Prime Minister Bizen

Chapter 166 Mikawa Raid ([-]) Disposal of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ii Family

Ukita's army finally finished cleaning the battlefield in the middle of the night, and the above road and right backup were the vanguard and returned to Kariya Castle from Kukake Castle. Came to the shore of Jingchuan.

Hideya asked Akasaka Bei, who was in charge of cleaning the battlefield to finish the night, to rest on the west bank of the Sakai River, and ordered Suzaku Bei, Kamichi Ubi, and Higashi Sanuki to launch a surprise attack on the Mizuno army surrounding Kariya Castle on the east bank of the Sakai River.

Right now is the time when people are sleeping most soundly, Mizuno Tadashige did not expect that Ukita Army would return from Owari overnight, he was not prepared at all.

While Ukita's army crossed the river and charged, Sakuma Shengmasa, who received the order, led more than a thousand defenders in the city to open the city, and formed a pincer attack with the reinforcements outside the city. Mizuno's army was flanked by two sides without preparation.

Many Mizuno soldiers were killed in their sleep, and the entire camp was set ablaze. Zhengqing and other retainers died in battle.

Mizuno Tadashige, Mizuno Katsunari and his son fled to Kamo County alone in an attempt to rendezvous with Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the siege of Kariya Castle was lifted.

With Kariya Castle falling into Hideya's hands, Hideya had a solid fulcrum at the junction of Mikawa and Owari.

With Kariya Castle as the core, Hideya sent 1000 people from Sakuma Shengmasa to the south side to garrison Ogakie Castle at the mouth of Sakaigawa River;
Order Nishio Tomohiko to lead the right side of the road to garrison Fujimatsu Castle on the north side as support;
Order Samukawa Iemitsu to lead the East Sanuki people to garrison between Fujimatsu and Kariya Castle, Chiryu Castle on the map behind the east side, as an important node for mutual support;

At the same time, he sent someone to send an order to Ukita's family, asking him to lead Kurashiki Youbei to garrison Takahama Castle in the south of Ogaki, and Kamichi Zuobei continued to go north to join him; the entire front line was arranged along the Sakai River.

Just as the Xiu family was laying out the Jingchuan defense line, Zhongshan Masanari, holding up the Uki family's Erziwen flag, finally arrived at the outskirts of Datianchuan City at sunrise.

Since Otagawa Castle is a small town, Tokugawa Ieyasu's 1 troops could not enter the city at all, so more than 2000 people camped and rested under the castle.

At dawn, some soldiers got up and were about to go out to relieve themselves. Suddenly, they saw a knight coming from the direction of the rising sun on the east side holding up a flag with the character pattern.

Although Japan's flag seals are very complicated, even the samurai may not recognize them all, but the Uki family's character pattern is very special, and secondly, a samurai distributed pictures of the enemy's flag prints to Ashgaru before the battle. So this ashigaru quickly recognized that it was the flag from the enemy.

Seeing the enemy's flag coming from the east side, this ashigaru was so frightened that he didn't even pick up the tools to relieve his hands. He didn't notice the liquid splashed on his body, and ran to the camp area in a scrambling manner. His fear made him unable to speak. After uttering the complete words, the Lindao camp shouted in horror, "Enemy~enemy attack~"

The ashigaru yelled loudly, and his voice even spread to the neighboring camps in the quiet early morning.

The word "enemy attack" is not something that can be yelled casually in the army. When these two words were yelled, the Tokugawa barracks, which was still quiet just now, exploded in an instant, and the ashigaru people got up from the straw mat, Urgently looking for his hat and weapons.

The samurai climbed up from the slightly advanced mat beds, dressed in full-length clothes and cursed at each other, commanding the ashigaru under their command to gather quickly.

At the same time, Tokugawa Banner warriors stationed in various camps also panicked and brought the news to Otagawa Castle. After a while, the entire Otagawa Castle seemed to come alive, and the 40-year-old Tokugawa Ieyasu was also killed. The attendant wakes from sleep.

When Tokugawa Ieyasu came to the evaluation room of Otagawa Castle neatly dressed, and when the Tokugawa army set up a temporary main formation here, all the retainers and samurai were waiting for his order.

Tokugawa Ieyasu sat on the horse with a big sword, and asked several samurai kneeling in the middle, "Who is the enemy, and how many enemies are there?"

The samurai who first heard the news of the "enemy attack" started sweating uncontrollably at this moment. Obviously, he already knew the latest news from outside, and he was guilty of misrepresenting it.

Another warrior behind him saluted and said, "There is only one person, one cart and two horses."

"Nani? What are you talking about? How can there be only one person called an enemy attack?" Honda Tadakatsu asked in disbelief.

"Indeed there is only one person, riding a white horse, and behind him there is a carriage pulled by horses, with the Hashiba family's Sawajiri Emoji pattern and Ukita's child character pattern on it. It seems to be the messenger of Ukita." The samurai was very sure. replied.

"Did you ever share the same name? Did you tell me what happened?" Tokugawa Ieyasu asked solemnly.

The samurai lowered his head and repeated Nakayama Masanari's words word by word to Tokugawa Ieyasu, "The person here claims to be Nakayama Masanari, but he is the grandson of Nakayama Nobumasa, the captain of the Akasaka preparations of the Bizen Hashiba family, and he claims to be an attendant of Major General Hashiba. , but under the order of Major General Hashiba to return the body of Dr. Ii Xiu to the lord."

Naomasa Ii was awarded the official position of repair doctor by Hideyoshi Hashiba before Komaki Nagakute in 1584, for the purpose of dividing and wooing Naomasa Ii. Unfortunately, Naomasa Ii's loyalty to Ieyasu Tokugawa is not something that can be recruited by such a small favor.

"Hmm! What!" The samurai's words were like a heavy hammer, hitting the hearts of all the samurai present, even Honda Tadakatsu, who usually had some conflicts with him, couldn't believe it, "You said what happened to Manchiyo?" ?”

Since he was not from the Mikawa genealogy, and Ieyasu's special trust, Honda Tadakatsu and Sakakibara Yasomasa were greatly jealous of Naomasa, but Naomasa "speaks little, only does his own business, and never shows off everywhere."

A historian once compared Naomasa with Fujido Takatora of the Western Kingdom, and also pointed out that "In the Tokugawa family, Honda Tadakashi and Sakakibara Yasunari are excellent in martial arts, and Honda Masanobu is superior in political wisdom, but the only one who holds both is Ii Naomasa That's all."

Honda Tadakatsu's attitude towards Ii Naomasa is complicated. On the one hand, he really looks down on this outsider who has been reused by the lord Ieyasu, and on the other hand, he is full of praise for his ability and conduct. It's a feeling that you don't deal with it on the surface but cherish the hero in private. That's why you made such a big reaction after hearing the news of Naomasa Ii's death.

"The samurai said that the repair doctor has been killed by the Bizen Hashiba family. The major general Hashiba thought of his bravery and specially sent him to return the whole body, and told the lord the heroic deeds of Mr. Ii." Seeing the Tokugawa family The brave general was angry, and the warrior also started to feel a little scared, and he finished speaking in a lump.

"Ahhhhhhh, I'm so mad, I'm going to kill that person!" After confirming the news of Ii Naomasa's death again, Honda Tadakatsu immediately got up and went out to kill Nakayama Masanari.

In the end, Torii Mototada, who was sitting next to him, hugged him, and at the same time, Kanbara Komasa, who was on the other side, also persuaded him to calm down, but neither of them had any effect.

In the end, Tokugawa Ieyasu said, "Heihachi, sit down." Finally, the furious beast sat down angrily.

Although Tokugawa Ieyasu couldn't accept the death of one of his most promising retainers, one of the fate of a samurai is death. If Naomasa Ii really died in battle, it would be another kind of glory, so he calmed down. Mood said, "Bring someone here."

Zhongshan Masanari, who came outside the Tokugawa camp, was already surrounded by the Tokugawa army. The ashigaru on the Tokugawa army's side was still calm, and the samurai looked at the enemy with vicious eyes.

Facing the murderous eyes of the enemy, Zhongshan Masanari did not show the slightest fear on his face, and calmly waited for Tokugawa Ieyasu's summons.

Not long after, Tokugawa Ieyasu's order to summon him was spread outside the camp, and he was able to ride a horse and pull the carriage forward. As he moved forward, the ashigaru and samurai on both sides of the road were also able to see clearly the horses dragged on the carriage. What is it.

After grooming, Naomasa Ii lay on the cart with a calm complexion. He was fully dressed. The iron pocket was placed on his left side, and his red spear for battle was placed on the right side. Jingyi's family banner is stained with blood, which is a sense of heroic solemnity.

The samurai along the way saw that although Naomasa Ii was killed in battle, the Hashiba Army gave him a heroic dignity, and they all let go of their resentment and guard, and felt a little sad.

Zhongshan Zhengcheng came to Otagawa Castle, dismounted and handed Baiyun to the Tokugawa samurai. He continued to lead the carriage to Honmaru, and with the help of the Tokugawa samurai, he carried Ii Naomasa into the evaluation room.

With the entry of Naomasa Ii, the judging room, which was still noisy just now, became silent, and everyone's eyes were fixed on Naomasa Naomasa Nakayama himself and Naomasa Ii lying behind him.

Naomasa Ii's grooming plan is based on Hideka's reference to the funerals of heroes in later generations, and there is no such rule at this time.

Most of the samurai who died in battle at this time would have their heads cut off as trophies. It is a great gift to return the headless corpse to the opponent. 15 cities within.

This time, Hideka not only left the whole body for Naomasa Ii, but also wiped and arranged his body, stitched up the wound on his shoulder, repaired his clothes, dressed him neatly, and put on the family's cloak for him. Flags to show honor.

Although no one here has seen this set of operations, it can be seen that the Xiu family has good intentions, so the resentment towards the Xiu family is much less.

Only Honda Tadakatsu still looked at Zhongshan Zhengcheng with resentful eyes, as if he wanted to kill him immediately.

Zhongshan Masanari came to Tokugawa Ieyasu, took a deep breath and said, "Major General Hashiba Hideka's servant Zhongshan Masanari has met His Royal Highness Tokugawa Councilor."

Tokugawa Ieyasu nodded to him, and then asked, "Major General Hashiba entrusted you to return Manchiyo's body. I am very grateful. He is a samurai, and his most glorious destination is to die on the battlefield. Please replace me here." I would like to express my gratitude to Major General Hashiba."

Nakayama Masanari bowed down to Tokugawa Ieyasu to express receipt, and Tokugawa Ieyasu continued, "I heard that you also brought Manchiyo's death in battle, right? Can you tell it here?"

After Nakayama Masanari saluted Tokugawa Ieyasu again, he said, "It's all right." Then he began to tell the scene that happened under the Kuku Castle. Of course, the plot that Hideka was afraid of Tokugawa Ieyasu in the afternoon in the Kuku Castle was not mentioned. The story The beginning of the war began when the two armies met.

After listening to Nakayama Masanari's report, all the samurai shed tears, and they were all moved by Ii Naomasa's loyalty. Even Tokugawa Ieyasu wiped his eyes with his hand and said, "God wants me to lose a helping hand!"

After Tokugawa Ieyasu finished feeling, he continued to ruminate on the story, raised his head as if he had grasped something, and said, "I remember when you gave your name, you said that you were the grandson of a captain under Major General Hashiba?"

"The grandson of Nobumasa Zhongshan, the captain of Akasaka's reserve team under Major General Yuchai, the son of Guangneng Zhongshan." Zhongshan Masashi said without a word.

As soon as this remark came out, everyone was shocked, "Isn't it true that you and your father died at the hands of thousands of generations?" Tokugawa Ieyasu asked in surprise.

"exactly."

"Then why are you willing to escort Wan Qiandai to Otagawa Castle?"

"Of course it is because I am a warrior, and my father is also a warrior. We all respect the loyalty and bravery of the repairman, so we are willing to fight with him. The warriors on both sides have done their best for the Lord, and there is nothing wrong with it. , as a samurai, I will follow the example of Master Jingyi and decide to restrain myself to be loyal to the lord." Zhongshan Zhengcheng said calmly, without seeing the unwillingness and resentment in his heart at all, but a little excited.

Tokugawa Ieyasu, who heard this, was also very moved, and said, "True loyal and brave man, are you willing to come to my house to work for me, and I am willing to use 2000 shi to recruit you."

"I'm sorry, Councilor Tokugawa, I am a samurai of the Hashiba family and a retainer of Major General Hashiba." Masanari Zhongshan stopped talking, but the meaning was very clear.

Tokugawa Ieyasu nodded, lamenting his loyalty and bravery, daring to come to the enemy line alone to return the body of his father and enemy, so he gave him his own knife as a special case and said, "No matter what you say, I have to thank you , this knife is called Jucihuan Yuwan, and I will give it to you today, I hope you can remember today's loyalty and bravery, and continue to serve Major General Hashiba."

"In addition, as a reward for the hero, I will give you a golden sentence of 500 taels to restrain the corpses of your father and Aye. This is my personal compensation for the loyal and brave men. I think Wan Qiandai also appreciates the bravery of the two. "Tokugawa Ieyasu handed the knife into his hand and continued.
Zhongshan Zhengcheng held up the result Zhuci Huanyu pill with both hands, and said, "Xie Dechuan's counselor reward."

After Tokugawa Ieyasu finished these things, he specifically ordered, "No one can embarrass this warrior, and send him back to Major General Hashiba. This is my order."

After Nakayama Masanari left, Tokugawa Ieyasu got up and came to Ii Naomasa, stroking the familiar face with his hands. It was one of his most favored and capable surnames, Ii Naomasa.

Unexpectedly, Ii Naomasa, who was going to be entrusted with a heavy responsibility, was lying coldly in front of him at this moment, as strong as Tokugawa Ieyasu. That's it! What about the Ii family~"

Tokugawa Ieyasu's feelings for Ii Naomasa are complicated, but no matter how you interpret it, you can see his admiration for Ii Naomasa.

When he first took refuge in Ieyasu, Naomasa once said: "I would like to die for the kindness of the Tokugawa family in repayment!" Ieyasu once commented on Naomasa: "Although he is seldom silent, his heart is calm and he has many plans in his stomach. , and will never change in order to carry out these plans!".

Tokugawa Ieyasu's attitude seemed to have infected a group of retainers, and everyone expressed their sorrow for this kind boy. Among them, Honda Tadakatsu, who usually had the most trouble with him, cried the most miserablely. Weeping and dancing on the ground.

At this moment, none of the well-reputed generals in the army were here, and after crying for a long time, Honda Masanobu finally said after Tokugawa Ieyasu's crying stopped, "My lord, my condolences. We should consider the inheritance of the Ii family now."

Honda believes that this statement is indeed crucial at the moment. You must know that after the death of Ii Naotora in 1582, the Ii family was the only one left.

Previously, because of his meritorious service in recruiting Takeda's old ministers and training the Akabes, Ii Naomasa can currently inherit the huge territory of Ii Gucheng's 4 koku, which is not a small force in the Tokugawa family.

In October 1582, Ieyasu married his adopted daughter Hanahime to Naomasa. Hanahime's real surname was Matsudaira, and her biological father was Matsudaira Yasuo, the lord of Suruga Sanmai Bridge.

But the two got married for only one year, and Hanahime had just given birth to the eldest daughter Masako for Naomasa Ii before she entered the battle. Not only was there no eldest son inheritance problem, but in this era of extremely underdeveloped medicine, the infant mortality rate was also very high.

After careful consideration, Ieyasu said, "I intend to send Fukumatsumaru to Iigani Castle, and let him marry Iigani Masako on his fingertips. How about inheriting the 4 koku territory of Iigani Castle as Naomasa's adopted son in the future?"

Fukumatsumaru is the historical Matsudaira Tadakichi, born in 1580, 3 years older than Masako, he is the fourth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, his mother is the concubine Xixiang Bureau, and his baby name is Fukumatsumaru.

In the ninth year of Tensho (1581), Fukumatsu Maru, who was only one year old, became the adopted son of Matsudaira Iadaura, the lord of Mihejo Castle.

In history, he was the eldest daughter of Naomasa Ii, who married Masako Ii, the eldest daughter of Naomasa Ii, at the age of 1592 when he became the lord of Ninja Castle in Musashi Kingdom in 13. After the Battle of Sekigahara, he was renamed The territory of Zhang 52 stone was the original head of the Owari clan.

It is a pity that in 1597, due to Masako's early marriage and early childbirth, the remaining eldest son died and then had no heirs. After his death, the Owari Domain was inherited by his younger brother Tokugawa Yoshinao.

Logically speaking, the heir who has already succeeded another family is already a child of another family, and Ieyasu has no right to let him inherit another family, not to mention that the Matsudaira family is a family, and the Ii family is just a foreign name. The proper status has declined.

For Tokugawa Ieyasu, the five sons Manchiyo (Takeda Nobukichi) were born in 1583, and the two are more suitable, but the unstable Ieyasu has decided to let Manchiyo inherit the Takeda family in order to establish his own rule over Konobu. legality.

Therefore, under the condition that Manchiyo cannot move, Fukumatsumaru, who has already inherited the Tojo Matsudaira family, can only come back to inherit the Ii family. In any case, the Tojo Matsudaira family only has a territory of 3000 koku, while the Ii family has a huge 4 koku Territory family.

In any case, letting his son inherit such a huge territory is better than letting other families on the matriarchal side of the Jingyi family inherit it.

After hearing Tokugawa Ieyasu's decision, Honda Masanobu thought for a while and decided that this plan is feasible, so he took the lead and said, "My lord is wise, in order to show respect, the Ii family should also be promoted from outsiders to genera generations."

Masanobu Honda's suggestion was endorsed by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Regarding the Japanese Patriarchal Succession Law, there is indeed no reason to promote the Ii family as a sect.

In this way, Tokugawa Ieyasu regained control of the 4 koku of Iigani Castle in his own hands by sending his son out to inherit.

On Zhongshan Masanari's side, he came out of Datianchuan Castle, rode Baiyun again, pulled the carriage with a wooden box containing 500 taels of gold, left the Tokugawa Barracks, and headed for Dongfang Kariya Castle.

Until he left the Tokugawa barracks for an indeterminate distance, he finally couldn't bear it anymore, shed stubborn tears, looked up at the sun in the east and whispered, "My lord father, my lord Aye, you can also die in peace. big."

(End of this chapter)