When Tokugawa Ieyasu and Honda Masanobu finished talking, Kobayakawa Hideaki, the famous Sekigahara God of War in later generations, was also worried about the discord between Taikaku and Sekihaku.
Kobayakawa Hideaki is not his real surname. He is actually the younger brother of Toyotomi Hidetoshi, whose original name was Toyotomi Hidetoshi. Because Kobayakawa Takakage had no children, he returned to Japan after the war ended last year and reached a temporary peace agreement with the Ming army. Not long after, he received a request from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, ordering him to adopt Toyotomi Hidetoshi as his adopted son.
Japanese adopted sons have full inheritance rights. Toyotomi Hideyoshi's approach is actually to let the Toyotomi bloodline annex the Kobayakawa family. As we all know, the Kobayakawa family is a pillar of the "Maori two rivers" system, so it means that the strength of the Maori family must be It was weakened by the Toyotomi family's ebb and flow.
However, Kobayakawa Takakage had to accept it, otherwise it would probably bring harm to the Maori family, so Toyotomi Hidetoshi was adopted to Kobayakawa Takakage and renamed Kobayakawa Hideaki. From then on, he called Takakage his father.
Since he is Hideji's younger brother, Hideaki is naturally deeply worried about his brother, so he asked Kobayakawa Takakage today: "Father, my brother, His Highness Guanbai, has never strived for fame and wealth, or was greedy for Guanbai's power. Perhaps he is too much. Sensitive, yes, but Your Highness Taige doesn’t know your brother’s thoughts. If things continue like this, I’m worried that a tragedy will happen. My father is deeply trusted by Your Highness Taige. I wonder if I can say a few kind words for my brother in front of Your Highness Taige? Please. You."
Kobayakawa Takakage has always been cautious in doing things, and naturally he is unwilling to speak easily, so he said: "Don't talk lightly about Taige family affairs, no matter how small it is here, it is by no means a trivial matter. If you are not careful, not only will it hurt His Highness Guan Bai, but also Kobayakawa and Mori will be implicated.
My son Hideaki, you should know that this matter is related to the succession of Toyotomi Gongyi, which means that it is related to the world. Haven't you seen that all the daimyo have not publicly spoken out about this? "
Kobayakawa Hideaki asked again: "Yes, my son knows, but I also ask my father to be concerned about my brother's safety."
Kobayakawa Takakage sighed, and could only say with relief: "I will choose the appropriate time to advise His Highness Guan Bai, just in case anything happens. In fact, it is also a kind of protection for Taige and me to let you into the Kobayakawa family. Now I have decided to make you the The heir will inherit the Kobayakawa family in the future.
You must also protect yourself and do your best for Kobayakawa, Mori, Toyotomi, and the world. If you miss your brother so much, go to his side and help him first. His Highness Guan Bai really needs help now. I will call you back when needed. "
Takaki's words sounded sincere, especially since he agreed to establish Hideaki as his heir, which was considered as a confirmation of the inheritance rights. Kobayakawa Hideaki could not help but appreciate it, so he respectfully accepted the order.
After Hideaki Kobayakawa left, Takakage Kobayakawa invited Terumoto Mori and Hiroyuki Yoshikawa. Maori Huiyuan asked hurriedly: "Uncle, are the rumors true? His Highness Taige will take action against His Highness Guan Bai? Is it really caused by Shi's birth?"
Kobayakawa Takakage said softly: "It's not clear yet, and it's still nonsense from the current point of view, but it must be true that Taige and His Highness Guanbai are quite suspicious of each other, and this situation may intensify as Shi grows up. I also hope that His Highness Taige and His Highness Guan Bai will eventually get along well, but..."
Yoshikawa Hiroie was worried about whether this matter would eventually involve the Maori family, and asked repeatedly: "Brother, if this matter unfortunately comes true, will our Maori family be safe? Your adopted son Kobayakawa Hideaki is also concerned. His Highness Bai’s brother, if something happens to Guan Bai, will it involve you?”
Kobayakawa Takakage calmly signaled the two of them not to be nervous, and then said: "The Maori family will be fine, and His Highness Taige will not let Kobayakawa extinguish the heir. Even if Hideaki and His Highness Guanbai are too close, as long as I control it properly, Hideaki will not be harmed." If you participate too much, you will only be punished a little in the end.”
Maori Huigen said: "That's good, that's good. But uncle, how should we act between Taige and Guanbai now? You and I are in high positions now and play an important role in Toyotomi's family. We are bound to be caught between Taige and Guanbai. If there is no charter between Ge and Guan Bai, it will be difficult to get things done."
Mouri Terumoto's statement that "you and I are now in high positions" is not nonsense. At present, he and his uncle Kobayakawa Takakage are among the five Toyotomi bosses. Uesugi Kagekatsu will have to wait for Takakage's death before Uesugi Kagekatsu can fill in. In other words, among the five Toyotomi bosses, the Mori family accounted for two. Naturally, every move attracted attention, and there was no room for mistakes.
Kobayakawa Takakage warned: "Our attitude is not to get involved in any party. Except for state affairs, we will ignore other affairs and wait for the final result. And if my guess is correct, His Highness the Crown Prince will not take this matter lightly." Let us participate in it. If there is anyone who can resolve the suspicion between Tai Ge and His Highness Guan Bai, this person will definitely not be any of us."
That's true, after all, this is Toyotomi's family matter. Although "Moori Ryokawa" demoted Hideyoshi early, they were not his direct relatives after all. It was impossible for Hideyoshi to let them deeply participate in his housework. Therefore, both Mouri Terumoto and Yoshikawa Hiroyuki deeply agreed with Takakage's words.
The important daimyo were all discussing countermeasures, and it was naturally more urgent for Sekiba Toyotomi Hideji, who was at the center of the vortex, so he also invited Kuroda Kanbei to seek advice from him.
Hidetsu said: "Your Highness Kuroda, you were once the military advisor of His Highness Taikaku, and you were the leading think tank. You know His Highness Taikaku's temperament and thoughts very well. I am stupid and incompetent, and I don't know how to resolve the estrangement with His Highness Taikaku so that he will no longer Since you are suspicious of me, I have no choice but to ask you to come and give me some advice, and I hope His Highness Kuroda will not hesitate to give you some advice."
Kuroda Ruishui smiled and said: "Why is Your Highness Guanbai so self-contemptuous? Your talents are obvious to all. You and I have also fought together. Until the time of the crusade against Odawara and Ou, didn't you still work very hard?
And your development of Hachimanyama Castle, whether it was delineating the layout, prospering agriculture and commerce, dredging waterways, and improving livelihoods, these things have been widely spread. And since you became Guan Bai, the world has received many blessings, literature and art have become increasingly prosperous, and many great names, ministers, and even His Majesty the Emperor have taken care of you... Your achievements are very dazzling in the eyes of the world. "
Xiuji smiled bitterly and said: "Thank you for your compliment. It's just that His Highness Taige... I really don't know what to do?"
Kuroda's expression remained unchanged as the water surface, and asked: "Your Highness Guan Bai, haven't you ever tried to talk directly with His Highness Taige?"
Xiuji was full of shame and said: "I have tried it before, but it always arouses new suspicions after I can't say a few words, and it is difficult for me to fully express my thoughts during the conversation. In short... it all makes me confused." Very embarrassing.”
Kuroda Rushui nodded to express his understanding, and then said: "I can't fully control His Highness Taige's temperament. Otherwise, how could I shave my head and become a monk to atone for my sins? As for the cause of these things between you and His Highness Taige, Undoubtedly it was because of Shaojun’s birth.
In fact, this kind of thing could have been easily solved, but if it happened to Taige and you, it would be very difficult to handle, because you and His Highness Taige are both the masters of the world. And your two ways of dealing with people are also very different, so it is difficult for you and His Highness Tai Ge to get along with each other.
Affected by this, your actions will always arouse suspicion in His Highness Tai Ge, and every move of His Highness Tai Ge will make you fearful. At this time, it is most likely to be used by traitors to alienate you and Tai Ge to the greatest extent. Your Highness Guan Bai must be careful about the fragile trust between Your Highnesses. "
Toyotomi Hidetsu saw that what Kuroda said was right in his heart, and he hurriedly asked for advice: "What you said makes perfect sense. I admire and admire His Highness Taikaku very much, and in my heart I want to be as upright as Taikaku. At the same time, I am really afraid. He always felt that he failed to fully satisfy His Highness in many things.
But no matter what, I have to say that I am absolutely loyal to Taige and also loyal to Guan Bai in the future. Your Highness Kuroda, please teach me, what should I do? "
Kuroda Rushui sighed and said: "This is difficult. In fact, there are only two people who can save His Highness Guan Bai right now, one is the Beizhengsuo, and the other is yourself. The Beizhengsuo is known to the world, and it will definitely I spare no effort to advise you, and I only hope that His Highness Taige can listen to even a few words from the Beizheng Office. That would be a great good thing.
As for Your Highness Guan Bai, the most important thing right now is to be cautious in your words and actions, and then wait for some time. During this period, you must not be reckless or do anything that may deepen the misunderstanding. Perhaps His Highness Guan Bai can relax during this period and try not to participate in the decision-making of major affairs. "Hidetsu thanked you.
After that, Xiuji was still upset, but when Hideaki Kobayakawa arrived, Xiuji still showed a long-lost smile. Hideaki accompanied Hideji and several attendants to go out to relax. The two brothers came to Mount Hiei to stay for a while. They talked, laughed and drank as they did in the early years, discussed Buddhism with the Tendai sect monks, and visited the scenery to soothe their bodies and minds.
A few days later, one night, Xiuji was walking in the mountains, looking at the bright moon in the mountains and forests. He suddenly became thoughtful and warned himself to cheer up. At this time, Xiuji had a sudden impulse and ordered his attendants to fetch bows and arrows, and shot several arrows into the forest to cheer him up. Unexpectedly, one of the arrows hit something unknown, and he heard howling.
Xiuji was quite surprised and hurriedly led people to raise fire and rush to investigate. It turned out that an arrow had hit the ground on the neck of a mountain deer, and there was a pool of blood around it. At this time, the mountain deer was still twitching and whining, but it was obviously dying.
Mount Hiei is a sacred place for Buddhism, and killing has always been prohibited. This unexpected turn of events left Hideji at a loss. What's more, unfortunately, this scene happened to be discovered by a passing monk. Hideji suddenly felt that something was wrong, so he could only take Hideaki and his attendants down the mountain overnight and return to Kyoto.
After returning to Kyoto, in addition to handling daily official duties, Xiuji was always worried that the accidental killing that night would be exposed and the Taige would take the opportunity to severely punish him, so he often drank and composed songs to relieve his depression.
This led to another incident. One day after drinking, Xiuji rode out of Beijing and accidentally bumped into pedestrians. Xiuji dismounted and wanted to apologize for giving gifts and money, but the people did not dare to accept them. Xiuji apologized repeatedly, hoping to win the hearts of the people, but after all, he was Guan Bai. , to ordinary people, they are like gods, so frightened that they dare not even speak.
Xiuji's consciousness gradually became blurred while he was drunk. When he saw that he was ungrateful, he suddenly couldn't control his emotions and became angry. He suddenly drew his knife and killed him. The attendants stopped Xiuji's atrocities one after another, and Kobayakawa Hideaki happened to arrive and took Xiuji back to Juleti to recuperate.
When Hideji woke up and learned about this, he knew that he had made a big mistake and he would be blamed. Toyotomi Hideyoshi would definitely be punished. Every time I thought of this, I became more and more frightened, and finally made up my mind to give up Guan Bai's position.
So in frustration, he did not negotiate with his retainers, avoided his retainers and quietly left Juleti, but his whereabouts disappeared.
At this time, General Fukushima Masanori, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's confidant, quickly learned of Hidetsu's killing behavior in Mount Hiei and Kyoto. Fukushima Masanori and Toyotomi Hideji have always been at odds with each other and have long hated each other. Masanori is also extremely worried that Hideji will be unfavorable to him when he truly becomes the master of the world in the future, so he also placed an informant around Hideji and is always waiting for opportunities.
At this time, he happened to learn about the killing. Fukushima Masanori knew that the opportunity had come, and began to deploy to the attendants.
Fukushima Masanori sneered: "That guy Xiuji has always disliked me, and I also dislike him. This kid has become more and more arrogant after becoming Guan Bai. Once His Highness Taikaku dies, if Xiuji is still Guan Bai, then I will Time is running out. It just so happens that Hidetsugi and His Highness Taikaku are suspicious of each other, and he has made such a big mistake this time. It is a good time to get rid of him."
The attendant then asked: "My lord, aren't your opponents also including Kato Kiyomasa, Ishida Mitsunari and others? What should they do? In addition, Xiuji is His Highness Guan Bai after all. Is it inappropriate to target Guan Bai...?"
Fukushima Masanori saw that the time to target Guan Bai had come, so how could he give up so easily? He stood up enthusiastically and said excitedly: "Kato and Ishida are nothing to worry about. The real danger is Hidetsuki. After all, his surname is Toyotomi!
However, what if he is Guan Bai? Now Taige only wants to pave the way for Shaojun. Xiuci is now just an eyesore to Taige. Taige needs some reasons to convict Xiuci and finally remove Xiuci.
Regarding the current matter, I don’t need to impeach him directly. I just need to spread the news to the outside world and exaggerate the Xiuchi killing incident. Those common people are ignorant and will definitely spread lies. In this way, it won't take long for Guan Bai's bad reputation to spread throughout the world.
Hum, when His Highness Taikaku finds out, Hideji will not be far from being dismissed. And as long as that guy Xiuji is no longer Guan Bai, he will no longer be a threat to me. "Seeing that the master was confident, the attendant happily accepted the order.
Sure enough, just as Fukushima Masanori thought, the news spread among the people very quickly, and the facts became more and more exaggerated, from wanton killings on Mount Hiei, to drunken killings every night in the town, iron cannons shooting farmers, and even some cruelty appearing out of thin air. There are endless rumors about pregnant women, caesarean section to remove children, and random killing of living beings.
As a result, the people began to spread the bad reputation of "killing people for free", and Xiuji happened to be inexplicably missing. As a result, the situation worsened rapidly and was on the verge of completely losing control.
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PS: This chapter has finally been updated at the normal time...
