Chapter 10 Chapter Nine: The Battle of Azumazaka

Tianwen eleventh year, autumn. It has not rained for days, and the city is very dry.There are bonfires all over the city.The red flames were reflected on the white wall, and the center of Junfu City on the eve of the expedition seemed to rise like a mirage, which looked extraordinarily beautiful.The 24-year-old, slightly chubby Suruga Defender Imagawa Jibe Daisuke Yoshimoto opened his armor-closing skirt from time to time to wipe the sweat from his armpits.He hadn't put on the ornate helmet yet, but hung it on the bed behind him, but his arms and legs were already covered with armor, making him look extraordinarily mighty.He was barefoot and sat on a tatami stool with a piece of deerskin draped over his leg.

The Zhuang Xing Banquet is ready.There are Shengli and kelp to accompany the wine on the three-sided table of Baizhaer. As soon as the news from the border town arrived, he immediately drank Zhuangxing wine and threw a cup to set off. Sitting next to Yiyuan was his teacher and military advisor, the eminent monk Taiyuan Xuezhai of the Linji sect, with an imperceptible smile on his face.On both sides are retainers and elders, lined up in one row, which is quite different from Owari Oda Nobuhide's family style. Yoshimoto's mother is the daughter of the Nakayumon Dai Nayan, who is of noble birth.He lightly powdered his face, painted his eyebrows and lips.His appearance and attire exude the elegance of aristocrats, but there is an unusual masculinity in his physique and eyes.Yiyuan inherited his elder brother's position as family governor in the spring when he was eighteen years old. In the turmoil, he honed his tough bones and grew into a powerful general.

"Our enemy is Takeda of Kai. And..." he always whispered to everyone, "and the sons and grandchildren of my father's uncle Hojo Soun..." He was always on guard against his cousins, but never put his tail on his back. Zhang Yun took the Oda family seriously, and never thought that the Oda family would become a stumbling block for him.Under the influence of his mother, Yoshimoto yearned for the culture of Kyoto since he was a child.This yearning became stronger when he became a monk at Zentoku-ji Temple in Fuji and immersed himself in learning.The comfort and peace in the Beijing style is the pursuit of everyone.Who can spread this romance to the world so that all people can enjoy comfort and peace?

The Imagawa family originally belonged to the Ashikaga family, and they were two prominent families along with the Kira family in the Jun, En, and San areas on the east coast.Based on the pride of noble birth, young Yoshimoto is determined to popularize aristocratic culture in the world.But his elder brother Shihui passed away, and Yiyuan returned to secular life at the age of 18 to inherit the great cause.From then on, Yoshimoto began to realize his ambition.First of all, he reused his confidant Taiyuan Xuezhai Zen Master, determined to let the fragrance of aristocratic culture linger everywhere in Suruga.He formulated various laws and implemented them among the people, and the leaders admired him very much and called him the Lord of Benevolence.Of course, his ambition is not limited to this.The Ashikaga family of the same origin has already lost their majesty, so he hopes that one day he can enter Beijing to assist the government and take power.

If Owari's Oda Nobuhide is a person who wants to use force to prosper the kingly way, Imagawa Yoshimoto is a person who tries to transform the world with benevolence.This battle is the first sword that this benevolent man swung at the Owari martial artist. The autumn wind should have picked up in the mountains, but this year's Suruga is different from previous years, the weather is still very hot. "Why hasn't anyone come to report the letter yet." Yiyuan wiped the sweat from his chest again and muttered in a low voice. "Don't worry. In this season, the nights are long and the days are short." Xue Zhai whispered, gently picked up his bat fan, to cool off for Yi Yuan.

Neither of them regarded Oda Nobuhide as a real enemy.It's just because Okazaki's Hirochu is too weak, if he just sits idly by, the Oda clan is likely to use Anxiang City as a springboard to capture Okazaki in one fell swoop.Things can get tricky.As long as Yoshimoto still wants to take control of the capital, they cannot allow Shiba's retainers to expand their power. "It would be great if Guangzhong was as strong as his father." "That's right, the Matsudaira family could handle this matter originally, but Okazaki's castellan is too young after all."

"The opponent is Oda, and his strength alone is obviously not enough. But this time, we must let the Oda family know how powerful Imakawa Yoshimoto is." From the perspective of Yoshimoto who was born in a famous family, full of knowledge and knowledgeable about the past and present, Oda Bashihide He is just a rebel who is brave and foolhardy, and his rise is short-lived. In July last year, the Hojo clan of Odawara, his uncle Tsuna passed away at the age of fifty-five, and his son Yasushi had just inherited the great business.In the Takeda family in Kai, Nobutora and Shingen father and son disagree, and quarrel endlessly.This autumn is the best opportunity for Imagawa to attack Oda, because he has no worries.If not, Yoshimoto would not have personally set off to fight against Oda Nobuhide and his like.

"It's really slow." He could no longer bear the hot weather, and whispered again. At this time, a nanny came to Yoshimoto and said, "Master Takeda of Kai came to congratulate him." The nanny looked at Yoshimoto's face while talking.Yiyuan smiled wryly, and glanced back at Xuezhai.Xuezhai pretended not to hear, and turned his head away.Kai's master is actually Yoshimoto's father-in-law Takeda Nobutora.At the beginning, Yoshimoto and his brother-in-law Takeda Shingen agreed to put the fierce general under house arrest in Junfu City.He captured Xinhu alive here and helped Shingen seize the power of Kai.This shows Yoshimoto's extraordinary diplomatic skills, and it is also one of the reasons why he can go to Owari without any worries today.

"Have you discussed it with your father-in-law?" "It's been discussed." "What did Madam say?" "Madam said, everything is up to the adults to decide." Yiyuan smiled and nodded.His wife, Shingen's older sister, also hated this cruel father very much. "You tell him that I am busy with military affairs and have no time to accept the congratulatory message." His tone was severe, and everyone present was surprised.But then he softened his tone and said: "Send hello to Madam." He knew that his wife had a deep affection for Xinxuan, so he purposely said this so that when he was not in the city, nothing would happen here.

According to Yoshimoto's personality, he would not have set out overnight to conquer Owari, but before today's expedition, he received a letter of worry from the retainers of Hiramano Castle.This news comes from Nobumoto Mizuno.Hiromada originally thought that Kariya would never join forces with Oda this time, but Kariya's Mizuno Shimono Morimoto had a change.Yoshimoto is going to set up camp in Okazaki Castle and command himself.It was very close to Anxiang Castle, which he wanted to take back, and Kariya Castle was not far away.Therefore, Mizuno Shimomori's position has a huge impact on Yoshimoto's strategy.

"Don't be impatient, wait a little longer." Yoshimoto followed Xuezhai's advice and waited for the next news from Himono.But until the second quarter of Haishi, still did not receive any news. "It's almost the time of Zi. Tomorrow is Uri, let's go quickly." After a few hours, they finally broke the pottery wine cup and set off to purge. Oda Nobuhide always packs lightly, but Yoshimoto's team is solemn and orderly. After leaving the mansion, Yiyuan will definitely take a sedan chair instead.The Bow Battalion and the Lance Battalion followed closely behind the Infantry Battalion.In addition to the necessary food and grass, the army also had food and drink for leisure time, and even ape musicians and field musicians.In addition, there were handymen who provided supplies, more than a dozen servant boys, and three women who were obviously serving Yiyuan at a glance, one of them was in a sedan chair, and the other two were on horseback. East of Osaka, Suruga is the most civilized place.The leaders sat outside their houses, watching the long procession.Yoshiwon, dressed luxuriously, smiled and nodded to them from time to time.His elegant demeanor is full of indescribable majesty and kindness, which is admirable. "It's really a rare enlightened master." "He is truly an unparalleled general. How can Owari and his like compare with our generals?" "Yes, the general will definitely return in triumph." However, when he left the city, crossed the Abe River, and ushered in the dawn, Yoshimoto was not in a good mood.Although Hiromada was young, Yoshimoto still let him take charge of Okazaki Castle as his hinterland.But seeing how weak he is, how could Yoshiwon not be angry.He thought to himself: Why did Guangzhong insist on marrying the Mizuno family's daughter?Yoshimoto married the Takeda family of Kai, but captured his father-in-law and cleverly controlled his wife and younger brother Shingen. The Oi River is close at hand.Yoshimoto called his entourage, Xia Mu Dongliu, and said sharply: "Go tell the Okazaki people and order them to come to Yomano immediately. It is best for Abe Dazang to come. Also, order the whole army to strengthen their vigilance, so there must be no mistakes!" Imakawa Yoshimoto set off from Sunfu to Okazaki Castle, and received news from both the Eastern and Western armies along the way.Oda Nobuhide had set out from Naguno, but where he was stationed was completely unknown.But it is certain that he will suddenly appear in Anxiang City, where Okazaki is closely related, and meet Imagawa in battle. "Oda is really creepy, and the soldiers are always elusive." However, the Jinchuan Army has always been aboveboard.The sound of small drums was heard in the barracks every day.The melodious songs and the cool autumn wind spread to the ears of local residents.People have very different evaluations of Imagawa and Oda. "As expected of Master Imagawa..." People always yearn for an elegant style, and the Imagawa family is the leader of this style, but the Oda family's approach is quite different.Although the military discipline of the Oda family is much stricter than that of the Imagawa family, the common people are mostly afraid of the Oda army, especially women.When the women were raped by the Oda soldiers, they would tremble all over, but when facing the soldiers of the Imagawa family, instead of being afraid, they would even show a touch of charm. After receiving Yoshimoto's order, Abe Dazang rushed to Himano.After the two met, Yoshimoto, who was planning to settle in Okazaki Castle to personally command the battle, changed his mind.He decided to abandon Okazaki Castle and go to Tahara on the Atsumi Peninsula. The lord of Tahara Castle is Todadan Shozaemon Yasumitsu.Kang Guang was naturally rejoiced at Yoshimoto's arrival, but everyone in Okazaki was not at ease.Because Imakawa Yoshimoto obviously doubts the strength of the young castellan Hiromada, he doesn't trust Okazaki. As soon as Abe Dazang returned to Okazaki Castle, he immediately summoned important ministers to discuss with Hirochu in the meeting hall. "So, Daisuke Jibu thinks the lord is young and doesn't trust us?" Sakai Masakusuke was always blunt.Abe Dazang glanced at Hirochu with a sad face, and said: "Master Jibu Daisuke thinks that Okazaki Castle is too close to the enemy, and even the master's uncle Shinsada has joined Oda, and he is worried that he will be alone here." "I'm afraid his worries are more than that." Ishikawa Aki muttered next to him. "Anyi!" Hiroshida asked sharply, "Are you referring to Kariya's back? Let's be blunt!" "Exactly. Although Mizuno Tadamasa promised that he would never support the Oda Army, Shimono Morimoto has obviously wavered." "Now, how should we deal with it? It's useless to complain!" "These words are not complaints. I just think about how we should treat Daisuke Jibu's uneasiness. If he decides not to come to Okazaki, Kariya will become more unstable. If Kariya thinks that Imagawa will abandon Okazaki, maybe it will be even worse Quickly fall towards Oda—" Before An Yi finished talking, Guang Zhong hurriedly interrupted him. "Oh? You want me to get rid of Yu Da?" Early autumn in Okazaki is very hot and dry.Although it was evening, there was still no cool breeze. "I have absolutely no intention of doing so. What would be the benefit of killing Mrs. Kamibo? If so, not only Shimomori, but also his father, Dr. Uemon, would be angry and turn to the enemy. What do you think?" "That being the case, don't talk about it anymore! I don't want to hear it!" Everyone looked at each other in blank dismay.At the critical moment, Guangzhong really couldn't take on the important task.No one concealed their disappointment.This made the young Guangzhong feel a great insult. "Please keep calm." Abe Dazang persuaded, "When discussing military affairs, the people of the Matsudaira family have always been open-minded. When Daisuke Jibu persuaded me to drink, he said this sentence: If Hirochu can grow up quickly Big, just be as strong as his father." Guangzhong was taken aback.There is nothing more cruel than this sentence.This is equivalent to accusing him of being inferior to his father. "Master Jibu Daisuke really has this idea in his heart. But we can't understand this as Imagawa-sama's humiliation of the lord, but to encourage our old assistant lord to grow up as soon as possible. Therefore, I promise to Mr. Jibu Daisuke, no After two or three years, the lord will surely become an indomitable general." Jiang is indeed old and spicy.Abdu Dazang told the truth without hurting the self-esteem of the young protagonist. However, as soon as he finished speaking, the next person's words made his efforts fall short. "Hahaha, old people are really eloquent! The implication of Daisuke Jibu is that our lord is just a kid and cannot be trusted. We must not be too naive." It was Shinhachiro Okubo. His elder brother Shinjuro glared at him, telling him to be careful, and his younger brother Jinshiro also frowned, for fear that Hirochu would get angry.But Shinhachiro continued nonchalantly: "Anyway, Daisuke Jibu will not come to Okazaki. The most important thing now is what should we do now. Paint eyebrows and dye teeth, and bring a snare drum and a woman, such It doesn't matter if the army doesn't come." Guangzhong was taken aback, leaned forward, and reprimanded: "Xinba, you talk too much!" "No, it's more than that. War is not a trifling matter, it's a matter of life and death. I feel that the Oda side has a 60% chance of winning this war." "What is the basis?" "Going into battle with light equipment is often effective. We must figure out where the two sides will fight, and at the same time strengthen the rear front. In this way, even if Imagawa retreats, the enemy will not dare to pursue." "Where do you want to lure the enemy?" Masaku Sakai interrupted. "I don't know what Masakaya thinks, but Shinpachi thinks it's best to be in Azumazaka." "Adzuki Zaka?" "Xiaodouzaka is in the east of Okazaki. Do you want to hand over Okazaki to others, or do you want to stick to the city?" Shinhachiro nodded resolutely and said: "In the beginning, we must stick to the castle. Lure the enemy army to the mountains that our Okubo clan is familiar with, and beat them to pieces. If Kariya sees our mortal intention from the beginning, they will I won’t take refuge in Oda easily.” The audience was suddenly silent.What Shin Hachiro means is to let both the enemy and the enemy know that they have decided to adopt the defensive tactics that Imagawa Yoshimoto fears the most... Everyone finally adopted Okubo Shinhachiro's strategy. Imagawa Yoshimoto didn't know the strength of Oda Nobuhide.He decided to enter Tahara Castle not because he was afraid of Nobuhide, but because he was afraid that if Okazaki fell, he would lose face.All this of course stems from his suspicion of Guangzhong's ability.On the other hand, Oda Nobuhide appointed his younger brother Sun Saburo Nobumitsu as the main general, and led an elite division across the Yahagawa River, intending to wipe out Imagawa's expeditionary army and Matsudaira Army in one fell swoop, and seized the weakly defended Okazaki Castle during the retreat.Once Oda succeeds, the people of Matsudaira will definitely be taken away from the city and become homeless.In this way, Mizuno and his son, who had no intention of participating in the war, may have to raise their troops. Everyone believed that the main force should stay in Okazaki, and when Imagawa defeated the enemy and pursued the victory to Yachagawa, they would go out of the city to meet them.And if Imagawa is defeated, the powerful Okubo clan near Kamiwada Kingo will attack the retreating Oda from behind, preventing them from getting closer to Okazaki Castle.As long as there are elite troops guarding Okazaki Castle, there is no need to worry about the long-term confrontation between Oda and the Okubo clan.In this way, Okazaki Castle can be kept. But this idea made the young city lord Hirota Matsudaira very unhappy.Because of this, Guangzhong, who volunteered to take back Anxiang City, would lose face.Hiromada didn't want to defend passively just to keep Okazaki, he wanted Imagawa's help to retake Anxiang City.Anxiang City is close at hand, whenever Guangzhong sees his uncle Matsudaira Shinsada who deceived himself when he was young and defected to Oda, and his gang brazenly entering and leaving the city gate, he feels unbearable. As soon as the meeting was over, Guangzhong returned to the inner court full of resentment. The red sun falls to the west.The city is heavily guarded, except for the occasional chirping of insects, everything is quiet for a while. It is very hot during the day and surprisingly cool at night.The dew wets the grass on the roadside, and also wets Guangzhong's heart.Guangzhong came back to his senses, and suddenly found that Yu Dazheng was kneeling on the ground in front of the autumn grass overgrown door, waiting for him to return with a smile on his face. Guangzhong looked at Yu Da with infinite love and compassion in his eyes.In three months, Yu Da will give birth.She cleverly used a long blouse to cover her protruding abdomen, but the thinness of her body made her look even more charming. "Yu Da." "exist." "Everyone says I'm not as good as my father." After Guangzhong finished speaking, he walked into the room and lay down on the mattress. Yu was taken aback.Guangzhong let out a long breath, with tears in his eyes. "Lily, serve your lord for dinner." After Yu Da ordered, he lightly lifted his blouse and turned to Guangzhong's right side, seeing his thinner face, he felt sore in his heart.Yu Da herself wanted to cry, but she had to force a smile so as not to disturb Guangzhong's heart.Lily served the meal.Yu Da personally picked up the small pot containing Su, and said in a low voice, "The most important thing is a strong body." She gave Lily a wink, signaling her to go down. "Yu Da." "exist." "It is sad that the son is not as good as the father." Yu Da didn't speak, and silently poured Su into a small plate. "I heard that Daisuke Jibu doubts my ability, so I won't come to Okazaki Castle." Yu Da still didn't answer, but just cut the wick quietly. "The family elders also regard me as a useless person. If my father is in command, they will definitely attack Owari and kill the enemy bravely, but in my generation, they say that the focus is on defense--is I so worrying? " "You have to be patient, this is because the elders are thinking of you." Yu Daqiang put on a smile and said, "The family is always the treasure of Okazaki. For this, even my father is often envious..." Guangzhong gently opened the lid of the soup pot, picked up the spoon, opened his mouth to say something, but stopped, and took a sip of the soup. The fetus moved a bit in the abdomen.Yu Da clutched his stomach and looked at Guangzhong affectionately.The fetus grew up day by day in the womb, and every movement he made reminded Yu Da of his love for Guangzhong.The uneasiness and jealousy towards Mrs. Ajiu became less and less as the fetus grew, but her affection for Guangzhong became stronger and stronger.I don't know when she started, she no longer refute Guangzhong, but consider everything from Guangzhong's standpoint. As a general, Guangzhong has too delicate emotions and is physically weak.This made her feel anxious.Yu Da knew very well that Guangzhong couldn't sleep peacefully every night recently.The Songping clan who followed his father honestly back then began to bully Guangzhong, which made him wronged.Every night, Yu Da could hear Guangzhong whispering to himself while tossing and turning. "Believe in this traitor!" "Don't take Tibetans lightly." Guangzhong has always hoped to regain Anxiang City with the help of Imagawa Yoshimoto.However, contrary to expectations, this war seems to have nothing to do with him, but Oda and Imagawa are fighting for their respective ambitions.Caught between two forces, he can only save himself. When eating, Guangzhong occasionally gritted his teeth. He was not savoring the delicious food, but thought of something irritating, and his expression was gloomy.After eating, Lily removed the dishes. "Yu Da," Guangzhong said to his wife with a firm expression, "you must give me a strong son. Don't be like me, not as good as your own father." These words were a bit abrupt, and Yu Da couldn't help asking: "You...what did you say?" "I asked you to give me a strong child..." Guangzhong narrowed his eyes and muttered, "Why should I listen to the elders? I remember that my father was small, but he was as strong as a rock, and he instructed the elders all day long. They turned around in circles. But they didn't say anything, and followed their father's orders. I know that would make them feel that the lord is reliable, but why can't I do it?" On his thin face, the muscles were twitching slightly, and the light Down, his tears streamed down his cheeks. "Father has no other purpose, but I always think twice. A simple father makes people feel reliable, but I, who is thoughtful, make people feel unreliable. As long as I am the general, the elders will not attack the city of Anxiang, which is close at hand. .” Yu Da shook his head hastily, "You are wrong, everyone is worried about your safety." "Yu Da, that's why I feel sad." Guang Zhong thumped his knee vigorously, tears came down, and his shoulders began to twitch.In the big eyes, Guangzhong at this time is like a poor boy.She even wanted to hug him and comfort him gently. "Do I look so weak, so worrying?" "No... no, never!" "You don't need to comfort me. I know myself, I am indeed inferior to my father. It is because I look forward and backward, and because I am not tough..." At this time, he was like a coquettish puppy, "Yu Da." "exist." "Let's pray. This year is the year of the tiger. I pray that the gods and Buddhas will give us a son who is as powerful and strong as a tiger. I don't want my son to experience my humiliation again..." "Ok." "We gave birth to a son with extraordinary abilities, neither relying on Imagawa nor fearing Oda..." Guangzhong took Yu Da's hand and described a dream that he could not realize.Although he may die in this battle, regardless of whether Imagawa wins or loses, Hirochu must show the integrity of a samurai. "Death" is definitely not something to talk about, but a real thing to face. Guangzhong's flesh and blood had been conceived in Yu Da's body, which made Guangzhong feel very relieved, but also a little uncomfortable.His tears dripped down on Yu Da's skirt again. "Yu Da... Please. Even if something happens to Guangzhong...you must live on. For our children, you must live on." With tears in his eyes, he gently kissed With big plump earlobes.Yu Da threw himself into Guangzhong's arms and burst into tears.She knew that crying loudly at this time would make Guangzhong feel more uncomfortable, but she could no longer control her feelings.