I formed the strongest swordsman group

Chapter 80 Aoto and Goro Furumaki: The largest geisha district in Kyoto is here! 【5000】

From the perspective of the shogunate, Ogata Issei was a heinous maniac.

But from the perspective of the people, he is not only not a wolf, but a righteous man who resists tyranny!

The world has been suffering from the shogunate for a long time.

The reason why Ogata Issei can achieve his current lofty status is due to both his personal factors and the background of the times.

The difficult life with no daylight and no future makes the people urgently need a spiritual sustenance and long for a hero.

The Kansei period 70 years ago—the time when Ogata Issei emerged on the stage of history—was a dark moment that had rarely been seen in Japan in decades.

At that time, the "Tenmei Great Famine", the largest famine since the founding of the Tokugawa Empire, had affected all the country and affected an incalculable number of victims.

Thousands of industries are withered, and hundreds of wastes are waiting to be revived.

The corruption and inaction of the shogunate have greatly disappointed the people of the world.

At such a juncture, a righteous man appeared who killed the tyrant, resisted the shogunate army, and single-handedly trampled the authority of the shogunate under his feet. How could the people not be happy? How can we not clap our hands and cheer?

Therefore, when Ogata became famous, kabuki plays and storytellers based on his deeds sprung up like mushrooms after a rain.

At first, the shogunate was wary of the influence of Ogata Isse, fearing that these works praising Ogata Isse would cause people to think of overthrowing the emperor, so they issued a strict order: all literary, artistic and entertainment works related to Ogata Isse were banned!

However, Ogata Yoshi's reputation in the hearts of the people is too high.

The shogunate's brutal ban caused a huge backlash and almost broke out.

[Note·Yikui: Originally a Chinese word, the literal interpretation is "unity", which was later extended to uprising for unity. The vernacular term is civil unrest and civil unrest. 】

The violent reaction of the people shocked and frightened the shogunate.

Even the tyrannical shogunate did not dare to go against public opinion even after the disastrous impact of the "Tianmei Great Famine" had only slightly dissipated. It could only surrender in disguise and gradually relax the "Ogata Ban" .

To this day, if you walk into any Shibaju hut, you can always see someone performing the story of Ogata Isse; if you walk into any busy street, you can always hear someone singing the legend of Ogata Isse.

Qingdeng stared straight at the knife mark that spanned more than 70 years and murmured:

"Why did Ogata Ittousai risk his own life to attack Nijo Castle...?"

Until now, people still don't know the reason why Ogata Yoshi and Nijo Castle can't get along.

The most widely circulated theory at present is that Ogata Yoshi was dissatisfied with the rule of the shogunate, so he faced the shogunate in his face.

Although Nijo Castle was the shogun's residence that had been idle for a long time and was simply a hotel, it was ultimately a fortress built by the shogunate at a huge expense. It represented the symbol of the shogunate's authority and was the face of the shogunate.

In order to show the majesty and at the same time to guard against the harassment and destruction of Xiaoxiao, soldiers with helmets and armors can always be seen patrolling and on duty inside and outside Nijo Castle all year round, regardless of spring, summer, autumn and winter.

In addition to being heavily guarded, Nijo Castle also has walls, moats, castle towers, and other defensive facilities that a city should have.

Single-handedly attacking such a heavily guarded fortress... Such a thing is beyond the reach of normal people.

Komu Goro curled up his lips and joked:

"Who knows, maybe it's to save the woman he loves. There are only a few reasons that can make a man fight desperately."

Hearing this, Sanazi couldn't help but ask:

"My beloved woman? Does Ogata Ittosai have a wife?"

People are always infinitely curious about the personal affairs of celebrities.

Does the world-famous Issei Ogata have a wife?

On this issue, there are various opinions among the people.

Some say that Ogata Issei married a short girl who was poor in other aspects except for her cute face and great ass.

Some said that Ogata Issei was with a beautiful girl from a large tribe in Ezo.

Others say that Ogata's potential was combined with that of a queen from a famous family in Osaka.

"Well... as far as I know, he seems to have married the most beautiful woman in the world."

"...Pfft."

I couldn't help but laugh at the suddenness.

As soon as Komaki Goro finished speaking, A-Machi, who was standing next to him, suddenly burst into laughter. Although he tried hard to hold it back, the laughter still escaped from his lips and teeth.

Not only Amachi, but Aoto and Sanako also laughed.

Qingden said:

"This should just be made up by future generations, right? All kinds of beautiful imaginations are imposed on Ogata Issei. He not only completed unprecedented great achievements, but also started a family with the most beautiful woman in the world... How can such a thing happen? What a great thing? No storyteller would dare to make it up like this."

Goro Komaki spread his hands disapprovingly:

"There is nothing impossible for a man like Ogata Issei to marry a beautiful girl who will conquer the country. After all, Ogata Ittosai is a handsome guy with both talent and appearance."

"...Pfft!"

A-Machi couldn't help but laugh again.

This time the laughter was louder and more joyful than before.

Sanako blinked her beautiful eyes with a blank expression.

"Huh? Is that so? But I heard that Ogata Ittousai's appearance is very ordinary. Although he is not ugly, he is not very handsome either."

"That's wrong!"

Gu Muwulang suddenly raised his face, his expression extremely solemn.

"These are all rumors made up by the shogunate to discredit Ogata's power!"

"In fact, Ogata Ittousai's appearance is very handsome."

"In order to disparage Ogata's influence, the shogunate even deliberately made his wanted notice look ugly."

Hearing this, Sanako couldn't help but complained:

"Mr. Gu Mu, is this kind of thing impossible? Let's forget about making up rumors for now, but if the portrait on the wanted poster is false, how can we arrest the person?"

Immediately afterwards, Qingdeng also said in a helpless tone:

"Mr. Komaki, you sound like you have seen Ogata Ittosai with your own eyes."

Komaki Goro is about 30 or 40 years old. He was not even born when Ogata Ittousai was active in the world. How could he have seen Ogata Ittousai with his own eyes?

Aoto understands Goro Komaki's behavior of trying to protect Ogata Ittousai.

After all, he just said it himself: he is an admirer of Ogata Issei.

Since you are a fan, "loyal protection" is inevitable.

"Although I have never met Ogata Ittosai with my own eyes, everyone around me, including the elderly who were born during the Kansei period, all say that Ogata Ittosai is a handsome guy."

After saying that, Goro Komaki turned his head and looked at A-Machi.

"A-Machi, you think so?"

"Well... well..."

A-Machi tilted his head, thinking.

For a moment, she leaned her upper body towards Goro Komaki, her eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of her mouth curved into a cat-like arc:

"If Ogata Issei looks like you, then he will undoubtedly be the most handsome man in the world!"

"..."

Goro Komaki stopped talking.

He silently withdrew his gaze and looked straight ahead, no longer looking at Ating.

Because of the restricted viewing angle, Qingden could not see his carved expression.

A-Machi chuckled a few times, "hehehe", and then took advantage of the situation and hugged Goro Komaki's right arm.

Qingdeng, who had witnessed the entire loving interaction, felt the corner of his mouth twitching.

——This old couple loves to show off too much...!

Komaki Goro and Atachi have been showing off their affection intentionally or unintentionally.

I dry it before I go out, and I keep drying it after I go out, and it never stops.

However, although he felt tired, Qingdeng also felt vaguely envious.

Expressing their love for each other so naturally and without any pretense... The friendship between Gu Mu and his wife is so deep that it can be seen with the naked eye.

After chatting for a while, the four of them were speechless.

Gu Mu and his wife stared thoughtfully at the Tang gate in front of them.

Sanazi's attention was taken away by Tang Pofeng, who had a majestic appearance and exquisite patterns.

As for Aomori... As early as just now, he had been quietly squinting his eyes, secretly looking at the guards who were guarding Nijo Castle.

Looking around, there were a total of 6 guards neatly separated on the left and right of Tangmen.

All of them were wearing helmets and armor, swords on their waists, and spears in their hands pointing toward the sky. They were well equipped or not.

They are all sergeants of the "Sanfan Group" (the bodyguard of the general who conquered the barbarians).

There are 12 groups in total, and each group takes turns guarding Edo Castle, Nijo Castle, and Osaka Castle according to the month.

The four living people, two men and two women, stood upright within their reach, looking openly at the gate of Nijo Castle. As a result, not only did they not come to drive them away, they did not even stop them.

“Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah”

One of the guards yawned loudly.

One by one of these guards guarding the door, they all had dull expressions and empty eyes, staring blankly into the void ahead.

…

…

After leaving Nijo Castle, under the skillful leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Komaki, the group turned onto the complicated streets and visited various important places in Kyoto.

Although Komu and his wife may not look very old, their understanding of Kyoto is vaguely "old Kyoto".

Where is this, what is that, what is the name of this place, where is that place... they all picked it up at their fingertips.

In terms of understanding of Kyoto, those old people who have lived in this city for most of their lives are probably not as good as the Komu couple.

Kyoto deserves to be an ancient capital with a long history, full of temples and shrines.

It is no exaggeration to say that every time you go to a new place, you will always see one or more temples.

Along the way, Qingden's feelings were roughly like this - temple, shrine, temple, shrine, temple, temple, shrine, temple, shrine,...

Lots and lots of monasteries! Lots and lots of shrines!

Among them are many famous shrines and ancient temples that have lasted for hundreds or thousands of years. Each name is more terrifying than the last. They are either the headquarters of this sect, the headquarters of that god, or they are "the most" or "the first". title.

So far, the temples Qingto and Sanako have visited include but are not limited to:

The headquarters of the Rinzai sect: Nanzen-ji Temple.

The main mountain of the Tendai Sect, known as the "Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism": Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple.

The main headquarters of Inari Shrine and the spectacular Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine with tens of thousands of torii gates winding up the mountain.

The main headquarters of Atago Shrine: Mount Atago.

The tallest ancient wooden pagoda in Japan: Toji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda.

The place of temple is supposed to be a clean and peaceful place.

However... while passing a certain temple, Qingdeng caught a glimpse of a businessman covered in silk clothes talking to an old monk dressed as an abbot.

With the excellent hearing given by the talent "Wind Perception +1", he clearly heard the following conversation:

"Abbott, I have donated another 2,000 taels of gold to your temple this time. In this way, I have donated a full 60,000 taels of gold to your temple. According to you..."

The businessman stopped in time at a meaningful place, did not say any more, and drew out his voice quietly.

The abbot—whose beard and eyebrows are gray, and who must be in his 70s—clasps his hands, smiles broadly, and his eyes are squeezed into two thin slits by the upward bulging apple muscles.

From the appearance point of view, the abbot has the appearance of an eminent monk.

Kind eyebrows, kind eyes, and a pleasant appearance.

However, when he spoke, he exuded a philistine spirit that could not be concealed.

"Donor, please rest assured that a person as kind and generous as the benefactor will definitely be able to reach the Pure Land of Western Bliss when he is reborn."

When the businessman heard this, he let out a sigh of relief.

"That's good, that's good!"

…

…

In addition to quaint places of interest, Kyoto also has Fusheng business district and splendid markets full of fireworks.

The "cool beds" built by merchants on the banks of the Kamogawa River.

The total length is about 400 meters, and the road width is 3.3-5 meters. There are more than 130 food shops crowded on both sides of the narrow street. All the materials required for making Kyoto cuisine can be purchased here. It is known as the "Kyoto Kitchen" The well-known Nishiki Market.

While passing by the noisy and prosperous Nishiki Market, Qingden spotted a ragged man.

He was covered in dirt, his face was filled with vicissitudes of life, and his hands and feet were dotted with frostbite as big as pigeon eggs.

He huddled on the side of the street like a ghost, shouting something.

Although the volume was loud, the local accent was too strong, and even Qingdeng, who had read countless people, could not understand what he was saying.

However, judging from his expression and appearance, he should be a refugee fleeing from other places.

The content of what he shouted was probably to pray for kind people to give him a job.

However, no one paid him any attention.

Partly because no one understood what he said.

On the other hand, even if he understands, there are really very few people who have the ability to help him.

Whether in cities or rural areas, the harvests in recent years have been poor.

The lackluster years, coupled with the gradual collapse of the natural economy caused by the intervention of foreign capital, have made farmers' lives increasingly difficult.

Starting a few years ago, incidents of various sizes have been breaking out one after another across Japan.

Every turmoil creates countless refugees.

These refugees, who have nowhere to go, have no choice but to flock to major cities to seek life.

In fact, after being led by Komaki and his wife on a tour of Kyoto, Qingto had already witnessed many refugees on the streets, river beaches, under bridge piers and other places where rats and insects gathered.

They left their hometown with hope, but were destined to struggle with despair.

How can Kyoto, which has been harassed by lofty ideals for a long time, entrenched by many forces, and has become a powder keg, have a prosperous economy?

It is true that "the landlords have no surplus grain."

Only one refugee out of ten can survive in Kyoto.

…

…

Kyoto’s natural scenery is also one of a kind.

Arashiyama is home to cherry blossoms in the sky in spring and red maples in autumn.

Sagano is dotted with temples and shrines such as Tsunekokoji Temple, Nonomiya Shrine, and Tenryuji Temple.

While walking on the mountainside of Arashiyama, Qingden heard this conversation coming from behind him:

"Ayu, here you go! This is my gift to you!"

"The Minister of War's sachet? Master, I can't afford such an expensive gift!"

[Note: Hingbuqing sachet: a kind of incense made from various spices, Hingbuqing is the brand of this incense]

"Hahaha! Accept it with peace of mind! My business has been great recently! Baked Tofu always borrows money to survive! My pawn shop is full of swords!"

A man over fifty with a big belly held a beautiful girl in his arms affectionately, who was at least 20 years younger than him.

[Note: Tofu in the Edo period was very hard. Even if a bamboo skewer was inserted into the tofu, it would not break. Because two bamboo skewers were often inserted into the tofu, some people used this to ridicule samurai and called samurai "grilled tofu". 】

The girl covered her mouth and smiled sweetly:

"These days, I use the best knife to cut radishes."

"Humph, those grilled tofu who sell knife blades put bamboo slices into the handle of the knife to make up for the appearance. As long as the blade is tightly tightened in the sheath, from the outside, it is difficult to find that they have I sold the knife strips. These baked tofus don't know anything else, but each one is better than the last at how to pack hard food! Even if I haven't eaten, I insist on holding a toothpick in my mouth, I'm really not ashamed!"

…

…

time flies.

Before I knew it, the sun was setting in the west.

"Hmm~~ It's been a long time since I roamed around Kyoto like I did today."

Atachi raised his arms and stretched out like a cat.

"Mr. Komaki, Miss Atachi, thank you very much for today."

With that said, Sanako folded his hands in front of him and bowed respectfully to the Komu couple.

Upon seeing this, A-Machi waved his hand and said sincerely:

"Ah, no need to be polite. My husband and I are also very happy to be able to go out and play after a long time."

Qingdeng glanced at the sky and then asked:

"Miss Atachi, where are we going next?"

"Well...let me think about it...we seem to have visited all the noteworthy places in Kyoto..."

As soon as A-Machi finished speaking, Goro Komaki on the side interrupted and said:

"Not yet. There is one crucial place we haven't visited yet."

Komu Goro gave it a try and deliberately paused.

It wasn't until a moment later that he looked directly at Qingdeng and continued quietly:

"The cave of desire that is deeply immersed in beauty, the largest geisha district in Kyoto - Gion!"

At this moment, Sanako turned his head and reflexively cast a sharp, knife-like gaze at Qingden.

"..."

Qingden pursed his lips tightly and did not dare to speak.

*******

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Sorry! Keep everyone waiting! (Crying leopard head.jpg)

There are too many unexpected situations today! Completely beyond Leopard's control!

Leopard Leopard has been busy today because of home decoration. I thought I would be free by noon, but ended up being busy until 4pm before I finally had time to type... (Leopard Head Crying.jpg)