At three o'clock on March 30, the 14th year of Astronomy (1546), on the east bank of the Kamogawa River in Kyoto, there was the Gion Jingshe.
"The ringing of the bells of the Gion Abode tells the story of the impermanence of the world. The flowers of the Saraswati tree lose their color, and those that flourish will wither like the vicissitudes of life. The owners of arrogance and extravagance will not last long, just like a dream on a spring night. The strong and domineering will eventually perish, just like the dust before the wind. ( The sound of the bell of Gion Seiko, the sound of the impermanence of all things. The color of the flowers of the two trees of Sara, the reason for the decline of those who are prosperous. The pride of people, the long time of the people, the dream of the only spring night. The fierceness. "It's the same thing as the dust in front of the wind.)"
Imagawa Yoshimoto softly recited the opening poem from "The Tale of the Heike", and the horse's hooves stepped on the Kyoto soil that had witnessed countless ups and downs. He himself, the red bird horse seal behind him rustling in the wind, and the tens of thousands of Imagawa troops behind the red bird horse seal holding the two flags will soon become part of the ups and downs that Kyoto has witnessed.
Whether it flourishes or declines depends on the "tyranny" of the "arrogant and luxurious owners".
According to the prior agreement, after entering Kyoto in a roundabout way, the Imagawa Army quickly climbed to the top of Mount Otowa and erected the Red Bird Horse Seal as the new general flag. Taiyuan Yukisai took over the command from Takeda Harunobu.
However, Taiyuan Xuezhai was not among the Imagawa army at all at this moment. Instead, he had secretly arrived at the Kyoto Imperial Palace-Imperial Palace Gardens on the west bank of the Kamogawa River several miles away.
"Master Yukisai, I'm here to invite you." Nakamikado Nobuhide, Yamashina Yantsugi, Ichijo Kanemasa and other Imagawa family's connections in the imperial court all came out to the northern part of Kyoto, which has not yet been affected by the war, so that their retainers can meet them. Taiyuan Xuezhai quietly crossed the river and escaped the surveillance of the Sanhao family's spies.
"Thank you, everyone." After running all the way, Taiyuan Xuezhai finally found a chance to rest, so he changed out of his casual clothes and put on the white clothes used by diplomatic monks again.
"We have already made arrangements to introduce the master to His Majesty the Prime Minister (Konoe Ueke) as soon as possible to discuss and formulate the decree of making the Miyoshi family the enemy of the court. However, if the Kyoto is still under the control of the Miyoshi family, the court does not want to have too much trouble with them. ..." Nakamikado Xuanxiu explained to Taiyuan Xuezhai while revealing the difficulties of the ministers.
During the Kizawa Nagamasa Rebellion a few years ago, the Imagawa family assisted the Hosokawa family in annihilating Kizawa Nagamasa. Takaji Kanesuke, Nijo Haruyoshi, Kujo Uedichi and others who had close relations with Kizawa Nagamasa also followed suit. After losing power, the power in the court fell into the hands of the Konoe Ue family and ministers close to the Hosokawa family, Imagawa family and other families. Therefore, after the confrontation between Miyoshi Nagakei and Hosokawa Harumoto became increasingly fierce, Hosokawa Harumoto secretly requested an order from the imperial court, hoping to designate Miyoshi Nagakei as a court enemy and destroy his prestige in the name of justice.
However, by that time the actual control of Kyoto had fallen into the hands of the Miyoshi family. Although throughout the ages, few samurai have dared to use force directly against the imperial court, the imperial court did not want to make the relationship with the actual controller of Kyoto too tense. Therefore, the imperial court put forward a condition that the matter would not be discussed until the Southern Army ensured the safety of the palace and the residence of the minister. But how easy is it? The Northern Army gathered by Miyoshi Changqing was also powerful, and it was even more difficult to capture the Kyoto they were guarding.
And this is the purpose of Taiyuan Xuezhai's trip.
"Are all these big scenes just a cover-up?" Kaneichi Ichijo was looking at the smoke and dust rising in the south of Kyoto and on both sides of the Kamogawa River. He couldn't help but sigh to Taiyuan Xuezai: "Mobilizing an army of more than 100,000 people to fight in Kyoto is actually just to bring peace. Miyoshi Xiu's attention is diverted, so that you have the opportunity to sneak into the palace from the north of Kyoto. Use your amazing eloquence skills to convince the court and order Miyoshi Changqing to be the enemy of the DPRK on the spot. More than 100,000 people provide cover for one person, What a grand spectacle.”
"The Northern Army is a group of cronies gathered from all over the Western Kingdom. They are not related to Sanhao Xiu, but they are here for their own interests or reputation. If there is a fierce war, the imperial court will order Sanhao Xiu to become the enemy of the DPRK. I'm afraid. Once the decree reaches the army, the morale of the army will be in chaos. Who is willing to fight for the enemy? How can there be any benefit or fame in being associated with the "enemy"? The Northern Army will naturally disperse like birds and beasts, abandoning the Sanhao family and withdraw. The Confederate army can also advance forward, drive out the isolated Sanhao family, protect the safety of the court, and kill two birds with one stone. "Taiyuan Xuezhai followed the instructions carefully and analyzed the pros and cons on his face:
"Since they hold the bargaining chip to turn the world around, why do the royal highnesses in the court need to wait for the Confederate Army to capture Kyoto and the overall situation has been decided before adding icing on the cake? Isn't this also a way to revitalize the court?
Great opportunity for majesty? All it takes is an edict. "
"What Master Xue Zhai said is true." Yamako Yanji responded from the side: "Master Xue Zhai's previous letter to us also stated the cause and effect. However, His Highness Xiangguo, His Majesty, the Prince and others have taken the overall situation into consideration, and it is inevitable. They are hesitant. That’s why I have to ask Master Xue Zhai to come to the palace in person to help them resolve their worries!”
"It's no problem." Taiyuan Xuezhai showed a calm smile, "The poor monk has nothing but a sharp tongue and specializes in lobbying."
"We're here, please wait a moment, Master, in the side hall." The leader, Nobuhide Nakamikado, stopped and led Taiyuan Xuezhai and others into the room. He motioned for them to sit on the futon for a while, and he quickly went out. , "I will go and bring His Highness the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince here."
"Thank you." Taiyuan Xuezhai bowed to Nakayumon, then took the tea offered by Ichijo Kanazheng and began to taste the fragrance of Kyoto's famous tea. Even though he is now in decline, the use of tea in the palace is still more exquisite than that in distant countries. Before you know it, it’s time for a cup of tea.
"Strange, why haven't you come back yet?" Yamashina Yantsugi was a little impatient, and stood up to go out and take a look, "His Royal Highness the Prime Minister should be waiting not far away."
However, as soon as Yamashina Yanji opened the door, he suddenly froze on the spot. Then, he staggered back and paced back. Ichijo Kanemasa was shocked when he saw this, and stood up, only to see the livid-faced figure of Nobuhide Nakamikado appearing at the door.
"What's going on..." Ichijo Kanemasa was about to ask when he saw a bunch of people following Nakamikado Nobuhide. The leader, a middle-aged man, was wearing a green court uniform and had a shocking scar slashed diagonally on his face.
"Matsuyaga Tansei." Taiyuan Xuezhai's expression remained unchanged, he sat on the futon calmly and reported the person's name with a smile.
"Master Xue Zhai, I haven't seen you for a long time." Matsushita Nagahide also said with a smile. After leading a group of ninjas into the room, he closed the door of the palace with his backhand, locking Taiyuan Xue Zhai and others inside. "Last time We were still allies when we met, but now we are enemies with swords and swords, which is really sad. As I expected, Master Xuezhai really wanted to draw fire from the bottom of the pot and directly visited the Imperial Garden secretly to request an order to completely disintegrate our Northern Army. So I I have been waiting here for a long time, and after waiting for many days, I finally met you."
"Why, you have the guts to openly intercept and kill the ministers and envoys in the palace garden?" Taiyuan Xuezhai obviously did not take what he said seriously. He was still enjoying the tea leisurely and contentedly, without comforting the three trembling people around him. The meaning of the minister.
"Of course I don't have the guts." Matsunaga Hide laughed when he heard this, then walked to the table in front of Taiyuan Xuezhai and sat down opposite him. He clapped his hands and motioned to his subordinates to place the tea utensils they brought on the table. superior:
"However, I still have the courage to invite Master Xue Zhai to watch the tea ceremony."
"Ping spider...ninety-nine rounds of eggplant? Not bad, not bad..." Taiyuan Xuezhai's eyes were immediately attracted by the beautiful tea utensils, and then he asked meaningfully: "I just don't know, Matsunaga Danmasa How long will this tea ceremony take?"
"I'm proficient in all major schools. I can demonstrate for Master Yukssai for ten days and a half. It will definitely not be a problem." Matsuzaki's smile gradually became subtle. "Master Yukssai is a famous tea master in Kinki. I am not talented, but I can't do it." Indulge in the tea ceremony. Master Xue Zhai will not refuse to teach you, right? The court, battlefields, decrees, etc. are all things outside the tea ceremony, so let’s not worry about it for now.”
"Do you want to continue demonstrating the tea ceremony until the end of this battle?" Taiyuan Xuezai then put the tea cup in his hand on the table next to him and made a Buddhist salute to Matsunaga Hide, indicating that he could start the tea ceremony. Prepare. However, Matsunaga Hide was not in a hurry, as if he wanted to chat with Taiyuan Xuezhai for a few more words:
"That's right. Just drag Master Xue Zhai here."
"Tanzheng is the right hand in the Miyoshi family's army, and he is the right-hand man that Miyoshi relies on most for repair. Without Danzheng, the Miyoshi family seems to be missing a think tank. How should they direct the battle?" Taiyuan Xuezhai raised his eyes and looked at Matsuhisa Hide, and then The person shook his head and said:
"Master Sekssai is ten times more talented than I, Matsuhisa Hide. I am spending time here, and the Miyoshi family is like losing one of ten fingers. But Master Sekssai, you are spending time here, and the Imagawa family is...
Not even one of the ten fingers is left. It is an honor for me to have the honor of "pairing" with you. Without you, how could the Imagawa family be the enemy of the Miyoshi family? "
Matsuhisa Nagahide originally thought that Taiyuan Xuezhai would change his expression when he heard this, but he didn't expect that he would just smile and say nothing, occasionally circling the rosary in his hand.
"You are always so calm. It's really frustrating...as if everything was expected by you." Matsunaga smacked his lips and looked at Taiyuan Xuezhai curiously: "I'm very curious, can you do it in your life?" Have you ever been irrational?"
"Yes, of course." A look of annoyance and distress immediately appeared on Taiyuan Xuezhai's face, "When Chengfang was first admitted to our temple, the young monks in the temple didn't know his identity and only teased him, saying, "He has no father. Mom wants it." After hearing this, the child cried aggrievedly for several days and clamored to go back... Whenever I think of what he looked like at that time afterwards, I just feel heartbroken. He keeps losing his composure. How can he be calm? "
"Hahahaha..." After Matsunagahide heard this story, he burst out laughing, "You are too protective of Imagawa Harubu, and you can't bear this little hardship? Do you know, my master ( Miyoshi Nagakei) But his parents really died and he had no parents. He was about the same age as Imagawa Harube at the time, but he already had to take care of three younger brothers by himself, and also had to support the entire family from being surrounded by foreign enemies. Swallowing, how can there be any room to cry?... I can't beat Master Xue Zhai's Imagawa Jibu, who was pampered and raised by you, and I can't beat my master. As long as I drag you here, as long as Taiyuan Xue Zhai doesn't have you, He, Yoshimoto Imagawa, is nothing! The rest of the Imagawa family are nothing, too!”
"Then let's wait and see." Taiyuan Xue Zhai performed a Buddhist salute again, "Please, Matsunaga Danzheng, let the poor monk learn your tea ceremony and the skills of the Miyoshi family."
"You're showing off your ugliness." After hearing the word "tea ceremony," Matsunaga's expression immediately straightened up. How could he still have the slightest bit of a ruthless and heroic demeanor? He looks like a simple and pure tea person. He rolls up his sleeves and devotes himself to the tea tray in front of him.
