Prime Minister Bizen

Chapter 257 Okayama Evaluation

In the early morning of the next day, before dawn, Xiu's house was awakened by Shimizu Shinya, and the maid, A Fang, was already waiting by the side.

At the same time, the entire Okayama Castle began to be lit up sparsely, gradually expanding from point to area, and then gradually extinguished because of the rising sun.

With the sound of three long bells, the samurai living temporarily in the castle town began to wait for the castle, and the samurai families with houses in Okayama Castle also filed out and began to climb the castle level by level.

By the time the sun finished rising, there were no empty seats in Okayama Castle Honmaru Daihiro Room.

As a place that is not used at ordinary times and is only used for important meetings and ceremonies, even the yard in front of the Daihiroma is full of samurai. These are the samurai of the Bizen Hashiba family, and they are the cornerstone of the Bizen Hashiba family.

While it was still early, the warriors gathered in twos and threes to gossip.With the expansion of Yuxi's family territory, it was still 2 years before the reward meeting, because Jianyue judged the time after the war.

Yuxi’s family’s usual grand court meeting, at most, called the rich family of more than 5000 shi, or the retainers of important positions in the family to attend. It is rare to have such a meeting with the participation of all members, and Okayama City has not been so lively for a long time.

After a while, the samurai standing outside had already seen the figure of the Xiu family through the corridor, and gradually fell silent.

The samurai in the Dahiro room saw the sudden silence of the samurai outside, and they also noticed it. The hustle and bustle began to quiet down from the outside to the inside.

Shimizu Xin also took the lead, and used his hands to set up a bamboo curtain for Xiu's family to pass through.

The 13-year-old Xiujia is already 1.68 meters tall, and Shimizu Nobu is only about 1.5 meters tall. In order to let the Xiujia pass as much as possible, he has to stand on tiptoe, which looks quite funny.

And behind the Xiu family is the new attendant Changyoshi Maru, who is holding the black dragon pill representing the authority of Uki's family governor.Although his grade was still young, he still performed the role of attendant in a decent manner, which made Kagawa Nobuyuki, who was sitting at the bottom seat, quite relieved after seeing it, and couldn't help nodding his head.

He said he saw it, but he only glanced at it, because at the moment Xiu's family came in, all the retainers had already turned their heads down and bent over at a 45° angle.

When Xiu's family came to the main seat on the imperial steps and was about to sit down, under the leadership of the elders, Togawa Xiu'an, he bowed 60° to salute Xiu's family, and said in his mouth, "I wait for you to welcome the lord, and I wish your highness long-term martial arts." , the Hashiba family has a long history of martial arts."

Xiujia flicked the wide hem of his clothes, crossed his legs and sat down, Shimizu Xin also had a quick eye, and helped a chair with cushions to the back of Xiujia, so that Xiujia could rely on it.

After Xiu's family sat down and tidied up their clothes, Shinya Shimizu said, "Get up~"

Following the tone of "Qi", the minister stood up slowly, looked straight ahead, and waited for the Xiu family's order.The warriors who were originally standing in the courtyard outside the hall were already sitting on the horses prepared for them in advance, waiting to hear the news from the hall.

For a meeting of this level, the core issues have already been discussed, and it is just a process. Naturally, they are not qualified to speak. Just the latest developments at home.

"It's a great pleasure to meet you again after being away for more than a year. I brought news from Osaka that His Highness Guan Bai is very satisfied with your performance in the Battle of the Four Kingdoms, and praised you as the Iron Army of the Western Kingdom."

"It all depends on His Highness's commanding ability, and the ministers dare not take credit for it."

The Xiu family's opening speech just started, but was interrupted by retainers. In this kind of business bragging session, it is natural to wear hats as tall as they are tall, and both sides boast with beards that don't hesitate to talk.

"After this battle, His Royal Highness Guan Bai has promoted me from the four top and left guards to lieutenant generals. At the same time, His Majesty the Emperor specially bestowed on our family the five-san paulownia flag, which undoubtedly represents the imperial court's recognition of our family."

"Congratulations to the lord, Ziqi, who has come to the east and jumped into the dragon's gate~"

"The most important thing is that after the war, the main family was given a territory of more than 30 koku in the three kingdoms of Hoki, Inaba, and Iyo. Although the two counties of Harima were recovered, the total number of knowledge and actions of the main family still reached a million koku, making it the third most powerful name in the world. .

When you go out in the future, you can proudly say that you are a samurai from the Bizen Hashiba family. "

"Ha~ Ha Yi! (Representative emphasizes) Xie lord"

"I know that you are all very concerned about the actual award after this battle, but before awarding the award, let me introduce two new members of the family to you."

Hideie looked at Chosogabe Nobuchan and Doi Kiyoshi who were sitting in the front row, and said, "Chosogabu Nobuchan is the power specially bestowed on our family by His Highness Kanbai, and their knowledge and actions are from Bizen Akasaka 4-gun [-] Wanshi is based on Lianggong Mountain City."

"His Highness Doi Kiyoshi is a wealthy family from the territory of the four countries who transferred to the main family. I will place them in Zhongshan City, Iyo Fuxue County, 2.5 shi. From now on, everyone will be a family. I hope we can put aside prejudices and work together."

"Ha Yi, I respectfully obey your orders~"

The Hide family originally offered Doi Kiyoshi a reward of 2 koku, including 2500 koku for the Imajo family, 5000 koku for the Watanabe family, and 2000 koku for the Doi family.

The Hide family's attitude towards the Tuju family is similar to that of the Sanuki Kagawa family, and they are responsible for coordinating the original Sanuki aristocratic family. If there is any change in them, they will naturally be responsible for restraining them.

Who would have thought that before Doi Kiyoyoshi came out, they would persuade (bewitch) to the Osaki and Ji families, who were 1100 shi and 2300 shi respectively, and the Hide family simply gave Doi Kiyoyo 2.5 shi for resettlement, which is equivalent to giving the whole county of Ukita he.

Futian County has not yet passed the land inspection. In history, Zhixing who has 3.3 shi after the Taiko inspection is equivalent to giving a little favor to the Tuju family in disguise, allowing him to restore the glory of the past and 3 shi. .

"Since the newcomers have already met, the most important thing is to know the rewards, so I won't waste any more time here." After introducing the two, Hideka turned to Hidean Togawa and said, "Bichu can start the roll call. "

"romper"

Received Hideya's order, Togawa Hidean got up and came to the imperial steps, and stood under Hideya facing the daimyo, took the citation from the attendant, and began to sing his name in the ancient Japanese accent with his unique technique, " Ukita Ukyo Kanya~”

After "Ha Yi" heard his name being called, Ukita Kane came out, knelt in front of Togawa Hideo, cupped his hands and waited for the arrangement.

Even though he knew about his arrangement during the small meeting, the Quan family was still very nervous, his hands trembling with excitement.

"Ukita Ukyo's interpreter, loyal, courageous and diligent, devoted himself to the public, prepared 6 koku of Nakurafu and entrusted 11 koku of Boqi Yoniko to the town of Boqi, and has the right to facilitate urgent matters.

Also for you, I would like to ask the imperial court to confer the honor of the five subordinates, Boqishou, and the five superiors, Dazai Shaoer, to show your merits. I hope you will not forget your original heart and be loyal to the king in the future. "

Sitting on the roll call of Togawa Hidean, the special structure in the Ohiro room made it easier to hear, but the waiting samurai outside the hall could not hear clearly.

Fortunately, the Xiu family had already prepared a special person to sing about the situation in the hall to the middle and low-level warriors outside.

"110,000 stones~" "Dazai Shaoer~" When they heard the reward from Ukita's family, the warriors outside the hall couldn't help but exclaimed.

Whether it is the reward of 110,000 stones or the gift of this official position, it is an achievement that many people will not necessarily be able to achieve in a lifetime, no, in several lifetimes of struggle.

For some people, they have never heard of these two official positions. It is like a fairy tale, and they ask the people next to them, "What kind of official position is this? Is it powerful?"

In fact, regarding the official rewards, the Xiu family had already asked the imperial court before returning from Osaka. After all, the old town needs to move, and the Xiu family also needs to give him a legitimate excuse to manage the daimyo.

But these are things that the Quan family did not know in the past, and now they are not only granted the title of Zhixing, but also obtained an official position in the court.

"Ukita Dazai, take orders." After Fengshang finished speaking, seeing that Ukita's family was still in a daze, Hidetogawa couldn't help reminding.

In fact, when I saw that Quan's family was awarded an official position, I was also extremely excited in my heart.

"I didn't say this in advance, Yuxi Duo's family has unexpected joy, will I have it too?" He couldn't help thinking in his heart.

"Thank you, my lord, for your kindness. I will do my best to serve my lord and repay my lord with my death." Yu Xiduo's family received the seal and letter of appreciation with the award and the Xiu family's stamped flowers with both hands, and said to the Xiu family.

After Ukita's family took the order to go back, Togawa Hidean called out the second name again, "Okamisaku Tokatsu came out."

"Kai, Oka Misaku is here again!" Okatoshi's strong voice echoed in the room.

Gang Lisheng was called by the second, got up and came to the middle.

".From the 3.2 koku of Takata Castle in the United States, to the 4.5 koku of Inaba Luye, granting the right to make things happen quickly. Please ask the imperial court to bestow the post of the five subordinates, Inaba Mamoru, and the five ministers, Tanzheng Shaobi."

"Nagafune Hitarosuke personally handed over 2.3 stones from Stone City to seal 3.1 stones of Mizuki Three Stars, and I would like to bestow the post of guardian of Mizuno to the five subordinates."

"Akashi Satsuma Shoukei personally prepared 2.6 koku of Nakakasa Okayama Castle and entrusted 3.5 koku of Iyo-Ochi Kokubun Mountain Castle. I would like to bestow the post of Iyomori, the five subordinates."

"Huafang Chungongliang is fortunate to be diligent and loyal, and has dedicated his life to his family. Today, 8000 shi of Hanfang's family in Beizhong Shangfang County will be sealed. gratitude."

Huafang Zhengxing still participated in the meeting this time. After all, this was the last meeting of Yuxi Family he participated in. The Xiu family also gave him a very high courtesy. Yu sealed all Shangfang County to the Huafang family.

The flower house was fortunate enough to dedicate its whole life to the Yuxi family, and it really deserved this award. It walked out of the seat tremblingly, and took the seal from Hidean Togawa.

Among the family elders present, I was the only one who didn't know his reward in advance. Seeing that the Xiu family had given a very high reward to the previous bosses, Togawa Hidean was very excited, and couldn't help but think that he would get the reward. what.

"Togawa Beichu guards Xiu'an, is solid and reliable, and serves the people wholeheartedly. He is a special substitute for the joint elders of the family, and is a model of the family.

The skill Marugame Castle does not move, and 2000 stones are added. The total of knowledge and action is 2.7 stones; the imperial court is specially invited to grant the post of five ministers and Hihoushou. "

When Togawa Hidean was singing his award, there were two pauses in the middle. He stopped to confirm his award again, and only after confirming again and again that only 2000 shi was awarded did he continue to recite resentfully.

Togawa Hidean's state of mind felt like he had fallen from the [-]th floor of the Heavenly Palace to the Abi Hell, and he couldn't accept this reward for a while.

You must know that in the past, he was always the fourth elder of the Zhixing family under the Xiu family. Now, although he bears the name of a family elder, he is indeed at the bottom in the number of executions.

In fact, the Xiu family did not wrong him at all for giving him this award. You must know that he was the logistics chief in both the Battle of the Four Kingdoms and the Battle of Three Rivers. He had never actually been on the battlefield.

But the Xiu family still gave him a consolation prize of 2000 shi for his hard work, which was a reward for ordinary warriors to fight for a lifetime.

Hideka was also really afraid that Togawa Hidean would be overwhelmed after being rewarded with pain, so he specially invited five high-ranking Higoshou to express his condolences.

This official position surpassed Hanabou Masayuki, Osafune Kisada, Akashi Keichi and others. It was the official position second only to Okatoshi Katsuda Masahiro, and he was the fourth person in the Uki family who deserved it.

In fact, when hearing Togawa Hidean's roll call, the Xiu family had already noticed the change in his mood, but it was impossible for the Xiu family to mess up the reward rules and give him a very high reward suddenly, and hoped that he could adjust his mentality as soon as possible. Continue to play for Ukido.

"Todo Takatora Sanuki was successful in building it, and I specially bestowed 2.1 stones on Komatsu Castle to Iyo Shubu. Please bestow the six servants, An Fangshou, and Qiu Shangjiu's family for their meritorious service in the united front. Because Harima Tomoyuki took it back, I specially transferred 1.2 stones to Xiangsen Castle, Iyo Sang Village. Shi, please bestow the post of Sado Shou, one of the six ministers."

The rewards of the two came from the best of the younger generation, especially Togawa Hideyasu, whose knowledge and practice is almost comparable to that of the elders in the family, and his grade is less than 30 years old, and he has joined the family for less than 5 years.

Qiu Shangjiu's family can be regarded as the old team of Xiu's family. Before Xiu's Yuanfu, he was the first samurai under Xiu's command, and now he has been promoted by Xiu's family to be a daimyo, becoming an independent samurai.

Today, the two of them were conferred the title of Wanshi Zhixing at the same time, and even got the official position in the imperial court recommended by the Xiu family. They were really very happy.

But when the two happily went forward to accept the award, Xiujia said, "The situation in Yiyu is not stable yet, and some wealthy families in your new collar are a little restless under the instigation of interested people.

It just so happens that Iyoshou is going to the country of Ochi, so you two should take the Qinglong and White Tigers to accompany you as guards. When you arrive in Iyo, listen to Iyoshou's demolition, and wipe out all the reactionary forces. "

The Xiu family said these words to the two of them, and they were not in the evaluation process, so naturally they would not be sung by outsiders.The retainers outside the hall were just curious why the singing stopped, but they didn't know what happened.

And even though the retainers in the palace heard that the Xiu family was going to take action against the unstable forces in Yiyu's country, who would feel sorry for these forces that they could not fight with?

Determination is to look enviously at the two of them for having such a good fate, to be favored by the Xiu family, and to be given a combat mission after being rewarded. I am afraid that if they return after the battle, Zhixing will rise again.

(End of this chapter)