Chapter 29 Chapter Twenty-Eight

In a blink of an eye, it is the early autumn of Tianwen 16th. Mrs. Tian Yuan hasn't seen her brother for a long time. Today, she saw him in the room.When she saw her brother, her cheeks flushed.Back then, she married from Tawara Castle to Okazaki under the escort of Xuanguang, two and a half years have passed in a blink of an eye. Xuan Guang took a fan to drive away the heat, and sat down. "Have you had a good two years?" he asked with a smile.Mrs. Tian Yuan didn't know how to answer.In the past two and a half years, she was neither happy nor unhappy.In the first year of marriage, she was bored in the room every day, heartbroken, and then began to fight with the concubine Ah Chun.The battle finally spread to Tianyuan Castle, Xuanguang's younger brother Goro, in a rage, sent an assassin to Okazaki Castle to assassinate Hirochu, which immediately plunged Okazaki Castle into chaos.Later, the Imagawa clan attacked the Yoshida Castle of Toda Kinshichiro, a fellow Tahara clan, and Okazaki was also ordered to join... These two and a half years have undoubtedly been eventful.During this period, only her elder brother Xuan Guang has been protecting her.Only Xuan Guang knew that she cared about Guang Zhong.

"How are you and Guangzhong recently? Are you still in harmony?" "Well...it's okay." Madam's answer was still vague. Under the dealings of the veterans, Ah Chun was finally left aside in the cold.Guangzhong and her finally became husband and wife.But Guangzhong is always depressed, he is indeed too busy. "Brother, I'm very worried about you. Men don't seem to be able to understand the happiness of women." Mrs. Tahara did not answer.After a while, she asked, "Has Takechiyo's itinerary been confirmed?" When Xuan Guang heard this, he couldn't help showing embarrassment. "I'm really happy... You have to understand that at this time, I want to take you back to Tianyuan City for a while..." He looked out the window cautiously. "This time, Okazaki Castle is a strategically important place. Now, I have to take Takechiyo to meet my mother... It can be considered as a status."

Rumors that the Oda Clan would launch an attack have spread like a tide in Okazaki Castle, and the situation is already very serious.Imakawa Yoshimoto will not be caught without a fight.His goal is not Xisanhe, but Kyoto.And Oda has expanded his influence to the avenue leading to Kyoto. If the Imagawa family wants to realize their long-cherished wish, they must first kick this stumbling block.Therefore, it is the best policy to take hostages from the Matsudaira family and let the Okazaki people serve as pioneers for the Imagawa family. Recently, Okazaki Castle has been discussing how to safely send Takechiyo to Junfu every day.Toda Nobumitsu came to discuss this matter today as Imagawa's subordinate.

After hearing Xuan Guang's words, Mrs. Tian Yuan looked at her brother puzzled, she didn't quite understand the meaning of his words. "You mean to meet your mother..." "No, I mean... When I was sending Takechiyo off, I asked him to meet... Didn't Father and Goro write about this?" The lady shook her head slightly.The discord between her and Guangzhong had spread to Tianyuan City when she was fighting with Ah Chun. Her father was very angry, and her younger brother Goro even persuaded her to break off the engagement with Guangzhong.Of course the madam had no plans to separate, so she let it go, but she didn't receive any letters.

"Actually..." Seeing his wife's ignorance, Xuan Guang picked up his fan and patted his fat chest again, "The entourage and route for taking Takechiyo to Junfu have been decided this morning." "What route to take?" "Considering that there may be enemies on land, I decided to go ashore from West County to Otsu by sea, and wait for the Imagawa family to greet me at the temporary residence in Shiomizaka. Because Shiomizaka is very close to Tahara Castle, I might take Takechiyo to Tahara Castle. See mother. Are you going too?" Madam still shook her head slightly.She wants to fill the emptiness after Takechiyo left for Hirochu with affection.

"Oh, you're not going?" Xuan Guang sighed, "I have to say that this hostage incident may be detrimental to Guangzhong." "what?" "Hirochu thinks that this move can get the support of the Imagawa clan, but Imagawa has no such plan. They are secretly planning that as long as the hostages are in hand, they can use Matsudaira's elite troops as the vanguard against the Oda clan. Winning is not good, and losing is also Unfavorable. In short..." Having said this, Xuan Guang looked around, "This city is facing an extremely serious crisis. Are you still going back to Tianyuan City?"

Mrs. Tian Yuan shook her head lightly again, "No matter what happens, I am really happy to die in this city." "Hey! I have to follow you. Men really can't understand women's hearts, but they seem to know a little bit." Xuan Guang suddenly frowned sadly, but then smiled again. "Mrs. Yu has a special liking for this city, but she had to leave. Ah Chun was also driven away by you in the end. Maybe you and Guangzhong are the most destined. As long as you work hard, you will become the luckiest one." woman." After finishing speaking, Xuan Guang got up slowly and said: "Then, please take care of yourself." Looking at the younger sister who was not born smart in front of him, he sighed heavily again and went out.

After sending off his elder brother and his wife returning to the bedroom, Guangzhong came.The one-eyed Yami came to report first. Since the thigh was injured in the last battle of Anxiang City, Yami has been a little limping when walking.He stood at the door of his wife and shouted: "The lord and the young lord are here!" Then he disappeared outside the gate. Since the Ah Chun incident, the face of the Sanhe warrior has become more serious, and he has never looked at the women in Xincheng again.After Mrs. Tian Yuan's mediation, the maid Afeng was not held accountable; while the one-eyed Yami still guarded Guangzhong as a personal bodyguard.Undoubtedly, he was extremely unwilling to see A Feng who hurried out to greet him today.

The women who came out to greet him were silent.Guangzhong's complexion is very bad, and his eyes are turning blue.Sakai Masaku also walked in with Takechiyo in his arms.The servants went to the side room by the door as usual, only Yalesuke went straight into the inner courtyard. "Ga Le Zhu, wait a moment, I'll go in with Chiyo." The tone was so heavy that Ya Le Zhu couldn't refuse. So Takechiyo was moved into his father's arms.Although the false age is six, Takechiyo, who was born on the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, is actually only four years and seven months old.As the name suggests, Zhu Qiandai is reminiscent of Meng Zong's bamboo shoots. In the future, he will be far stronger and taller than his father.The slender eyes and flat lips give people the feeling that they are not good at words, but probably because of their strong curiosity, they are very talkative.After being picked up by his father, he said clearly: "Father, Takechiyo has to go by himself. Takechiyo is too heavy."

But Guangzhong neither smiled nor answered, and walked towards the inner court.The father and son were welcomed by Mrs. Tahara into the room where Nobumitsu Toda stayed just now. "Thanks for your hard work." Takechiyo said to Mrs. Tahara in his father's arms, the professor of the vassals.Guangzhong finally smiled wryly. "Takechiyo, this is your mother." After hearing this, Takechiyo shook his head and said, "Thank you, thank you." Mrs. Tahara's eyes suddenly burst into tears. She was not happy because of Takechiyo's greeting, but because of Hirotada's "This is your mother" that made her have mixed feelings.

Hirochu carried Takechiyo to the top and sat down, while Mrs. Tahara sat down on the cloth cushion next to her.If possible, she wants to hold her husband in his arms forever and stay with Guangzhong forever.She doesn't want anyone close to this two-person world.Desperate to win her husband's love, Mrs. Tahara immediately bowed to Takechiyo. "May Take Chiyo thrive." She fell on the ground with affectionate eyes. "You're welcome, please get up." Takechiyo replied first. "Oh, the young master is really open-minded by nature." Mrs. Tian Yuan was pressed down by Takechiyo's words, and even forgot to reach out to catch him. "Takechiyo," Hirochu said, "Okay, let mother hug you. Don't know when we will see you again." Takechiyo left his father's arms and reluctantly sat on the mattress. Guangzhong smiled wryly again, "I don't recognize my mother. It seems that it was my mistake to ask him to say goodbye to you at the time of parting." "It's okay." The lady knelt down in front of her husband again.No matter how disrespectful Takechiyo was to her, Hirotada's kind words had moved her heart. "He hasn't met me, and he doesn't admit it is an exaggeration. Maxihime sincerely wishes him a smooth sailing in Suruga." "Isn't it an exaggeration if you haven't seen it?" Guangzhong thought she was being sarcastic, "If you leave the city without letting him come to see you, it would be disrespectful to you. I'll bring him here, and you can look at him too." After finishing speaking, He pursed his lips and looked out the window.The pine trees are still so green.Baiyun travels leisurely.There is still no wind at noon in the scorching heat.Even the white foxtail is still the same as in previous years.Only people are changing every moment.Those who live must die, those who unite must divide. Guangzhong still remembers that he was also brought here by his father to meet Yuda's biological mother, Huayangyuan.Now, he brought Yu Da's child, who was also his favorite child, to other women.Father wasn't there, Yu Da wasn't there, and Ah Chun wasn't there either.Tomorrow, Takechiyo will also leave him.Only Mrs. Tian Yuan, who made him feel nothing, and himself stayed here.It's all like a dream.A sense of loneliness and the impermanence of life swept Guangzhong. "Is Takechiyo going to Suruga?" He suddenly heard a childish voice asking. "Go to Junfu as a guest. There are delicious fruits in Junfu." "Ah... Takechiyo." "Then, let's say goodbye here. Please take care, Mother." "Yes... yes. I remember, I remember..." "Father, let's go back." Hiromada had been staring at Takechiyo closely, suddenly, his lips trembled and he began to cry. "You go and ask Yale to help, I still have something to say to my wife." He said to A Feng who was nervously waiting by the side. "Take a boat from Xijun to Dajin, where you can change to land. You may need the care of the Tianyuan family on the way. Did Brother Ling tell you about this?" Takechiyo raised his head in surprise, looking at Hirodada who turned his head away, holding back tears. Galesuke took Takechiyo back.Takechiyo saluted his father politely, but was carried away reluctantly.He still didn't show Mrs. Tian Yuan the gift of mother and child. Takechiyo, who knew nothing about this mother before, suddenly couldn't accept all this at all.No matter who orders, this child will never carry out.This made Guangzhong sad again.Those with strong personalities can do great things, but he is also worried that the strong will be easily broken.And Imakawa Yoshimoto is a person with arrogant self-esteem, and he can turn his face against others because of a small faux pas.This rebellious child is sure to annoy Yoshimoto.But in order to preserve the Matsudaira family, Hiromada had no choice but to send Takechiyo as a hostage. Guangzhong has been extremely weak recently.It is also a sign of his weakness that he deliberately brought Takechiyo here today; compared to when Mrs. Tahara was not allowed to come to the city, Hiromada is much weaker now. "Ma'am," Hirochu stared at the hazel tree in the courtyard after only the two of them were left, "What did Xuanguang tell you? He wouldn't say that you should send Takechiyo to the castle of Tahara, right?" Mrs. Tian Yuan snuggled close to Guangzhong, her whole body was hot.We only meet once or twice a month.Seeing Guangzhong's figure and hearing his voice are enough to make Madam's blood boil.She carefully appreciates the meaning of Guangzhong's words. "I will never leave you half a step. He said never to leave..." "Did he say that?" "Yes. Of course. Makihime's..." "Really? Then Takechiyo will be safe for this trip. I'm really grateful." Because Imagawa Yoshimoto once had people attack Toda Kinshichiro, many remnants of Kinshichiro must have been ambushed on the way from Okazaki Castle to Sunfu.And the only ones who can suppress those remnants are the Toda father and son of the same clan. Guangzhong nodded reassuringly, and Mrs. Tianyuan suddenly fell on Zhang Shi's knee and burst into tears.She herself didn't know why she was crying.While crying, she twisted and her body gradually became hot. "My lord! Please don't be sad. I'm so happy... I'm so happy... Seeing your tears makes me sadder than death." Guangzhong was silent. The bell rang.That sad and clear voice sounded like the voice of reading scriptures, as if it was chanting sutras for Takechiyo who left the city tomorrow. "It's unlucky!" Guangzhong was thinking like this, and the clear voice sounded again, twisting between the pine and hazel trees.When he came back to his senses, he found that his wife was hugging his knee tightly and crying softly. In the setting sun, the sound of crying drove away Guangzhong's sadness.Madam's face was stained with tears, leaning on his lap, her body was hot, and sweat dripped from her black hair.Guangzhong was deeply moved by this situation. "What is this woman living for?" Guangzhong didn't push her away, but just looked at her quietly. Guangzhong wanted to cry.The sense of oppression that Yu Dahe and Ah Chun had never experienced made him breathless.This may be a sign that his physical strength is weakening. First, she was forced to break off the engagement with Yu Da, and now she is facing a life-and-death separation with Takechiyo.For Guangzhong, who is immersed in the sense of impermanence in life, the endless desire of women is like a challenge to him, challenging him who is laughing at sadness and rationality. "Tian Yuan, get up!" With strong anger in his words, Guangzhong pushed his wife away fiercely. "Ah!" The wife who was waiting for Guangzhong's caress looked up at her husband in disbelief. "It's too hot, fan it quickly." Mrs. Tian Yuan picked up the fan on the ground with resentment, but she did not resist and fanned the wind silently. If it was before, Guangzhong couldn't control his anger at all, and continued to stay in this room.But today, although he was angry, he immediately softened his tone. "lady." "Ok." "Perhaps after this farewell, we will never see Takechiyo again." "Don't say unlucky words. You are a famous marksman in Kaido." Guangzhong was silent for a while. "Life is so lonely." He said wistfully, "Let's live happily. Shall we?" Mrs. Tahara bit her lip and began to cry.It was misfortune for the Matsudaira family to send Takechiyo away as a hostage, but this misfortune seemed to bring her happiness.A woman's happiness may be so funny. Mrs. Tian Yuan continued to fan Hirochu while crying.As long as Guangzhong is happy, she can silently fan him, hoping to become a woman who makes him linger. "Okay." Guang Zhong said, "Can you write a letter to Brother Ling for me to make sure everything is fine?" "Yes, how to write it?" "Take Chiyo to him. What I worry about the most is the distance from Shiomizaka to Himano. Can I ask him to take care of it?" "yes." Mrs. Tahara put away his fan and sat down at the desk.At this time, the voice of One-eyed Yami came from the gate. "My lord! Someone is coming to greet you. The young master is leaving." Okazaki's retainers stood on both sides of the gate, and Nobumitsu Toda walked among them, and the solemn voices of the retainers could be heard from time to time. "please." "Please don't worry. I will try my best." Xuan Guang replied casually, walking towards the horses outside the gate. Torii Tadakichi and Sakai Masaku walked outside the gate, and told Xuanguang again: "The young master is your nephew, and for us, he is the only hope for tomorrow. In any case, please take care of me." Xuan Guang nodded and got on his horse. Takechiyo was scheduled to leave Okazaki Castle at 10 o'clock the next day. First carried to Xijun in a sedan chair, and then took the waterway to Otsu Port in Atsumi County, Xuanguang took the first step.Matsudaira was responsible for escorting Takechiyo to Xijun.Going forward, it is not the Songping family's sphere of influence.Guangzhong was worried, and the veterans also asked the Toda family again and again. Just as Xuan Guang was about to leave the city, twelve cavalrymen chased him up.They were dressed in the popular western uniforms and held long guns.After the group left Okazaki Castle, one of them rode up on horseback and walked side by side with Xuan Guang. "Brother, Guangzhong doesn't know all of this, does he?" This person is Xuanguang's younger brother Wulang. Xuan Guang didn't answer, but swung his whip to speed up, distanced himself from the others. "This time, let those self-righteous guys have a taste of our power." Goro spit on the horse's back "pooh". "They don't know the heights of the sky and the earth, and insult our family in everything. Ever since I heard that he would not let my sister live in the city, I vowed to let them see the strength of the Toda family." Xuanguang still didn't answer, and accelerated the speed of the horse, Goro hurried catch up. "Sister will definitely come to Tahara Castle in the name of sending Takechiyo, brother?" "You're too loud, Goro." "No, they're far away. Who can hear?" "Don't be careless until you get on the boat. Pay attention to the direction of the wind." Goro quickly grabbed the gun and deliberately shook his left hand. "God help us, brother." "what?" "If Takechiyo didn't go to Junfu, but went to Owari, the whole world would be shaken." Xuan Guang said nothing, just looked at his younger brother for a while, and raised his eyes to the sky on the right.A cool breeze blows from the sea.The sky was cloudless.The setting sun elongates the shadows of the centaurs and horses. If Takechiyo was sent to Owari's house by Toda's hands, what would happen to his sister in the future? In Xuanguang's mind, the image of his sister couldn't get rid of, and he couldn't help sighing. "It's really reckless and reckless..." There was reproach in his sigh. Considering the tide, wind direction and moonlight, the Toda brothers decided to board the boat from West County at midnight.Before boarding the ship, they decided to take a break at the house of Shoya Gaemon. "Don't you feel that there is an ambush around here?" Goro grinned when Nobumitsu exchanged greetings with Kamanemon, "That's good, bro. Maybe they're with us." "Stop talking." Xuan Guang reprimanded in a low voice, then walked into the living room.The tea was served, everyone was busy preparing meals, Xuan Guang said to his younger brother while there was no one around, "Zhenxiji will not return to Tianyuan." Goro froze for a moment, obviously regretting his lack of consideration. He looked at his brother with a flushed face and said, "What... what did you say? My sister wants to stay in Okazaki Castle?" "That was her wish." "No... In that case, my sister will be torn into eight pieces by Guangzhong. That's not allowed!" Xuan Guang glanced at Goro sharply, "Then what should we do?" "What should I do? You asked me, and I was going to ask you. My father was very resentful of Okazaki's actions in assisting Imagawa to eliminate his fellow Toda Kinshichiro, and he would never let Hirota just let go. Chiyo hijacked him because he insulted his sister." Xuan Guang gently held his wrist and closed his eyes slightly. "It's already extremely rude not to let my sister live in this city; she even fooled around with a lowly woman and left her wife aside... This kind of insult is tolerable, what can't be tolerated! I... just think of how hopeless my sister is. But in a lonely situation, the heart will be broken!" "..." "Why are you silent, brother? Are you going to throw cold water on me and my father at this time?" Xuanguang suddenly looked around, "Don't be so loud, Goro...it won't help if you pour cold water on it. Father has already made an appointment with Mrs. Oda to send Takechiyo there." "After handing Takechiyo over to the Oda family, what should my sister do?" "Goro, I think differently about father and your plan." "Different ideas? You mean, Guangzhong doesn't need to care about insulting his sister?" Xuan Guang nodded slowly, he stood up and looked around the courtyard vigilantly.The moon has not yet come out, and the night is dark.From nowhere came the whining of pine worms. "Wulang..." Xuan Guang sat down again, and said, "You come from an authentic sect, don't you think you haven't considered well enough?" "Not thinking enough?" Goro trembling all over, asked back, "Do you think it's not thinking enough? Just because our family is the core of the entire Toda clan, we must have the integrity of a samurai." "Hmph." Xuan Guang closed his eyes gently again, "Aren't you embarrassing the samurai by what you said? Guangzhong and Zhenxiji are already very harmonious, and the resentment has already melted." "Disappear? So, do you think the plan to hijack Takechiyo should be stopped?" Xuan Guang shook his head calmly. "Do you want to continue? After kidnapping Takechiyo, sister Ren was killed by the Okazaki people?" "It is precisely because I don't want to see Zhen Xiji killed that I sincerely promote your plan." "What is brother's sincerity?" "Goro, I agreed to kidnap Takechiyo on the way, not because I hate Matsudaira. On the contrary, I decided to advance this plan because of Matsudaira's future." "For Matsudaira's sake?" Xuan Guang nodded slightly. "So, I said that I am different from you. You only need to look at the fate of Toda Kinchiro, the same family, and you will understand. Imagawa Yoshimoto is extremely insidious. He wants to take Matsudaira as a hostage to threaten Okazaki people and become the vanguard against Oda. Matsudaira Warriors Because the young master is detained, he will definitely fight to the death... If Imakawa Yoshimoto enters the capital as he wishes, Okazaki will become an empty city with nothing. If that is the case, do you think Imagawa Yoshimoto will easily let Takechiyo inherit the Matsudaira family's great cause Is it? No, he will send his cronies into the city, and then create an excuse to destroy the Matsudaira clan. Guangzhong knows nothing about it. To be more precise, he is blindfolded by the hatred in front of him, and he is going to perish. Instead of that, it is better to The hostages were given to the Oda family to wake up Hirochu's dream. I think this is what we should do as Makihime's family." Goro remained silent, looking at Xuanguang.The reason for kidnapping Takechiyo in order to save the Matsudaira clan was beyond his imagination... "No!" Goro said to Xuanguang, "In short, Takechiyo must be hijacked no matter what! Once he knows that Takechiyo has been robbed, Hirochu will probably not let his sister go. What will we do then?" "Goro." "what?" "The two of us have completely different ideas about this matter. You want to call Maxihime back to Tahara Castle, is it because you want to save her?" "Of course. Isn't she our own sister?" "No. I persuaded her to go back to Tahara because I wanted to send her to the Oda family as a hostage." "What... what did you say? You want to send your sister to the Oda family as a hostage?" "Exactly. If that's the case, Makihime will be famous far and wide. Even if she and Takechiyo are killed, her chastity will be immortalized forever." Goro shook his head anxiously.For him, if even his sister could be killed, what's the point of doing it? "You know how to joke! You actually don't care about your sister's life or death. If Takechiyo is kidnapped, my sister will definitely be killed by Hirochu. But things have already been arranged." Seeing Goro panicked, Xuanguang fell silent.Zhenxi Ji didn't seem to understand Xuanguang's intention, but this Goro didn't understand even more.Both of them are so innocent.Thinking of this, Xuan Guang sighed again.The appearance of so many stupid people in the Toda family may be a sign of the family's demise. "Goro." "Brother, I hope you will come up with a way to save my sister sooner." "You, do you think that if Zhen Xiji returns to Tianyuan Castle, nothing will happen?" "Isn't it? After all, she is by father and brother's side." "Nonsense!" Xuan Guang reprimanded, "I don't blame me for saying that you are acting like Meng Lang. If you give bamboo thousand generations to the Oda clan, the Oda clan will definitely use this to persuade the Matsudaira clan to surrender and ask for peace." "Indeed." "At that time, will Guangzhong obey the Oda clan because of his love for his son, or will he just sit back and watch his son be killed?" "Oh. You have to choose one of the two." "If Yoshimoto Imakawa knows that Hirochu has taken refuge in Oda, will he let it go?" "So what if there is a fight?" "At that time, which side did you support? Do you support the Matsudaira clan, or follow Yoshimoto's order and attack the Matsudaira clan?" "Not for either side. I don't like either side." "Nonsense! How can Tianyuan, a small town, have the freedom not to support either side? If you don't believe me, just wait and see. At this time, the Imagawa Clan's army will be directed at Tianyuan City and continue to attack the Matsudaira Clan." Goro groaned and bit his lip. "On the contrary, if Hiromada wants to be loyal to the Imagawa Clan even if he sees his son killed, then Imagawa will still say that Matsudaira Clan can't be humiliated and send troops to destroy me, Tahara. Goro, the strategy of you and your father is actually a hidden danger. " "This... you mean we're going to annoy Imagawa?" "Whether Imagawa will be angry, I don't know. But one thing is clear, this will give people a reason." "Then...then...what should I do, brother?" "Maxihime will die if she stays in Okazaki, and she will die if she returns to Tahara. Tahara is on the cusp, and she will die sooner if she comes to Tahara. So, we really shouldn't ask her to go to Tahara. Do you understand, Goro?" Xuan Guang's eyes were bloodshot and red.Goro suddenly went limp and fell into deep thought. Things are just as Xuan Guang said.Goro and his father originally thought that by kidnapping Takechiyo and giving it to Oda Nobuhide on the way, on the one hand, they would vent their personal anger towards the Matsudaira family, and at the same time, they could break off ties with the Imagawa clan, which killed the same family Toda Kinshichiro, which would make Hirochu face Sweeping the floor can also send a generous gift to Oda Nobuhide.But the idea of ​​​​the two is too simple. This event will lead to war.Once a war breaks out, no matter where my sister is, the ending will be the same.Goro was thinking in a trance, Xuanguang muttered worriedly again: "The Toda clan may be doomed." "The catastrophe of extinction?" "Yes. After sending Takechiyo to Owari, the Oda clan may give us gold and silver property. But that will only make us more desperate." "Brother, is there any way to save our family?" "Military power... can only be relied on by Oda Nobuhide." "Oh." Goro nodded.However, it was impossible for Nobuhide to expand his power to the east of Tahara, and there seemed to be no way to avoid war.Goro felt uneasy.But now there is nothing to stop my father from carrying out this plan.Since he has such insight into the situation, why did the elder brother agree to this plan?Goro was about to speak when footsteps came from the courtyard.Xuan Guang was still shaking his white fan, and asked towards the night: "Who?" "The villain Kaemon." A voice answered in the darkness, and a face was exposed in the light. "The moon is out. The boat is ready." Indeed, it was beginning to brighten outside. "Goro, let's go." Xuan Guang looked back at Goro and drew out his knife. While the Toda brothers rowed their boat from Nishigunhama to the moonlit sea, Okazaki Castle was preparing for Takechiyo's departure. Although Takechiyo was separated from his biological mother very early, Matsudaira poured all his hope and love into him and raised him in this city; even the inner court is also called "Takechiyo Castle".But he is only six years old and cannot ride a horse yet.First send it to Xijun in a sedan chair, and then take a boat from there. Takechiyo seemed to be dressed in a majestic travel attire.My aunt, Mrs. Feisha, my grandmother, Suga, and my grandmother, Mrs. Huayangin sobbed from time to time, helping to prepare while wiping away tears. Hironata stared at Takechiyo, who was sitting upright in front of him, with gleaming eyes, who seemed to be going on a tour, and remained motionless. "This is your seal cage." Hisha tied it around Takechiyo's waist, and Mrs. Huayangyuan silently cut off the front half with a short knife. After finishing dressing up, the old nurse Suga took a small coffee table and placed it between the father and son. "Okay." After stomping his feet a few times, Takechiyo slowly sat across from the coffee table.His face was reminiscent of a Momotaro doll for Boys' Day in May, with brightly colored tight lips. "It's really magnificent. Take care on the way." Feisha said, "Takechiyo, let me take another look at you." Mrs. Huayangyuan walked around to the coffee table and let out a sigh of relief. Madam Feisha's eyes were filled with tears, while Suga bit her lips tightly and covered her face with her sleeve.Only Mrs. Huayangin didn't cry. She watched her unfortunate grandson quietly. Her eyes were very similar to Takechiyo's biological mother Yuda, clear and philosophical, as if she was looking at something deeper than sadness. "Your grandfather died on the battlefield. Father too...Takechiyo, no matter where you go, you are the Lord of Okazaki. Don't forget your identity." Takechiyo seemed to understand, and nodded heavily.That appearance is very similar to Yu Da when he was a child. "Woman!" Mrs. Huayangyuan once again felt that the troubled times failed to give her and Yu Da a piece of land to live in peace, but they left their lives where they lived. "In this way... grandma doesn't have any regrets. Come, say goodbye to your father quickly." There are more and more people around Guangzhong.The veterans had already gathered in this room last night, and the people who had been with Takechiyo and his companions also came in to see Takechiyo off. "Father, the child has gone." "Oh." Guang Zhong stood up, wanted to say a few words, but couldn't, his eyes were already moist.He didn't want people to see his tears on this occasion, he just wanted to open his mouth, but choked up, so he swallowed hard, held back his tears, stared at Takechiyo sternly, and said: "Takechiyo..." "Father." "You are still young and don't understand the truth. Your trip can save this city and the whole family." Takechiyo nodded. "Father would like to thank you. At this time... Father is deeply ashamed of his incompetence, and I will give you a letter. When you grow up, don't forget what father said today." After finishing speaking, Hirochu bowed his head in front of Takechiyo , stand still for a while.His tears were still wet, his chest was churning, and he was speechless. "Please go to the hall. Everyone is waiting." said Mrs. Fei Sha, whose eyes were red from crying. In the hall, the servant boy who accompanied Takechiyo to Junfu and their father and brother had been waiting for a long time.The eldest is Matagoro, the son of Amano Jinemon Kagetaka, who is already eleven years old and has a gentle and honest appearance.The leader is Yoshichiro, the grandson of Ishikawa Anyi. He is four years old and ten years old this year.He seemed to have fully learned from his grandfather the importance and relevance of the trip, and he was staring at the burning candlestick with his chest out.Taking the same sedan chair as Takechiyo, and talking with Takechiyo on the way, was Tokuchiyo, the son of Abe Jingoro, who was only one year older than Takechiyo.Hiraiwa Kinhachiro's son Nananosuke is the same age as Takechiyo, while Matsudaira Nobusada's grandson Yoichiro is the youngest at five years old.These children are still immature urchins. They are going to leave their parents and go to Suruga with the hostage Takechiyo. "You must let everyone see the aura of warriors, and fight for Okazaki." Abe Dazang solemnly urged, while Torii Tadakichi, standing beside him, shaking a white fan from time to time, interjected: "I want to apologize to everyone .” He blinked. "I have quite a few children. Wu Zhong and others have to come to accompany me no matter what, but unfortunately they have measles, and now they have a fever. In order not to infect the young master, they are not allowed to come." Masaku Sakai explained from the side: "There are many time and opportunities to serve. It is not only loyal to go to accompany today." "However, seeing the mighty posture of these dolls, I can't help but clenched my fists. Thinking of them leaping beside Takechiyo with guns in the future, the old man is also excited." "Indeed." Uemura Shinrokuro nodded. "Nannosuke!" Hiraiwa Kinhachiro suddenly tapped the tatami with his fan.Six-year-old Nananosuke narrowed his eyes and was about to fall asleep. "Hahaha." Okubo Jinshiro laughed loudly, "Oh, as expected of a member of the Hiraiwa family, he has extraordinary temperament. But you must not doze off after departure. Don't reprimand him." Matsudaira Yoichiro, who sat on top of Nananosuke, was even more innocent, with a tuft of hair hanging from his white forehead. He looked around blankly while inserting his fingers into his nostrils from time to time. It was not yet daylight.Accompanied by the crackling sound of the candles, the figures of the people jumped under the shadow of the lights, like jolting on the back of a horse. "Takechiyo is all dressed up. I'll be here with my lord right away." "Hush——" After Amano Jinemon finished his announcement loudly, there was a sudden silence around him, and then Hirotada coughed slightly.Everyone's eyes lit up, and they looked up together.The fate of the whole family depends on the six-year-old young master.This alone made everyone feel very heavy. Hirochu sat down on the left, while Cyclops moved the tea table to the center on the right. Takechiyo seemed to be very happy, walked with relaxed steps, looked around before sitting down.Then, he touched the knife on his waist with his chubby little hand, looked at the crowd proudly, and smiled. "Ah." I don't know who yelled first, and everyone knelt down on the ground with smiles, saying blessings in their mouths.They were not moved by the young master's misfortune.Takechiyo's innocent laughter bathed everyone in incredible light.In this chaotic world where the future cannot be predicted, this group of samurai warriors cannot live a stable life according to their own will, and are facing a tragic fate. At this time, the bright atmosphere brought by Takechiyo's laughter made them unable to help themselves. "It's really commendable." "No matter where the young master goes, he will never be bullied." "There's an incredible power about him that can bring peace of mind." "Hush—" Someone motioned for everyone to quiet down.Guangzhong has something to say. "Because of my incompetence, Takechiyo went on this path. I understand the relationship between father and son. Please forgive me." No one responded.The Samurai of Mikawa loathed that kind of superficial sympathy, but emotion and spirit were another matter. "My lord is really hopeless." Okubo Shinpachi turned his head and muttered to himself.People's eyes are also moist. "I will be patient. Please be patient too. The children who accompany Takechiyo, don't cause trouble in a foreign country." "yes." Several children responded unevenly.Kaneda and Sanzaemon, who were in charge of sending them to Sunfu, saluted Hirochu, then turned to everyone with a serious expression.He is past forty years, but he is also a heroic Mihe warrior, whose tenacity and bravery are not inferior to the one-eyed Yami. "I have something to tell everyone." He said in a voice that made adults feel afraid: "What we Songping people are proud of is not in our tongue or elegance, but in our close unity, understand?" The adults swallowed tears and nodded in agreement; but the children could not understand the meaning. "You can't just talk about loyalty. You must protect the young master from the bottom of your heart. In case... If the young master has an accident, none of you should return to Okazaki alive!" "Yes." The children answered loudly. "Then, let's go now!" Guangzhong said.The servants brought up the wine and glasses. The window paper was white, and the cold morning air made people shiver.Takechiyo observed the actions of everyone in the seat with great interest, with a smile on his face all the time. After drinking, Takechiyo led the children out of the city.The adults seem to have taught them, except for five-year-old Yoichiro Matsudaira, who put on the straw sandals by themselves. A total of seven servants, twenty-one adults.Nineteen of them will send Takechiyo to the lower part of Shiomizaka, where they will hand over Takechiyo and his party to the Imagawa family, and then return to Okazaki Castle.只有精通医术的上田宗庆和金田与三左卫门二人同行至骏府。竹千代走后不久，冈崎便安排石川安艺和天野甚右卫门作为特使前去骏府，再次恳求今川义元增加卫兵人数。 出了本城，人们的神色逐渐变得明快。让孩子们徒步走至大门，是为了让前来送行的女人们和孩子见一面。天已大亮，但天空却阴沉沉的。空中弥漫着的不是雾，而是细密的秋雨。送行的人们头上落满白色的水滴，就像点缀着细碎的玉珠。只有一个人撑着伞，那是两眼通红的田原夫人。 “竹千代，多保重呀。”听到有人叫，竹千代眼睛里放出异样的光芒，向田原夫人那边望去。 “请大家保护好竹千代。” “是。”周围响起稚嫩的应答声。 “不要忘了，德千代，不要忘了母亲的话。”阿部甚五郎夫人以训斥的口吻向跟在竹千代身后的儿子喊道。这时，不知谁哇地哭出声来。 郑重地提着竹千代小小武刀的德千代对母亲道：“母亲，再会了。”他的声音好像唱歌一般，随后便走了过去。 广忠没有跟出来。竹千代一行在前，众人不约而同跟在后边。竹千代的生母离开冈崎时也是如此，如果没有人发话，人们会一直跟下去。 眼看快到大门了。“就送到这里吧。”酒井雅乐助发话道。人们停住了脚步。 四乘轿子放在了孩子们面前。竹千代和阿部德千代乘最前面的轿子而去。松平与一郎、天野又五郎、又五郎之弟三之助、平岩七之助、石川与七郎、助右卫门，依次钻进了轿子。 起轿了。伺候在竹千代轿子旁边的金田与三左卫门说了声“保重”，送行的人们一齐低下了头。 雨滴越来越大，人们的脸庞、头发，都被无情地打湿了。白色的雾霭笼罩着大地。