365

I'm more idle today, so let's talk about the Hojo family that I wrote about in the previous chapter.

The Hojo family has been inherited for five generations, and there have been many famous generals, among which the most famous, and at the same time the most familiar to everyone, is none other than the "first domestic politician in the Kanto", known as the "Sagami Lion".

Hojo clan Yasu is the third generation of the Hojo clan, and his political and military talents can be called [Kanto Mio] together with Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen? Compared with Kenshin and Shingen, what are the outstanding characteristics of his talents?

First of all, let's talk about what kind of lion is.

You may find it incomprehensible that in the original classical Chinese texts, the lion is an animal that only lives in the mythical world, and does not exist in reality.

You may ask me -- how can it not exist? Even if lions are not produced in East Asia, on the ancient Silk Road, weren't there people from the Western Regions who paid tribute to the Central Plains Empire? How could the Chinese not see a lion?

Well, listen to me slowly.

I don't know if you have heard of the allusion of [Dragon Gives Birth to Nine Sons], the dragon gave birth to nine sons, and the fifth name is called [Foxy], which is the one who used the Buddha as a mount in "Journey to the West".

The image of the fox is not similar to that of a dragon, but rather to some big cats, yes, it is more similar to today's lions.

During the Han Dynasty, a certain beast with a very similar appearance to the Fox was paid tribute to the Han Imperial Court, and the Han Dynasty emperor named it "Shizi", and later, the Chinese felt that it was very similar to the mythical Fox, so they called the Foxy also called "Shizi", and in the Wei and Jin Dynasties, the Chinese characters were large

developed, and the radical "lion" was created, so that "lion" and "lion" were completely merged into one, becoming the name of a certain feline.

When I watched "Once Upon a Time" when I was a child, I always felt that the lions of Wong Fei Hung were completely different from the lions in the zoo.

When I went to Fujian on a business trip last year, I once chatted with a group of people from the lion dance team, and they told me that the [lion] they played was not like the lion in reality, which is of course, and the long-standing activity of [lion dance] can be traced back to ancient times, at that time

The African lion has not yet entered the Central Plains, and the [lion] danced is actually the mythical beast in Chinese mythology!

It's far away, let's talk about Hojo Shiyasu.

The Hojo Lion is the favorite of many Warring States military fans who are keen on [defensive counterattack tactics] among the three, not only that, but the tiger loves to engage in the base, and the military god doesn't even do the base, as a man, military fans express great contempt for these two (laughs).

Hojo Shiyasu is known as a wise and brave general, I think the Warring States games made by the glorious company we are playing now, in which his force is set too low, the most famous Hojo Shiyasu is to describe the courage of Hojo Shiyasu, never face the enemy on the back. Again

Hojo clan Kang in the face of the first general of the Warring States [God of War] Echigo Dragon, as well as the famous military strategist Tiger is not weak, it is natural to be called a lion, Hojo clan Kang is better than the tiger is that there is a father who understands internal affairs, and when he succeeds as the governor of the family, he is better than the tiger

Kai is much better.

After succeeding him, Hojo Yasu began to conquer the Kanto region, most famously in the Night Battle of Kawagoe, in which he attacked the coalition forces of the Uesugi clan in the Kanto region with a small number of troops, defeating tens of thousands of troops with only 8,000 men.

Personally, I think that the difficulty of the night battle of Kawagoe is higher than that of Tsubashima, after all, the advantage of time and location is very obvious, and a heavy rain has broken the will of the Imagawa army, and although the Kwantung coalition forces besieging Kawagoe Castle are suspicious of each other, everyone is at least in the [anti-Hojo] one

On the spot, there is consensus.

The next few are the Kanto Kanto King Army against the Uesugi Gunjin, and the Izu Invasion Battle against the Tiger. Both of these games were played very dullly, but in the dullness, we can also see the cautious defensive counterattack tactics of Hojo Shiyasu, the dripping defensive front, and the keen tactical vision.

Knowing how to look for great opportunities to counter-attack in defence, both of which exemplified the supreme quality of Hojo's defensive tactics.

Comparatively speaking, Hojo Shiyasu's active attack battle was not so good, the first time Kokufutai played well, and the second Kokufutai was ...... Alas, don't mention it.

Hojo clan Yasu is the third generation of the Hojo clan, and his political and military talents can be called [Kanto Mio] together with Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen?

Compared with Kenshin and Shingen, what are the outstanding characteristics of his talents?

Another outstanding place of Hojo Shiyasu is the internal affairs aspect, it can be said that the Kanto region under the governance of Hojo Shiyasu was very prosperous, and even in the Hojo Shiyasu era, the economic and cultural level once surpassed that of, of course, this was not the case after the Demon King went to Beijing.

I think a large part of Oda opened the shogunate in Edo because the Kanto region, under the rule of the Hojo Five Generations, had become the economic and cultural center of the whole of Japan.

The establishment of the [Chuan Ma System] and the Odawara [Appraisal of the Public] and other systems in the territory, and the promulgation of the famous "Moral Decree" of the Warring States Period, a series of internal laws and regulations all reflect Hojo Shiyasu's extraordinary talent in domestic affairs, and the implementation of the system of the Sho'an box, the bureaucratic evaluation and the four people's six public fields

degree, even the Oda shogunate also followed.

Then there is the character of Hojo Shiyasu. Neither as ruthless and unrighteous as a tiger, nor as absolutely benevolent as a god of war (I'm a fan of humility, but I also think he's too stupid).

It just happens to be at a balance point, that is, it attaches importance to righteousness, but it is not as rigid as the god of war.

And Hojo Shiyasu's education for his retainers and his own family is also very perfect. Although Hojo Ichigo's waste material is a bit of waste material, it is definitely the first in the Warring States period in terms of unity.

In general, I personally feel that Hojo Shiyasu is worthy of the title of Sagami Lion, and he can also be regarded as the leading famous general of Japan's Warring States period......

At this moment, the guard flag outside the corridor opened the wooden door and reported to Hojo and his son, and Hojo Tsusunari asked to see him.

The conversation with Hojo Phantom was not so dull, and the Hojo clan might not see Hojo Tsunari, but because the two were not speculative, he immediately said as if saved:

【Is it the general introduction?】 Of course! See him and let him come. 】

Usually, the Hojo clan doesn't like to let Hojo Tsunaru and Hojo Phantom Nunnery share a room, because these two people who are also highly respected will always quarrel because of their political differences, which makes it difficult for them as juniors.

But now it's different, and he needs an ally to convince Hojo Miragi.

[Mr. Shang, I haven't seen you for so long, how are you doing? 】

[Thank you Lord Regent for your concern, everything is fine.] 】

[You are also old now, and you don't have to be so concerned about everything, just let the family go up, and I am also very relieved. 】

(The historical Hojo clan passed away in the sixth year of Tensho, and here is the plot need, so I changed it.) ）

[By the way, Mr. Kamisuke-sama.] 】

What does the lord command? 】

Have you heard? 】

Hojo shook the invitation in his hand and asked:

[Oda Nobunaga of Azuchi Castle wrote me a letter inviting me and the regent to the capital to participate in the Kasuga Festival. 】

[This old man has also heard of it. 】

So, can you tell us what you think? 】

Hojo Tsunashi solemnly bowed to the Hojo clan and his son, and then said:

[According to the old man's shallow view...... There is no chance of any accidents, the shogunate's biggest target at the moment is the Shimazu family and the Nagamune family, unless he wants to cause chaos in the Kanto region, he will make some despicable moves. Whatever the purpose of the Oda shogunate was, it was not

I came here to find trouble for my family. Creating a bloody disaster when His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was seriously ill, I don't think General Oda would be so brainless. 】

The Hojo clan father and son frowned, twisted their faces to the side, and the corners of their lips trembled violently.

His thoughts are similar to those of Hojo Phantom Nunnery and Daido Temple!

What's going on?!

[Haha! 】

The avenue temple is busy smiling and unraveling the siege,

[Look, isn't Mr. Kamisuke the same as me? The Shogun sent a letter this time, and he was in no way hostile to the Hojo clan. 】

[That.] Why did you send the letter? 】

[Of course, it is to show the world the glory and majesty of his shogunate, which is his usual style. 】

[Oh, I really have a group of good retainers with Shizhi. 】

Hojo Clan's expression was distorted, and he laughed wildly:

[The glory and majesty of Oda! Suruga, the master, and the general manager all seem to be very happy. 】

Hojo Tsunari, Hojo Phantom Temple, and Daido Temple Masahiro looked at each other, and they all had an ominous premonition in their hearts.

Unlike the average Warring States family, the family style of the Hojo family is quite open and free, and it is not an exaggeration to say that it is [democracy], and the father and son of the Hojo clan have always been [Chana Yayan], no matter whether the words are beneficial or not, they will listen carefully, why is it today......

Hojo Naoya said in a cold tone:

[If all the samurai in Kanhachi heard what the three of you said. I will definitely praise you for being a loyal minister! 】

[Where does this begin?] 】

Dao Si Zheng smiled and waved his hand,

[Lord, Nobunaga is now the general of the imperial court, he held the spring festival for the imperial court, and we went to Beijing for the imperial court, there is nothing wrong with this. 】

[Suruga, are you pretending to be confused? Everyone knows that now that the imperial court has been reduced to Nobunaga's [handheld plaything], after we go to Beijing, will the imperial court still be able to restrain Nobunaga? 】

[The lord is too worried. 】

Hojo Tsusunari saw that the Daido Temple Masahiro gradually looked overwhelmed, and hurriedly came out to relieve the siege.

[As the old man said just now, even if Nobunaga really has any bad intentions, he can't do it now, he has to take care of the name of the imperial court, and now the war in Kansai has given him a headache, and the shogunate can't spare extra energy to fight against his own family, so

Well, you're absolutely safe. 】

[Yes, Regent, Lordship,]

The avenue temple is prosperous and prosperous,

[The two of you are in Kyoto to cultivate your body and cultivate your temperament, and experience the customs and customs of Heiankyo, which is also a beautiful thing, as long as we release enough goodwill to the shogunate, will the shogun still be embarrassed by his family?] 】

[Enough! 】

The Dadao Temple Masa's complicated words were still unfinished, and the Hojo clan reprimanded sharply,

[Presumptuous! What did you just say? What do you mean by [enough kindness]?! Are you going to make me surrender to Nobunaga?! …… Oh yes! 】

He said in a weird way:

[As long as I pretend to be a grandson in front of him and pretend to be pitiful, Master Oda may really reward me with a bone to eat, hehe, you will really give me ideas......]

【Regent! 】

[No! You don't have to say any more! ……】

Hojo Clan's voice became very high-pitched and sharp, and he felt that he had really hit a living ghost today--Hojo Tsunari had always been at odds with the other two, so why was he on the same side today?

[No matter what anyone says, I will never enter Beijing with the general! By the way, Master, you are old, don't go, I will let Xianxiu go to Nobunaga to make amends, my family has important things to do, and I can't attend. 】

[How can this be ......]

Dadao Temple Zhengfan was depressed in his heart.

He knew the Hojo clan, and once the latter made any decisions, he would not change them easily.

But this time, we must not stick to this and hesitate.

After the Kasuga Festival entered Beijing this time, not only the Hojo family, but all the daimyo who had some influence in the whole world, except for the Shimazu family and the Nagamune Ibu family, received invitations from the shogunate, even the Mogami family and the Date family.

Oda Nobunaga's meaning couldn't be more obvious, and he wanted to take this opportunity to declare himself as the master of Japan.

At that time, if the Hojo family refuses to visit Kyoto, it may ignite a war. In this spring festival, Oda Nobunaga did not even use the shogunate, but used the name of the imperial court, all to make the world's daimyo feel at ease.

Everyone came to Kyoto for the Imperial Court, not for the Shogunate.

Although the world's great names know what is going on, whether in their hearts or in their faces, they will feel that they can get by, and then there will be no dissatisfaction.

This is Oda Nobunaga's clever means as the [first person in the world].

But things have become like this, not only the regent father and son, who are the head of the family, can't go, but even the most important patriarch in the family, Master Hojo Phantom An, can't go, isn't this clear, isn't it giving Oda Nobunaga and the imperial court face?

No matter how Matsuda Kenhide explains, Oda Nobunaga will not ...... Hehe, don't talk about the hot-tempered Oda Nobunaga, if you were a general yourself, you would be angry at the contempt of the Hojo family.

[Okay, you all step down, everyone has a very unpleasant conversation today...... Another day, we'll talk about the assessment. 】

Hojo looked a little tired.

[By the way, I discussed with my father before, Master Huan, you are old, you don't have to work so hard to participate in the assessment in the future, if there is anything, I will send someone to inform you......]

Hojo Mirage's eyes widened, and his voice trembled.

【Lord...... You...... Are you going to chase me away? 】

The Hojo clan was stunned for a moment, and then noticed that what he just said was indeed a bit problematic, how dare he drive away Hojo Phantom An, who is the son of Hakumo Gong and has the highest prestige in the family.

[No, I'm just thinking about your health, how can the Hojo family lack you? 】

[Actually, what you said is that I am already ninety years old, and the Buddha has blessed me to live for so many years, which is enough......]

Hojo Phantom suddenly straightened up, his face full of tears.

It seems that what he said just now stimulated him a lot.

Hojo hurriedly walked over and helped him.

[In the future, the old man will not ask one more thing, everything depends on the lord and the regent, and when he is old, he will also go home and rest......]

Hojo's eyes were red, and he almost burst into tears.

The Hojo clan on the side turned his face away, he was already a middle-aged man, and he didn't have the sentimentality of his son, but he couldn't bear to see this scene.

Hojo Tsusunari and Daido Temple Masashi both felt sad.

Among them, there is not only the sympathy of Hojo Phantom Temple, but also a sense of powerlessness over time.

There are even some deep regrets that [the word of advice was stopped].

[In the future, Shi Long will ask the lord to entrust it. 】

Shitaka refers to the grandson of Hojo Phantom An, because the eldest son Saburo (Tsunadashige) and the second son Shishin were killed in Kambara-jo Castle when they fought against the Takeda family, and the third son Nagashun died of illness and died, so he proposed to adopt Saburo Shixiu, the son of Shiyasu, as an adopted son, but because

In the following year, he was sent to Echigo to become an adopted son, now Uesugi Keitora, so his family business is currently inherited by his grandson, Takashi Hojo.

[Well, leave his future to me, I won't let him suffer.] 】

A few minutes ago, everyone was arguing about whether or not to go to Kyoto, but now it has turned into a bleak but warm "family meeting".

Perhaps only by letting go of business can people think that the other party is their relatives or friends.

When they left the main castle of Odawara, Daido Temple Masashigeru and Hojo Tsunade felt gloomy that the main family had handled the affairs of the Oda family so unwisely and hastily. made them unable to be happy, and there was also the [retirement] of Hojo Phantom An, which also increased their feelings of sadness

of emotions.

Dadao Temple Zhengfan decided to go home and sleep well, since the official, he has always used this way to expel the unhappiness in his heart.

The older Hojo Tsunade made up his mind, like Hojo Phantom An, he would never come back to Odawara Castle easily if he had nothing to do in the future, and he would wait at home for old age and death with peace of mind!

The hearts of both of them are full of bitterness.

At this time, the Hojo Phantom Temple, which came out with them, looked like a spring breeze on his face, as if he really had the intention of retreating.

[Lord Sosuke, Lord Suruga, if you don't mind, please go to the humble house and drink two glasses of thin wine, how about it?] 】

With a smile on his face, he extended the invitation to the two colleagues.

【Master, you ......】

The two of them were stunned, how could they have the heart to drink?

[The two adults give the old man a face. 】

Ignoring the stunned eyes of the two adults, Hojo Mirage's smile remained unchanged.

[Today, the old decay is retiring, and the two adults should be here to say goodbye to the old decay. 】

The two of them looked at each other, and finally Hojo Tsusunari nodded......

As the most senior minister of the Hojo family, Hojo Phantom is respected by everyone in the Hojo family, and the reason why the Hojo clan let him [go home] is not to drive him away, but because he is really worried about his body, which Hojo Phantom can feel.

The lord and the regent are all kind, and their hearts have been received by themselves.

It's just that this is really the end of my mission?

No! Father, brother, and nephew, all died satisfied and without regrets after completing their great achievements, and they still have unfulfilled wishes, so they can't just die!

This will make them look down on themselves.

But he is already ninety years old, and he has long been a person who has stepped into a coffin with half a body, what else can he do?

No! There must be something else that you can do.

Unconsciously, the three old ministers held a banquet in the inner hall of Hojo's Phantom Temple's house, and they drank so much that they were hot.

As soon as I drank too much wine, I no longer had any scruples about talking.

And the topic of discussion gradually focused on politics.

The first to complain. It happens to be Hojo Tsunari.

For the stubbornness and rejection of Hojo's father and son, the loyal Hojo Tsunari was heartbroken.

Since the death of Hojo Shiyasu, the Megatron [Dihuang Hachiman] has silently withdrawn from people's sight, and after giving up the position of family governor to Hojo Shigeru, he not only rarely came to Odawara Castle to participate in political evaluation, but even the ordinary tea party and wine banquet were all pushed away.

When he did this, not only did no one accuse him of being rude and arrogant, on the contrary, everyone was very moved--[Dihuang Hachiman] used this way to express their sorrow and nostalgia for the clan Yasuko.

However, Hojo Tsusunari himself did not completely let go of his mind, as an old minister, he always cared about the development of the situation in the world.

Just like this invitation, the reason why Hojo Tsusunari went out of the house was to do his best to do something beneficial for the Hojo clan.

He knew that the head of the Hojo family was suspicious of Oda Nobunaga's invitation, and he also knew that Oda Nobunaga had no ill will towards the Hojo family at the moment, at least, not yet.

Therefore, he felt that this was a great opportunity to bring the relationship between the two families closer to Oda Hojo.

He also knew that neither the strength nor courage of the Hojo clan father and son could be compared with the eloquent Yasuko, but he still felt that as long as he stated the stakes, their doubts would be dispelled.

But it's a pity that their father and son, after all, still don't understand their own hard work!

[The decision of the regent and the lord is really rash! 】

After the maid poured him wine, he did not drink it immediately, but held the glass in his hand, his teeth chattering.

[Not only has our sincerity and hard work come to naught, but I'm afraid that from now on, Oda Nobunaga will also feel contempt for the two of them! 】

He gritted his teeth and finally drank it all, but the indignant mood made the Hojo Phantom Temple and the Daido Temple Masashi on the other side, who were also not in a good mood, feel the same way.

Hojo Phantom looked at Hojo Tsunari, most of the contradictions between them came from officialdom, and there was no unpleasantness in private.

When he was in the assessment room, he was still happy to hear that Hojo Tsunari's opinion was almost the same as his own, but then the performance of Hojo Clan's father and son poured a basin of cold water on everyone's heads, which made all of them feel extremely discouraged.

Dao Temple Zhengfan asked tentatively:

[Why don't I go and lobby Matsuda-sama?] If we bring him to our side, things should be easier. 】

Kenhide Matsuda is as famous as Daidoji Masashi, and has the trust of the Hojo clan, but unlike Daidoji Masashi, he is resolutely opposed to the main family's trip to Kyoto.

Hojo Phantom smiled wryly and waved his hand.

[Forget it, Suruga, you don't have to make any more effort for this. 】

[But, just let the lord and the regent be so nonsense? 】

The Great Dao Temple is in a hurry.

[This is a major event related to the life and death of the family, if it angers the imperial court and the shogunate, I am afraid that the family will be ...... in the future]

His voice gradually lowered, probably unwilling to think about the terrible consequences.

Hojo shook his head.

[No, the shogunate can't spare the energy to leave to deal with us right now...... But what about when Oda Nobunaga is done with the things in the west? Hum! 】

The three of them were silent, in fact, they were not children, and they all had their own predictions about the development of the situation in the world -- Oda and Hojo, two behemoths, sooner or later there would be disputes, and judging from the current situation, the territory was four times that of Hojo's Ori

Tian has an absolute advantage.

Of course, it's not that the Hojo family really doesn't have a chance of winning at all, it's just that it's very hard.

Since the way of fighting is very risky, several people invariably thought of using diplomatic means to protect the Hojo family, and only if the two families remain in harmony forever, the foundation of Sekihachi Prefecture can be preserved and passed on for generations.

It's just that now it seems that the father and son of the Hojo clan completely ignore the hard work of a few people.

In fact, Hojo Phantom and others also understand that the reason why the regent and the lord are reluctant to go to Kyoto is not only because they are worried about their own safety, but also because they are unwilling to bow to Oda.

And Matsuda Kenhide went to Beijing not for the Kasuga Festival, but to express his apology to Oda Nobunaga and the imperial court that his family could not go.

But in reality, the ghost will accept this kind of apology!

Dadaoji Masashi swallowed a piece of sashimi into his stomach and suddenly said:

[The food in Kyoto is too light, and it is completely different from that in the East China Sea. 】

[Huh? 】

The two of them were stunned, why did the topic turn to cooking?

[It's okay, I just feel it.] 】

Dao Temple Zhengfan wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and suddenly changed his resolute expression.

[I've met with Oda Nobunaga many times, and I know him a little bit, so I'll go and apply to the lord tomorrow, and when Matsuda-sama goes to Beijing, I'll go with him!] In any case, I want to convey my family's apologies to Oda Nobunaga! 】

Hojo was a little impatient.

[Apologies, as long as Matsuda is alone, what are you going to do?! Isn't your low back pain still uncured? Let's go back to Izu and soak in the hot springs! …… Hey?! 】

He suddenly thought of something, his eyes widened, and he asked:

【Wait a minute! Suruga, you don't want to ......]

Dadao Temple Zhengfan smiled and waved his hand.

[Mr. Shang, don't guess, I didn't say anything. 】

Hojo Phantom Nunnery also shook his head, and instantly understood what these two people were talking about.

【Suruga! You can't have this kind of thought, I'm already old, and the Hojo family will have to rely on you people to support us in the future! 】

[What do you support?] 】

Dao Si Zhengfan smiled bitterly.

[When I was recuperating in Izu, I thought it was just a simple low back pain, but after being diagnosed by a famous local doctor, I learned that I had a stone due to an improper diet. 】

【Stones?】 】

Hojo Tsunari, who is coarse and literate, doesn't quite understand what this thing is, but Hojo Phantom, who is familiar with medical books, understands what kind of terrible illness [stone] is.

How so?

Suruga doesn't seem to have anything wrong with it, so how can he get this disease? Did you have a bad stomach in Kyoto?

What kind of disease are stones? Is it serious? 】

When Hojo Tsusunari asked this sentence cautiously, the uneasiness in his heart became more and more intense.

[The so-called stones, because of my stomach, because of careless eating, formed something similar to stones? 】

Dadao Temple Zhengfan tried his best to explain it in a simple and understandable way.

【Stone?】 Tsk, isn't that painful? 】

[Fortunately, the famous doctor said, after all, I am already in my fifties, and the disease of stones is almost a terminal illness for me, even if I recuperate well, I will not have a few years to live. 】

[So you want to go to Beijing and go to Nobunaga to apologize for your sins...... Seppuku way to apologize? 】

[Yes, there is only one way to eliminate the anger of the Oda family, and I don't have a few years to live...... Originally, I was going to ask my lord to retire, but now it seems that there is still a place where I can be used. 】

[But how can you just joke with your own life? Life is given by parents and by God and Buddha......]

[Two adults, I have received your wishes, but...... Please don't say anything. 】

Although when he spoke, the Dao Temple Zhengfan could maintain his usual momentum, but with the words just now, the two bosses gradually felt that in fact, his situation was not better than their own.

Hojo Phantom Temple, who has a good relationship with Daido Temple Masashi, knows that the reason why Dadaoji Temple Suruga Masashi is so bluffing is for the Hojo family.

Suruga Mamoru is still a great body, has been entangled by illness, from his forced happy expression, Hojo Phantom An, slowly realized that he had maintained his demeanor in front of the Hojo clan before just to cover up his illness, this is to show the Hojo clan father and son that he is still effective

The ambition and strength of the Chung Hojo family are only sad, and even the Hojo father and son, who are the main family, have not yet been able to detect that he has suffered from an unusual serious illness.

(The historical Daido Temple Masashi was not a 100% loyal minister, but the author personally believes that it was only because he was forced into a desperate situation by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and rebelled in order to keep the family incense...... Of course, this point of view is only the author's words, big

Just take a look at home.

In addition, Daidoji Masashige, like Niwa Nagahide, both suffer from stone disease, the only difference is that the former's condition is better than the latter's, and his condition remains stable until he commits suicide. ）……

Shortly after sending off the two adults, Hojo Hanan's grandson, Takashi Hojo, returned from outside.

Hojo Han-an felt the need to talk to him.

However, when the two grandparents sat down, it was the Hojo clan who spoke first.

[Today, I walked around the castle town in Odawara and found that the people in the town seemed to have known about the invitation sent by the Oda shogunate to my house to participate in the spring festival. 】

Oh, what do the people say? 】

[Everyone is happy. 】

[Everyone's happy? Is it true? 】

[Yes, everyone said that the fact that the lord of the country and the regent can be invited, which means that they are very noble people in the eyes of the great general, and they should not be despised . 】

[Hehe, so that's ......]

Hojo Mirage suddenly felt a burst of irony -- the people were not wrong in thinking so, but in fact, they were able to get Oda Nobunaga's personal invitation in the name of His Majesty the Emperor, which gave the invitees enough face.

Don't say it's ordinary people, it is estimated that the daimyo of other families, when they receive such an invitation letter, they must happily kneel down and call Oda Nobunaga Dad.

However, the lord and regent of the family did not think so.

Not only were they worried that Oda Nobunaga would go back on his word and harm themselves. I even think that when I arrived in the capital, it was equivalent to bowing my head to Oda Nobunaga (in fact, it is not wrong to think so, Nobunaga himself is this intention), how can the lord of the dignified Eight Prefectures do this

A kind of stupid thing to surrender your identity?!

So...... You must not go to the capital, not only you can't go, but you can't go to someone who has an identity and can replace yourself! Even if you go, you can't say you're going to the Kasuga Festival!

Only in this way can we represent the unyielding dignity of the Hojo family!

Thinking of this, Hojo Illusion felt a bitterness.

That's right! Dignity itself is indeed worth maintaining, but there must also be a way to maintain it, blindly acting brutally, putting on a high-minded appearance in front of others, not only will you not get the respect of others for your dignity, on the contrary, you will unconsciously look down on your stupidity and ignorance.

I really can't imagine that the hearts and minds of those people who have not read have surpassed most of the pampered samurai in the family.

At the mention of samurai, Hojo Miran couldn't help but think of his grandson in front of him, who had already taken on the responsibilities of the family and was the head of the family because of the untimely death or departure of his father and uncle.

Maybe he can take this opportunity to test his strength and talent.

[What do you think about this, I mean Nobunaga's invitation.] 】

[Well...... this]

The Hojo clan is still young, and his appearance is fair, not very similar to several fathers, but similar to the fourth son of the clan Yasuko, that is, his adopted son, Shiro Hide, who is currently the patriarch of the Uesugi family.

He put his left hand on his chin, pondered for a moment, and said:

[Nobunaga was able to personally send a letter to the lord and the regent, which was indeed enough to save face, but ...... In recent years, the relationship between the main family and the shogunate has not been very harmonious, but on the contrary, disputes have often arisen in the border area, so what is spread in the city, the shogunate will add

It is not completely impossible to harm the two adults. 】

[Oh, then what do you think, what should the family do?] 】

[After all, this is a spring festival to pray for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and as a Japanese, there is no reason why my family should not participate, otherwise it will be contempt for the royal family, so I think it is necessary to go to Beijing.] 】

[Really?! 】

Hearing that his grandson had such a mature idea, Hojo Hanan, who had been sullen, suddenly felt a lot more relieved.

[What if Nobunaga really wants to attack the two adults of his family? What to do? 】

[This...... Sorry, I didn't expect that yet. 】

[Haha, this situation can basically be ruled out, until Shikoku and Kyushu are pacified, the shogunate will not do anything to the family, but what, if Nobunaga really has this idea, we can't sit still! 】

So what do we do? 】

[The regent and the lord can't go to Beijing at the same time, at least one person must stay in Odawara Castle, in this case, even if Nobunaga detains people who go to Beijing, it is too meaningless. 】

[Do you cut off the thoughts of the Oda shogunate? That's a good idea. 】

Although Hojo Han's expression remained calm and harmonious, in fact, his heart was not so harmonious.

More than 20 years ago, when the Hojo family, the Imagawa family, and the Takeda family were engaged in the "Three Families Alliance" at the foot of Mt. Fuji, the people in the family also thought that Imagawa Yoshimoto's sinister guy was very likely to be unfavorable to the Hojo family, and they advised him not to go.

Hojo Shiyasu did not hesitate, but said, "I believe in the strength of the Imagawa family, and I will kill at the foot of Mt. Fuji single-handedly."

While admiring his courage, he also asked him with deep anxiety, if something really happened, what should the family do?

But he smiled indifferently and said, "Let the clan government be the governor, so there will be no problem].

The words of those years still echo in my ears today.

The current Hojo clan father and son naturally cannot be compared with their nephew Yasuko, who is not only an excellent military general, but also immerses his heart in the Buddhist realm where everything is unhindered, and the courage he shows when he is against strong enemies such as Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin is really true

He is wise and courageous, and he has never been confined to the great deeds created by his ancestors, and he has to recognize everything new and destroy everything old, which is the real person with measure.

[Shilong, do you think the regent is a man of strength? 】

[Huh? 】

Hojo probably didn't know that his grandfather had already [retired].

[I'm asking you, what is Lord Regent's talent, is he a bright monarch or a faint monarch? 】

[Of course it's Mingjun, the regent has been in charge of his family for more than ten years, although he has not expanded his territory too much, but there has been no loss of power and humiliation of the country, and the family has abundant property, and the people live and work in peace and contentment, which is all the credit of the regent's [Hui Zheng]. 】

[What do you think?] 】

[Huh? Isn't that so? 】

His eyes were solemn, as if he was wondering why his father had asked about it.

Hojo Phantom shook his head with a smile and waved his grandson down, it was clear that, like most of the retainers in the family, Takashi Hojo had a good impression of the Hojo clan, and he didn't seem to fully realize how much the Hojo clan had to do.

In fact, Hojo Clan Takashi never understood, and even when Wise Kogoro explained the art of war to him in the future, he argued with the latter for a long time about this issue.

Hojo closed his eyes again, and outside the window at this time, the sky was getting dark, and the candle shadows in the room were flickering, and his shadow kept shaking on the window paper.

At this time, there seemed to be a few different voices in Hojo Han's ears, which felt familiar, but also a little unfamiliar.

Hojo Phantom thought about it for a long time, but he didn't understand what this sound was and what its origin was, and after a while, the sound disappeared again.

Alas, it turned out to be just my auditory hallucination, it's really too old to be good, and it seems that I'm about to ...... Hey? Wait a minute!

The sounds are not consistent, not like they came from one person.

Among them are the laughter of the elderly, the sighs of the middle-aged, and the shouts of the young.

What's going on? There is no other person around you, huh?

Hojo Phantom squinted his eyes and thought for a while, then opened his eyes suddenly, and he finally figured out that the owner of the voice was quiet and kind, his father who he lost when he was young, his brother who grew up together, who cared for him, and who reused himself and regarded himself as such

The nephew who relies on the most.

It turned out to be you, the people I am closest to and miss the most.

How did you get here? Is it because you can't worry about the Hojo family?

[Oh, what I said before, what I said to Shi Long before, did you all hear it? 】

He looked up at the roof, an old man in his nineties, but he shed tears like a helpless child.

[I'm so sorry, as a descendant of the Hojo family, I didn't protect the Hojo family, and the Hojo family has been surpassed by other families...... However, as a member of the Hojo family, I will definitely carry out my obligations and responsibilities to the end...... you

Let's rest assured......]

Hojo Han-an unconsciously lay his hands on the tatami mats and sobbed.

Of course, this is hardly a tear of joy, but it is mixed with a little warm sentimentality like spring rain.

Isn't it a gift from God and Buddha that he has lived for more than 90 years? In his previous life, he must have done some good deeds that made the gods and Buddhas feel happy, so that he could enjoy such a high life in this life?

But is it really good to live so long on your own?

Watching the people around me pass away one by one, the loneliness is really difficult to describe in words.

The sense of impermanence in life tightly grabbed the heart of Hojo Phantom and lingered.

He thought that he would soon die, and suddenly felt lonely.

It is unbelievable that he has been able to survive countless bloody storms and live to this day. But why did you come into this world? Is it to fulfill the mission entrusted to him by the gods and Buddhas?

Hojo Phantom Anmasahide was puzzled by this, entirely out of his loyal nature.

The group of people who fought the world with Hojo Illusion have withered like last year's dead leaves, but this does not mean that the trees will die, and the trees of the next year will be more upright and more vibrant with last year's dead leaves as the base.

Whether it is the Hojo clan, the Hojo clan, or the clan Taka, the clan, and the clan, they are all the future supporters of the Hojo family. It is a new sprout that grows on the branch after the [Dead Wood Meets Spring].

Hojo Phantom Nunnery couldn't help but think. The younger self also used to be very disrespectful to his nephew Hojo Shiyasu, who was younger than him, because he was worried that the latter's talent and strength could not be compared with his ancestors.

He had privately calculated:

[Serving his nephew, I am afraid that he will not have a bright future in his life. 】

But his doubts disappeared somewhere, and he was finally conquered by the eloquent Shiyasu, who willingly followed him for the rest of his life, and together they made great achievements for the Hojo family.

[Master, although the clan has grown up, but after all, he is still too young, then Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin are both looking at the land of Kanhachishu, I am really worried that if I die like this, the achievements of my ancestors and I will be ruined...... That's why I'm going to entrust the clan and the Hojo family to you! 】

It seems that Yasuko's deathbed entrustment is still in front of him, and he will faithfully assist the Hojo clan for the rest of his life, and as a samurai and a son of Buddhism, he will keep this promise as long as he lives.

Hojo Phantom Ann woke up from his memories, and at this moment, he could no longer see any sadness and pain in his years, like a true [epiphany] of a high monk and reached the realm of [Dacheng].

He walked into his study, took the four treasures of the study, and neatly spread out the precious rice paper imported from the Ming Dynasty, and the paper seemed to emit a fragrance. Lift the pen and the tip of the pen slowly falls on the paper.

In the Hojo family, his calligraphy is the best, after all, he has been practicing reading and writing since he was a teenager, and now he has more than 70 years, and the nib contains the vicissitudes of time solidification, which is not felt by today's cultural people.

In addition to himself, it is the Dao Temple Zhengfan, he usually writes with ink when he has nothing to do, and before he became a diplomat, the important documents of the family were drafted by him...... But it's a pity that even he doesn't have a few years to live.

However, he can't just let him die, he still has seven or eight years to live, which is given by God and Buddha, and he can't help but cherish it.

As for himself, hehe, he has lived for more than ninety years, enough, really enough, the gods and Buddhas really don't need to be so kind to themselves, what else can a dying old monk do?

Even if it is really as he said, he has received the love of the gods and Buddhas, and he has been able to live a long life with the world...... But in this case, what peace of mind do you have? I just kept watching the people around me leave me one by one.

Hojo Phantom Nunnery is also a human being, and he can't do the kind of [heart is like stopping water] realm of a monk, otherwise he wouldn't have dragged his old body for so many years, and worked tirelessly to run back and forth for the Hojo family.

He has his own joys, sorrows, and sorrows, watching the passing of people around him, he has wanted to comfort himself more than once with the Buddhist Zen saying "Life is like a dream", and regards the world he is in as an ethereal dream, and one day, the dream will wake up.

But I have been dreaming for more than 90 years, why have I never woken up from this dream.

How can Hojo Phantom Ann ignore these bloody facts and live peacefully? He couldn't cover his eyes, he couldn't plug his ears.

Not only his relatives and friends, but because of this era of killing and bloodshed, I don't know how many people wept, grieved, cursed, and despaired...... No matter what, and helplessly disappear from this world.

At this time, it was already dark, and the stars outside the window were brilliant and brilliant.

Somehow, Hojo Hanan, who had just finished writing the things on the paper, heard the mysterious voice from before again.

In a trance, Hojo Phantom saw his father, brother and nephew, smiled at him, and then flew towards the stars in the sky.

At this moment, Hojo Hanan made a decision - it was time to wake up from this dream.

He wants to follow his father and them, and perhaps, they will disdain him, the guy who did not protect the Hojo family until the last moment.

But even so, he had to follow them, be confident, follow them silently, and protect the Hojo family with them, otherwise, his heart would never be at peace.

He believed that the last prayer of life would be transformed into a soul and will that would remain in the world forever.

[Even if I'm gone, I'll ...... Please continue to protect the Hojo family! …… Mantenjin Buddha, please let me always be with the Hojo family! 】

Thinking of this, he took a young knife from the wall and stabbed it into his chest