Hakata is a place with a long history. Pen ~ fun ~ pavilion www.biquge.info

Back in the Heian period, during the reign of Emperor Kanmu, Hakata was called "Natsu" or "Arazu". Later, it was called the current "Hakata" because of its "vast land, population, and products".

Moreover, Hakatatsu is one of the oldest diplomatic facilities in Hinomoto. Among Hakata, the diplomatic and trade facilities known as "Tsukushikan" or "Namba Pavilion" are said to have existed since the Nara period, when they were used to receive envoys from the Tang Dynasty and Silla.

Hakata, as an important port for trade and diplomacy, never lost its weight in the minds of the rulers. The original man-made port of Hinomoto in Hakata, called "Konoshito", was built by Heian Kiyomori in the Heian period.

Today, Hakata remains one of the most important trading ports, playing a significant role in trade with Southeast Asia and Nanban.

It has to be said here that after the Kuroda family moved into Chikuzen and built the castle in Fukuoka, Hakata and the castle towns of Fukuoka Castle became famous as a bipolar city. However, since Fukuoka Castle is not yet completed, this kind of bipolar city is not particularly obvious.

Hidemitsu and his party finally barely arrived at Hakata before it was completely dark.

"What's wrong? Coming back so soon? Done? ”

The person who asked the question was Uncle Ching Hai, who was drinking wine and laughing by the port. No, judging from Xiuguang's age, Qinghai should be a grandfather-level figure.

After returning to Hakata, Hidemitsu and the others first went to the port to visit Qinghai and Izo.

Qinghai and Yi San, the two old men, seem to be drinking at the harbor tonight with many vendors and many people from all walks of life. A bright bonfire was lit by the harbor, and the atmosphere was lively.

"The matter over there in Fukuoka Castle is done. So here it is. ”

Xiuguang looked at the people who were drinking and partying on the side, and unceremoniously sat down next to Cheonghae.

"Hahaha, this kind of place shouldn't be suitable for children~"

Qinghai took a sip of wine, looked around for a while, laughed, and then continued to ask:

"So, are you going back?"

"Nope. It's just that Fukuoka Castle is done. Anyway, Hakata is so close, so he thinks this is a temporary foothold. And there's something I want to see here. ”

"Oh...... So what is the next step to go? ”

"Hmm. After visiting here, I will go to Nagasaki again. If possible...... I guess I'll go to Osumi again. ”

"Tsk...... It's an interesting trip. ”

Ching Hai smiled again.

"Hmm. When I go to Nagasaki, I guess I'll have to trouble you again. ”

"It's okay, it's okay! Of course, we will do our best to help! Ha ha! ”

In fact, Hidemitsu's business is only the Kuroda family and Hakata Nagasaki. After you go, it's time for free time, and you can go back to Osaka right away. However, Hidemitsu's plan is to stay in Kyushu for a few more days after finishing things.

It's like going to Osumi Province.,It's Hidemitsu's personal preferences and interests.。

Now Xiuguang and his party sat in the crowd with Qinghai and Yisan by the bonfire, enjoying a temporary rest.

People seem to be having a good time. On the other side, a little further from here, there seemed to be people gambling in a circle.

Xiuzong, who likes to be lively, doesn't care about his identity...... No, he never cared about his identity, and went to huddle and play with that group of people.

Crowds are the best point for information exchange, and they are also the most difficult for outsiders to find clues.

"By the way, Ching Hai, how's Hakata doing?"

Xiuguang didn't follow Xiuzong to make trouble, but sat next to Qinghai and asked some questions.

"Hakata, ah......"

Old Man Qinghai put down the wine in his hand and lowered his voice a little.

"Nothing big lately...... But ah......"

Ching Hai kept a smile on his face,

"Since you've already been to Fukuoka Castle, you should know about it, young master, right?"

“…… Know what? ”

“…… It is the Kuroda family's governor Kuroda who is preparing for the ban on religion. ”

"Ah...... That's what happened. ”

"Uh-huh...... Although the wind is calm, the Catholics living in Hakata are not in such a good mood...... Banning religion is definitely a top priority for them. ”

“…… Quite so. When I was at Fukuoka Castle, many of the Kuroda family members who were Catholics were also very worried about this. ”

"Sure enough, right? Alas, although I am not a Catholic, old man, I always feel that Changzheng is really ......"

"Haha. Indeed. ”

“…… As a Catholic lord, he took the lead in abandoning Christianity...... Is this man's character really okay? ”

Qinghai complained about Changzheng in a disgusted tone, with a slight disdain.

Quan Deng, who was on the side, also heard it clearly, and nodded desperately as if he was agreeing.

So what...... The Catholics on Hakata's side seem to be a little agitated right now. What happens next...... It's also hard to predict. After all, Kuroda Nagamasa has not officially banned religion yet, and it is unclear what he will do in the end. ”

"Hmm. Let's wait and see what happens. ”

Xiuguang's words are not only a reply to Qinghai but also an instruction to Jeon Deng.

"Speaking of which, the one in the back is also a Catholic, right?"

Although the coarse but careful-hearted Qinghai sensed the existence of Jeon Deng,

"I see you have a cross around your neck."

"Yes. The baptism of the contemptible man was called Hoan. ”

Jeon nodded in acknowledgement. For the sake of prudence, he did not give his name.

"Oh, it turned out to be Huo An~ Come on, come on, take a sip of wine?"

"No, no, no...... Although we drink alcohol, the Catholic Church teaches us not to drink too much......"

Jeon Deng, who had just drunk before departure, apologized and declined Ching Hai's invitation to drink.

"Huh...... What a disappointment...... Never mind! Haha, old man, keep drinking! ”

Ching Hai, who was rejected, was a little depressed, but immediately returned to his original state.

"Women and wine! It's the most beautiful thing in the world! Ha ha! ”

…… As he spoke, he shouted crazy words.

Xiuguang looked at such a bold Qinghai and touched the sweat helplessly.

It's still winter, but tonight's temperature is still a bit high.

Many people gathered around the campfire, and the atmosphere seemed inexplicably cheerful.

Under this influence, Xiuguang was also driven to be in a mood and became happy.

That's when it happened.

Hidejong ran back from the farther side.

He looked very embarrassed, with a sad face and a look of difficulty in speaking.

"Your Highness, Your Highness......"

"Uh, what's wrong with you?"

Looking at the embarrassed Xiuzong, Xiuguang was a little confused for a while.