This person is Hideyoshi's current staff officer, Kuroda Ei Takataka. The disability of his left foot was the result of the failure to persuade Araki Murashige to surrender the year before last and he was imprisoned in a dark prison for nearly a year. But even after being treated like that, he never gave in to Araki Village, and was not rescued until Arioka Castle fell. After being rescued, because of this loyalty, he successfully gained Hideyoshi's great trust, and then gradually became reused in his family.

Of course, being able to become Hideyoshi's main staff officer naturally depends on his own outstanding strategy. In real history, Hideyoshi made peace with Mori and returned to Kinai to crusade against Mitsuhide, which was based on the advice of Takataka Kuroda. That's why I'm so sure that the previous instigation of Hideyoshi to compete for dominance and spread rumors to obstruct the family had nothing to do with him. And this time Hideyoshi and our side are united, and he will definitely participate in the negotiations between the two companies.

And that's exactly what happened. Later, when Hideyoshi and I met at the top of the castle tower of Suhonjo Castle, he was by Hideyoshi's side, just like Hidenaga Hara. And I took this opportunity to take a good look at him. His appearance should be said not to be outstanding, but his eyes are very bright, very sharp, and even a little aggressive.

The strategy is good, but it's a pity that the edge is too obvious, and it seems that it is unwilling to be lonely...... I secretly commented in my heart, and then nodded to Hideyoshi Yura: "I'm really sorry to let you come all the way to me." However, I'm a person who retired due to illness, so you should be able to understand Hideyoshi, right? ”

"Of course. With our relationship, how can we mind such a trivial matter? Hideyoshi laughed, his tone was very hearty, "Besides, it's not so easy to see you now!" ”

"It's a retired person after all, and of course it can't be the same as before. This time it's a family affair that was set up before, and I can't help but not show up, but if there is anything in the future, please tell Xinjing directly," I pointed to Xinjing beside me, "Of course, he is young and knowledgeable, and I also ask you to help me more and do my duty as a senior." ”

"His Royal Highness Yuliang, please correct and take care of me." Xinjing owes a debt of interest.

"It's easy to say, haha!" Hideyoshi laughed again, "With my friendship with your father, I really don't need to be so polite. ”

"By the way, why didn't Jingxiu come?" I asked curiously, "This is something about him after all!" ”

"I asked him to come, but he refused," Hideyoshi replied, "and he didn't say why." ”

"Your Royal Highness, the young master heard that there is a dojo of the Shin-Yin Ryu Yanagi family in Yangikan, so he decided to go with Fukushima and Kato to ask for advice...... I guess I'm already on my way by now. Takataka Kuroda took the initiative to explain to me.

"I see," I nodded, "but they may be disappointed." Yanagi Yangyu, who presided over the dojo, and several outstanding disciples are currently in Iga Province to assist in the garrison of Ueno Castle. With the ability of the three of them, I'm afraid that no one in the dojo can be an opponent. ”

"I heard that the Yanagi family is the elder of Senjuhime's mother?" Hideyoshi frowned slightly, "Really, it's time to ask for swordsmanship, so why go now?" ”

"It doesn't matter," I smiled, "anyway, you're not here just for the marriage of the two children." ”

"Haha, since you have said it, then while you and Xinjing are here, I will also follow along!" Hideyoshi lowered his head, "I did have something else to ask you for this time, and I hope that we will take the two families as the main family and defeat Ashikaga Yoshishu and Akechi Mitsuhide together, so as to comfort the lord of the past life!" ”

"With the two of us as the main ones?" I shook my head, "I'm afraid not...... At present, there are many rumors in Jinai, all of which say that the family has colluded with the opposition party and wants to usurp the power of the main family, and even Hengxing has doubts about the family and refuses to join forces with the family...... In this case, it doesn't seem very appropriate for the family to make such a big fanfare. ”

"It's all rumors against the party, and they want to hinder the Kira family's rebellion. If you really have any scruples about this, you really fall for them! Hideyoshi said sternly, as if he had never let go of rumors. Then, perhaps thinking that this was too hypocritical, he hurriedly added: "Of course, no wonder the rumors are so serious, you and Ashikaga Yoshishu are too close; And when the lord encountered misfortune before, almost all the attendants around him died in battle, and only Xinjing came out alone, which is also very confusing...... But no matter what, I believe in you and Xinjing. What's more, now that you have taken the initiative to retire and withdraw from the center of your family, then even if there are any rumors, they have been completely clarified. ”

"It's rare for you to be so 'trusted', it's really touching!" I snorted slightly, "Then Xinjing and I won't be hypocritical." It is also the great wish of my father and son to avenge the Lord, and my family will do everything in our power to participate in the righteous deed with you. ”

"In that case, how about we act immediately?" Hideyoshi further said, "Now that Yoshishu has the support of the imperial court and has stolen the name of the great general, if we don't defeat him as soon as possible and let him gain a firm foothold, some of the external daimyo and wealthy families in Kinai may be deceived by their reputation, and thus join his command, making it more difficult for us to pacify the rebels...... In addition to this, I also have a personal idea that I hope to settle the matter completely before Shibata intervenes, and then take the control of the family into our hands. Otherwise, if Shibata takes the lead, he will definitely rely on his qualifications to make a fortune, and wantonly promote his own matches, Takigawa Kazuki, Sakuma Morimasa, Sasa Narumasa and others, bullying and suppressing you and me. I'm sure you don't want to see that kind of face, right? ”

"That's true, Shibata's faction has always been on par with us," I nodded, and said half-truthfully, "However, the opposition party's current power is quite considerable, and even if we go all out, I'm afraid it won't be so easy to pacify." ”

"I can't hide it, I already have a comprehensive plan for pacifying the anti-party," Hideyoshi leaned forward slightly, "I think that to defeat the anti-party, the pseudo-general Ashikaga Yoshishu is the key; And the key to defeating Ashikaga Yoshishu is to occupy the country of South Kawachi, which he has been running for a long time. As long as the country of South Hanoi is down, the newly occupied North Hanoi and Son City countries he has recently occupied will not be able to provide much help at all, and may even throw themselves at us. ”

Do you want to defeat Ashikaga Yoshishu first? I was lost in thought. His judgment was similar to mine, but not as thoughtful as I was. I also believe that Hatakeyama Yoshishu is the key to the rebellion, so I first attacked and occupied Kishiwada Castle, dividing his original territory into two sections. In addition, based on Tsuya's information, I also know that Hatakeyama Yoshishu's current military strength has far exceeded his actual level, and it is completely supported by a false fire. That false fire is the bribes and profits obtained from the exploration trade, and once he loses the income from the exploration trade that arrived in Hong Kong at the beginning of next year, and there is no other large income during the period, he will soon be overstretched, and he will definitely not be able to support the existing army of more than 20,000.

However, isn't Hideyoshi currently in a stalemate with Akechi? He can't even solve the wisdom around him, how can he attack Hatakeyama Yoshishu? Could it be that his plan is to rely on me, Niwa Nagahide, Ikeda Tsuneko, and others? But in that case, the greatest credit goes to a few of us, and what will he use to fight for dominance after the war?

I don't think he would have such a high-spirited style and be willing to make wedding dresses for others.

"I heard that you are still in a stalemate with the Wise Army on the border between Harima and Tanba?" I asked tentatively.

"A stalemate with wisdom is just a ploy for me to underestimate the enemy. My goal is actually the entire country of Hanoi," Hideyoshi replied. Sure that I had no intention of joining the Oda family and was willing to join forces with him, his attitude seemed very honest, and this was one of his charms: "Have you ever heard of the Wakae Three? Haven't you heard of Hatakeyama Masasho? ”

"The three of Ruojiang are powerful and wealthy families in North Hanoi, and they are also the old and important ministers of the previous Miyoshi Yoshitsugu and Sakuma Nobumori, right? Hatakeyama Masao, who seems to be the younger brother of Hatakeyama Takamasa and the second brother of His Royal Highness Hatakeyama Akidaka...... But hasn't he been missing for a long time? "I'm a little surprised in my heart, could it be that Hideyoshi has already won over the three of Wakae and found that Hatakeyama masao? If that's the case, I'm very capable.

"There's really nothing you don't know!" Hideyoshi slapped his knee with his right hand, "Yes, it's that Hatakeyama Masao." He had been living in seclusion in Koyasan before, and this time he heard that Ashikaga Yoshishu had returned to the Ashikaga family, so he took the initiative to go out to the mountain to find His Royal Highness Nagahide, hoping to restore the family business of the Hatakeyama family...... I believe that with his help in winning over the former retainers of the Hatakeyama family, and with the support of the three people in North Hanoi, it would be much easier to storm the Hanoi Congress. ”

"You say that a stalemate with Wise is just a ploy to underestimate the enemy...... What's going on here? I continued.

"Ah, this one...... Because the Hosokawa family of Tango has already sent messengers to me and His Royal Highness Nobutaka, saying that they will never be in the same league as the rebels. Moreover, he also sent his second son, Tongoro, to my army and offered to send troops to assist me, so I don't really have to worry about being wise now, just let His Royal Highness Nobutaka and Hosokawa be close to it, their Tango Kingdom is close to Tanba, and they will definitely go all out. If the strength is insufficient, I can also send Miyabe Jiren of Tajima to assist them in their efforts, while I join forces with Ikeda of Settsu and attack the Minami Hanoi Province of Ashikaga Yoshishu in one fell swoop. Hideyoshi explained to me in detail.

"It turns out that you have planned so carefully," I spread my hands, "With the strength of you and Hengxing, plus the help of Hatakeyama Masasho and Wakae, it won't be much difficult to capture the entire Hanoi country, right?" So what else do you want me to do? ”

"The capture of Hanoi Province is only the first step in the strategy, and then there are the three kingdoms of Yamashiro, Minami Omi, and Tanba," Hideyoshi said ambitiously, "To complete these strategies before Shibata intervenes, my strength and stamina will definitely be insufficient, so I must rely on your Kira family." In addition, Tsutsui Shunkei of Yamato, because of his close relationship with the wise family, has not yet accepted my strategy, I hope to ask you to come forward and persuade the Tsutsui family to join us! ”

……，…… Since Hideyoshi already had such a detailed plan and made a lot of effective adjustments, I also agreed with this plan. In this way, Hideyoshi naturally occupies a dominant position in the strategy. I had anticipated this situation in advance, and I agreed with it.

Then, it is about the reward plan after quelling the anti-party. The merit was rewarded for the Minami Hanoi, Shimowazumi, and Kii provinces under the name of Yoshishu, the Tamba Province and Shiga Prefecture under the name of Mitsuhide, and the Kamiwazumi, Kita Hanoi, Yamashiro Province, and Minami Omi that they occupied. Among them, all the territories they occupied were originally under the direct control of Nobunaga himself, and now they are in their hands, and they will inevitably be marked as rebels and will be divided among the spoils of war after the war.

Hideyoshi, as the leader, naturally took the biggest share of the cake. Yoshishu's Minami Hanoi, Mitsuhide's Tanba Province, and Kyoto's Yamashiro Province were all assigned to Hideyoshi after the war, along with Harima, Inaba, and Tajima, which he currently controlled. I'm also getting a lot of gains, and the Shimowazumi Izumi I'm currently occupying, the Kii Province I'm currently conquering, and the Kamiwaizumi where Sakai Town is located, are all scheduled to become the territory of my Kira family. Ikeda Tsuneko did not suffer any loss, and the entire area of Osaka controlled by the original Ganji Temple was assigned to him, so that he could own the whole of Settsu. And since Niwa Nagahide was in control of the Minami Omi army, the subsequent Minami Omi was owned by him, but the 100,000 koku of Azuchi Castle and the surrounding area were still to be left to the future governor of the Oda family as a direct leader.

Hideyoshi and I also disposed of the two countries left by Nobutada, Owari and Mino, who have now returned to the Oda family, respectively. Nobutaka's current Tango half of the country was handed over to Hosokawa Fujitaka, who took the initiative to surrender, and Wakasa, who had been in the same management with Niwa Nagahide, was completely handed over to Niwa Nagahide; Nobuo's Minami Ise was also handed over in exchange for the Owari 30,000-stone territory currently controlled by Oda Nobubu.

In addition, Hideyoshi promised to transfer the Ikoma parents to the relatively wealthy North Hanoi, greatly increasing his direct collar, on the one hand, to reward him for his contribution to this battle, and on the other hand, to let the Ikoma parents participate in the central affairs led by Hideyoshi as the representative of the Kira family; Maeda Toshiya also made a meritorious contribution and gave Higo the title of guardian, while Sakyo Yoshiyuki and Shimazu Iehisa served as the guardian of South and North Kawachi respectively.

As for central affairs, I promised to give Hideyoshi my full support and have him preside over Nobunaga's funeral. In return, Hideyoshi did not interfere with my exploration trade, and I was in charge of the operation of the money seat. Of course, he can't interfere if he wants to, the survey fleet is in my hands, and the supply of raw materials for the money seat is also pinched by me, even if he forcibly intervenes, he will definitely be subject to me, it is better to hand it over generously, and just ask me to hand over a certain percentage of the profits to the Oda family every year - in fact, it is handed over to him Hideyoshi.

At this point, almost all of Nobunaga's and Nobutada's nearly 2 million stone direct collars were divided, and only Kita-Omi had not yet been decided, as a buffer between him and Shibata Katsuie. When the time comes, if he is really dissatisfied, he will give him this piece, which must be able to make him accept. After all, if we act fast enough to end the war before the beginning of spring next year, he will not have the opportunity to send troops at all, and thus will not have the right to speak in the post-war division.

As for the Tokugawa family, although he is also the commander of the front army, he has a different identity, and he is currently fighting with the Takeda family in Suruga, so he can't get out for a while. As a consolation, we returned to him 60,000 koku from Takahashi-gun, which had been occupied by the Sakuma family, and it was the end of the decades-long battle between Owari and Mikawa...... The negotiation process lasted two days. We are in charge of our side by me, Shinkei, and Shigeharu Takenaka, who was temporarily summoned from the Izumi army, and Harashi is Hideyoshi, his younger brother Hidenaga, and his staff officer Takataka Kuroda. Kuroda Takataka was apparently involved in Hideyoshi's overall plan, and at this time he was very active, such as the demand to hand over the profits of Kanai and Qianza, which came from his proposal, and insisted that we make concessions.

Of course, when it comes to practical interests, our side will not easily back down, and the result is often that the two sides have to compromise with each other. On the whole, however, everyone took what they needed, and everyone was happy.

After the negotiation was over, Shigeharu Takenaka couldn't help but sigh: "That Kuroda is really a difficult person. ”

"Yes, yes!" I echoed with a smile.

(To be continued)