Swallow Return

For example, I don't quite understand Liuyun.

Hearing Oda Nobunaga's words, he showed a hint of disdain on his face, but he was in no hurry to refute. Instead, he followed up on the topic and said, "Now I finally understand. Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, you went to so much trouble to come to me for the purpose of 'peace throughout the land and prosperity for the people'."

Oda Nobunaga sensed the underlying hostility in Ryuun's words, frowned, and patiently forced an apology, saying, "I have indeed offended Lord Ryuun. But there were reasons for it, and I ask for your understanding."

These words clearly did not come from his heart.

Liu Yun shook his head and bluntly pointed out this point: "However, you probably don't really feel that you 'offended' me! You just feel that the marriage arrangement is a great favor and are furious at my 'lack of appreciation'. The reason why we are talking so politely today is not because of reflection, but simply because we are weighing the pros and cons and safety."

These words were quite disrespectful.

Upon hearing this, Oda Nobunaga's eyes shot upwards, his expression shifting rapidly between anger and despair, as if he were once again on the verge of losing control. He struggled to control his breathing before suppressing his emotions, managing a weak smile as he said, "Don't wise people judge others by their words and actions, not their thoughts? Let's set aside the fact that your accusations were unfounded—even if they were, so what? Even if someone harbors evil intentions, as long as they haven't acted upon them, they cannot be condemned."

“That’s right. However—” Liu Yun shook his head and sighed, “Prime Minister Oda, your usual way of doing things is to sacrifice any innocent people in order to achieve your goals… Of course, this is not considered a great evil in the chaotic Warring States period. But it is completely incompatible with the goal of ‘peace and prosperity for the people’.”

Oda Nobunaga retorted with a sneer, "Does Lord Ryuun think that a world of 'peace and prosperity for all' can be created without sacrificing anyone? I never thought you were that naive before."

“Sacrifice is unavoidable.” Liu Yun explained earnestly, though he knew the other party wouldn’t listen. “But you can’t be at ease just because it’s unavoidable. If you can sacrifice one person without hesitation for your goal today, will you not sacrifice an entire village, a prefecture, a state, or even half the innocent people of the world without hesitation in the future? In that case, your reason for ‘peace and prosperity for the people’ is utterly absurd.”

Upon hearing this, Oda Nobunaga fell silent for a moment, then sighed deeply. The anger and impatience on his face gradually disappeared, replaced by utter disappointment. He said in a deep voice, "It seems my words were wasted. Indeed, even a monkey who is absolutely obedient to me and regards me, Nobunaga, as a supreme god cannot believe in such ambition. Let alone anyone else..."

“No, actually I do believe it,” Liu Yun interrupted. “I just feel that you have lost your original intention. You have changed from pursuing ‘peace and prosperity for all people’ to pursuing the power that can achieve the goal of ‘peace and prosperity for all people’. I wonder if you can understand the subtle difference between the two?”

Upon hearing this, Oda Nobunaga initially scoffed, then frowned and fell into thought. Suddenly, he was startled and realized something, his expression changing rapidly. It took him a long time to calm down, and he lowered his head expressionlessly, returning to his original state.

Then, in an extremely calm tone, he said, "What Liuyun Palace said is indeed thought-provoking. Unfortunately, things have come to this point, and the die is cast. If I manage to defeat you today and still have a chance to adjust, I will certainly do my best to reflect on my actions in the future."

After saying that, Oda Nobunaga seemed to have no intention of talking anymore.

Although his hands were empty and he was wearing hunting clothes that made it difficult to move, he took only one step forward and was already in a fighting stance.

So all that empty talk is useless, and we still have to solve the problem by fighting?

Liu Yun was a little disappointed, but also felt it was within expectations.

So he also gripped the hilt of his sword, ready to parry.

He then casually chuckled and said, "According to your usual practice, Your Highness, shouldn't you speak with the premise of certain victory? Why do you seem so lacking in confidence today?"

I wasn't expecting an answer to that question.

But Oda Nobunaga gave a seemingly illogical answer in a serious tone: "Because the opponent is you, Sasaki Ryūun. The Nine-Tailed Fox, and several other beings of equal caliber, have told me that you possess an incredibly strong aura of fortune, as if you were born to be invincible and undefeated... The best way to deal with you is to turn enemies into friends. The second best approach is to have a fair and honest duel. Using underhanded tactics or intimidation will only backfire."

Liu Yun was stunned and found it hard to believe. He shook his head and said, "These words sound like something a country bumpkin would say. They don't sound like something a great monster of that level would say."

Oda Nobunaga gave a wry smile and said in a deep voice with helplessness, "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes time and time again, and if all the conspiracies and tricks were resolved by you with inconceivable reasons, I would also find it hard to believe."

"What? A conspiracy?"

Liu Yun's curiosity was immediately piqued.

Was he once the target of a conspiracy? And then, for some inexplicable reason, he was saved?

When did this happen?

I really want to get a clear answer.

Unfortunately, Nobunaga's patience finally ran out. He raised his head high and made his final declaration: "Today's questions and answers have been enough. Since there is no possibility of turning enemies into friends, I have no choice but to defeat you."

Liu Yun sighed softly, "Actually, compared to other Sengoku daimyo, I think you're quite pleasing to the eye. Originally, I was also considering the possibility of turning enemies into friends..."

"It's too late." Oda Nobunaga said expressionlessly, "Didn't you understand what I just said? Whether we truly become friends or not is not important. What is truly important is whether others believe that I have taken control of the situation."

Not only was his face expressionless, but his voice was also completely flat.

Oda Nobunaga was like an emotionless robot.

He now possessed a somewhat tragic air, having abandoned the options of power and intrigue to confront the enemy head-on, clearly with little chance of victory. Yet, for specific reasons, he had no other choice.

But Liu Yun suddenly came up with an idea:

"Whether we truly turn enemies into friends is not important. What really matters is whether others believe that you have the situation under control—that's what you just said."

Liu Yun repeated himself, and without waiting for a reply, continued, "In other words, whether you defeated me today is not the key issue. As long as everyone else thinks that today was your victory, that's enough, right?"

Chapter 278 Group Sex on Tsushima Island

Early autumn in the Tsushima Strait is a very pleasant season.

With a gentle breeze, clear skies, and shimmering waves, it's the perfect time to engage in maritime trade.

The northernmost port on Kyushu Island in Japan is about 100 kilometers from Tsushima. The southernmost outpost in Korea is about 85 kilometers away from Tsushima Island.

Whether from Japan or North Korea, ordinary merchants are ultimately seeking profit and cannot afford the hidden costs and potential risks of doing business across the ocean. As a result, ships of all sizes, laden with goods, used Tsushima Island as a natural logistics hub and trading center, constantly traveling back and forth.

The main commodities are bulk goods with significant price differences, such as gold, silver, copper, iron, leather, and medicinal herbs—the uneven distribution of natural resources presents a lucrative opportunity.

Secondly, there is also a market for handicrafts such as calligraphy and painting, sculptures, lacquerware, and weapons. Although there is no essential difference in quality between the two, many people feel that foreign monks are better at chanting scriptures and are willing to pay high prices to buy imported goods.

The lord of Tsushima Island is the main family, a small force with a strength of between five hundred and one thousand troops. This is just right – not so weak that they cannot maintain order, nor so strong that they frighten the merchants.

The island's inhabitants are perhaps the happiest people in all of Japan, or at least among the happiest.

Young men, if willing to put in the physical labor, could easily earn forty or fifty coins a day helping unload and load cargo at the docks—two or three times more than elsewhere. Those with capital could set up a small shop or stall to serve passing merchants—a sure-fire, low-profit, high-volume business. If all else failed, they could work in someone's shop as odd jobs, ensuring they wouldn't starve. In short, it was far better than being a farmer whose life hung by a thread on the land, toiling day and night yet still unable to save a penny.

Looking around the island, one sees the blue sea and sky blending into one, still largely untouched by human intervention, with a gentle breeze and calm waters. From a modern perspective, it would certainly be a resort paradise.

However, this is the sixteenth century.

On the water, only a thousand sails raced and hundreds of boats competed, all merchant ships carrying goods and rushing to catch their breath. On the beach, people bustled about, all porters shuttling between the dock and the warehouse.

Very few tourists visit, which is probably due to the limitations of the times and the region.

and so--

A young guest dressed in fine clothes, carrying a long sword, spending lavishly, with a relaxed and calm demeanor, doing nothing all day, and accompanied by a large group of female relatives, inevitably stood out.

Those who met him couldn't help but secretly wonder about the young master's background and identity.

But as long as the gold foil, silver leaves, and Yongle Tongbao coins in his hands are genuine, what does it matter what their origin or identity is?

As for whether some unscrupulous people might covet it, and whether they succeed or are repelled after taking action, that's not a concern for respectable people.

Just focus on making money from customers, why worry about so much?

……

"Is that Goryeo on the other side? I've heard it's very similar to Japan, but the customs and culture are quite different. When I was little, my grandfather talked about it, and I thought it was a place thousands of miles away, a place I would never set foot in... If I hadn't met my sworn brother, I would never have imagined that I would see such a unique view in my life!"

The most exquisite guesthouse by the sea. On the rooftop terrace, Sara, dressed in a red and white shrine maiden outfit, leans on the railing, gazing enthusiastically northward. Her voice is as soft as flowing water and as sweet as honey.

Especially when he says the words "sworn brother".

"Tsk—"

Beside her, Igawa Sakura, dressed in a form-fitting outfit and exuding youthful energy, uttered a sarcastic interjection, then immediately changed her expression, forcing a smile as she leaned closer, saying in a affected manner, "Lady Sara is quite interesting. You're already Lord Ryuun's concubine, yet you still often call him 'sworn brother.' If it were anyone else, I would definitely think it was intentional coquettishness, but since it's you, it certainly can't be that. You must just be thinking of the past and can't help it!"

Hearing this, Sharo was not annoyed. Instead, she smiled slightly, feigning shyness, and replied in a low voice, "I am indeed a rather muddle-headed person. Sometimes I don't even realize the current situation. I'm so sorry... Actually, I envy your sister, Miss Asagi. She is such a strong and intelligent woman."

Sara's words seemed sincere, but Igawa Sakura immediately became very wary, like a kitten with its fur standing on end, and hurriedly shook her head in denial: "No, no, no, my sister is not as good as you say!"

“What I just said came from the bottom of my heart.” Sharo’s face gradually revealed a mixture of admiration and confusion. She bowed slightly and said solemnly, “Speaking of Miss Asagi… I heard that she is considering resigning and leaving to do what she wants. This is indeed a determination that only she could have! If it were me, I would only think that having found such a reliable husband, what other ‘things’ could there be in life?”

“Um… um… my sister…” Jinghe Ying looked distressed, stammering, unsure of how to respond.

Sara continued her pursuit, asking, "Miss Sakura, what do you think?"

“Uh…” Igawa Sakura was speechless and subconsciously took two steps back.

Just then, crisp footsteps sounded from the side.

"I can offer some answers to Lady Sharo's question."

Following the sound, a woman wearing wooden clogs and a yukata, with gentle and maternal features, appeared—it was Mizuki Shiranui. Beside her was her underage daughter, Yukikaze.

She stepped forward, smiling gently, and said, "Captain Asagi did indeed harbor ambitions beyond the reach of ordinary people, and therefore thought it impossible for her to pursue the happiness of an ordinary woman. But unexpectedly, she met Lord Liuyun, a man with similar aspirations, whose wisdom and martial prowess surpass hers. So now, all she needs to do is focus on serving Lord Liuyun, isn't that the same as doing what she wants to do?"

"I see... Thank you for clearing up my confusion, Shiranui-neechan." Sara feigned sudden understanding, then, like a curious child, tilted her head and asked another question: "Then why did Miss Asagi say she wanted to leave?"

"Who knows? Perhaps it's just the romance between Lord Ryuun and her." Mizuki Shiranui blinked, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. "Just like Lady Sara, you sometimes use the term 'sworn brother,' probably because it makes Lord Ryuun especially happy on certain occasions... Alas, I'm just an old and plain-looking woman. I'm already incredibly fortunate to have Lord Ryuun's acceptance; I dare not ask for anything more. I truly envy you all..."

"No, no... Sister Shiranui, you're too kind." This time it was Sara's turn to waver.

Just then, Liu Yun's figure appeared at the corner of the stairs.

To his left were Iori and Saeko, and to his right were Asagi and Rinko; all of them showed varying degrees of fatigue.

It's as if we've just engaged in some high-intensity group exercise.

Seeing this, Shaluo took the opportunity to escape and trotted over to Liuyun to greet and serve him.

Sakura Igawa snorted and said indignantly, "When she took the initiative to get everyone to join the Sasaki family, I thought Mrs. Sara was a good person! I didn't expect her to put on airs and belittle and ostracize us every day..."

As she spoke, she stepped forward, pulled the bewildered Xuefeng over, hugged her youthful and delicate body, and muttered in a petulant tone, "Xuefeng, remember this: Lady Shaluo is really wicked. If you ever have the chance to win over Lord Liuyun's heart, you must find a way to take revenge on that wicked woman!"

"Alright..." Mizuki Shiranui chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Igawa Sakura's hair, and said gently, "Actually, most of what happened just now was just an act to please Lord Ryuun, including being speechless after I said that..."

Chapter 279 The Reason for Leaving the Kinki Region

On Tsushima Island, whenever Ryuun woke up from his sleep, he couldn't help but lament how scarce entertainment options were in the 16th century.

Liange (a type of folk song) and tea parties are too highbrow and out of touch with reality; calligraphy, painting, and Go are not for ordinary people to enjoy; Shogi (Japanese chess) and martial arts are more competitive than entertaining; the essence of falconry and sumo wrestling is probably only understood by hardcore Japanese; playing cards and gambling games exist, but the rules are not yet perfect and lack depth...

In short, besides gathering together to study human biology, there's basically nothing else they can do.

Occasionally, Liu Yun would think of simply creating the poker and mahjong sets he remembered, and then writing a set of reliable rules, so that he could use them to relieve boredom and pass the time.

However, it was never put into practice.

One reason is laziness and procrastination, which makes it impossible to truly dedicate time and energy to getting started.

Secondly, the industry and logistics of this era were not developed enough, making it difficult to find materials that were both of suitable quality and size.

The third is—

Gathering together to study human biology is quite interesting; it's an entertaining activity that keeps people entertained and engaged, and aside from the possibility of it being detrimental to waist and kidney health, it's impeccable.

In comparison, the demand for creating playing cards and mahjong sets is not as urgent.

So it remained in the planning stage.

With so many women around, it would take several hours each day just to spread the love and care evenly.

After resolving everything, I entered a period of tranquility, sitting on a high platform by the sea and quietly watching the vast expanse of sea and sky, with its ever-changing clouds and mist. This gave me a sense of peace, tranquility, and a detached mindset.

All worries disappear, all desires vanish, say nothing, do nothing, just sit and daydream to immerse yourself for a while.

He would then symbolically brush up on his swordsmanship to prevent rustiness, and every few days he would visit the tavern or shop to inquire about any major news from the Kinki region. He wasn't worried about having nothing to do.