Chapter 104 Qingdeng was 'targeted' by General Zhengyi [7700
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Yutaisuo: the name given to the general’s main room.
The former general's main room was called the "Grand Imperial Palace".
At this moment, the woman sitting in front of Naoki Ii is none other than Tenjoin Atsuhime, the name of the academy and the current grand palace of the Edo shogunate.
In the Edo period, where the hierarchy was extremely strict, naturally no ordinary woman could become the shogun's wife.
Tenjoin is a feudal lord with a total stone height of 770,000 koku. It has a strong military strength that can directly threaten the rule of the Edo shogunate: the adopted daughter of Shimazu Saibin, the former lord of the Satsuma clan.
In order to strengthen the Satsuma clan's influence in the shogunate, Shimazu Saibin facilitated this marriage between Tenjoin and the former shogun Tokugawa Iedada.
Satsuma Domain is located on Kyushu Island, at the southwestern tip of Japan.
Due to the remote geographical location and the fierce customs of the Satsuma clan, many people have the inherent impression of the Satsuma people as "barbaric" and "all a bunch of arrogant mountain monkeys".
However, Tenjoin, as the "Princess of Satsuma", is very different from these stereotypes of Satsuma people.
Tianzhangyuan's wrist is like a symbol of her whole body.
Soft and delicate.
Her wrist was so weak that it seemed like it would break if she pinched it, and it seemed like it could disappear at any time if she held it.
It's not just her wrists, her whole body feels exactly the same.
The ankles, neck, shoulders, the short ponytail on the back of the head... all the lines are so graceful, delicate, light and graceful.
Her soft body lines, coupled with her beautiful skin color as white as moonlight, and her exquisite facial features that seemed to have been carefully carved by a skilled craftsman, made her look like an exquisite porcelain doll.
The only fly in the ointment was that there was a sickly paleness hanging on her cheeks.
As the Grand Imperial Palace has become a nun due to the death of the Tokugawa family, Tenjo-in cannot afford any more graceful and luxurious decorations.
She was wearing a simple purple blouse, and under the blouse was an elegant light green middle coat... This overly plain dress actually added an elegant atmosphere to Tianzhang Courtyard.
After Ii Naobi finished speaking, Tianzhangyuan blinked his eyes gently and looked at Ii Naobi calmly.
Tianzhangin's every move and smile are the same as those of Ii Naomi - with the calmness of a superior.
"...My lord." Tianzhangyuan's voice is quite ethereal, and like her body, it reminds people of delicate flowers, "Thank you for your kindness and come to visit me."
Jingyi Naobi bowed slightly and said, "The Great Imperial Tower is infected with the wind and cold. How can I ignore it and ignore it?"
Just now, in his mansion, the middle-aged samurai was leaning in Ii Naobi's ear, and seemed to have said a lot of things to Ii Naobi, but the general meaning of what he said could be summarized in one sentence -
—His Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan is ill.
"Thank you, sir." Tianzhangyuan remained calm, "I just suffered a little bit of wind and cold. It's nothing serious. There's no need to worry."
"Sir, sir, is it really okay for you to waste your precious time to come and visit me, a widow who has been used as a joke by others?"
"His Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan." Ii Naobi's eyelids sank slightly, "Why do you say that?"
At this moment, Tianzhangyuan's expression finally changed for the first time since entering this gorgeous room.
She lowered her eyes and frowned slightly.
"Master Big Boss, aren't you now preparing to attack the 'rejection faction' in the country? If so, then there should be a mountain of things waiting for you to deal with one by one, right?"
"...His Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan." Naobi Jing suddenly laughed, he laughed so hard that his shoulders shook vigorously, "Don't you... sympathize with those 'rejecting foreigners'?"
"Have you also become a 'rejection faction'? Do you also think that we can defeat the armored fleets of Western countries with our samurai swords and matchlock guns handed down from the Warring States Period?"
"I am not against you attacking the 'anti-barbarians'." Tianzhang Yuan's tone suddenly became a bit harsh. "I am worried that you will use the name of 'fighting against the anti-barbarians' to once again attack all the political opponents who oppose you!"
"Oh..." Ii Naobi slowly stopped laughing, "I see."
"His Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan, it turns out that you are worried that I will repeat the severe suppression of the 'Ichibashi Sect' in the past."
"It seems that Your Highness Tianzhangyuan still sympathizes with the members of the 'Hitobashi Sect' who were severely suppressed by me back then..."
Tianzhang Hospital did not respond.
But by raising her small chin high, she gave Naoki Ii a silent and powerful response.
Ii Naobi let out a few intriguing "haha" laughs.
"His Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan, you should still remember... who were the core members of the 'Ichibashi Sect' back then, right?"
"Mito Domain Lord Tokugawa Saiaki, Echizen Fukui Domain Lord Matsudaira Keinaga, Tosa Domain Lord Yamauchi Toyonobu, Uwajima Domain Lord Date Saijo, and... your adoptive father: Satsuma Domain Lord Shimazu Saibin."
Naoki Ii suddenly raised his gaze, piercing Tianzhangyuan's sharp gaze like a blade.
The light in Tianzhangyuan's eyes flickered slightly at this moment.
"His Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan! Take a look at this list! They are all lords of the major lords!"
"Their slogans were shouted beautifully."
"At this time of national crisis, we need a general with extraordinary talents to take charge of the overall situation."
"Hmph! They say it's for the sake of the shogunate and the country, but in reality they all have ulterior motives!"
"The reason why I want to support Hitotsubashi Keiki to ascend to power is just to enhance their influence in the shogunate and use this to seek the greatest benefits for their vassal and their family."
"To take a step back - does the Hitotsubashi Keiki they want to support really deserve the name of 'sage'?"
"I've seen that Hitotsubashi Keiki several times, and from what I've seen, this Hitotsubashi Keiki is just a nerd who's reading so much that his brain has gone crazy!"
"A nerd like him seems to be very reliable on weekdays, but in times of crisis, he often becomes completely useless!"
"In addition to being out-of-the-box, he also lacks the courage to take on the important task of being a 'general in conquest of barbarians'."
"I don't have the courage to make decisions on big things."
"He is the kind of coward who will definitely confront two armies. Once his side is at a disadvantage, he will abandon his army in a hurry and flee alone!"
"If I let Hitotsubashi Keiki take over as shogun, unless he dies young, I have no doubt that he will definitely become the last shogun of our Edo shogunate."
"If these demons and monsters with their own ulterior motives are allowed to dance wildly among the demons, the shogunate and this country will never have peace!"
"In order to ensure that the country will not be divided or turbulent due to these young people, I launched a severe crackdown on them. What is wrong?"
"History will eventually prove who is the loyal minister or them!"
Ii Naobi's tone became more and more passionate.
"Your Highness Tenjoin, although you are the adopted daughter of Shimazu Saibin, the lord of the Satsuma Domain, you are also the Grand Odaisho of my shogunate!"
"I hope you will put the interests of the shogunate first no matter what!"
Naoki Ii specially emphasized the pronunciation of the word "shogunate".
His Highness Tianzhangyuan's chest suddenly rose and fell a little faster after Ii Naobi finished speaking.
"...Sir, Big Boss." Tianzhangyuan said in a deep voice with a sinking face, "You have your persistence, and I also have my persistence!"
"When I entered the University, I made an oath - I will work hard for the future of this country!"
Tianzhangyuan specially emphasized the pronunciation of the word "country" very strongly.
[Note: Oku: During the Edo period, the shogun’s biological mother, children, main wife (Odaisha), side rooms and residences of various female officials in Edo Castle can be understood as the shogun’s harem in the Edo period. Any male other than the shogun
No one is allowed to come near Daao]
"'For the future of this country'..." Naoki Ii imitated Tianzhangyin's tone, emphasizing the word "country" very strongly like Tianzhangyin.
He looked smug as if he was amused by his excellent imitation.
"Since Your Highness Tianzhangyuan has such awareness, please grow up quickly."
Ii Naobi's expression gradually became indifferent and indifferent.
"With all due respect - Your Highness, some of your ideas are so childish that they make me want to laugh."
"You can't protect this country just by being motivated and naive."
Ii Naoki and Tianzhangin...the two of them stared at each other not to be outdone.
There is no sound here.
But it was like thunder roaring in my ears.
…
…
Tenjoin clasped his hands in front of him and walked quickly with an expressionless expression on the corridor leaving the gorgeous room where he had just met with Ii Naomi.
Because Tianzhangyuan walked so fast, the female officials responsible for serving her had to follow her closely behind her with great difficulty.
Suddenly, a hoarse voice unique to the voice-changing stage stopped Tianzhangyuan:
"Mother!"
A young man strode out from the shadows of the corridor on the right side of Tianzhang Courtyard.
This young man has a rather delicate appearance, with a straight and high nose bridge, curved and long eyebrows, and his unshaven hair is black and full of luster.
There is still a bit of childishness in his facial features, but in his movements, he already has a bit of the mature demeanor of an adult.
The boy's clothes were embroidered with the family crest of the Tokugawa clan: three-leaf sunflower.
Wearing clothes embroidered with three-leaf sunflowers, he called Tianzhangyuan "Mother"... The identity of the young man was already clear.
It was with the strong support of the "Nanki Faction" headed by Naomi Ii that he successfully defeated the "Ichitsubashi Faction" 2 years ago and succeeded Tokugawa Keifuku as the new general!
Two years ago, after the former shogun Tokugawa Iesada died of illness and he officially became the 14th shogun of the Edo shogunate, Tokugawa Keifuku changed his name to the current "Tokugawa Iemo" in accordance with the usual custom.
"Sir General...?" Tenzouin looked at Tokugawa Iemo who suddenly appeared in surprise.
The female officials standing behind Tenzōin quickly bent down and saluted Tokugawa Iemo.
Tokugawa Iemoge smiled and waved to the female officials, indicating that they would excuse themselves, and then slightly quickened his pace to rush to Tianzhangin.
Tokugawa Iemo is still only a 14-year-old boy this year, and there is only a 10-year age difference between him and Tenzōin.
Because Tenjoin is the royal wife of the former general Tokugawa Iesada, and in order to take over the position of general of the conquest of barbarians, after the "Nanki faction" won two years ago, Tokugawa Iemo became Tokugawa Iesada's adopted son.
Therefore, even though the age difference between the two is nothing like mother and son, Tenzouin is still Tokugawa Iemo's nominal mother. Whether in public or in private, Tokugawa Iemo will respectfully call Tenzouin "Mother"
.
"General," Tianzhangyuan asked, "Why are you here?"
"Mother..." Tokugawa Iemo smiled bitterly, "Did you...just quarrel with Ii again?"
Tianzhangyuan looked stunned.
She tilted her head and winked at the female officials behind her.
The female officers immediately understood and quickly backed away.
In an instant, a space was created where only Tenzouin and Tokugawa Iemo could be alone.
"Sir General." Tenzouin turned his attention back to Tokugawa Iemo.
On her face, there was a gentle smile that had never been shown when she met Naoki Ii just now.
There was a hint of helplessness in Tianzhangyuan's gentle smile.
"Every time I have a meeting with Mr. Big Boss, you will come over nervously and ask me, 'Did you quarrel with Jing Yi again?'"
Tokugawa Iemo laughed a few times.
"Mother, you and Ii are indispensable figures to me... no, to the shogunate and to this country."
When Tokugawa Iemo said the words "shogunate" and "country", he specially emphasized his tone.
"So I don't want to see you having frequent quarrels there..."
Looking at Tokugawa Iemo who lowered his head with a slightly worried look on his face, Tianzhangin smiled helplessly.
She subconsciously raised her hand, trying to stroke Tokugawa Iemo's hair out of habit.
But after raising her plain white palm, she suddenly discovered that her adopted son had grown as tall as her without even realizing it.
Apparently two years ago, when Tokugawa Iemo arrived in Edo and succeeded him as the new shogun, the young man was only as tall as her chest.
"Sir General, don't worry too much." Tianzhangin smoothed a strand of hair from Tokugawa Iemo's temples with gentle movements, "Sir Daibo and I... we just have slightly different political opinions."
"Political differences aside, Mr. Big Boss has always been a man I admire very much."
"Although I really don't want to admit it...but I have to agree - this country can't live without the big boss yet."
"The grand boss's majesty and governing skills have prevented a large number of careerists in this country from taking the lead and maintained the stability of the country."
"I have always recognized his loyalty to the shogunate and his determination to devote everything to the future of the shogunate."
"So——General, don't worry."
Tianzhangin slowly put down the hand that was stroking Tokugawa Iemo's hair, and the corners of his mouth curved in a gentle arc.
"The scene that you are worried about me turning against the big boss and fighting with him will never happen."
Hearing what Tenzouin said, the worried look on Tokugawa Iemo's face slowly faded away, and was replaced by a relaxed and cheerful smile.
However, as soon as his smile appeared... he froze.
"...Mother, speaking of Jing Yi... I have some bad news to report to you..."
Tokugawa Iemo looked around and after confirming that there were no outsiders around, he lowered his voice and said quickly to Tianzhangin:
"Just now, the new spies we sent to Mito Domain sent a report."
"We still haven't collected any information...about the group of Mito feudal lords who sneaked into Edo with the intention of assassinating Ii."
One of them is the current general of the Edo shogunate, and the other is the current general of the Odaisho. More than a month ago, naturally, they both, like Ii Naomi, immediately lurked in the Mito domain.
The top-secret information was received from the spies: a group of Mito feudal lords will sneak into Edo and execute Tianxia on Ii Naomi.
Because the influence of this information is so great, if it is leaked, it will probably cause quite a panic. Therefore, until now, only Tokugawa Iemo, Tenzouin, Ii Naomi and other people in the shogunate know about this.
.
"How good is the confidentiality work..." Tianzhangyin half-closed his eyes, "These Mito feudal lords who intend to assassinate the elder... are far more cunning than we imagined..."
Tianzhangyuan's palms folded in front of him were slowly clenched.
"...Mother." After hesitating for a moment, Tokugawa Iemo breathed out a sigh of relief as if he had made up his mind, "As you just said, this country cannot be without Ii yet."
"Furthermore... speaking of personal feelings, I never want Jing Yi to be killed."
"So, I have a plan now. Mother, would you like to hear my plan?"
Tianzhangyuan was startled: "General, please tell me."
…
…
Edo Castle, Ii Naomi's office——
Naoki Ii sat cross-legged behind a desk piled with many documents, scanning a document in his hand intently.
When Naoki Ii was concentrating on handling state affairs, he didn't notice the footsteps beside him——
"Iiyo."
Ii Naobi's expression suddenly froze, and then he quickly raised his eyes from the document in his hand.
"Sir General...?!" Ii Naobi quickly put down the documents in his hand, then turned around and leaned down towards Tokugawa Iemo who was walking towards him with a smile, "Why are you here?"
After waving his hand to signal Ii Naobi to raise his head quickly, Tokugawa Iemo who had already walked up to Ii Naobi slowly squatted down.
"Jing Yi, I...have something to tell you."
The additional spies sent by Tokugawa Iemo to Mito Domain did not yield any results. They still had not found out the detailed information about the group of Mito Domain warriors who intended to assassinate Ii Naobi, so they quickly informed Ii Naobi.
After hearing the so-called bad news from Tokugawa Iemo, Ii Naomi... reacted quite indifferently.
"...Sir General." After a moment of silence, Naomi Ii knocked his head towards Tokugawa Iemo again, "I am truly sorry...I have made you worry about these trivial matters."
"In other words," Tokugawa Iemo smiled, "Not only should ministers share the worries of the monarch, but the monarch should also think more about his ministers."
In the market, there are often people who make such grounded remarks - Ii Naobi is an ambitious and powerful minister! He currently controls the shogunate on the grounds that "the general is young". When the general grows up in the future, Ii Naobi will definitely
He continued to cling to power and refused to return power to Tokugawa Iemo.
If some people who had more contact with Tokugawa Iemo and Ii Naomi heard these rumors, they would definitely sneer at them.
Anyone who knows a little about the relationship between these two people knows very well that the relationship between Tokugawa Iemo and Ii Naomi, who fought together in the "Hitobashi Nanki Controversy", and the CCP's advance and retreat, is far better than that of some people in the city.
What people think is much more intimate.
"We have stepped up our efforts to detect intelligence, but we still haven't gotten clear information about the Mito feudal lords who intend to assassinate you."
"These assassins are far more cunning than we thought."
"This also shows that this assassination attempt by these assassins must have been carefully planned and not just a small incident."
A look of solemnity crept up onto Tokugawa Iemo's face little by little.
"Jing Yi, whether it's because of love or reason, I don't want to see you killed."
"I just discussed it with my mother."
"We plan to let you temporarily step down from your position as the boss."
"Before the storm subsides completely, hide in a safe place in Edo for a while."
"Jing Yi, what do you think?"
Ii Naoki's expression changed rapidly several times in an instant.
He was stunned at first.
After staring at Tokugawa Iemoji with surprised eyes for a while, he slowly pursed his lips, and the surprise in his eyes slowly turned into a touch of relief.
"...General."
Ii Naoki lowered his head again.
"Thank you and His Highness Tianzhangyuan for your concern."
"But...if I temporarily step down from my position as elder, Ando Nobumasa and the others may cry."
Ii Naobi smiled slightly and continued in a half-joking tone.
"Now, the 'anti-barbarian' thugs are becoming increasingly rampant, and their existence has threatened the existence of the shogunate."
"Ando Nobumasa and the others are not yet equipped to deal with such critical moments, and they are still unable to help you, General, overcome the difficulties you are facing."
"What's more, even if I hide temporarily, I may not be able to escape the attack and murder of those who hate me."
"If these assassins are determined to take my head, even if I flee to the ends of the earth, they will eventually find me."
"So - General, I appreciate the good intentions of you and His Highness Tianzhangyuan."
Hearing what Ii Naomi said, Tokugawa Iemo immediately looked anxious.
He was about to continue to say something to persuade Ii Naobi.
But as soon as he opened his mouth, he paused.
In the eyes of the veteran minister in front of him, he saw a series of glances that made him involuntarily think of a rock.
Looking at the light in Ii Naobi's eyes, a thought flashed out of Tokugawa Iemo's mind - words alone cannot move Ii Naobi...
"ah……"
Suddenly, Ii Naobi seemed to remember something. After letting out a low exclamation, he smiled and put his hand into his arms.
"General, I originally wanted to wait a few days before giving this to you."
"But since it's rare for us to be alone now... let me just leave this to you now."
Ii Naoki took out a thin booklet from his arms.
"This is...?" Tokugawa Iemo took the booklet with a puzzled look and opened it.
Inside the booklet, there are names written one after another.
Some of the names in this book are really impressive.
For example - Matsudaira Yoho, the lord of the Aizu Domain, Matsudaira Sadeiki, the lord of the Kuwana Domain...
Behind each person's name, there is a simple sentence like a comment.
Behind the lord of the Aizu Domain, Matsudaira Yoho, there is a saying: "As a minister of the Hashira Kingdom, you can boldly reuse and trust him."
On the back of the lord of the Kuwana Domain, Matsudaira Sadaki, is written "He is not brave enough, but he deserves to be reused, but he should not be given too heavy a burden."
The rest of the names on the list all have similar long or short comments -
He has very good eloquence and is a good debater; he is good at managing finances; although he has no special talents, his loyalty deserves recognition...
When Tokugawa Iemo was surprised by the contents of this booklet, Ii Naomi smiled softly:
"Although I have increased the number of guards I take with me when I travel every day, there are still some gaps in the hundred secrets."
"No matter how many guards you bring, you can't ensure absolute safety."
"71 years ago, the lord of Hirose Domain, who was protected by hundreds of guards, was still forcibly killed by 'Shura' Ogata Issei with one man's power."
"So, you have to be prepared for a rainy day."
"This booklet is the 'list of outstanding talents' that I spent a full month making."
"The names recorded in this list are all outstanding talents carefully selected by me after careful inspection."
"These people have high and low backgrounds. Some are lords of a certain vassal state, while others are just low-level warriors from humble backgrounds."
"But regardless of their origins, they have one thing in common - they are all outstanding talents worthy of reuse or attention."
"General, if one day... I am no longer here, please use this list as a reference and reuse or pay attention to these talents on the list as appropriate."
Tokugawa Iemo's eyes widened in surprise.
He looked at Naobi Ii who was smiling with a dazed expression.
Then, he pursed his lips tightly and returned his gaze to the booklet in his hand.
Silently, he flipped through page after page of the "List of Outstanding Talents" specially made for him by Naomi Ii.
When he turned to the last page of the list with a name written on it, Tokugawa Iemo's fingers suddenly stopped.
Tachibana Qingden——This is the last name written on this "list of outstanding talents".
Behind each person's name on the list, there is a simple comment that introduces what kind of talents they probably have.
The only exception was Tachibana Qingden - there was no comment written behind him.
"Tachibana Aoden...?" Tokugawa Iemo chewed the name carefully.
So far, Tokugawa Iemo has been slightly impressed by every name he has seen on this list.
Only the name "Tachibana Aoden" felt strange to Tokugawa Iemo, but he also felt that he had heard this name somewhere recently...
Naoki Ii's reaction was also very quick.
After noticing Tokugawa Iemo cast a doubtful look at the name "Tachibana Aoden", he immediately said:
"General, you should have heard of this name."
"He is the man who protected a French businessman and his family in the siege of more than 200 'anti-barbarian' thugs more than a month ago, Tachibana Aoden from the town of Hokkaido, Kitaban, Edo."
These words of Ii Naomi suddenly dissipated the fog trapped in Tokugawa Iemo's mind.
"According to my observation and consideration, Tachibana Aoden did not achieve such a beautiful victory by relying on good luck." Ii Naoki said slowly, "He relied on excellent dispatching and command, as well as an extremely keen sense of battlefield.
Won that chaotic battle."
"Tachibana Aoden has a certain commanding ability - there is no doubt about it."
"But whether he is worthy of reuse remains to be seen and tested."
"After all, the battle he won was just a small-scale battle with the total number of people on both sides not exceeding 300. The scale of the battle was too small to be an effective reference."
"What the shogunate needs now is the kind of talented people who can fight beautifully no matter how big or small they are."
"Furthermore, because the time of contact with Tachibana Aoden is too short, his character has not yet been ascertained."
"Although we cannot yet determine whether this person is worthy of heavy reuse, his future is worth looking forward to."
"So, I also wrote his name into this 'list of outstanding talents'."
"If I am no longer here, I would like to ask you, General, to observe and test this Ju Qingden."
"Maybe... it's not impossible for him to become the future 'Minister of the Pillar Kingdom' of our shogunate."
"Ii!" Tokugawa Iemo raised his eyes with displeasure and glared at Ii Naobi, "Please don't say such unlucky words like 'if the queen is no longer here'!"
Looking at the displeased Tokugawa Iemo, Ii Naoki was stunned for a moment, then laughed and said: "Sorry... I will pay attention to it later."
After briefly scolding Naoki Ii, who kept saying unlucky words, Tokugawa Iemo turned his attention back to the name "Tachibana Aoden" on the list.
