Daming Yuanfu

Chapter 2160 General Baikui (Wei [-]) pre-war ultimatum
There is no doubt that Tokugawa Ieyasu is good at forbearance, but what's more, he is also a person who is extremely capable of creating and seizing opportunities.Although Jinghua's attitude has not been stated clearly, it is clear that Japan's civil war is almost impossible to avoid, so for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the part that can be proactive has become very limited.

First of all, he knew that his time was limited, because the longer the civil war erupted, the more time Jinghua would have to equalize the strength of the two sides in the civil war, which would make both sides unable to fight against Jinghua after the civil war.

It is true that Tokugawa Ieyasu could try to win over some people, but the current situation is very bad. He has already discovered a huge hidden danger that he cannot eliminate: Jinghua is more capable than him to do such a thing.

In other words, with his financial resources, it is impossible to bid beyond Jinghua.Those people who seemed to be able to be wooed by him, once faced with Jinghua who offered a higher price, would definitely have this idea: follow Zuo Fu, and they will always be inferior to others; Just Tokugawa Ieyasu!
In this way, no matter how he wins Tokugawa Ieyasu, it will probably be futile in the end.Therefore, things cannot wait any longer, and an excuse to start a war must be found in the near future, and it will be implemented without hesitation.

The second question that needs to be considered is much simpler: who to fight and provoke trouble?
On the bright side, the basic condition for becoming a Tianxiaren is to control the emperor, but the reality is more complicated now, because theoretically, the Tianxiaren today should be Toyotomi Hideyori, and the emperor is actually under the control of Hideyori—although Everyone knows that Hideyori is just a child now, and the ones who really control the emperor are the Toyotomi family in a broad sense, and the "five elders and five obediences" Guming and auxiliary government system in a narrow sense.

So in fact, as long as Ieyasu can keep his word in the "five big old five" Gu Ming system, it means that he controls both Hideyori and the emperor.

In terms of status and strength, Wu Fengxing is actually far from being comparable to the elders, and the actual core of Wu Fengxing, Ishida Mitsunari, has been put back into dormancy in his own territory by Ieyasu. There is not much difference between chicken and dog, so there is no need to worry about it.Those who really need to be taken seriously are the elders.

Today, the Maeda family of "Kaga Million Stones" has confessed, and the remaining three are Mori Terumoto, Uesugi Kagekatsu, and Ukita Hideka.

Among them, Mori Terumoto's fief is 120 million koku, and Uesugi Kagekatsu's fief is 120 million koku. These two can be said to be powerful. If they oppose Ieyasu at the same time, they will indeed be called enemies.

In comparison, the Ukita Hide family is insignificant in Ieyasu's view. Although he is one of the five elders in name, his territory is only 57 koku in Bizen, which is not as powerful as the Shimadzu family.

Not to mention that the Xiu family is really too young, even though they were the generals of the Zheng Dynasty in name, but Iekang is an old man who doesn't know. It was just the appointment of the Taige in order to let the Xiu family have seniority, and it does not represent the Xiu family. The ability is the strongest in the conquering army.Therefore, Ieyasu really doesn't think Ukita Hideka can do much.

In this way, the scope of the target was further narrowed, leaving only Terumoto Mori and Jingsheng Uesugi.In fact, at this point, there is almost no hesitation: Mori Terumoto’s site is far away from Ieyasu, while Uesugi Kekatsu’s site is just beside the couch—besides, Hideyoshi arranged for him to come here. Take care of your family.So, if you don't hit you, who will Uesugi Jingsheng hit?
Of course, the division must be famous, Tokugawa Ieyasu has a deep understanding of this, so even if he has decided to send troops, the foreplay must be done well, and there must be no mistakes in the name of the troops, so that people can catch them.

Therefore, after Keicho completed the test of Maeda Toshinaga in four years, Ieyasu began to test Uesugi Kekatsu.

"After Uesugi Nagon returned to the territory, there were endless rumors that he was treacherous. I think you adults have also heard of it. It seems that it is impossible not to send troops to ask for requisition."

Ieyasu said this in front of Masuda, Nagatsu and the newly appointed Otani Yoshitsugu.However, neither Masuda Nagamori nor Nagatsu Masaka could see that Ieyasu was testing Uesugi Kekatsu.After hearing these words, the two quietly exchanged winks, and turned their eyes to Otani Jiji for help.Of course, the two of them would not know about Ishida Mitsunari's frequent dispatch of secret envoys to the old Naoe Yamashiro of the Shangsugi family, but they didn't know that there was a hidden giant of Jinghua behind it.

Otani Yoshitsuji was scheming, and his vision was much farther than Masuda Changsheng and Changshu Zhengxiang. He immediately said: "Although that is the case, I don't think that Mr. Zhong Nayan will be so degenerate as to forget Taiko's great kindness and betray the young master." In my opinion, it is advisable to send envoys to investigate whether the rumors in the world are true or not, so that the name is justified."

"It makes sense, it should be so." Ieyasu agreed with Otani's suggestion very simply.In fact, he didn't think that Jing Sheng really betrayed Toyotomi's family at first, but because of Jinghua's instigation, he became suspicious of himself, or... had murderous intentions.

"Then let Ina Shushu and Changsheng's retainers go to investigate, what do you think?"

Masuda Changmori breathed a sigh of relief, and moved forward.Although Ina Books is Ieyasu's confidant, if you let your retainers follow, there will be no problem, so he nodded and asked, "Do you want to bring the letter of reprimand signed by Zuo Fu and us?"

"No, since you have already sent someone, you don't have to go to reprimand and interrogate. That would be unreasonable. Pass my order, and say that there are rumors everywhere, so I invite Jing Sheng to come and explain. Do you have any objections? Also, add Who does Lord Tian want to send?"

"This... the head guard of the village of Kawa has acquaintance with Zhong Nayan and the castle guard of Zhijiang Mountain, so why not..."

"Then let him go and have a look. In addition, Toyokoji and Yamashiro Mori are close friends, how about asking him to seal a letter to Yamashiro Mori? In this way, the truth will surely be revealed to the world." Ieyasu did not wait for Masuda to finish speaking , has answered very tolerantly.

As we all know, when we were in the capital, the elders of Toyoko Temple, a small temple under Xiangguo Temple, had a close relationship with the elders of the Uesugi family, Naoe Yamashiro, so no one had any objections.

"Then let Ina Books and Nagato Kawamura take the acceptance letter from the elder...that's it." Masuda Changsheng said.

"It depends on how he responds." Otani Ji Jiyi said.

Ieyasu nodded calmly.

In fact, he was not at peace.Compared to Uesugi Kekatsu, Ieyasu paid more attention to Naoe Kanetsugu.Although Naoe Kanetsugu was a retainer of Jingsheng, but because of his brilliant talent and bold temperament, he could meet with other daimyos while Taiko was alive.He once used the name Tongkou Xingliu, and worked as a servant beside Kenshin.When Kenshin was alive, due to the untimely death of his favorite ministers Naoe and Hebei Nobuzuna, he continued to join the Naoe family and married Hebei's beautiful wife. He was able to inherit the Naoe family business and was reused. After the lord Jingsheng was transferred to Aizu, he was given another 30 Shihoulu and became the lord of Yonezawa.

The retainer of 30 shi is unique in the whole world, which shows that Uesugi Jingsheng attaches great importance to him.

Because of the importance of Naoe Kanetsugu in the Uesugi Clan, Ishida Mitsunari frequently sent secret envoys to contact him.And recently, the Uesugi family has also frequently sent people with outstanding eloquence, such as Nagao Seishachiro and Irobe Master Den, to Sawa Yamashiro.Ieyasu knew all of this well.Therefore, the best way to understand the future direction of the Uesugi family is to let the acceptance letter be given to Kanexu.

Acceptance was called into Osaka from the capital.Ieyasu sent everyone away, had a private conversation with him for two more years, and then locked him in a study and asked him to write a long letter to Naoe Kanesuke.

"... This time, I really have a heartless request. Zhong Nayan's entry to Beijing has been delayed so far. The Zuo Mansion has a lot of doubts, and there are various rumors between the government and the public. That's why I sent this envoy. The envoy will tell you the details. There is no need to say anything. However, the poor monk and the benefactor have been close friends for many years, and they dare not hide the matter of concern. If you are not careful, the benefactor should also bravely express his own opinion, so as to resolve the doubts of the Zuofu..."

There is no coercion in this letter, nor does it forget to take into account the overall situation. The words are deep and heavy, and the words of advice and remonstrance are sincere and straightforward, which is really difficult to accept.Of course, once people realize that this letter was revised after consulting with Ieyasu, the effect will naturally be greatly reduced.Therefore, the acceptance has been altered several times.

"There is quite a legacy of humility, humanity, and boldness. He really deserves to be a man of integrity..." Naoe Yamashiro Kanesuke, who was praised by the Taiko back then, has a stubborn root similar to Ishida Mitsunari.When he was young, he, Nobunaga's Ranmaru, and Ujigo's Nagoya Yamazo were called the three most handsome men.Today, he is a man who is beyond doubt and has read all the vicissitudes of life.

Acceptance finished writing it with great pains, and presented the letter to Jiakang.He believes that this is probably the last trace of warmth that Ieyasu expressed to the Uesugi family, and he cannot feel at ease if Ieyasu is not allowed to see it.

The really useful content of this letter is as follows:
[-]. Is it necessary to build a new city in Shenthornyuan, if it is not to deal with unexpected events?
[-]. If Jing Sheng has no different intentions, he can come to explain with an affidavit.What is your consideration on this matter?

[-]. Jing Sheng is honest and upright, Tai Ge praised him endlessly during his lifetime, Zuo Fu is very clear, as long as he explains clearly, the previous suspicions can be cleared away.

[-]. If Hideji Hori's statement is wrong, he should take the initiative to come forward to distinguish right from wrong.

[-]. The Zuofu did not investigate the matter of Kaga Maeda.I don't know if this can be used as a lesson?This matter can be discussed with Masuda, Otani, Shen Yuan and others.

Sixth, ask the elders to advise Jing Sheng to go to Beijing quickly.

[-]. Rumor has it that Aizu's military equipment is unusual.It is rumored that the Ming army in North Korea is also strengthening its combat readiness, and Zuo Fu has sent envoys to North Korea.If the Ming army refuses to compromise and wants to continue the war, then Japan will send troops to North Korea in the coming year or the year after.Zuo Fu wants to discuss this matter with Jing Sheng, so please come to Beijing as soon as possible.

[-]. The rise and fall of the Uesugi family is in one fell swoop, please think twice...

Ieyasu finished reading in silence and rolled up the letter.The content of this letter is true or false, such as the so-called change of the Ming army in North Korea, and Japan may continue to send troops to fight. This is obvious nonsense.

The Ming army on the North Korean side did mobilize, but that was because of Jurchen's relocation and other things. Of course, there will be mobilization of troops, but it has nothing to do with the continued conquest of Japan. Yes, and it is absolutely impossible for the North Korean Ming army to violate the will of this "Great Ming Guanbai".

"Is that okay?" Acceptance asked a little nervously seeing that Jiakang was silent.

Ieyasu nodded: "The writing is upside-down, but it shows your ambition on the contrary. It's amazing. Has the master already seen through Ieyasu's mind?"

"Yes...ah, I dare not, I dare not."

"Yes, this is Ieyasu's last chance for Zhong Nayan. The master's letter has been written quite clearly. Enjoying a generous salary of 120 million shi, if he sees the upcoming war overseas, if he doesn't come immediately, then he will have two consecutive 30 stones are not worthy! If the salary you enjoy does not match the amount, you will cause harm to the world."

"Yes. If he doesn't go to Beijing quickly, he should really send troops."

Ieyasu smiled: "Decision making is an indispensable magic weapon for those who rule the world. From this, it is clear at a glance the capacity of Zhong Nayan and Kanxu."

It was already the first day of April when Ina Book Akizuna and Masuda Nagamori's retainer Kawamura Changmonmori set off from Osaka with the letter of acceptance.On the surface, Kawamura Changmonshou has relatives in the Uesugi family, so it is easier to find out the truth. This is the reason why he was selected as the envoy.But the reality is far from that simple.

Ieyasu knew very well that Ishida Mitsunari and Naoeyama Castle had secret envoys, but was Masuda Nagamori also involved in this matter?Who are the people behind them who received Jinghua's support?In any case, let Ina Shushu quietly monitor Kawamura's gatekeeper, and the truth will naturally come to light.

Ieyasu and his confidants have been carefully observing Masuda Changsheng.In front of Ieyasu, Changsheng is full of awe-inspiring righteousness, and he seems to be in secret contact with Sancheng, Ukita Hideka, Konishi Yukyochang and others in secret.If you ask him the reason for doing this, he will always answer: "For Zuofu, for Shaojun, I must understand their movements."

However, it is obvious that this is his way of protecting himself wisely. Once a major event happens, it is really difficult to judge which side he will stand on.

"Maybe he's indecisive by nature, and he's not sure even himself. Huh, if that's the case, then he's not a person capable of great things." That's all Ieyasu said when Ina Books set off.But just by this one sentence, the book knows what to do, he is a smart man.

The two left Osaka, traveled day and night, and arrived in Aizu on April [-]th.Before meeting Uesugi Jingsheng, the two were interviewed by Naoe Yamashiro Kanesuke, and took the opportunity to hand over the letter to Kanesus.

Since it was already evening when they arrived in Aizu, Ina Shushu said: "Tomorrow, I will convey the Zuo Fu oral instructions to Zhong Na Yan. Please report to Zhong Na Yan in advance."The gatekeeper of Hecun went to rest at a relative's house, while Inetuwei stayed overnight in the posthouse in the city.

Facing the two envoys, Naoe Kentsugu remained calm, but said indifferently: "The Uesugi family has Sensaka Kageko staying in Osaka, and you two didn't have to travel all the way here." He also didn't open the letter of acceptance on the spot.But not long after the two left, he appeared in front of Jing Sheng with a letter.

"I heard that the envoys from the Zuofu faction have arrived, what did they say?" Jing Sheng asked proactively.

Jianxu smiled boldly and replied: "Isn't my lord asking the question knowingly? But you don't have to worry."

"So, I have to see them tomorrow?"

"Yes, I hope that when the lord receives them, he will strictly reject their request... Please read the letter to accept this bald donkey first." Jianxu unfolded the letter in front of Jing Sheng and laughed loudly.

Uesugi Jingsheng does not have the keen insight of his father Kenshin, but he has been influenced by the family tradition for a long time, and his gestures are full of murderous aura.He is not so much bold as he is too conceited.

"What a long letter...what an acceptance." Jing Sheng read the letter indifferently. After reading, he weighed the letter paper again, shook his head and sneered, "It doesn't take a lot of brains, I really can't write this letter."

"I wonder if there is anything that does not suit the Lord's appetite?"

"This is no different from the news sent by Ishida Osamu and Masudaemon."

"Then the lord intends not to see them?"

"The envoy's oral message is probably the same as the content of the letter. I can indeed let them go back, but..."

"What are you worried about, my lord?" Jianxuan smiled.

"A shrewd person like Zuo Fu still wants to play such a stupid trick to bluff people? How foolish."

"Haha, I heard that he also gave birth to a son with Mrs. Agui."

"It's ridiculous to say that since my late father, our Uesugi family has never succumbed to coercion. It's a pity that he even forgot this."

"Haha," Jianxuan smiled disdainfully again, "My lord's words just now are exactly the same as what Master Jibu incited you to say."

"what?"

"The Zhibu is trying to confuse us...but that's okay. However, the Zuo Mansion asked Acceptance to write such a letter. What is his intention?"

"Then do you know it already? Let's hear it."

"The reason is very simple. Maeda Toshinaga has been terrified by Zuo Fu. Therefore, Zuo Fu wanted to repeat the old trick to me, Uesugi, and he asked Acceptance to write it out of luck."

"Can you be sure?" Jing Sheng was a little puzzled.

Zhijiang Sanshiro's eyes shined and he said confidently: "There will be no mistakes!"

"Even if you think so, you can't be wrong."

"My lord, please reprimand the emissary severely tomorrow, and drive them out. No matter how much your lord goes too far, Ieyasu will never dare to send troops."

"How do you decide?"

"Ieyasu wouldn't be so stupid! Once Aizu is attacked, the capital will naturally be empty. How could Mr. Jibu miss such an opportunity? Ieyasu would not have thought of this."

"My lord, you must act decisively when you do anything." Naoeyama Castle Guard smiled again: "If my lord can't categorically reprimand Ieyasu's envoy tomorrow, not only will we lose face, but other troubles will follow. We have ruled the Kanto for generations, Lord Kenshin The bravery is famous all over the world, if such a famous family also begs for mercy on Ieyasu, wouldn’t it make the world ridicule? And tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to show Uesugi’s majesty to the world.”

"Will Ieyasu get angry because of this?"

"If getting angry can bring benefits, everyone will be furious. But getting angry will only bring him disadvantages, so he will not get angry easily. And we should take this opportunity to scold them well, so as not to be humiliated .”

The light in the candlestick dimmed, and while reaching out to touch the wick, Jianxu continued to brag about Jing Sheng.People who speak loudly are often stupid, but when these words spewed out of Kanxu's mouth, they seemed to have a solemn taste, which was inconceivable.Perhaps because of this eloquence, he was not only praised by Xiuyan, but also received a generous salary.

"Your Excellency, you don't have to worry. I still have to write a long book to tease Acceptance and that old fox Ieyasu, lest he continue to send some rude people..."

"I see. Just do as you say."

"This is the best. We have just moved to Xinling, and all we can do is scold and beat us up. What a pity!"

"Our territory has not yet been prepared."

"If there are many years of old collars, maybe we can use the government to seize the world."

"what do you mean……"

"Just talking casually. If Jibu is smarter or duller, things will be more interesting... But that's another matter, there is only one thing that the Lord needs to do right now." Kansaku said while playing with the letter in his hand.In his eyes, Ieyasu is not that scary, as long as Sancheng, Changsheng and others deliver news for him, Ieyasu is a soft persimmon not worth mentioning.

That night, the two chatted and laughed for a long time before taking their leave.It was Sishi the next day when Jing Sheng received the envoy.

Ina Shushu brought Kawamura Chief Gatekeeper to the main hall of the city to meet Jing Sheng. He preached Ieyasu's oral instruction from above: "I heard that the Uesugi family is ready to fight to the death, which has caused a lot of discussion in the world. What is the reason? You betrayed the Taiko, It's really sad. How dare you ignore Taige's legacy? I hope you change your original intention and enter Osaka early."

Jing Sheng narrowed his eyes and listened happily.

In fact, not all Uesugis are as tough as Naoe Kanetsugu.Chisaka Keiki, who stayed in Osaka, once said to Jing Sheng: Deliberately angering Ieyasu may bring disaster to the Uesugi family, so whether it is building a new city or hiring wandering samurai, don't make too much publicity...

Veteran minister Fujita Noto Moriichi and others who went to Osaka Castle to congratulate Toyotomi Hideyori on the New Year also remonstrated: If you are tough on Ieyasu, sooner or later you will ruin Uesugi's fortune.He was so angry that he never returned to Aizu.But because Jing Sheng has a lot of trust in Jian Xu and obeys his words, other people's opinions are turned a deaf ear.

After the envoy finished pronouncing the oral order, Jing Sheng asked with a smile, "Is that all?"

"The Zuo Mansion wants your lord to go to Osaka as soon as possible, and I will wait for your reply!" Ina Book naturally refused to show weakness.

"I don't need to write a letter to Zuofu... just listen to some words."

"I'm all ears."

"I don't have the slightest intention of rebellion in my heart!" Jing Sheng raised his head, emphasizing his tone: "Uesugi Jingsheng has received the kindness of Fengchen, how could he have the heart of betrayal? I don't accept anything you said this time. What I did Everything is very necessary, why do idlers accuse me for no reason? This is pure misunderstanding, even slander! I hope the Zuo Mansion will find out the slanderer first. Before I know the truth, I will not go to Osaka anyway! That's all! "After speaking, Jing Sheng paused, wanting to see the envoy's reaction.

People tend to be self-indulgent when they are impassioned, and the more intoxicated they are, the less they want to cater to the other party. After a few words, Jing Sheng concluded more severely: "Even if he went to Osaka, Uesugi Jingsheng would not bow to Zuofu. Your Excellency, go back here." It’s enough to convey my wishes.”

This is simply an ultimatum that cannot be accommodated.Those who didn't know heard this and thought that he had forgotten himself and was completely intoxicated by his aura, perhaps because he wanted to voluntarily give up his position as the elder.He won't bow to Ieyasu, which means that as long as Ieyasu is around, he doesn't even care about Hideyori, and there is absolutely no room for compromise.

Ina Shushu quickly glanced at Kawamura's gatekeeper.He reckoned that Jing Sheng's answer should have been expected by the gatekeeper of He Village, who stayed at a relative's house for a night.Sure enough, Nagato lowered his head and hurriedly avoided Shushu's sight.It seems that Jing Sheng's refusal to compromise with Ieyasu is well known in the Uesugi family.Shu then said: "I already understand the meaning of Zhongnayan very well. After I go back, I will truthfully convey your meaning to Zuofu."

"Okay, other than that, I have nothing to say. It's hard work coming from afar. Mountain city, good hospitality, and then send them back."

Jianxu's expression was stiff, and he bowed reluctantly, "Shancheng has a reply letter, I hope you can pass it on to the abbot of Fengguang Temple for me... Thank you both."

Did Zuo Fu have expected Uesugi Jingsheng's reaction?
Ina book is very puzzled.After hearing Jing Sheng's words, it is not difficult to imagine the content of Naoe Kanesuke's letter.Even if Kanezuri apologized for his master's rudeness in his reply letter to the acceptance, it cannot be said that Uesugi was not hostile.

In fact, although Ieyasu had already understood that Sancheng wanted to fight him to the end, he never expected that Uesugi Jingsheng would dare to be so rude. After all, according to Ieyasu's estimation, the contact time between Jinghua and Uesugi's family should not be too long. It seems that the help from the Uesugi family should not be too great.

In any case, in short, the two of them carried the letter of reply to the acceptance and began to rush back to Osaka day and night.
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(End of this chapter)