In the twenty-eighth year of Wanli, that is, the fifth year of Qingchang, Japan.
There were already a lot of rumors among the people, but Tokugawa Ieyasu turned a deaf ear to all the noise and just prepared to attack Uesugi in an orderly manner. Ieyasu's recent series of actions are quite inconsistent with his past calmness and seem a bit arrogant and unreasonable.
Masuda, Nagasuke, Nakamura, Ikoma, and Horio jointly issued a remonstrance, but he completely ignored it. Even the envoys sent by Kato, Hosokawa, Fukushima, Kuroda and others were blocked by him with a cold face. go back.
At that time, Kato Kiyomasa and other Taikaku old generals said: "There is no need for Zuofu to personally take part in this battle. Even if he wants to conquer Uesugi, he only needs to order us to go there. From what we can see, this matter must be a victory." The Ministry and its accomplices deliberately used Jing Sheng as a bait to carry out the plan of diverting the tiger away from the mountain against the Zuofu, and then took advantage of the situation to carry out their conspiracy to plot important places in the world such as Osaka and Kyoto... Please think twice about the Zuofu."
However, this time, Ieyasu was unprecedentedly persistent and replied solemnly: "Thank you all for your advice. I appreciate your good intentions, but I also ask you to make sure that Ieyasu is a good friend this time. Besides, Ieyasu's decision to go to this battle in person is not to cherish his past reputation. , but consider it from the authority of the imperial court.
If Ieyasu had not come in person today, if things continued like this, the authority of the imperial court would be seriously ignored. You can recall that when Shimazu and Hojo refused to enter the capital, did Taiko also attack them? Just because you are young now, you can't be easily despised. This time I have to show them some color and punish them for being disrespectful! "
Originally, everyone thought that Ieyasu's persistence this time was entirely due to the arrogant and rude reply written by the Uesugi clan's Naoeyama Shiromori Kanetsu. After all, Ieyasu himself was often angry: "I have lived for nearly sixty years, and I have never seen such an arrogant and rude letter!"
However, this time Ieyasu expressed his feelings in front of the generals, but he put the dignity of the court first. In fact, this is indeed an irrefutable reason - as the unquestioned chief minister in charge of life, Ieyasu said that he should follow the example of Taikaku, who can say that he is not right?
Ieyasu set the date of attacking Aizu in mid-July, but he summoned the generals for the first time to discuss matters in Osaka Castle on the second day of June. Of course, during this period, he did not forget to send people to carefully investigate the movements of the famous names.
Which ones are allies, which ones must be fought over, and which ones can be allowed to sit on the sidelines... This battle is an excellent opportunity to verify. Therefore, the meeting on the second day of June was also intended to bring together all the Osaka generals to confirm their aspirations.
In addition to more than a dozen of Hideyori's close associates, including Maeda, Masuda, Nagasuke, and Otani, those present included Asano Yukinaga, Hachisuka Toyo, Kuroda Nagamasa, Horio Yoshiharu's son Tadashi, Ikeda Terumasa, and Hosokawa Tadashi. Hing, Arima Noriyori, Yamauchi Kazutoyo, Oda Yuraku, Hori Naomasa, and many of Ieyasu's cronies. Suddenly, stars gathered and filled the entire Xiyuan Hall.
It is true that there are many talents, but there is also another aspect, that is, the people in the hall are mixed, and the participants must have their own thoughts.
However, as soon as the meeting started, Ieyasu announced: "Regarding this crusade against Uesugi and the various arrangements for the attack on Aizu, I have decided on them. Let me announce them first." His expression at this moment was extremely serious, which was different from usual.
This can no longer be called a discussion, it seems more suitable to be called an order. But everyone in the hall immediately fell silent. Even though the weather was very hot, no one dared to fan.
"The Shirakawa Pass is in charge of Ieyasu and Inuko Hidetada, the Sendō Pass is in charge of Satake Yoshinobu, the Nobuo Pass is in charge of Date Masamune, the Yonezawa Pass is in charge of Mogami Yoshimitsu, and the Tsukawa Pass is in charge of Maeda Toshinaga and Hori Hideharu..."
After saying this, everyone couldn't help but look at each other. It's no wonder that the Satake family and the Mogami family, which everyone thought were the 30% alliance, were also entrusted with important responsibilities in this battle.
Each daimyo will be sent to attack the five important strongholds of Aizu. However, if Ieyasu sends troops, 30% will join forces with Uesugi. This situation is not difficult to imagine. However, in this case, Ieyasu appointed Satake Yoshinobu and Mogami Yoshimitsu as generals. What was his intention?
Ieyasu seemed to ignore everyone's doubts and continued: "The departure date from Osaka this time is scheduled for the middle of this month. It will pass through Edo and attack Aizu in late July. Therefore, you should arrive early Return to your skills and prepare to go to war.”
Ieyasu's tone was decisive, without the slightest hesitation: "Of course, Shaojun's close ministers must stay in Osaka to ensure that government affairs are accessible. In addition, in order to assist Shaojun, two or three people will be left to handle official duties. Who do you think is better to stay? ?”
If you have something to do, you should first ask your subordinates and subordinates. This is like discussing something. The war is a foregone conclusion, and whoever is left to assist the government is tantamount to giving the key to the war. No matter how great the victory was in Aizu, if those who stayed behind surrendered the city to Mitsunari, it would be difficult for Ieyasu to return to Osaka. In this way, victory is also defeat.
Everyone's eyes suddenly fell on the disciples, and several of them had cold sweat on their foreheads. Masuda, Nagasu, Maeda, Otani, etc. have a closer relationship with Mitsunari than Ieyasu, and everyone knows this fact. Therefore, the four followers suddenly became quite nervous.
Masuda Nagamori and Nagasuke Masaie currently maintain close contact with Mitsunari. Although it is difficult to determine whether Maeda Gen and Otani Yoshitsugi have any different intentions towards Mitsunari, at least they are not Ieyasu's confidants. Among these people, no matter who is left behind, it seems that there will be hidden dangers.
Everyone thought that Ieyasu was duplicity and actually wanted to keep someone else. It's just that he couldn't bring it up due to personal reasons and hoped that someone else would say it for him.
Everyone was silent in the tense and dull heat. At this time, Ieyasu spoke again: "If you have no objections, then I will order it." He glanced around as if nothing had happened.
"Two people don't seem to be enough, let's leave three."
Masuda Nagamori swallowed hard and glanced around quietly. I saw Changshu Zhengjia's whole body stiffened, and he almost didn't dare to look at Ieyasu.
"First of all, please ask Maeda Hoin to stay. It would be more suitable for you to serve as a civilian, so you don't have to work to Aizu."
"yes."
"It's best to have people who are familiar with government affairs, Masuda'emon and Nagasu Oizou. Your abilities are known to the world, so please stay. Just the three of you stay in Osaka to assist the young master. As for the Otani Criminal Department, you Come with me on this expedition.”
After hearing Ieyasu's decision, everyone couldn't help but be stunned. The crowd began to commotion, because every word Ieyasu said took them by surprise.
Leave the San Bong Xing, who is obviously a group of 30%, in Osaka? Could it be that Ieyasu had completely lifted his guard against Mitsunari? Seems unlikely. So is this deliberately creating opportunities for them in order to lure the snake out of its hole?
If it is said that the reason is the former, it is not completely unfounded. In any case, when the Seventh General was chasing Mitsunari, Ieyasu saved his life and escorted him safely back to Sawayama Castle. Therefore, people who are close to the Seven Generals all have doubts: Could it be that the Zuofu had a secret agreement with Sancheng at that time? But since it is a secret agreement, how can Zuofu ensure that 30% will abide by the agreement?
Or is it the opposite, that Ieyasu deliberately left Mitsurugi in Osaka to give Mitsunari an opportunity to raise an army? Those generals who are wavering in their hearts and trying to adapt to the wind are all full of doubts.
If this is true, it means that Ieyasu was confident from the beginning and did not take Sancheng seriously at all. He planned to take his time and eliminate Uesugi first, then make some adjustments in Edo, and finally return to Osaka to put down the rebellion...
If this is the case, the Toyotomi family may become a lamp in front of the wind and frost on the tiles.
After all, once Mitsunari raises his troops and enters Osaka Castle, he and Mitsunari will definitely kidnap Hideyori, order the princes, and declare Ieyasu a traitor. And in this way, Ieyasu can attack Toyotomi Hideyori without any scruples. If all this comes true, the world will really be in chaos... Although many people are thinking this, no one dares to bring it up on the spot.
"The Kansai generals will follow me and Hidetada's main force, the Ou generals will follow Yonezawa's Mogami Yoshimitsu, and as for Maeda Toshinaga and Hori Hideji who are in charge of Tsukawaguchi, Murakami Yoshiaki and Mizoguchi Hidekatsu will go with them."
Ieyasu's tone changed from indifferent to unquestionable: "The purpose of this war is to inherit Taikaku's legacy, stabilize the world, and conquer those with ulterior motives. This battle will determine the general trend of the world, so Ieyasu has reported to the court in detail.
According to the secret order of the imperial court, on the eighth day of this month, General Quan Danayan was sent to persuade the repair temple. Qing Fengqing came to Osaka as an imperial envoy to reward the soldiers who went on the expedition. I want to say goodbye to Shaojun after welcoming the imperial envoy, and then go to war immediately.
At that time, Shaojun will formally order Maeda, Masuda, and Nagashu to stay and assist in the administration. The important task of assisting the young master is entrusted to the three of you. I believe you have no objections, right? "
Everyone was stunned, and no one answered immediately.
"Since you have no objections, let's make a decision first. As for the details, Ieyasu will discuss it with you again. Okay, that's it for today..."
Before Ieyasu finished speaking, a voice sounded from the seat. It was Naomasa Horimono who was leading the way for this war.
It seems that Naomasa really regarded this meeting as a discussion. He moved forward and said, "Sir, I have something to say."
Ieyasu lowered his face and said, "Naomasa, why are you worried?"
Provoked by Ieyasu, Hori Naomasa became even more impassioned: "Since we have decided to send troops, we must not allow any omissions in the pre-war discussions."
"Tell me, what exactly makes you worried?"
"Needless to say, adults, you know that the terrain in the Ou area is steep."
"Of course, otherwise why would you be responsible for leading the way?"
"Yes, I want to say a few more words because I am responsible for guiding the way. There is a place between Shirakawa and Aizu called 'Horse Ridge'. Its terrain is dangerous and unparalleled in the world. The mountain road there is as narrow as a horse's back. It can allow one person to pass. Therefore, please think twice to avoid mistakes in the front." Hori Naomasa held his head high and talked non-stop, his foolish and straightforward character fully revealed.
"That's enough!" Ieyasu shouted loudly, causing the roof to buzz: "On a business trip? What could possibly go wrong? It doesn't matter if the terrain is dangerous. If the enemy stabs me, I will shoot him back. There is a saying in the Tang Dynasty: The state of the country. Strength is not about danger but virtue. The outcome of a war depends on who has the right and the strength of the soldiers and horses, not on the terrain.
Since you said it is dangerous, I, Tokugawa Ieyasu, will personally play the vanguard to show you. Since I became the Lord of Okazaki Castle, Ieyasu has experienced hundreds of battles. Not only fighting with a small number and fighting with a large number of people, but also night attacks, ambushes, sneak attacks, forward attacks, and cutting off the rear. I have never experienced any of them. Because of this, I have mastered the eight states of Kanto. This is enough to prove that I have superior strategy, strong martial arts, and skillful use of troops. "
"Yes." When Ieyasu suddenly shouted angrily, Naomasa was completely unprepared and fell to the ground in shock.
"That fellow in Jingsheng will only huddle in a small city and never dare to come to meet my army. Our army is the best in the world, and there is no obstacle to the supply of food and fodder. Originally, I was enough to conquer Jingsheng, but in order to show our great righteousness, , then we sent the army to go with us. Don’t be clever and say useless things!”
Seeing Naomasa lying on the ground obediently and not daring to make a sound, Ieyasu said angrily to the others: "Do you have anything to worry about?"
Seeing Ieyasu so furious, no one dared to say anything. Ieyasu has decided everything by himself, and he will never allow others to have any objections.
"It seems that everyone has understood it." Katagiri Jigen hurriedly smoothed things over: "Both Ouchi and Shaojun sent people to express their condolences. The envoy said that since even Zuofu personally went on an expedition for this purpose, no matter whether they were those who went on the expedition or those who stayed behind, Everyone should be loyal to the imperial court."
Ieyasu glanced at Katagiri Kagemoto, glared again, and glanced around the people present.
Now that Ieyasu has spoken, matters such as the number of people to go out for the expedition will be discussed after everyone returns. Everyone present could only nod in agreement, and no one spoke rashly again, so as not to arouse unnecessary suspicion.
Only one person remained seated. This man's face was covered with white cloth, and Ieyasu could not see his happiness or anger. He is Yoshitsugi, the young assistant of the Otani Criminal Department. He had leprosy and his face was covered tightly.
Ieyasu glanced at him, stood up and left the table.
In the past, Hideyoshi summoned the generals and would hold a grand banquet after the meeting. Those who were severely reprimanded by him in meetings would be comforted by him at banquets with pats on their shoulders and a smile. This was Hideyoshi's habit. But Ieyasu is very different from Hideyoshi. He will neither scold others easily nor comfort him after scolding.
"You're so stingy, you won't even give me a glass of water or wine." Although the seven people around Hideyori whispered, Ieyasu's angry words were deeply imprinted in their minds for those who were interested.
Before Hideyoshi died, Ieyasu once shouted at everyone in Fushimi Castle: "If you want to quarrel, just quarrel. But no one who quarrels will be able to leave this city tonight. No one can escape. Severe punishment!"
That time, Ieyasu had the city gate tightly closed and shouted angrily, which frightened everyone present. The angry outburst today was no less than that time.
Jing Sheng boasted that he was worth 1.2 million dan and had the most powerful soldiers in the world since Qian Xin. Even for such a powerful Uesugi Kagekatsu, Ieyasu disdainfully called him "Kagekatsu that guy". No wonder the other generals were frightened. Ieyasu seemed to have anticipated everyone's reaction.
Ieyasu stood up and left the table, and the generals also stood up, each with their own thoughts and tremblingly going out. You can imagine how the messengers shuttled back and forth between the various mansions after this.
As for Jinghua who is hidden behind all this, what kind of pragmatic attitude does it have in controlling the war between the two sides? Others don't know, and Ieyasu can only guess: Perhaps he should be satisfied with the recurrence of civil strife in Japan, right?
As for the outcome of this war, Ieyasu was not too worried. He knew that what Gao pragmatic wanted was Japan's internal strife, but he would not watch himself fail - if he failed, how could he let Gao Yan, an "outsider", inherit the position of General Zhengyi that he had not yet obtained? ?
Those in power don't care about right or wrong, only the pros and cons. This is the case for my family, and it is also the case for "Gao Guanbai".
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Thanks to book friend "Cao Mianzi" for your reward and support, thank you!
Thanks to book friend "Yun Fu Yu Yu" for your monthly ticket support, thank you!
PS: After thinking about it, it’s better to finish writing one side and then write the other side.
(End of chapter)
