I Was a Swordsman in Ancient Japan

It has only been nearly two hours since the five of them went to the noon dinner together and started discussing government affairs.

The long verbal battle made even Dingxin and Beichuan, who were in their prime, feel a little tired.

Young people like Dingxin and Beichuan will feel tired, let alone middle-aged and elderly people like Beichuan who are already 50 years old.

The urgent and important government affairs that should be discussed have almost been discussed.

Now that the things that should be discussed have been discussed, it is not too early to see the time, and everyone is already a little tired, Matsudaira Sadanobu announced that today's talk will come to an end here.

With this order from Matsudaira Sadanobu, besides Beichuan, the other three Ruonian were granted amnesty.

Only Beichuan still looked like he hadn't talked enough and wanted to continue talking about government affairs.

Beichuan wanted to have a good chat with Matsudaira Sadanobu about "sending envoys to the southern barbarian countries for investigation".

But considering that it is really late now, and I am also a little tired, I can only give up and decide to postpone the matter. When the right time comes, I will talk about it in detail with Matsudaira Sadanobu .

The four Wakonian, headed by Beichuan, stepped out of this room specially used for the discussion of senior officials of the shogunate.

Not long after he walked out of the room, Gibbon let out a long breath as if he had unloaded some heavy object tied to his body.

"When people are old, not only their physical strength is weak, but their energy is also weak..."

While feeling so emotional, Gibbon rubbed his thighs on both sides.

Kneeling for more than two hours in a row—this is no longer something the elderly Yoshimoto can do easily.

"Today's meeting took a lot longer than before." Another of the four Ruonian who spoke: Matsudaira Takashi.

"It's a pity that we couldn't discuss the matter of sending envoys to the southern barbarian countries in one breath." After finishing speaking, Beichuan let out a long sigh.

"Mr. Beichuan, I don't think it is necessary to send envoys to the southern barbarian countries." Gibbon said softly, "I think it is enough to keep this country as it is."

"Our country lacks nothing, and the world is peaceful. Since the attack on Toyotomi's family, there has been no large-scale war in our country for nearly two hundred years."

"Why do you need to communicate with Nanman?"

"So—Mr. Beichuan, forgive me for not agreeing with your idea of ​​sending envoys to communicate with the southern barbarian countries."

"Master Yoshimoto..." Beichuan sighed helplessly, "Did you forget the envoys sent to Sui and Tang a thousand years ago?"

"Thousands of years ago, the Sui and Tang Dynasties were powerful, and our country learned from the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and only then did we have the current my country."

"And now the southern barbarian countries have invented a device that seems to be quite powerful. Is it wrong for us to learn from the southern barbarian countries a thousand years ago?"

"If the 'steam engine' really has the power of a hundred animals as George said in his post, then we can't miss it no matter what."

Speaking of this, Bei Chuan once again let out a long sigh.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this."

"If it weren't for the fact that I'm a little tired now,

Otherwise, I will have a good argument with you. "

Seeing that Beichuan voluntarily gave up the debate with him, Gibbon let out a sigh of relief, as if he had just escaped a catastrophe.

"Bei Chuan." At this moment, a questioning voice suddenly sounded, "Why did you suddenly want to ask Mr. Lao Zhong whether the rumor is true?"

The person who asked this question was another Ruonianji - Songping Junshan.

Kitagawa Toshiki, Yoshimoto Choemon, Matsudaira Takaki, Matsudaira Junyama—these four are the four current Wakonen of the shogunate.

As soon as the voice of Junshan's question fell, Beichuan immediately replied:

"No particular reason."

"I just heard this rumor from other friends, so I came to verify it with Mr. Lao Zhong."

"After all, such rumors should not be taken as a joke."

Speaking of this, Bei Chuan showed a touch of contempt.

"How can the imperial examination system, which has long since disappeared, be revived in our country?"

"Our country has a large number of excellent samurai. These excellent samurai in our country are enough to fill all the vacancies in the shogunate and the various vassals."

"It's not absurd to let a group of peasant children who were still carrying hoes not long ago serve as officials in the shogunate and vassal government."

"I also don't think it's advisable to revive the imperial examination system." Jun Shan said, "But I think the assessment form of 'imperial examination' is worth continuing."

"Thanks to the old man's 'imperial trial', which provided me with inspiration. Now I have a proposition that is definitely beneficial to the country and the people. I wonder if you are interested in listening to it."

Beichuan, Yoshimoto, and Longxi who were walking in front of Junshan all turned their heads to look at Junshan who was walking in the back.

"I'm all ears." Bei Chuan said.

"In the future, I plan to make a suggestion to the general—let the Changpingban Institute of Culture recruit the children of the shogunate on a large scale, and teach the children of the shogunate the Four Books, the Five Classics, the Three Rites, history, and poetry."

"Cultivate the children of the shogunate ministers who enter the Shoheizaka Institute into talents who can assist the shogunate."

Jun Shan narrated happily.

Changpingban Institute of Education - also known as "Changping School", an institution of higher learning directly under the Edo Shogunate.

The highest institution of Confucianism education in the Edo period.

It was formerly known as the Hongwen Academy established by Lin Luoshan. In 1691, the Tokugawa shogunate authorized the Lin family to guide the worship of Confucius, and brought Kobunin under the direct jurisdiction of the shogunate, and at the same time changed the name "Hongbunin" to "Shoheizaka Institute of Learning".

"While recruiting the children of the shogunate on a large scale to study at the Changpingban Institute of Culture, regular assessments will be carried out to see how well the shogunate's children who have entered the school have learned."

"Give generous rewards to the disciples who have achieved good rankings in this assessment."

As soon as Jun Shan finished speaking, Bei Chuan nodded.

"So that's how it is... Is this the inspiration you just mentioned for the 'Trial Match in the Imperial Palace'..."

"It's a good idea to let the shogunate disciples enter the Shoheizaka Learning Institute and conduct regular assessments." Yoshimoto also echoed.

"I've already thought of a name for this regular assessment of the vassals' children." Jun Shan showed a somewhat smug smile, "It's called 'Study Yin Taste'."

"Learning 'learning'."

"The 'ask' of the question."

"Recited 'yin'."

"The 'taste' of miso."

After chanting the words "Study Yin Taste", Jun Shan cast his expectant eyes on the three Beichuan people who were walking in front.

"'Study Yin Taste'...a good idea." Beichuan was the first to give a positive evaluation.

The other 2 people also chimed in, praising the name Jun Shan came up with.

"Then I would also like to make a small suggestion." Bei Chuan crossed his hands in front of his chest, "Don't let the 'Study Yin Taste' be confined to a corner of the Changpingban Learning Institute."

"The 'Ginwei of Learning' is held regularly in Edo, so that all the vassals can come to participate."

"Regardless of whether you have enrolled in the Shoheizaka Learning Institute, you can participate in this 'Scholarly Yin Taste'."

Hearing Bei Chuan's suggestion, Jun Shan's eyes lit up, and he muttered:

"That's a good idea... It's true that there's no need to confine the 'Study Yin Taste' to a corner of the Changpingzaka Learning Institute..."

After getting a good suggestion from Bei Chuan, Jun Shan quickly thanked Bei Chuan.

"Jun Shan, I think your idea is really good." Gibbon said with a smile, "Master General will definitely agree with your idea."

Because 2 of the 4 Wakonianyos have the surname Matsudaira, in order to distinguish them in terms of address, with the permission of the 2 parties involved, Kitagawa and the others directly called Matsudaira Takaki and Matsudaira Junshan by their first names.

"When I just got a good suggestion from Beichuan-kun, I am also very motivated now." Jun Shan said in a half-joking tone, "If I didn't care about etiquette, I would like to rush home now and start writing the Jianbai book immediately. what."

"I just don't know if my lord will agree with your idea..." After finishing speaking, Bei Chuan showed a wry smile.

...

...

The four Wakanian, headed by Beichuan, had all gone away, and Matsudaira Sadanobu still stayed in the room where he discussed with Beichuan and others just now.

In the room where he was the only one left, Dingxin no longer sat on his knees respectfully as he had discussed with Beichuan and others just now.

Instead, he sat cross-legged very casually.

His waist was not as straight as it was when he was discussing with Bei Chuan and others just now.

I must believe that his formerly straight body is now bent, as if there is no bone in his back.

The flesh of his upper body seemed to slip off his cervical spine at any moment.

This appearance of his made his whole body posture present a look of exhaustion.

And the expression that appeared on Dingxin's face at this time also matched his current appearance of being out of spirits - head bowed, eyes closed tightly, and a strong tired look appeared on his face.

Dingxin at this moment is completely different from the way he discussed the government affairs with Beichuan and others just now.

"...I'm so tired."

Even though he was the only one in the room, Matsudaira Sadanobu whispered in such a low voice that only he could hear clearly.

Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom...

Footsteps sounded from far to near outside the room.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, Dingxin quickly opened his eyes, and then slowly stood up.

While standing up, his originally bent body straightened up again, and his head was raised high.

The look and expression on his face also returned to the expressionless look full of oppression.

Just as Matsudaira Sadanobu stood up, his nickname—Tachibana's voice sounded outside the room.

"My lord. It's me."

"You're here."

After responding to Tachibana in a flat tone, Sakanobu walked slowly out of the room.

After Beichuan and the others left just now, Dingshin sent a waiter to call Tachibana back.

Opening the door, he saw Tachibana's face that was so familiar that he was kneeling beside the door.

"Let's go."

Dingxin, who still cherished his words like gold, muttered "Let's go" lightly, and then walked towards the end of the corridor under his feet without any hesitation.

And Tachibana naturally stood up in a hurry, and then followed behind Dingxin.

Tachibana, who was walking behind, quietly looked at the face of Sedanobu in front, and then said in a joking tone:

"My lord, you are still as energetic as ever. After such a long meeting, you are still in high spirits. I am ashamed of myself."

The relationship between Dingxin and Tachibana is good, and Tachibana often utters such insignificant witticisms in private from time to time.

And Dingxin also has a tolerant attitude towards such witty words that Tachibana utters from time to time.

After hearing Tachibana's words, Sakanobu did not make any response.

After showing only a meaningful and shallow smile, he continued to walk forward.

...

...

At this very moment, in Shiranui-ri somewhere in Edo—

...

...

"Shuntaro, obey the ninja rules."

...

...

"Shuntaro! What are you doing! Have you forgotten the ninja discipline?!"

...

...

In his sleep, Shuntaro heard words that he had heard a long time ago.

The words that should have been buried deep in his mind echoed in his ears again, making Shuntaro feel a little nostalgic.

Shuntaro wanted to continue to listen to this long-lost voice, but suddenly felt a voice coming from afar.

"……Awake."

The sound gradually approached.

"...wake up."

familiar voice.

"Master Shuntaro, please wake up."

The dark world shines into white light.

"……Ok?"

Shuntaro slowly opened his eyes as he regained consciousness.

As soon as I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the familiar ceiling.

The voice that awakened Shuntaro sounded from behind the door of the room.

Its master is Narutaro, who is responsible for serving Shuntaro to deal with various chores.

Narutoro was originally a ninja, but because of some crimes, he was demoted to "dirty", assigned to Shuntaro, and became Shuntaro's servant.

After being woken up by Narutaro, Shuntaro first yawned big, then sat up slowly.

"Narutaro, since you woke me up suddenly, something urgent must have happened, right?"

"Lord Shuntaro, yes. Lord Balrog ordered just now—to ask the 'Four Heavenly Kings' to come to his room immediately."

As soon as Narutaro finished speaking, Shuntaro showed a displeased expression.

"It's really troublesome... Maybe I have to talk about a lot of boring things again."

Although he was complaining, Shuntaro stood up in an orderly manner, and then changed into the women's kimono he had just bought a few days ago.

A few days ago, out of curiosity, I bought a set of women's kimonos that are very eye-catching.

After buying this dress home and trying it on, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was quite comfortable to wear, so Shuntaro has been wearing this suit no matter what he does these two days.

After quickly changing his clothes, Shuntaro quickly walked to the door and opened it, then walked out of his room quickly, and walked quickly towards the small house where the Balrog lived.

As soon as he entered the small house where the Balrog lived, Shuntaro saw Ji Taro who was already waiting here.

After seeing Shuntaro, Ji Taro curled his lips first, and then said in an indifferent tone that was neither salty nor light:

"You're here."

"Ok."

And Shuntaro's attitude towards Kyutaro was equally indifferent, and after only replying "um", he ignored Ji Taro.

The relationship between Shun Taro and Ji Taro is very bad.

Because the two of them had fought each other before because of a certain incident.

Since then, the relationship between the two has been quite bad.

Neither Shuntaro nor Kyutaro has the will to mend their relationship.

Neither the Balrog nor the other member of the "Four Heavenly Kings" has yet to come.

In the past, the two with a bad relationship would definitely not even talk, let the awkward atmosphere linger in the air, and just wait silently for the arrival of other personnel.

But now because of some things, and it is rare to be alone with Ji Taro, Shun Taro decided to go against the usual and say a few more words to Ji Taro.

"Gekitaro." Shuntaro said in an indifferent tone with almost no emotion and pornography mixed in, "you can go wherever you want to play, and I will not care about you, but if you go to Yoshiwara, remember Just be more polite."

"I've heard people say that your bad character and temper have made many girls cry."

"Where did you hear that?" Ji Taro frowned.

"Where did I hear that, don't worry about it." Shuntaro continued, "In short--when you go to Yoshihara's place to play in the future, show me some courtesy."

"Don't give me any more bad rumors."

"If something bad happens to you in Yoshiwara, it will also affect Shiranui."

Shuntaro's tone was quite strong.

This tone is not like negotiating with Ji Taro, but more like an order.

This tough tone naturally made Geutaro extremely unhappy.

As soon as Shuntaro finished speaking, annoyance appeared on Jitaro's face.

However, just when he opened his mouth and wanted to say something to Shuntaro, he seemed to have remembered something, and his whole body froze.

There was a faint fear in the pupils.

After several rounds of back and forth between this look of fear and anger, it was finally the look of fear that prevailed.

After closing the slightly parted lips again, he did not respond to what Shuntaro said just now, but just snorted heavily.

"Sorry, I'm late."

At this moment, a young male voice sounded outside the door.

Immediately following the male voice was the sound of the door being opened, and the sound of footsteps entering the room—a young man entered the door.

And this young man is the last of the "Four Heavenly Kings" - Shintaro.

Since Kotaro died in Nijo Castle 3 months ago, Shiranui has not been able to find a ninja who is qualified to take over Kotaro's position.

So after Shintaro also came, the current "Four Heavenly Kings" in Shiranui are all here.

Not long after Shintaro's arrival, the person who summoned everyone here—the Balrog finally came.

Although he was old and his hair and beard were gray, the Balrog's appearance was still far from the word "senile".

Seeing that Shuntaro, Gokutaro, and Shintaro had all arrived, Balrog didn't say much greetings, sat cross-legged in front of the three of them, and said directly to the three of them:

"I have an urgent task to tell you."

"But before I tell you about this urgent task, I have to repeat a few words that I have said many times."

The Balrog raised his hand, and while stroking the scar that covered his left eye vertically, he continued.

"You are in Edo from now on, remember to be cautious in your words and deeds."

Hearing Balrog's words, Shuntaro immediately showed helplessness on his face.

Since they moved their base to Edo, Shuntaro has heard similar words too many times.

Although Ji Taro didn't show obvious helplessness like Shuntaro, there was still a flame called "impatient" beating in his eyes.

Only Shintaro sat on his knees respectfully, listening to Balrog's lecture with a very serious appearance.

"Now there are a lot of officials in the shogunate who don't like our Shiranui."

Touching the scar on the left eye—this is the Balrog's personal habit.

Once the left hand is free, I can't help but raise my left hand to touch the scar on my left eye.

"The officials who don't like us are now waiting for us to make mistakes, and then use it as an excuse to lash out at us."

"Since showing such an unsightly ugliness in Nijo Castle three months ago, the general's favor for us has greatly diminished."

"We must never again do anything that would tarnish our image in Shiranui."

"Especially you! Gokutaro!"

The Balrog fixed his gaze on Kyutaro.

"You guys have been going to Yoshiwara every night to find sex these days."

"In a place like Yoshiwara where there are many people with mixed eyes, you must remember to be cautious in your words and deeds. Don't do anything that will offend people's tongues."

"In a word - act more like a samurai than a samurai."

Hearing something similar to what Shuntaro said just now from Yanma, a slight displeasure appeared on Kyutaro's face.

But Ji Taro suppressed his displeasure, and responded respectfully:

"yes!"

"Well, I've said enough of similar things, and I won't go any further."

Hearing Balrog's words, Shuntaro immediately showed a "relieved" appearance.

Balrog, who was sitting right in front of Shuntaro, could naturally see Shuntaro's rude look.

But the Balrog pretended not to see it, and after clearing his throat, he said seriously:

"Now let's talk about the urgent task I just said."

"According to the reliable information just collected, the Renegade Nin who betrayed us in Shiranui some time ago is now in Edo."

"The famous Chunin witnessed that guy in Edo this morning."

"Rebellion?" Shuntaro raised his eyebrows, "Which rebellion is it? There are too many rebellions in Shiranui."

"It's the Jonin who defected a while ago." Balrog said coldly.

"Junin... woohoo!"

Hearing Balrog's words, Shuntaro immediately remembered who it was.

"It's that guy..."

Then he said in a meaningful tone.

"Shintaro, this task is entrusted to you."

Balrog looked at Shintaro.

"You lead a group of people to conduct searches in Edo from now on, be sure to find that guy!"

"Understood!" Shintaro replied loudly.

"When the two of you are active in Edo in the future, you should also pay more attention to that guy's face." Balrog turned his attention to Shun Taro and Ji Taro, "Once you find that guy, don't hesitate to capture him back. Or simply kill them."

"Although that guy has some strength, he is definitely not an opponent of the three of you."

"clear!"

"clear."

Gokutaro's response was forceful.

Shintaro's response was weak.

*****

*****

"Matsudaira" is the old surname of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate. After the establishment of the Edo Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu's direct blood lineage was named "Tokugawa", while other relatives still had the surname "Matsudaira". (The Hirose clan from Ogata is one of the pro-fan names, so the lord of the Hirose clan is also surnamed Matsudaira)

Among all the pro-vassal daimyos (daimyos who are blood related to the general's family), except for Yusanjia and Yusanqing, they all have the surname "Songping".

Because of Shiqing Shilu, many bigwigs in the Edo shogunate have the surname Matsudaira, and they are all relatives of the general.

Because everyone is Songping, in order to distinguish them, when referring to a person with the surname Songping, his full name will be typed, or his first name will be typed directly.

(Those who are familiar with Japanese history should also know that this "learning and learning taste" is actually something that existed in history. Those who want to know more about the Edo period can carefully read the "Writer's Words" in this chapter~)

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