On August 18th of the third year of Keicho, Tokugawa Ieyasu learned of the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, an hour after Hideyoshi passed away. Although Ieyasu had known that Hideyoshi's death was only a matter of time, what surprised him was that the person who came to inform him of the death was Mitsunari Ishida, who had always been obviously hostile to him.
That morning, Ieyasu was washing his face in the presence of Mrs. Agui, when Honda Masanobu rushed in in a panic: "Your Highness, there is an uninvited guest."
"Uninvited guest? Are you from Misaki or Edo?"
"No, the person coming is the master of Ishida Mansion."
"Thirty percent is here?"
"Yes. He came alone and said he had a top-secret matter to talk to His Highness."
Upon hearing this, Ieyasu immediately thought, could it be that Taikaku has gone? But why did Sancheng come to inform him? According to his expectation, if Hideyoshi died, Sancheng would keep it secret first, then plan the withdrawal of Korean troops, and even pretend to say: "This is an order from His Highness."
He has always liked to play conspiracies and thinks he is right. After Taige's death, he will be so domineering and impose his will on the elder.
"Misunari is here alone... I understand, please invite him into the hall quickly." Ieyasu, who was getting fatter and heavier, ordered Honda Masanobu to invite Mitsunari in first, and he quickly changed his clothes. Because his belly was too big, he couldn't even tie the belt by himself. With the help of Agui, he finally changed his clothes after a lot of fuss.
At this time, the window paper had just turned white, and the birds had not yet woken up.
"Agui, I think Taiko has passed away." Ieyasu felt his own voice was blurry: "From now on, Japan will be in trouble for a while."
As soon as Ieyasu finished getting dressed, Shintaro Torii rushed over. Ieyasu gently waved his hand to him and said, "We have important confidential matters to discuss. Please stay on guard in the corridor and don't come in." After saying this, he left the bedroom.
The arrogant and unruly Ishida Mitsunari actually came in person... When walking through the cold corridor, Ieyasu was still wondering. Mitsunari did not even take off his headscarf in front of him, and was even more unrestrained in front of the daimyo, making no secret of his hostility towards the Tokugawa clan, which made Asano Nagamasa and others sweat.
Would such a Sanzheng compromise with me after Tai Ge passed away? It seems unlikely, but if that is the case, how should I deal with it?
Ieyasu walked into the living room, Mitsunari bowed his head for the first time, smiled and saluted him.
Honda Masanobu seemed to have had a premonition. As soon as Ieyasu entered, he left a meaningful message: "Since this is a confidential conversation, I apologize for leaving." and walked out.
Although the others went out, they did not lift their guard against Sancheng. Masanobu was even more disgusted than Ieyasu against the cunning and self-willed Mitsunari.
Back in Fushimi Castle, Masanobu was very dissatisfied with the address of Tokugawa Residence. The person in charge of selecting the site at that time was none other than Mitsunari. He allocated a low-lying land east of Fushimi Castle to Ieyasu. Across the road to the west was given to him. To the north and south are his confidants Miyabe Yuzen and Fukuhara Nagataka.
As a result, the Tokugawa Residence was under their close surveillance. If a few more gun towers were built on those three houses and a few Kyohwa artillery pieces purchased from the Maritime Trade Alliance for a large sum of money were placed, all they had to do was fire the cannons together, and the Tokugawa House would be wiped out in an instant.
This incident not only made the Tokugawa family extremely angry, but even Asano, Masuda, Otani and others couldn't stand it. They frowned and said: "The hostility of the young master of the family is too explicit."
Of course, 30% of them dare to do this because they have Tai Ge's support behind them. Once Tai Ge dies, this situation will of course be broken. If Ieyasu was a timid and impatient person, he would have trouble sleeping and be restless every day living here. If this continued, it might even lead to unexpected disputes.
Because Mitsunari, who had ulterior motives in the eyes of the Tokugawa retainers, was becoming more and more unruly, both Honda Masanobu and Torii Shintaro were suspicious of Mitsunari's visit.
"Original Ishida came to the humble residence early in the morning. What's the point of your visit?" Ieyasu sat down and asked.
Mitsunari said with a serious face: "In another hour, Asano Nagamasa will send you a big carp caught in the Yodo River."
This was so unexpected. Ieyasu raised his eyebrows slightly and asked, "Asano went fishing in Yodogawa?"
"Yes. He said he would dedicate one of them to His Highness Zuofu so that everyone can have a taste. Of course, everyone in the city will receive his carp."
Ieyasu nodded and immediately said: "Before Asano sent the carp, you came to the humble house...So, inviting me to eat fish is a lie, but asking me to fast is true? Thank you for your advice."
After hearing this, Mitsunari's eyes shone, but Ieyasu did not look at him, but continued: "Ieyasu will not eat carp during Taikaku's funeral without your advice. Since you are here, I will naturally be more strict. Fast.”
One sentence left half of them speechless.
Ieyasu smiled warmly and asked, "When did Taikaku pass away?"
"Your Highness Zuofu, please don't say the word "dead" easily."
"I knew that before the troops could be withdrawn from Korea, the funeral would have to be carried out in secret, and that would be a real hassle."
Ieyasu was so calm that Mitsunari was at a loss. According to Sancheng's idea, once Taige dies, Zuofu, who has always been "loyal and upright", will immediately take off his mask and use his strength to oppress him. Therefore, he acted arrogantly throughout the morning.
"His Royal Highness Taikaku passed away at the time of Yinshi." Mitsunari said: "At that time, I was surrounded by Genshuo Naose and other imperial doctors, the young master, Mrs. Yodo, I, Asano Nagamasa, and Maeda Genichi were all there. His Highness was very calm when he left, which can be regarded as End of life."
Ieyasu listened to less than half of the 30% words and stopped listening. Compared with Hideyoshi's death, he was more concerned about Mitsurugi's real purpose: what was his intention when he personally came to inform him of Taikaku's death? This is really suspicious. Of course, funerals should be held secretly, but 30% of them are deliberately mysterious. If Kato Kiyomasa knew of his despicable behavior, he would be deeply despised...
At this time, Ieyasu seemed to have thought of something again, and frowned: "Isn't the Northern Government Office next to Taige's couch?"
Ieyasu was most concerned about the Northern Political Office. In his opinion, the only person who could take care of Hideyoshi without taking off his clothes was the Hokusei who came from Osaka Castle.
It's no wonder that Hideyori was only six years old and a naughty child who didn't know how to grieve for his father's death. Mrs. Yodo is worried about her future.
But Mitsunari, who had always cared for Hideyoshi and was most saddened by Hideyoshi, said nothing about it. Perhaps Taige died when Ningning was extremely tired and went back to her room to take a rest? Ieyasu was worried that the so-called "end of life" and the like were trying to cover up something.
Three days ago, when Hideyoshi was awake, he called Ieyasu and Maeda Genki to his bedside and told him: Leave the important affairs of the world to Ieyasu, and leave the task of assisting Hideyori to Toshiie... This was Hideyoshi's last instruction. That evening, he couldn't speak a word, couldn't hear other people's words clearly, and was like a living dead.
Ieyasu did not deliberately blame Mitsunari, but simply said: "Since he has passed away, it means that Taikaku was relieved when he left. Did Taikou have any clear instructions about what happened after his death?"
Of course, Hideyoshi would not have made any explicit statement. If he had, it would have been 30% of his will. Ieyasu knew this, but he still asked.
Sancheng finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Yes."
"Ieyasu is all ears."
"The army has withdrawn from North Korea, and Taige's life and death must be kept strictly confidential."
"That's natural."
"Taiko's remains can be buried secretly at Amitabha Peak in Nakudong with the help of Master Koyasan Mushoku." At this point, Sancheng lowered his voice and said, "However, His Highness's last words said that this matter can only be left to the public." The five practices are known.”
Ieyasu ignored the suspicions about him or the five elders in the so-called "Taiko's last words", and instead asked with a stern gaze: "Your Highness Jibu, do you mean that you violated Taiko's last words and told Ieyasu the news?"
"The Rebirth of Financial Giants"
A smile appeared on Mitsunari's lips, and he said: "Exactly. After discussing with other devotees, it was decided that only Kushoku Yingqi and Maeda Gen should secretly send the remains to the burial place."
"Aren't you afraid of the world's blame?"
"Of course we have considered this matter... For the common people, we will quietly start building temples and mausoleums in the name of building a giant Buddha."
"You are indeed very considerate. That's why you performed the play of Yodogawa's giant carp."
"Yes. Therefore, Asano Nagamasa got a batch of large carps. When they are delivered to His Highness Zuofu's house, he also asked His Highness to ask Yang Zuo to taste the deliciousness of the carp."
This plan is really clumsy... Although Ieyasu was quite dissatisfied in his heart, once he was criticized, the situation might be unmanageable, so he said: "So, you also want to eat those carp?"
"The situation has reached this point, and there is nothing we can do."
"His Majesty Jibu, let us ignore these matters. According to what you said, not only did you not obey Taiko's last words and come to inform me of Taiko's death, but you also betrayed Asano and Maeda and revealed the secret of the carp to me."
Although Ieyasu's tone was gentle, there was no deeper sarcasm and sarcasm than this. As expected, upon hearing this, Sancheng's face turned pale.
"It just happened for a reason."
"What's the reason? Ieyasu is all ears."
"You might as well make it clear to His Highness Zuofu: This is actually the instruction of Mrs. Beizhengsuo."
"Oh, that means that the Beizheng Office violated Taige's last words?"
"When Taige passed away, the North Government Office was not around, so I immediately went to report to my wife and ask her for help."
"You mean, the Beijing Political Office was not there at the time, and you went to see her because you wanted something from her?"
"Although the Beizheng Office was not there at the time, we naturally couldn't hide my wife. Therefore, when people in the city were eating carp to hide the funeral, if my wife had to lose her hair - Your Highness Zuofu, if she loses even one hair, then everyone will All my hard work was in vain... This is exactly what I asked for.
Unexpectedly, the lady said that this matter was only left to a few ministers to take care of. She was not at ease, so she asked me to report to His Highness immediately, hoping that His Highness would cooperate. My wife even threatened to cut off my hair on the spot if I didn't agree. "
Ieyasu couldn't help but be secretly surprised. It turns out that Sancheng did not come to get close to him on his own initiative, but was entrusted by the Beizheng Office. Is it because Hokusei's words were so fierce because he was not present when Hideyoshi died, or because he could not bear the carp-eating tactics of his ministers? However, was the Beijing Political Office really not present at that time?
"Oh, for such a big thing, Ieyasu should cooperate fully. In addition, does Taikaku have any last words?" When he said these words, Ieyasu suddenly felt a little weak.
I wonder if Hideyoshi thought that he would be fooled by this person after his death? As the saying goes, there is no proof of death. Sancheng and others pretended to be Taige's last words and acted so wantonly. Let alone the Beizheng Office, anyone else would be furious.
Of course it was impossible for Taige to speak when he was dying. As long as Sanzheng still had a trace of respect for his deceased friend, he should inform the five elders and other important officials of the death early and discuss the aftermath together, which would be in line with etiquette.
At that time, of course everything had to be decided by Ieyasu, so how could there be farce like the Yodogawa giant carp? What Sancheng is doing now will of course arouse the resentment of Beizheng. This is a just and stern condemnation of Sancheng by the extremely sad Beizheng.
It's just...don't I have any responsibility for this matter? Ieyasu suddenly felt a little ashamed of Hideyoshi. Of course, in terms of magnanimity and talent, Mitsunari cannot compare with Hideyoshi.
Because of this, Ieyasu felt frustrated and didn't even have the energy to rebuke Mitsunari. He also wanted to listen to what kind of "last words" Sancheng would say like he was coaxing a child.
Hearing Ieyasu's question, Mitsunari moved forward - perhaps he mistook Ieyasu's question as a compromise with himself.
"Your Highness Zuofu, everything the Beizheng Office said is reasonable and I cannot refute it."
Ieyasu held back his displeasure and emphasized slowly but firmly: "What I'm asking is, what other last words did Taikaku leave?"
"The funeral must be kept secret so that the North Korean troops can withdraw safely. But the opinion of Mrs. Beizhengsuo is that the withdrawal order only needs the signatures of the executioner and the supervisor." Mitsunari cleared his throat and said.
"So, the Beijing Political Office has objections to the last words?"
"No, I don't have any objection. Madam is just worried that if the order to withdraw troops is issued, if the letter of Taige's death is also leaked to North Korea, riots will be inevitable."
"I think this is reasonable. At least Kato and Konishi are at odds with each other."
"Madam also said that the withdrawal order must be approved by the five elders no matter what. In order to avoid delaying the opportunity, I will explain the truth to His Highness Zuofu first. I also feel that it is best to make a decision after discussing with His Highness Zuofu. .”
Ieyasu nodded slightly and listened to what he said. At this point, Ieyasu gradually understood Mitsunari's true intention. In fact, he did not want to take the initiative to visit, but he felt that the opinions of the Beijing Political Office were impeccable, so he gave up his previous decision.
"Zuofu, there are some parts of what Mrs. Beizhengsuo said that I really can't understand." Sancheng lowered his voice, leaned forward and said: "In the end, Beizhengsuo regards Zuofu as one of its own from the bottom of its heart, and that's why I sincerely asked Zuofu. Do you want the government to help, or do you just want to use the power of the Zuofu to withdraw the troops without any loss? I can’t solve this mystery no matter what."
After hearing this, Ieyasu took a serious look at Sancheng - this person was really unusual. The anger in Ieyasu's heart burned brightly again.
When the troops were sent to Korea for the second time, the Northern Political Bureau had always strongly supported Kato Kiyomasa and let Governor Konishi and Kiyomasa compete for the lead, which made Mitsunari unhappy.
The people Beizheng supported were Kato, Fukushima, Kuroda, Asano, Hosokawa and others who had followed Hideyoshi since childhood, and they were a major obstacle in front of Ishida and Konishi.
But now the Hokusei Office has asked Ishida Mitsunari to come to discuss with Ieyasu. What is her intention? The implication of what Mitsunari just said was clearly that he would not be afraid if Ieyasu got close to Kato and others and teamed up with Hoi Masato to deal with him.
----------
Thanks to book friend "Cao Mianzi" for your reward and support, thank you!
Thanks to book friends "Dongguan Bald King" and "Cao Mianzi" for their monthly support, thank you!
PS: Today, due to an unexpected incident in an island country, I turned around to study the current factional political situation in that country, which delayed the update time, so that it was more than 20 minutes late. I'm sorry.
By the way, I wrote about Toyotomi Hideyoshi yesterday, and today... well, what a coincidence.
Bookmark
