I formed the strongest swordsman group

Edo, the residence of the Hitotsubashi family——

The Hitohashi family is one of the "Three Imperial Ministers".

The Tian Degawa family, the Hitotsubashi Tokugawa family and the Shimizu Tokugawa family - these three families are the same as the Gosan family founded earlier, and they are all selected as the successors of the Edo shogunate.

The heads of these three families all have three ranks, equivalent to the official position of "Qing", so they are collectively called Yu Sanqing.

The surnames are actually all Tokugawa, and the common names of Tayasu, Hitotsubashi and Shimizu are actually taken from the name of the Edo Castle gate closest to where their residence is located.

In terms of family status, the "Yu Sanqing" is second only to the "Yu Sanjia". Their fiefdoms are scattered throughout the territory, with each receiving 100,000 shi.

[Note: Tenryo: land directly under the jurisdiction of the Edo shogunate]

Since it is such a prominent wealthy family, its residence is naturally extremely luxurious.

A grand gate.

As far as the eye can see, the tall gray wall is covered with black tiles.

The entrance is a wide avenue paved with white sandstone, connecting the gatehouse and the house.

The house is like the incarnation of the word "Zhu Gong Bei Que". The exterior is magnificent, with Danying carved Jue; the interior is unique, with winding corridors.

At this moment, in a certain room deep in the Hitotsubashi mansion, a samurai dressed in formal attire was kneeling respectfully on the ground.

It seems that this man is about 35 years old - in the Edo period, this was already a middle-aged age - his face is slightly gray, with faint black circles hanging under his eye frames, but his eyes are very sharp and bright. God's eyes exude a strong light.

The formal attire on his body is embroidered with the three-leaf sunflower pattern that only the Tokugawa family and their relatives can possess. He wears a white sheath and white handle on his waist. Just from the appearance, it can be seen that it must be expensive to make.

Wearing sunflower-patterned clothes and a big treasured sword on his waist... presumably anyone with a discerning eye can see that the identity of this middle-aged warrior must not be simple.

In fact, this person is indeed a little famous in Japan nowadays.

He is the lord of the Fukui domain who is currently serving as the "President of Political Affairs" in the shogunate—Matsudaira Haruyake!

Fukui Fan, also known as Echizen Fan and Beizhizhuang Fan, received 320,000 shi, and is one of the pro-fan names.

"Matsudaira" is Tokugawa Ieyasu's old surname. Except for the "Yu Sanjia" and "Yu Sanqing", the rest of the pro-vassal names are all surnamed Songping.

Everyone in the world called Songping Chunyue "Xianhou".

Judging from his past deeds, he really deserves the word "virtuous".

First of all, his knowledge is very high.

Matsudaira Haruyake, who came from a good background, received a very good education since he was a child.

When he was young, he studied Confucian classics such as "The Great Learning" and "The Analects of Confucius" every morning, and devoted himself to practicing calligraphy in the afternoon.

His studious habit has been maintained. Even though he now holds the high position of Lord of the Fukui Domain and Chief Executive of the Shogunate, he still holds on to the scroll.

In terms of academic literacy, he should be ranked first among the three hundred princes.

[Note·Three hundred princes: a collective name for the daimyo of the feudal kingdom in the Edo period]

Secondly, he is very open-minded, decisive and resolute in his actions.

Faced with a series of serious problems arising from the outbreak of the "Black Ship Incident", as one of the important ministers of the country, he initially adhered to the policy of seclusion.

However, after the signing of the Treaty of Amendment and Trade between Japan and the United States in 1858, he changed his stance from a "locking country" to a firm "founding the country" faction.

He actively contacted Western knowledge and culture, built a Western-style arsenal in Fukui Domain, encouraged education, and developed medical facilities.

As we all know - the "Ichibashi School" tends to seize the country, and the "Nanji School" tends to open the country.

Logically speaking, Matsudaira Harugaku, who advocated the founding of the country, should side with the latter.

However, he had a violent conflict with his eldest brother Ii Naobi over the issue of the general's heir, and was placed in confinement. He was not released until Ii Naobi was killed.

Matsudaira Harugaku has always believed that the older and talented Hitotsubashi Keiki is the best candidate to serve as shogun and save the building from collapse.

Open-minded, supportive of the founding of the country, and supportive of Hitotsubashi celebrations—he was completely consistent with the political stance of Shimazu Hisamitsu, the father of the Satsuma Domain.

For this reason, Shimazu Hisamitsu respected and admired Matsudaira Harugaku very much.

It is precisely because of this that he strongly recommended that the other party be appointed as a "political president" who could be similar to a "big boss".

At this moment, Matsudaira Harugaku, who was sitting on the tatami, seemed to be waiting for something. His eyes were half-closed, staring at the tatami in front of his knees, as motionless as a rock.

In this silence...he suddenly heard the sound of the door being gently opened, and the sound of someone walking in slowly.

Hearing this sound, Matsudaira Haruyue bent down without hesitation, lowered his head, put his palms on the ground, and the tip of his nose was only a few feet away from the tatami.

Papa—someone sat down in front of Matsudaira Haruyake.

Immediately afterwards, a faint young male voice broke the silence of the room.

"Chunyue, raise your head."

"yes!"

Matsudaira Harugaku shouted loudly - he did not straighten his back completely, he just half-hunched his waist, put his hands on the ground, and locked his eyes on the chest of the person in front - in the Edo period, this was the most standard, The posture of the inferior person when meeting the superior person.

"Master Hitotsubashi, please forgive me for taking the liberty to visit..."

"Okay, okay, let's avoid these scenes."

Master Hitotsubashi - There is only one person in Japan who can be called "Master Hitotsubashi" by Matsudaira Harugaku, and who can be so respectful to Matsudaira Harugaku.

This person...is none other than Yoshihito Hitohashi who is currently holding the post of "Admiral of the General", also known as "Assistant to the General"!

I saw that Ichihashi Keiki had relatively straight facial features, slightly dark skin, a wide forehead, and a narrow chin. The whole face showed a "big at the top and small at the bottom" pattern, like an inverted nest of a tree. melon.

Yoshihito Hitotashi was born in the 8th year of Tianbao (1837). He is only 25 years old this year, and he is in the prime of life and at the prime of his life.

This is also an important reason why the "Hitobashi faction" supports him - Yoshinori Hitohashi is older than Iemo Tokugawa, so he is more reliable.

Since under the leadership of Shimazu Hisamitsu, both Keiki and Harugaku ascended to the top decision-making level of the Edo shogunate, they have jointly governed and carried out new shogunate reforms.

At the beginning, the shogunate officials generally believed that the two men could not do anything, but perhaps the combination worked well, and they did do a lot of well-received practical things.

This also proves that the "Ichitsubashi Sect" admires Ichitsubashi Keiki so much for no reason - this still very young man does have a lot of skills.

"Chunyue, tell me. What do you want for a sudden visit?"

After finishing speaking, Yoshihito raised his hand and gently rubbed the corners of his tired eyebrows.

"Yes! Then, please forgive me for speaking frankly - Mr. Hitotsubashi, the 'Plum Blossom Appreciation Banquet' on December 18th will be a great opportunity for us to further enhance your prestige! We must prepare early!" "

"'Plum Blossom Feast'?"

Yoshihito stopped rubbing his eyebrows with his fingers.

He raised his eyes and asked the other party with his eyes, "What does this mean?"

Matsudaira Haruyake replied unhurriedly:

"Whenever such an elegant banquet, the most indispensable thing is to do elegant things."

"When the feast is full, someone will propose burning incense, drinking tea, and composing poems."

"According to my investigation, Iemo Tokugawa, Tenzhangin, and Tachibana Qingdeng all know nothing about poetry."

"Master Hitotsubashi, if you can recite a haiku that amazes everyone at this banquet full of guests and surpasses Tokugawa Iemo and others... this will definitely increase your reputation greatly!"

Hitohashi Yoshiki listened, startled for a moment, and then let out a chuckle as if hearing a funny joke.

"Hehehe, Chunyue, Chunyue, seeing your serious face, I thought you were going to say something."

"Let's not say I don't know how to read or write at all."

"Even if I really shine at the banquet... so what?"

"At most, it will only give me an extra reputation of 'Yun Wen Yun Wu', and leave an anecdote that can be eaten by the world."

As soon as Ichibashi's cheerful words fell, Matsudaira Harugaku immediately put on a serious face.

"Master Hitotsubashi, don't underestimate the importance of a good reputation. Isn't that Tachibana Aoden an excellent example?"

When Yoshihashi heard Aoto's name, his facial lines immediately tightened.

"Tachibana Aoden enjoys a high reputation in the market. Just in this corner of Edo, he has countless fans."

"The lofty reputation that is famous all over the world has brought him countless conveniences."

"This is a huge 'property' that cannot be ignored."

"Indeed, as you just said, no matter how many poems and poems you recite at a banquet where celebrities gather, you can only gain a good reputation and leave gossip at most."

"But it can enhance your reputation and undermine the prestige of Tokugawa Iemo and others - and this is enough."

"..." Yiqiao Qingxi fell silent.

Seeing that the other party was silent, Matsudaira Chunyue continued:

"Master Hitotsubashi! This is a critical moment that determines our fate! We must do our best and seize every opportunity to suppress Tokugawa Iemo and others! Completely take control of the shogunate! Even if it is a false name, we cannot Let it go!”

"..." After another moment of silence, Hitotsubashi breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Chunyue, did I just say that? I don't know how to write."

Matsudaira Haruyake smiled slightly.

"Master Hitotsubashi, you don't have to worry about this. I have already prepared a haiku for you that is suitable for reciting at the plum blossom feast."

As he spoke, Matsudaira Chunyue reached into his arms, took out the neatly folded rice paper, and handed it out with both hands.

Hitotsubashi Kexi took the rice paper, spread it out, glanced at it quickly, and raised his eyebrows.

"Haruyake, is this haiku... doable?"

"This haiku was written by my own hands. Although I dare not call it high-class, it is more than enough to attract attention."

"...I see, just do as you say."

"yes!"

…

…

In the second year of Wenjiu (1862), December 18——

Edo, Edo Castle, Fukiage Garden—

Today is a beautiful day with no clouds in the sky.

Although Qingdeng has been working in Edo Castle for nearly two years as a "sider and imperial servant", he has only set foot in Fukiage for the first time until today.

Fushang is the resting place of the general's house, and outsiders are not allowed to enter or leave at will.

He had only heard a little about all kinds of Fushang from other people before, and he only knew that it was a palace garden covering a very large area.

When he put on the most formal attire and rode a carrot to attend today's banquet, Qingden was already mentally prepared that "he was going to see a lot of incredible things."

Palace gardens are built with mountains of gold and silver - this theorem applies everywhere.

However... After entering Fushang himself, Qingdeng discovered to his astonishment that his psychological expectations for Fushang really needed to be improved!

Although it cannot be said that "Grandma Liu entered the Grand View Garden", Qingdeng was deeply shocked by the beauty of the scenery blowing up the courtyard.

Passing through the Hanzo Gate, the first thing Aomori saw was the winding "water channel".

The water channel - an artificial river channel that diverts water from the Tamagawa River, runs through the entire Fukiage Garden.

The water in the river is crystal clear, with the golden sun shining on the microwave, and three or four white cloud shadows rippling at the bottom of the water.

Next to the river, a long row of green trees reflects the water, and the little bits of sunlight shining through the gaps in the leaves sway in the wind.

Several unknown birds flew back and forth among the branches swaying in the wind, making clear and sweet calls from time to time.

There is a rockery made of granite at the bend of the river. On the edge of the rockery, there is a terrace with railings that extends out of the water, where people can play with the koi carps in the river.

Walking south from Hanzo-gomon, you will cross a stone road with green shades - "Fukiage Inari Shrine" comes into view.

Since it is named Inari, the god enshrined in this shrine is naturally the Inari god who is in charge of food and harvest.

The four sides of the shrine are lush and green, and the branches are in the sky.

Two lifelike fox stone statues stand on the left and right sides of the torii respectively.

To the south are the "New Royal Racecourse" and the "New Racecourse Horse Viewing Center".

As the name suggests, these facilities were used to raise horses for the general's family.

The looming neighing of the horse can be heard endlessly.

If possible, Qingdeng would like to see with his own eyes what these royal horses who are loved by thousands of people look like, and how they compare to carrots.

What a pity...the racecourse and Qingteng's destination are in completely opposite directions.

After arriving at Fukiage Inari Shrine, Aoden turned north without stopping.

Go around the "Zhuli Mountain" covered with green pines and green cypresses, "Guangzhi" dedicated to horse racing for generals, "Lishan" where ponds were dug and trees planted, the "Flower Bed" where stones were built to plant flowers, and the "Royal Pavilion" with carved railings and painted buildings. ...Finally, Qingdeng arrived at the venue of today's "Plum Appreciation Banquet" - the "Plum Grove" where a large number of plum trees are planted.

As soon as he arrived, he met his old friend.

"Oh! Qingdeng, you're here!"

Looking at Katsu Rintaro who was walking towards him quickly, Qingdeng smiled happily and said:

"Rintaro, long time no see."

With the vigorous promotion of Tokugawa Iemo and Tenjoin, Katsurintaro, who was promoted to "Warship Advocate" and was in charge of the construction of the shogunate's navy, became a senior cabinet minister stationed in Edo Castle like Aoto.

Looking back at the time when Qingdeng and Katsu Rintaro met for the first time, one was a policeman catching thieves, and the other was a teacher in charge of teaching at the Tibetan Book Institute and the Martial Arts Institute.

But now, the two are well-known ministers of the Zhu Kingdom.

Because they were both senior ministers stationed in Edo Castle, and their work contents often overlapped, as the opportunities for meeting and communicating increased, the friendship between these old friends gradually deepened.

To this day, the two of them refer to each other by their common names, that is, Aonto calls Katsu Rintaro "Rintaro", and the other party also directly calls Aoto "Aoto".

After a few brief greetings, Qingdeng turned his head and glanced at the banquet where the guests had arrived.

Laonaka, Wakato, the feudal lord, and the ministers who accompanied Wano to Edo... are all well-known figures.

The so-called "winful friends are like clouds" is nothing more than that.

At this moment, an old, steady male voice sounded from behind Qingdeng.

"Sheng, stay safe."

Hearing this sound, Shenglin Taro immediately trembled, with a look of joy on his face.

"Ah, Otani-sama! Thank you for your concern! Come on, Tachibana-kun, let me introduce you! This is Otani Seiichiro, the director of martial arts, the 'Sword Master'!"

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Asking for a monthly ticket! Please vote for recommendation! (Leopard head crying.jpg)

I know today's chapter is a little short...but there's a reason for it! (Crying Leopard Head.jpg) This kind of transitional chapter with no interesting content is really difficult to write! I really want to outsource these transitional chapters that are boring and difficult to write!

"Sword Master" Seiichiro Tanani has officially made his debut - smart book lovers should be able to guess what plot will happen next, right? (leopard laugh.jpg)