Chapter 40 Chapter Thirty-Nine

Junfu Castle is busy welcoming the new year of the 19th year of Tianwen, but Yoshimoto, the chief assistant of Kawajibu, is still smelling the incense leisurely.The father and daughter of Shaofu Qinyong and Kira Yoshian, father and daughter of the Criminal Department of the same clan, accompanied him. After smelling the ten kinds of incense, the daughter of Shaofu of the Ministry of Justice came up to make tea.The fat Yiyuan felt his knees numb, so he said to Yi'an's daughter, "Gui, help me..." Yiyuan called Qinyong's daughter Senaji as Ahe, and Yian's daughter Achun as Agui.This is Yoshimoto's pet name for them, but then everyone in the mansion called them that.It seems that Sekiguchi Xingbu Shaosuke's daughter is as lofty as a red-crowned crane, while Kira Yoshian's daughter has a pair of lovely eyes, smart and clever, reminiscent of a tortoise.

Yi Yuan leaned on the table that A Gui handed over, took the tea made by A He, and drank it with relish. "Oda Nobunaga really gave Takechiyo a gift of war horses and other things?" He asked Azuru's father Kiyanagi. "Yes. If there is no horse, it will be difficult for Takechiyo to escape. Everyone in the world says that Nobunaga is a man of loyalty." Yiyuan smiled and took a sip of tea. "Everyone has their own ghosts. It is said that Okubo Shinhachiro asked Takechiyo to ride a horse and brought him back to Okazaki Castle." "Yes. He said that if Takechiyo went directly to Suruga without letting Takechiyo pay homage to his deceased father, Takechiyo would forget about it. He took Takechiyo back without the consent of Zen Master Xuezhai."

"The monk is not angry?" "He just smiled wryly." "Oh." Yiyuan nodded, and stretched out his numb right leg, "Kanhong and the others are all right. Ah He, rub my leg." "Yes." Ah He leaned forward to rub his legs according to his words.Agui helped the other maids clean up the stove and incense box. "Ahe, how old are you?" "fourteen." "How about you, Turtle?" A Gui hastily handed the incense burner in his hand to the maid, bowed respectfully on the ground, and replied: "Your servant is twelve years old."

"Since Nobunaga gave him a horse, how about I have to give him something?" Yoshiya Kira said solemnly: "Going back to Okazaki without asking for instructions from the lord, and failing to arrive at Junfu on time, is really arbitrary and disrespectful to the lord. I think that in the long run, we must pay attention Blame." "Oh?" Yiyuan wrinkled his originally smooth forehead and asked, "Yi'an, since when did you want a woman? I was in the monastery, about nine or ten years old..." These words were so unexpected that Yi'an and Qinyong's two daughters couldn't help but look at each other.Yiyuan saw all this in his eyes, and a smile appeared on his chubby face.

"Look, these girls have already started to think about spring. Of course, if it's a man, it's a little earlier." "You mean, send a girl to Takechiyo..." "Haha. You want to say I'm being too lenient. You're too superficial. You..." Sekiguchi said inexplicably: "I don't understand what you mean. Kienaga thinks that since Takechiyo is taken as a pawn, in order for him to be used by you in the future, he should be especially strict with him..." "Treat him harshly? Cruelty is not the same thing as harshness, Kiyong." "Yes. This...but, what cruelty do you mean?"

Yiyuan waved his hand and said, "I mean train him cruelly." Ngee Ann is still puzzled.The two girls were also very curious. "Oda tried every means to please Takechiyo and sent him back safely. From this point of view, Takechiyo is definitely not an ordinary child." "The Okazaki retainers did say that Takechiyo was very much like his grandfather Kiyoyasu." "Dear forever." "My lord." "Isn't the cruelest way to cultivate a person to be served with delicious food early on, and bewitched by beauty? First offer these two things, and then try to flatter..." Saying this, Yoshimoto waved his hand and retracted his right leg. "Ahe," he asked with a smile, his expression was both joking and serious, "Will you marry Takechiyo?"

Ah He opened his eyes wide and shook his head. "Don't you want to?" "Yes. Ah He is already fourteen years old. How can he marry a homeless man who is only eight years old..." "Where's the turtle?" Agui opened her lovely eyes, stared at Yoshiwon, then shook her head slightly. "Haha, this Sanhe person is so disgusted by others. You are joking, don't care about it. But, Qinyong." "Ok." "Since Takechiyo is entrusted to you, you must be extra careful when training." A stone fell from the heart of the Minister of the Ministry of Criminal Affairs, Qin Yong, and he replied calmly and softly: "I obey." His wife is Imakawa Yoshimoto's sister.Therefore, Ahe should be Yoshiwon's niece.

"How is the Takechiyo residence in Major General Kancho going?" "Just waiting for him to move in..." "Okay, you have to let Takechiyo understand clearly how I, Yoshimoto, treat him differently from Owari's Nobunaga. He is still young after all." Qinyong murmured: "Qinyong will remember." Takechiyo, who was once under the care of Nobunaga in Atsuta, did not expect to be treated favorably as a distinguished guest in Suruga. Sekiguchi Shosuke Kanaga hurriedly planted trees next to Takechiyo's residence built near his mansion, and asked his servants to move some stones.In addition to dripping eaves, an entrance was added to the bedroom.

Junfu people have become accustomed to entertaining wandering guests.Prior to this, many of the fallen public officials and daimyos in the capital also came to defect and spend the rest of their lives under the protection of the Imagawa clan.Headed by the daughter of Yiyuan's aunt Zhongyumen Xuanyin, the orphans of Sanjo Xishicheng, Zhongyumen Xuangang, Lengquan Weihe, and Fangcheng Yimen all have their own residences in Junfu. They sing here. Waka, playing cuju, archery, smelling incense, playing chess, built a cultural garden second only to the capital.Yiyuan is good at playing Go and playing the flute.In addition to the fife, he also plays the four-hole flute.His diet also has the style of Kyoto, often including goose juice, tofu soup and steamed wheat.This city is quite different from Atsuta, full of rich cultural atmosphere, but the newly built house located in this gorgeous city has not seen the arrival of the owner Takechiyo for a long time.

It was getting dark.If things go on like this, even if Takechiyo can arrive within the year, Yoshimoto will have to wait until next spring to meet Takechiyo. Next to Takechiyo's residence, there is a small nunnery.Zen master Xuezhai, who is still in Sanhe but has not returned, ordered an elegant and elegant teacher to move here.Her dharma name comes from the source, and no one in the Junfu knows her origin. There are rumors that she is a nobleman from the capital. At the end of the eighteenth year of Tianwen, seven days before the new year, Zen master Xuezhai from Linji Temple returned first, and two days later, the young master of Mihe also arrived in Suruga.Because the exact time when Takechiyo and his party arrived was unknown in advance, the Okazaki people who had moved to Suruga before did not come out to greet them.When they entered the city from the west gate, snowflakes were already falling in the gray sky.

There is only one sedan chair, two attendants, and six personal guards.The two entourages are Sakai Masakasuke and Abe Shinshiro Shigekichi.The six bodyguards are Naito and Sanhei, Amano Matagoro, Ishikawa and Shichiro, Tokuchiyo who was renamed Abe Zenkuro, Hiraiwa Nananosuke and Nono Santobei. After receiving the notification, Kinyong, Shaofu of the Ministry of Justice, took two retainers and Ah He to greet him in front of the residence.Originally, Ah He was not arranged to come out to greet him, but the fourteen-year-old girl became interested in the orphan because of Yoshimoto's words, so she came out with her father on purpose.Sakai Galesuke first ran over to Kiyonaga, took off his snow-covered bamboo hat, and respectfully paid his respects to Kiyonaga.Kinaga hurriedly said: "Oh, it's too cold. You don't have to be polite, you don't need to be polite." He waved his hand to signal for everyone to carry the sedan chair in, but Takechiyo didn't know what he was thinking, and suddenly said: "Stop. Stop!" Open the car curtain. After getting off the sedan chair, Hiraiwa Nananosuke hurriedly placed the clogs in front of Takechiyo.Takechiyo held the dagger gifted to him by his grandmother and looked around curiously.Kiinaga and Tsuru's eyes turned to Takechiyo at the same time.Takechiyo stretched out his small hand, followed the snowflakes falling from the sky, with a very relaxed expression. "Thank you." He said to Qinyong, then turned to Ah He, and said in an adult tone: "It's so cold, it's hard work." Ah He covered his mouth with his sleeve and smiled.She thought of Yoshimoto's words about asking her to be Takechiyo's wife.Eight-year-old Takechiyo appeared to be taller than her peers, and her demeanor seemed very haughty, even repulsive.But the thought of him marrying a wife and taking concubines in the future still makes people laugh.He is an orphan who has lost his city and territory, but it is really ridiculous to be hardworking to the niece who is guarded by Suruga.Even if the city officials were silent, the bumpkin would be beaten up by Yoshimoto's guards and children.Thinking of this, the fourteen-year-old Ah He couldn't help feeling the urge to tease the child, so she laughed. "Is Master Takechiyo from Mikawa?" "No, from Atsuta." "Atsuta or Junfu, which one is bigger?" Takechiyo's eyes sparkled.He probably understood that he was being teased, so he turned to the personal guard standing in the snow and said, "You guys, come here!" He greeted softly and walked through the gate. Ah He wanted to laugh again.Kianoaga patted her on the shoulder to stop her, and followed Takechiyo into the gate.Ah He didn't want to stop there.She also wanted to say a few words to Takechiyo, who was pretending to be old and didn't even look at her.So she followed her father into the house. The painted walls were already dry, but when entering the room, there was still a smell of wood, and Ahe suddenly felt that it was a pity to let Takechiyo, a country bumpkin, live here. Takechiyo stopped on the wooden steps in front of the door.what happened?Ah He looked over the shoulders of his father and everyone, and it turned out that there was a nun sitting on the steps.Ahe was wondering, when suddenly he heard Takechiyo let out a short cry.I don't know if it's "grandmother" or "grandmother", although I didn't hear it clearly, but I can feel the affectionate cry... The nun also came up to meet her, with tears in her eyes. Takechiyo remained motionless as if nailed.On his plump cheeks, there was a long string of teardrops... Ah He's body trembled.This emotional woman knew that everything in front of her was not normal.Not long after, Takechiyo regained his composure, turned his head and said to Ah He and Kiyong: "I'll visit you tomorrow. That's it for today, you go back. Thank you!" The cold tone made Ah He widen his eyes again. Suruga Mori's son-in-law came out to meet Okazaki's orphan in person... It was an exception in itself, but Takechiyo seemed to regard him as a servant for his orders.If his father hadn't stopped him, Ah Tsuru would have lost his temper and vented his anger towards Takechiyo on Galesuke.But Qinyong patted Ah He's shoulder lightly with no expression on his face, and said, "Then tomorrow." Then he left the room.After going out, he turned to look at Ah He and said, "This is the order of Mr. Imagawa. Don't reprimand him." "However, he is too ignorant of etiquette." The pro never answered. "Extraordinary appearance..." he said to himself, "Among children of the same age, only Takechiyo has such a plump and generous face." "Father, you're making facial expressions again!" "Yes. I have studied faces for nearly thirty years. Among the people I have met so far, Takeda Young Master's face is the best, but Takechiyo is by no means inferior to him..." "Father admires him so much, does that mean he wants me to marry that country bumpkin like Mr. Imagawa?" "Perhaps. If you were younger." Hearing his father's jokes, Ahe tried his best to forget the unhappiness brought by Takechiyo. "Since you admire him so much, it doesn't matter how old you are. After I get married, I can knock on his broad forehead as I like." She said triumphantly.The father never paid attention to her, and walked into his mansion after thinking silently. The snow was still falling silently.Looks like the night will still go on. Azuru turned his head, and the dusty Abe Shinshiro was closing the door of Takechiyo's residence from the inside.The nun closed the door before returning.Who is she?Ah He thought about it, then shook his head violently.Probably because of her father's words, Takechiyo's face was imprinted in her mind, and she couldn't get rid of it.Takechiyo's face was not so elegant, nor did he feel extremely intelligent.But the more hatred in Ah He's heart, the clearer Takechiyo's face became, but he couldn't remember any of the faces of his attendants.Ah He didn't expect that he would be so unhappy by a child, and couldn't help but feel annoyed. Ah Tsuru gradually forgot about Takechiyo.But unexpectedly, at the New Year's banquet on the first day of the first lunar month, she saw him again and witnessed an unexpected scene.As usual, on the first day of the first lunar month, needless to say, the daimyos and officials in Junfu, the ministers from the capital, and the generals at home all gathered in the hall outside Yiyuan's mansion to congratulate Yiyuan on the new year.Next, Yiyuan will reward Tusu wine to everyone, and Ahe and Agui will pour the wine for everyone. This habit has lasted for three years. Before dawn that day, Ah He got up, combed his hair, put on makeup, put on a brand new kimono, and rushed to the tower before his father.The kimono she was wearing was also a gift from Yoshimoto, with a pine pattern as the base and dyed red top.This kimono makes the people of Junfu proud. Sitting in front of him is Yiyuan, with Zen master Xuezhai on his right.Their expressions were calm and serious, not like they were celebrating the first New Year after the victory.On the left is Yoshimoto's father-in-law--Kai Takeda Shingen's father Shintoromato, his eyes are fierce and he looks around.In the hall, headed by the envoy sent by Odawara Hojo Ujiyasu, the well-dressed generals sat in order, and around them were surrounded by beautiful maids who were proud of the people of Suruga. They were gorgeously dressed and courteous. Normally, if the weather is sunny, the windows should also be open.In that way, the Mt. Fuji in the early spring against the garden with springs and stones will add a beautiful scenery to the banquet.Yiyuan's son Shi really didn't show up, it is said that it was because of the cold, and his majesty is said to be beyond the reach of the generals in the capital. Ah He was sitting quietly beside Yi Yuan holding a flagon in his hand, and was extremely excited by the scene.According to Yoshimoto's order, the generals took turns drinking.They received the wine glasses and saluted respectfully. Although they were very nervous in front of Zen Master Xuezhai and Xinhu Rendao, who was exiled here by his son, they immediately blushed when they met the woman's fiery eyes.In the middle of the banquet, Yoshimoto suddenly heard, "Is Takechiyo from Okazaki here?" Azuru had already completely forgotten about Takechiyo, but when she saw Yoshimoto staring at a corner near the entrance, she suddenly remembered.Following Yoshimoto's line of sight, Takechiyo, accompanied by Masarasuke, was quietly sitting in a corner where no one noticed. "Takechiyo...Takechiyo..." Yoshimoto waved and called.He seemed to use this banquet to introduce Takechiyo to everyone. "Yes." Takechiyo replied and stood up. "come here." Takechiyo slowly walked through the crowd and sat down at the bottom of the steps. "Everyone remember. He is the grandson of Okazaki Matsudaira Kiyoyasu..." Before Yoshimoto finished speaking, everyone's eyes had already focused on Takechiyo. "Happy New Year to all of you." Takechiyo said solemnly to the four members. "Oh, what a good boy, what a good boy. How about Atsuta? You want to be like your grandfather too." Yoshimoto signaled to Ah He seriously, "Ah Tsuru, pour wine for Takechiyo." Seeing Takechiyo's overly calm appearance, Ah He wanted to laugh again, but she finally controlled it, and walked up to Takechiyo respectfully holding the jug.Takechiyo solemnly nodded to Tsuru. "Oh, you... have worked hard." His voice was loud and clear, and his demeanor was not inferior to all the young warriors present. "Oh, Takechiyo knows Tsuru?" Yoshimoto asked in surprise. "yes." "Where? When?" Yoshimoto looked at Azuru and Takechiyo amusedly. Ah He's face turned red immediately, but Takechiyo said generously: "The day Takechiyo arrived in Junfu, she went to greet her specially." "Oh, Ah He went here on purpose..." "Yes. It was still snowing that day..." Takechiyo said as he asked Ahe to pour Tusu wine, then drank it all in one gulp, and returned the cup. "Ahe, really? You went to meet Takechiyo before the snowy day?" Yoshimoto looked at Ahe.Ah He has never been so embarrassed as today.She just accompanied her father out of curiosity, but from what Takechiyo said, it seemed that she went to greet him on purpose.And today, the Sanhe man still didn't change his tone in front of her. Ah He felt ashamed for a moment, nodded and whispered: "Yes." Yoshimoto laughed and said: "Oh? That means, you have seriously considered what I said before. Takechiyo——" "yes." "Do you like Ah He?" "like." "Why, marry Zhuqianfa." Takechiyo suddenly thought of Nobunaga, because Nobunaga had mentioned this matter to him. "yes." "You agree to marry Takechiyo?" "Since it is the order of the adults, the slaves have to obey." "Have to? You don't want to marry him that much?" "yes." "Hahahaha. Okay, I understand. Ah He, you are not so infatuated that you have to marry him." The boring New Year's greetings seemed to make Yoshimoto tired. "Gui, stand together with Takechiyo." Yoshimoto beckoned to Kira Yoshian's daughter again.Thirteen-year-old Agui is generous.Wearing a turtle-pattern kimono, she came to Takechiyo and sat down peacefully.Everyone couldn't help smiling. "Takechiyo, how is this girl?" Takechiyo stared straight at Agui, and swept it carefully from hair to feet.This girl looked very beautiful in Takechiyo's eyes.Azuru was very mature, with fair and smooth skin, and plump breasts, but Takechiyo felt that there was something wrong with her and him.But Agui's complexion is soft, like a peach just flushed, exuding a faint fragrance. "It's so beautiful!" He felt that A Gui was more amiable. "Oh? Turtle is beautiful?" "yes." "You can take it anytime you like." "yes." Agui looked at Takechiyo curiously, while Ahe was too ashamed to lift his head.Ah He never expected that at the New Year's Eve banquet in early spring, Mikawa boy who just came to Suruga would say such blatant words and compare himself with Agui... Hearing what Takechiyo said, everyone in the seat couldn't help but look at the two girls in front of them.Ah He is obviously mature, while A Gui is still immature.But just as Takechiyo said, after two years, Agui will be born even more beautiful and generous.Agui has a soft, delicate and dignified beauty; while Ahe has a strong nature, revealing a kind of pungentness all over his body. "Which one do you like?" "I like Miss Ahe. She has white skin and a plump figure..." "I, like Takechiyo, think Miss Agui is better. Her clear eyes contain the purest chastity and infinite wisdom." Everyone shouted, young people like the mature A-he, while mature warriors appreciate A-gui more.These whispers were all heard by Ah He.She felt a great humiliation and wanted to hide somewhere and cry. "Oh. Takechiyo still likes Kame. Then, Kame pours the bar for Takechiyo." "yes." "Agui, pour him some more." After drinking for three rounds, Yoshimoto let Takechiyo go.Takechiyo saluted slowly, and walked to his seat under the gaze of the generals.Suddenly, instead of heading toward his seat, he strode toward the back of the porch. "Young master! The seat is here, here!" Galesuke reminded in a low voice, but Takechiyo didn't seem to hear it at all.He jerked up his shirt and urinated nonchalantly. "what!" Not only Ah He, but everyone who looked at Takechiyo was shocked.Where did Takechiyo just lose his composure, this is simply the freshest thing in Junfu's history.He didn't get the wrong seat, but he held his urine and ran to the back of the high porch to find a place to pee. "Young master!" Ya Lezhu called out. "Hahaha. Hahaha." Kai's Nobutora shook his fat body and burst out laughing wildly. "Interesting! This kid really has the guts of a leopard. Very interesting. Hahaha." Yoshimoto couldn't help laughing too.