Chapter Seven, The First Vassal

Fan Xiu was completely awake, and it was already noon of the second day

... ...

Is Mr. Wu Wei alright? If he has been injured and has not completed the task, it would be too regrettable

Is Xiaoping Tai now a ronin

"Lord Hirate!" Upon hearing the noise, Kobayata quickly bowed and paid his respects to the interior.

... ...

The expression on Xiaoping Tai's face revealed a hint of panic, "The ninja has already escaped, what merit do I have..."

He was not expelled by the Tsushima Hattori family

"You should now address him as 'Your Excellency.'" Cheng Zheng approached and said, "Just now, Xiu Qian Dai called you in, and I could already guess his intentions. How could a brave and valiant man like you be held accountable for such trivial matters?"

"Yes, my father is from the Tsushima Habuto branch family, and... due to religious matters, he was expelled..." Kobayashi slowly recounted his background, his expression neither sad nor happy

I see... With my salary, I should be able to recruit seven foot soldiers. Kobayashi, I will immediately write a letter for you. Take this letter to Ogimura in Karisugai District; that is the hereditary fief of the Hirate family. It should not be difficult to recruit six strong foot soldiers.

"If it were not for your repelling of the enemy ninjas, how could you have protected Duke Wuwei? Is this not a merit?" Fan Xiu comforted for a moment, then suddenly shifted his tone, "However, if there is not even a slight punishment, it also seems inappropriate..."

"So you are still so at ease? You truly lack compassion." Fan Xiu relaxed and began to bicker with Cheng Zheng

Thus it is. Cheng Zheng suddenly assumed a solemn demeanor, saying, "Although the chaotic waves are unpredictable in their movements, they are not uncommon. How could Xiu Qian Dai be so careless?"

I have never doubted Xiuchiyou's talent," Sasasa sighed, "but the dangers of a chaotic world cannot be adapted to in just these few days of service. You should rest and recuperate; I will investigate the truth of this person on your behalf!

Xiaoping Tai received the order and departed

Having finished speaking, Cheng Zhengcai returned to his usual expression. Fan Xiu glared at him a few times but then burst into laughter herself

With Zuo ... ... ah

"Xiaoping Tai, " Fan Xiu recalled the demeanor of benevolent rulers throughout the history of film and television works, striving to appear sincere. "Now I am merely a warrior with an annual salary of fifty guan, unable to offer you any salary. However, in this chaotic era, it is precisely the time for a man to achieve great deeds. In the future, when I acquire a city or a nation, you will be the first vassal of the Ping Shou family"

Are you clear about the reality and illusion of this Xiaoping Tai?

Cheng Zheng leisurely pointed out the mistakes made by Fan Xiu while sipping tea, and Fan Xiu listened attentively, feigning compliance. On one hand, the reasoning was indeed on the other side, but on the other hand, the wound still throbbed faintly, making it hardly worthwhile to argue.

What nonsense is this? Is it really necessary to kill you over such a trivial matter? Fan Xiu quickly interjected:

"How can we casually trust the words of a mysterious wanderer?" Zaza mercilessly interrupted Fan Xiu, "What if he is a scout from the enemy, bringing a group of companions? At that time, even if it is just six or seven people, they could still turn the tide!"

In that case, I shall punish you by making you obey my commands.

To determine whether a person is in a coma, it is not difficult to assess their heartbeat, pulse, and breathing. Could it be that Xiu Qian Dai is completely unaware of this?

Cheng Zheng suddenly interjected: "Xiu Qian Dai may not yet be aware that this morning, His Highness has already announced to Owari the news of the assassination of Wu Wei by Oda Nobutomo of Seongju, and has also set the date for the expedition, which is next month"

"Criticism?" Fan Xiu questioned, "The fact that the ninja was captured and then escaped is entirely due to my carelessness; it is hardly reasonable to blame others for it, is it?"

There is no need for excessive courtesy, please speak first! Fan Xiu shook his head and smiled at Cheng Zheng, extending his hand to invite Xiao Ping to come in.

Fan Xiu looked at the first capable general he had recovered and couldn't help but feel a bit elated. It seems that the ancients are indeed quite easy to deceive. Relying on his advantage of being well-versed in history, his actions were indeed convenient.

Originally, I did have some concerns, but when I think about the sense of achievement in being able to teach Xiuchiyou a lesson openly and aboveboard, it truly leaves me with no time to worry about anything else. A faint, well-meaning smile appeared on Chengzheng's face.

"Your Highness..." Kobayakawa's face revealed unrestrained joy. It is well known that Hirate Masahide is the favored young son of the Mononobe family and also a close attendant of Nobunaga. His future is unpredictable, and as a ronin who finds it difficult to return home, being able to attach himself to such a noble figure is undoubtedly a rare opportunity

The adult... Little Ping Tai was left dumbfounded

The ninja, eager to escape, had no time to spare for anything else; only you were injured. Cheng Zheng strolled forward leisurely, handing the rice ball and pickled cucumber in his hand to Fan Xiu, his face showing not a trace of worry.

Lesson

I have already heard the specific details from the guards. Cheng Zheng's tone slightly slowed down, "Three gunshot wounds; an ordinary person would naturally lose their ability to move. However, Luan Bo has undergone long-term training and possesses a far greater capacity to endure pain than the average person"

It is better not to move recklessly for now, as the blade has been coated with poison. Although it may not be fatal, the damage to the internal organs is likely to be significant, and at the very least, a period of recuperation of over ten days will be necessary

Xiaoping Tai rose and walked in, then knelt down on the ground, his face displaying an unwavering determination, filled with the expression of sacrificing oneself for righteousness: "I, a petty person, have acted with self-righteousness, causing great individuals to suffer this calamity; I deserve to die a thousand deaths..."

It is merely a minor skin ailment, but capturing an iron cannon is quite good. Although the craftsmanship is somewhat crude, it should at least be worth thirty guan. By the way, that iron cannon won't be confiscated, will it?" Fan Xiu suddenly felt a bit worried and couldn't help but mutter to himself. Although there is no concept of confiscation in this era, what if that fellow Nobunaga becomes overly pleased with the hunt? Can you still reason with him?

Fan Xiu was taken aback, and then fell into silence

Upon hearing of the punishment, Xiaoping felt a sense of relief instead, and bowed deeply: "I, as a subordinate, am aware that I have no hope for redemption; I only hope that you, my lord, can treat me kindly..."

Just as he was feeling pleased with himself, Zuo Zuo suddenly asked a question

"Very well, such actions only serve to highlight my narrow-mindedness." Fan Xiu waved his hand to interrupt. Ever since he learned that the person before him was Hattori Koheita, who had achieved merit at the Battle of Tōkan, he no longer harbored any thoughts of reprimand. "Let us consider the merits and demerits as balanced."

"The character of Fan Xiudian is noble and pure, how could I not know?" Cheng Zheng mocked him, "However, if it weren't for Xiao Pingtai's firm belief that the ninja could not act, you would not have been injured—anyway, let's explain this face to face." Cheng Zheng took a few steps back and opened the door, revealing Xiao Pingtai, who was pacing back and forth outside.

Xiu Qian Diao, do you know that facing a person who is seven years younger yet acts without any mistakes, the resentment of being unable to teach the younger generation as a senior is truly indescribable

"It is not the conduct of a loyal minister to slander the sovereign." Cheng Zheng seemed to see through Fan Xiu's thoughts at a glance, "Is Your Highness really that kind of person? By the way, the guard named Xiao Ping Tai has been waiting outside the door; he feels quite guilty about your injury, so do not be too harsh on him"

Fan Xiu suddenly raised his head, only to be met with a sharp pain in his chest

The clothing belts and cuffs of the ninjas have hidden layers, and these two areas should never be overlooked during inspections

Opening my eyes, the person before me is... (of course, not a beauty) a tall figure, dressed in a blue robe, with a red sash...

After such a long time, Cheng Zhengcai reluctantly set down his teacup, and then laughed heartily without any decorum