Chapter 3, The High Officials (Part 1)

At this moment, Shengchun did not know what to say, merely accompanying with a smile, glancing around, and after a while finally found a topic to discuss

Surely, there can't be any nonsensical thoughts involved. "Rika suddenly lowered her voice, "Goro has just been busy these past few days; otherwise, he definitely would not have been absent yesterday.

Oh? Fan Xiu was slightly taken aback, then smiled, "Truly a benevolent ruler"

I am Katsuharu from the Shibata family, you may call me Goyemon! The young man straightened his back, yet still leaned slightly forward to show respect

Ah, it is the Hall of Equal Hands! The young man quickly bowed, as it seemed they had been waiting specifically for him

Han Xiu nodded lightly and calmly. It was evident that Danba Changxiu was one of the key figures to befriend in the Oda family, but due to his youth in the past, he had not been able to make acquaintances. However, there was no Danba Changxiu among the guests last night

Ensure that there will never be a next time

Nai Zang Zhu (Cheng Zheng) has always spoken like this; it is likely that you are very familiar with it.

This group of people seems to be somewhat reserved in front of him. Fan Xiu did not take it to heart, was too lazy to make a deliberate effort to socialize, and after chatting casually for a few moments, he excused himself and left.

Your uncle? Forgive my boldness, but you should know that I have just arrived in Gudu City... This statement is not intended to create distance; the number of people from the Chaitian family serving the Oda clan is numerous, and I do not know who Shengchun is referring to.

"Hey, you can't really be angry, can you?" Rika looked at Hanxiu with some surprise. For a historic samurai family like the Hirate clan, it is indeed possible that they value their reputation more than their name.

It is evident that listing a long string of identities does not express respect, but rather sarcasm

Gorōza? This is the name of Niwa Nagahide. Although Toshiie is a favored retainer of Nobunaga, his status is still far from being on par with Niwa, and it would be appropriate to use honorifics when addressing the latter's name.

So, it seems that the lord has been in a good mood lately? However, why is it that no one from the internal support has been late?

Katsuharu Shibata spoke a few more words, and without even entering the door, he took his leave. However, Hanxiu did not dare to be careless; after pondering for a moment, he headed straight to the home of Sasanori Masanobu. Having just arrived here and being unfamiliar with the situation, the only person in the city with whom he could speak candidly was this childhood friend.

I see... It seems that Nobunaga is indeed a person of unpredictable moods

Indeed..." Fan Xiu lowered his head, "Although there is no malice intended, the tone of being strictly businesslike does make it quite difficult for one to dislike him

Therefore, I kindly ask everyone to be more attentive in the coming days. At this point, a slight relaxation appeared on my face

It seems that you are quite familiar with Lord Danba, aren't you?" Fan Xiu asked seemingly casually.

The momentary daze in Rika's eyes, however, seemed to convey an entirely different meaning

One cannot say it that way either... Rika hesitated for a moment, leaned close to Fanxiu's ear, and whispered, "In fact, when His Highness is in a bad mood, no matter what we do, it will only invite a round of scolding, while when he is happy, even slightly inappropriate actions are not taken to heart..."

Ah... I was wondering if Lord Chiba has already arrived at Gudu Castle

"Does Hanxiu Dian live in such a house?" Shengchun pointed to the simple bamboo door

Is that so?" Fan Xiu chuckled lightly

As I approached the front door, I noticed someone standing at the entrance, seemingly waiting.

Han Xiu casually inquired about how to receive Sibo Yiyin, but Li Jia did not know much either. After discussing it briefly, the conversation shifted to another topic.

It is not that the form is unclear, but rather that the heart is like a clear mirror yet behaves oddly. This temperament is somewhat similar to that of Oda Nobunaga

How could Shibata Katsuie have sought me out? The so-called "old acquaintance of the Monitoring Hall" is entirely a pretext; Hirate Masahide had no particularly close relationship with him during his lifetime

"I will come again tomorrow to welcome Lord Hanxiu, and I sincerely hope you will honor us with your presence." Chiba Katsuharu bowed once more

"Your Highness Sibo..." Fan Xiu looked at Li Jia's expression, smiled and shook his head, and did not say anything

This is also an unavoidable situation, as the Ping family has not left behind any property in Gudu City; it was only through the Lord's consideration that they were able to make this arrangement... Although it is not a topic worth boasting about, it is certainly much better than the earlier awkwardness. Fan Xiu wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead, yet his mind was filled with questions.

"Will His Highness not be angry?" Fan Xiu pointed towards the direction of the door and asked Li Jia. Regardless of the impressions from either his past life or this life, that prince was not someone easy to deal with.

Do not be angry, my dear adult

Lord Zaza is resolute and decisive, and we all hold him in great esteem A blue-clad warrior seated nearby smiled apologetically at Fan Xiu

Fan Xiu sat opposite him, smiling and nodding, making every effort to appear understanding, yet secretly scoffing in his heart. Looking at Maeda Toshiie’s demeanor, it was evident that being expelled due to personal conflicts was indeed not an injustice.

Of course! Rikiya nodded without a second thought, "We have been drinking together for several years!"

It is as follows: my uncle said that the ceremony to welcome Duke Wu Wei should not be taken lightly. He personally brought two hundred men and will arrive in the city tomorrow. I have come in advance to report to the lord.

He actually thought I was concerned about this? Fan Xiu's expression remained unchanged, but he was slightly taken aback in his heart. If it were someone with a delicate mindset, it would indeed be easy to make such an association. However, Maeda Toshiie was straightforward and generous, acting without restraint, and others unknowingly regarded him as a rough and reckless warrior. Yet at this moment, he appeared to be quite perceptive and astute.

It is like this, my uncle is an old friend of the Jianwu Hall, so I hope that Fanxiu Hall can come to my humble abode as a guest tomorrow. Seeing that the conversation was going quite smoothly, Shengchun changed the address from "Ping Shou Hall" to "Fan Xiu Hall" to show familiarity

Of course! Perhaps to mask the earlier embarrassment, Rika appeared righteous and unassailable, stating, "Within the entire ancient Duzhong City, aside from myself, only Shō Saburō and Gorōzō can be compared to you."

I apologize, last night there were guests, and I truly drank a bit too much

So it is Lord Shibata. I wonder what brings you to visit at this late hour? Hanxiu was not too concerned; he had met quite a few people from the Shibata family and their in-laws, the Sakuma family, but this Katsuharu did not seem to have much influence. It appeared that he was not a key figure representing the Shibata family. However, personal friendships among peers cannot be linked to the "greater situation".

After a moment of silence, Rika suddenly burst into laughter and patted Fanxiu on the shoulder

Oh, His Highness Shibata truly dedicates himself to the Oda family," Han Xiu casually remarked. Indeed, this is the mindset of a military general; even on a visit to Kodo Castle, he does not forget to bring his troops.

Yiyin Sibo's father, Yitong, once served under Oda Nobutomo of Seongju. However, for reasons unknown, they fell out, and Yitong ultimately met his demise at Nobutomo's hands. Consequently, Yiyin had no choice but to seek refuge with Nobunaga, who was at odds with Seongju.

If Zozō Narimasa were here, he would certainly think that Fan Xiu's expression was sarcastic; however, it is evident that Toshiie does not possess such subtle thoughts, or rather, he does not yet understand Fan Xiu well enough

Even within the Oda clan, which is not particularly renowned, the lineage of Nobunaga is merely a branch of the cadet family, and thus his subordinates are often of humble origins, being local gentry. In the presence of a declining noble house like the Shiba clan, the status of a family like the Maeda is undoubtedly both proud and humble.

"If the lord would get angry over such trivial matters," Rikiya tilted his head and retorted, "would they still dare to act this way?"

"Indeed, Your Excellency is..." Fan Xiu quickly returned the greeting

This ... um ... "It's rare for Rika to look around like this, haha, how was the taste of the wine last night? Your drinking capacity is truly impressive ... ... "

On the first day of work, I noticed that half of my colleagues were late, which was quite a rare experience. Although precise timing methods are not popular in this era, arriving half an hour late or even showing up when the sun is already high in the sky for the gathering at the entrance is indeed a bit too audacious.

Lord Wu Wei (Sibo Yiyin) is about to arrive at the ancient Duzhong City, and the Governor of Musashi (Oda Nobuyuki) along with Lord Shibata will also be coming shortly

Even Nobunaga himself, perhaps, could not escape such a mindset

Of course not. Hanxiu came to her senses and smiled at Lijia, "Is there any major event in the family recently? With Lord Daniyu's capabilities, is he really unable to manage everything?"

As the voice fell, the hall inevitably fell silent, and Rika also wore a face full of embarrassment

The day swiftly comes to an end, leaving behind a group of night watchmen, while the others may rest. However, the young retainers of Nobunaga, the young lord, are all unmarried youths, and they are not in a hurry to return home. Instead, they simply choose to stay in the castle for their meals—of course, this food will be deducted from their salaries, and it is impossible to expect fine wine and delicacies.

Is it really him? "Shibata Katsuie?" Han Xiu instinctively exclaimed, then smiled apologetically at Katsuhiro. His status was below that of Shibata Katsuie, making it inappropriate to call him by name, especially in front of his juniors. If Katsuie himself were present, even drawing a sword for this reason would not draw any criticism.

Perhaps due to the care of Nobunaga, in the not-so-spacious Kodo Castle, Hanxiu was assigned a small courtyard all to herself. Exiting the city gate and turning a couple of corners would lead her there

It is indeed a significant matter... Speaking of this topic, Rika suddenly changed to an expression that was both proud and disdainful, "You probably haven't heard, the esteemed three leaders of the shogunate, Lord Buwei, the guardian of Owari, His Highness Shiba Yoshigane, will be 'gracing' our family in a few days!"

Fan Xiu could not help but shake his head. Cheng Zheng, born into a family of generals, was well-versed in the classics and history, and was not ignorant of worldly affairs; however, by nature, he was straightforward and disdainful of such matters. After several years in office, he remained the same.

To express goodwill proactively... it seems unnecessary from the other party's perspective? Is it possible that one wishes to place a spy beside Nobunaga...? These matters appear to be more suited for someone like Lin Tongsheng...

Fan Xiu inadvertently mentioned the matter of having a leisurely job, only to be met with a table full of lamentations

This official tone is not particularly skillful, and one can even detect a hint of sarcasm; however, from the perspective of Li Jia, it is indeed quite reasonable. Being neglected without cause, if one harbors not even a trace of resentment, would be rather abnormal

"What is Hanxiu Hall thinking about?" Shengchun asked casually

As a high-ranking minister of Owari, he could easily recount the origins of this person without invoking the memories of later generations. The Saito family was one of the prestigious "Three Pipes" of the Muromachi period, a surname that once had the power to shake the world. However, now, not only has their renown nearly vanished, but their territory has also fallen into the hands of the Oda family, who serve as guardians, leaving them with only the value of being a puppet.

Like Sasa Narimasa, Maeda Toshiie was also a leader among Nobunaga's retainers, possessing sufficient status and qualifications to command respect. However, his excessive indulgence in front of his subordinates ultimately rendered him devoid of any authority.

May I ask... ..." Han Xiu scrutinized the boy dressed as a warrior. He appeared to be of a similar age to himself, yet was half a head shorter; however, his attire was slightly newer than his own. He carefully pondered in his mind, still unable to recall whether he had seen this boy before

I am deeply apprehensive. "Fan Xiu also hurriedly turned around to pay his respects.

Once again, with a clear admonition, Zuo Zhaocheng walked over from a distance, interrupting the conversation, "A gentleman should be cautious with his words. Even if a superior has acted immorally, it is appropriate to offer direct counsel in person. How can one make baseless accusations?"

In this era, there is naturally no such treatment as a midday break; the samurai, like the farmers, work at sunrise and rest at sunset. Fortunately, the ancient Duzhong City is not large; a complete circuit around the various streets below the city takes merely half an hour. The guards within the city are still quite leisurely.

Having spoken, Cheng Zheng nodded to Fan Xiu as a form of greeting and then turned to leave.

Uh... Shengchun displayed a hint of astonishment, followed by a wry smile and a shake of his head, as if he had encountered something truly unbelievable. He leaned closer to Fanxiu's ear and whispered, "My uncle's name is Shengjia..."

"You really do not understand the nature of the lord!" Rika shouted, immediately provoking a chorus of agreement. "Who knows when His Highness might suddenly feel inspired, riding out of the city on horseback, and we would have no idea when he would return! We can only follow at a distance, and if we get too close, we will be scolded..."

Just as I was thinking of finding some topics to discuss, over there, Sasa Seisei spoke up again