As the saying goes, blessings never come in pairs, and misfortunes never come alone. Not long after, another thing happened: Toyotomi Hidetsu's bedridden brother, Yamato Nakagan Toyotomi Hideho, who was only seventeen years old, died of illness.
Guan Bai Toyotomi Hidetoshi was extremely sad, but after Toyotomi Hideyoshi learned about it, he strictly ordered the burial to be carried out secretly, not allowed to be known to the world, and no one from the Toyotomi family was allowed to attend the funeral.
Asano Nagamasa, the chief minister, was puzzled. He didn't know why Hideyoshi was like this. Ishida Mitsunari woke up and said: "Master Shi is not yet three years old. The previous master Hematsu died before he was three years old, so this matter must be decided." It will make His Highness Taige very frightened."
Asano Nagamasa was shocked: "Because of this, the death of His Highness Hideho must be concealed?"
Ishida Mitsunari sighed slightly and replied: "That's right. His Highness Taikaku just hopes that nothing will happen this year, and nothing will happen - I mean something like the death of someone in the Toyotomi family."
Asano Nagamasa was deeply worried that this matter would widen the rift between Taikaku and Guan Bai. Ishida Mitsunari was silent for a long time. He was hesitant to speak, but in the end he remained silent.
On the other hand, the Hokusei Office has been advising Hideyoshi: "Hideho is your nephew and one of your rare relatives. As an uncle, you must at least see him off. This is family affection."
Unexpectedly, Hideyoshi was not only unwilling, but also complained greatly about Hideho's death: "Ning Ning, this man committed two crimes. One is to die this year, and the other is that he clearly wants to do his best in the future, but now he If I can’t do it anymore, how can I forgive him!”
This is too outrageous. Does Toyotomi Hideho want to die? Hokusei also felt that Hideyoshi was unreasonable and reproached him: "What are you saying? Hideho is suffering from illness. Now as a child who has gone to the underworld, he still has to be blamed like this by you. Even if he gets there, It will be uncomfortable!
You are an uncle, you have your own child and you don’t care about the life or death of other children? Even the country folk can do better than you! With the protection of destiny, premature death will never happen again, and you should not be so indifferent to your loved ones because of this. "
However, Hideyoshi no longer wanted to listen to any more opinions at this time, so he simply ordered everyone not to mention Hideho's name on the grounds that it was no longer auspicious, and Hokusei left in anger.
Toyotomi Hidetsu originally wanted to hold a grand funeral for his brother Hideho and bury him with dignity, but he received a strict order from the Imperial Palace and could only bury Hideho secretly and simply. As an elder brother, Hidetsu was extremely sad about this.
Of course, more importantly, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's indifferent handling of Hideho's death made Toyotomi Hideji frightened. He sighed: "I finally understand that we are not important to my uncle. We are nothing to that young master." , are all just obstacles!”
Various events over a long period of time have made Hideji feel several times that he is no longer an heir or even a relative in Hideyoshi's heart, but is merely a threat to Shaojun. As a result, Toyotomi Hideji's uneasiness has reached its peak.
The changes in the relationship between Guan Bai and Taige can be seen by anyone with a discerning eye. The North Political Office was very worried and came to Maeda Toshiie for discussion. Homasa said: "The innocent Hideho, even his death has to be concealed, Hidetoshi worries me even more. The child is already very sensitive, and he is in Guanbai's position, and because of Shi's birth, he and Hideyoshi are suspicious of each other. , I’m afraid he will think too much this time, how can we help him?”
Maeda Toshiie could only console Beizhengsho: "Shaojun is Taige's greatest support, and this feeling has surpassed everything. After Shaojun Yuanfu, the position of Guanbai must belong to Shaojun. But before that , His Highness Taige, who is well versed in the operation of power, knows even more how great the temptation of power is, so he is worried about His Highness Guan Bai and has tried several times.
However, His Highness Taige is currently... In my opinion, he is still full of expectations for His Highness Guan Bai, but Taige's love can only be shown to Shaojun now. "
The Beizheng Institute asked again: "What about Sun Qilang? Will Sun Qilang be too sensitive and cause trouble?"
Maeda Toshiie thought deeply and said: "Your Highness Guan Bai is fully aware that he is temporarily serving as Guan Bai, but he very much wants to make achievements to gain His Highness Taikaku's approval. Your Highness Guanbai is not stupid and cowardly, but he is delicate in mind. His Highness Taikaku How could you not notice the changes?
It is out of fear and worry that this leads to suspicion and difficulty in communication between the two. This situation is equivalent to two people harboring good intentions, but they may end up fighting each other. That is the most dangerous event. "
Bei Zheng was shocked and said: "Are you saying that the two of them will eventually be completely opposed to each other? Is it really going to be like this? Sun Qilang is just a child, not like this. I think we should promote harmony between the two of them as soon as possible. There must be no civil strife in the Toyotomi family."
Maeda Toshiie sighed and suggested: "What Hokusei said is absolutely true. In fact, in my opinion, His Highness Hidetsugi is not suitable for the position of Guanbai, especially not suitable for the position of Guanbai in this period. This is In terms of his character.
In my opinion, no matter when Taiko and Guan Bai open their hearts and restore harmony, Lord Xiuji should resign from Guan Bai as soon as possible, so that it can be truly preserved. "
Beizhengsuo said: "Resign Guan Bai? Then who will do Guan Bai? This matter is not simple, we still have to let them communicate first - after all, they are uncle and nephew after all, aren't they? Alas, man , always brings fame and wealth into life, and everything becomes very complicated because of this.”
Maeda Toshiie smiled bitterly and said: "What you said is not wrong at all, but because of this, you are the key to resolving the conflict between the two. You and His Highness Taikaku are a couple in need, and have never left each other for decades, and for His Highness Guan Bai is also a kinder person than his biological mother.
In my opinion, there is no one more suitable than you to clear the suspicion between them. I also ask you to say a few kind words to His Highness Guan Bai from time to time. I believe it will always be useful. As the "dean" of "Ningning Kindergarten", Beizheng Institute readily agreed to this, but she didn't know how effective it would be.
On the other hand, Tokugawa Ieyasu also discussed this with his retainer Honda Masanobu. Tokugawa Ieyasu said: "Taiko and Guan Bai, everything has quietly changed since Ah Shiyi was born. His Highness Guan Bai has actually done a good job. Yes, he is quite popular, but it is a pity that he is not a parent and child after all... Maybe even His Highness Taige himself did not expect that at this age, he could actually have a child with his old age. It is hard to tell the relationship between these two people now. "
Honda Masanobu commented on this: "His Royal Highness Guan Bai can only be a Guan Bai in the peaceful and prosperous times. He can do this well now because His Highness Tai Pao helps him open up the world, shock the world, and stabilize the world. This allows him to handle state affairs with peace of mind.
Under the pressure of His Highness Taige, many lords and ministers also need such a Guan Bai, who can ease the relations between all parties. If His Highness Taige passes away before the political power is completely consolidated, Guan Bai will definitely be unable to support the situation, or he can only rely on luck and Toyotomi's foundation... Lord, all this depends on His Highness Taige's physical condition. "
Tokugawa Ieyasu nodded and said: "In my opinion, it is better to resign from Guan Bai's position early. Now that the two of them are suspicious of each other, Taige may help Ah Shi get rid of Guan Bai in advance to avoid future troubles. Rather than die like this, then It is better to retire early and save yourself.
Let me tell you, how old is this Ah Shi? It is said that Guan Bai will give way to the Yuanfu. I think His Highness Guan Bai has already been executed before Ah Shi Yuanfu. "
Honda Masanobu echoed: "That's right, my lord is right. In fact, His Highness Guan Bai's ending has been doomed from the moment Master Ashi was born. His Highness Taige is suspicious, cunning, and ruthless and decisive. On the contrary, His Highness Guan Bai He is kind and refined, but I don’t know how powerful he is.
It is precisely because power is involved that it is difficult for the two to communicate, and because they are not biological father and son, they are more likely to be suspected and wary. As long as someone makes a little effort in this, His Highness Guan Bai will surely die at the hands of Taige. If it is still said that His Highness Guan Bai can escape this disaster, I think it can only be achieved with the protection of the gods. "
After listening to Honda Masanobu's analysis, Tokugawa Ieyasu felt the same: "Well, your analysis makes sense. But after all, it is the Toyotomi family's business. We don't have to do anything. We can just watch it from the sidelines." Just change. If there are things that can be used, or people that can be used, then act according to the situation. No matter what the result is, it will be beneficial to the Tokugawa family without any harm."
Honda Masanobu added: "My lord has made a clear decision. My lord can also learn from this and avoid the Tokugawa family from making the same mistakes."
Tokugawa Ieyasu agreed, and added: "It's actually a good thing that this happened to the Toyotomi family. Last time, Taiko forced me to attack Tamana and Misaki cities earlier, but I finally delayed it again.
Now Misaki Castle has received additional troops from the Sea Trade Alliance, and Narita Kai has personally led troops to frighten Tamana Castle. Whether we attack by force or deploy tactics, it is actually very difficult. At the same time, I think the conditions proposed by Narita Kai on behalf of the Maritime Trade Alliance are considered favorable, and there is no need for the Tokugawa family to take advantage of the Toyotomi family's fire. "
"My lord is wise." Honda Masanobu praised: "Now that the conquest of the imperial court has almost been declared a failure, if Taige wants to launch another attack, he will not only have to face the Ming army, which will definitely become stronger and stronger, but also make the great names of the Western Kingdom have strong feelings. Dissatisfaction, coupled with the imminent turmoil within the Toyotomi family... If the current situation continues to develop, if something unexpected happens to Taiko himself, the Toyotomi public ceremony may come to an end."
"Toyotomi? Those who steal hooks will be punished, and those who steal the country are just marquises." Tokugawa Ieyasu said expressionlessly: "The world has its own right way. Although Nobunaga's world was stolen by him, he is just a despicable person after all. Even if Even if you become Guanbai or Taige, you will only be crowned as a monkey.
Now he is desperate for his parents and children to gain the upper hand, but he does not know that there is a reason why the continuation of my family name is far more important than bloodline. He may be able to control the situation for now by being so rebellious, but if the weather changes, the Toyotomi family may be like a sand barrier on the beach, which can be overcome in one fell swoop. "
Honda Masanobu smiled and said: "The pillar of Japan is the Samurai family. He should not be in charge of the world of the Samurai family. When the time comes, the Samurai family will naturally regain the glory that originally belongs to them, and the Tokugawa family is bound to do its duty."
This time, Tokugawa Ieyasu did not express his position immediately. Instead, he pondered for a while and then slowly said: "The general trend may be like this, but I am still worried at the moment... You said that once the days change, this sea trade alliance will What position do you hold? Or let me put this more clearly: Will the Maritime Trade Alliance support my Tokugawa family?"
Honda Masanobu was silent for a moment, and said in the usual ambiguous Japanese style: "The Sea Trade Alliance is a business, and I believe that as long as it is a matter of interests, there is nothing that cannot be discussed."
Tokugawa Ieyasu was silent for a long time, nodded slightly, and said in a deep voice: "Continue to maintain contact with Narita Kai, and... you can give her a hint and say that if she gives birth to a Lin'er in the future, the Tokugawa family hopes to adopt an adopted son."
Honda Masanobu was shocked: "Master, what do you mean?"
"My Tokugawa family is a famous samurai family. If the world unites, we can naturally establish a shogunate." Tokugawa Ieyasu took a deep breath and added: "The Narita family has enough family status, so her son was adopted by the Tokugawa family. There is no doubt that he can be a general to conquer the barbarians."
"Lord! Is this really necessary?" Honda Masanobu was still shocked.
"The most important thing is to honor the name of the Tokugawa family. I am not Kinoshita Tokichiro." Tokugawa Ieyasu said solemnly: "You have to know that once the situation we just talked about occurs, during the great chaos in Japan, Toyotomi Kōki Collapse, then who has the decisive power?
It is nothing more than the Toyotomi remnant party and our Tokugawa. However, in addition to this, the Maritime Trade Alliance is the largest external force that is both in Japan and does not belong to Japan. Their position will become the final winner. We must prepare for this. "
Honda Masanobu became serious, thought for a long time, and said resolutely: "Yes, my lord has a far-sighted view. At that time, the only one who could decide Japan's ownership was the Sea Trade Alliance, and the Ming Dynasty's high cabinet behind the Sea Trade Alliance Generally speaking, it doesn’t matter who he helps, so if we Tokugawa can’t spend a lot of money, how can we ensure that he will help us?”
Tokugawa Ieyasu nodded and stopped discussing the matter. Instead, he frowned and said, "There is just a problem right now. Kaiji has been back to Japan for a long time, but she has not been seen to be pregnant. This shows that she stayed in the Ming Dynasty for too long after getting married. Short... This will affect our overall situation in the future. We have to find a way to give her a chance to return to the Ming Dynasty to conceive, so that this adoption strategy can have a chance to be implemented."
Honda Masanobu said worriedly: "But she returned to Japan to prevent us from launching troops against Tamana and Misaki. Now we can't openly reject Taiko, so we can only rely on various means to delay time. In this case , how can we allow Ji Fei Ji to return to the Ming Dynasty with peace of mind?"
Tokugawa Ieyasu said: "After Hidetada returns to Edo this time, we will find a way for him to go to Tamana Castle."
Honda Masanobu took a breath and said: "My lord, not to mention that this matter is extremely dangerous for the young master, but that this move itself has the meaning of treason. If the Taige discovers it..."
"That's why I said we should find a way to send him there instead of letting him go in a big way." Tokugawa Ieyasu said solemnly: "I think the Sea Trade Alliance will not be stupid enough to leak this news."
Honda Masanobu said cautiously: "Yes, I understand, it's just that the young master..."
"I will make it clear to him." Tokugawa Ieyasu said: "He is the son of the samurai family, and he should be able to tell which one is more important."
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Thanks to book friend "The Sun and the Moon Never Set on Hawaii" for your monthly ticket support, thank you!
PS: I fell asleep again in the first half of the night. I suspect that my lack of sleep is serious now.
