Prime Minister Bizen

Chapter 759 Intimidating Date
Queue training is the ultimate foundation of the army's teamwork. Our country has started queue training since the military strategists in the Warring States Period became standardized.

On the European and Japanese battlefields, for thousands of years, the main source of combat power was the warrior class known as "samurai". The victory of a war relied on the personal bravery of a large number of elite warriors. character holding a background board.

Even in the later period of the Warring States period, with the appearance of the technique of guns and quilts arranged and combined by the ashigaru, the ashigaru had the means to deal with the individual bravery of the samurai, and the ashigaru of the Warring States period gradually embarked on the road of semi-professionalization.

But even if there is already the meaning of queue and gun quilt, in the process of marching, the famous masters will not impose too many constraints on the ashigaru, and even many people have not thought of going here. After all, walking in step and walking forward are very important for fighting It's useless to say.

But at a time like this, thousands of people marching in unison to the rhythm of the drums would indeed shock a country name like Date Masamune extremely.

Turning around and looking to the left and right, the soldiers in the city were fighting at each other, and someone even sat on the ground with a "plop".

He, Date Masamune, has seen the world, after all, he was assigned to the Hide family to fight in the two court battles. Although he was surprised that Toyoharu had such a strong army in his family, he still sorted out his emotions. The retainers went down to the city to meet him.

As soon as Hideka met him, he joked to Date Masamune, "Mutsu Mori hasn't seen you for a long time, why are you so preoccupied?"

I don't know whether Date Masamune is pretending or speaking sincerely, he made a frightened look and said, "I have to ask Your Highness, the heavenly soldiers are coming, and I have been looking forward to it here, but I never thought that I would be defeated by His Highness's elite soldiers." Brave and scared."

Hideka wouldn't be fooled by Date Masamune's few words to make him full of will, and he probed Date Masamune again: "Hahaha~ Mutsu Mamoru need not be afraid, Toyoharu's elite only seeks out traitors, not Zheng Ryoko, Mutsu Mori, do you think you are a traitor?"

In fact, the Xiu family's question this time was a pun. He didn't mention who the traitor was referring to, nor did he mention who the good minister was. This good minister could be for the Toyotomi family, or It can be for Xiujia.

Facing the hole that the Xiu family dug, the Date family's answer was also very wise.He only heard him express: "My Yida family has to receive the great kindness of His Highness Youfu, so naturally I will be this good minister."

Date Masamune mentioned the "Great Grace" of the Hide family, and in the second half of the sentence after the combination, it seemed that he was going to be a good minister of the Hide family.

But is Date Masamune a person who lacks the word [You Fu]?Or is it that the word [Youfu] is too hot to say?Why didn't he make it clear in the second half of the sentence that he wanted to be a good minister of the Xiu family?

Date Masamune's answer seemed right and wrong, as if he was expressing his allegiance to the Hide family, but his answer in front of the public was hard to spot.

Hideka didn't know that this old fox was up for sale. Although he was indeed inclined towards Hideka, he didn't know how to stud like Tsutsui Sadaji.

Anyone can say it for face, but whether it really reflects the meaning is another matter.

Date Masamune's performance is only passable on Hideka's side, but it took me a lot of effort to move you from Dewa to Rikuzen, and now you don't even want to say a nice word to make me happy, which really makes Hideka Some unhappy.

But because they were still outside the city, the Xiu family didn't say much because of the crowds.

He just said, "I came from the Kanto region. The last time I repaired was in Fukushima Castle. I was really tired. I hope Date Masamune can take care of the army behind him as a landlord.

Of course, in return, let the Hide family host a banquet in this Aoba City to thank Date Masamune. "

It should be noted that what Xiujia said was not to let Masamune Date take care of himself as the master, but to let him take care of the army behind him. What he meant was to let Masamune Date pay for food.

This is a temporary decision of Hideka, since you Masamune Date doesn't give me face, then my Hideka will naturally let you get blood, otherwise why do you think you came back to Mutsu from Deha so easily?
For the daimyo of the Warring States Period, knowledge and practice are the most important, and the money and food that are opposite to it are all external things.

The Xiu family asked him to be responsible for the 6 troops following behind, and the rice grains of the civilian husbands could not consume much food and fodder for the Date family, but it was enough to play a beating role and let him know the attitude of the Xiu family.

In another sentence, Hideka said that he would hold a banquet in Aoba Castle to entertain Date Masamune, which is also very interesting.

Because Aoba Castle was originally the city of Date's retainers, it was requisitioned and expanded by the Xiu family as a military station, and its legal basis has not changed!
Then Date Masamune should be the host here. How can there be any reason for the guests to host a banquet for the host?
In fact, after Masamune Date heard the news that Xiujia was about to arrive today, he had already ordered people to work behind him to prepare food and drinks, and there was no need for Xiujia to contribute much.

The meaning of Xiujia's words is to make changes in the seats of the host and the guest.Originally as the host, Date Masamune should sit in the middle to entertain the daimyos, but now this position has become Hideka.

Of course, the reason why the Xiu family arranged this was purely for the sake of a false name. He was hinting to Date Masamune to ask for the control of Aoba City.

As long as Date Masamune nodded and agreed, all the original Date family soldiers in Aoba Castle would be cleared out by the Hide family in the name of garrison, and they would be garrisoned by the Hide family's own troops instead.

It's just that Date Masamune probably didn't think of it at this level, maybe he thought that Hideka had been fooled by him, and then he said "but it's disrespectful" and led Hideka inside.

Xiujia is happy to end this topic, and there is a reason for entering the city quickly. After all, the most powerful Gomoto fans are originally the elite guards of Fengchun City, and they shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Fengchun family's guard of honor. They march in unison and have been trained for many years.

The third standing army following behind has only started training in the last few months, and it can only be seen to do it. The tens of thousands of troops following behind have not been trained in this area, and their walks are uneven. There is no sense of might and majesty.

Xiujia specially sent the main team twice to the front to frighten Date Masamune, if he saw the false and real tricks behind, it would not work.

I don't want to reveal my secrets, and Hideka is also willing to take Date Masamune's little hand into the city before the army behind arrives.

Since Hideya is the host, the arrangement of the seats is very particular. As a local, Date Masamune was arranged by the Hideya at the first place, followed by Ikeda Teruma, Ii Tadomasa and other daimyos, and finally the daimyos who had not yet arrived. , to reassign the old leader of the family.

As soon as the banquet was seated, Date Masamune asked the crucial question like Hideka, "I have heard that Kibi warriors are famous all over the world, and today I finally saw it. They are indeed outstanding.

Even if such an army is only arrayed in front of the Yezo thieves, it is enough to intimidate them.It's just that I don't know how many such prepared warriors are there under His Highness' command? "

Satake Yoshinobu, Koriyama's family's old family is multi-rich (the previous family's old family is multi-rich, and the former family's elder brother was the second elder brother, and he replaced the family elder after his death in 1596), Soma Yiyin and others also asked Hideka this question.

The Xiu family replied to the famous Xiu family such as Ma Yiyin, Yancheng Lilong, etc., "This is the case with the [-] elites in the Kanto."

Regarding Satake Yoshinobu and Honda Duofu's response, "It's true that there are more than 3 people under the command, and there are [-] people in the Satake army, half of which can be done."

But facing Date Masamune's inquiry, Hideka said somewhat ambiguously, "Toyoharu has only these 3000 troops, and in order to fight a Ezo, Hideka has already brought out all his resources."

Date Masamune is different from Satake Yoshinobu and others. Although this man is known as the Dragon of Mutsu, he is actually as smart as a fox.You can lie to him, but you have to follow him in the opposite way.

If you tell him that the 10 troops under my Toyoharu family are all like this, Date Masamune will definitely think that the Hide family is bragging.

In fact, Yancheng Lilong and the others also knew that the Xiu family was bragging, but their fear of the Xiu family remained undiminished.Even if your Xiu family doesn't have 10 people, 5 people are about the same!
As for Satake Yoshinobu and Honda Duofu, the figures reported by Hideka were similar to their estimates, and the number of more than ten thousand people was overwhelming.As for Zuo Jun mentioned by the Xiu family, they were all ignored.

But you and Masamune Date, who are full of bad intentions, say that you only have this little, and the landlord's family who picks and searches has no surplus food, so he will suspect that your Xiu family is hiding it.

After all, who would send all the real elites to this place?

Although what Hideka and Date Masamune revealed was the truth, Date Masamune didn't know. He did a silent calculation in his mind and quickly came up with the answer of 1 to 2 elites of Toyoharu's family and 3 to 5 soldiers. .

Just as the banquet reached its climax, Date Masamune was hit on the head by Hideka's blow.

A samurai walked up to Date Masamune behind Katakura Ketsuna and whispered a few words, Katakura Ketsuna's face changed slightly, and after calling the samurai to go down, he took the initiative to report to Date Masamune's ear.

As for what they were talking about, Hideka naturally knew about it. Togawa Tatsuan and others must have led people to take over the city defense and wanted to get rid of the Date samurai. The samurai in the city did not dare to disobey the order of the Hideka. , but he was afraid that Date Masamune would blame him, so he sent someone to report.

Sure enough, Tatsuan Togawa entered the palace a few moments later, and reported to Xiu's family in front of everyone, "I would like to report to Your Majesty, the houses and camps where the troops will stay overnight have been properly arranged, and the 3 shi of military rations that were transported with the army have also been paid." Send it to the treasury.

I boldly ask for orders to arrange some sergeants to stay in Qingye City to guard the food and armaments. "

The question was raised by Hideka to Date Masamune through Togawa Tatsuyasu, and after Togawa Tatsuya asked, he resolutely yelled at his retainers, "Presumptuous, this is the territory of the Date family, do you want Do you think Mutsu guards can't guard your few stones of grain in the territory of Date's house?

You are clearly insulting Mutsu Mori! "

After the scolding, the Xiu family still looked at Masamune Date and asked, "I'm not talented. This time, His Royal Highness Xiuli has appointed one hundred thousand troops to lead the Northern Expedition. The military food and supplies are related to the lives and deaths of one hundred thousand soldiers and civilians, and the success or failure of the Northern Expedition. is the top priority.

But Aoba is the city of the Date family after all, how do you think this matter should be handled? "

The Xiu family threw the burden to Date Masamune, and Date Masamune knew what the Xiu family meant even if he was stupid, and said decisively, "Since it is about the food consumption of [-] soldiers and civilians, it is reasonable for His Highness to keep a large number of soldiers. Those in the middle are just hurting the soldiers under His Highness' command."

In fact, the Hide family came all the way and left a number of reserve soldiers in Utsunomiya, Koriyama, and Fukushima. They were half soldiers and half civilians, and they were mainly responsible for guarding the grain depots and transporting military grain and supplies.

It's just that this time the Xiu family stayed in Qingye City not with these miscellaneous soldiers, but a solid garrison army.

Nominally responsible for guarding the food in Qingye City, and usually responsible for transporting the food here to the next military depot.

But when necessary, these 1500 people can become Xiujia's wedge inside Date's house, playing the role of central blasting.Therefore, the person in charge of controlling the 1500 people is also a real job at the racecourse that the Xiu family trusts very much.

Masamune Date took a step back, and the Hide family had to sell Masamune Date to save face.

He immediately said, "The military service in the Northeast region is quite heavy. The agriculture in the Northeast is not booming but it has to bear such a heavy burden. I have seen the depression along the way. I would like to send the letter to Osaka and ask the five big brothers It is allowed to reduce the military service in the Northeast to 300 people per [-] shi, so let’s start with the Date family.”

Don't forget that Xiujia went north this time in winter. The environment in the Northeast is not bleak in winter.

As for this face, it is natural that Date Masamune should borrow it, so that the Tohoku daimyo feel that Date Masamune won it from Hideka for them.

"Although the military service has been reduced, the Ainu people are not so easy to deal with. I hope that you will dismiss Fuli, and the number of soldiers mobilized should not be reduced as much as possible."

In fact, the Xiu family's proposal changed when they were in Koriyama. At that time, the Xiu family said that half of the military service account of the civilian husband could be mobilized in two alternates. Now the Xiu family directly saves the half.

After all, less than 10 people were really needed to conquer Ezo this time, and 4 soldiers were enough to sweep the area. If there were too many people, it would actually drag down the logistics of the Xiu family.

Don't look at how much money the Northeast dynasties can have, regardless of the fact that the major names in the Northern Expedition each bear the military service account and the accompanying rations and armaments.

Let them bear it for a year. If it really takes a few years to spend in Ezo according to Xiujia's plan, all the Tohoku daimyos will have to jump up. Xiujia will take on the bulk.

"Wake up on this matter," Date Masamune responded with a smile, "I have already prepared 3000 elites, and another 3000 men and women are responsible for armaments and military food transfer. Your Highness can intercede for the people, and I will wait for them to thank His Highness. "

You must know that Xiuzhen pulled past Date Masamune's group when she went north. Under such circumstances, Date Masamune was able to mobilize 6000 people, which is enough to show that he really attaches great importance to this Northern Expedition. .

"Oh? Mutsu Mamoru is planning to make great achievements in Ezo to repay the kindness of the Toyotomi family! It seems that His Highness is determined to win the post-war military loyalty certificate! I just don't know His Highness Will you go to Ezo in person?"

"It is often heard that His Highness is famous for his military exploits all over the world. His Highness Xian Guanbai once praised you as 'unparalleled in the world'. It is a blessing for Date Masamune to be able to fight under His Highness."

After all, the Date family is a daimyo of 20 shi, so it's enough to knock a few words. It's not yet time to make a public plan to ask him to join the team. The Hide family brings the topic back to the banquet.

But it is foreseeable that Date Masamune's expression after leaving will be very commanding, unlike the daimyo who watched the theater.

After being suppressed by Hideyoshi many times, although his low-key performance is pretending, his nature is always difficult and easy.But today, Xiu's family gave him several eyedrops, how can he be a person who can swallow his anger?

In history, Date Masamune felt the gap between himself and Tokugawa Ieyasu, so he stayed low and became small.Before the decisive battle in Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu had written 5 letters to Date Masamune, asking him to involve Uesugi Kagekatsu, and each sentence was more sincere than each letter. I don’t know who is asking who to do things?

Now the Xiu family is indeed the most powerful, but there are still two forces in Osaka.This time Xiujia was forced to go to the Northern Expedition in person, which in the eyes of many big names was a manifestation of being squeezed out of the political core.

Since Date Masamune was not satisfied with the Xiu family, he would naturally speed up his contact with the other two families in Osaka.

No, the young master of the Tokugawa family is in the army. As Tokugawa Ieyasu's son, it is naturally impossible for him to die. Hidetada also sent powerful generals Suganuma Sadari and Torii Motochu to accompany the army.

He's in Sendai now, so he's successfully connected online!
(End of this chapter)