Chapter 30 Chapter Thirty

There are many cherry blossom trees in the garden, and the trees are full of caterpillars.While the maids are seriously and nervously preparing for the Qixi Festival for Miss A Gui, they are always careful not to let the caterpillars fall on them.Some of them were busy hanging colored paper on bamboo branches, some were placing tables and stools in the courtyard, some were carrying candlesticks, and some were in charge of placing sacrifices.For fear of caterpillars falling on them, the maids were cautious when going in and out. Sena Hime put on the clogs placed under the corridor, looked back at Awan who was setting the table, and asked blankly, "Do you know what is going on with the Qixi Festival?"

"not sure." "The Tanabata Festival is a festival for those women who work hard to weave. In the palace, it is said that the Qixi Festival is called a Jixing Festival." "Sent Festival..." "Yes. We introduced this wind from the capital to Junfu, and we have seriously consulted the officials. Tonight, let's sacrifice in this way." At this point, Senahime seemed to remember something and covered it Mouth fluttered out laughing. "What is madam laughing at?" "Awan, you probably think that the lord is superior." "Of course. He is the general of this city."

"Matsudaira Tibetans," Sena Hime laughed again, "In the palace, Tibetans are just like maids who move tables, candlesticks, and offerings. You mention it and see how the lord will react. Looking at his expression, you will understand. Thinking of this, I just want to laugh." "Oh, my lord turned out to be such a character." "It's often hard for me to say it. But there is a world of difference between Okazaki Castle and Beijing..." Senahime suddenly missed Junfu, her expression darkened, but Awan was not worried about it.It was April when Sena Hime arrived at Okazaki Castle.She originally thought that Okazaki was just a run-down country town, but to her surprise, Okazaki Castle turned out to be very grand.The Matsudaira people even built a palace for Sena Hime and her son near Tsukiyama in the north of Okazaki Castle.Today, people call her "Mrs. Tsukiyama" because of that palace.

Sena Hime originally expected to have a residence with a long corridor in this city, but she was ashamed to ask.Senahime also swallowed her dissatisfaction when told that a new palace had been built near Tsukiyama.Fortunately, she finally didn't have to live alone for a long time, she wanted to tie Yuan Kang tightly by her side and never let him leave for a moment.Counting with fingers, Yuan Kang has not been here for eight days since the last gathering.Originally, it was agreed that she would come at least once every three days... Sena Ji was very dissatisfied, but when she heard that Yuan Kang was coming tonight, her dissatisfaction disappeared.

Four tables and nine candlesticks have been set up in the courtyard as usual. The annual Qixi Festival reminds people of the ancient legend of the meeting between the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd. "Ma'am, do you know," Awan said after packing up the altar, as if talking to himself, "I heard that Mr. Takechiyo and Miss Oda's family will get engaged this spring, congratulations, madam!" "Takechiyo and Miss Oda?" Hearing that Sena Hime was so surprised, Awan turned around.Seeing Sena Hime's terrifying expression, she couldn't help being shocked.

"Spring? When?" "Probably March..." "Where did you hear that?" "I heard it from Keyou, the maid of Huaqingyuan." "But you? Is that the woman who is rumored to be favored by the lord?" "Yes. Madam asked me to inquire about this matter, so I went to Sandao City and heard the news. Madam must also know about this matter..." Hearing this, Sena Ji was very angry, and became even more indignant about Yudian.A nameless fire of karma rose in her chest, not only because of jealousy, but also because of humiliation, and of course there was some sadness.

But since you know such an important matter, there is obviously some kind of tacit understanding and agreement between her and Yuan Kang.Senaji was extremely annoyed by this, and what made her intolerable the most was that Yuan Kang had never confided this matter to her so far.She couldn't help but hate in her heart: I was played by them! Although after Imagawa Yoshimoto's death in battle, Junfu's reputation has declined, but I am Yoshimoto's niece after all.And Yuan Kang actually secretly betrothed his son Takechiyo to the daughter of Junfu's enemy Nobunaga... Sena Hime returned to the Royal Palace, entered the dressing room next to the bedroom, and stood there blankly like a stone, without moving for a long time.It was Yuan Kang who saved the lives of their mother and child.Seina believes that Yuan Yasu has feelings for them, but there is a lingering sadness in her heart.

The ruthless Shi Zhen even wanted to kill her in a moment of anger, and her father, Qin Yong, was forced to commit seppuku suicide shortly after their mother and son left Junfu. "My death has nothing to do with you. You have to live in harmony with Yuan Kang, serve him well, and teach the children well." When his father's letter reached Seina Hime, he was no longer in this world. For Yuan Kang, even his father... Although her father asked her to live in harmony with Yuan Kang in the letter, the more she read it, the more sad she became, and her heart ached.He even got married with the enemy's family!Thinking of this, Hime Sena felt like going crazy.But in the final analysis, what makes her depressed is still Shi Zhen, who once had a physical relationship with her.

In the brand-new palace filled with woody fragrance, Sena Hime deeply buried her face in her husband's chest, trying to immerse herself in happiness.Just when she was getting used to this kind of life, Awan's words suddenly shattered her dream.But now Yuan Kang is not what he used to be, and he can no longer act according to Sena Ji's will like in the past. If she wants to make a big fuss, how will he react? "Come on, go to the city immediately and call Ishikawa Jiacheng!" Sena Hime was silent for a while, and then went to the maids and shouted. There are almost no men in Tsukiyama Goden.Sena Ji thought it was Yuan Kang's jealousy.Only when there is a major event, will Ishikawa Suzumasa's uncle Hikogoro Iamari be called.Like Yu Da, Iacheng's mother is also the daughter of Mizuno Tadamasa in Kariya Castle, so Iacheng and Motoyasu are cousins.When Yan Goro was led down to the Tsukiyama Palace by the maid, the sun had not yet set, his cheeks were flushed, and he was drunk.

"Madam told me to do something?" Jiacheng came to the bedroom, and after sitting down in front of the door, Senaji couldn't help but feel a little disgusted by the smell of alcohol all over his body. "Could it be that this city can drink alcohol naturally? Today is Qixi Festival, which is a women's festival. Why do men...I don't understand." Jiacheng waved his fan. "The lord's name change meeting was held today, and a feast was held in the city." "What did you say? The lord changed his name?" "Yes. From today onwards, it will be changed to Songping Zangren Jiayasu. Madam, please remember." Jiacheng said calmly with a knowing smile in the corner of his eyes.

"Tibetan family health?" "Yes. Yuan Kang's 'Yuan' character is taken from the late Yi Yuan Gong. Now that he has left Junfu today, the lord does not want to use 'Yuan' as his name. This 'Kang' character is the 'Kang' of his grandfather Matsudaira Qing Yasu ’, the reason for using ‘home’, I think the main intention is probably not to rely on anyone’s strength from now on, but to rely on the Matsudaira family, relying on one’s own strength to survive.” This unexpected news made Senahime's eyes dark.She is Imagawa Yoshimoto's niece.This kind of pride supports her, makes her persevere until now, and is also the only capital for her not to be overwhelmed by Yuan Kang.Now Yuankang's name doesn't even have the word "Yuan" in Yiyuan.To her husband, wouldn't she become a person of no importance? "Do you know about the engagement between Takechiyo and the lady of the Oda family?" "Know." "If that's the case, why don't you let me know about it? Even that lowly maid in Sandao City knows?" Jiacheng nodded slowly. "My lord, considering that my wife is grieving over many things, decided to find an opportunity to come here to explain in person... This is my lord's concern for my wife." "Caring? I am the niece of Lord Yoshimoto. He actually wants to marry the enemy Oda who killed his uncle..." Jiacheng stopped her slowly with gestures. "Don't say that. Many people in Okazaki City are still resentful of Daisuke Jibu's holding the lord hostage in Junfu for thirteen years." Jiaxiang was admonishing a child who did not act thoughtfully, his tone Slightly reproachful. Sena Hime's lips trembled violently, but she had to control her emotions and words. There is such a huge difference between Yoshimoto's care for the Matsudaira family in the eyes of Junfu people and Okazaki Castle's eyes-realizing this, Seina Hime feels that her existence is even more insignificant. "You mean the Okazaki people are very happy with the marriage?" "yes." "Okay, don't say any more. I'll ask my lord to see if he is worthy of Imagawa." Ishikawa Jiacheng pretended not to hear, and said to himself: "My lord seems to be here." The sun has not yet retracted its last rays.It is rare for Ieyasu to come here so early, and he may be out of affection for his daughter Agui today. "My lord is here!" Kamihara Koheita's voice came from outside. He had just arrived at Ieyasu's side this spring. Although Xiao Pingtai is fifteen years old, he has not yet held the Yuanfu ceremony.Holding his sword, he followed closely behind Ieyasu.He was bitter about not being able to hold the Yuanfu ceremony, and was very envious of Honda Heihachiro, who had already held the ceremony, but Ieyasu didn't care about it. "Don't be impatient." Ieyasu would say this occasionally, pretending to understand Xiaopingta's thoughts. Ieyasu seemed to have entered the waiting room when he heard the footsteps of the maids rushing out to greet him.Awan hurried to report to Sena Hime.Sena Hime put on the clothes that Awan brought, looked in the mirror, and left the bedroom.Her face was ashen, showing her dissatisfaction. "My lord..." She just opened her mouth, but her throat seemed to be blocked by something. Apart from anger, she was still angry.Ieyasu didn't care about Senahime's unusually excited mood, looked at the courtyard and said, "The weather is nice, and the Milky Way is beautiful. Are you okay?" "My lord!" Seina Hime no longer controlled herself, tears streaming down her face. "I heard that you have changed your name to Ieyasu today?" "I must make up my mind. It's a good name." "Then... Master Imagawa would be very happy if he knew about it in Jiuquan." "Perhaps. One must stand on one's own feet. This is the best reward for the ancestors." Sena Hime seemed to have collapsed, and fell limply on her husband, crying like a child. "How could he be happy? If you do this, you will completely sever ties with Junfu...You just want to prove that you are now strong..." Ieyasu was indifferent to his wife's waywardness. "Today is Qixi Festival, Agui's festival. Bring Agui, I want to see her." Sena Hime was still leaning on Ieyasu, weeping. "Yes. The servant will bring the young lady here immediately." Awan peeped at her and stood up cautiously. When Awan brought the beautifully dressed Agui to Ieyasu, Senahime was still crying.She seemed to be trying to win a few words of tender comfort from her husband through her tears.Standing behind Ieyasu, Kanbara Koheita held a sword like a puppet, at a loss.If no one spoke, Mrs. Tsukiyama's crying would probably not stop, but Ieyasu did not offer any words of comfort. "Agui, oh, you've become more beautiful. Come, come to me." "Yes." Agui looked at his mother, indifferent.Father seemed to be in a good mood.They didn't argue, it was just my mother crying.Agui has long been used to Wu Qin's cowardly and arrogant temper. "Gui has grown up. Do you know who is worshiping tonight?" "Worship the Weaver Girl." "Smart boy! Look, there are so many stars in the sky, and one of them belongs to you." "My star...is in the sky?" "That's right. It shouldn't be a sad star... As long as we cultivate it carefully, you will definitely grow into a good child and live in happiness." At this time, Sena Hime, who had been crying all the time, suddenly raised her face. "No...no...we must not let her marry into the enemy's house!" "What did you say?" "Mirai Takechiyo's wife! Didn't you decide to marry the lady of the Oda family without discussing it with me?" "Someone must have told you about that. I wanted to tell you myself." "Takechiyo is still young, and the young lady of the Oda family can still walk. You forcefully make a marriage for them. If they can't get along in harmony in the future, what should you do?" "No. Men and women always get close." "No, it won't. We were not young at that time, and we had carefully considered it, but it was still not satisfactory, let alone them! In order to realize his ambition, the father casually arranged a strange marriage for his son..." "Zhushan!" Jiakang said sharply, "Don't talk nonsense!" "Nonsense? As Takechiyo's mother... no, your wife, I have to express my opposition to this marriage." "Don't talk nonsense!" "I'm not talking nonsense. I'm thinking about Takechiyo's future happiness." Ieyasu gently put Agui down. "Don't you know this is a troubled world?" "Don't change the subject." "Do you think that this troubled world will allow people to have so-called happiness? In this world, poverty and weakness will be eliminated. In order to survive, people must kill. Is it possible that a woman with no strength can freely choose what she loves? My grandmother , because of her natural beauty, she has experienced the tragic fate of being forced to remarry five times... It's not just her, look at those women who have to work in the imperial palace in the capital to make ends meet. The flesh...that is the true face of troubled times." Sena Hime turned a deaf ear to Ieyasu's words.She grew up in the gentle wind and drizzle of Junfu City, willful and stubborn, she doesn't understand this troubled world. "You are getting more and more outrageous. Senahime is not a woman who is forced to sell her virginity. Takechiyo is not a weak man who will die unexpectedly. Don't make this unfavorable marriage." Ieyasu pursed his lips lightly and remained silent.Kamihara Koheita didn't want to listen to Seina Hime anymore. "Xiao Pingtai, Ah Wan, take A Gui down." After a while, Ieyasu said lightly, then turned his head and looked out the window blankly.As the sun sets, the sakura leaves are gently swayed by the warm breeze, which makes people feel drowsy and sad.Woman... Ieyasu thought to himself, and heaved a long sigh.He felt that there was an insurmountable gap between himself and Sena Hime.But not all women are like this. Compared with Toyomae Iio's widow, Mrs. Kira, and Kane of Huakein, Senahime is like thick phlegm stuck in her throat, which makes Ieyasu bored and helpless. Probably as Sena Hime said, their union was not voluntary, but a strategic marriage between Imagawa and Matsudaira.But in this world, people have no time to discuss whether this kind of marriage is reasonable. Does Takechiyo, who is a hostage in Shunfu, have the freedom to reject Sena Hime?At that time, Takechiyo relied on this kind of marriage to save the lives of poor Okazaki people, which was the only purpose at that time.If Sena Hime can understand this, she will accept these endless tragedies with sadness. "My lord, even if I strongly object, you still insist on going your own way?" Ieyasu still didn't leave the courtyard. "I want to give you a clear explanation. Do you understand the current power of the Oda family?" "No. I only know that the Oda clan is the enemy of the Imagawa clan." "Calm down first. Why did the Oda clan become the enemy of the Imagawa clan?" "Lord Yoshimoto, my uncle, was killed by Oda." "Why was he killed by the Oda family, have you ever thought about it? The Imagawa family took the initiative to attack the Oda's territory, but they took his head." "so what?" "Just be quiet! Yoshimoto, as the guardian of Suruga, Enjiang, and Sanhe, provoked a war on his own initiative, why was he killed? Don't you think that the Oda clan's momentum has surpassed Imagawa's?" "..." "Let me deal with the Owari Army, which even Lord Imagawa can't defeat. Do you think I can win? Didn't you realize that it was the balance of power that made me make such a decision?" Seina Hime suddenly smiled strangely. "So, the lord wants Takechiyo to pay for your weakness? Haha, it turns out that the lord is willing to be a weak person." Ieyasu's eyes suddenly became severe. He suppressed his anger and turned his head to stare at his wife.Sena Hime was shocked by his sharp eyes.She knows all too well how much taunting can irritate a man.An angry Ieyasu might throw a fan or a table at her... Senahime couldn't help but tense all over, but Ieyasu finally controlled his anger. "lady." "yes." "Actually, we are also victims of a strategic marriage, and you probably won't object to that." "Because I haven't forgotten, I don't want Takechiyo to suffer the same misfortune." "Okay. Don't let him suffer this kind of misfortune." Ieyasu's voice was very low, "If you think Takechiyo's happiness depends only on marriage, then I have nothing to say." "Then, have you considered breaking off the engagement?" Ieyasu nodded lightly, and said again: "But the marriage was proposed by Nobunaga. If the marriage contract is terminated, he will be furious. What should we do then?" "You tell him that it's not fair to Miss Oda, so it's over?" "If he doesn't listen to it, but thinks that the Matsudaira family has no sincerity in forming an alliance, and takes the opportunity to declare war on Okazaki, then what?" "This……" "At that time, should we fight him with the determination to die? I will fight to the death, and you will no longer be able to live in this world. There will also be Takechiyo, Agui, retainers, territories, and cities..." Ieyasu said slowly. Start with your fingers. "You are too cowardly." Seina Hime shouted tremblingly, "Actually, you agreed to terminate the engagement just now, but it was just a tactic to delay the attack. You still want to persuade me." Ieyasu let out a long sigh of relief. "Not necessarily." "not necessarily?" "I know you are thinking about Takechiyo's future. Since we are going to perish sooner or later, instead of making Takechiyo endure pain every day in the future, it is better to die immediately, and you can get out of the sea of ​​suffering sooner." Seina Hime widened her eyes angrily, and closed her lips tightly.She was already in a rage, but Ieyasu's ironic words gradually brought her back to her senses.Should he die bravely in battle, or accept Owari's lady and just live on?When a person is faced with the choice of life and death, marriage is indeed no longer the only criterion for happiness. Although Sena Hime is extremely reluctant, she has to agree with Ieyasu. "Ma'am." Ieyasu continued, every word he said was deeply embedded in Senahime's heart. "I think Oda Nobunaga is great. What did Shunfu do when the Matsudaira clan was in decline and setbacks? I'm afraid you won't forget. They asked me to go to Shunfu as a hostage. Now, if Nobunaga also offered to do the same Xiang's request, what should I do? For the sake of the whole family, for Okazaki, I may have to hold back tears and send Takechiyo to Kiyosu as a hostage..." "No matter how reluctant you are, as a general, it is impossible to watch others kill your retainers and ravage your subjects. If Nobunaga asks us to hand over Takechiyo, I can only obey him. Do you understand? But Nobunaga didn't do that, but took the initiative to send his daughter to Okazaki, so that I could form an alliance with him... Handing over Takechiyo and accepting Owari's lady, what would be more beneficial..." Ieyasu closed his eyes slightly , the voice is getting lower and lower. Sena Hime burst into tears again.The niece of Yoshimoto Imagawa, who was free and willful in the past, has now fallen step by step from a high place to a miserable situation, and has become an ordinary mother. This is something she never expected. "Oda Nobunaga's actions are impeccable, I have to agree. Do you understand?" Sena Hime was shaking with excitement.She wanted to shout, but couldn't.Nobunaga and Ieyasu, Owari and Mikawa, all this made Sena Hime unbearable.However, what she finds most absurd is that she has to accept this reality, otherwise she will not be able to survive.Sena Hime is full of resentment towards her husband who exposed such absurd facts to her nakedly. "Do you understand that this troubled world does not allow loving men and women to come together, so I..." Suddenly, Sena Hime threw the tea bowl in her hand into the courtyard.With a few bangs, the offerings placed on the sacrificial table were scattered all over the ground. Ieyasu's face turned pale immediately.He has been holding back his anger and explaining earnestly, which made him work hard and depressed, but he got such a response.His eyes were burning with anger, and he grabbed hold of the table but did not throw it. "Bastard!" He shouted loudly, stood up, and wanted to leave here immediately. "Do you want to escape? Cowardly person—" Sena Hime wanted to stand up in a hurry, but accidentally stepped on her clothes and fell to the ground. "My lord!" Ieyasu was already angrily walking towards the door.Sena Hime was still shouting, but her voice was blurred.Ieyasu walked to the entrance, and suddenly, A Gui's voice came from behind: "Father." Ieyasu turned his head and looked at Agui. After a long time, his ashen face gradually revealed a smile.Agui and Awan stood side by side, she looked at Jiayasu with a little disapproval, some blame, and she seemed to be acting like a baby. "Are you going back?" "Turtle!" "Mother seems to be still talking." "What did she say?" Jiakang moved his mouth, waved his hand and said, "I will come again. You worship with Awan tonight. Be obedient." After speaking, he turned his head to Awan and said, "Be good with me." With Agui." "Yes... yes." Ah Wan understood the entanglement between Ieyasu and Sena Hime, she nodded with red eyes. Ieyasu turned his head abruptly and walked outside.Looking at the sky after sunset, he said to himself blankly: "How could it be possible to only give Jiakang a warm family? In this troubled world, men and women are just sad passers-by."