"Is this not good~~? Is this not good~~? Is this not good~~?"
There are only the same lyrics that come and go.
There is no rhythm or rhythmic dance movements at all.
No matter how weird it looks.
In addition, many of them also wear ghostly makeup.
There are people who apply lipstick all over their chin but don’t apply lipstick only on their lips
[Note: Lipstick: It can be understood as the lipstick of the Edo period]
There are also people who only put on heavy makeup like a geisha on one half of their face, while leaving the other half bare-faced.
What's more, he painted his whole face so colorful that the circus clown would be ashamed of himself.
Not only the makeup, but their outfits are also weird.
Men wear women's clothes, women wear men's clothes, only half sleeves, bare upper body, only wearing a loincloth... Such outfits would seem too exaggerated even on a kabuki stage.
No matter from which angle you look at it, it's like the walls of a mental hospital collapsed and the patients inside escaped.
This group of grotesque "mental patients" lined up in a long queue - about 180 people - dancing and moving forward, passing under the eyes of Qingdeng and others.
He danced so completely that he forgot himself and looked very crazy.
Their only lyric: "Isn't this bad~~?" resounded throughout the venue and outside.
More and more Shinsengumi officers noticed the strange movements outside and leaned out from behind the windows, casting curious and doubtful glances at the strange dance team below.
Shannan Keisuke blinked:
"Is this... a parade of admirers?"
Hijikata Toshizo curled his lips:
"How old is this? Is there anyone who loves Qi Qi in Gyeonggi?"
Isamu Kondo answered:
"Is this some sort of celebration?"
Hijikata Toshizo sneered:
"Is the celebration held by Gyeonggi people, who have always been above the top and consider themselves elegant, just wearing strange clothes, makeup that puts even monsters to shame, and performing weird dances?"
Qingdeng was also very curious about this sudden "dance parade".
In order to clear up the confusion, he called and asked the staff at the housing estate.
After hearing the news, the person who came over was the man from Otsujuku - an old man in his sixties.
[Note·Wenwu: The general person in charge of Wenwuchang]
"Ask Mr. Wu, what's going on like this? Is this a celebration unique to you Gyeonggi people? It's quite unique..."
As he spoke, Qingden leaned against the window frame and pursed his lips toward the "dancers" outside the window who had not yet left.
As soon as he finished his questioning, Wenwu immediately showed a bitter expression on his face and let out a long sigh:
"Oh, my lords, you don't know something! This is not our celebration! Whose celebration would be so virtuous?"
When he heard the extremely standard Jing Yanye from Wenwu, Qingdeng couldn't help but shudder and his body shook three times - he didn't know how long it would take to get rid of the pain brought to him by the personal maids of He Palace. Psychological shadow.
Whenever he hears Jing Yanye, the stinky faces of the bastards around Wagongong will appear in his mind.
After Wenwu let out another long sigh, he explained quietly:
"Although I don't know when it started, I'm sure: this farce started on Tokaido."
“Men, women and children, regardless of their status or age, sang ‘Isn’t this good’ and walked down the street dancing.”
"If it's just dancing and singing, then that's it."
"But they often break into wealthy landlords' businesses and demand food and drink, disrupting public order."
"I heard that a wealthy family's home was ransacked by these guys a while ago."
"It's so scary..."
"I heard that this song and dance was used to vent dissatisfaction with the shogunate's rule."
"People in Gyeonggi generally hate the shogunate that opened up the country and allowed Western barbarians to visit, but they can't express their opinions openly, so they can only do it in this way... ugh!"
At this point, Wenwu finally came to his senses and raised his hand to cover his mouth.
Suddenly, an awkward air filled the room.
Accusing the shogunate in front of the officials of the Shinsengumi, one of the shogunate ranks... This kind of behavior can be said to be the best interpretation of the word "seeking death."
Hijikata Toizan and the others couldn't help but cast meaningful glances towards the room.
Qingdeng smiled and came to the rescue:
"Mr. Wenwu, there is no need to be nervous. Thank you for your explanation. Thank you for your hard work. You can go down first."
"Yes, yes! The younger one has to leave first!"
Wenwu bent down, lowered his head, put his three fingers on the ground, bowed respectfully to Qingdeng and others, and then left the room as if running away.
After Wenwu left, Qingdeng turned his head and looked at the dance team outside the window again.
At this time, only a small tail of the bizarre singing and dancing dragon was still exposed in Qingdeng's field of vision.
"Isn't this good~~?" The monotonous singing gradually faded away.
Looking up, the only thing Qingdeng could see was his back that was gradually getting further away.
Hijikata Toshizo crossed his arms and stood next to Aoto.
"Are you using absurd songs and dances to vent your dissatisfaction with the shogunate's rule... Tachibana, the situation here in Gyeonggi is worse than we expected."
Shannan Keisuke took over:
"People's support is not with us..."
Qingdeng smiled calmly:
"This is what we expected early on, isn't it?"
Perhaps it is due to the regional characteristics. The people of Gyeonggi, who regard themselves as "kings and territorial citizens" and have a strong sense of psychological superiority, generally hold quite conservative political ideas.
Both the officials of the imperial court and ordinary people regard Westerners as dirty pigs and dogs.
Therefore, they naturally hated the shogunate that knelt down to the Western countries and allowed Western barbarians to enter the country.
"I have long been mentally prepared for the negative sentiment of the people in Gyeonggi."
Speaking of this, Qingdeng changed the topic, his eyes and tone became sharp.
"What I care more about is: whether this song and dance and the riots derived from this song and dance are spontaneous among the people, or whether there are forces behind the scenes that are secretly promoting..."
I have never forgotten in Cheongdang that Gyeonggi is the base camp and activity center of the Fa-Zang Party.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Hijikata Toizo and others looked at each other, and they all found solemn expressions on each other's faces.
After a while, Qingdeng took a deep breath, then turned around and sat back in the center of the room.
"Okay, let's get back to business."
Everyone sat in a circle again.
"Tomorrow, we will officially enter Kyoto."
"We must pay more attention to our military appearance and military discipline. We must reiterate the fourth rule in the 'Shinsengumi Code' to all soldiers. They must not harass the people of Kyoto."
"Besides, don't let the colorful world of Kyoto get you confused."
"Until things settle down, you are not allowed to approach romantic places like Shimabara without permission."
After saying that, Qingden glanced at Hijikata Toshizo intentionally.
The corners of Hijikata Toshizo's mouth twitched slightly.
"...I know, until I settle down, I will try my best to endure it."
Yoshiwara in Edo, Shimabara in Kyoto, and Shinmachi in Osaka—the three major flower streets in the Edo period.
Among them, Shimabara has the longest history and is the earliest brothel area of a certain scale in Japan.
Just like Yoshiwara, Shimabara is the only official brothel district in Kyoto.
Although people always call Shimabara Shimahara, its real name is not Shimabara at all.
Its official name is "Nishi-Shin Yashiki". Because the shape of the area is similar to Shimabara Castle, and the chaotic state after the relocation is similar to the "Shimabara Rebellion", it is commonly known as "Shimabara".
[Note: Shimabara Rebellion: A great uprising of farmers and Catholics on the Kyushu Shimabara Peninsula and Amakusa Island against the feudal oppression and religious persecution of the Tokugawa clan, also known as the "Amakusa Uprising". It broke out in the 14th year of Kanei (1637).
Years of failure.]
Although Hijikata Toshizo gave him a verbal guarantee, Seito still couldn't help but cast a suspicious look at him.
Speaking of Kyoto, we have to talk about the women of Kyoto.
Kyoto has a completely different cultural atmosphere from Edo.
Give a vivid example...
Edo is like a nouveau riche, while Kyoto is like a rich lady from a prominent family.
In fact, this is indeed the case. Kyoto is an ancient capital with a long history of thousands of years. On the other hand, Edo... it was a poor countryside before Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to Kanto.
No matter how diligently the upstarts dress up, there is always a lingering sense of frivolity about them.
Affected by this cultural atmosphere, Kyoto women's clothing is very charming and has an indescribable sentiment.
In addition, the accent of Kyoto women is also a plus.
Although Jing Yanye's honorifics are very developed and sound tired, his tone sounds soft.
Even Qingdeng, who has a deep psychological shadow on Jing Yanye, has to admit that women who talk about Jing Yanye are very pitiable.
Of course, a large part of the reason why Kyoto women are so fascinating lies in the geographical bonus.
Kyoto is a noble royal land, and the people of Kyoto are very proud - this is the common perception of Japanese people in the Edo period.
Therefore, when you are dating a woman from Kyoto, you will feel the pleasure of "the toad has eaten the swan meat" or "the goblin has caught the female knight".
However, these things have nothing to do with Qingto - even if he was given ten thousand courages, he would not dare to experience the beauty of Kyoto women under the eyes of Sanako, Kinoshita Mai and Souji.
Can the romantic Hijikata Toshizo really be able to control himself in front of the unique Kyoto woman?
Hijikata Toshizo noticed Aomori's gaze.
He immediately said angrily:
"Hey, Tachibana, can you just not trust me? And don't just stare at me. Aren't Nagakura and Harada very romantic, too?"
Qingdeng replied calmly:
"Who do you think Nagakura and Harada are obsessed with men and women because of?"
"..."
Hijikata Toshiro didn't say a word and looked away guiltily.
Nagakura Shinpachi was born in the Matsumae Clan in the Ezo Territory, and Harada Sanosuke was born in the Iyo Matsuyama Clan in Shikoku Island—to put it harshly, both of them were country bumpkins who had never seen the world.
After coming to Edo to work hard, when the two of them saw the brightly lit and lively Yoshiwara from a distance, the emotion that emerged in their hearts was not impulse, but fear - until Hijikata Toizan took them to have fun...
For Toshizo Hijikata, the various Okinawan places in Yoshiwara and Edo were really more familiar than his hometown.
Under his careful guidance, Nagakura Shinpachi and Harada Sanosuke, a pair of novices who were initially unable to figure out Yoshiwara's exact location, quickly transformed into extremely experienced bodyguards.
As time goes by, "the three brothers, Tu, Yong, and Hara, running to Yoshiwara arm in arm" - this has almost become a classic scene in the imperial examination hall.
Hijikata Toshizo also induced Saito Ichi, Toudo Heisuke and Shannan Keisuke.
Fortunately, these three people did not like Fengyue venue, so they were spared from harm.
In order to cover up his embarrassment, Hijikata Toshizo cleared his throat and abruptly changed the topic:
"Tangerine, I still have a good idea of what I should do and what I shouldn't do. Even I won't go for unscrupulous pleasure in the current situation where everything is unclear."
"Then I'm looking forward to your performance."
After saying that, Qingdeng raised his eyes and looked around.
"Is there anything you want to say or add?"
Everyone looked at each other, speechless.
"Since there is nothing to say, let's adjourn the meeting. Let's go to bed early tonight. Tomorrow should be very busy."
…
…
The next day——
Wenjiu three years (1863), February 18th——
At dawn, the Shinsengumi set out with all their troops and set off for Kyoto.
Otsu-juku is very close to Kyoto. If you walk fast enough, you can reach Kyoto in less than half a day.
Today will be the day when the Shinsengumi officially enters Kyoto. Such an important day cannot be taken too seriously.
In order to give a good impression to the allies headed by the Aizu clan and the folks in Kyoto, all the soldiers, including Ayoto, took a bath last night, combed their hair today, and put on the clothes they currently have.
The best clothes.
There is a saying: there are only zero and countless times for women's clothing - and the same goes for armor.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! After experiencing the feeling of wearing a helmet through armor in the previous expedition ceremony, Qingden seemed to have awakened, and suddenly realized: Eh! He looks pretty handsome in armor.
Yeah!
There is no way, the young man just likes to wield swords and guns, wear robes and armor.
Therefore, Qingdeng did not hesitate, spared no effort, and couldn't wait to put on his gorgeous green and white armor today.
Time passes...
When the sun was about to reach the highest point in the sky, Qingdeng's eyes suddenly focused——
I saw something vague on the horizon ahead, like a weed-like shadow swaying slightly.
The commander-in-chief on the side immediately became alert.
"Huh? Mr. Tachibana, there's something going on!"
"Director-General, don't be nervous."
Qingdeng smiled slightly.
"It's friendly forces!"
With the good eyesight given by his talent "Fire Eyes 5", Qingden clearly saw that the true forms of those "weeds" were actually fully armed soldiers!
The soldiers were arranged in a tight and neat military formation, and dozens of large flags embroidered with clover stood high in the formation, stretching in the wind.
The Tokugawa clan was descended from the Matsudaira clan of Mikawa.
After Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Edo shogunate and enfeoffed the clans, except for the main family and the three branch families of Owari, Mito and Kii who could retain the surname "Tokugawa", the other branch families all had the surname "Matsudaira".
Because they come from the same family, the family crest used by both Tokugawa and Matsudaira is the three-leaf Aoi.
For differentiation, the lines of clover from different families will be slightly different.
Ayoto recognized it at a glance: it was the Aoimon of the Aizu clan!
At this time, Qinghe Balang from the former army trotted over and said loudly:
"Tachibana-sama, ahead is the army of Lord Aizu! They are here to greet us!"
Qingdeng nodded lightly.
"Well, I saw it. Ordered the whole army to stop advancing."
After that, he lightly knocked on the belly of the cow, and the radish "moo" carried him across the middle army and rushed to the front of the army.
At the same time, he saw a young man wearing a mighty battle armor riding out of the Aizu army formation on the opposite side.
He wears armor that is mainly black with orange and white accents, a folded black hat on his head, an exquisite tachi hanging on his waist, and a chic jinhaori.
It is none other than the current head of the Aizu clan, the guardian of Kyoto: Matsudaira Yōho.
Gentian leaves and Huishi's sunflower patterns - two big flags standing opposite each other, making hunting sounds in the gentle breeze.
The two people heading towards each other, after reaching a distance of about 10 steps, tightened the reins in their hands in unison, then dismounted from their horses (oxen), and walked towards each other on foot.
Soon, Qingden and Songping Rongbao were face to face, within sight.
Matsudaira Yongho raised the corners of his mouth and said with a smile:
"Lord Tachibana, I've been waiting for you all."
Qingdeng also smiled:
"Marquis Aizu, long time no see."
Hearing this, Matsudaira Rongho was stunned for a moment, and then his face showed emotion.
"Yes, it's been a long time since we last met... The last time we met, you were just an ordinary samurai. But now, you are a general guarding the Western Frontier for the shogunate!"
"Haha, you deserve the prize."
The last time the two met was at the swordsmanship competition held by the Aizu Domain three years ago.
At that time, when Ainoto, who won the championship, was accepting the award, he came into contact with Matsudaira Yōho for the first time.
Times have changed, and the two men, who were very different in status back then, have now become equal heroes in the world.
After not seeing each other for 3 years, Matsudaira Yongho's face looks a little more mature, but also a little more vicissitudes of life.
However, generally speaking, his appearance is still very young, after all, he is only 27 years old this year.
The governor of Gyeonggi Town and the guardian of Kyoto - one is 21 years old and the other is 27 years old.
The future of Gyeonggi will be in the hands of these two young people who are only in their 20s.
"Lord Orange, please follow us, we have prepared a grand reception banquet for you."
"Hahaha, then I'm looking forward to your banquet."
Qingteng and Matsudaira Yongho remounted their horses (oxen) and walked side by side.
The Shinsengumi and Aizu troops followed closely behind them, advancing hand in hand.
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PS: The song and dance of "Isn't this good?" is a historical fact and often appears in works with Bakumatsu themes. For example, the movie "Burn! Sword" and the game "Yakuza·Resin·Koku"
