Osaka Castle in the early morning of September. Pen | fun | pavilion www. ｂｉｑｕｇｅ。 ｉｎｆｏ

Xiuguang and the little surname Xiuzong have just finished the morning exercise that must be there every day.

The so-called morning exercise is to swing the bamboo knife 500 times a day, which is the task ordered by the mysterious old man of the swordsman he met last month.

Now Xiuguang and Xiuzong go to the old man's residence in the inn every five days to learn swordsmanship.

In short, Xiuguang's daily life is very fulfilling now. Because he has more time to exercise, Xiuguang's mental outlook and physical condition have improved to a certain extent in the past month.

But today these two are very boring.

Today, Xiuguang and Xiuzong did not have a designated learning task, and the air swing practice arranged by the old man was also overcompleted.

"Ahhh Die of boredom! Your Highness! Is there anything else that can be done?! ”

As soon as there was no place to vent his energy, Xiuzong, who kept roaring and making trouble, was slumping on the wooden floor of the hallway, and kept struggling.

"Killed Xiuzong. Can't you read a book quietly? ”

Xiuguang sitting in the hallway with a book in his hand.

"Your Highness!! I don't want to see the only book! Every time I see what kind of governance and classics those talk about, I will have a headache! ”

“…… You just can't be still. Don't you read novels or anything like that? ”

"The novel is okay, at least the story. By the way, my favorite novel is "The Tale of Genji"~"

"Oh? Is this it? ”

Xiuguang smiled and raised the book in his hand and pointed to the cover.

"It turns out that His Highness is also watching! Ho Ho, then your Royal Highness, which character do you like the most? ”

Xiuzong leaned forward with a leaning face. Immediately out of what he was thinking, Xiuguang glanced at him speechlessly.

"It's the sunset fog."

"Huh?"

After hearing Xiuguang's answer, Xiuzong scratched his head incomprehensibly.

"I thought His Highness would definitely say the woman's name! Your Highness, where is that evening fog?! ”

“…… Why do you think that? …… Because Xiwu is not as attentive as his father Light Source, he only loves Yunjuyan wholeheartedly. Well, although he later married a side chamber as well...... That's probably why I like him more. ”

"Hey, Your Highness, shouldn't it be every man's dream to become a light source? Doesn't His Highness want to hug left and right like the Light Source Clan? I, Xiuzong, have dreamed of it! ”

"Unfortunately, the one I hate the most is the light source. How could that kind of flowery man bring happiness to his family! In the end, even his favorite purple princess was lost. I definitely don't want to be that kind of person. ”

"Cut...... The late His Royal Highness Taiko also married many women. ”

"That's my father, and it has nothing to do with me."

"Hmph, anyway, it is impossible for His Highness to marry only one person in the future~ Just like now, don't look at Lord Hideyori only has Lord Chihime in the main room, and there will definitely be many more side rooms in the future!"

When Xiuguang heard this, his face immediately darkened.

"Shut up Hyogoro, don't go there crow's mouth."

Historically, Hideyori had other side rooms besides the main room Chihime, and because of the intervention of his mother, Mrs. Yodo, he and Chihime did not give birth to children, but the side rooms gave birth to his only son and a daughter. But this does not mean that there is no love between Hideyori and Chihime. Not being able to unite with a loved one and have children is the sadness of Hideyori and Chihime. Xiuguang is familiar with this, so he is disgusted by Xiuzong's speech just now.

"Yes, yes, don't say it, don't say it."

Xiuzong also closed his mouth in a familiar manner.

"Then Your Highness, anyway, there is nothing to do now, let's go and flirt with it!"

"It's okay to do it, it's you, not me...... Anyway, you have nothing to do and want to provoke Chongcheng? ”

"That's right! Bullying him is one of life's great joys! Let's go, Your Highness! ”

“…… A great pleasure, is this the only thing you pursue in your life, be careful that you will be bullied again when the time comes. Forget it, it's idle anyway, let's go. ”

Walking along the corridor inside the Honmaru to the depths, you will arrive at the living room of the head of the family, Hideyori.

Outside the room, a dignified-looking young samurai sat near the doorway, quietly guarding the door of the study next to the living room.

"Hahaha! Sissy re-established! Why, today I am still lonely guarding the gate! ”

"Shut up, Date Hidemune. Hideyori-sama is studying in the study, so if you disturb the adults, I'll ask you. ”

As soon as Xiuzong saw the young man, he immediately pounced on him with an arrogant face. And the young man reprimanded Xiuzong with an unchanged face.

"Good morning, re-entry. Are my brothers learning today? ”

"Yes, Hidemitsu-sama. Hideyori-sama studied in the study, while Shimoshisei waited outside the door. ”

When the young samurai saw Hidemitsu, he immediately greeted him respectfully.

That young samurai is Hideyori's young surname and childhood friend Kimura Nagato Mamoru Shigenari. Chongcheng's mother is Xiulai's nursing mother, and the two are the same age, so Xiulai and Chongcheng have formed a deep friendship since childhood. Chongcheng has been more mature and stable since he was a child, talented, and better than Xiuzong, and was known as a beautiful man in the world at a young age. In history, Chongcheng once went to the Junfu with Mrs. Yodo's female official Dazang Qing Bureau, and it is said that he wore women's clothes all the way, but he was never noticed, which shows his handsome appearance. Maybe it's because of this that Xiuzong seems to be very unhappy with the reunion, so every time the two meet, something will happen. Maybe these two people are the so-called "eight-character feud".

"What's wrong? You know, but I'm going to use Hideyori-sama as a shield? ”

"How many times have you said you've won? I still remember that last month, someone was so angry that he almost smashed the corridor because he didn't win, and was finally scolded by his wife. ”

"You! I—I'm telling you, next time I'll be in your room full of toads, so just wait for me! ”

"You're still too tender, Date Hidemune. If you dare to do so, add the toads you gave you to your lunch the next day. ”

"But, hateful ......"

Xiuzong and Chongcheng continued to quarrel one by one, with big eyes and small eyes. Xiuguang on the side could only smile helplessly.

"Is the relationship between these two people too bad, or is it actually too good to be good? They seem to be at odds, but they unexpectedly fit well somehow......"

Chongcheng is usually evaluated by Xiuguang as "mouthless Zhengtai", which means that Chongcheng is more silent and steady. But he seems to have more words as soon as he touches Xiuzong.

Xiuguang sat down in the hallway, intending to continue to enjoy the verbal battle between Xiu and Shigesei.

At that moment, the sliding door of the study opened next to it.

"Chongcheng, Xiuzong, don't quarrel anymore, it's not good to quarrel. And Xiuguang, you have to persuade them well. ”

The person who came out of the study was none other than the head of the Toyotomi family, Hidemitsu's brother Hideyori.

"Good morning, elder brother."

"Oh, oh, it's Hideyori-sama! Xiuzong is here to greet you! ”

"I'm so sorry, Lady Hideyori, that the inferior people have disturbed your studies. Look at Date Hidemune, because your stupidity has disturbed Hideyori-sama's studies! ”

"What?! You're here to find fault again?! ”

Seeing that the two of them were about to quarrel again.

"Okay, okay, don't make any noise. Let's sit down for a while. ”

Xiulai stopped the two in time and let Xiuguang into the study with them.

There are a lot of books piled up in Xiuyori's study, but the whole room looks surprisingly clean and tidy. Next to the desk used for studying is a thick pile of paper for practicing calligraphy, and on the table is a piece of calligraphy with undried ink. It seems that Xiu Lai should be practicing calligraphy just now.

Xiuguang approached the table, carefully studied Xiulai's calligraphy for a while, and couldn't help but sigh in his heart that this writing was really good. Hideyori's current level is far beyond what can be written at the age of eleven, and has reached a level that many retainers cannot reach.

"My brother's handwriting is so beautiful."

"Xiuguang, you overestimate me. Also, I just practice hard because I like the atmosphere of writing. ”

"But my brother is really good, both in calligraphy and in learning. There's no way I can do it. ”

"There's no such thing, Xiuguang. You'll definitely be able to do it in the future. At that time, our brothers will be able to work together to make the Toyotomi family more prosperous and powerful. Now that our family is short of talents, it will be much easier if you have Xiuguang to support me. ”

"Talent is scarce? Sure enough, it is more difficult to turn around after the death of many old ministers. ”

"yes. Many of the mechanics that my father had set up were almost dead in name. Only Asano Nagamasa and Masuda Nagamori are still alive, and only Horio Yoshiharu is still alive. As for the five elders, hey, ....... In short, I am studying hard now so that one day I can make the Toyotomi family prosperous again. I will be a wise monarch who will save the people from war and famine. ”

Historically, Shōlai was not a dull, cowering monarch as many believe. Many people refer to him as the Japanese version of "Adou who can't be helped" and consider him a useless person.

However, after the only recorded meeting between Hideyori and Ieyasu's Nijo Castle, Ieyasu confided in his confidants that he thought Hideyori was a very wise man and would never be subservient to others. Even Ieyasu, who has read countless people, said so, so it can be seen that Hideyori is actually not a faint king.

The biggest shortcomings in Xiulai's life are estimated to be only two. One is that he has never stepped out of the Osaka Castle Castle Tower, and he knows very little about the outside world. The second is to listen too much to the words of his mother, Mrs. Yodo. If these two weaknesses could be overcome, the outcome of the Toyotomi family in history may be very different.

While the two brothers Xiuguang and Xiulai were talking, the restless Xiuzong quarreled with Chongcheng again.

"What?! Last year, you reported the time I went to the castle town to play in the castle town?!! ”

"Hmph, the most unaccustomed thing in the next place is that you are a person who thinks about being lazy every day without doing your job."

"Didn't you go to the town to buy something?! What do I say all I do?!! ”

"I got Madame's permission. And every time I go to buy a handy weapon. Date Hidemune, since you like to go to the town so much, then don't disturb Hideyori-sama's studies here now, and go out and play now. ”

"Hmph, that's exactly what I want! Your Highness! Let's go to Joshita-cho! Today is the gathering day of the Foot Merchant, so let's see if there are any good equipment! Stop playing with this sissy who is re-sized! ”

Listening to Xiuzong's words, Xiuguang nodded approvingly.

"It's not bad, it's idle right now, anyway. By the way, where did you know that there was a gathering of merchants today......

"Hehe~ I knew it a few days ago! Let's go, Your Highness! ”

Xiuzong was about to pick up Xiuguang and leave, but Chongcheng on the side couldn't sit still after hearing that there were weapons for sale.

"Wait, you just said you had a Equipment......"

"Oh yes~ Lord Chongcheng, didn't you just want to drive me away? Why do you want to come with us again~"

Cheeky and flirtatious Xiuzong.

"It's just to find out if you have the right equipment, and don't put your disgusting face in front of you."

With an expressionless face, he refuted Xiuzong's recompletion.

"Ah, not now. There's still a guard for Lord Hideyori below.,Can't get out.。 ”

Suddenly remembering his duty, he stopped his movements with a little disappointment. And Xiu Lai smiled and patted him on the shoulder:

"It's okay, you can go if you want, don't worry about me."

"But under ......"

"Go ahead, I'll just continue studying alone."

Xiu Lai showed a lonely expression, but still waved his hand to Xiuguang and the others, so that they didn't have to worry about themselves.

Historically, Hideyori has never left the castle tower of Osaka Castle for almost his entire life, and has been a "hidden commander-in-chief" all his life. And because of the discipline of his mother, Mrs. Yodo, very few people have seen him, and few people have seen him until the Battle of Osaka, when Hideyori committed suicide. This is actually a very painful thing for Xiulai.

Eleven years old is supposed to be an energetic age to communicate with others and see new things. But now it is estimated that the only people who can talk to Hideyori every day are the small surname Shigenari, the close minister Osamu Ohno, the old man and teacher of the pen family Katagiri and Moto, and his mother, Mrs. Yodo. Even Xiuguang may not be able to see him every day. This shows the depth of the loneliness of Xiu Lai, who is alone in studying every day.

"How about my brother and my brother go with us? It's too lonely to be alone. ”

Xiuguang sensed Xiulai's mood, so he boldly said his thoughts.

Hidemitsu felt that this was a good opportunity for Hideyori to go out and see the outside world. And this can also allow Xiu Lai to have a little bit of his own opinions, and not to listen too much to his mother's words. As mentioned earlier, Hideyori's biggest flaw is that he doesn't understand the outside world and is too obedient to his mother. If you can say that Dong Xiu Lai hangs out with everyone, maybe he can slowly overcome these two shortcomings. This trick really kills two birds with one stone.

"Me? No, my mother doesn't allow me to go out at will. If I find out, I will definitely be scolded by my mother. ”

Although he was very tempted by Hidemitsu's proposal, Hideyori was still more afraid of his mother.

"It's okay, brother. Don't you want to see the specialties that have been shipped from all over the country? ”

"Yes, Hideyori-sama, the outside world is much more interesting than the inside of the castle tower! And isn't there a saying that a wise monarch must be more sensitive to the people's feelings? So you can simply take this play as a private visit to the microserver to observe the people's feelings! ”

"Hmm. Although I don't want to agree with it, Date Hidemune is right. And if you have an adult with you, it won't be considered out of your post. ”

When Xiuguang continued to persuade him, Xiuzong and Chongcheng actually disagreed with each other once, and they did not hesitate to send an assist.

"Sure enough, forget it...... I thought about going, but my mother ......."

Fortunately, Xiu Lai is only eleven years old, and he has not fundamentally formed the consciousness that "his mother's words must not be disobeyed", so he can't hide his vacillation after only a few words of persuasion.

"Lady Xiulai, as for Madame, in fact, adults don't have to worry."

Chongcheng seemed to suddenly remember something, and suddenly relaxed.

"Why? Isn't your mother here? ”

"Yes. I learned from the retainers this morning that my wife was going to hold an important meeting with the elders of the family today. It is estimated that it will not be over until the evening. Therefore, as long as the adults return to the city before dusk, they will never be noticed. ”

"Okay, I'll go with you, so don't look at me with that pitiful look anymore."

Xiulai looked at his younger brother Xiuguang's expectant eyes, and smiled helplessly, but he smiled happily.

"So, how can I get out?"

Finding a way to leave Osaka Castle without being discovered by the retainers and maids was the first problem for this group of sneaking away.