Regarding the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu was not shocked. This was expected. Ieyasu had already seen the clues a few years ago. As for Japan's need to withdraw its troops from Korea and the method of withdrawal, he had also already thought about it. Pass.
"Taiko's fate will be over soon." From the first time he had this idea, Ieyasu felt that he needed to think about something. The reason is simple. Once Tokugawa Ieyasu makes a slight mistake in his affairs, the world will be in chaos after Hideyoshi passes away.
Even if the situation is not that serious, as long as Japan cannot successfully complete the withdrawal, for example, it mobilizes insufficient ships, for example, the withdrawing fleet is successfully intercepted by the Ming Navy, etc., then it can only watch hundreds of thousands of people far away in North Korea. Even 200,000 officers and soldiers died in the battle, or were buried in the belly of a fish.
If this outcome occurs, Hideyoshi will not only not be a great hero, but will become a person who brings shame to Japan and will be infamous forever. And he who took charge of the world on behalf of Hideyoshi was also inevitably a sinner of Japan.
In fact, Hideyoshi himself knew this best, so he specifically called Ieyasu to his pillow three days before his death, that is, August 15th of the third year of Keicho's reign. He tearfully entrusted him with the funeral arrangements and asked Ieyasu to take on his important responsibilities. .
But for Ieyasu, agreeing to this was not an easy thing. The world is like a big skin bag filled with water. No matter where there is a crack, it is very likely that it will start as a small leak, and then slowly become an irreparable flaw, and finally burst with a sizzling sound, and everything will leak. The water leaked out instantly.
Ieyasu knew that although he had many secret affairs with Mr. Gaoge from the Ming Dynasty, who was so rich and powerful that he could destroy the country, if he foolishly went to Mr. Gaoge and asked him - maybe I should say begging him ——If you let these 100,000 or 200,000 Japanese troops go and let them return safely, you will definitely be disappointed.
Ieyasu is not a naive child. He knows that Mr. Gao Ge will either refuse outright or build a plank road to seduce Chen Cang secretly. He promises well in his mouth, but in fact he is ruthless and will definitely strive to catch them all.
We are all born in the year of the fox. As the saying goes, all crows in the world are as black as each other. There is no need for two foxes to say such vain words to each other, which will make the other side look down upon. What smart people fight is not Dharma but Tao; what they use is not technique but power.
Because of this, Ieyasu had to deal with matters such as Taikaku's secret burial at Amida Peak and the eating of carp during the funeral. But when it came to withdrawing troops, there was absolutely no room for sloppiness - although 30% could fake orders, he was not familiar with the battlefield. At this time, we must try our best to stabilize the officers and soldiers in North Korea and prevent them from knowing the truth, so as to prevent their morale from plummeting and causing catastrophe.
While Ieyasu was thinking hard in his house, on the morning of August 25th, the first seven days after Hideyoshi passed away, Ieyasu was asked by Ieyasu to go to the city to discuss politics. Of course, Sancheng had also been following his own plan before, frequently contacting close ministers and winning over everyone.
When Ieyasu entered the city, Maeda Toshiie had already arrived first. Among the five senior members, except for Uesugi Kagekatsu who was still in the Aizu territory and could not make it for the time being, Ukita Hideie and Mouri Terumoto also had not arrived yet.
Hideya wants to explain here that he just sneaked back to Japan to ask for reinforcements after entering the short autumn in the south and the Ming army's naval blockade was difficult to perfect due to the changeable weather. By the way, Mouri Hidemoto also came back at that time, because the two felt that it would be more convincing for the two generals to come together to ask for reinforcements.
Although everyone is not there, it's okay. After all, there is a high possibility that Sancheng doesn't take Xiujia, Huiyuan and others seriously at all.
"Zuofu, Taige finally gave up." Li Jia, who came first, was listless and his eyelids were still a little swollen. He wiped the corners of his eyes while talking. Although he smiled slightly, his voice was still trembling: "If I can go west on behalf of Taige..."
"Yes, Taikaku's death is really heartbreaking." Ieyasu seemed to be deeply moved.
"I just heard from followers that what Taige was most concerned about during his lifetime was how to deal with the situation in the Korean War. He also left his last words to strictly block the news of his death and withdraw the officers and soldiers from the Korean battlefield as soon as possible."
Ieyasu nodded vigorously and expressed his agreement seriously: "Since we have left a last word, we have to implement it and come up with a complete plan as soon as possible."
While the two of them were saying these words, Mitsunari, who was sitting next to him, looked up at the picture of peonies that Hideyoshi had asked the painter Kano Eitoku to paint on the roof as if nothing had happened.
"The Shaofu of the Ministry of Administration means that in compliance with Taige's order, let the five elders of us jointly sign a withdrawal statement and then send envoys to the DPRK." Lijia is cautious in everything, and every word in his words seems to be trying to please others. : "Concerning this matter, Taige also left a will before his death. I think we should discuss it with Zuofu first."
Ieyasu nodded vigorously again, turned to Mitsunari, and said: "Now His Highness Uesugi is not here, and there is no time to invite him, so we can only sign it with four people. What do you think?"
"This is natural. Since Zuofu and Danagon have decided, how can we dare to have objections? His Highness Mouri and His Highness Ukita must also agree with their two highnesses."
"Then let's do it." Ieyasu, who usually doesn't express his opinions easily, was unexpectedly crisp and clear today. This abnormality made Mitsunari wary. When he secretly visited Ieyasu before, what Ieyasu said was almost exactly what he thought. Is Ieyasu also speaking his mind today?
At this moment, four other monks came. Nagasuke Masaie, who had just arrived from Osaka, walked in front, followed closely by Masuda, Maeda, and Asano. So soon, Wu Fengxing and the two elders sat at the same table.
In this way, the withdrawal of troops would be exactly what Sancheng wanted. Of course, Ieyasu had already said hello to him, and he probably had an agreement with Ukita, Mori, and even Uesugi from Aizu.
"Danayan said just now, before making a decision, I have something to say to the young assistant of the administrative department..." As soon as everyone sat down, Ieyasu took the lead and said, "When Taige was alive, The young assistant in charge of the administration has won the trust and respect of the Supreme Court, so for this time we are sending troops, please ask the young assistant to shoulder the heavy responsibility bravely and do his best."
"I also know the weight of my responsibilities." Ishida Mitsunari, like Ieyasu, accepted the offer without hesitation.
"However, there are those who rebel among the generals in the court..." As he spoke, Ieyasu quickly glanced at Wu Fengxing before continuing: "Therefore, the most important thing is who to send as the envoy. I think it is better to send someone with a good reputation. People are more appropriate, such as Tokunaga Shouchang and Miyamoto Fengtong. Does Dai Nayan have any objections to this?"
Toshiya felt that Ieyasu's words were too sudden. Now that it has not yet been decided who will send the withdrawal letter co-signed by the elders, Ieyasu suddenly discussed the choice of envoy. He was a little puzzled and said in surprise: "Does Zuofu mean to send these two people to the local area?"
"Exactly."
"Then, the candidates to be sent to Hakata must first..."
"Does that need to be said? Since it is Taige's intention, and the elders jointly signed it, it is natural that the young assistant of the administrative department should go there in person."
"Yes, I think so too." Toshiya nodded seriously, but Mitsunari was stunned: He didn't expect Ieyasu to think so highly of his prestige, which he didn't expect. Then I thought again, could it be that Ieyasu already regarded him as one of his own, so he took the initiative to show kindness, even to the point of flattery?
Mitsunari was thinking about this when he heard Ieyasu continue: "Of course I want to go, but I'm afraid it's not serious enough to go alone. What I mean is that Asano Nagamasa and Mouri Hidemoto should also go together. You decide It must be discussed properly to ensure that no contradictions or conflicts are caused." Ieyasu suddenly sounded stern at this time, completely giving an order.
Sancheng immediately glanced at Lijia angrily.
In fact, these words were by no means detrimental to Sancheng, but Ieyasu's attitude made him intolerable: the person in front of him seemed to consider himself a member of the world! How Toshiie will react to Ieyasu's aggressive momentum is undoubtedly what Sansei is most concerned about.
Unexpectedly, Toshiie still had a gentle face, nodded vigorously, looked at Asano Nagamasa, and said: "His Majesty Asano has experience in several wars in Korea, and has a close relationship with His Majesty Kato Kiyomasa. In any case, please contact Nagamasa." Together."
Not only did Toshiya show no objection to Ieyasu's words, but he took them for granted and even cheered for them.
Of course, these words of Lijia are not detrimental to Sancheng. After all, what worries Mitsunari the most is dealing with the returning general Kato Kiyomasa.
Kiyomasa's dislike of Mitsunari is comparable to Mitsunari's dislike of Ieyasu. It comes completely from the heart and leaves no room for negotiation. In Hakata, if anyone dares to talk back to Mitsunari, that person must be Kato Kiyomasa. But this Kato Kiyomasa has been as close as father and son to Asano Nagamasa, who is married to the sister of Hoku Masato, since he was a boy.
When he sent troops to Korea this time (referring to the second time), Nagamasa entrusted his son Yukinaga to Kiyomasa, and Kiyomasa also cared for Yukinaga. At this time, Mitsunari did not know that Asano Yukinaga was almost killed by the Ming army during the Battle of Ulsan. Although Kiyomasa was also in a difficult situation at the time, he still tried his best to rescue Yukinaga.
Mitsunari understands the friendship between them, so he naturally hopes that Nagamasa can accompany them. Therefore, Li Jia's approval of this matter is what a capable elder should do. But despite this, human emotions and rationality are never easy to unify.
"Forget it. That's it." Mitsunari looked at the others and said: "At least 300 large and small warships should be prepared first, especially the 'new fleet' that is still anchored in Osaka. This must be sent there, otherwise it will not be possible at all. There is no guarantee that the withdrawal can be completed under the attack of the Ming Navy. As for me, I will rush to Hakata immediately to start preparations."
"Don't let the officers and soldiers suffer again." Maeda Toshiie warned.
"Don't worry, Your Highness, they are all warriors who have experienced hundreds of battles." Sancheng smiled gently at Li Jia, then suddenly changed his tone and said seriously: "Now that the matter has been decided, I will leave for some time. But. I have something worth celebrating, and I hope you won’t be angry.”
Since it is something worthy of celebration, why do you say "don't be angry"? Everyone was a little puzzled.
"What else are you worried about in the management department?" Ieyasu is Ieyasu after all, and he got the premise right in one sentence - "worry".
Sancheng suddenly lowered his voice and said half-jokingly: "What do you think of the young master's biological mother, Mrs. Yodo?"
"Mrs. Yodo?" Everyone was puzzled as to why they suddenly mentioned Mrs. Yodo.
"Yes. The biological mother of the young master is only thirty-two this year. She is charming and gorgeous, and her charm is still there. Wouldn't it be a pity to waste her youth just like that? How about marrying Mrs. Dian to Da Nayan as his wife?" Sancheng suddenly changed the subject, and everyone was momentarily stunned. Didn't even react.
Everyone seems to be unable to understand what Sancheng actually means, and which dainagon he is talking about (Japanese official positions are still a bit confusing at this time, and if you have served as an official before, you can sometimes call it this after leaving office), everyone Confused, like falling into the clouds and fog.
Mitsunari had a solemn look on his face, staring at Ieyasu without moving, and said slowly: "The Daigon I am talking about, of course, refers to the Kaga Danagon here."
"What did you say?" Li Jia was shocked to see that he was actually talking about herself and asked quickly.
Mitsunari said: "Da Nagon was originally the assistant administrator of the young master. What's wrong with welcoming the young master's biological mother into the inner chamber? In this way, he can raise the young master as an adoptive father... Of course, Mitsunari did it for the sake of the Toyotomi family."
"His Royal Highness Zhibu!" Li Jia was sure that he had not heard wrong this time. He immediately lowered his face and said coldly: "Today you are the top seven of the Supreme Pavilion, and you actually brought up such a thing?" His expression followed the words he said. And it’s getting uglier and uglier.
On this occasion, the more he spoke, the more people would suspect that he had already discussed the matter with Sancheng. But Mrs. Maeda is still alive, so why did Mitsunari suddenly bring up such a bizarre topic?
"I'm not asking for Your Highness's consent. But since it's a marriage, we shouldn't talk about it behind our backs. We should just make it clear to everyone in advance. The young master's biological mother is still young, so I insist on letting her stay alone in the empty boudoir. Once there are unpleasant rumors, I will tell Feng Feng The Chen family is in a very bad situation."
He said half-seriously, turned his gaze to Ieyasu, suddenly laughed again, and said: "By the way, His Highness Zuofu must have heard some of the rumors among the women in the inner court?"
"Rumors among women in the inner court?"
"It is rumored that His Highness Zuofu really hopes to get Mrs. Yodo. Of course, this is all nonsense, isn't it?"
"Me?" Ieyasu looked confused and confused.
"Exactly. Rumors also say that His Highness Zuofu wants to take the young master's biological mother into the world."
"This is a rumor!" Asano Nagamasa suddenly interrupted with a very unhappy tone: "How could such a thing happen? The women in the inner court had no idea that His Highness had passed away, and they didn't even know the news. How could they say something so outrageous? if?"
"Haha! Please calm down, Your Highness Asano. Of course they don't know that His Highness Taige has passed away, but they think that Taige is still ill in bed. But during this period, such rumors have become rampant. What is the reason for this? I think it's all because Mrs. Yodo is young and beautiful.
I know it's inappropriate to bring this up on this occasion, but I took the liberty to bring it up anyway. Of course, this matter must have caused a lot of trouble to the Zuo Mansion. So I think I need to think deeply. "After saying that, Mitsunari was smiling again, but his eyes were like swords, staring at Toshiie and Ieyasu.
In fact, he himself never thought that he would say these words today. It was only because he saw that the docile Toshi family trusted Ieyasu that he felt extremely uneasy, so he had to alienate the two of them before leaving, hoping to turn the Toshi family into a A powerful opponent standing in front of Ieyasu.
These words made everyone frown, and they were even more surprised than Ieyasu himself. Although Sanxiang was joking, it was really outrageous to say that Ieyasu wanted to accept Mrs. Yodo and the world together...
On the contrary, Ieyasu's expression did not change, as if he was listening to other people's affairs. He just smiled bitterly and said: "Let's put aside these gossips for the time being. I still want to talk about how to inform the generals at the court of the news of Taikou's death at the right time. This matter is extremely important. It is easy to leak, so we must tell the envoy carefully, just in case the officers and soldiers hear about Taige's passing - of course, no matter how they learn about it, there is no need for us to deliberately conceal it.
Of course, I am not in favor of announcing the news. What's more, after years of hard fighting, the soldiers have long complained. What do you think? Only tell the truth to a few generals, otherwise, it is very likely to cause a scuffle during the retreat, or even defect to the Ming army, which will bring many disadvantages to the withdrawal. "
Although Ieyasu's tone was calm, everyone in the room fell silent. Even Maeda Genai and Masuda Nagamori, who had been worried that the situation would be unmanageable, felt relieved. Changshu Zhengjia is still keeping an eye on Sancheng, probably still worried that Sancheng will say something surprising again.
"In short, we hope that all officers and soldiers will be withdrawn in winter. Otherwise, once the twelfth lunar month arrives, the waves on the sea will become even more unpredictable than now. Although this will have a great impact on the Ming Navy, it will be difficult for us to withdraw our troops. .
If possible, I think all soldiers should be able to return home for the New Year. Therefore, please ask His Highness the Government to quickly raise ships. The 'new fleet' in Osaka can also be transferred. All the elders and Wu Fengxing can do is to jointly sign.
In short, this news is too shocking. Only after everyone sets foot on their homeland, the Shaofu of the Ministry of Administration will officially inform the world and let the world know that Taige has passed away. "
Ieyasu glanced at Toshiie, who had his eyes closed in pain and had a very unnatural expression, and then said: "Da Nayan, is it necessary to let the generals enter the capital first? Or, let them withdraw to their own territory first, and then call them in during the funeral. Are they coming to Beijing?"
The Li family opened their eyes as if they had been rescued, and sighed: "This matter depends on the specific situation. As far as I know, the people in various places are now in poverty, and there are endless rioters and escapees. Therefore, according to their respective territories, It will be decided based on the specific circumstances.”
"That's fine. It seems that His Highness Jibu has to worry about it again. I want Taikaku's funeral to be held after February. What do you think?" Ieyasu looked around at everyone.
"I think the best time is the end of February." Maeda Xuanyi said: "Even if they are not allowed to enter the capital, some generals may still come to the capital. And some daimyo have been fighting for many years and have a mountain of affairs in their territory, so it will take time. Rest.”
"Yes, it's settled then." Ieyasu nodded happily, turned his attention to the Changshu family, and said: "Then it's time for Mrs. Beizhengshuo to return to Osaka Castle. What do you think of this, Your Highness?
I have always believed that the wife of Beizhengsuo is far more thoughtful than ordinary men, so my opinion is that it is best to follow her wishes. Can you go and inquire about Madam's thoughts? "
Asano quickly glanced at Mitsunari. He knew Sancheng's temper very well. As long as he mentioned Beizhengsuo, this person would become agitated involuntarily.
"Yes! Since Mrs. Bei Zhengshuo has been away from Osaka, I have also sent a lot of news from Osaka... Let me ask Mrs. what she means." Changshu Masakaya replied respectfully and glanced at Sancheng.
Surprisingly, Sancheng was particularly cheerful this time and seemed to have no objections to the matter. In fact, he had no objections. In today's competition, he felt that he had won a complete victory: the withdrawal of troops was completely in accordance with his wish, and Mrs. Yodo's matter was also brought up in joking, and it achieved unexpected results.
As the saying goes, people's words can be feared. After hearing Mitsunari's joke just now, Ieyasu's tone suddenly became much serious. Mitsunari thought this was enough to show the impact this incident had on him.
To be honest, Mitsunari doesn't like Mrs. Yodo very much. She is smart, but not smart enough; she wants to be strong, but not tough enough. She also always thinks that she comes from a famous family and always goes her own way. In Mitsunari's view, Mrs. Yodo is nothing more than a woman who eats tastelessly, is a pity to throw away, and is too self-righteous.
Because of this, once she joins forces with Ieyasu, something big will happen. Judging from Ieyasu's current energy level, he could still have one or two more women. If, under the guise of guaranteeing the future of the Toyotomi clan and Hideyori's future, he used this as bait to take Mrs. Yodo into his arms, then Ishida Sansei would have really lost both his wife and his army.
Although there are so many resourceful people in the world, no one seems to realize this yet. But if someone suddenly thought of inciting Mrs. Yodo to do that, even if it was just out of love for her children, she would definitely rush into Ieyasu's arms without hesitation... That's why Sancheng preempted the idea and said it out loud.
He was very satisfied with what happened today, so he could leave the capital with peace of mind.
If Hideyori, Mrs. Yodo, and Maeda Toshiie are not drawn into his camp, Mitsunari's loyalty to the Toyotomi clan will be in vain. In order to tie up these three people, it was a last resort to let Mrs. Yodo's enemy Hoi Sesho come into contact with Ieyasu. Perhaps, this will create an excuse to control Mrs. Yodo more effectively?
The topic then turned to the food and supplies needed to withdraw the troops. Since the funeral is scheduled to be held at the end of February, before then, Sanzheng only needs to use all his strength to use gentle tactics to win over those who are disgusted with him.
In any case, they are all veteran generals who have followed Hideyoshi since childhood. As long as they hold on to Hideyoshi's orphan Hideyori and never forget to stab Ieyasu several times, they will not betray the Toyotomi clan.
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Thanks to book friend "Cao Mianzi" for your reward and support, thank you!
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PS: This chapter is half an hour late, mainly because the plot is not easy to break up. One chapter of 4K is not enough, and two chapters are not enough. It is better to have more. In this way, I wrote 5K+ three times, and one more time was enough to take a day off.
