Even the Hatamoto samurai, who had no official position or career to do, could only stay at home and rely on the support of their families to survive.
This is the current situation in this country.
The explosion in the number of samurai caused by the comfortable life has long made the officialdom of the shogunate and various vassal states overpopulated.
In order to become an official and to obtain "hard-core crops" that they no longer have to worry about food and clothing for the rest of their lives, the warriors used their own skills to make a fortune.
Fighting for family background, fighting for financial resources, fighting for connections... The social structure of "emphasis on origin, not ability" has destined that people with a poor starting point have almost no possibility of getting ahead.
Even Katsu Rintaro, who has become a hot topic in recent years and rose to his current high position as a subordinate, is only able to achieve his current status because of the help he received from noble people.
Although Xin Zhikuan's family background is not bad, in terms of family income alone, it can be regarded as a "middle-level banner", but this status is nothing more than high and low.
He won't be like the lower-level Hatamoto, who can't even guarantee daily food and clothing, but he won't be like the big-body Hatamoto, who can get the official position he wants with just a few clicks of his fingers.
The new wife is not willing to be a white body with nothing but swordsmanship for the rest of her life.
For the ambitious Nitsuma Kuan, who is eager to achieve great fame, if she wants to realize her ambition, she must find another way!
Therefore, his eyes were fixed on the swordsmanship competition hosted by Matsudaira Yoho, the lord of the Aizu Domain last year.
He pinned his hopes on this competition.
Winning the first prize in this unprecedented scale competition, becoming famous in one battle, and being appreciated by the Chiba family or the lord of a certain vassal - this is what he plans and desires.
As a result... everything came to nothing due to the emergence of Tachibana Aoden.
Although he didn't want to admit it, Qingteng showed his strength at that time, which made Xin Zukuan still feel that he has lingering feelings for him to this day.
How could I possibly defeat such a monster... Just when he was feeling so sad, a mysterious man suddenly appeared.
The man handed him a strange pill.
The effect of this medicine, simply put, is to make you highly concentrated. Let your state of mind enter a state similar to "without distracting thoughts", thereby improving your reaction speed and thinking ability... The man said this in a seductive tone.
Although it has a very significant effect, it also has strong side effects. This state of high concentration can only last for one stick of incense. After this state passes, the user will have a severe high fever. If you can survive it, After this high fever, everything will be fine. If you can't survive it, then... After the man added this, he reached out and scratched his neck horizontally.
A drug of unknown origin donated by an unknown person... Logically speaking, it would be impossible for Niizuma Kuan to take this kind of drug that God knows what it is made of.
However... At that time, Nitsuma Kuan had already lost his mind.
The thoughts of fame, the desire for victory, the jealousy of Qingden... the complex emotions mixed by the above made Xizuma Kuan lose his normal thinking ability, and the whole person fell into a state of hysteria.
He hesitated until the last moment, and finally chose to swallow this strange pill.
The mysterious man didn't lie to him. The effect of this pill was indeed shocking.
A few seconds after the pill sank into his stomach, his whole body and mind became unprecedentedly... peaceful.
Yes. Just tranquility.
All sounds from the outside world seemed to be far away from him. He could not bring up any distracting thoughts in his mind, and his concentration was terrible. When he walked, his feet seemed not to be stepping on solid ground, but on soft floating clouds.
He was not Qingdeng's opponent, but with the help of this medicine, he and Qingdeng were evenly matched.
I can win! I can defeat Qingdeng!
While he was rejoicing that he and Qingdeng were inseparable... the next scene shattered all his confidence.
Relying on his swordsmanship talent that is dozens of times that of ordinary people, Qingdeng learned his sword skills on the spot. In just a moment, he changed the situation from "tie" to "slightly superior", and then turned it into "complete suppression" in one breath. ".
He tried his best, even resorting to such despicable means as "taking medicine", but he was still defeated by Qingdeng's sword...
Before his new wife could suffer the painful defeat of Kuan Seipin, the sequelae that the mysterious man had explained in advance after swallowing this medicine invaded his body.
He developed a high fever on the spot. The high body temperature amazed the many experienced doctors who had seen him.
After lying in bed for more than a month, the high fever that seemed to evaporate blood and brain matter finally subsided.
But that doesn't mean his body is healed.
What followed the high fever was the fatigue that made me unable to stand firmly, and the dizziness that made me feel like the world was spinning.
I took countless expensive supplements and received the most attentive care from my family and servants. I rested like this for several months. It was not until recently that he finally felt that his body had returned to the state before taking the medicine.
Not only did he fail to win the competition, but he also injured his body... It can be said that he lost both his wife and his army.
However, whatever happens is fine.
Compared with these, the confusion of not knowing where to go next is the most painful thing for Xinzukuan now.
——Damn it...Damn it...!
The new wife let out a heavy sigh, turning her unwillingness into a voice with a "Oh", and stretched out her hands to support the wall in front of her, lowering her head and closing her eyes tightly.
——I have... tried everything I have...
——I practiced sword practice until the skin on my palms broke countless times. There were several times when I was so tired that I almost coughed up blood.
——I have searched for all the connections I can find, and tried all the methods I can try, but I still can’t get an official position...
——Just because my background is not good enough... Just because my family status is not high enough...
——In terms of talent and hard work, I am much better than those drunken people who only know how to eat, drink and have fun!
——How long will it take for me to become a successful person?
The fingers of Niizuma Kuan's hands gradually tightened, and her nails scraped against the wooden wall, making a sharp and sharp sound.
The dim candlelight stretched the new wife's desolate figure.
At this moment, the cold wind came and the lights swayed.
"New Wife-kun, your energy is much better than I thought."
Unexpectedly, Xinzuma Kuan suddenly heard a young male voice that seemed familiar to him from behind...
His eyes suddenly widened and he quickly turned back.
I saw a young man sitting on the open window sill.
Because of the backlight, the young man's face was in relative darkness, making it difficult to see his facial features clearly.
However, even so, Ninzuma Kuan recognized the other party immediately.
"It's you……!"
"Yes, it's me."
The young man smiled slightly.
"I didn't expect you to still remember me."
How could Shinzuma Kuan forget this man.
It was this man who called himself "Rakshasa" who gave him the magical pill that had amazing effects but extremely serious side effects!
Judging from the objective facts, Rakshasa was a benefactor who had extended a helping hand to him.
But this does not mean that Shinzuma Kuan regards Rakshasa as one of his "own people" who can treat each other sincerely.
The superb ability to sneak into his room silently, the ability to give out strange drugs that can suddenly increase a person's combat effectiveness... These behaviors all cast a shadowy "fog" around Rakshasa's body. , making it difficult to see clearly his true appearance and what he wants.
Nitsuma Kuan was instinctively wary of this man.
The new wife Kuan, whose face was filled with solemnity for a moment, quietly opened the distance between him and Rakshasa, and said in a deep voice:
"...It's you again... Why do you want to come to our house unexpectedly?"
Rakshasa shrugged. "Well, my new wife, there is no need to be so nervous, and there is no need to be so wary of me. I don't want you to be a bad person, I just want to come and visit you."
After saying that, Rakshasa swept his gaze and looked at his new wife Kuan from head to toe.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk... New Wife-kun, your current appearance... is really embarrassing."
Embarrassing - this group of words was like a needle, piercing deeply into Xin Zukuan's heart, and his brows jumped several times in displeasure.
Rakshasa didn't seem to notice the change in Xizuma Kuan's expression, and continued to talk to himself:
"Every time I see a depressed young man like you, I feel doubly sad."
"Obviously your talents are so outstanding, but because of your damn background, you have nowhere to put your ambitions to use."
If Rakshasa's previous words of "embarrassment" were like a needle that pierced a small hole in Xin Zukuan's heart, then his words just now were like a needle that pierced Xin Zukuan's entire heart. Missing arrow!
New wife Kuan, who has a high self-esteem, just doesn't want others to expose the sad status of his wasted career.
"What on earth do you want to say? You suddenly broke into my room without even saying hello, just to taunt me?"
"No, no, no." Rakshasa stretched out his right index finger and shook it from side to side, "You misunderstood. If my remarks just now offended you, then I apologize to you."
"I've always valued talents the most."
"Even if it almost causes major damage to our career, or even almost kills my man, I am willing to treat him with courtesy."
Having said this, Rakshasa raised his hand and touched a scar on his collarbone.
"So, I plan to give you a chance to change your life."
"Change...life...?" A look of confusion and hesitation appeared on Xin Zukuan's face.
"Yes. Life-changing."
As the Rakshasa spoke, he jumped down from the window sill, and then walked in a wide circle around his new wife at a leisurely pace.
"My dear wife, have you ever thought about why you ended up in such a miserable and desolate situation today?"
"Are you not working hard enough? It seems not. You are already diligent enough."
"Is it because you are not talented enough? It doesn't seem to be the case. You are one of the 'Three Heroes' who has attracted much attention and respect."
】
"So, what is the reason?"
"The answer is actually very simple."
At this moment, Rakshasa happened to walk behind Xinzuma Kuan.
The corners of his mouth curved in an intriguing arc. He stretched his neck and hung his chin on his new wife's broad left shoulder.
"It's all because of the incompetence and corruption of the Edo shogunate."
The devilish breath lingered in the new wife's ears.
"In order to maintain their rule, the shameless Tokugawa family established the rule that 'everything is of inferior quality, only high birth'."
"It is better to have a good father than to have a good talent."
"The incompetent swine stays in high office."
“The talented and talented people were left in the countryside.”
"Children from rich families have controlled money and power for generations, but people from poor families like you have to cut off their heads and try their best to please these losers, so that they can barely get the leftovers from their bowls. .”
"My new wife, ask yourselves: Are you willing to be ridden by those people who want ability but not ability, talent but not talent, and only have a good family? Are you willing to suffer such huge injustice? "
"..." The new wife's wide lips tightened unconsciously, and her hands that naturally hung down gradually clenched into fists. Although he didn't say a word, his small actions had exposed his uneasy heart.
Rakshasa's speech continues:
"If you want to change this status quo...the only way is to launch a war to overthrow the curtain!"
"Hey, hey! What are you talking about!"
Even the always bold new wife Kuan turned pale with fright at this outrageous and dangerous thought.
After nearly three hundred years of domestication by the Tokugawa family, the idea that "the dominance of the Edo shogunate is sacred and inviolable" has long been deeply rooted in people's hearts.
The curtain falls? Shinzuma Kuan doesn’t even dare to think about this kind of thing!
"I'm not talking nonsense."
Rakshasa said seriously.
"Now that the matter is over, I will confess to you."
Rakshasa lifted his chin from his new wife's broad shoulders, took two steps back, then reached out and patted his chest.
"I come from a 70-year-old secret society with the goal of overthrowing the Edo shogunate."
"It is the lifelong wish of me and my comrades to overthrow the corrupt rule of the Tokugawa family and establish a country where all people are equal and where even the most filthy people have the opportunity to get ahead."
"In order to realize this dream, we continue to recruit troops, recruit talents, develop technology, and expand our strength."
"To be honest - at the beginning, I actually had no interest in you."
"But after a brief observation of you, my mind changed."
"You have great potential. If you are well-trained, you might become a good comrade of mine."
"So——Shinzuma-kun, let's choose."
"Are you going to continue to be a hawk dog that cannot be reused?"
"Or do you want to stand up and join us in the great cause of overthrow?"
Having said this, the Rakshasa stretched out his right hand in front of him as if seeking a handshake from his compatriots.
"I...I...I..."
The wide facial lines of the new wife seemed to be twisted together. Hesitation, confusion, and panic, the three emotions were beautifully mixed on his cheeks.
His right palm was slightly raised, as if he wanted to hold the Rakshasa's hand that was reaching towards him, but as soon as he raised it at a slight angle, he quickly lowered it.
Then lift it up again...then put it down again...
Rakshasa smiled slightly.
"Shinzuma-kun, you don't have to make a decision so quickly."
After the words fell, Rakshasa retracted his outstretched hand.
"I'll give you...two days."
"In the next two days, you should think carefully about where you should go in the future."
"If you make up your mind and decide to abandon your identity as a 'hawk dog' and become a 'soldier' dedicated to the revolution... come to Yamatoya, 2-chome, Shimokita Town."
"Just say to the Yamatoya store manager or your hand, 'I want to eat cucumber, do you have any fresh cucumbers?' and someone will bring you to see me."
Cucumber... The new wife Kuan was secretly speechless.
The cut of the cucumber is very similar to the Tokugawa family's family crest: clover, so in order to avoid suspicion, the samurai under the shogunate did not eat cucumbers.
The connotation of this code word is... profound.
"That's all I want to say."
The Rakshasa straightened his clothes, and then bowed gracefully to his new wife.
"Then - I'll take my leave now."
"I'm looking forward for your reply."
After leaving these words freely, Rakshasa jumped out of the window without looking back.
The new wife quickly walked to the window sill, but found that the Rakshasa was no longer visible outside the window.
"..."
After a while, the new wife pinched her face.
A pinprick-like tingling sensation stirs the nerves.
"It hurts...I'm not dreaming..."
After confirming that he was not dreaming and that everything he had just experienced was the exact reality, Nitsuma Kuan slowly raised his blank eyes and looked into the distance.
"The curtain falls... the curtain falls... the curtain falls..."
Every time he murmured "the curtain falls," the strange light in his eyes became more intense.
…
…
The next day——
The government office reformed by Huo Fu thieves was attacked. More than 200 soldiers were unable to stop a mere 4 intruders. Four division captains, led by the captain of the fifth division, Kimura Suma, were kidnapped by the intruders - this story Breaking news spread through the streets of Edo at an alarming speed.
For a time, the crowd was in a state of excitement.
The "Headquarters" of the Fire Rogues were attacked from the front... This was the first time since the Fire Rogues reorganized the team!
The citizens of Edo lamented: Strange things have happened one after another recently!
First, there was a fire in the Kodenma Town prison building, and "Nioh" Tachibana Aoden disappeared.
Later, the entire Akabane family was wiped out, and the "Dog of Fire" Kanazawa Chusuke was assassinated.
Now, another fire-fighting bandit Kai's headquarters was attacked, and four division captains from Kimura Suma were kidnapped.
Ever since, a new conspiracy theory was born: Huofu Rogue Kai has recently offended someone or a certain force, so he suffered revenge from this person or force!
Specious and ambiguous conspiracy theories have always been the favorite of the masses.
From the warriors to the filthy men, they all enthusiastically discussed the rights and wrongs of Huo Fu Thieves.
What attracted the most attention and received the most discussion was naturally who had the ability to break into the government office of Huofu thieves and at the same time abduct four division captains and escape unharmed.
All in all, the Huo Fu Thief has lost a great deal of humiliation this time.
Okubo, Kurosawa, and the last two division captains: my grandson and Mizushima, are all very busy trying to deal with the aftermath of last night's shocking incident.
As for the person involved and the instigator of this big incident...he is currently drinking tea with the beautiful widow.
…
…
Edo, Tsukinomiya Shrine——
"Although I have known for a long time that you are very capable, I still couldn't help but feel amazed when I saw with my own eyes that you really brought Kimura and others back to Quansu and Quanwei..."
Tianzhangyuan showed an expression filled with emotion.
Qingdeng smiled modestly:
"To be honest, last night's operation was very dangerous, and I almost failed several times. Fortunately, I had Saege, Yae and Mr. Amakura's dedicated support. Without them, I might not be able to act so calmly now. Sitting here drinking tea."
Tianzhangyuan smiled:
"Thank you for your hard work. The next thing...just leave it to me. Interrogation - this is one of our new Yutingban's specialties."
"How long will it take to get information from Kimura and the others?" Qingto asked subconsciously.
"It's hard to say." Tianzhangyuan pursed his red lips thoughtfully, "But... I guess it will be soon. I don't think those people are the kind of people who can survive even if they endure inhuman torture. A tough guy who can grit his teeth and keep silent.”
"If they really have something up their sleeves...then I think the results may come out tonight."
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