Chapter 250 Don’t speak ill of His Highness Tianzhangyuan! 【6500】
Showing martial arts in front of the general... This is the "imperial martial arts performance" that thousands of warriors dream of!
In this world, there are indeed those martial arts idiots who "just want to practice martial arts, and as long as they can practice martial arts, they don't even have to eat."
However, there are only a very small number of such "madmen" who can ignore people's normal physiological needs.
Most people still have to sacrifice themselves for five buckets of rice due to the pressure of survival in reality.
In this era where there are basically no channels for social advancement, "practicing martial arts and then being favored by those in higher positions for your martial arts skills" is one of the few ways to achieve a class jump.
Many martial arts masters who want to enter the official career and show their ambitions in the official career are depressed throughout their lives because they lack an opportunity to show their talents in front of the shoguns and feudal lords.
At the age of only 18, Qingdeng won the honor of performing martial arts before the emperor... If word of this became known, I don't know how many people would be envious and their eyes would turn red with envy.
Faced with such a great opportunity that in other people's eyes was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that might change his future life... Qingdeng lacked enthusiasm.
Aoshino currently has no career ambitions, so he is not interested in showing himself in front of Tokugawa Iemo...but he is very interested in the competition itself.
This kind of opportunity can not only open your eyes and see the martial arts prowess of the world-famous "Third Division" generals, but also give you the opportunity to copy new talents, why not?
Generals usually only watch martial arts competitions in Baishuyuan.
At present, Tokugawa Iemo, Tenzouin and others have moved from Black Academy to White Academy.
Aoden, on the other hand, was led by a certain nickname under Tokugawa Iemo's command, and went to the nearby Kikurama. He was going to put on protective gear, pick up weapons, and get ready for the competition in the Kikurama.
The Kikurama, like the Ohiroma, the Black Shoin, and the White Shoin, are the "front" rooms located in the Honmaru Palace.
The function of this room is similar to that of a lounge.
When the general summons the daimyo of an unblocked city with a flag or a stone height of 10,000 to 30,000, the above-mentioned people will rest in this room and wait for orders.
When large-scale ceremonies and meetings are held, this room will be set up as the center seat for the big fan, the academy fan, and the small group fan.
There are still many lounges similar to Kikuma's in the Honmaru Palace.
People with different status levels can use and enter different lounges.
For example, Yanma, which is adjacent to Kikurama, is dedicated to serving the castle daimyo with a stone height of 10,000 to 300,000. The so-called castle daimyo are the daimyo of the vassal state who were granted the title of castle.
The Emperor's Mirror Room - part of the White Academy. The objects served are the Daidai with 10,000 to 100,000 koku.
The highest-level rest room is a part of the Black Academy. Only the Ii family, the Aizu Matsudaira family, the Takamatsu Matsudaira family, or other daimyo who have retired from the post of senior minister are eligible to use this room.
In addition to these "rooms for daimyo", there are also many rest rooms in the "omote" that are exclusively used by waiters and officials in Edo Castle. For example, the Kikyo Room is used exclusively by the new ban group chief, the ban doctor, and the female high school servants.
"Mr. Tachibana, we are here."
After the person with the surname Xiao who was leading the way said this, he bent his knees and knelt on one knee in front of a paper sliding door painted with gorgeous patterns, and then slowly opened the door with a very respectful movement.
The moment the door was opened, noise and hot air spurted out.
The sound waves composed of noisy chatter rushed toward Qingdeng.
Qingdeng, who was startled by the noise, frowned slightly, rolled his eyes, and quickly scanned the scene in the enclosure.
Everyone in the room was clamoring... 10 samurai of different ages were sitting or standing on the fragrant tatami, each doing their own thing.
More than ten pieces of brand-new protective gear and bamboo swords were neatly placed beside the door.
"Mr. Orange."
At this time, the young man who led the way and opened the door for Qingdeng explained to Qingdeng in a low voice.
"These 10 people are the opponents you will challenge later."
Qingdeng had a look of understanding on his face and nodded gently: "I see... thank you."
After nodding his thanks to this young man, Qingdeng strode across the door frame and entered the room.
When the door was just pushed open, the 10 warriors in the room all turned their heads to look at Qingdeng upon hearing the movement.
But they only glanced at Qingdeng, then withdrew their gaze and continued to do what they were doing.
Those who are in a daze continue to be in a daze, those who are chatting continue to chat, and those who are wearing protective gear continue to wear protective gear.
Qingdeng was completely ignored...it was like Qingdeng didn't exist.
Everyone in the room "turned a blind eye" to his words, which made Qingdeng frown again... not that he was complaining about the indifference of these people.
But I feel that the aura exuded by these people is... weird.
Qingdeng vaguely realized that the group of people's disregard for him was not the kind of disregard that despised him or looked down upon him.
It's the kind of... indifference that seems to pay no attention to everything in the outside world.
——Forget it, it doesn’t matter so much.
Qingdeng gathered his thoughts and turned towards the pile of protective gear placed by the door.
Just as Qingdeng held up a piece of armor and was about to put it on his body——
"Guian~ Are you the person we are going to fight against later: Tachibana Aoden?"
From behind came a neutral voice that made people feel so refreshing, both in terms of word choice and tone of voice.
Being spoken to suddenly... Qingdeng was startled for a moment, and then immediately turned around following the sound.
He saw two warriors standing side by side three steps behind him.
These two samurai are about 160cm and 150cm tall respectively.
The light was not good, and both of them were wearing full sets of protective gear that tightly covered their upper bodies and heads, so they couldn't see their faces clearly.
The conversation Qingden heard just now came from the taller man.
"I am Ju Qingden." Qingden said, "Who are you?"
"Wow~ I finally meet you~!" The taller man chopping his feet excitedly, "It's the first time we meet! I am Shimazaki Kazu from the major group!"
After finishing speaking, Shimazaki turned sideways slightly, stretched out his hand and pointed at the short man next to him:
"This is my friend - Tokuyama Shigeru! Like me, he is also from a major group!"
"It's our first time meeting you." Tokuyama Shigeru bowed to Qingteng in a neither humble nor arrogant manner, "My dear Mr. Tachibana, Tokuyama Shigeru, I have admired you for a long time. I must ask for your advice for the upcoming competition."
"No. I want to ask for your advice." Qingdeng politely offered a polite word and bent down to return the favor.
——The movements of these two people... are so elegant.
When he lowered his head to return the gift, Aoto couldn't help but raise his eyes and secretly looked at Shimazaki Kazu and Tokuyama Shigeru in front of him.
Through the very brief contact just now, Qingdeng has discovered that these two people are very elegant, both in their stance and in their movements. It is obvious at a glance that they are people who have received a very strict quality education.
Qingdeng didn't feel that it was strange at all. He just sighed silently in his heart:
——As expected of a descendant of a famous family...
The "Third Division" is the imperial guard responsible for the personal protection of the general and Edo. Its status is far more important than ordinary troops such as the Arche Division and the Iron Cannon Division.
Therefore, in order to ensure combat effectiveness and loyalty to the general, the "Third Division" only recruited soldiers from Hatamoto and his descendants.
There are many famous families in the flag book whose family income exceeds several thousand koku, and is richer and more powerful than some minor daimyo. Therefore, in the "Third Division", I met those who have high personal qualities and exude "aristocratic atmosphere"
It is not unusual for people.
"Mr. Tachibana! I have heard of your name and deeds a long time ago! I have always respected you! I never thought that I would have the opportunity to meet you in person!"
Having said this, Shimazaki paused for a moment. He raised his eyes and looked at Qingden's face several times.
"You are much more handsome than I thought!"
After saying that, Shimazaki chuckled... The laughter was a bit strange, but not unpleasant.
"Uh, thank you."
Shimazaki Kazu is very familiar to him. Even though he had just met Aotobu, he ended up chatting enthusiastically with Aotobu as if he had been an old friend for many years.
Ayoto has never disliked familiar people, so he was willing to chat with Shimazaki for a few words.
As for Tokuyama Shigeru, he was a bit taciturn. After introducing himself, he didn't speak much.
At this moment, a loud conversation suddenly came from not far away, attracting the attention of Aoto, Shimazaki, and Tokuyama Shigeru——
…
"Tsk, it's been a long time since I went to Yoshihara's place to relax. I'm almost suffocated. I miss being in bed with Ryoka by my side."
"Speaking of Yoshiwara...did you know? It seems that Itazaki from the academy series was unfortunately 'taught' in Yoshiwara and fell ill with Hanariu disease."
"Haha? Really or not? That kid is in such a miserable condition. What kind of disease is it? The kind with red spots all over the body? If it's the kind of disease with red spots all over the body, then that kid is dead."
"I don't know about that. I only know that he got Hualiu."
"Oh, how pitiful you are. Playing with women until you die."
"Hey, don't talk about such depressing topics. Let's talk about some important business - do you want to go drinking together tonight?"
"Oh? Okay. Where to drink?"
…
The three samurai, who didn't know which unit they came from in the "Third Division", were putting on protective gear with slow movements while talking loudly, discussing various trivial matters that had nothing to do with the competition later.
Listening to the conversation of these people and looking at their careless faces, Qingden's eyelids slowly lowered...
——This is... the Imperial Guards of the Shogunate?
Thinking of this, Qingdeng turned his head and looked at the other people in the room.
Although the others were not as outrageous as the three people who chatted about "where to go after get off work tonight," they still looked more relaxed than the other.
There is no spirit... no excitement or high-spirited spirit.
After some observation, only Shimazaki Kazuo and Tokuyama Shigeru in front of him looked somewhat similar - at least these two people had already worn protective gear. Unlike some people, who moved slowly and often.
Half a day passed before I just put on the cage.
——It’s really outrageous...
The competition was about to begin, but the rest of the group, except for Shigeru Shimazaki and Shigeru Tokuyama, were sitting here talking about romance as if it had nothing to do with them... To be honest, their attitude made Aonto a little disappointed.
.
No, I am very disappointed.
He originally thought that the "Third Division", as a unit that enjoys the best logistical support, has the strictest selection conditions for soldiers, and shoulders the most important responsibilities, the physical and mental condition and overall quality of the generals will be far better than ordinary soldiers.
warrior.
Unexpectedly... there is such a big gap between the "expectation" and the "reality" that is unfolding before our eyes.
Qingden was not looking forward to the upcoming competition anymore - it was hard to imagine that such a distracted and dull-eyed guy could perform brilliantly in the upcoming competition.
"... Mr. Tachibana, what do you think of these guys?"
Suddenly, Shimazaki asked Aonto like this.
Compared with the demeanor when he was chatting with Aoto just now, Shimazaki's tone suddenly became much more solemn.
"What is it like?" Qingdeng pretended not to understand.
"Don't be stupid. You should know what I mean."
"..." Qingdeng remained silent, without saying a word.
It is a taboo in social life to make shallow acquaintances and talk deeply - Qingdeng also understands this.
He, Shimazaki Kazu and Tokuyama Shigeru were strangers to each other. Talking about this kind of topic with strangers like them would only do harm but no good.
So Qingdeng chose to play dumb and remain silent to the end.
However, Aoto didn't say anything - Shimazaki thought to himself and murmured:
"I'm very disappointed in these guys... How do they look like this? If there is a war in the future, how will they protect the general with their moral character..."
After saying this, Shimazaki lowered his head and sighed heavily...a breath called "loss" emanated from his body.
But it only took a moment for Shimazaki to cheer up.
He raised his head suddenly, and the aura of disappointment in his body was suddenly swept away.
"Speaking of 'Yoshiwara'... Mr. Tachibana, have you ever been to Yoshiwara?"
"No." Qingdeng replied without hesitation.
"What a coincidence, I haven't been to Yoshiwara either. I've always wanted to go to Yoshiwara to open my eyes and see what this 'city that never sleeps' looks like, which has fascinated countless Edo men."
"Huh? Go to Yoshiwara to broaden your horizons? What's so difficult about this?" Qingto asked puzzledly, "Yoshiwara is not located in some remote place that is difficult to get to. When you are free one day, just go to Yoshiwara.
Can you see what Yoshihara looks like?"
"Kekeke..."
Shimazaki smiled and said nothing... Suddenly, he changed the topic slightly stiffly:
"Speaking of which - Mr. Ju, you should have met His Highness Tianzhangyuan just now, right?"
"...Why do you ask this?"
Although after the assassination of Naoki Ii, the power of the "Nanki Sect" was seriously shaken, and after the "Ichitsubashi Sect" made a comeback, the status and power of Tenzou-in were severely impacted, but no matter what, Tenzou-in is the great imperial institution.
, is the nominal mother of the current general.
Talking about the rights and wrongs of the "Mother of the Nation" with strangers... This is not a rational behavior.
Therefore, after hearing the name Tianzhangyuan from Shimazaki Kazuichi, Qingto's eyebrows jumped and he was secretly wary.
"nothing."
Shimazaki smiled.
"I just want to have a casual chat with you."
"I heard that when you met with the General at Black Academy just now, His Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan was also present."
"So I just want to ask you: What did you think when you met His Highness Tianzhangyuan for the first time?"
After finishing speaking, Shimazaki let out a "huh" and let out a long breath.
There was a hint of reminiscence on the face under the mask.
"My first impression of His Highness Tianzhangyuan was very profound - the first time I saw His Highness Tianzhangyuan, I was really disappointed."
"I used to hear from others how beautiful Her Highness Tianzhangyuan is."
"It's like 'Her Royal Highness Tenjoin is the most beautiful woman in Edo', and 'Sanako Chiba of Okemachi Chiba is a little inferior compared to her'."
"In the end, His Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan's true appearance turned out to be so average. I feel like he is not as good-looking as my sister."
"Perhaps Duke Jia Ding dislikes the fact that His Highness Tianzhangyuan is too ugly, so he never has sex with her. Haha~"
Shimazaki laughed unbridled.
After laughing to his heart's content, he seemed to want to say something more——
"...Okay, stop talking."
But Qingdeng interrupted him with a cold tone.
After Shimazaki Kazuo and Tokuyama Shigeru beside him both cast confused glances at Aoto, Aoto said seriously with a very solemn face:
"Although I have only met His Highness Tianzhangyuan once... I personally think His Highness Tianzhangyuan should not be ridiculed like this by others."
"Oh?" Shimazaki tilted his head, "Why do you say that?"
"...His Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan has tasted the harshness of the world and the warmth and coldness of the world, but she has not surrendered. She has survived all setbacks with an extremely tenacious will."
"His Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan has always fulfilled his obligations as a great emperor and actively assisted Mr. Dashu to the best of his ability."
"Her character is so admirable."
"A wonderful woman like Her Royal Highness Tianzhangyuan should not be mocked maliciously like this."
The above words of Qingdeng... were not complimentary in any way and were meant to be polite. They were all spoken from the bottom of his heart.
Besides, there is no point in talking good things about Tianzhang Academy to such "third division" warriors.
As one of the most famous celebrities in Edo, Tenjoin's past has been spread far and wide in the city a long time ago.
Tenjoin, who married to Edo as the "Princess of the Satsuma Domain" and married the Edo Shogunate, was not a princess of the Satsuma Domain from the beginning.
The family that rules the Satsuma Domain is the Shimazu clan. Tenjoin was born in a branch of the Shimazu clan in Satsuma: the Izumi clan.
The former lord of the Satsuma Domain: Shimazu Saibin, is a die-hard member of the Hitotsubashi faction.
In order to better support Hitotsubashi Keiki's rise to power and expand the influence of the Hitotsubashi faction within the shogunate, Shimazu Saibin decided to marry with the Edo shogunate.
However, Shimazu Qibin did not have any girls of the right age... So Shimazu Qibin set his sights on the Shimazu family branch, and prepared to accept the adult women from the branch family as his adopted daughters - this is how Tianzhangyuan became
The princess of Satsuma Domain.
Not long after she was adopted as an adopted daughter by Shimazu Saibin, Tenjoin was sent out of her hometown as if she was being driven to a shelf, and traveled thousands of miles to marry Tokugawa Isada, who had medical cerebral palsy and no longer looked like a normal person.
.
Falling a victim of politics... This is just the beginning of Tianzhangyuan's tragedy.
Tokugawa Iedada, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has not only been weak since childhood, but also has a cowardly nature. He hates talking in front of others. Only his wet nurse Utahashi can communicate with him.
When Tianzhangyuan married him, his body and mind had basically reached a state of total collapse.
He locked himself in his room all day long and hardly saw anyone... Tianzhangyuan, who was already known as husband and wife to him, was no exception.
On July 6, the fifth year of Ansei (1858), Tokugawa Iesada died of illness. Tenzouin's short-term marriage with him, which lasted for one year and seven months, came to an end.
According to the regulations of the Edo Shogunate, after a shogun dies, his main wife and side wives must become nuns.
She may not have even met her husband for a few times, and she became a little widow who had to leave her family...
While Tenjoin was marrying away to Edo, her biological father died of illness in Satsuma Domain.
But Tenzouin was unable to return to her hometown to visit her late father... not to mention her parents. From the moment she was selected as "the marriage partner of the Tokugawa family", she never had the chance to return to her hometown.
, no chance to see her former relatives and friends.
She had suffered so many injustices, but she didn't even have an object to vent her resentment on - because the person who caused her to be in this situation today: Shimazu Saibin, died of illness as early as 10 days after Tokugawa Iesada died of illness.
Kagoshima died suddenly.
The setbacks suffered by Tianzhang Institute were not over yet - after Shimazu Saibin died of illness, the new governor of the Shimazu family: Shimazu Tadayoshi, adopted a completely indifferent attitude towards Tianzhang Institute.
This is not difficult to understand.
Shimazu Tadayoshi and Tenchoin had nothing to do with each other. And Tenchoin now has no use value.
To put it simply - the relationship between Tenjoin and the Satsuma clan is completely "broken off"... no. To be more precise... it should be a relationship of "abandoned".
He obviously made so many sacrifices for the Satsuma clan, but in the end not only did he get nothing, but he was also ruthlessly abandoned by his hometown...
He became a political tool inexplicably. He didn't even know whether he had exerted the effect that a "tool" should have, so he was thrown aside like trash...
To be honest - after encountering this series of changes, it is not surprising even if the body and mind become distorted.
But Tianzhangyuan is not like this... So Qingdeng really admires Tianzhangyuan's character and willpower.
Although Qingdeng did not dare to say that he sympathized with Tianzhangyuan's experiences, he could at least express infinite sympathy for this poor little widow.
Hearing Shimazaki taunting Tianzhangin like this, Qingto felt really uncomfortable.
"Oh~"
After receiving a stern warning from Aoto... Shimazaki Kazuo did not show any displeasure.
He chuckled softly...I don't know what he was laughing at.
Tokuyama Shigeru on the side also said "ha" at this time and pursed his lips and smiled.
Just then——
"Time is up."
The voice of the young man who brought Qingdeng here just now came from outside the room.
"The martial arts performance is ready to begin. Mr. Tachibana, please come with me."
…
…
Edo, Edo Castle, Hakushoin——
Qingdeng, who had put on all protective gear, stood in a corner of Bai Academy with his bamboo sword in hand.
I saw a thick curtain on the north side of Baishoin - Tokugawa Iemo, Tenzouin and some waiters were all sitting behind this curtain.
People outside the curtain couldn't see clearly what was happening inside the curtain.
On the contrary, people inside the curtain should not be able to see clearly the scene outside the curtain.
Seeing this, Aoto felt strange in his heart - could Tokugawa Iemo and Tenzouin be able to clearly see the martial arts competition while sitting behind such a curtain?
Just when Qingden was secretly doubting this matter, his first opponent came on stage.
Shimazaki Kazu, Tokuyama Shigeru, and the others are all sitting on the east side of Baishuyuan, ready to go on the field to compete with Aonto at any time.
The referee is an older man named Yutaka Honda.
The rhythm of this impromptu martial arts performance was very fast, without any redundant opening remarks. After the old referee appeared, he simply mentioned the rules and victory conditions, and then shouted loudly, "Both sides please salute."
Qingden and his No. 1 opponent both held their bamboo swords tightly and performed the squatting ceremony.
"The competition begins!"
call!
As soon as the referee announced the start of the contest, the No. 1 opponent suddenly struck Qingden in the face with a knife.
Although the speed is fast... it is not faster than Qingdeng's reaction!
Qingden deflected his sword at lightning speed.
Seeing that the blow missed, the man quickly took two steps back, widening the distance between him and Qingdeng.
*******
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Suddenly I discovered that the title of Chapter 52 of Volume 2 was garbled, and the "facial cleanser" in the title was deleted... (Leopard Mania.jpg)
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