Chapter 1, First Encounter

Since this is a family of officials, one must at least first explain their strengths... What skills have you learned while at home?

As a subject, it is naturally inappropriate to criticize the sovereign; however, deliberately flattering Nobunaga to the extent of likening him to the wise rulers of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors appears excessively shameless

... ...

According to common sense, the elder brother should give some instructions to the younger brother before his departure; however, Jiu Xiu did not know what to say.

Thank you very much, I appreciate it

If Hanxiu cannot express anything that piques Nobunaga's interest, then this conversation will not come to an end. However, is it not a bit difficult for a twelve-year-old boy to fathom the thoughts of his lord?

At this time, Fan Xiu was not yet thirteen years old in terms of his virtual age, but he had already reached a height of 5 feet 6 inches (156 cm), which is the height of an adult. When his elder brother looked at him, he also needed to meet his gaze at eye level

Fan Xiu began to recall the historical anecdotes he had previously read in the historical texts

I am Maeda Yozu! The young man on the right scratched his head and said, "That... the brother of Nakazou is my brother. If anyone offends you in the future, just report my name and that will suffice"

After bidding farewell to Nobunaga, Niwa Nagahide led Hanashu to record their names and stipends on the official document, and also selected an idle residence. The organization of the guard unit was overseen by Mori Kanemoto

"Are you still worried, elder brother?" Fan Xiu set down the bowl and dishes, raising her head to look at Jiu Xiu

This is the spring day of Owari. After his coming-of-age ceremony, Hirate Zenemon, named Hoshū, was chosen by his lord Nobunaga to be part of the cavalry. Due to not having his own warhorse yet, Hoshū rode an old horse from his family as he traveled to Kōdō Castle with his brother and several retainers of the Hirate family

"Do not take it upon yourself to feed the horse; my warhorses are fed with a mixture of millet!" On ordinary days, Jiu Xiu has always been a courteous gentleman, but when faced with commoners, he shows no regard for etiquette. The owner of the small tea house repeatedly bowed his head, fearing that he might offend this esteemed warrior.

"Gods and Buddhas?" Jiu Xiu was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled lightly, not taking Fan Xiu's remarks to heart

Fan Xiu knelt before him, his expression as somber as water. Only after Nobunaga expressed his appreciation did he show a limited sense of gratitude. Sitting beside him, Jiu Xiu, though also impeccable in manners, occasionally revealed a look of hesitation and concern in his eyes

These must be the distinguished guests from Kyoto, right? The shop owner and the assistant exchanged a glance, and their demeanor became increasingly respectful

Fan Xiu will never tarnish his father's reputation

Hanxiu's elder brother, Hirate Goroemon Hisahide, inherited the position of head of the Hirate family after their father's death. At this time, he went to Kodo Castle not only to consider his younger brother's safety but also to express the Hirate family's support for Nobunaga during this tense period. Although the Hirate family was not renowned for their martial prowess, the prestige of the former head, Hirate Kamenomori, was still sufficient to prevent the people of Owari from treating them with disrespect.

Thus, the admiration in Nobunaga's eyes grew even stronger

"Historical records..." Nobunaga finally spoke, "Do you have any insights?"

A long time.

Zuo Zuo Cheng Zheng replied: "Tonight, I have arranged a small gathering with a few friends, and since it coincidentally happens to be a suitable occasion, why not join us?"

"That is truly wonderful!" Before Cheng Zheng could respond, Maeda Toshiie, with a beaming expression, patted Fan Xiu on the shoulder, "Nezumi, your friend here is much more straightforward than you!"

Thank you. Although Fan Xiu's expression was not particularly kind, it also did not exhibit the arrogance of a warrior. Due to the passage of time, he held no contempt for these commoners who toiled for their livelihoods.

After a half day's journey, all the ministers were already famished; even if it was just simple tea and plain rice, it would still be a great delight to indulge in it

Upon entering the hall, several family retainers consciously gathered around the outer table, leaving the slightly elevated position in the inner room for the head of the family and his younger brother

Setting aside ethnic prejudices, when it comes to the measure of a ruler, Shi Le undoubtedly deserves to be regarded as a great hero of his time. However, whether a small landlord from the Eastern Yi barbarian states possesses such broad-mindedness remains uncertain.

The minister believed that Your Highness is similar to Wei Wu

"Everyone is tired, let's take a break," commanded Jiu Xiu, the leader, as he raised his whip. Due to the poor horse ridden by Fan Xiu, they had not yet arrived by noon.

During the period of the Five Barbarians' chaos in China, Shi Le, the founder of the Later Zhao, once posed a similar question. In response to the flattery from his subordinates, "Your strategies surpass those of Emperor Gao, and your talents are unparalleled compared to the founder of the Wei dynasty; only Xuanyuan can be compared to you," Shi Le laughed and said: "Can a person not know themselves? If I were to encounter Emperor Gao, I could only bow my head and pay my respects, competing with Han Xin and Peng Yue for precedence; if I were to meet Emperor Guangwu, we would both vie for the Central Plains, not knowing who would ultimately prevail; a true man acts with integrity, as bright as the sun and moon, and cannot bully the orphaned and widowed like Cao Cao and Sima Yi did!"

Cheng Zheng smiled without speaking and raised his hand to point towards the outside of the city

Fan Xiu could not help but smile: "Qian Tian Qiang Zhi You Zuo, I have heard of your name for a long time. I wonder what brings you here today..."

"Is the esteemed Neizangzhu (the common name of Chengzheng) doing well?" Fanxiu took the initiative to step forward and offered a bow, "May I ask who this esteemed person is..."

"Alright, alright, I understand now," Nobunaga waved his sleeve, feigning impatience, yet a smile lingered on his face. "Gorōza!" Nobunaga turned to call out to Niwa Nagahide, "This child will follow me as my personal guard from now on. His salary will be the same as that of Aken and the others, which is fifty kan. You can arrange that as you see fit"

Wei Wu?'' Nobunaga's eyes narrowed, a glint of brilliance emerged, and he then lowered his head to drink tea, concealing his expression.

"What are you? Hmm, much stronger than before..." Nobunaga sat cross-legged on the tatami mat, continuously nodding at Hanxiu. It seemed he was quite satisfied, "Indeed, you possess quite the samurai spirit."

Then, with what kind of discernment in recognizing people, can I believe that Nobunaga can be compared to anyone in the history of the Ming Dynasty

In a small shop, there are naturally no exquisite delicacies; what is served is nothing more than rice balls, vegetables, and soup ingredients. The only surprising thing is that on Jiu Xiu and Fan Xiu's table, there is a plate of seaweed—something quite rare in this era. It is likely that they happened to purchase it from fishermen, perhaps to entertain esteemed guests.

Nobunaga casually nodded, yet remained silent.

As the words settled, the previously composed Fan Xiu could not help but show a few changes in expression

Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Guangwu, and Emperor Weiwu... Fan Xiu's thoughts drifted, suddenly recalling a character from a game he had played in a previous life, the one whom Nobunaga admired was precisely Emperor Weiwu

Jiu Xiu nodded slightly, and his expression finally became a bit more natural

Hirate Hisashi's heart suddenly raced, while Danba Nagahide also frowned. However, the corner of the mouth of the young man in white revealed a hint of a light smile, as if he took great pleasure in witnessing the predicament of others

It is merely a matter of a little skill in understanding people and situations

In fact, there is no need for my elder brother to worry," Hanxiu said solemnly. "Whether it is His Highness Nobunaga, the martial fortunes of the Oda clan, or the reputation of the Hirate family... the deities will watch over us in the shadows.

The crowd dismounted in unison and followed Jiu Xiu into the small shop by the roadside. A shrewd attendant stepped forward to courteously take the reins.

Nobunaga showed a look of surprise, as if deep in thought, and then smiled again, posing another question

How could Wei Wu, who held two-thirds of the world during the late Han Dynasty, be compared to the small lords of a corner like Owari?

Only Hirate Hisahide showed no appetite at all, merely silently watching his younger brother across the table, his gaze filled with concern

It seems to be a gathering to welcome newcomers? Fan Xiu smiled and said, "Thanks to the invitation from the internal treasury assistant, I must cover the cost of tonight's drinks."

What a brother lacking in confidence... Is it necessary to reveal the fact that I come from the future? Fan Xiu couldn't help but smile wryly, and thus chose a more moderate expression.

The techniques and poetry taught by my late father are all carefully remembered in my heart

In late spring, during the third month, after the rain has just cleared, the air in the countryside fields is filled with a faint scent of earth. On the cherry blossom trees along the village path, the lingering fragrance dances gently in the wind, reluctant to depart, while droplets of water slowly gather on the branches, with light and shadow flowing, lush and vibrant. Along the mountain path, in the sparse woods, a figure wearing a bamboo hat emerges, perfectly embodying the scene of sparse fences and deep paths, where the flowers have fallen from the trees but have yet to cast shadows. The hurried passersby, however, lack the elegance of Yang Chengzhai. In their haste, countless petals and leaves are unknowingly knocked to the ground, turning into spring mud.

The youthful yet mature Fan Xiu has also become increasingly taciturn

The art of understanding people

In the time of Wei Wu, when he was merely a young man of twenty, he was just a minor official, while Guang Wu was farming the fields, and it was not until twenty-eight years later that he rose to prominence

The family tradition of the Hirate clan is strict, and after taking their seats, no one speaks loudly. When they occasionally converse with one another, they also make an effort to lower their voices. In Owari, a place devoid of elegance, such samurai are indeed rare.

Fang Xiu bowed in gratitude, yet his mind wandered elsewhere. The newly appointed vassal received a salary of fifty guan, which was an extraordinary favor and utterly unreasonable. The powerful daimyos of Japan, such as the Asakura and the Ōuchi from afar, and the Uesugi and Takeda from nearby, all issued detailed provincial laws. ... However, His Highness Nobunaga acted according to his whims, despising regulations, and this alone was enough to displease his high-ranking ministers ...

Jiu Xiu, who was standing nearby, looked worriedly at Dan Yu Nagahide behind Nobunaga. The response he received was a helpless glance. When this lord goes mad, even your father cannot stop him

Fan Xiu bowed and replied, "Your Highness, I have diligently practiced archery and horsemanship since childhood, without rest day or night"

Nobunaga's expression remained unchanged, neither affirming nor denying. The skills in archery, horsemanship, and swordsmanship are the foundation of a warrior's career, and there is nothing particularly extraordinary about them

Ah... what is Shen Zuo saying? Jiu Xiu took a moment to respond, then put on a calm smile, trying hard to conceal the unease within.

Fan Xiu lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then said: "I have also read through the historical records of the Ming Dynasty."

After the incident of Zheng Xiu's seppuku, Jiu Xiu severed ties with Lin and Chaitian, those opposed to Nobunaga. However, deep down, he still held no semblance of agreement with Nobunaga's absurd actions

Danba Nagahide still stood by his side, while on the other side was a young woman dressed in white, with her hair tied up. However, the previously frequent companions, Maeda Toshiie and Ikeda Tsuneoki, were nowhere to be seen

"Wei Wu, upon careful reflection, there are indeed some similarities..." Fan Xiu murmured to herself, her eyes suddenly brightening.

After a series of formalities were completed, the sky had darkened. After returning my elder brother, I turned back and saw two people waiting at the city gate. The tall figure on the left was none other than Sasaki Narimasa, whom I had met in my childhood. Although Sasaki was from a military family, he had a natural inclination for elegance and had long admired Hirate Masayoshi. The two families were not far apart, and Hanashu was aware that he later became a renowned general, thus he made a deliberate effort to befriend him.