Swallow Back

Seeing that his intentions were not conveyed properly, Liu Yun thought for a moment, and then added an explanation: "What you said just now is indeed sincere. I can probably guess that you attacked various sects of Buddhism before, and now you plan to hold the royal family hostage and force them to move. It is all to clear up the accumulated evils and establish a new policy of truly unitary governance. Such a move may be unprecedented in the 66 countries of the four islands of Dongying... But if you look at the land of the Tang Dynasty across the sea, or the South Barbarian West Many precedents can be found in various places in Yi. So when I first heard it, I didn’t think it was particularly strange..."

Originally speaking like this, Oda Nobunaga finally looked relieved.

When he heard "there is no one before and no one to come after", he even showed a proud and complacent smile.

But at the end, Oda Nobunaga's face began to be bitter again, he quickly waved his hand to stop Liu Yun, and interrupted him to prevent him from continuing: "Enough is enough! No need to explain, I already understand!"

Then Nobunaga breathed a sigh of relief, raised his arm and wiped the sweat from his forehead with the wide sleeve of the sari suit.

The move seemed quite disrespectful.

It should be known that hunting clothes are only worn by Japanese nobles in important ceremonies. They are the most formal attire. How can they just wipe their sweat casually?

Unless he's really hot.

Then the question arises again-

Liu Yun looked around, pointed to the nine incense burners in an unknown shape in the surrounding yard, and asked unceremoniously: "Are you sweating because of the heat? If so, why do you still burn incense?"

At this moment, Oda Nobunaga was thinking about what to say, but he staggered and almost fell to the ground after hearing these words.

Fortunately, he was still nimble, so he quickly adjusted his pace, raised his head and coughed a few times, and then he pretended that the previous embarrassment was gone, and abruptly entered the next topic: "Ahem... Liuyun Palace, you are right! The difference between me and other princes is that I not only want to defeat the heroes, but also want to unify the world."

Oda Nobunaga is usually a person who speaks concisely and does not talk much nonsense, but this time he talked a lot.

Not only that, but when Liuyun was about to reply, a trace of fear floated across Nobunaga's face, and he rushed to continue: "When I was young, Owari was very chaotic. There were guardians of the Shiba family and two guardian generations, and the There are officials and nobles descending from Kyoto, and these people seem to have the qualifications to issue orders. In addition, many Buddhist temples and shrines have obtained the authority of "no entry, no entry" and act recklessly on their own territory. So there has never been any peace For a long time, they have been attacking and killing each other... and the farmers and businessmen don't know who the above-mentioned people are, and they often have to pay taxes and service to several forces at the same time, so they can't concentrate on farming or doing business. Zhang was originally a place with fertile land extending in all directions, but it was made poor and dilapidated."

Liu Yun nodded after listening to the long speech.

Although I don't know the intention of the other party to say this, but the words themselves make sense.

By the way, he agreed: "The so-called warring states and troubled times are exactly like this."

Oda Nobunaga stepped into his own rhythm at this time, ignored the movement around him, and said with emotion: "I thought that as long as I raise troops to wipe out other forces and unify the world, the troubled times can be ended and the world can return to its proper state. But after learning about the previous dynasty, and going to Kyoto to experience the real situation, I realized that it was too simple. Although the former Kamakura Duke (Minara Yoritomo) and Muromachi Duke (Ashikaga Takashi) were able to serve as shoguns His identity commands the world, but he still can’t bring about a real peace and paradise.”

The paragraph just now was beyond Liu Yun's comprehension, so he could only touch his chin and ask, "I would like to hear more about it, why?"

Oda Nobunaga paused for a while, took a deep breath, his face gradually flushed, and he raised his head and raised his chest and said loudly: "Kamakura Lord and Muromachi Lord, when they conquer the world, they will use the imperial court to show their status. , I have to rely on the temple to gather people's hearts, and when the matter is completed, I have been too deeply entangled with the forces of all parties, and I can't give up with a knife at all."

At this point, Liu Yun finally came to a realization: "So, you, old man, decided to use other forces to establish political power. Well... to spread military power in the world also includes not relying on the imperial court and temples, but relying solely on the power of warriors to achieve power by force. Do you mean the world?"

"That's right." Oda Nobunaga glanced over, stroking his beard and nodding his head, and said solemnly: "But back then, I had no intention of doing so, but I was powerless. It was still very difficult to protect myself from the Imagawa family's soldiers, not to mention What has won the world. For thousands of years, most of the talents in Dongying have been related to the imperial court, temples, or other traditional forces. If you don’t want to have anything to do with them...the only thing that can be cited by me as Austrian aid may be to be regarded by the world. Let’s be the ghosts and monsters of the scourge! I don’t hide from you here, although I, Nobunaga, claims to be the first-class hero in the past and the present, but after all, I can’t build a foundation with my own strength. The Oda family defeated enemies such as Imagawa, Saito, Rokkaku, Miyoshi, Asai, and Asakura along the way, and achieved today's hegemony."

Demons and sprites...

Are we finally getting down to business now?

Liu Yun never liked to hide and hold back. Hearing this, he asked straightforwardly: "So, is that the so-called 'bet with Nine-Tailed Fox'?"

Oda Nobunaga gave a rare sigh, showing a bit of sadness and desolation, and replied in a deep voice: "That's right, that's exactly it."

Liu Yun chased after him again: "Then, is it also the content of the so-called bet to snatch the 'No. [-] Fragrant Tree in the World' Lan Shedai from the Shosoin of Todaiji Temple in Nara?"

Oda Nobunaga nodded: "Yes."

Liu Yun didn't stop for a moment, and asked again: "You sent Mrs. Gui Die and Mrs. Ning Ning over to propose that I marry the widowed Miss Ashi. Is it really because of this strange bet?"

Oda Nobunaga's answer is still concise and clear: "Yes!"

Liu Yun frowned, shook his head again, feeling unbelievable: "That is to say, you are in danger of losing this bet, but as long as I marry your sister Ashi and become the son-in-law of the Oda family, your righteous Brother, can you turn defeat into victory? Although I don’t know any knowledge of magic contracts, I don’t think it’s reasonable no matter how I think about it.”

Oda Nobunaga finally didn't say "yes" again, but heaved a long sigh, and said in a solemn voice: "Liuyundian, although you don't know any knowledge about magic contract, you should have heard of it. After the monk came from the Tang Dynasty to the east and sealed the monsters and demons of Dongying, the monsters could not survive alone in the world, but had to feed on the "obsession" of human beings in order to survive."

Liu Yun nodded to show understanding.

Oda Nobunaga paused for a while, as if he was speaking, and then said after a while: "If ordinary people disagree on the outcome of a game in a casino, naturally the operator of the casino will be in charge of arbitrating and deciding who wins and who loses. But the gambling agreement between me and the monster, of course, it is impossible for a casino operator to exist. Liuyun Palace, have you ever thought about this problem?"

Liu Yun nodded again, and couldn't help being suspicious: "What does this have to do with what I just said?"

Could it be that……

He suddenly understood something.

He raised his head and looked over, just in time to meet the other party's eyes.

Oda Nobunaga said slowly: "Then, does Liuyundian understand? The bet between me and the monsters is also determined by the "obsession" of the people in the world. If most people think that I have won, I will If you don’t, you win, otherwise... it’s the monster’s victory.”

Hearing this, Liu Yun finally sorted out the cause and effect.

Chapter 276 For the peace of the world, the prosperity of the people

"There is no clear rule. When everyone thinks you win, you can win..." Liu Yun held his chin and said to himself, thoughtfully: "Although this statement sounds like a sham, it is not true. Knowing why there is a sense of credibility that is difficult to explain with reason, it should be the truth."

"Of course!" Oda Nobunaga's face showed annoyance again, and he raised his voice: "I have always been upright in my life, and I have never liked deceit. What reason do I have to deceive you today?"

It seemed that he was showing signs of getting angry, but only considering the embarrassing situation before, he tried his best to hold back his emotions.

Liu Yun didn't pay attention to the change in the other party's expression, and continued to infer according to his own thinking: "So, the current situation is...you said before that you would cut off Lan Shedai to deal with the monk of Yixiangzong, and now you have indeed done it. But being questioned by the outside world is not done by your own strength? Then because of being questioned by the outside world, you became a disadvantaged position in the bet with the monster?"

Oda Nobunaga did not answer this, but nodded slowly twice with a sullen face.

At this time, His Highness the Demon King looked extremely serious.

Liu Yun continued: "I guess, when you formed the covenant with the monsters, you may have obtained some special ability, which can absorb the confidence of others to strengthen yourself. In other words, everyone thinks you are very powerful When you are good, you will be really powerful; on the other hand, if everyone thinks you are mediocre and weak, you will be really mediocre and weak... Is that the reason?"

Oda Nobunaga frowned, still not very happy, pursed his lips and said angrily: "Although it is not in the middle, it is not far away. To be precise, the source of power is the so-called 'desire'."

Liu Yun didn't quite understand: "Desire? Are you talking about the 'desire' of 'desire'?"

Oda Nobunaga was very patient today, and explained in a deep voice with no expression on his face: "That's right, it's the word 'desire'."

Liuyun lost his mind for a moment, his face suddenly became strange, he looked him up and down, nodded and said: "Your Highness, Prime Minister Oda, you are indeed a person with strong desires, in every respect|... at least the rumors I have heard are Like this..."

Oda Nobunaga was stunned for a moment, then laughed and annoyed, and sneered: "Liuyundian, what you said is correct, I do have strong desires in all aspects. It's a pity that the contract I got from the monster at the beginning is not enough. Use your own 'desire' to maintain strength, but it must be obtained from others."

Liu Yun understood a bit: "Speaking of which, Master Hashiba Hideyoshi, his desire for wealth, fame and fortune is far stronger than ordinary people. So... you promoted him from the humble, not just because you cherish talent, At the same time, is it also to make use of his 'desire' to become stronger?"

Speaking of this, Oda Nobunaga showed a proud face, nodded his head and said: "Indeed, monkeys are such people. When I first met him 20 years ago, although monkeys were extremely diligent and full of potential, but I haven't learned any real skills. I have made his "desire" a reality, and his rare disposition is also very beneficial to me. For 20 years, the monkey has firmly believed that as long as he follows in my footsteps , the desire for wealth, fame and fortune can be continuously realized. He has changed from a mere insignificant boy to an old and important minister, and at the same time, he has also given me an advantage in the contract with monsters."

Liu Yun nodded to express his understanding: "In my opinion, there are quite a lot of samurai like Hashiba Hideyoshi in the Oda family. Although their desires are different, they all believe that you can make their 'desires' become Reality. Monarchs and ministers can promote each other."

Oda Nobunaga sighed deeply, and said with emphasis: "However, since the Shosoin of Todaiji Temple in Nara two months ago, things have changed."

"Change?" Liu Yun could roughly understand, but he couldn't help but habitually answered the sentence as a flattery.

"Yes, everything has changed..." Oda Nobunaga's face was extremely serious: "Including the most steadfast monkey, many retainers began to have a skeptical thought. They thought that even if they followed my servant, everything might not be safe. Once such thoughts are born in their hearts, my strength will begin to weaken."

Liu Yun shook his head feeling helpless: "Is it because of my actions that day?"

Oda Nobunaga was silent for a while, and whispered unwillingly: "Yes. The person who cut off Lanshe and treated it that day was neither my humble servant nor any loyal close minister. Sasaki Liuyun, the new foreigner who has integrated into the Oda family... It can even be said that without you as a foreigner, the matter of cutting off Lan Shedai will fail. Of course, it will make people suspicious."

Liu Yun tried to defend himself without confidence: "Even if I'm a new recruit, I'm still a member of the Oda family. If I settle this matter, it can't be regarded as the record of the Oda family?"

Oda Nobunaga glanced at it, and shook his head with disdain: "Liuyun Palace, there are only two of us here, just be blunt. You have never fully recognized that you are a related retainer of the Oda family, and everyone You can also see this, they are not fools."

Liu Yun felt a little embarrassed, so he could only change the subject: "Have you never been questioned before?"

"That's not true." Oda Nobunaga's mouth showed a cold and stern smile: "I have been suspected twice before. The first time was in Jinzaki, where I was cut off by the Asai Army of Liqie—— This time the suspicion ended after Asai Nagamasa's skull was made into a wine glass; the second time was in Kyoto, when he was arguing with Mr. Gongfang (Ashikaga Yoshiaki)—this time the suspicion dissipated as Mr. Gongfang fled from Kyoto in a hurry .”

Liu Yun was keenly aware of the threat, but he was not afraid. Instead, he smiled calmly: "This time I caused the suspicion, so do I have to pay for my death or defeat?"

Oda Nobunaga's eyes were blazing, he looked over with wide eyes, raised his voice and said solemnly: "They are all because they can't see their position clearly, and they insist on getting rid of my control, so they have the final consequences. Liuyundian , you have never been such an arrogant person, there should be a better solution between us."

Liu Yun sighed: "The solution is to ask me to marry Miss Ashi and become your brother-in-law?"

Oda Nobunaga said bluntly: "Otherwise? Wouldn't it be the best way to announce the fact that 'Sasaki Ruun is still a loyal minister who shared honor and disgrace with the Oda family'?"

Liu Yun remained silent.

Oda Nobunaga said again: "Speaking of which, Liuyundian has never expressed any desires in front of me. It's not too late to tell about this matter today. May I ask if you have any wishes, do you need my Nobunaga's help to realize it?" ?”

Liu Yun forced a smile and said, "Of course there is. What I yearn for is actually rich clothes, fine food, and a life of dissoluteness. It would be nice if there were endless sea bream, tempura, and monk's wine every day."

Oda Nobunaga obviously didn't believe it, and shook his head disapprovingly: "This is nothing more than the desire of ordinary people! Liuyundian, you are a rare hero in the world, how can you be so vulgar? Besides, these things are based on your current knowledge and actions. It's enough to do it."

Liu Yun shook his head and sighed: "You don't believe the vulgar ones...then you can only talk about the lofty ones...for example, the world is peaceful and the people are happy, how about it?"

Oda Nobunaga froze for a moment, and suddenly laughed heartily: "That would be great! If you want peace in the world and prosperity for the people, you should follow my advice."

Liu Yun asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Oda Nobunaga raised his head and stroked his beard, and said with great emotion: "As I said just now, when I was young, I made a covenant with certain big monsters. With their power, I obtained the ability to absorb their 'desires' to feed back to myself. Can you hear me?"

Liu Yun nodded: "Of course I heard clearly."

Oda Nobunaga said again: "In the old days, since Ichisuke Owari became an official, I have conquered countless powerful enemies, and then I have established a foundation for several countries. At that time, in order to fight against the daimyos of other countries, the retainers needed to provide an endless stream of 'desires' That’s fine. But now the Oda family is already the overlord of Kinki, with millions of stones of territory in their hands, and an army of 20. I just need to be at the center and give orders, and then my retainers can go out and sweep the world. But today, I still can’t relax, do you know why?”

Liu Yun said: "I would like to hear the details."

Oda Nobunaga paused for a while, and explained in an incomparably solemn tone: "The relationship between you and the monster is to intrigue and use each other. When you are strong enough, you can use the unique skills of the monster at will. But if I, Nobunaga Insufficient strength, maybe the monsters will take the initiative in turn, and then they will have a chance to break through the seal set by the holy monk Jianzhen and return to the human world."

Liu Yun couldn't help being surprised: "There is such a thing?"

It's reasonable to think about it.

In this world, the most powerful big monsters are all sealed by the holy monk Jianzhen, and Nobunaga said just now that he made a contract with a big monster enough to be called the "devil king" when he was young|...

It's easy to think that those who cooperated with him back then were all those monsters who were in a sealed state!

At this time, Oda Nobunaga nodded solemnly, and said in a serious manner: "Flowing Cloud Palace, please. For the 'peace of the world and prosperity of the people' you wish, please follow my advice!"

Chapter 277 The Solution to the Problem

"Liuyun Palace, please. For your wish of 'peace in the world, prosperity for the people', just follow my advice!"

While speaking, Oda Nobunaga bowed sincerely.

He has always been a proud and stingy person, but today he explained so many causes and consequences to Liu Yun so patiently.

It can even be said that according to the daily standards of His Royal Highness the Demon King, the words and deeds just now are quite "submissive".

Patiently explained the cause and effect of the matter, described in detail his own demands and helplessness, and finally asked Liu Yun for help.

How had Oda Nobunaga ever bowed his head to show weakness before?Even for his own father, he has never had it since he was ten years old.

Regardless of whether his remarks are reasonable or not, as far as his attitude is concerned, he is serious enough.

Liu Yun didn't realize that Oda Nobunaga was acting.

At least not purely acting.

Although there is no concrete basis to come up with, Liu Yun's intuition has preceded reason, and he judges that Oda Nobunaga is generally sincere and candid today.

Experience has proved that since I came to the world of the Japanese Warring States period with strange powers and gods, my intuition is often more reliable than reason.

Therefore, Oda Nobunaga's saying "the world is peaceful and the people are happy" is probably not false.Although he is a tyrannical man who will do anything for power, he does seem to have a bit of sentimentality, and he is trying to make the world a better place in his own way.

Unfortunately, this may not be understood by everyone.