Chapter 34 Chapter 33 The City Without Owners

In March of the eighteenth year of Tianwen, the number of people entering and leaving Okazaki Castle suddenly increased. "I heard that the city lord got a little sick occasionally, but later he couldn't afford it." "No, it doesn't seem to be a disease." "Don't talk nonsense, I heard that I was stabbed by Iwamatsu Yaya." "Yes, when the city lord was taking a nap, he suddenly launched an attack..." "No, it wasn't during a nap. As far as I know, it was Yaya who stabbed him from the back when the city lord asked his servants to cut his toenails."

The samurai who came one after another chattered about the latest rumors. "I heard that Yaya is a spy sent by Ukyo Ryo Nishi Hirose." Thinking that there was such a person in Okazaki Castle, the listener couldn't help shaking his head and sighing. "No, probably in collusion with Oda Nobuhide, let Ah Chun go to assassinate the lord; but because Ah Chun went crazy later, he couldn't succeed, so he finally did it himself." Someone even made such a guess. In short, no one was allowed to visit Guangzhong, and as a result, the city was full of disturbances.Okazaki Castle suddenly lost its owner, and everyone was at a loss and in chaos.The originally clear sky looked so gloomy, and the room with closed doors and windows was also very dim.

The veterans insisted that the city lord was just sick, but some people said that Guangzhong was injured by Yami... However, they didn't know that Guangzhong had died, and his body was moved from Dalin Temple to the Moonlight Temple where they could see, and was buried secretly.Earlier, Achun who was killed by Yami was also secretly buried there... Those in charge of this matter were Abe Dazang, Sakai Masaku, Ishikawa Aki, and Uemura Shinrokuro, and other veterans learned the truth afterwards. In the living room next to Guangzhong's bedroom, bedding is still spread.But it was not lying down inside, but Guangzhong's clothes were stuffed inside.Not long after, the bedding wrapped with Guangzhong's clothes was buried, but the discussions among the ministers still made no progress.The sleeping place was surrounded by screens, and everyone gathered in Guangzhong's bedroom, all pale.

"I still say, it should be like this anyway..." After Ishikawa Aki finished speaking, he looked back at Amano Jinemon. "I also stick to my humble opinion." Jinemon said without hesitation, "I voted for the Imagawa Clan according to Anyi's will, so what should I do with the young master? The city master has passed away, and the young master has also fallen into the enemy's hands. In this case, what should I do?" Do you join the Imagawa clan? Do you think you can fight against the Oda army?" "That's the problem." "Then let's hear it."

"If you want to save the young master, you must rely on the Oda family. But this will annoy Imagawa... There is a precedent for this kind of thing. Haven't you seen the lessons of Tahara Toda?" The two refused to give in to each other and argued endlessly. "You two pause." Torii Tadakichi, who had been silent before, finally said, "This is purely an accident. If another accident happens, Mikawa Samurai's reputation will be ruined." After he finished speaking, he looked back quietly Shinrokuro Uemura. "When you killed the traitor Yaya, you said he was an undercover agent of Nishi Hirose Sakuma. What basis do you have?"

Uemura Shinrokuro sat up straight, looked at the crowd, and said, "The reason why I said that is the conclusion drawn from the fact that the Mikawa warriors regard obeying the master's will as the most important thing in life." "My lord's will?" Jinemon's expression was stern, as if to indicate that if the other party did not have sufficient reasons, he would never forgive him. "Even if you abandon the young master, the lord must be loyal to the Imagawa clan... This is not a wrong strategy. If you carefully analyze the lord's mind, you will find that we must never shake hands with the Oda clan. Even so, considering the sudden talk of Yaya It was Oda's spy who was too assertive, so he was assigned to Sakuma in the Oda camp..."

"Oh." Torii Tadakichi nodded. "Let's listen to Yalesuke's opinion again. He supports Shinroku and agrees to claim that the lord was killed by spies from the Sakuma family." Galesuke lowered his hands clasping his chest, and opened his eyes slightly, "I agree with Shinrokuro Uemura, so there is no need to add anything." "So, you also want to rely on Imagawa at this critical moment." "Besides... Or, create a person from among us, claim to have assassinated the lord, and then go to Oda Nobuhide?" Amano Jinemon said. Zhongkichi nodded again, "Jinemon, this matter... you are willing to have Yami assassinate the incompetent castellan for the sake of the entire Matsudaira Clan. You want to rescue the young master, so you go to seek refuge..."

Amano Jinemon shook his head with a painful expression.Although he really wanted to save Takechiyo, he never thought of being the sinner who assassinated the lord. "So, is anyone willing to vote for Oda for this?" Zhongji looked at the expressions of everyone, and said again: "So... who is willing to go to the Imagawa family?" Ishikawa Aki moved forward, "I am willing to go. My lord was so dependent and loyal to the Imagawa family before. As long as we treat each other with sincerity, they should not take advantage of others." "No, wait." Honda Heihachiro Tadaka hurriedly raised his hand.Since his father Heihachiro Tadatoyo died in place of Hirochu in the First Battle of Anxiang City the year before last, Tadaka, who is only 22 years old, has inherited the Honda position.He leaned closer to An Yi, "A harmonious relationship with the Oda family is the most important thing, I am willing to go to the Oda family." He shrugged and said loudly.

The people in the seat were suddenly dumbfounded. "Oh, would you like to go?" Torii Tadakichi looked back at Heihachiro Tadaka unexpectedly. "For the sake of the overall situation of the Matsudaira Clan, personal grievances should not be considered." Zhong Gao Chao Uemura Shinrokuro said.His dark eyes seem to say that he cannot forgive his father-killing enemy Oda Nobuhide, but for the sake of the overall situation, he should let go of his personal grievances.Tadaka is the son-in-law of Shinrokuro Uemura, whose wife has just conceived his first child at this time.The son-in-law is full of vigor, and he is diametrically opposed to his father-in-law's opinion.

"At this time, it is inevitable that the city will be divided into two factions. I will send my wife back home." "It's nonsense!" Zhongji smiled and stopped the two from arguing, "You might as well explain your thoughts in detail." "This...at this critical time, protecting the young master's life is the top priority; preventing Okazaki from falling into Imagawa's hands is also very important. Even so, if the entire family votes for the Oda clan, the Imagawa clan will definitely not let it go .So we're going to create the illusion of internal disagreement, make them think we're fighting...that's how we survive. There's no other way."

Uemura Shinrokuro watched his son-in-law silently. "Since I advocate going to Oda, I will go to Owari and negotiate with him on the grounds of persuading the whole family to submit to the Oda clan, hoping to redeem the young master. My father-in-law and Ishikawa-sama will go to Suruga together, and use all The reason for surrendering to the Imagawa clan is to prevent the Imagawa clan from attacking Okazaki. This is the only way to go now." "So the son-in-law wants us to pretend to be divided?" "Exactly." "This is a method... What do you think?" Torii Tadakichi calmly glanced at the crowd, but no one answered.Zhong Gaoshang is young, and he can't imagine that after Oda Nobuhide returns Takechiyo to Okazaki Castle, once he finds out that he has been deceived, he will definitely be furious.And this is not in line with Guangzhong's way of doing things.But right now there is really no other way.If Takechiyo was killed in this turmoil, the Matsudaira clan would fall apart in a blink of an eye. "What do you guys think?" Torii Tadakichi asked again. Only Heihachiro Tadaka stared at everyone with burning eyes.Abe Daizo and Sakai Masakusuke bowed their heads and remained silent. Suddenly, Okubo Shinhachiro shouted: "Everything is over!" He suddenly burst into tears. "What do you mean?" Ya Lezhu raised his head. "What do you guys do?" Honda Heihachiro Tadaka still pressed everyone. "There is news that Suruga has dispatched troops." Everyone immediately looked at each other in blank dismay, and fell silent again.Okubo Shinhachiro wiped away his tears: "As expected, Imagawa is very clear about our thoughts. Asahina Bitchu guards led more than 300 cavalry soldiers who have passed Yoshida Castle and arrived in the mountains. Their purpose is self-evident. Everything is in order. ..." Torii Tadakichi and Abe Daizo closed their eyes.This order definitely did not come from Imagawa Yoshimoto, but the idea of ​​Zen Master Xuezhai who was trusted by Yoshimoto.As Okubo Shinhachiro said, there are good reasons for coming.In order to prevent the Okazaki people from defecting to the Oda clan by rescuing Takechiyo, they sent troops. "Before Takechiyo becomes an adult, Okazaki Castle will be temporarily handed over to Imagawa for management." They will definitely say so. Although it had been expected, Imagawa's action was too fast, and Guangzhong hadn't lost his funeral yet!In this way, there is no room for discussion.Either obediently hand over Okazaki Castle to the Imagawa clan, or resist the city.Torii Tadakichi opened his eyes again with a heavy heart, and crossed his arms.This is a city without defense, a city without a master.The situation took a turn for the worse, and Okazaki City was cornered. "In that case..." Honda Zhong Gao closed his eyes slightly, and said to himself, "I can only hold off mourning for now, and fight to the death." "Okay!" Okubo Jinshiro responded, "That's it, don't cry. Everyone unite!" Abe Daizo looked at Torii Tadakichi hesitantly, "Iga-sama, what do you think?" Torii Tadakichi didn't seem to hear it, he just watched everyone's expressions.Although they didn't look up to the sky and sigh, everyone couldn't hide their despair.Hearing that his son-in-law advocated a fight to the death, Uemura Shinrokuro felt even more desolate. "Uemura," Torii Tadakichi sighed softly, "we haven't reached the point of despair yet." "What's your plan?" "It's not a good strategy...We Songping people are constantly being tested. Now that the matter has reached this point, don't hesitate any longer. Haha, what do you think, Yalezhu?" Ya Lezhu responded in a low voice, "Ima Chuan's bullying is too much, we can't bear it!" "You mean, fight?" "Fighting." The old man nodded quietly, "But..." He turned to Ishikawa Anyi, "The enemy is the famous Zen master Xuezhai. It would be bad if we let the enemy know our thoughts early. It's better to find out first. What do you think of the fact that the other party is false?" "You mean to welcome Asahina Binchus into the castle?" "Yes, otherwise how can we know what the other party thinks." "What should we do if the other party asks us to hand over Okazaki Castle in person?" "If handing over Okazaki Castle is the way to win, why refuse? As long as the last... the last victory." The confusion in Abe Daizo's heart disappeared immediately, and he let out a long sigh.How to convince the impulsive Okubo brothers and Honda Tadaka?As he expected, Zhong Gao was staring at the old man Torii coldly.In this way, apart from temporarily welcoming the Imagawa family into the city, there is really no other way to preserve the Matsudaira family.Once a jade broken heart is born, how can it be destroyed?Now we can only find out what the other party means first, and then discuss the countermeasures. After deciding on this, General Imagawa Asahina Bitchushou was welcomed into the city in the afternoon of the second day.Asahina Beizhong pretended to come to visit Hirochu's condition, but when he led three hundred elites into the city, he opened his mouth to ask for the city and Erdao city.He wanted to occupy the main city and Erdao city first, and then send a funeral, so as to prevent Songping's life from being different. "My lord has sent me here in consideration of the many years of friendship with Lord Guangzhong. Zen Master Xuezhai has also led the army. Please rest assured to hold the funeral for Guangzhong." Although the tone is very modest, the attitude is very tough. These words were spoken in the lobby to Torii Tadaki, Sakai Yarasuke and Ishikawa Yasuki.The three of them had reached the age where they would not get angry easily, they did not show the slightest sign of anger, they just looked at each other and clicked off. "Bencheng and Erdaocheng, please hand over to us immediately." "Oh." Zhongkichi replied indifferently, and he said to Asahina Beichu with a serious face, "Then, since your side has this intention, we will comply. But you are already in the city, how can you guarantee that Owari's young The Lord is safe and sound? Regarding this matter, I want to hear what countermeasures you have, so as to prevent the hearts of the people in the city from being shaken." Asahina Bitchushou seemed to have been prepared for this, a smile appeared on his dark face, he nodded and said, "Master Iga, we entered Okazaki Castle to save Master Takechiyo...don't you understand?" "As expected of Mr. Imagawa, you really came prepared, but we are really old—" "Hahaha...you are too modest. The more pressure Imagawa puts on, the more important Takechiyo will be to the Oda clan." "They will use hostages to make us difficult. If they have an accident because I can't wait, what will happen?" "no need to worry." "how do I say this?" "Zen Master Xuezhai has already made up his mind about this." "That's the best way, but for peace of mind, please reveal something." "Master Iga, I have some ideas." "Speaking." "Before Takechiyo becomes an adult, you might as well hand over Okazaki Castle and the territory to my lord for the time being." "This……" "Takechiyo is still young, and he is absolutely incapable of managing Okazaki. Please send all your family members to Junfu—" "Please wait." Zhongji raised his hand and looked at Ya Lezhu.Imagawa's toughness far exceeded their imagination.Ya Lezhu lowered his head and said nothing.Ishikawa Aki was also silent. "It's useless for me to wait for my old age. Just for the sake of prudence, let me ask again, after our family members are sent as hostages, will the young master be safe?" "That depends on your determination." "Am I waiting for nothing?" "I think Zen Master Xuezhai will not turn a blind eye." "how to say?" "All the Matsudaira family members have been sent to Shunfu as hostages, and everyone will continue to put pressure on Oda as the vanguard of the Imagawa Army." "Oh……" "It would be great to capture the son of Oda Nobuhide in Anxiang City alive." Asahina Bitchumori said decisively: "If the Lord of Anxiang City, Oda Nobuhiro, is exchanged for the Lord of Okazaki City, Takechiyo, Oda will probably not refuse." "So... after that, hand over Takechiyo to Okazaki?" the old people asked eagerly. "No, no, it is to send Takechiyo directly to Junfu." The old people lowered their heads regretfully and stopped making any noise. He had his own way to rescue Takechiyo—it seemed reasonable, but it was too much for the rescued Takechiyo to be sent to Junfu as a hostage together with the family members of important ministers.Wouldn't this mean that Takechiyo, who was held hostage in the Oda family, would be sent to the Imagawa family?It is even more terrifying than being a hostage at Oda's house, because this time, the family members of important ministers will also be sent to Junfu.From then on, the Imagawa family could rely on the hostages in their hands to coerce Okazaki Shigeomi to continue to attack the Oda clan as the vanguard. The old people lowered their heads silently.At this time, Masaku Sakai turned to the defense guard, "If that's the case, there will be no city lord in Okazaki Castle?" "Garasuke." Asahina Beizhongshou smiled sarcastically, "Takechiyo should have been sent to the Shunfu as a hostage. Of course, my lord will not take him as a hostage, but as a guest... It was entrusted by Hirochu This is the meaning of Master Guangzhong, you should not ask. Our master has always kept the agreement with Guangzhong... Do you understand what I said?" "Very surprising." "Oh? Now as long as you hand over the city, I will plead with the lord...Of course, this is my personal opinion." "So, before Mr. Takechiyo became an adult, we Matsudaira people had neither a city nor a territory..." The old people suddenly interrupted. Bei Zhongshou's tone suddenly became severe: "Then before Takechiyo becomes an adult, what power do you have to ensure that the Matsudaira Clan's castle and territory are safe and sound? If you want to keep the Matsudaira Clan's territory intact, why don't you volunteer the city, Territory, wife and children? When there is a war, you will be the vanguard and fight the enemy bravely. After Takechiyo becomes an adult, can you justifiably request the return of the old collar... If I were in your position today, I would definitely do so... " The three veterans no longer had the courage to look at each other.Undoubtedly, as soon as the Imagawa family got the news of Hirochu's death, they had already decided to occupy Okazaki Castle. "Thank you for your suggestion. We will discuss it carefully and try to respect your intention." The old people said painfully. Bei Zhongshou warned again: "The city and Erdao City should be handed over as soon as possible." "Yes... yes." The three stood up with a heavy heart, and walked into the corridor in confusion. "The city is finally going to be lost." Wuchuan Anyi said to himself, "It's not just the city. The territory... Keep it—what a clever excuse!" Yale sighed. "No, there is still a way. There is still a way. Why give up at this point... There is still a way." Torii Tadakichi shook his silver hair and kept chanting the same sentence. "Let's tell everyone the news of the lord's death." He took the lead and walked towards the hall. The fate of Okazaki Castle is like a bird under the eagle's claws, if you resist a little, your life will be lost. "This is a critical moment, and we must endure. There is still hope. And..." Back among the important ministers, Torii Tadakichi's eyes were already wet, but he didn't let everyone see a single tear.Many questions have been raised and many angry words have been said, but to no avail.They could only do what Asahina Beichushou said, and hand over the city and territory to the Imagawa family for "safekeeping" before the arrival of the Imagawa army.But can the people of Songping, known for their vigorous blood, really swallow this breath? When the empty coffin was nailed, the old man Torii said to the crowd: "Let them go. I think there should be nothing wrong." Finally, everyone appeared in the hall together.The people in the hall already knew that there was going to be bad news, but they didn't know why the Imagawa clan sent troops to Okazaki Castle. "Everyone, my lord passed away today at the age of twenty-four." People suddenly fell silent and fell into grief. "Don't be sad, according to my lord's last words, Junfu has already sent reinforcements to Okazaki Castle, ready to take the young master back from Oda's house." Hearing the word "young lord", everyone's eyes brightened immediately, and they felt that something had happened unexpectedly: "Recapture the young lord... how to take it back?" The old man waved his hand lightly, "The city cannot be left without an owner for a day. When the second support army from Junfu arrives, a decisive battle will take place. This is also my lord's last words... Before the arrival of the second support army, the city and Erdaocheng is handed over to Imagawa for safekeeping, and we are preparing for a decisive battle. Don’t let the reinforcements catch you because of sadness, or we Matsudaira people will lose their reputation. The funeral of the lord is scheduled to be held after the young lord returns to the city. Before that, please be quiet Quietly pray for the Lord." Takechiyo's plump face appeared several times in front of the old man's eyes.All this is neither like a dream nor like reality.But he had to think all of this extremely real before he could continue.The old man was in great pain.Only in this way can the whole family survive. "The people in Sanhe are all good gentlemen..." He wanted the people of Imagawa to firmly believe this, and make a gesture of serving the Imagawa family.Little Anxiang City, once Zen Master Xuezhai arrives, and the Songping family will fight to the death, they should be able to capture it.In this way, Ayutake Chiyo can be redeemed from the Oda family.As for the subsequent things, we will watch as we walk.While thinking in his heart, the old man Torii told everyone what the important ministers had discussed in a cadenced manner.People were silent, with tense expressions, as if unwilling to miss a word.