The next morning, Matsuda Izakaya.

Waking up on the tatami mat (stacked), Cao Afu shook his drowsy head and looked around blankly.

Gradually, as his eyes focused, Cao Afu finally recalled what happened last night.

Last night, after saying goodbye to Grandpa Guo, he went to this not-so-serious izakaya alone during the day, ordered two geisha, drank a little wine, and then got drunk.

And then again. I can't remember.

The money in his money bag was not lost, he didn't have any valuables on his body, and he didn't seem to have the habit of talking in his sleep, and he wouldn't reveal any secrets of the Ming Mission, Cao Afu actually didn't know any secrets at all.

So, why do you feel a little uneasy?

When Cao Afu saw the morning sun erupting from the distant mountains in the early morning, he finally suddenly woke up and shivered.

Bad!

Grandpa Guo explained that he had to give the gift out in the dark before dawn!

Cao Afu got dressed and ran out in a hurry.

It's been a full hour since the scheduled gift was delivered!

And for the sake of secrecy, Grandpa Guo only told himself the order of gifts.

"It's really over this time!"

Cao Afu scolded in his heart, but he was helpless.

Although I don't want to admit it, this matter is really my own negligence, which will lead to delay, which has caused the current result - I'm afraid it's too late to even ride back!

Cao Afu was extremely depressed, so he could only speed up his pace and run out.

However, at this moment, there were suddenly a few coquettish calls from the girl's side.

"Eh~! Autumn bean sack~"

This familiar voice made Cao Afu pause.

He turned to follow the prestige, and was surprised to find the two geisha standing in front of the izakaya from last night.

"Why are you here?"

Cao Afu was stunned and asked blankly.

The geisha on the left didn't know what they were complaining about, while the one on the right was even more direct, waving his fist at Cao Afu angrily.

Cao Afu couldn't understand the words of the two geisha, so he simply ran out to find his horse.

As a result, when he ran to the tethered stake, he found that his horse had long since disappeared.

The market in Kyoto next to him got together and laughed at him with his hands together, although Cao Afu still didn't understand what it meant, but he also understood that he was not familiar with this dumb man who was destined to lose himself.

I also know with my toes that the value of this horse in Japan is probably enough to pack and buy these dozen lives in the market.

With such a huge benefit, it is strange that it is unguarded and not stolen.

It's just that Cao Afu is used to following Li Jinglong's big money, for a top wealthy family like Cao Guogongfu, not to mention a horse like this, even ten or a hundred horses are nothing.

Of course, if you come forward in the name of the Ming Mission to ask the Japanese shogunate to investigate, of course you can find out, but Cao Afu doesn't dare.

Because the most important thing is that Cao Afu must not let Grandpa Guo know about his drinking and misconduct.

Therefore, Cao Afu could only follow the direction in his memory and hurried towards his residence.

A quarter of an hour later, it was dawning.

Shops on the street are opening one after another.

Cao Afu, who was tired enough after walking for a long time, was just about to rest for a while in front of a shop, but saw a group of more than ten people driving not far away.

"Cao Ah Da!"

Cao Afu looked at the visitor in surprise.

As for why these sons of the Cao State Mansion (formerly known as the children born to the master's family, according to the law of the Ming Dynasty, the children of the house slaves have been slaves for generations) are all surnamed Cao and not surnamed Li, don't ask, the question was changed by Li Jinglong.

The general on the horse looked at the disheveled butler, but did not say anything unpleasant, but said with a smile: "You went to play alone last night?" But without his brothers, he is really not a son of man. ”

Cao Afu didn't care about teasing them, but hurriedly asked, "Have the things been delivered in order?" ”

"That's nature."

Cao Ada asked the family behind him to give Cao Afu a horse to ride, and the two walked side by side.

After listening to Cao Ada's description, the housekeeper Cao Afu was relieved.

It turned out that before dawn, the generals couldn't find the housekeeper, and Li Jinglong was sleeping soundly and couldn't be disturbed, so several generals waited patiently for a while.

It wasn't until dawn that several generals didn't dare to delay, and according to the address that Cao Afu had given them before, they sent them to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu of Xiangguoji Temple, Ashikaga Yoshinori of the Muromachi Shogun's Mansion, and the Hino clan of the Imperial Observatory.

"Didn't let the rest of the mission find out, did you?" Cao Afu suddenly remembered Li Jinglong's instructions again.

"No, absolutely not!" Cao Adaa assured, "Ah Er and Ah San and I all gathered at the small gate in the backyard and quietly went separately, it was not dawn at that time, and absolutely no one found out." ”

In this way, Cao Afu was completely relieved.

"Remember, don't tell Grandpa Guo about what I haven't arrived!"

Cao Adada patted the heart protector and said nonchalantly.

"Don't worry, brothers know such trivial things."

For these generals, they didn't know Li Jinglong's plans and thoughts, it was indeed just a trivial matter, just like yesterday to give a gift to the ancient sword Miaokuai mage in the tea room, just a trip.

Therefore, I didn't pay much attention to it.

In this way, the group turned back to the residence of the Ming Mission.

Kyoto Muromachi, the Imperial Palace of Flowers.

As the residence of the general of the Seiyi, it is naturally extremely beautiful.

Precious varieties in the garden, can be seen everywhere, the courtyard is deep and exquisite, and the small bridge and flowing water show the Chinese style, and you can see that it is designed with heart.

At the moment, in a corner of the back garden.

Sixteen-year-old shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori was kneeling alone in front of the desk.

Ashikaga Yoshinori was the son of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and since Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and Masamuro Hino Yasuko and his step-mura Hino Yasuko did not have a son, he made Ashikaga Yoshinori his heir and asked Hino Yasuko to adopt him as an adopted son.

Six years ago, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu gave up the position of Shogun to Ashikaga Yoshimori, who was only ten years old, well, by the way, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu also succeeded him as Shogun at the age of ten.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was transferred to the post of Taisei Minister and still held real power, and all the evaluations of the Muromachi shogunate were held in Kitayama Dai, where Ashikaga Yoshimitsu lived, and Yoshinori did not have the power to participate in government affairs.

In the same year that Ashikaga Yoshinori became a general, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's second son, Ashikaga Yoshitsugu, was born.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu who came to have a son is very fond of Yoshimitsu, and because of his preference, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and Ashikaga Yoshinori have a bad relationship.

Of course, even now that Ashikaga Yoshimitsu has stepped down as the minister of the Imperial Government and lived in seclusion in Xiangkokuji Temple, the actual ruler of Japan is still not Ashikaga Yoshinori, and Ashikaga Yoshinori can only endure silently, waiting for the day when his father will be boiled to death by himself.

"General Ming Guo, Cao Guogong Li Jinglong, sent me a gift?"

The young shogun pursed his lips and asked in some disbelief.

"Yes, Your Excellency General, General Mingguo's subordinates, I am instructed to hand it over to you personally."

"If you're tired, put it here."

A few boxes that looked quite heavy were placed on the ground in the back garden by Ashikaga Yoshitori's henchmen.

The back garden was empty, and Ashikaga Yoshinori pulled out the ribs around his waist, and the cold and shining sword easily cut the copper lock tied to the solid wood box.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi held his breath and, with some disbelief, continued to swing his sword.

The second chest was opened......

The third chest......

Finally, the last box was also opened.

When he saw the contents of several boxes placed side by side, Ashikaga Yoshinori gasped.

Having received an education in Sinology since childhood, he clearly recognized the contents of these boxes!

"It's all precious...... Antique...... Calligraphy? ”

For a moment, the entire corner of the back garden echoed with the exclamation of the young shogun.

Although it is just some calligraphy, paintings and antiques that are unknown to the Japanese fools, Ashikaga Yoshinori knows that these things are really valuable!

If these calligraphy and paintings are put up for auction, it will be enough to cause chaos in the Japanese cultural circles and cause a huge impact.

If these are genuine items, they will be auctioned slowly on a regular basis, and the wealth in exchange will be enough for him, the shogun, to form a samurai guard of hundreds of people!

For Ashikaga Yoshitori, who has been struggling to survive in the whirlpool of Japan's core politics, the significance of this gift is even more extraordinary!

It not only represents wealth, but also represents the importance that Ming attaches to him.

"Excuse me?"

Ashikaga Yoshimori's heart beat violently.

"The great general of the Ming Kingdom gave me such a priceless gift, is it a hint to me that the Ming Kingdom intends to support himself as the true ruler of Japan?"

Once this thought arises, it can no longer be contained.

Ashikaga Yoshinori couldn't help but be excited.

If a great country like Ming is willing to support him, then he will definitely have more advantages than his younger brother Ashikaga Yoshiji!

Thinking of this, Ashikaga Yoshitochi was itching.

Soon, however, Ashikaga Yoshinori fell into a tangle again.

Maybe giving expensive gifts doesn't represent Mingguo's attitude, what if you think too much?

In this mood of suffering from gains and losses, Ashikaga Yoshinori began to look forward to the upcoming welcome dinner.

On the other side, Kyoto Sokokuji Shikaen Temple.

As early as 20 years ago, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu established a dojo for his own meditation practice in Sokokuji Temple, known as Rokuen-in.

The host of Xiangguo Temple was also appointed as a monk of the past dynasties, ruling over the five mountains and ten temples and all streams, and in charge of personnel.

In the elegant Buddhist temple meditation room, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and the ancient sword Miaokuai knelt opposite each other, and were talking.

"Prince Nei plans to go to the Ming Kingdom with the mission?"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu dropped the sunspot and asked slowly.

Gu Jian Miao quickly fell into the long test, he put down the chess piece and replied, "Yes, Your Excellency." ”

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who was too old to look good, coughed twice.

"Then let her go."

After thinking about it, Gu Jian Miao quickly continued to fall, and only then did he have the heart to ask.

"Your Excellency, you are not afraid of the inner prince of the Great Awakening Temple."

"Afraid of what?"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's waist straightened and said: "Vajra Shin (Emperor Go-Kameyama's legal name) is still here, and only close ministers such as Minoru Ano, Gongwei father and son, and Rokujo Toki-hee are served, and Yoshida Kanehei, Kanedun father and son are by his side to preach Shinto Prince Kokuramiya Minoruhito (son of Emperor Go-Kameyama, theoretically the next emperor of Japan) is also in Kyoto, everything is under my control, Prince Nei is a woman, let's go if you want to." ”

Gu Jian Miaokuai frowned slightly, and explained: "Your Excellency, I mean, what if the Ming Kingdom uses the Prince of Nei as an excuse to re-establish the Southern Dynasty and restore it?" ”

A hint of anger flashed in Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's eyes, but he patiently explained.

"The "Treaty of Meitoku" has stipulated that the next emperor will be succeeded by Prince Oguramiya Minohito, who is the commander of the Southern Dynasty Daikakuji Temple, and both Vajra Shin and Prince Okura Miyashito are under the supervision of my heavy troops. The guardian daimyo everywhere will not recognize it. ”

Putting down the chess pieces, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu asked repeatedly, "Isn't Huaxia's consistent strategy to recognize the actual rulers of other kingdoms?" The example of Lee's North Korea is right in front of us. For the kings and princes who fled to China, they were only offered as courtesy, and this kind of thing was still rare in the Tang and Song dynasties? ”

Gu Jian Miao saw that Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was a little angry, and he didn't dare to say more.

"Besides, if the Ming Kingdom really plans to enter the Kou, is there a prince or not, is it a big deal? I'm afraid that the safety of the Ming mission is the biggest excuse. ”

"If we can treat Li Jinglong, the general of the Ming State, respectfully, and send an envoy to go back with the Ming delegation, and pay tribute after meeting the new emperor of the Ming State, then I think about it, the Ming State will not find a reasonable excuse to start a war."

"Huaxia pays the most attention to the fame of the teacher, we don't give this name, even if the teacher is forced, it is also the name of the teacher, which will seriously affect morale, and when the time comes, the current approach will also be beneficial to us in the future."

The last sentence finally exposed Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's true thoughts.

"As for Prince Nei, let her follow our mission to Mingguo, I can't wait to be out of sight and out of mind, I really don't know why Yutai so much pampered this girl from someone else's family."

The Muromachi shogunate and the Hino family have been married for generations, and the two sides have long been bound together, you have me, I have you, and they are inseparable at all.

This can even be traced back to the second year of the establishment of the Ashikaga clan rebellion after the Daigo Empress, hoping to support the emperor who held the Ming Yuan system, under the instruction of the Ashikaga clan, Hino Shinami took the Koganin temple announcement, creating an opportunity for the division of the Northern and Southern Dynasties.

It belonged to a friendship of rebellion, and the Muromachi shogunate and the Hino family have been firmly bound together ever since.

Therefore, the third-generation Muromachi shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, has long been tired of his wife, Hino Yeko, and this is just a political marriage.

This is also the reason why he is so fond of Hino Yeko's niece, the young and beautiful Hino Yasuko, who is just thirty-three years old this year, makes him feel much more comfortable than the yellow-faced woman.

For this reason, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu made Hino Yasuko his official wife, and the Kitayama No. 1 South Imperial Palace, where Hino Yasuko lived, was also called the "Southern Imperial Palace", and even let the second son Ashikaga Yoshitsugu recognize Hino Yasuko as his adoptive mother.

And Hino Yezi, who has no children under his knees, is quite close to Prince Tai Zinai of the Southern Dynasty.

I don't know if it was out of revenge or other malicious intentions, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu did not have any objection to Prince Nei's departure to the Ming Kingdom, only support.

While the two were talking, the voice of a monk came from outside the meditation room.

Gu Jianmiao quickly got up to check, but saw several large wooden boxes being sent into the Luyuan Courtyard.

"What is this?"

"This is a gift from General Ming Guo to the master of Luyuan Courtyard."

"Oh?"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was in good spirits, he put down the chess pieces in his hand, and got up and followed.

The samurai and ninjas who guarded him saluted.

Looking at the few solid wood boxes in front of him, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu rose a trace of curiosity.

But the old fox behaved extremely cautiously, and he stood at a distance, commanding.

"Go to someone and open the box."

(End of chapter)