At this time, the person who came to secretly visit Usuki Jiansu and Ryuzoji Takanobu came as an envoy of the Miyoshi family, Gui Yuancheng, a retainer of the Maori family.

The last time he was in Minami Kyushu Osumi Province, he tried to persuade the Liver Fu family to unite against the Luo family, but he failed, and was chased and killed by the Luo family's intelligence cabinet personnel, but fortunately he found it in time and asked the Liver Fu family to send someone to escort him to the port, so that he could leave by boat.

It's just that he was really unlucky, and the ship he was on was robbed by a gang of pirates in the Osumi Strait. And when he was snatched by those pirates, he happened to hear that several of the pirates actually spoke in Ming Chinese. It turned out that these pirates under Wang Zhi's command took advantage of the chaos caused by the invasion of the Luo family in Southern Kyushu, and came out to pretend to be local pirates to fight the autumn wind.

It just so happened that Gui Yuancheng knew a little Ming Chinese, so he instantly knew the identity of these people, and he was immediately happy for this. Because when he went to the Shimazu family in Satsuma Country before, he had hoped to meet Wang Zhi in person with the help of the Shimazu family, but Wang Zhi was missing at that time because he sent his subordinates to participate in the conflict between the Shimazu family and the Luo family (he didn't want to be found by the envoy of the Luo family), so Gui Yuancheng had to give up.

Now that he had found the opportunity to see Wang Zhi again, Gui Yuancheng was naturally very happy, so he immediately spent a lot of words, and finally even directly stated that there would be a large amount of gold to trade with the leaders of these pirates, which made these Ming pirates who robbed him escort him to meet Wang Zhi.

In fact, at the beginning, Mori Moto went all out to annex the Ouchi family's territory, and even planned the Battle of Itsukushima. One of the purposes. It is also to control the Seto Inland Sea near Itsukushima. Then they obtained the opportunity of foreign trade, and the objects of their trade naturally included Ming merchants such as Wang Zhi, and even Maori Yuan hoped to deepen the relationship between the two sides through guò and Wang Zhi, and finally use his power to help the Maori family.

It's a pity that due to the sudden appearance of the Luo family and picking the peaches of the Maori family, Maori Yuan's plan ended in failure, but Maori Yuan did not give up, and instead contacted the Miyoshi family. Attempts were made to trade on routes such as the Kii Waterway and Sakai Town, which were under the control of the Miyoshi family. Although trading on this route is not only a long way, but also dangerous (easy to be robbed by pirates), it is still feasible with the help of the Miyoshi family.

As for how to make the Miyoshi family lend a hand, one is because the two families have a common enemy, that is, the Luo family, and as long as they are under the traction of the Maori family and help the Miyoshi family get enough benefits from Wang Zhi and other Ming merchants, then the Miyoshi family will naturally take action. What's more, the Hosokawa family, the predecessor of the Miyoshi family, originally maintained trade with Ming merchants and even the Ming court. As a result, the Hosokawa family was annexed by the Miyoshi family, and these trades came to an end. Now that the Maori family has helped to re-operate these trades, the Miyoshi family will naturally be happy to accept it.

And this time, Gui Yuancheng drew a big pie for the pirates who robbed him (informing them that they had a lot of gold trading), and he was really received by Wang Zhi, and established a trade relationship with Wang Zhi, Wang Zhi's side mainly needed gold, silver and local materials of the Warring States, while the Maori side mainly needed iron cannons, gunpowder and other materials.

Of course, regarding the trade relationship with the Maori family, when the trade relationship with the Luo family was re-established later, Wang Zhi did not explain it to the Luo family. The reason for this, on the one hand, is that after all, this involves huge interests, and Wang Zhi is naturally unwilling to give up, not to mention that in the trade agreement with the Luo family, it is only required that Wang Zhi's forces cannot directly participate in the conflict between the local forces of the Warring States and the hostile forces of the Luo family (of course, the forces of the Luo family cannot participate in the conflict of hostile forces with Wang Zhi's forces at sea), Wang Zhi was not required to trade with other local forces (just like the Luo family was trading with some local Ming smugglers along the coast of the Ming Kingdom at this time), so he was naturally able to trade with the Maori family.

On the other hand, although the agreement does not explicitly prohibit him from trading with the Maori family and other forces that have a bad relationship with the Luo family, once the Luo family learns about it, it will naturally cause the dissatisfaction of the Luo family.

And after Gui Yuancheng and Wang Zhi established a good trade relationship between the Maori family and each other, he also went to the territory of the Miyoshi family in Shikoku under the escort of the ship arranged by Wang Zhi, and met with the Maori family envoy Kouyu Tongliang who was stationed in the Miyoshi family, and after learning of each other's progress, Gui Yuancheng sent someone back to Aki Province to report his situation to Maori Yuan, on the one hand, he was friendly with the Miyoshi family with the help of the relationship between Kuchiyu Tongliang, and even after learning that the Miyoshi family was interested in the Iyu Province and Tosa Province to the west of Shikoku, On the grounds that he had traveled to these two places and was familiar with the local conditions, he persuaded the Miyoshi family to send him and another Miyoshi family retainer to secretly go to the Iyu Province and Tosa Province area.

Some time ago, the secret communication between the Miyoshi family and the Kono family was played a great role in it, and when he entered the Tosa region, he was recently using the power of the Maori family and the Miyoshi family to investigate the internal situation in Tosa country, and accidentally discovered that Takanbu Ryuzoji and the governor of the Nagasume family seemed to have a discordant relationship, so he thought he had found a breakthrough in the Tosa region, so he came to the door today.

Regarding the relationship between Longzao Temple Longxin and Usui Jiansu, as well as their details, Gui Yuancheng has not completely figured it out at this time, so it can only be said that this time Gui Yuancheng has just met the best opportunity.

And at the time when Katsura was secretly meeting with Usuki Kansu and Ryuzoji Takanobu, in the distant province of Tokaido, Imagawa Yoshimoto was also having an interview with Matsudaira Motoyasu (that is, the future Tokugawa Ieyasu).

At this time, it was the late March of the third year of Eiroku (1560), and although it was still the spring season, the weather was already a little hot and humid, and Imagawa Yoshimoto hated sweating the most. So he ordered the boy to fan himself. While listening to Matsudaira Motoyasu with burning eyes.

At this time, Matsudaira Motoyasu had already given birth to Chiyo Take, who could inherit the foundation of the Matsudaira family. And Imagawa Yoshimoto has decided to let Matsudaira Motoyasu participate in the battle when he went to Luo this time. This is for Matsudaira Motoyasu. It was indeed the first battle in his life. The location of the first battle was finally decided to be held outside the Mikawa Kuni Temple Castle.

Imagawa Yoshimoto was quite satisfied with his arrangement. He wanted to see how capable Matsudaira Motoyasu was as a pioneer general. In other words, this expedition was a rehearsal before the decisive battle in Beijing.

"In your opinion, who can hold the position of grain and grass?" After listening to Matsudaira Motoyasu's arrangements for the formation, Imagawa Yoshimoto asked quietly.

"Oda Nobunaga has already launched a resistance offensive at this time, and even if the family has been prepared for a long time, it is very likely that the Otaka Castle on the front line of the family will be surrounded by it after the battle. Therefore, the city must be in urgent need of food, grass and reinforcements. But the support of food and grass seems to be more important. As long as there is food, Dagaocheng will not fall lightly. Matsudaira Motoyasu seemed to understand Imagawa Yoshimoto's thoughts, "Therefore, I have decided to appoint Sakai Masarosuke as the director of the grain and grass." ”

Indeed, Yale helped the old man to be cautious, and appointed him as the grain and grass director, which can be assured. So, what about War Horses? ”

"Hikohiko Torii Emon Mototada, Ishikawa Yoshiro Sumasa, Hiraiwa Nanosuke Kinyoshi."

"It's all young, it's a bit reassuring......"

Imagawa Yoshimoto felt that Matsudaira Motoyasu had a scheming that was not commensurate with his age, and seemed to be trying to avoid sending his old ministers to the front line.

"Okubo Shinhachiro Tadashi and Torii Iga Moritakachi are also there. What arrangements did these retainers make? ”

"They will lead mobile troops."

"Oh. So who will command the main forces? ”

"Under the personal command. The forward and right wings were commanded by Hikogoro Iesei, the son of Ishikawa Yasaki, and the rear and left wings were commanded by Sakai Saemon Tadashi. ”

"How old is Ishikawa Iesei?"

"Twenty-six."

"What is Shinrokuro Uemura responsible for?"

"Follow Matsudaira Motoyasu around."

"Is it a military advisor?" Imagawa Yoshimoto thought for a moment and then said. "You can call Sakai Shogun. He can act as a deterrent among his retainers. Speaking of this, Imagawa Yoshimoto pinched his fingers and calculated: "The Okubo family, Honda Hirotaka, the Kamihara family, and Ishikawa Kiyokane...... Also, the torii gate must come in handy. Your arrangement is more or less in line with mine. Get ready to go! ”

Matsudaira Motoyasu sat quietly, head bowed. Imagawa Yoshimoto undoubtedly wants the Okazaki people to deal with the Oda army, if the Okazaki people don't have the strength to act as a vanguard, then they can only fight to the death. Will it be crushed, or will it be victorious? Matsudaira Motoyasu's heart is no longer wavering, and he has been able to face the challenges of fate resolutely.

He slowly walked out of the gate, and Yasumasa Kamihara, who had been waiting here for a long time, hurriedly ran forward and bowed down.

"What's wrong?" He has always liked this Kamihara Yasumasa and trusts each other very much. The historical Kamihara Yasumasa was only summoned by Matsudaira Motoyasu after Matsudaira Motoyasu regained his independence in Okazaki Castle, and in this life, due to the appearance of the little butterfly Masaara, the historical trajectory of the guide zhì has undergone some changes.

"My mother wrote letters from her homeland."

"What did you say?"

"She said that I was thirteen years old, and I was old enough, and asked the lord to allow me to go on the expedition and let me lead the horse for the lord."

Matsudaira Motoyasu didn't answer, and walked straight out. Yesterday it was a cloudless and clear sky, but today it is cloudy, and black clouds cover the summit of Mt. Fuji.

Matsudaira Motoyasu walked silently, followed by Yasumasa Kamihara, and said, "My lord, I think you also understand. If you don't let me go, I won't be ashamed to go to my mother. ”

“……”

"My lord will probably say that I am still young. My mother wrote a letter to me and asked me to quietly escape from Junfu when the time came. Even if the lord does not allow it, I will follow the lord. ”

Matsudaira Motoyasu still didn't answer. Yasumasa Kamihara's mother has a stubborn personality and is very likely to say such things. But the life and death of this expedition are unpredictable, and those retainers who were named by Imagawa Yoshimoto are left aside for the time being, these teenagers, Matsudaira Motoyasu wants them to stay - after all, Matsudaira Motoyasu also gave birth to Takechiyo and Aki, and understands the mood of being a parent.

Not only that, but the wife of the pioneer general Sakai Tadaji is Matsudaira Motoyasu's aunt, born to his grandfather Kiyoyasu and grandmother Huayoin, and is now also left as a hostage in Sunfu Castle. No matter which way you consider it, this battle can be said to be a life-and-death duel, and behind Matsudaira Motoyasu are the two sharp blades of righteousness and hostage.

When I went out of the gate, I saw the green leaves swaying beside the trench. Yasumasa Kamihara said again: "Mother also wrote in the letter. The lord may have a mortal heart for this battle. She told me that if the lord excused me and said that I would go to war next time, let me tell you that there is no next time for the samurai. Take me, my lord, I won't be a burden to you. ”

Matsudaira Motoyasu couldn't bear it anymore and reprimanded: "Talky! ”

"How can I talk so much!" Yasumasa Kamihara replied, "I don't like the generals who are outspoken by the retainers. Not a good general. ”

"What! What are you talking about? ”

"Nothing. The lord didn't understand Kamihara Yasumasa's thoughts! ”

"Bastard! Are you teaching me a lesson? ”

"If you don't want to be taught...... Then promise to take me. Yasumasa Kamihara understands the mind of the lord. ”

"What do you understand?"

"The Lord will never return to Junfu again."

"What?" Matsudaira Motoyasu looked back at Yasumasa Kamihara in surprise. Yasumasa Kamihara's eyes showed that he was telling the truth, and Matsudaira Motoyasu couldn't help but be vigilant. Matsudaira Motoyasu concealed the wolf's color and sighed, "You lead the horse for me, can you keep up with everyone?" ”

"If you can't keep up, grab the enemy's horse and ride it."

"Yasumasa Kamihara, you grew up next to your stubborn mother, and you inevitably have a rough personality. But my Matsudaira Motoyasu army is strictly disciplined, and you have to abide by it. ”

Yasumasa Kamihara knew that he had been allowed to go on the expedition, and shook his head mischievously. "War is flexible and needs to be moved according to the situation. Military discipline is like a kappa farting. There are a lot of flexibility. In the unlikely event that the lord is in danger, Yasumasa Kamihara will die for you. He seemed to be ready to die for the Lord, and his expression was firm.

"War inevitably comes with death, you have to think about it."

"I don't have to think about it." Yasumasa Kamihara shook his head absently, "Mother said that in her womb, I should think about life and death clearly." Therefore, there is only a difference between victory and defeat in a war. ”

Matsudaira Motoyasu looked at Yasumasa Kamihara in surprise and was speechless. Life and death are already considered in the mother's womb. Mrs. Kamihara let her son think like that. How justified is that there is only victory and defeat in war! Since war is inevitable, the side that rigorously explores the path to victory will win, and the side that does not explore will lose.

"You promised to take me, my lord?" Yasumasa Kamihara solemnly confirmed.

Matsudaira Motoyasu replied, "Yes." After saying that, he began to think about the tactics again.

In this battle, Oda Nobunaga probably will not go into battle in person. If the former Yoshibo shows up, then before this battle is fought, Matsudaira Motoyasu's heart will be enveloped in nostalgic uneasiness. It is necessary to completely forget the meaning of the past and turn it into a sharp weapon.

The striker was four or five miles in front of the line carrying the grain and grass, and the guard was also four or five miles behind. The left and right flanks were separated by half a mile and were protected by bows and arrows and iron cannons, while the mobile troops of the old ministers were to be placed in positions where they could wait for an opportunity......

In fact, the biggest headache for Matsudaira Motoyasu was the iron cannon. In the Tokaido area, Oda Nobunaga has the largest number of iron cannons. According to Okazaki's information, Oda Nobunaga allowed the merchants of the feudal clans to freely enter and leave the Nakono, Kiyosu, and Atsuta regions to do business, and used the collected land money to build a large number of iron cannons. He also had a master shooter named Hashimoto teach the good Ashigaru samurai. It's a different story when it's time for a scuffle, but if you use this new weapon to intimidate your opponent, you're bound to make the opponent a mess.

"How many cannons did Old Man Torii have?" Matsudaira Motoyasu was a little worried.

As I entered the residence of the Major General's Palace, it began to rain in the sky. Because the date of departure was not long ago, the retainers in Sunfu did not say anything, and the liaison personnel of Okazaki Shogun also came in twos and threes, constantly entering and leaving this cramped residence, and even Senahime's maiden home and the residence of the Sekiguchi Criminal Department were also a busy scene. It's not long since Imagawa Yoshimoto Kamiraku, and everyone is nervously preparing.

"The lord has returned home." Torii Mototada, who was there, was dressed in light armor and shouted loudly. A small path suddenly opened in front of the crowded gate.

"My lord." Sakai Masaraku saluted.

"Hmm." Matsudaira Motoyasu nodded as he carefully looked at the women kneeling on the steps. One is an aunt who lives in Sunfu. The other, isn't it Yasumasa Kamihara-Lady Kamihara?

"Madam, Yasumasa Kamihara said that you wrote a letter, what's the matter, do you want to come here in person?"

Mrs. Kamihara raised her resolute face and looked at Matsudaira Motoyasu. In her eyes, Matsudaira Motoyasu is not only her lord, but also the support of her soul, and the light in her heart.

"It's been a long time. It's such an important thing to be on the verge of going on an expedition. How could I not come? The letter was brought by someone. I myself followed. Matsudaira Motoyasu eyes. Her energetic face was unusually beautiful and healthy.

"Really? You're not a woman anymore. If you don't stay in the inner room, you can even mingle with the men......" Matsudaira Motoyasu laughed as he stood up, and the woman quickly followed Matsudaira Motoyasu into the bedroom.

"Yasumasa Kamihara, are you ready for the first expedition?"

Yasumasa Kamihara smiled slightly and took the sword from Matsudaira Motoyasu. Place on the knife holder.

"What are you doing here?" After Matsudaira Motoyasu slowly sat down, Mrs. Kamihara smiled happily, "Yes." I would like to hold a ceremony for Yasumasa Kamihara before he sets out for the campaign. Stand out from the crowd. Her face suddenly became stern, as if there was something confidential about it.

Matsudaira Motoyasu nodded, "You guys should stay away for the time being." He waved his hand and retreated.

"How popular are the Matsudaira family?"

"Everyone was in high spirits. Also, I went to the Yamanaka Okubo family to mobilize. ”

"So, what are you going to say?"

"First of all, Torii Iga ......"

"Oh. Old man of torii? ”

"He said that the matter of the iron cannon is foolproof, please rest assured."

"Oh. Thank you so much. ”

"Then, ...... over there," she said, looking around. Maeda Toshiya killed Oda Nobunaga's boy Aichi Juami because of his personal anger, and wandered to Mikawa. ”

"Maeda Inu Chiyo?"

"Yes." Mrs. Kamihara nodded meaningfully. "He said that Oda Nobunaga-kun hoped to see Takechiyo again when Sunfu-sama entered Kyoto. ”

Matsudaira Motoyasu blinked in mixed feelings, "Again...... ...... again"

"Yes, then ......"

"What else?"

"The biological mother of the lord at the Agui Castle Kumatsu Sado Guard......"

"What did Mother say?"

"She said she wanted to see you when you came to Beijing."

"When I entered Beijing...... In other words, I can't see ...... this time" Matsudaira Motoyasu couldn't help but sigh. Mrs. Kamihara smiled meaningfully and nodded.

The information revealed by Mrs. Kamihara is of extraordinary significance to Matsudaira Motoyasu. Chiyo Maeda went into exile in Mikawa Province. Oda Nobunaga expressed his desire to meet with Matsudaira Motoyasu during the decisive battle in Beijing. Even if he was able to enter the Great High City as he wished, send the grain and grass to the city, and rescue the Ucan Palace, he should not be in a hurry to meet his mother, who seemed to be expressing this meaning to him.

"What does Madame think of Mother's words?"

Mrs. Kamihara was still smiling, "I think that's what adults understand." ”

"If it's not right to meet right now...... I can understand that, but then there are two ways to interpret it. Matsudaira Motoyasu also tilted his head and smiled.

"Don't be confused. Don't go to her until you win. ”

"...... Before Winning"

"Yes. Can only win! Mrs. Kamihara's tone was very stern.

Matsudaira Motoyasu smiled.

But soon, Matsudaira Motoyasu resumed his usual strictness, silently listening to the sound of dripping water from the eaves. It can be expected that judging from the preparations of the Imagawa family at this time, it will be at least one or two months before Imagawa Yoshimoto can officially set off for Shangluo, and it was summer at that time, so you can imagine the scene of the army stepping on the paddy fields to Owari at that time.

And even if they had been prepared for a long time, with the strength of the Oda family and the geographical location of the Odaka Castle, they were still very easily surrounded by the Oda family's military strength, and if the Udana Nagasho, who lived in the Odaka Castle, was defeated and retreated because of the lack of food and grass, then the front line that the Imagawa family had built with great difficulty would be dealt a huge blow.

"See you again when you enter Beijing......" Matsudaira Motoyasu pondered Oda Nobunaga's words, Oda Nobunaga's words seemed to be understood, which was due to his personality of liking to surprise everything.

After pondering in the room, Matsudaira Motoyasu walked out of the room. Yasumasa Kamihara hurriedly followed behind Matsudaira Motoyasu with a knife. Because of the rain, people were in a hurry to move their horses and weapons into makeshift huts, and it was a busy outside. Matsudaira Motoyasu walked to the door of the inner room, and Yasumasa Kamihara shouted, "The lord has arrived!" ”

Madame Sena Hime ran out in response, followed by a nurse who was holding the baby in her arms. "You're back." Senahime's face was full of charm, and she took over Matsudaira Motoyasu's sword from the hands of Kamihara Yasumasa.

Senahime began to get close to Matsudaira Motoyasu when Chiyo Kotake was not yet a full moon. Generally speaking, most men marry the side chamber because the main chamber has just given birth. In order to avoid this from happening, Sena Hime deliberately dressed brightly and wore heavy makeup. Now that she has finished her confinement, the stretch marks have disappeared and her skin has become smooth and beautiful again.

"Takechiyo, your father is back." Entering the bedroom, Sena Hime pushed the baby in front of her husband.

Matsudaira Motoyasu looked at that face and muttered. He didn't have a strong love for his son in his heart, but he just felt a little unbelievable that this child was actually a part of his life.

"My lord......" After sending Takechiyo away, Sena Hime said in a charming voice, "I heard that you will be returning to Mikawa soon?" ”

Matsudaira Motoyasu didn't answer her question, "Take good care of Agui and Chiyo Take." You also have to be careful of colds. ”

"Your Excellency...... I'm worried. Senahime put her hands on Matsudaira Motoyasu's legs, and her body was soft in his arms.

"Are you afraid that something will happen to me?"

"Nope." Senahime shook her head, "With the support of Imagawa-sama, the adults will definitely be able to win." ”

"So...... What are you worried about? ”

"I know the nature of adults very well."

"My temperament?"

"My lord," Sena Hime, snuggling up to Matsudaira Motoyasu and holding his chin in both hands, "you can't be without a woman. ”

Matsudaira Motoyasu couldn't help frowning, but he didn't remove Senahime's hand. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"No, that's important to us. Even if you can endure it for two or three days, you can't survive for five days. I'm worried that adults will get close to other women in my absence......"

Matsudaira Motoyasu was reluctant to answer, and only listened silently to the voices outside. He was angry and pitiful for the woman in front of him, full of worry and jealousy.

"Your Excellency...... You have to promise me that you will never look at any other woman, ah, my lord......"

Matsudaira Motoyasu replied impatiently, "Got it! He turned his head to the side, wondering if he had the strength to think about what Sena had said. Life, death? Abandoned, or abandoned?

As he pondered these questions, a chill hit his heart. Senahime's words did not hide her emotional confession, she was probably afraid that she would empathize with Matsudaira Motoyasu when he left, so she took the initiative to ask for an oath with Matsudaira Motoyasu.

"I see. I promise you. Matsudaira Motoyasu suppressed the emotions in his heart, patted Senahime's shoulder, and said softly.

Senahime lies in Matsudaira Motoyasu's arms and looks at her husband quietly. The look in her eyes showed that she did not want to understand the war that was going on in this world at all, and indeed did not understand this qiē. If it is a peaceful and prosperous world, men will probably be like Senahime, immersed in trance fantasies every day. But outside this bedroom, the clouds of war have already hung up, and people do not hesitate to kill each other in order to survive......

(Well, at least 10,000 words have been updated every day for 20 consecutive days, and this book has been more than 3 million words, a new milestone, celebrate.) (To be continued......)