In order to choose the most suitable gift for Nagasaki's visit, before leaving Dejima, Officer Brown rummaged through boxes and cabinets in the Thorn Warehouse and finally selected two exquisite Venetian mirrors from piles of crates.
These mirrors from Italy were wrapped in straw and traveled thousands of miles to Asia.
In the end, only a few arrived in Nagasaki intact.
Much of the larger mirror had cracks and damage.
As one of Europa's luxury goods exported to Japan, they will appear on the desks of various Japanese feudal lords in the next few months for the upper-class dignitaries to play with.
At the end of the street, several samurai appeared. The leading samurai wore a kamishimo (かみしも/Kamishimo) that was connected to a hakama and a scapular.
"This kind of clothing is standard for shogunate officials. They enjoy privileges in each domain, similar to our medieval knights in Europe."
Still two miles away from the monastery, the Liverpool businessman explained the customs and customs of this place to Vic Brown.
"The one in front is the Seibei of Nagasaki and Kawasaki. He is a ferocious monkey. He will take us to see Lord Shogyo."
"Baba Toshige is a silent old monkey. He is sixty years old and rarely talks."
Kawasaki Kiyohei came to the British, held the long sword tightly, with the blade facing himself, clasped the sword tandem with his right hand, held the end of the scabbard with his left hand, raised it to his eyebrows, and bowed forward.
The Englishman bowed in return.
Brown noticed that the samurai sword had a curved handle and a gold-painted scabbard, which was very expensive.
Kawasaki spoke with a strong Kansai accent, put away his sharkskin Jintachi, and led the way.
Yonezu, the translator with sunken eye sockets, bent down and nodded, translating carefully.
"A high-ranking monk has come to the monastery. He is a disciple of Master Hui Ran... Let me take the liberty of asking, Your Excellency, how many gifts have you prepared?"
Brown shrugged and uttered a London proverb:
"When the king is thirsty, the pope also needs to drink water."
He knew nothing about the eminent monk Hui Ran, let alone Hui Ran’s disciple.
But Ruprecht Koren, executive director of the East India Company, had seen the magical power of the legendary mage.
At that time, Master Huiran fought against the Ming Dynasty assassins at Shishiyama Volcano, and finally died together with the Governor of Kyushu (Yuan Chonghuan).
Foreign businessmen living in Nagasaki have all heard of this.
The mage with the art of immortality was finally killed by a glass of poisoned wine by the governor of the Ming Dynasty. It is said that all his disciples were also killed, and now another disciple appeared out of nowhere.
Seeing General Brown's provocative look, Colen quickly grabbed his red uniform and whispered to Kawasaki Kiyohei:
"Please rest assured that our gift is enough to match the noble status of the mage."
~~~~~
Nagasaki Administrative Office, Zaosangzhai.
In the front hall of the Sixty Disc Hall and the long corridor leading to Zaosangzhai, there are groups of samurai with swords who are strong and not easy to mess with.
When the Liverpool merchants passed through the corridor with General Brown and an entourage, the counselors, counselors, guards, treasurers and retainers in the prison all nodded slightly to the British.
Brown keenly noticed that under the surface humility, these Japanese exuded a cunning and cruel temperament, just like the vicious Philippine crocodiles in the jungles of Manila.
On both sides of the corridor are statues of the Buddhist god Fudo Myooh, who opened his three eyes and glared angrily in the candle-lit shrine.
Kawasaki Kiyobei, who was walking in front, turned around and spoke some difficult Japanese, and then nodded towards Yonezu, who had sunken eyes.
"Gentlemen, the wrath of God is to frighten those who have evil intentions and ungrateful people. The sword he holds in his hand can kill demons, his third eye can see into people's hearts, and the stone he stands on is unshakable. .”
The Japanese translator pointed to the bluestone at the feet of King Meito, and suddenly raised his voice and said: "It symbolizes the eternal rule of Lord Tosho in Japan."
Tosho Kami-kun is the divine title enshrined by the Emperor after Tokugawa Ieyasu's death.
General Brown dismissed these pagan evil gods, but the strict hierarchical atmosphere around him infected him, making the British Empire naval officer a little dazed.
Finally arrived at Zaosangzhai.
Nearly thirty burly warriors were in the shape of a horseshoe, guarding the surroundings of the courtyard, with their fingers on their scabbards and looking warily at the British who suddenly broke in.
"The practice office usually only receives one person, Mr. Colen. Today, so many people suddenly came, and it is inevitable that I will not be used to it."
Yonezu carefully explained beside him.
The two warriors turned and bowed to Brown, then walked up to the British like puppets and searched the three British.
A guard with a knife pushed open the door and whispered inside: "Director Colen from Dejima and General Brown from Manila are waiting at the door!"
There were rustling footsteps in Zaosangzhai, and Baba Toshige said in Japanese:
"Thank you, please come in as soon as possible."
The door of Zaosangzhai opened.
More than a dozen counselor-looking people were sitting in a circle around the master. Toshige Baba was an old man with a gray beard. Opposite him, sat a spirited monk. Surrounded by the monk were four young monks, looking at them. They are all powerful and powerful when they go up.
Kawasaki Kiyohei stepped forward and whispered a few words next to Mr. Shogyue.
Baba Toshi nodded and looked at General Brown with a smile.
John Wick Brown imitated the Liverpool businessman next to him and bowed to Nagasaki.
Baba Toshige suddenly spoke.
"I heard that you are an upright man."
Listening to Yonezu's translation, Brown was a little confused. He didn't know how to accept this compliment, so he had to bow to the old man again.
"I remember that fifteen years ago, your Excellency participated in the Tatar attack and contributed to the expulsion of the Tatars."
Yonezu translated quickly.
"I am sixty years old this year. The General Zhengyi trusted me and allowed me to live in Nagasaki and fulfill my position... Master Chun Shen is older than me. He is one hundred and twenty years old... ··”
Toshige Baba solemnly introduced Master Chun Shen, the host of Shiranosho, who was sitting opposite, to the two British people.
"Master Shiranoshan is a master disciple of Master Huiran. He has served the shogun for many years. The master often exchanges health care techniques with the shogun's British doctor at Edo Shilan Hall (note 1), so he is familiar with your country's language. Master and you Likewise, those who come to Zaosangzai today are all distinguished guests from Nagasaki."
Nagasaki continued to introduce:
"Master Chunshen, this is General Brown, a British officer who came from the Philippines. He helped us drive away the Tatars back then. The shogunate should have mentioned this to the master in Edo."
Vic Brown bowed, the host's lips slightly curved, nodded, and a perfunctory smile appeared on his face.
Chun Shen was wearing a volcanic gray cloak. He had no hair on his head and his eyebrows were still black. He could not tell that he was 120 years old. Brown keenly noticed that a strange-shaped knife handle was exposed from his waist.
"Servant of Satan, sorcerer, liar." The British officer cursed secretly in his heart.
Unexpectedly, the support of the volcano seemed to be able to penetrate people's hearts. He looked up and stared into Vic Brown's blue eyes, which were as sharp as a knife.
Brown looked at him for a moment, then immediately turned his head away. He thought to himself that this old wizard must be extremely powerful, otherwise he could become a guest of the Nagasaki Emperor and be able to interact with foreigners freely - it must be noted that the Tokugawa shogunate was under control. The strictest lockdown order is implemented - there are no shogunate spies around to monitor this person.
"Tea, please."
The waiter brought the tea, and a shrill cat meowed outside.
Brown lowered his head. In the round, light-colored tea bowl, the color of black tea was refreshing and pleasing to the eye.
"The reason why General Brown is so anxious to come to Japan is because General Zongyi is preparing to attack the Tatars..."
The cat's meowing suddenly became louder, interrupting Nagasaki's words, and a trace of displeasure flashed on Master Fengxing's face.
"I'm so sorry, it's spring time for the wild cats in Nagasaki."
Kawasaki Kiyohei bowed to the host and host, immediately pressed the scabbard of his katana, stepped on his clogs, and ran out the door.
Brown took the opportunity to take out two intact mirrors from his arms and presented them to the host and host.
Baba Toshige took the mirror and asked his retainer to put it away.
The host picked up the mirror. "Is this made of mercury?"
"It's made of oxidized silver, Master," Coren explained from the side. "It's processed in Venice."
"We don't produce mirrors, we are just porters for European industry."
"Compared with Japanese bronze mirrors," Master Shiranoshan said, "your mirror appears more real. A mirror that is too real can reflect a person's soul and take living people away from this world."
Brown recalled hearing a similar story from his great-grandmother when he was a child.
"In our country, older women think so, and you're right."
Nagasaki just drank tea beside him without saying a word.
When Yonezu was translating the Master's words, his face turned pale and large beads of sweat oozed from his forehead, as if he was suddenly ill.
Chun Shen rubbed the mirror carefully with his hand, then suddenly stretched out two fingers and made a strange movement towards the head of the translator. The British officer was sensitive to the fact that the Master's posture and movements were exactly the same as the statue of the Buddhist god Fudo Myooh that he had just seen on the corridor.
Mijin seemed to have swallowed a mouthful of rum, and a blush suddenly appeared on his pale face. When he saw the host, he quickly saluted him.
"I'm so scared after just a little secret," Master Chun Shen said in English, "I still need to practice."
The shrill meowing outside the window continued, mixed with the sound of samurai swords slashing and the roar of Kawasaki Kiyohei.
The springing wild cats seemed to have jumped onto the roof, and there were more than one.
"There is a tribe on the west side of the New World (America)," Brown continued bravely, "called the Indians. People in this tribe believe that as long as a python bites a person's reflection in the water, the person will die."
"There is a tribe in the Cape of Good Hope called the Yaru people. They will stay away from those weird ponds because the water ghosts in the ponds can kill people once they catch the reflection of a human being."
Mijin, the translator, seemed to be suddenly more courageous. However, before he could translate, Master Huiran’s disciple laughed and said:
"So, does General Brown also believe in ghosts and gods?"
Colen, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly said: "Host, we believe in God."
Chun Shen ignored the Liverpool businessman and just stared into Vic Brown's eyes:
"Do you believe that human souls can be collected?"
The surrounding atmosphere suddenly became tense.
Nagasaki, who had been sipping tea carefully, put down his tea cup and looked at the young British officer with bright eyes.
Vic Brown secretly took a look at the cross hidden under his red military uniform (Note 2), and when he looked up at the host Chun Shen, the cape of the host sitting opposite turned into bird wings, and he himself became a ferocious ape-eating man. carving.
Brown rubbed his eyes, and in a daze, the raptor transformed back into the host Chun Shen.
"I believe that human souls will not be taken away by pythons or water ghosts, but may be taken away by devils or wizards."
"Ha ha ha ha."
The 120-year-old host laughed loudly and ended this slightly tense conversation.
The Liverpool businessman rubbed his swollen temples and complimented: "The Master speaks English very fluently. I think the translation job is about to be lost."
"It's an exaggeration. Fifteen years ago, I was lucky enough to survive because I didn't drink the poisoned wine. Since my master was killed by a traitor, I have lived in seclusion and seldom communicated with foreigners."
The meowing of cats once again interrupted the conversation in the house. There were more and more wild cats. Chun Shen once again stretched out his finger and made a strange gesture.
Then the screams of stray cats were heard outside, and soon everything was silent.
“I’m better at Spanish than English.”
“The Spanish came to Japan,” Brown muttered, “more than a hundred years ago.”
Master Fengxing looked at the eminent monk Shiranoshan with admiration.
The two Englishmen looked at each other in astonishment.
Chun Shen stared out the window and said leisurely: "Time flies by like a white horse, and a hundred years have passed in a hurry."
At this time, Kawasaki was standing at the door carrying a few wild cats.
Master Fengxing nodded towards Qinghei.
"Bring it in and let the two guests see what the mage can do."
The three stray cats were dead, with no scars on their bodies - at least from the outside - their necks became limp, as if their souls had been suddenly extracted, and their eyes and mouths were wide open, showing a consistent death posture. .
Brown was startled. He glanced at his companion. Colen was also shaking.
Such a strange way of death was obviously not the work of the reckless samurai in front of him.
"How did you do it?"
Brown thinks this is Japanese magic or some kind of deception.
The host whispered a few words to Yonezu.
"This is not magic, nor is it a blinding technique. It is a technique passed down by Master Huiran to Master Chunshen," Mi Jin carefully translated. "It is similar to the ancient Chinese soul-stealing technique, which can be studied at Shishiyama Volcano..."
The body of the wild cat was carried out by the warrior.
Mijin explained in detail for a long time, but the two British people still couldn't get the point.
Master Fengxing, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke.
"Okay," Baba Toshio waved his hand again, and the waiter stepped forward and removed the tea sets in front of everyone.
"Master Chun Shen's many miracles will be shown to you two in the future. Now, we should get to the main topic of today."
Vic Brown had not yet recovered from his shock. His blue eyes were staring at the hair left by the wild cat, and he was lost in thought.
"As early as fifteen years ago, the General of the Conquest of the Barbarians had begun to conquer the Tatars and bring justice to Haixi. To this end, Japan had been planning for fifteen years, and the army was strong. There were many famous people from all the vassals who contributed money and efforts, such as the three presidents. Nagasaki followed and fully supported the Western Expedition. Now the Western Expedition army can launch an attack at any time to destroy the Qi. The General Zhengyi hopes that the East India Company can cooperate with us and provide necessary material and artillery assistance, preferably in Fujian. , Zhejiang, and launch an attack on the Tatars. After conquering the Tatars, we will reopen the Chinese market and ensure the interests of the East India Company."
Vic Brown finally understood the Japanese plan, which was to ask the East India Company to take advantage of the fire and act as a shield for the Japanese to attract Tatar firepower.
"Then, how many troops does Lord Cheng need from the East India Company? How about attacking Fujian and Zhejiang?"
Baba Toshizo stretched out two fingers and said to the British officer in a commanding tone:
"Twenty thousand people."
General Brown was stunned. Even if all the British overseas colonial garrisons were added up, there would not be enough.
The British shook their heads and said: "Twenty thousand people are probably no match for the Tatars. Their capital is in the south, and the main force should be in the south as well."
At this time, the steady host Chun Shen suddenly spoke and said in fluent English:
"The Spanish governor told me personally that he only needed 4,000 men to conquer the Ming Dynasty. Can't you 20,000 people occupy Zhejiang and Fujian?"
Brown looked into Master Chun Shen's eyes and suddenly saw the ferocious Philippine ape-eating eagle again.
Note:
1. Zhilantang: A school run by Japan to study Orchidology (Dutch and Western learning).
2. In the early days of the Edo shogunate, the spread of Christianity in Japan was strictly prohibited, and foreigners who brought sacred vessels, Bibles and other items into the country without permission would be severely punished once discovered.
