It's the annual New Year's Day again. On the occasion of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, the Gushan family has already had their reunion dinner.
Unlike ordinary families who like to visit temples and shrines, the tradition of the Kosugi family is to hold sacrifices at home temples and invite relatives from near and far to come and have a group worship event.
In essence, this is an important witnessing ceremony that establishes each person's status in the Fusagi family.
Because the previous generation's head of the family passed away in gloom, the heirs were expelled, and the daimyo ordered the succession of foreign vassals, which caused great changes in the power structure of the Kosugi family.
Cousin Zhiji himself has been "unidentified", and his relatives have lost their former status.
Instead, they were replaced by a series of medium-sized wealthy families that were not so prominent in the past, such as Princess Ruri, Masayoshi Furusugi, and the newly rising Yasukawa and Togakushi.
After Gu Shan Bu Shui began to take control of power, the new pattern initially stabilized.
Princess Liuli and Masaki Kosugi are the well-deserved leaders on the surface, the internal and external general manager, and Fusugi Bushui, who is gradually showing strong abilities, is the young family governor who oversees all practical matters.
Below is a large circle of principals from powerful vassal families. Under the leadership of the core three people, they presided over the sacrificial ceremony.
Those who entered the inner hall were all prominent figures who could speak.
If the Gusugi family is regarded as a joint-stock super large enterprise, Princess Liuli, Gusugi Masao and Gusugi Bushui are the largest shareholders, persons acting in concert and chairman of the board, and the principals of other vassal families are small shareholders.
Under normal circumstances, the Gushan family has the final say, but it is not appropriate to act arbitrarily on major matters that truly affect the interests of the entire group.
It has aroused widespread resistance, and the people below will do bad things if they choose not to do so.
Although Gu Shan Bu Shui is not afraid, he does not really regard everyone as his enemy.
To put it bluntly, the benefits still move people's hearts.
This year's family visit is very special. Among the important members of the outer hall are Katsura Haruki, Katsura Mikoto, Chinatsu and Ikki's family. It is not a big deal to have a new small family under the command of the Kosugi family.
Every year, some down-and-out guys are removed from the outer hall, and some new faces appear. This is normal metabolism and is not surprising.
Only a few well-informed people know the origin of this "Gui family".
Of course, those who have that ability are definitely not ordinary people. Even if they know it, they will definitely not spread the secret everywhere.
If it really offends the Kosugi family and the daimyo, it will be troublesome.
Katsura Haruki, whose image has changed greatly from twenty years ago, and Katsura Mikoto, who wore a veil to cover her appearance, each holding a child, gathered together with the newlyweds who were also attending the Kosugi family's New Year's shrine for the first time. Chatting with each other.
Most people's attention was not actually focused on Gui Zhiji's family. Instead, Momiji and the four children who entered the outer hall for the first time attracted too much attention.
Xianglin squatted on the ground, holding Xiaoyi's hand and pulling her to prevent her from running around.
Since the last time he experienced a "big adventure" among the crowd in Konoha Village, the little guy who has become more courageous has become more and more fond of such lively occasions.
So many people, as well as many children, big and small, are all connected by various interests.
Xiao Jing and Xiao Sizu were timidly picked up by Hongye. They seemed a little unaccustomed to the evening gatherings and their spirits were not high.
Only Togakushi Hinode, Yasukawa Zaihara and a few people who saw an opportunity came up to talk to Momiji, and there were relatively few tricks.
The mother and daughter entered the outer hall for the first time, which represented different meanings.
Although she did not enter the inner hall and become the legitimate young governor's wife, coming here also means that Hongye is officially accepted as "one of her own" and is no longer an "outer chamber" without an identity. Xiang Lin, Xiao Hiiragi and others, It can be said that he has finally made it through.
In the past, everyone knew that they were the biological daughters of Gu Shan Bushui, but on the surface, no one recognized their inheritance rights. The so-called illegitimate daughters are such embarrassing existences. They have no part in the disputes between legitimate concubines and concubines, and the distance between relatives, because legally, they are not "one of our own."
It's different now. Hongye has a serious official position in the Country of Fire, and he is still the legitimate leader of the Country of Whirlpool. The power he directly or indirectly controls is already considerable, and his influence is stronger than that of many great nobles.
Of course, her daughter with Gushan Bushui has also begun to enter the mainstream spotlight and has the qualifications to appear in public events.
There are many people who know the meaning of this sign. Some are happy to see it, some are indifferent, and naturally some are dissatisfied.
Fortunately, no one will cause trouble on this occasion.
The mother and daughter were talking quietly and looking at the door of the inner hall frequently when Xianglin suddenly asked Hongye:
"Mom, that person always looks a bit familiar."
Following Xianglin's line of sight, Hongye saw Gui Meiqin who said nothing but looked after the two children tenderly.
"That's right! Keep it in your heart for now and don't tell anyone else."
"Um!"
The obedient Xianglin nodded solemnly.
Last time in Konoha Village, Katsura Mikoto wore a thick veil and loose robes. She didn't move or speak, so she couldn't see anything at all.
Today is different. Although he is wearing thicker clothes to keep out the cold and still wearing a veil, his face cannot be seen clearly, but the charm of his gestures can also reveal a little bit of information.
Especially for Xiang Rin, who possesses the secret art of Kagura's Heart Eye, she remembers the characteristics of this chakra, but she just forgot the identity of the corresponding person.
Several years have passed, and three years have passed since the night of the Uchiha genocide. Many people have disappeared in the long river of history. Even Xiang Rin has not connected Katsura Mikoto with Uchiha Sasuke's mother.
After all, Xianglin had only seen that woman twice, and she didn't look very familiar. It was normal to forget her.
As if feeling the gaze, Gui Meiqin turned her head and looked this way, and then nodded imperceptibly as a greeting.
Something happened that surprised Xianglin. The baby girl named Qianxia, who was half asleep and half awake, suddenly opened her eyes and looked at Xianglin, with a playful smile in her eyes.
When Xianglin rubbed his eyes and looked carefully again, the child had closed his eyes and seemed to be asleep.
"Did you see it wrong? It doesn't look like a child. Is there something wrong? 』
When she was about to continue thinking about it, Xianglin was amused by Xiao Hiiragi who kept twisting and writhing, trying to get out of his "clutches" and playing wantonly.
As he grows older and his body becomes stronger, the little guy is no longer content to move under the control of his mother and sister.
The angry little guy fell to the ground, and then rolled over. When Xianglin was surprised and couldn't react, he got up, opened his legs and ran forward, heading towards a crowded place. Drill.
It's a pity that the little guy is smart enough and clever enough, but he underestimates the power of looking at himself.
I saw two puppies, one black and one white, rushing out from behind Xianglin. One bit the trouser leg of the calf, and the other bit the collar of the back of the neck, and worked together to pull it back.
"It's time to hit."
Seeing that his escape plan failed, Xiaoqiao pushed the two puppies away unhappily, and then was picked up by Xianglin.
"Little bastard."
Xiang Rin flicked Xiao Hiiragi's forehead with his finger angrily, letting Sesshomaru and Shinshimaru continue to rest behind him, and then lectured Xiao Hiira,
"They work very hard to play with you, how can you treat them like this? How can I believe that you are capable of taking care of your little friends like this?"
When he was in Konoha Village, after being invited to the Inuzuka family to choose a pet, Kosugi Fusui chose a playmate for each of his three daughters. They were all newborn puppies, the kind that couldn't even move easily.
It is definitely impossible to expect the three little daughters to be taken care of, so they have to be fostered at home and let the servants take care of them. The three little daughters go to meet and play with pets from time to time.
In order to prevent them from getting into trouble, Xiang Rin often asked Sesshomaru and Shinshinmaru to accompany them.
After going back and forth, the three little guys also regarded them as family members.
"Sister, let's play together?"
Xiao Hiiragi pointed to the door of the inner hall and said in a sweet voice,
"Father...went in, I want to..."
"Not at the moment! My father and uncles are discussing important matters. Don't disturb them. They will come out later."
"Temple fair, apple candy."
"I have them all. Sister will use her pocket money to buy you delicious food later."
As Gushan Bu Shui's pampering became more and more intense, Xiao Hiiragi's face became more and more rounded, her belly was swollen, and she giggled when pressed, as if she was pregnant with a little ball.
Hongye took out a handkerchief and wiped the snot and saliva from Xiaohiira's face.
"Look at how greedy you are and how fat you are. I won't be able to hold you in my arms anymore."
"Father is very strong and can carry him."
"Yes, yes, yes, I listen to you. Your father is the best. Really, he bought you with just a few snacks. Your mother and sister are so dedicated to playing with you. How can they not compare to the small favor from your father?"
"hey-hey."
Xiao Hiiragi, who was either pretending not to understand or really not understanding, smiled stupidly, took out two candies from the pocket in front of him, peeled off the wrapping paper, then handed them to Jing and Si's two sisters, and then took out the candy himself. He took out a small, round orange and handed it over, asking his sister Xianglin to peel it open for him to eat.
"You little bastard, you've learned how to drag your sister into trouble, so you can't blame everyone, right?"
Xianglin was surprised by her sister's small-mindedness, but she still peeled the orange and divided it into pieces and fed it to her.
When it came to the last two slices, the little guy’s face was tangled, and finally he gave them to Xianglin and his mother tremblingly.
"It still has some conscience."
Xiang Rin, who was talking with a smile, secretly reached into Xiao Hiiragi's big pocket and fished it out. After roughly understanding how many things were in it, she sighed slightly and said,
"With so many things hidden, can you finish eating them?"
Seeing the second sister pretending to be dumbfounded, she took out a piece of mung bean cake from her pocket again and stuffed it into her mouth happily. Xianglin couldn't help but wonder whether she should try to let the little guy learn to control his appetite. Otherwise, he would be really thin in the future. Not coming down anymore.
At the same time, in the slightly solemn inner hall, Gushan Bushui, who had finished the ritual ceremony, informed the family in a more detailed way of taking inventory, and explained the gains and losses, rewards and punishments, and the distribution of benefits for the next year.
In general, the Gushan family seemed to be entering its heyday, because the performance of Gushan Bu Shui, a powerful young governor who exceeded everyone's expectations, made the family very satisfied, both in terms of dignity and reputation.
The ones who have received the most benefits and whose strength has improved the fastest are undoubtedly the Furusugi family. This is understandable. Many of the benefits are presided over by Fushibu Shui. No one else participates, and naturally they are not qualified to share the benefits.
Even so, the overall trend is upward, and all the vassals, large and small, have benefited a lot.
Because of this, many conflicts in the past have been covered up.
Regarding Gui Zhiji's matter, those who don't know can forget it, and those who know pretend to be deaf and dumb. They really have no shame in messing around on such a trivial matter. Katsura nori is not important in itself, it is just about the reputation of the daimyo and the Furusugi family. It is best for everyone not to expose the scars of the past casually.
The current situation is actually acceptable to all parties.
The ones in question are Hongye, Xianglin and the other three daughters.
At this point, strong pressure is definitely impossible. With Gu Shan Bu Shui's strength, even if everyone present is replaced, they probably won't back down anymore.
In this case, it is only right to find a compromise so that this dispute, which has been dragging on for nearly ten years, can be perfectly settled.
"Young Master, if you have made up your mind, we won't really do anything extra. It's just that the family tradition and inertia are too great. In the past two hundred years, the number of people in the master's family has been too thin, and with foreigners, The family relationship is becoming more and more distant, people's hearts are uncertain, and there is really nothing they can do."
To put it bluntly, all nobles of the Fire Country, including the daimyo and the Furusugi family, are all relatives, but their blood connections may vary, and their relationships may vary.
"I understand your concerns. After all, I am one of them."
In essence, Gushan Bushui is also a vested interest in this order. Of course, he will not completely deny it. If you can burn bridges across the river, try not to do it. As long as you can convince others to accept it, these people in front of you are Hongye, Xianglin and others. Loyal fans.
Of course, the premise is that they must be convinced.
"So they are just letting everyone know in the outer hall that some things have been delayed for too long."
"That Mrs. Hongye, we don't have any objections to her. It's not like the Gushan family has never produced young ladies of low status, and has recruited princes with low backgrounds. However, your past experience with her is really a bit disappointing. It’s hard for people to explain, and they don’t even know where to start if they want to explain.”
"I understand your concerns, so I have reached this level. Isn't it enough to be the leader of the Kingdom of Whirlpool? I think that with her talent and status, she can actually explain a lot of problems. Also, my daughter Xianglin is very Excellent, this is also a trait that cannot be ignored as an heir. You don’t want the next generation of family heads to have the name of ‘unknown mother’, right?”
Lineage and family name are part of the "great righteousness". No one would do such stupid things as digging up their own roots.
