Chapter 27 Chapter Twenty-Seven

Asai Bizen Mamoru Nagamasa gathered the remnants after seeing the torches lighting Oichi and the children melt into the bonfire at Kyogokuen.According to the agreement, he will hand over the city to the enemy, and then lead his troops down the mountain to go to Nobunaga's headquarters in Huyuqian Mountain. "Please prepare..." Bupo Hanoi Mamoru urged calmly in his calm tone. The corner of Changzheng's mouth twitched slightly, and he replied, "This is the end of the matter, let's go." "I understand how you feel." Changzheng pouted again, nodded with a smile.There were only a hundred people left around him, where did the others go?Although some people died in battle, more of them surrendered or fled.

Under Hanoi's suggestion, Nagamasa and his subordinates still held weapons.The Oda side has ordered all the soldiers not to clash with the Asai Army. It was nearly three o'clock at night, and the line was followed by sixteen or seventeen maids carrying luggage on their shoulders.After leaving the city gate and arriving at the first archery tower, Nagamasa couldn't help but turn his head back, looking at the main castle of Otani Castle where the Asai family lived for three generations.The surrounding lights are brightly lit, but the black eaves towering in the night sky seem to want to tell Nagamasa something.He turned his head sharply and walked down.

Nagamasa wanted to say something fierce to Bupo Hanoi who was quietly following behind, but it seemed that it was unnecessary. Facing the reality, everything was powerless.His father actually surrendered to Nobunaga, the absurdity of the matter made him unable to speak...Of course, Nagamasa did not believe Hanoi Mamoru's words.No matter what happened, my father would never kneel down in front of Nobunaga and beg for his life—he knew it all too well.He pretended to believe it because he knew from Hanoi's words: his father had committed suicide!Now that his father is dead, the powerful Chang Zheng does not allow himself to take his innocent children and soldiers who have no fighting spirit to die together.

What shocked Nagamasa the most was the words of the eldest daughter Cha Cha Ji. "You... haven't died yet?" When he heard this from his daughter, his eyes were suddenly dark.Is there anything more heartbreaking about being a father?How could he sacrifice the lives of those who didn't know it in vain on the grounds of showing the integrity of the Asai family? The moment he understood this, Changzheng seemed to suddenly break free from the long-term shackles and regain his will.To save the lives of wives and children!To let these servants live, even if there is one more person... No one can guess what Nagazheng is thinking.Fuba Hanoi Mamoru was probably secretly happy that he had successfully deceived Nagamasa, and he walked casually.Why not take the opportunity to kill this guy!Whenever the torches illuminated Hanoi's face, Nagamasa had this thought.

A group of people came to Jingjiyuan where Ashi and the children had just passed.Hashiba Hideyoshi came out to greet him.Without the arrogance of a victor, he still respected Nagamasa as Nobunaga's brother-in-law, and said, "Mr. Beizhou, Madam and Miss have arrived at Huyuqian Mountain safely." Changzheng couldn't help but burst into tears.He is very clear about his father's thoughts, and he also knows where he should go.The times had changed, and he deeply felt that the samurai belief in living for loyalty was gradually being replaced by the more flamboyant samurai ways of Nobunaga and Hideyoshi.

Moreover, the embarrassing cruel slaughter and unexpected favors are intricately intertwined.Nobunaga, who mercilessly burned Mount Hiei and slaughtered the monks, shocked the whole country and was called a heinous devil, but this time when he attacked Otani Castle, the "demon" was completely different. Nagamasa glanced at Hideyoshi, "What's the matter with my father?" He wanted to humiliate him with satire and abuse, but Hideyoshi didn't give him a chance. "Toranosuke, send Duke Beizhou to Sanwangyuan to ensure safety on the way." After Hideyoshi finished speaking, he saluted Nagamasa respectfully.

Nagamasa returned the salute, and walked out of Kyogokuen guarded by Hideyoshi, very annoyed.But where exactly this anger came from, he didn't know.Neither because of Nobunaga, nor because of his father.Of course, it's not to annoy himself.When passing Sanno Garden and approaching Akao Garden, Nagamasa finally burst into anger at Bupo Hanoi Mamoru. There are still soldiers from the Asai family in Akao Garden, and the guard Akao Misaku is ready to defend to the death in accordance with Hisamasa's will.The bonfires lit up the woods red.Changzheng looked back at the unusually calm Buba Hanoi Mamoru. "Do you think you've fooled me perfectly?"

Bupo Hanoi watched Changzheng, and smiled slowly: "Your words are surprising. Duke Beizhou is not the kind of person who is easily deceived." "Accident?" "If you don't say that your father has surrendered to our army, there is no way to save the madam and young ladies." Nagamasa opened his eyes wide and clenched the naginata in his hand.Bupo Hanoi Mamoru knew that Nagamasa would not believe his father Hisamasa's surrender, but deliberately lied.In fact, he has already seen through the secrets of Chang Zheng's heart.Hanoi Shou became calmer, and Chang Zheng became more angry.

"You know that my father committed seppuku in Sanwangyuan?" "Not bad." Hanoi's expression was still as calm as water. Changzheng suddenly became furious: "So, Nobunaga sent you to deceive me?" Hanoi shook his head slowly, "My lord just said... let us try to save the lives of your father and son." Nagamasa forced the naginata into the ground, "Who did it?" "It's my lord and Hashiba-sama." "You will be punished for cheating on me. Are you mentally prepared?" "You can take my life anytime." Changzheng stomped his feet fiercely, "If I don't go to Huyuqian Mountain, so what?"

Hanoi finally pulled back his face, "I didn't think that the Beizhou Guild would go to Huyuqian Mountain." "You knew I wouldn't go, but you brought us here?" "Mr. Beizhou," Hanoi said softly, "I just want the ladies to remember you in the future and think that they have a strong father; in this way, Oda-sama can also proudly raise them up .” Nagamasa let out a low sigh, he once again deeply felt the close relationship between Nobunaga and his confidants, and couldn't help but be envious.They have penetrated Chang Zheng's mind and knew Chang Zheng's expectation for this war.In fact, Hanoi knew that Nagamasa planned to come to join Misaku Mamoru of Akao Garden and die together in a heroic battle.

"Oh...you know everything?" "The soldiers are a little suspicious. Let's go first." The group started to move forward again.Nagamasa stared at the void, and when he came to the crossroads, he walked silently to Akao Garden on the left, and Nobunaga Honjin on the Toro-mae Mountain to the right. Not breaking Hanoi Shou did not stop Changzheng.Regardless of Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, or Hanoi, they all know Nagamasa's character well. Since Hisazu committed suicide, Nagamasa will never live alone.But it is enough that Ah Shi and the children have been saved. The soldiers in Akao Garden were both surprised and delighted by Nagamasa's sudden arrival. "Citadel! The old city lord committed seppuku yesterday!" The soldiers who were lying on the ground all stood up, and the surroundings became lively for a while.Changzheng nodded to each soldier and walked slowly in.The faces of Hanoi, the children, his father, and Hideyoshi appeared in front of his eyes from time to time.He has made up his mind to use Akao Garden as the last battlefield. Nobunaga is indeed capable, we cannot lose to him!Nagamasa didn't want to die gracefully, but to show the backbone and spirit of a samurai. At the next morning, Changzheng issued the final counterattack order.Wielding his naginata, he rushed into Oda's formation three times in a row. The Oda Army took turns attacking Akao Garden like a tide, and every time the Asai Army suffered heavy losses. Withdrew to the bedroom. "Is Master here? Let Master come here." Although the war is so fierce, the weather today is really good, the sky is clear and clear.Hu Zhizi rustled in the breeze, and a butterfly flew over.Kimura Taro Jiro led Nagamasa's master, Master Xiongshan, and hurried in.Xiongshan's big knife was stained red with blood, and a white cloth was wrapped around his left thigh. "Master, has the war reached this point?" Chang Zhengxuan said with a smile again: "I have charged and killed three times, and the enemy thought I was going to commit seppuku, and even the shouts of killing seemed to have stopped." "Exactly." Kimura Taro Jiro replied, "Please go calmly, and I hope to help you ascend to heaven." Changzheng nodded casually, Master Xiongshan sat down next to him calmly, "Do you have anything else to say to Madam and Miss?" "No." "So, what else do you have to say?" Changzheng looked up at the sky, "I have nothing to say." "Where do you wish to be buried?" "Haha," Changzheng slowly drew out his knife, "29 years of life is really like a dream..." He murmured to himself in a trance, listening to the noise outside with a downcast face.The Oda Army knew Nagamasa's intentions too well, and had already stopped attacking. "No enemies, no resentment; no sorrow, no joy... just sink my bones to the bottom of Lake Biwa." Master Xiongshan nodded: "It's near your favorite Zhusheng Island, how about it?" "Then there is work." "Tianying Zong Qing Da Layman, No. Desheng Temple Hall..." "That's great. Hahaha... Taro Jiro, let's do it." Taro Jiro gripped the blood-stained knife handle tightly, sobbing softly.There is no enemy, no resentment, sorrow and joy. The death of the 29-year-old Nagamasa is even more sorrowful than the death of the 29-year-old Nagamasa who died full of resentment. Just as Nagamasa's knife pierced his stomach, Kimura Taro Jiro also waved the knife in his hand.Master Xiongshan opened his eyes wide, quietly watching the scene in front of him, and did not put his palms together for it.The stalks rustled again, and the lost butterflies flew from the shade of the trees into the corridor, and then into the blue sky. In Nobunaga's tent in Huyuqianshan, Nobunaga retreated his personal guards.Ah Shi, who was holding Da Ji in his arms, sat silently in front of him, and Cha Cha Ji and Gao Ji were beside her.Chachaji acted like her older sister, passing snacks to Gao Ji from time to time, and gathered autumn grass in front of the tent to weave a wreath for her younger sister.Both Nobunaga and Ashi were silent, quietly watching the innocent scene in front of them.At noon on the first day of September, Kotani fell completely into the hands of the Oda army.Instead of the sound of fighting, there was a silence like a deep sleep. "Report! Asai Ishimi Shouzheng, Akao Misaku Shou Qinggang have arrived." Konoe shouted outside the corridor.These people were captured after Nagamasa committed suicide in Akaoen. Nobunaga only nodded, still staring at his younger sister, Oichi.Ah Shi was full of sorrow, looking at the children quietly and gently. "Ashi, for the sake of the children, you have to live... It's not meaningless to live." "I have already answered." "You said you wouldn't kill yourself, right?" "Yes, no one dares to go against your brother's will." Nobunaga smiled wryly, "Don't say such harsh words. Your face tells me that you still want to commit suicide." Ah Shi raised his head and glanced at his elder brother, then looked back at the young girl in his arms. "Really love Nagamasa that much?" "..." "To save you, Changzheng said he would surrender. It's not me who lied to you, but him." "No." Ah Shi shook his head, "It was my elder brother who said that my father-in-law had already surrendered, so he made him surrender too." Nobunaga clenched his teeth and let out a sharp breath.Ashi said that he would not disobey Nobunaga, but he would commit suicide when he turned around.Although Nobunaga knew what his sister was thinking, he didn't know how to persuade him, and the feeling of helplessness annoyed the fierce general. "What a strong woman!" "No, my sister is just a weak woman with no strength to restrain a chicken." "No...weakness is your strength. People who are weak and strong are the easiest to provoke." Nobunaga said bitterly, then suddenly changed his mind.He knew that comfort or reluctance would only make Ah Shi make up his mind to commit suicide. "A city." "Ok." "I've said so much, do you still want to be a strong woman?" "No, I just want to apologize to my dead husband." "Okay, since you've made up your mind, I'll send you to Nagamasa without borrowing anyone's help." Nobunaga hated in his heart. Ash was silent.Nobunaga didn't say he was going to kill her, but sent her to Chang Zheng's Office, even the sensitive Chacha Ji didn't realize the meaning of his words.Ever since she came here, Chachaji felt that the danger was over, so she was relieved. "Ashi, why don't you speak? Sending you to Changzheng, what's your dissatisfaction?" Ah Shi stared at the child at his feet. "I want to serve the Buddha wholeheartedly from now on." "Have you changed your mind again?" Ashi slowly shook his head.Although she said in her heart that she was determined not to shed tears, her vision was still blurred, and she couldn't even see the children who were playing with flowers and plants at her feet. "There is something in my brother's words." "Is there something in the words? I just sent you to that world according to your wishes." "Thank you very much...you are... for me, for me to live, you are so angry and reprimand me..." When Ashi said this, Nobunaga finally turned his face, and said emotionally: "You...you have clearly seen through my mind. You know that I will not kill you, so you mess around. Ashi! Changzheng also wants you to live You don't understand, it's really hateful!" "That's why I want to serve the Buddha." "Seriously? You want to become a monk and watch the children grow up?" "Yes." Ah Shi replied softly, wiping tears with his sleeve.Nobunaga eagerly hopes that Ashi can live.Ah Shi didn't know if he had the strength to live.When she married, she didn't know Changzheng well, let alone like him.But her husband gradually grasped her heart, and in the end they were willing to live and die together.Probably Nagamasa's broad chest ignited the fire of love in Ashi.Although there is no sweet talk, no vows, but Changzheng makes Ah Shi feel as if she is wrapped in a gentle morning mist, making her naturally think that there is no meaning and value in life other than this.And at the last moment of his life, he desperately saved the lives of his wife and children, showing a heavier love.In order to repay my husband, I should die too—she made this decision because of her fear of life.If you choose to live, you must remarry.But nothing is more painful than facing a second husband.Therefore, she said that she would serve the Buddha, hoping to use this to cope with Nobunaga's urging... "Okay, I promise you." Nobunaga looked at the children playing on the side, and said, "That's it! Come on, call Hideyoshi." He shouted towards the next room. Nobunaga didn't say a word until the bodyguard called Hideyoshi.He developed a wonderful emotion, not wanting to lose to Nagamasa who had so fascinated his sister.Changzheng couldn't see the general trend of the world clearly, and was limited by the love between father and son, and finally lost his life.Although Nobunaga recognized his pure heart, he did not approve of his temperament and ambition. He thought that he was narrow-minded and cowardly, and secretly despised him in his heart. The love gradually fades away, replaced by hateful jealousy.He wanted to see how Hideyoshi handled things that were so difficult for him, and he was very interested in it. "My lord, is your name?" Hideyoshi in full armor came to the courtyard, and before Nobunaga could answer, he had already squinted his eyes and walked to Chacha Ji at the end of the corridor. "Oh, it's so cute!" He admired sincerely: "It's exactly the same as Mrs. Ashi!" He squinted his eyes, and while stroking the heads of the two children, he continued: "I'm so envious! I don't have any children yet. The Duke of Zhou left such a lovely daughter in the world to continue his own life. Where will the ladies give birth to such excellent children in the future..." "Fujikichi, send Oichi to the Oda envelope." "yes." "Ashi is the bereaved family of Nagamasa, and he wants to follow Nagamasa with all his heart, so you have to escort him carefully." Hideyoshi looked at Oichi and bowed his head respectfully. "Ashi said that she would not seek death. But she has always been inconsistent." "You are serious." "Listen, Fujiyoshi, Oichi has made an agreement with me to convert to Buddhism." Hideyoshi frowned in embarrassment, and looked at Ashi again.Ah Shi stared at the children with a solemn expression. "That's just Ashi's lie. It's an excuse to avoid me!" "how so……" "Hmph! Listen to me. I know it's an excuse, but since she said it, I can't refuse. I will determine the place of practice later. Before that, she may commit suicide on a hunger strike. She must not be allowed to succeed. Even if Pry her mouth open and let her eat too. I leave this to you." Hideyoshi didn't know what to do for a moment, he stared at Nobunaga blankly with his mouth open, and then suddenly smiled strangely. "Forgive me, my lord won't let me feed Mrs. Ashi. But... I understand, I will definitely deliver my wife safely." He replied obediently, and began to stroke Chachaji's thick hair again. With the idea of ​​committing suicide, Ashi arrived at the Oda envelope in Gifu under the escort of Hideyoshi.Uenosuke Xinbao is one of Nobunaga's many brothers and the elder brother of Oichi.Nobunaga entrusted Ashi to him because Xinbao could sympathize with Ashi's misfortune.His real intention was to hope that Ah Shi would stop suicidal thoughts. Hideyoshi understood Nobunaga's thoughts very well, and in order to ease Ashi's emotions, he deliberately took her and the two children from Nobunaga's main camp to his big tent.They took the road opened by Hideyoshi to attack Kotani Castle.Both sides of the flat red soil road are full of purple bellflowers and yellow maidenhair flowers, and the ears of miscanthus are snow-white. Chachaji and Gao Ji were very happy to see the beautiful scenery along the way.When they encounter birds, they will shout loudly; when they see wild chrysanthemums, they rush to pick them.But Ah Shi turned a blind eye to everything around him.The youngest daughter Daji and the wet nurse were sitting in another sedan chair.Ah Shi, who emerged from the sedan chair, was more like the older sister of Cha Cha Ji and Gao Ji. "Master Yuchai..." Ashi asked in a trembling voice halfway, "Do you know where the remains of my husband Bizenshu are?" Hideyoshi nodded casually on purpose: "I'm probably being tested by Mr. Nobunaga now..." Aichi closed his mouth. "Mrs. Ashi..." Hideyoshi's tone was still so calm, "I understand your feelings very well. No one wants to live again when encountering such a thing." "Can you really understand?" "As long as you are determined, you will have a chance to commit suicide, so don't worry." Although Hideyoshi said so, deep down he was painting a completely different picture.Ah Shi completely forgot what happened today, and became his wife, snuggling up happily by his side.If fate really arranges that way, what will Madam Ningning do?Hideyoshi shook his head with a wry smile. "Examining the remains? Hmph! When was that rule established?" Ashi suddenly asked, "Isn't this an act of humiliating the dead and violating the Buddha's heart..." "No, there's a reason for that. A man's internal organs are nothing but a nest of bedbugs, and if not examined sooner, they will quickly decay beyond recognition." Ah Shi frowned, and became short of breath because of anger. "Even if you commit suicide, madam, the body will be covered with maggots. This is the Buddha's punishment for ordinary people who are obsessed with the world." Aichi avoided Hideyoshi's sight and looked towards the deep valley.Under the autumn sun, there was no anger in her eyes, but a look of terror.