In the twenty-seventh year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty, Japan was in the fourth year of Qingchang. At the turn of spring and summer, the sun is as hot as fire. Benami Guangyue was in a hurry, just rushing on his way. This time, he was pressed for time and had to take Yodoya's boat back to Fushimi from Osaka. When he passed by his own door, he didn't even enter, so he went straight to Chaya Shirojiro's house in Tsuide Minakami Town.
It has been three months since Ishida Mitsunari ceased to be in charge. Although the sun was high, there was a cool breeze on the streets of the capital, but Guangyue's forehead was dripping with sweat. Even if he met an acquaintance, he would pretend not to see them and just rush on his way. Strange to say, he, Japan's top art master, has always been impulsive and eager when things happen, but today it seemed even more unusual, and he was obviously furious.
As soon as he arrived at the teahouse, Guangyue ran straight in and said to the doorman out of breath: "Hurry up and inform your master that Guangyue has something important to ask for and needs to be interviewed - no, it is a confidential conversation. All strangers will be turned away. .”
Master Guangyue was a frequent visitor to the tea house. The disciples knew Guangyue's temperament well and immediately led him to the door and said: "Please, the shopkeeper is in the room." After that, he left.
Although Guangyue was anxious, he still took off his shoes as a courtesy. As a Nichiren sect believer, Koue has always followed the rules in doing things. Things are urgent today, and it is too late to pay attention to anything. Only this gift has not been forgotten.
"Ah, it's Mr. Motoami, long time no see." As soon as Chaya saw him, he immediately went out to greet him.
"Yes. You are always kind... Today's matter is urgent, and there is no time to chat. I am here today to discuss some secret matters." Chaya couldn't help but be stunned. Seeing Guangyue's expression, something serious had indeed happened, and then said: "Where did you come from? Where to come from?"
"After leaving Osaka Castle Maeda House, I stopped by Yodoya and heard a big event there."
"What's the matter?"
"It is said that Zuofu will move into Osaka Castle soon... Of course, I have heard about this before."
"oh?"
"It is just right for the Zuofu to move to Osaka. For no other reason than the strength of the Zuofu, the world is barely at peace. Therefore, it is natural for the Zuofu to move. In Maedafu, I also met with Hizen Mori Naga (Maeda Toshinaga) Talking about it. But the rumor I heard at Yodoya was really weird."
"Mr. Guangetsu, can you be more clear? What rumors did you hear at Yodoya's house?"
"If Zuofu moves to Osaka, it will be too dangerous! What I mean is that someone wants to take advantage of Zuofu when he enters the city... Everything has been planned."
"Is this serious?"
"Why, sir, can't you trust me? Why would I lie to you? What's even more surprising is that it is said that the mastermind is actually Maeda Hizen Mamoru." Kouetsu was frightened and wiped the sweat from his forehead as he spoke.
Chaya's expression changed greatly.
Chaya is one of Japan's wealthy businessmen with a long history, but its real rise is basically accompanied by the rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu's power. If you want to understand it simply, it can be seen as the relationship between Zuo Zongtang and Hu Xueyan. This means that the rise of teahouses actually only took one or two generations.
The owners of teahouses are all called "Chaya Shirojiro", and the man in front of him is the second generation of Teahouse Shirojiro, whose real name is Kiyotada. He took over the position of the teahouse master from his deceased father Kiyonobu three years ago. Now that he has taken over the tea house, he is still serving the Tokugawa family.
Koetsu has always been known to him as a person who loves Ieyasu, and Chaya believes that Koetsu admires Ieyasu as much as he does. The difference is that Chaya Shirojiro was originally Ieyasu's retainer, but the reason why Koetsu admired Ieyasu was completely different.
Koetsu firmly supports the theory of establishing an independent nation, and his temperament is incompatible with Toyotomi Hideyoshi's boldness and boldness. When Hideyoshi was still alive, Koetsu once blatantly and unscrupulously commented: "He behaves perversely and governs the world based entirely on his interests, which will inevitably lead to chaos in the 'Tao'. Therefore, once he dies, the world will immediately break out into riots. Patriarch Not a single lie." And now, facts seem to be confirming his prediction step by step.
Therefore, it can be said that Koetsu's admiration for Ieyasu is more due to his beliefs and his dislike of Hideyoshi. At the same time, Koetsu is also a loyal supporter of Maeda Toshiie and Toshinaga and his son. He once said: "Although he has different beliefs, the eldest son of Danayan is as pure and selfless in his heart as a trickling clear spring. He diligently pursues the beautiful things in the world. I respect him from the bottom of my heart."
However, today, Guangetsu met with Toshinaga and both praised Ieyasu, but when he turned around, he heard completely opposite rumors at Yodoya's house.
"The person behind the attempt to kill Zuofu is Maeda... Is Yodoya saying this?"
"Yes, that's why Guangyue was shocked. Guangyue was still thinking that Mr. Chaya might have heard similar rumors, so he rushed here with random thoughts all the way."
"Guangyue, what do you think about these rumors?" Chaya leaned forward and asked.
Guangyue frowned and muttered: "Mr. Chaya, how could such a thing happen? Others dare not say it, but I dare to guarantee that Hizen Mamoru would never do such a thing...provoke trouble and deliberately destroy the peace. , Hizen Shojuan would not do such a thing!"
"In that case, someone must be deliberately creating rumors in an attempt to drive a wedge between Zuofu and Hizen Mamoru. What do you think?"
"Yes, but this is not a trivial matter. What do you think, sir?"
"It is indeed no small matter." Chaya nodded, but did not answer "What should I do?"
"Someone wants to bring chaos to the world." Guang Yue became angrier as he spoke, his eyes blazing. Chaya Shirojiro lowered his head and fell into deep thought - in this situation, one must remain calm and discern the truth, and must not lose perspective like Guangetsu.
After a long while, Chaya smiled calmly and said: "Haha, I see, there is no need to worry so much." He picked up the cigarette bag deliberately and calmly.
"Don't worry? How can you not worry?" Guangyue was confused.
"Since you think there is nothing wrong with Maeda, what are you worried about? However, I will secretly convey this matter to Zuofu."
"Chaya, Koetsu is not joking. Have you ever thought that if such an unfounded rumor spreads, it means someone is trying to use it to drive a wedge between Zuofu and Maeda. Regarding this judgment, do you think I am right? ?”
Chaya Shirojiro said calmly: "Guangetsu, do you even know the mastermind who spreads these rumors?"
"Of course I know." Guangetsu nodded solemnly, "These rumors did not come from other people's mouths, but were spread by Nagasuke Masaika, Masuda Nagamori and others. Yodoya has already made it clear to me that these rumors came from the two of them. Come."
"Oh, you two would actually say such things?"
"It's really unexpected. Rumors also say that the mastermind is Maeda, and the accomplice is Asano Danmasa, Shobute Nagamasa..."
"Oh, it seems like this is indeed no ordinary rumor."
"These two people have always had a harmonious relationship with the Zuofu. Not only I, Koyue, but Mr. Chaya must also be very aware of it. Hijikata Kawachi, Ohno Osamu and others have always been enemies of the Zuofu. This may be a fact, but how could Maeda, Asano and others do this? An attempt to harm Zuofu? This is absolutely impossible.
From this point of view, someone must be deliberately creating doubts, not only trying to alienate each other, but also trying to cause turmoil... This is by no means a figment of Guangyue's imagination. Otherwise, these rumors would never have reached Guang Yue's ears, so Guang Yue hurriedly came to ask Mr. Chaya for help. "
"Listening to what you said, it seems like this is really happening. You said you came to beg me, but why?"
"Please Mr. Chaya, please report this matter to the Zuofu as soon as possible. If the Zuofu really has doubts about Maeda Hizen, please ask the Zuofu to send me to the Hizen Guards immediately so that I can act accordingly. I will beg Mr. Chaya for this matter. .”
At this point, Chaya Shirojiro breathed a sigh of relief - Koetsu was actually worried that Maeda would arouse Ieyasu's suspicion due to rumors. He smiled and said: "Okay, I understand. This matter really needs to be reported to the Zuo Mansion carefully... Guangyue, of course I know that your words are true, but I still want to ask you, do you think it is an attempt to alienate Zuo Mansion? Who is the culprit behind the relationship between the government and Maeda and Asano?"
"Of course it goes without saying that it's Shaofu Ishida Jibu!" Guangyue raised his eyebrows and replied without hesitation: "There have been rumors outside that the last time Shaofu Ishida Jibu behaved in a lowly manner in front of Zuofu in order to seek the blessing of Zuofu. His face was completely lost. He was a very decent person, and he had been at odds with the Zuo Mansion for many years—no, he had been unilaterally hostile to the Zuo Mansion for many years. With old worries lingering and new hatred added, he naturally had to find a way to deal with Zuo Mansion. Isn’t this the habit of a self-proclaimed wise man like him?"
Kouetsu's problem lies in impulsiveness and jumping to conclusions. Because he knows this, Chaya Shirojiro has to be more careful: "Is there any evidence?"
"The so-called empty talk, unless Ishida Harubu is stupid enough to write a warrant, how can we easily get evidence for this kind of thing?" Guangetsu became more and more passionate as he spoke, and added: "But Mr. Chaya, with his little With so much magnanimity, what else can't you do after losing so much face? Something big must have happened. In addition, looking back, I was also very puzzled when Ishida took refuge in Zuofu this spring. I always felt that it was a complete and utter mistake. conspiracy."
"Oh, conspiracy?"
"Isn't it true? He was forced into desperation by the generals who had followed Taige since he was a child. He had nowhere to live in Osaka. He had no choice but to defect to the Zuofu and use the power of the Zuofu to return to the territory safely. Logically speaking, he should owe I have done a great favor to Zuofu, and I should do my best to repay it.
But, look what he did after that? Guangyue knew what he was doing. The first is to overhaul the city; the second is to summon rogues; the third is to win over famous people; the fourth is to frequently use alienation tactics, which is detrimental to Zuofu. If I were in charge of the ministry, how could I do this unless I wanted to cheat and deny the Zuofu's care for him? "
Chaya Shirojiro nodded vigorously and said with a smile: "So, Zuofu was tricked by Ishida?"
Guangyue shook his head and said, "What are you talking about! How could the Zuofu be fooled by Ishida so easily. I guess the Zuofu must have deliberately let him live after seeing through Ishida's trick."
"Oh! This is the first time I have heard this in my life. You mean, the Zuofu knew that he would rebel sooner or later, but still specially arranged for Mr. Horio and Mr. Hideyasu Yuuki to escort him back to Omi?"
"Hahaha, yes, that's what I meant!" Guangyue smiled without any scruples and said, "This is the difference between mediocrity and sage. Guangyue's judgments are all based on the instructions of the Lotus Sutra. , there is absolutely no mistake. Guangyue believes that even though the Zuofu has understood Zhibu’s intention to rebel, they still want to do their best to protect him. As for why? Naturally, it is because the Zuofu knows that the time is far from mature. "
"Say this, it reminds me of a story in the history of the Tang Dynasty: Zheng Bo Duan Yu Yan." Chawu said with a smile.
"I didn't expect Mr. Chaya to be familiar with the history of the Tang Dynasty?" Guangyue was quite surprised. He also knew this story, but he didn't expect that Chaya, a merchant, also had such knowledge.
However, Guangyue did not intend to talk about literature and ink now, so he changed the topic back: "It would be fine if Sancheng knew some self-reflection, but when he returned to the territory, he wanted to win over those who had rifts with Zuofu in an attempt to make trouble. .When the time comes, Zuofu will catch all those fools in one fell swoop...
Zuofu did this not as a temporary expedient, but to show the world the righteous law of heaven and earth. Of course, despite this, I can't just watch Zuofu and his allies being alienated and teased, so I hurriedly came to plead with you sir..."
Just as Guangetsu said this, Chaya Shirojiro suddenly raised his hand and interrupted him. Chaya does not think that Guangyue's judgment is wrong, but is worried that Guangyue is so forthright that it may be detrimental to himself.
As the saying goes: Disease enters through the mouth and disaster comes out of the mouth. Guangyue is so open-minded that he may be in serious trouble. Chaya admires Guangyue very much, because Guangyue possesses a decisiveness and sharpness that he does not have, and he acts vigorously and resolutely. But precisely because of this, Guangyue needs to be more reserved and restrained, and become steady and sophisticated.
Chaya said softly: "I understand, there is no need to say any more."
"Sir, do you understand?"
"Ishida is still hostile to Zuofu and is carrying out the conspiracy in an orderly manner. This time, taking advantage of Zuofu's move to Osaka, he has evil intentions again. As for whether the mastermind is Maeda Hizen Mamoru or Asano Danmasa, it is completely fabricated. The purpose is to create some doubts around Zuofu through these rumors... Am I right?"
"Not bad at all!" Guangyue nodded excitedly, "The administration's thinking is: Zuofu is heavily guarded and they have no chance to succeed, but it would be good to create some discord between Maeda, Asano and Zuofu first. Wan If Kazuma can make the Zuofu punish Maeda and Asano, it is tantamount to pushing them to the enemy of the Zuofu, which is his Ishida side."
"I also agree with your point of view, and we must never let him succeed. Of course, Maeda has no intention of betraying the Zuofu - Honami Koue, who puts the world first, has guaranteed this, so what else can I doubt? Hahaha, I understand, I understand everything. I immediately rushed to Fushimi and conveyed this to Zuofu."
"Haha, sir, it's funny. The reason why I did this is because I don't want the peaceful world created by Youfu [Note: Youfu refers to Oda Nobunaga.] and Taige to work hard to fall into chaos again. Anyone who has a heart will have it in his heart. With a bright mirror, everyone knows that the next person in the world is none other than Tokugawa Zuofu. This is also in compliance with God's will... In short, Mr. Chaya must convey Guangetsu's wishes to Zuofu, please."
Guangetsu chatted with Chaya for a while, talking about the Chojiro pottery that he was obsessed with recently, and then left. As soon as Koetsu left, Chaya Shirojiro immediately ordered someone to prepare a sedan chair and went straight to... not Fushimi Castle, a suburb of Kyoto where Tokugawa Ieyasu was located, but to Kai Port not far from Osaka.
Jiegang where Kafei is located.
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