I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

Qingdeng nodded:

“That’s right, on a small hill north of Wakamatsu Castle, there is a hot spring pool used by the Matsudaira family of Aizu…”

He succinctly described the features of the hot spring pool and Matsudaira Katamori's kindness in temporarily lending it to her, then changed the subject and asked Elodie:

"Elodie, you have to come with us..."

Before Qingdeng could finish speaking, she nodded hurriedly, her little head shaking like a blur:

"Yes, yes, yes! Master, please take me to a hot spring! I've worked so hard to survive until today just to enjoy a hot spring!"

*******

*******

It's almost the end of the month again! Readers with monthly passes, please vote for this book! (Crying leopard head.jpg) Requesting monthly passes! Requesting recommendation votes! (Leopard head crying.jpg)

P.S.: Because I couldn't find a suitable opportunity to introduce Elodie, I haven't mentioned it yet: Elodie actually came to Ouyu too. Since it's a "hot spring trip," how could it only be men soaking in it! Who wants to see men soaking in hot springs!

Chapter 1020 Hot Springs! Hot Springs! Hot Springs! Soaking in Hot Springs and Sea Otter Meat [4300]

Compared to Hijikata Toshizo, Elodie's injuries were much less severe.

While the former was still lying in bed groaning, the latter was already able to get out of bed and walk.

For this reason, she was able to follow Aoto to Mito and go to Osaka.

Although Aoto clearly stated, "It's okay if you don't come; just stay in Edo and quietly recover from your injury," Elodie still shook her head without hesitation.

“Anyway, I have nothing to do in Edo, so let me come along!”—Elodie said sincerely.

Seeing that she was determined, Qingdeng didn't say anything more. After telling her to "take care of yourself," he allowed her to go with him.

Because Elodie has rarely appeared in public recently, many soldiers of the Shinsengumi are unaware that their commander has also come to Ou.

Qingdeng vaguely remembered that Elodie had once said that she was very interested in hot springs.

She had long admired Japan's hot springs and had always wanted to experience them for herself.

Unfortunately, like Qingdeng, she was unable to realize this wish due to a lack of time and opportunity.

Therefore, after obtaining permission to take his generals to the hot springs, the first person Qingdeng thought of inviting was Elodie.

As it turned out, she was indeed very interested in hot springs.

Upon receiving Qingdeng's invitation, she immediately flashed a bright smile, demonstrating with her actions the concrete interpretation of idioms such as "eyes shining" and "overjoyed."

Seeing her so joyful and excited, Qingdeng couldn't help but feel happy too.

Whenever Qing Deng thinks about what Elodie has gone through in recent months, he can't help but feel guilty—she has really suffered a lot!

The long war, which began with the "Chōshū Campaign" and ended with the "Edo Siege," produced countless heroes.

Among these many contributors, Elodie may not be ranked first, but she is definitely in the top five!

He led a thousand men from the Eighth Prince to fight to the death against the Faki coalition, and later participated in the defense of Edo, holding the Akasaka Gate.

After reviewing the battle, it's not hard to see that without the desperate fighting of Elodie, Hijikata Toshizo, and Hachioji, Edo would not have been able to hold out until Aoto and his reinforcements arrived!

Truly outstanding achievements.

Despite being a civil official in charge of accounts, he was more valiant than countless military generals!

Elodie's remarkable military achievements changed the way many people viewed her.

Prior to this, her reputation within the Shinsengumi was... to put it bluntly, extremely poor.

Not only because she was a foreign woman, but also because of her age.

Elodie was already quite young, and she had a youthful, baby-faced appearance, making her look much younger than her actual age.

Appointing such a child as the head of the finance office, placing him on equal footing with Vice-Commander Hijikata, Director Kondo, and Vice-Commander Yamanami... There are quite a few people who have objections to this.

Many people believe that Elodie got her position through connections, relying entirely on her status as "Niou's disciple" to seize a high position.

As a result, Qing Deng was also forced to bear the blame for "nepotism".

The more egregious the slander Elodie had previously suffered, the more satisfying the current reversal becomes!

Her solid achievements silenced those who doubted and slandered her!

Nowadays, everyone says this about her: No wonder she is Niou's apprentice!

And just like that, Elodie's reputation underwent a 180-degree reversal, transforming from a "brat who got in through connections" to a "valkyrie who is just like her master."

Elodie had worked hard and made great contributions, but she had not yet received the reward she deserved. This was mainly because Qing Deng was too busy, busy fighting against the "Hitotsubashi Faction" and busy suppressing Mito, and had not been able to spare any time to deal with the matter of bestowing rewards.

A large number of meritorious individuals, including Elodie—who had distinguished themselves in battles such as the Second Battle of Sekigahara, the Battle of Hachioji, and the Battle of Edo Castle—have yet to be rewarded.

This is a huge project.

Because the war was long and intense, there were a great many who made meritorious contributions.

There are at least thirty people who have made significant contributions and whose rewards require Qing Deng's personal approval.

When Qing Deng left Oyu and returned to Otsu, the first thing he would do was to bestow generous rewards, ensuring that no meritorious official was treated unfairly.

Elodie's rewards would never be lacking; Qingdeng would never mistreat his own precious apprentice.

Before giving her a formal reward, let her enjoy herself first; this is the reward she deserves.

With this thought in mind, Qingdeng silently pondered:

—Let's take this opportunity tonight to make it up to her.

……

……

That night--

A certain hill north of Wakamatsu Castle, the royal hot spring of the Aizu Matsudaira family——

The air was filled with the smell of sulfur.

Translucent steam rose in wisps.

Such intense heat makes you feel warm just by looking at it.

Amidst the layers of mist, eight naked, muscular bodies could be vaguely seen.

Upon closer inspection, these eight people were none other than the Shinsengumi generals, led by Aoto.

It was impossible for Qing Deng to bring only Elodie to the hot springs; he also extended an invitation to Kondo Isami and the others.

Ironically, most of the Shinsengumi generals, including Aoto, were "country bumpkins" from humble backgrounds.

Therefore, their understanding of "hot springs" is very consistent: Hot springs? Oh, I know, you know, those beneficial hot waters. What? You're asking if I've ever soaked in one? How could I have!

Because they all had a strong curiosity about hot springs, Kondo Isami and the others readily agreed to Aoto's invitation.

The private hot spring of the Aizu Matsudaira family is not far away.

It only takes 10 minutes to reach this unnamed hill by horseback.

Upon reaching the summit, you will find a spacious, steaming hot spring pool.

This hot spring pool is a long, narrow shape running east to west. Qingdeng roughly estimated that its area is about four or five hundred square meters, which is practically a large swimming pool.

According to the prior introduction by Yokoyama Shusuke, there was originally only one spring here.

Successive lords of the Aizu Domain continuously expanded the area around this spring, resulting in its current size.

It's worth mentioning that there's a small hut next to the pool, equipped with food, tea, bedding, and other daily necessities. It also has all the games you need, such as Go, Shogi, and Sugoroku. If you get tired of soaking, you can go inside to rest and relax.

In short, this place is a well-equipped resort!

Qing Deng couldn't help but gasp: The Aizu Matsudaira family really knows how to enjoy life.

Elodie is the only woman, so the western end of the pool is her exclusive area.

The men, including Qingdeng, stayed together at the east end of the pool.

Because this hot spring pool is a long, narrow shape running east to west, with the two ends far apart, there is no need to worry about Elodie being spied on—Kondo Isami and the others wouldn't do something so tasteless.

After leading Qingdeng and his group to change clothes, the guards at the hot spring quietly withdrew, leaving enough space for them.

At this moment, Aoto, Kondo Isami, Nagakura Shinpachi, Saito Hajime, Serizawa Kamo, Inoue Genzaburo, and Harada Sanosuke—the seven of them—are scattered, each occupying a spot, enjoying the hot spring in various poses.

"Ah~~ So comfortable~~ Oh oh~~ So comfortable~~ My waist~ My back~ My shoulders~ My feet~ My hands~ My butt~~ My whole body feels so relaxed~~"

Harada Sanosuke made strange noises as he spread his arms and leaned against the pool wall behind him.

Nagakura Shinpachi, standing to the side, bluntly retorted:

"Zanosuke, you're so noisy."

"Haaah~~"

Kondo Isami turned his head and gave Inoue Genzaburo a helpless look:

"Uncle Yuan, why are you yelling like that too?"

Qingdeng smiled slightly:

"Let them be. This hot spring is so wonderful, it really makes you want to shout out loud."

Harada Sanosuke nodded quickly, applauding Aoto:

“That’s right! Mr. Tachibana is right! I’d like to ask you, how are you able to hold back your moans?”

Although Qing Deng and the others didn't scream like Harada Sanosuke, every single one of them wore a satisfied expression.

Even Saito Hajime, who was usually expressionless, had a faint smile on his face, and his usually cold and hard facial features softened.

The water temperature of this hot spring is on the hotter side, between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius.

At first, Qingdeng and the others found it difficult to adapt to the unusually high water temperature.

They lingered by the pool for ages before finally managing to sink themselves into the water.

Humans are indeed a species with a very strong ability to adapt.

Before long, Qingdeng and the others got used to the water temperature and gradually "sinked" into it.

Only by experiencing it firsthand can one truly feel the difference between hot springs and ordinary hot water.