advantage of the situation to attack Changxiao Castle, or withdraw to Hamamatsu?" "The matter has come to this, why are you talking about retreating?" Zhong Shi patted the handle of his saber. Ieyasu stared at Zhongshi closely, and sat down on the bed.Zhongshi is still relentless. "The young master is approaching Wujiecheng from Assuke. We must not give the enemy a chance to breathe. The master just said himself that he is waiting for a good opportunity to attack Nagashio. Isn't this opportunity coming?" "good." "It's a great time. We must not let more reinforcements come to Changxiao City. The city has run out of food." Ieyasu smiled and said, "Oh, now is a good opportunity?" Although he was still not at ease with Okping Misaku, he did not doubt Okping's loyalty. Katsuyori pushed the army to the Mikawa area, because he didn't want Ieyasu to take Nagashino Castle.Ieyasu vaguely felt that Takeda's retainers headed by Takeda Nobutoyo, including Tsuchiya Shoji, Amari Masataka, etc., might easily see through Misaku's strategy, immediately wash Zuotejo, and then quickly cut off Ieyasu's contact with Hamamatsu and Yoshida.Although he trusted Misaku's character, he was worried about the strength of the Takeda family. "Zhongshi, what's your opinion on Ao Ping Meizuo?" "My lord's words are so strange. Isn't the key to attacking Changxiao, is how to control the three parties of the Shan family? For this reason, you even Miss Agui..." "Wait, don't mention this." Ieyasu smiled wryly, "I'm asking you whether he has the ability to stop Takeda's reinforcements." "That's even more puzzling." Zhongshi frowned deliberately, "If the Lord thinks he doesn't have this ability, why did you give him the affidavit?" "Oh. So you think he has the ability?" "The key is not strategy, but human nature." "Oh. Meizuo is worthy of trust." "Since you trust him, you should seize the opportunity. According to the emissary, Misaku deliberately let people spread the news that he has dissatisfaction with the Takeda family, so as to attract the attention of the enemy and restrain them. The lord can take this opportunity to attack quickly. Nagashino, and strengthen your defenses... This is how I understand it." "That's right." Ieyasu said, as if he suddenly remembered something, looked up at the moon, and stood up.Under the moonlight on the 18th, the Yulian, Myoshin, Baicang and other mountains were like a dream. "The next two days will determine the outcome." "The battle is going to get fiercer." "You said just now that you should seize the opportunity. Tadashi, I want to get a good night's sleep. Go to Sakai Zaemon Ou Tadaji, Matsudaira Uenosuke Yasuchu, and Suganuma Shinhachiro and tell them that I will be at the front of the battle at dawn to boost morale. .” "Understood." Zhong Shi patted his knee and nodded. "Saburo is probably looking at the moon too. It's a beautiful moonlit night." Ieyasu slowly walked back into the tent.The thick fog filled the air, and the people, houses, trees, and valleys seemed to be covered with a layer of milky white veil, and the neighing of war horses could be heard from time to time in the fog.This is Kameyama Castle in the northwest of Nagashino. Because the general of the Takeda family, Amarizaemon Wei Changzhong, and his main force entered the castle, the lord of the castle, Okuhira Misaku, and his son, Zhenchang, had to retreat to Nido Castle.Zhen Neng, who is used to getting up early, has already come to the courtyard, playing with guns.Two years ago, Sakushou Castle was occupied by Takeda Shingen, and Zhenneng was forced to surrender.It is a great shame for this stubborn warrior who grew up in a mountain city.Zhen Neng Wu is short in stature, but with broad shoulders and a raised chest, he looks very strong, and his long eyebrows seem to be covered with a layer of severe frost.With a roar, he raised his spear to stab the sky, and then retracted it with lightning speed. "Report!" "What's the matter? If you eat and wash up, we'll talk about it later. I haven't finished my morning exercise yet." "Natsume Goro Zaemon, please see me." "Goro Zuo? Let him come here." Zhen Neng said in his mouth, but did not intend to stop.Gorozaemon came over soon, and seeing Misaku practicing with a gun, he went straight to the courtyard.After taking off yesterday's casual clothes, Gorozuo in military uniform looked radiant, even more energetic than Meizuo. "My lord, I have returned safely." "That's natural. If my retainers can't come and go freely in this area, what else can they do? How about it, have you got the oath from Ieyasu-sama?" "Please look." Goro knelt down on one knee and took out the affidavit, before Misaku stopped, "Oh, it's very refreshing to marry the young lady and offer three thousand lands." "Yes. He said that Meizuo's loyalty must be repaid." "Oh? Loyalty?" A smile finally appeared on Zhenneng's face, "Gorozaemon, this is not loyalty, but integrity." "backbone?" "Keep your voice down. This is the first time in my life that I have bowed my head to the Takeda family. What a disgrace! Do you understand? I cannot shame future generations. It is so good. Married to Tokugawa Mikawa Morie Yasuyuki Daughter, I can't be regarded as a retainer, I have become Ieyasu's in-laws. For this reason, I have to fight bravely and humiliate me even a little bit." Misaku said while putting the affidavit into his pocket.His face twitched and his eyes narrowed. "Gorozaemon, the time for my bloody battle has finally come." After Gorozaemon left, Misaku suddenly corrected his posture and bowed three times to the sky.The world will definitely say that Okping and his son took refuge in Ieyasu.Let people judge!Once Ieyasu's only daughter, Agui, was married into the family, whether people thought it was a marriage or held hostages from the Tokugawa family, the Okupira and Tokugawa clans were already closely linked. "The next step is the key." He put away his spear, walked around the corridor, and walked to the room of his son Zhenchang, who was about to become Tokugawa's son-in-law. Jiubalang Zhenchang is playing with Yi Gua under the south window of the academy. "Jiubalang, how is the hexagram today?" Jiubalang didn't even raise his head: "My son thinks...he should be able to succeed." "Will it be difficult?" "meeting." "That's natural. There's nothing so easy. Is the hexagram still as capricious as when divination for Shingen's death?" Zhen Neng said, took out Ieyasu's affidavit from his pocket, and put it on the hexagram.Zhenchang looked at it blankly and remained silent. "When the time comes, we may have to say goodbye for a while." "Father, please be careful. Nobutoyo Takeda of Kurose is quite good at using firearms." "That's natural. But the people who colluded with Hoikawa took the initiative to publicize that they were in collusion with the Tokugawa family. This kind of law that violates common sense may not be understood by the Takeda family. This is also a good strategy. Haha." Misaku laughed softly. "Father, they may ask us to hand over more hostages." Zhenchang was very worried that the Takeda family would threaten the Okheira family with more hostages. "Is this what the hexagrams show?" "Yes. Things may not be that simple..." "I know. You don't have to worry. Even if I don't come back, as long as Changxiao City is captured, we have achieved our goal. As long as they are worried about Zuoshoucheng, they can't send troops to support Changxiao. You call Liubingwei to come. one trip!" "You want to take Liubei with you?" "I don't worry about other people. If I take Liubingwei with me..." The father and son smiled knowingly. "Listen, you must polish your weapons." "clear." "If you hear news of my accident, it will be a signal; if I come back safely, you must be prepared." "My child must prepare carefully." "Protect your family and make sure they retreat safely. If you don't handle it properly, you will be laughed at by Ieyasu. You are already his son-in-law, and this matter will determine your life." Zhenchang nodded with a smile, and Okuhei Liubei suddenly rushed in panic came in. "Six soldiers! What's the matter? You're so flustered." Misaku frowned and scolded, "How can a man who has passed his forty years make such a fuss?" Liubei still couldn't calm down, he shook his head violently: "Takeda Nobutoyo from Kurose has come straight to the operator, and Amari Zaemon has also hurriedly sent envoys to come." "I'm waiting for them. They probably suspect that I'm having an affair with Tokugawa." "Exactly. They asked the Lord to go to Kurose's tent immediately." "I know! So I'm discussing with Zhenchang whether to take you with me. I didn't expect you to be so flustered..." "My lord, you can be so calm, but things are not as simple as you expected. Because the other party has to make a decision after the generals deliberate, so I asked you to bring a hostage there." "What?" Hearing the word hostage, Misaku looked at his son Zhenchang, "There's no need to panic." He sighed, "Who exactly do they want as a hostage?" "Madame and young master Chimaru." "Senmaru and Madam?" Misaku's voice trembled, but he quickly laughed again, "Hahaha, is that right? I didn't expect the Takeda family to have such a scheming person. But don't panic. Zhenchang has already predicted it." "It has been shown in the hexagram..." "That's right. Okay, call Chimaru here. Madam is sick in bed, and if they need it, they can hand it over at any time. Ask Kuroya Jinkuro to accompany Chimaru, and I will go first." "Father." Zhenchang couldn't help shouting, but Misaku didn't listen at all.The hostages sent this time will be the same as Afeng sent last time, and I am afraid that they will all go to a dead end.But if he hesitated at this time, he would be sorry for Ieyasu, and it would be bad for the battle situation, because Ieyasu had already given the order to attack Nagashino Castle. In exchange for the three thousand new territory with the life of the youngest son, Misaku's chest became hot: "Call Kuroya Jinkuro and Senmaru over here." "Yes." Okping Six Soldiers stood up in shock.Meizuo always walks the talk.But what kind of chaos is this!Misaku had a son in his later years, the thirteen-year-old Chimaru is his treasure. This son is outstanding in reading and calligraphy, and his martial arts are extraordinary, especially in archery, almost no one in the family can match.Chimaru's appearance is the most outstanding among the brothers, and coupled with the usual squeamishness of the youngest son, it is even more adorable. "Father! Do you want Chimaru to die?" "Bastard! No one wants to send him to die!" At this time, Senmaru and Kuroya Jinkuro arrived under the guidance of Rokubei. Veteran Kuroya Jinkuro seemed to have heard something, showing a fearless look, with the light of Shen Yi hidden in his eyes, but Chimaru seemed to be still in the dark. "Father, brother, good morning." Chimaru finished greeting and looked at his father with a friendly smile on his face. "Chimaru..." Misaku's voice finally trembled, but her eyes opened surprisingly wide, emitting a frightening light, "Whose child are you?" "It's the son of Ouping Meizuo Shou Zhenneng. And..." He looked at his elder brother Zhenchang with wide eyes, "He is the younger brother of Ouping Jiubalang Zhenchang." "Oh, let me ask you, do you think your father and brother are loyal and loyal warriors?" "My child thought that you were all well-known warriors among the three parties of the Shan family." "Oh." Misaku took a deep breath, "I dote on you too much, making you too obedient...I taught you how to commit seppuku, remember?" Chimaru's face changed drastically: "If you forget, you can't be called a samurai..." "Really? Father is very relieved. Don't discredit your father and brother. Jinku," Misaku finally turned his gaze to Kuroya Jinkuro, "When I need you, you should give your life." "My lord! Needless to say, Jinkuro is ready." "I know. The look in your eyes when you first came in said everything. I'm going to send Senmaru to Kofu. I think... Although he is naturally intelligent, he is a little too spoiled. Therefore, you must discipline him well and don't let him Being laughed at. Chimaru..." "Father." "Listen, I'm going to send you to Kofu. There, you have to study hard and practice martial arts." Hearing his father's harsh tone, Chimaru quietly knelt down.He already knew he was going to be a hostage.His pair of clear eyes, like a girl's, stared at his father closely, as if he could hear the trembling in his heart. "Qianmaru..." elder brother Zhenchang said, "Mt. Kofu is high and the water is deep, and the weather is bad. You have to take care." "Yes Yes." "Bastard, why are you crying? My father often told us that a man should never express his feelings with tears." "I understand. I'm not crying." "There are no poor people in the Okheira family. Now, go and say goodbye to mother, and go to Kofu in good spirits." "Yes. Senmaru will happily go to Kofu. Father and brother also..." "Okay, okay, Jinku, please." Seeing that Zhenchang and himself were about to shed tears, Misaku immediately ordered Jinkuro softly. "Master Senmaru, I will accompany you." Jinkuro urged Chimaru to stand up.Liubingwei was crying so hard that he couldn't lift his head. "Ah, I'm hungry." The footsteps gradually faded away, and Misaku patted her belly hoarsely, "Let's have a good meal, and then hurry to Kurose. Rokubei, you follow me. Hurry up and eat. " When Mei made Erdao City, Chen Shi had passed.The mountain fog was blown away, the sky was clear, and the atmosphere of autumn was everywhere.Under the clear sky, the waves of yellow rice ears are rolling. "Autumn is here, Rokubei." "yes." "Chimaru will probably also be attracted by the beautiful autumn colors." Misaku turned the horse's head and leaned towards Liubingwei, "Do you understand? It may be the last time I see the autumn scenery in this world. Don't hurry." "I understand." "After arriving in Kurose, I will show Takeda Nobutoyo the demeanor of the three samurai warriors. You must also muster up your courage. No matter what happens, you must be calm and calm, and don't be seen by the other party." "Yes. Liubingwei, like the master, is ready to die." "They will definitely insult you in every possible way. All you need to say is that I have absolutely no intention or act of adultery with Tokugawa!" "clear." "Also, they may tell you that Misaku has confessed to colluding with Tokugawa and has been executed... At that time, don't say anything, just laugh it off. Never believe me until you see my dead body already dead." Rokuhei saw Misaku's bright eyes smiling under Misaku's long eyelashes, and wanted to laugh too, but couldn't.The backs of Chimaru and Kuroya Jinkuro who left first were still clearly in his mind. Soon, the two of them arrived at the edge of the cold Hansa River, where the rushing water glistened.Takeda Nobutoyo of Kurose was in the distance, and countless banners flashed faintly, fluttering in the wind.Xinfeng still doesn't know that Changxiao City has been under general attack, and he is still monitoring the movement of Meizuo and his son here. "They're all here, if they go to Changxiao City—" Misaku laughed loudly, raising his whip, "Liubingwei, hurry up!" As Misaku expected, the two were soon separated as soon as they arrived in Xinfeng's army.Six soldiers were blocked from the first fence, and Misaku was led to the third fence alone.While looking at Takeda's formation, he walked slowly to the front of the tent.Xinfeng, who was waiting outside the tent, suppressed his excitement, and greeted him, "I heard that your Excellency has been in contact with the Tokugawa family recently?" Koike Gorozaemon, the elder of Nobutoyo's house, and Michisohomi, the elder of Tianmine's house, looked at Misaku coldly. "Oh, what's the basis for that kind of rumor?" "What's the evidence? I don't think so. Do you want to say... Pegasus came here just to hear the evidence we provided?" "It's surprising that you greeted me like this. Sarcasm has its place, and don't make jokes like that." "Okay, come in first. Why stand up and talk." Xinfeng's clogs creaked, and he went in first.The two old retainers also followed behind Misaku, with grim expressions on their faces. Twenty archers, five musketeers, and forty spearmen guarded Xinfeng's big tent, and two spies were tied inside the tent.Probably because the sun was too glaring, the two spies with their hands tied behind their backs looked like two animals to Meizuo.He sat down, and slowly turned his gaze to Xinfeng who was sitting on the bed: "If it's a joke, then that's fine. But if the rumor really makes people suspicious, I'm very surprised." "Oh, you're coming to question me instead?" "Don't dare. When did I send Chimaru here as a hostage?" "Misaku Shou, are you angry?" "How could I be angry? Could this be Lord Shingen's order?" Misaku said seriously even though he firmly believed that Shingen was dead. With a wry smile on Nobutoyo's face, he turned to look at Koike Gorozaemon and Josho Michiju, "Misaku Mamoru is really difficult to deal with." "I've heard it before!" "You really haven't colluded with Tokugawa?" "Mr. Xinfeng, if you have evidence, show it to me. For a samurai, there is nothing more unpleasant than being framed out of nothing. If someone suspects that you are a traitor, what do you do?" How do you feel?" "Oh, do you want to see the evidence?" "That's right. My beloved youngest son was taken hostage and interrogated me with such infuriating rumors...Of course, among the three parties in my mountain family, there are people who disagree with me. I think you know it. But I Unexpectedly, Mr. Xinfeng would doubt my loyalty because of those rumors." Xinfeng couldn't help laughing: "Hahaha...Your Excellency is too sensitive. Isn't that right, Gorozuo? Well, bring the chessboard... Misaku Shou, I called you here to play a game of chess with you." "Playing chess..." "Tokugawa is hard to deal with. He doesn't want us to get close to Changxiao City. I'm tired too. I'll call you to play a game of chess while the weather is fine today. You don't mind, do you?" Misaka clicked her tongue visibly in displeasure. "But why are you joking? If I knew your real intentions, I wouldn't be so aggressive..." He suddenly eased his tone and laughed. After the chessboard was served, Xinfeng had someone clean up the bed, and then took off his battle uniform. "It's been a long time since I played chess, and I must give Meizuo a blow." "I won't lose." Beautiful work is white, Xinfeng is black.While they were fighting on the chessboard, Josho Michiju quietly walked behind Misaku and stood with his hand on the hilt of his sword, while Koike Gorozaemon went to the first fence to interrogate Okuhei Rokuhei. Misaku knew that if Takeda Nobutoyo realized that his chess game was out of order, or if he got the truth from Liubingwei, he would never let the two of them go back safely. When Nobutoyo and Misaku fought to the middle of the battle, the old minister Koike Gorozaemon came to the side of Okuhei Rokuhei who was waiting for his master at the first fence.After taking care of Misaku's kuri-haired pony, Rokuhei was stroking the mount's head. "Are you a follower of Okahira Misaku?" Gorozaemon asked seriously. "Yes, I am the Lord's fellow-clan Liubingwei." "Oh, you are such a hideous villain." Liubingwei looked at the other party, and replied lightly: "Is the man from Kai bloody?" "Not bloody, but bloody." "so what?" "Do you think the two of you can go back alive?" "Since the master and slave came together, of course they have to go back together." "Do you think Misaku Opping will go back safely?" "Hmph! My lord can't go back alive?" "Stupid!" Gorozaemon deliberately mocked, "Have you ever seen a man without a head ride a horse?" He said, staring at the other person's face. Liubingwei understood that the moment of life and death had arrived. "This is a battlefield, don't talk nonsense, I am taking care of the master's mount." "Oh, you don't seem to know anything." "What do you know and don't know? Taking care of the horses for the master is the duty of the Okheira samurai. We will not joke at this time." "I didn't want to tell you, but I think you are really pitiful, so I will tell you. Your master has been decapitated." "Ah? Why?" "That's why I came here to tell you. Your master had an affair with Ieyasu Tokugawa." Liubingwei casually looked at Gorozaemon with a serious expression, and deliberately smiled: "Hahaha, you really know how to joke. Do you think that the people who colluded with the Tokugawa clan will only bring me an entourage, and come to your tent ostentatiously?" ? If you want to make fun of me, you can find a clever excuse." "You don't believe me? I'm kind enough to tell you—" "Ah, I believe, I believe, okay?" Liubingwei replied impatiently, and then picked some grass nearby to feed the master's war horse. Koike Gorozaemon watched quietly, speechless for a while. "What a weirdo, he doesn't pay attention to me at all." He hurried away, looking at Liubingwei from behind the fence.But Rokubei's expression didn't change. After a while, he bent down and sat on the grass, staring blankly at the sky.The blue sky was cloudless, with his ears pricked up, Jinkui could hear the mournful cries of men and horses coming from Changxiao City, and in the blink of an eye, Liubingwei had already dozed off. Koike Gorozaemon returned to Nobutoyo in wonder.If Liubingwei did anything wrong, he would be arrested and interrogated immediately, but his words and deeds were impeccable.If he really knew about the lord, could he be so calm and calm?He can only think this way: Even if it is true that Misaka colluded with Ieyasu, Rokuhei has never heard of it. The first round of the game in the tent is over, and the second round of fighting has begun, and Misaku Shou seems to have the upper hand. "Hahaha, it's clear at the first meeting. If I win another game, I will be too sorry for Mr. Xinfeng." Meizuo laughed like no one else, and Xinfeng pretended not to mind. Koike Gorozaemon shook his head lightly on purpose to draw Nobutoyo's attention.Standing behind Misaku, Michijo Josho let out a low groan.He pretended to be watching the game between the two, but he was actually observing Misaku's expression, but he found that there was nothing unusual about Misaku, so he signaled to Xinfeng aloud.The second set ended with Xinfeng winning. Misaku clicked his tongue triumphantly: "This doesn't count, let's play another game." Xinfeng smiled and waved his hand.It was almost noon, and the two spies who had been tied behind their backs groaned from time to time under the dazzling sunlight. "Let's stop here for today. Tomorrow, we will go to Changxiao City. We will hold a military meeting, and we may borrow troops from you." Hearing what Xinfeng said, the always strong Misaka Shou suddenly felt like his whole body collapsed. "Okay. However, now is the time of war, and I can't force you." They were packing up the chessboard, and heavily armed Oyamada Nobumo and Amari Masataka hurried in.Just as Nobutoyo said, they seemed to break through the encirclement of the Tokugawa army and go to reinforce Nagashino. "Farewell." Finally getting out of the tiger's mouth, Misaku Shou gave a salute to the two who had just entered, and stepped out of the tent, staggering and almost falling.At this time, the voice of the hateful Nobushige Oyamada suddenly came. "City, call Ao Pingmei to guard." "Yes. Is there something wrong?" "It's lunch time. Why don't you stay and eat with us." Misaku couldn't help biting her lip, cursing inwardly, "Bastard...".They have not completely dispelled their doubts about him, and they still want to continue to test him. "Opping." Josuo Michiju shouted and chased after him.Misaku turned her head and replied impatiently: "I heard that. You want me to have dinner with you, right? That's great! Because I'm in the army, it's really inconvenient for me to ask for this. I'm too hungry to walk, thank you !" Mei Zuoshou talked and laughed happily during the banquet, and ate three bowls in a row.He narrowed his eyes and said with a smile: "Don't joke. My energy is not inferior to young people, and I can still fight on the battlefield." Everyone was amused by him. 美作终于没让他们看出内心的真实想法，看到五个人眼里放心的神色，他离开了大帐。 从六兵卫手中接过缰绳，美作守翻身上马，眼前不禁又浮现出小儿子千丸的笑容。一旦武田家事后知道他暗中支持德川家，大概不会轻轻松松杀了千丸和阿枫，而是会将他们带回甲斐，放到油锅中煎熬致死。千丸，原谅父亲！美作眼前仿佛浮现出噼啪作响的火柱，士兵们不断加进柴火，火光照亮了整个天空。这难道不是乱世的罪孽吗？ “主公！看到您平安归来，小人全身都虚脱了。” “浑蛋！”美作一边强作笑容，一边大声呵斥道，“真正的好戏还在后头呢。走！” 二人离开黑濑，快马加鞭向前飞驰。仍然是那熟悉的山路，现在却变得那么陌生。“贞昌看到我平安回去，会是什么表情呢？”美作守想。 抵达作手城下时，太阳快要落山了，美丽的夕阳染红了西边的山峰。住在本城的甘利昌忠还没有从黑濑赶回来。 “啊，父亲，您终于平安回来了。”九八郎贞昌披挂整齐，严肃地迎了上来。 "Are you ready?" "Nothing is lost." “好，我的铠甲、刀、枪……还有火枪，都准备好了吗？”美作一边说，一边钻进卧房，急急穿着战服。 贞昌已经率领着火枪队来到院中。虽然只有二十支火枪，但对于想要洗雪今日的耻辱、发泄愤懑之情的美作守来说，是不可缺少的贵重武器。 “女人们安顿好了吗？” "no problem." “兵器呢？” “没有遗漏一件。” “好，我要他们见识见识我奥平美作守的战法。准备！” 二十支火枪同时对准了他们熟悉的本城。火药味四散开来，两百骑兵已经打开了城门，悄悄地等待着这一刻。十支火枪喷出了火舌，接着又听见十声巨响。听到信号，骑兵蜂拥而人。 “啊，奥平反了，奥平……”由于受到突然袭击，本城内像捅了马蜂窝。这时，奥平的主力已经肃然出了作手城。他们的目的地是泷山城。