I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

This person... is none other than Yoshinobu Hitotsubashi, who currently holds the position of "Shogun's Assistant" or "Shogun's Advisor"!

Yoshiki Hitotsubashi had fairly regular features, slightly dark skin, a wide forehead, and a narrow chin, giving his face a "large at the top and small at the bottom" shape, much like an upside-down squash.

Born in 1837, Hitotsubashi Yoshiki is only 25 years old this year, in the prime of his life.

This is also a major reason why the "Hitotsubashi faction" supports him—Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu is older than Tokugawa Iemochi, so he is more reliable.

Since Yoshinobu and Haruaki both rose to the highest decision-making level of the Edo Shogunate under the leadership of Hisamitsu Shimazu, they have jointly governed and carried out new reforms of the shogunate.

At first, the cabinet ministers of the shogunate generally thought that the two of them could not do anything, but perhaps because the combination was quite effective, they did do a lot of practical things that were well received.

This also proves that the "Hitotsubashi faction's" high regard for Yoshiki Hitotsubashi is not without reason—this still-young man is indeed quite capable.

"Chunyue, speak. What is the purpose of your sudden visit?"

After saying that, Yoshiki Ichihashi raised his hand and gently rubbed his tired-looking eyebrows.

"Yes! Then please forgive my bluntness—Lord Hitotsubashi, the 'Plum Blossom Banquet' on December 18th will be a great opportunity for us to further enhance your prestige! We must make preparations as soon as possible!"

"A plum blossom appreciation banquet?"

Yoshiki Ichihashi stopped rubbing his eyebrows.

He raised his gaze, asking the other person with his eyes, "What does this mean?"

Matsudaira Haruaki replied calmly:

"At such elegant banquets, it is essential to engage in refined activities."

"When the banquet is in full swing, someone will surely suggest burning incense, sipping tea, and composing poems."

"According to my investigation, Tokugawa Iemochi, Tenshōin, and Tachibana Seito were all completely ignorant of poetry and literature."

"Lord Hitotsubashi, if you could recite a stunning haiku in front of everyone at this banquet, outshining Tokugawa Iemochi and the others... it would greatly enhance your reputation!"

After hearing this, Yoshiki Hitotsubashi paused for a moment, then let out a soft laugh as if he had heard a funny joke.

"Hehehe, Chunyue, I thought you were going to say something when I saw you looking so serious."

"Let's set aside the fact that I am completely illiterate."

"Even if I really do shine at the banquet... so what?"

"At most, it will only give me the reputation of being 'both scholarly and martial,' and leave behind a story that people can tell over drinks."

As soon as Yoshiki Hitotsubashi finished speaking, Haruaki Matsudaira immediately put on a serious expression.

"Lord Hitotsubashi, don't underestimate the importance of a 'good reputation.' Isn't that Tachibana Aoto a perfect example?"

When Yoshiki Hitoshi heard the name Aoto, his facial features immediately tightened.

“Tachibana Seito enjoys a great reputation among the common people. He has countless fans even in a corner of Edo.”

"His renowned reputation brought him countless conveniences."

"This is a huge 'asset' that cannot be ignored."

"Indeed, as you just said, reciting many or even the best poems at a banquet where celebrities gather can only earn you a good reputation and leave behind anecdotes."

"But it can enhance your reputation and damage the prestige of Tokugawa Iemochi and others—and that is enough."

"..." Yoshiki Hitotsubashi fell silent.

Seeing that the other party remained silent, Matsudaira Haruaki continued to interrupt:

"Lord Hitotsubashi! We are at a critical juncture that will determine our fate! We must do everything in our power and seize every opportunity to suppress Tokugawa Iemochi and his ilk! We must completely seize control of the shogunate! We cannot let even a false reputation slip by!"

"..." After a moment of silence, Yoshiki Ichihashi let out a long sigh.

"Chunyue, didn't I just say that? I'm illiterate."

Matsudaira Haruaki smiled slightly.

"Lord Hitotsubashi, you need not worry about this. I have already prepared a haiku for you to recite at the plum blossom viewing party."

As he spoke, Matsudaira Haruaki reached into his robes and pulled out a neatly folded sheet of Xuan paper, which he then handed out with both hands.

Yoshiki Hitotsubashi took the Xuan paper, spread it out, quickly glanced at it, and then raised an eyebrow.

"Shungaku, is this haiku... feasible?"

"This haiku was written by my own hand. I dare not call it top-notch, but it is more than enough to attract attention."

"...I understand, I'll do it your way."

"Yes!"

……

……

In the second year of Wenjiu (1862), December 18th——

Edo, Edo Castle, Fukiage Garden—

The weather is perfect today, with not a cloud in the sky.

Although Aoto had been working at Edo Castle for nearly two years as a "side servant and palace attendant," this was the first time he had set foot in Fukiage.

Chui Shang was the general's resting place, and outsiders were not allowed to enter or leave at will.

He had only heard bits and pieces about Chui Shang from other people before, and only knew that it was a vast palace garden.

When Qingdeng arrived at today's banquet dressed in his most formal attire and riding a radish, he was already mentally prepared to "see many incredible things."

The imperial gardens are built with mountains of gold and silver – this principle applies everywhere.

However... after personally experiencing the performance, Qing Deng was shocked to discover that his expectations for the performance were far from being met!

Although it can't be described as "Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden," the beauty of the scenery in the courtyard still deeply shocked Qingdeng.

Passing through the Hanzo Gate, the first thing Aoto sees is the winding "upstream waterway".

The waterway is an artificial waterway that draws water from the Tamagawa River and runs through the entire Fukiage Garden.

The river water was crystal clear, with golden sunlight shimmering on the ripples, and three or four white cloud shadows rippled on the bottom.

Along the river, a long row of green trees reflects in the water, with dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves and swaying in the breeze.

Several unidentified birds flew to and fro among the branches swaying in the wind, occasionally letting out clear and melodious calls.

At a bend in the river stands an artificial hill made of granite. Beside the hill is a terrace with railings that extends over the water, where people can play with the koi in the river.

Heading south from Hanzomon Gate, crossing a stone-paved path lined with greenery, the "Fukiage Inari Shrine" comes into view.

Since it is named after Inari, the deity enshrined in this shrine is naturally Inari, the god in charge of food and harvest.

The shrine is surrounded by lush greenery, with gnarled branches reaching for the sky.

Two lifelike stone fox statues stand on either side of the torii gate.

To the south are the "New Royal Horse Farm" and the "New Horse Farm Horse Viewing Center".

As the name suggests, these facilities were used to raise horses for the general's family.

The faint neighing of horses could be heard intermittently.

If possible, Qingdeng would really like to see for himself what these pampered imperial horses look like, and how they compare to radishes.

Unfortunately... Baba and Qing Deng's destinations on this trip are in completely opposite directions.

After arriving at Fukiage Inari Shrine, Aoto immediately turned north.

After passing through "Zhuli Mountain" covered with pines and cypresses, "Guangzhi" which was used by generals to ride horses, "Lishan" with ponds dug and trees planted, "Huatan" with piled stones and flowers, and "Yuting" with carved railings and painted beams... finally, Qingdeng arrived at the venue of today's "Plum Blossom Appreciation Banquet" - "Plum Grove" planted with a large number of plum trees.

Upon arriving, he met his old friend.

"Oh! Qingdeng, you're here!"

Looking at Katsura Rintaro walking briskly towards him, Aoto smiled happily:

"Rintaro, it's been a long time."

With the strong support of Tokugawa Iemochi and Tenshōin, Katsu Rintaro was promoted to "Military Naval Commissioner" and put in charge of the construction of the shogunate's navy. Like Aoto, he became a high-ranking cabinet member who was stationed in Edo Castle.

Looking back at the time when Aoto and Katsurin Taro first met, one was a policeman catching thieves, and the other was a teacher in charge of teaching at the Banshu Investigation Office and the Military Academy.

Today, the two are household names and pillars of the state.

As they were both high-ranking retainers stationed in Edo Castle, and their work often overlapped, the friendship between these two old friends deepened as they had more opportunities to meet and communicate.

Today, the two address each other by their common names: Aoto calls Katsu Rintaro "Rintaro," while the other calls Aoto simply "Aoto."

After exchanging a few brief pleasantries, Qingdeng turned his head and surveyed the banquet hall, where most of the guests had already arrived.

The senior officials, young nobles, daimyo of feudal lords, court nobles who accompanied Prince Kazu to Edo... they were all prominent figures.

The so-called "abundance of close friends" is nothing more than this.

Just then, an old, steady male voice sounded from behind Qing Deng.

"Sheng, how have you been?"

Upon hearing this, Katsurin Taro shuddered and his face lit up with delight.

"Ah, Lord Otani! Thank you for your concern! Come, Tachibana-kun, let me introduce you! This is the head of the Military Academy, the 'Sword Saint'—Otani Seiichiro!"

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Please vote for me! Please recommend me! (Like a leopard crying.jpg)

I know today's chapter is a bit short... but there's a reason for that! (crying leopard head.jpg) These kinds of transitional chapters with no interesting content are just too hard to write! I really want to outsource these boring and difficult transitional chapters!

"Sword Saint" Seiichiro Tani has officially made his debut—smart readers should be able to guess what will happen next, right? (Laughing emoji)

Chapter 500: The Most Dangerous Training Ground in All of Edo, a Gathering Place of Monsters! [5200]

Upon hearing the name "Ootani Seiichiro," Aoto's eyes flashed with astonishment.

Without thinking, he turned around—an old man entered his field of vision.

A head of white hair, rough skin, a large frame, a height of around 1.7 meters, and elegant and neat attire... all these information flooded into Qingdeng's mind.

The old man's face, covered with fine wrinkles, seemed quite out of place with his sprightly appearance.