I Was a Swordsman in Ancient Japan

Makimura did not know Takikawa.

Seeing Ogata frowning and looking at Takikawa, Mucun turned his head to the direction where Ogata was, and asked Ogata in a low voice:

"Brother Ogata, do you know him?"

"...Let's say I don't know each other, but it's not a very friendly kind of acquaintance."

Although when he saw Ogata frowning, Mucun roughly guessed that even if Ogata and this samurai he didn't know knew each other, the friendship must not be good.

But after hearing Ogata admit that his relationship with this person is not that kind of friendly relationship, Mucun's face is still uncontrollably covered with bitterness.

"That man's clothes seem to be made of high-quality silk from 'Sendai Flat'. It looks like he should be a high-ranking samurai. How did you fight against these high-ranking samurai..."

The name of "Xiantaiping" is known to everyone, and everyone knows it.

In the words of the modern earth, "Sendai flat" is a well-known brand.

A brand specializing in high-end silk.

Because of its excellent quality, "Sendai Ping" has become one of the tributes specially paid to the royal family and the general's family.

Those who can use "Sendai Flat" in this era are all big families.

Mucun has worked in Kyoto for 5 years and has met many rich and powerful families.

Because he was considered someone who had seen the world, his vision was naturally good, so he could tell at a glance that the clothes worn by this samurai whom he did not know were all high-end items that ordinary samurai could not wear.

Unlike the day before yesterday when we first met in Yoshiwara's residence, Takikawa was wearing a black haori with a straight-striped hakama.

The sword worn at his waist was also different from the one Ogata saw the day before yesterday.

The hilts and bands of the Uchidao and Wakisashi are inlaid with decorative silver ornaments, which look extremely gorgeous.

Because it is too gorgeous, people doubt whether these two knives have actual combat value.

Although Ogata was not able to recognize at a glance that the clothes Takikawa was wearing were all made of "Sendai Flat" high-grade fabric like Makimura, but he could also tell that the clothes on him were not ordinary.

Pretty handsome facial features, clean and tidy Tsukiyo head, coupled with gorgeous clothing and exquisite saber, make him look dignified, and the aura emanating from his body seems to proudly announce to everyone that he is a banner samurai identity of.

And his imposing attire indeed attracted a lot of attention for him.

Many passers-by who passed by him turned their heads and cast glances with different emotions at Takikawa.

The eyes of the men are mainly surprised, jealous, and envious.

And the eyes of women are less jealous and envious. But it was replaced by a lot of other emotions.

Takikawa is not alone.

Behind him were many people who seemed to be Takikawa's friends.

Ogata counted, and there were 13 people in the group behind Takikawa.

After frowning and looking at Takikawa who suddenly appeared, Ogai lowered his body's center of gravity slightly, and was ready to draw his sword out of its sheath at any time.

The day before yesterday, Takikawa had a big embarrassment when he stayed at the residence.

In this era when samurai generally value reputation and face, if an outsider and a samurai accidentally touch the samurai's shoulder when they pass by, the samurai may draw a knife and slash someone.

So in order to avenge the day before yesterday, Takigawa drew his sword and slashed at Ogata—the possibility of this is still very high.

Although Mucun didn't know what happened between Ogata and this person, after learning from Ogata that his relationship with this person was not that kind of friendly relationship, he silently raised his guard, like Ogata Slightly lowering the center of gravity of the body like that, staring straight at Takikawa and the others.

While staring closely at Takikawa, Ogata also observed Tsujiban not far away from the corner of his eye.

The six officials guarding outside the gate of Tsujiban all looked at them with strange eyes at this time.

At the same time, they quietly clenched the thorns in their respective hands.

Looking at their appearance, it is not difficult to imagine that if there is a conflict between Ogata and Takikawa and others, these officials will definitely rush to arrest them without saying a word.

While Ogata was staring at Takikawa, Takikawa was also staring at Ogata.

Seeing this, some of the unidentified companions behind Takikawa asked Takikawa in confusion:

"Takigawa-kun, what's wrong?"

"……nothing."

Takigawa looked at Ogata, and then at the registration site for "Gozen Trial Cooperation" next to Ogata, and then——

"Are you also here to sign up for the 'Imperial Trial'?"

"That's right." There was nothing to hide about this kind of thing, so Ogata readily admitted it.

After continuing to stare at Ogata with complicated eyes for a while, he didn't make a sound, ignored Ogata, and passed by with his companions behind him.

Ogata and Mucun watched Takikawa and the others leave.

Knowing that Takigawa and his group had turned a street corner and completely disappeared from their field of vision, the two slowly adjusted their lowered body weight back.

As soon as the two looked away from the direction where Takikawa and the others disappeared, they heard an annoyed voice from beside them:

"It's scary... I thought the two of you were going to fight those people just now..."

The person who spoke was the official who was in charge of checking whether the applicant was a fugitive.

"Sorry to surprise you."

As soon as Ogata apologized, another official sitting next to him pouted at Tsujiban next to him, and said to Ogata:

"It's a good thing you didn't fight just now. If you had a big fight just now, you would all have to be caught in prison."

"If both of you are caught in prison, it will definitely be the two of you who suffer."

"I know the group of people just now. They are all a group of banner warriors. They have a big family and a big business."

"They go to prison in the morning, and with the help of their family members, they can come out of the prison in the afternoon."

"Although I don't know what's wrong with them, you'd better stay away from them. It's better not to provoke them."

After giving Ogata some kind reminders, the official showed Ogata a piece of paper that he had been writing on since the beginning, and it was covered with many words.

"Put it away. Don't lose it. This thing is your proof of identity."

"At five o'clock in seven days' time, take this document to the Kitamachi Magistrate's Office."

"After confirming your identity, special officials will take you to the examination site of the literary examination."

"Remember not to be late."

After briefly explaining to Ogata some key points of the "Imperial Trial Cooperation", the official handed the document-like paper to Ogata.

"Thank you." After Ogata took the piece of paper, he glanced at the words and sentences on the paper.

There is nothing superfluous written on this piece of paper, but important information such as Ogata's name, age, martial arts school used, and household registration are written, and a big red seal is stamped in the lower left corner of the paper.

After confirming that the ink was dry, Ogata solemnly put the paper in his pocket.

"Let's go, Mucun."

After greeting Mucun, Xufang took the lead and walked away from the registration point.

Mucun quickly walked a few steps, and after catching up with Ogata, he asked Ogata:

"By the way, Brother Ogata, are you confident in passing the literary test? If you can't even pass the literary test, you won't even be eligible to take the military test."

As soon as Mucun finished speaking, Xufang said angrily:

"If I didn't have the confidence to pass the essay test, then I wouldn't be so motivated to participate in the 'Imperial Trial'."

As early as the day before yesterday, Ogata had been wandering around Edo Castle with Atachi, looking for information on the "Gozen Trial", and Ogata had learned what the content of the literary test was from passers-by.

The content of the essay test is to make papers.

But it’s not about writing stereotyped essays.

Instead, fill in the blanks.

Hollow out the important content in some sentences in the Four Books and Five Classics, and then fill in the hollowed out content.

This is the whole content of the essay test, fill in the blanks.

There are a total of 100 sentences in the test. If you answer half of the sentences correctly, that is, if you answer 50 questions correctly, you will pass the literary test and you can enter the following military test.

Ogata was not surprised that the essay test only took fill-in-the-blank questions.

Almost a thousand years ago, when the "Dahua Reform" was implemented and the various cultural systems of the Tang Dynasty were comprehensively studied, the imperial examination system of the Tang Dynasty was also moved to Japan.

It's a pity that when Japan implemented the imperial examination system, it happened to be in a period when the power of the nobility was rising sharply.

There is a huge conflict between the imperial examination system with the spirit of equality and the aristocratic tradition.

The imperial examination system did not survive long in Japan before dying out.

By the time of the Edo period, the imperial examination system had completely disappeared.

Most people in this era don't even know what it means to take exams and make papers.

In the absence of an examination culture, it is definitely impossible to test something as difficult as the stereotyped essay.

There may be fewer than ten people in Japan who can write stereotyped essays.

Therefore, among various types of examination questions, only fill-in-the-blank questions are the most suitable.

Not only can it test how well the person doing the question memorizes the Four Books and Five Classics, but it can also allow people who have never taken the test before to quickly understand how to answer the question.

It couldn't be a more appropriate exam question.

As soon as Ogata finished speaking, Mucun laughed a few times.

"That's right, it seems that I asked a superfluous question."

"I remember Brother Ogata, you seem to have told me that you have learned the Four Books and Five Classics very well."

Hearing Mucun's words, Ogata couldn't help but smile.

"It's okay."

...

...

"Takigawa-kun."

Just after turning a corner and away from Ogata, a young man standing behind Takikawa asked Takikawa.

"Who was that person just now? Judging from the appearance of the two of you just now, it seems that your relationship with that person just now is very bad."

"A rogue from Izumo... I had some trouble with him."

Because what happened in the residence the day before yesterday was so profound that Takikawa couldn't even forget it, Takikawa still remembers this person who made him embarrass himself in front of so many people - Izumo Ronin , Goro Mashima.

What happened with Ogata in the residence the day before yesterday was not a feat worthy of being told to outsiders.

Therefore, Takikawa did not intend to tell his companions in detail what happened between himself and Ogata.

After learning from Takikawa that the person just now was just a rogue, these friends behind Takikawa all showed a look of losing interest.

After casually fooling the question that his friend asked just now, Takigawa shrugged and let out a sneer.

"Although I had some unpleasantness with him, I don't intend to fuss with him."

"He's just a wanderer from a foreign land, and I'm the eldest son of the Takikawa family in Banmoto."

"The dignified banner is haggling over every detail with a rogue, wouldn't it be worth it?"

Takigawa's words with a touch of contempt made the group of friends behind him laugh.

"You're right." The person who asked about the relationship between Takikawa and Ogata said with a smile, "We are Banner, and it would be too cheap to compare with a ronin who doesn't know where he came from."

"What's more, we are not ordinary bannermen." Another friend of Takikawa echoed, "We are people with lofty ideals who aspire to be the samurai, let alone waste time on mere rogues."

The friend's words touched Takikawa's heart deeply.

"That's right." Takigawa said while puffing out his chest proudly, "Instead of wasting time on these ronin, it's better to concentrate and focus on other business."

"Okay, don't talk about that guy just now." Takigawa waved his hand, "Just now we were wasting some time on that guy, let's hurry up and go to the tea house to start our 'co-research' today .”

Be it Takigawa or other friends, when the word "ronin" is mentioned, there is either mild or strong contempt in the face and tone.

During this period of time, Takigawa and his group of friends gathered together almost every day to study the Four Books and Five Classics together to prepare for the subsequent "Imperial Examination" essay examination.

Takikawa and the others called their behavior of gathering together to study the Four Books and Five Classics every day as "co-research".

Takikawa and the 13 young men behind him who are also Banner warriors are not only friends, but also like-minded people with lofty ideals.

And Takikawa and the others also like to call themselves "spiritual warriors" very much, so as to distinguish them from other samurai who are eating and waiting to die.

The shogunate claimed to have "80,000 riders in the banner", but the actual number of bannermen was actually less than 5,000.

Counting the level of samurai one level lower than the samurai of Banmoto, the total number of samurai of the royal family who do not have the right to directly meet the general like the samurai of Banmoto is less than 20,000.

Although they are high-ranking warriors directly under the general, most of them have been corrupted.

As one of the Banners, Takikawa naturally understands the corruption of Banners and the Royal Family better than anyone else.

Quite a number of bannermen and descendants of the royal family are greedy for pleasure, and both civil and military are abolished.

Thinking of how useless the children of so many Hashimoto and the royal family are, Takikawa felt a sense of superiority spontaneously.

Because he is not only capable of both civil and military skills, but also has lofty ambitions. He has always been determined to be the shogun, so that the shogunate can regain the strength of Ieyasu when he was alive.

At this time, the 13 friends who followed Takikawa also, like Takikawa, aspired to be Satoshi.

Because of the same ambition, they always get together like this and prepare together for the subsequent "imperial trial".

They are determined to show their talents in the "Imperial Trial", and get the appreciation of Matsudaira Sadanobu, and then they will make great progress and take a big step towards the goal of "Samurai".

When he thought that he was a bannerman with both civil and military skills, and a person with lofty ideals who aimed at Saku and continued to strive for it, Takikawa felt a sense of superiority.

If a person of his status wastes time on this kind of wanderer who may not even have a fixed residence, he will lose the most.

Of course, Takigawa asked himself - he was just out of status considerations, and didn't want to care too much about Ogata, who was a mere rogue, but it didn't mean that his resentment towards Ogata was gone.

Takikawa, who was leading the way in front of all his friends, subconsciously turned his head to look behind where Ogata was no longer there.

A few traces of imperceptible displeasure and resentment appeared in his eyes.

Takikawa still vividly remembered what happened in the residence the day before yesterday.

Because of Ogata, he lost face in front of so many wandering girls.

Takikawa still remembers the way those wandering girls looked at him until now.

Recalling the way the girls looked at him at that time, Takigawa felt that the resentment towards Ogata had swelled a little.

"By the way, did the person standing there just now want to sign up for the 'Gozen Trial'?" Although Takikawa had already said not to talk about this topic, some people still talked about Kazuo unconsciously. related topics.

Takikawa nodded: "I just saw the two officials sitting behind the table looking through the arrest warrant to check whether the guy is a fugitive. That guy should have signed up for the 'Imperial Trial' just now." .”

"That person should also be the kind of person who has his eyes on the bonus." Another friend of Takigawa echoed in a contemptuous tone, "After all, he is a ronin."

"Probably so." Takigawa's mouth was slightly raised, and a faint complacency appeared on his face.

Hearing the words of his friends just now, Takikawa felt a strong sense of superiority emerge from the bottom of his heart.

The difference in identity between myself and the guy who made me embarrassed is like a cloud of mud.

What is it if you can recite "The Analects" in Chinese? Not just a rogue.

Unless a reliable new owner can be found to take refuge in, the rest of his life can only be mediocre in an inconspicuous corner like mud.

And he was born in the banner, and he is not an ordinary child of the banner.

Although the family salary of 3000 shi is not the top among the banner books, such a family salary is enough to disdain most of the banner books and imperial family members.

While having a superior family background, he is capable of both literary and military skills. He has the lofty ambition of "Zumu", and his future is limitless.

Thinking of this, the unhappiness caused by Ogata to be embarrassing in the residence room diminished slightly, and what made up for the diminished unhappiness was a strong sense of superiority.

This strong sense of superiority made the corners of Takikawa's mouth turn up even more, and he couldn't help but walk a little faster.

...

...

Edo, Edo Castle.

"My lord, please forgive me for speaking bluntly, the reforms you have carried out can be described in one word - gaudy."

In Edo Castle, in a certain room specially used by senior officials to discuss matters, the sound of people's conversations can be heard constantly.

There are 5 people in total in the room.

Although there are only a handful of 5 people, these 5 people, without exception, are the 5 most powerful people in the shogunate except for the general.

These 5 people are respectively—the old Nakamatsu Pingxin, and the only 4 Wakonian who are currently in the shogunate.

If the year is sent to the official position, it is only one level lower than the old middle school. Generally, there are 3-5 people, who manage officials outside the scope of the old middle school's authority, and assist generals and old middlemen in governing the country.

It's just an extremely common thing for old middlemen and Ruonian friends to gather together to discuss state affairs.

Today is also the same as usual - as a senior middle schooler, Matsudaira Sadanobu and the four Wakinians gathered together to start a new round of discussions on state affairs.

It's just that - in the recent period, the number of discussions held by Matsudaira Sadanobu and Wakonen have obviously increased and become more frequent.

The reason is because of the recent events of Matsudaira Sadanobu's various reforms, large or small, one after another.

And Wakayoshi were also forced to discuss these reforms with Matsudaira Sadanobu in depth, either actively or passively.

"Instead of carrying out these fancy reforms, it is better to concentrate and focus on what can really revitalize the country."

The person who spoke was none other than one of the four Ruo Nian Ji - Bei Chuan Jun Ji.

Bei Chuan, who had just passed his 28th birthday, spoke in a low tone.

His dark pupils were full of confidence, with a bit of rebelliousness shining.

Let those who see it understand that these are the eyes that only a pair of doers who are determined to do practical things will have.

An outstanding talent tempered by the harmony of hard work and talent——Beichuan, who was so highly praised by his teachers and friends around him, leaned forward in the direction where Matsudaira Sadanobu was sitting, with a look that seemed to jump at Matsudaira Sadanobu at any time The appearance of the body.

Although the status of the old middle school is higher than that of Ruo Nianji, there is no difference in height between the seats of the five people, they just form an irregular circle in a very ordinary way.

After quietly listening to Beichuan's sharp speech just now, the expression on Dingxin's face did not change at all.

It was as if Bei Chuan's sharp accusation just now was about someone else, not himself.

After Beichuan's voice fell, Dingxin asked in a calm tone:

"Then I'd like to ask Mr. Beichuan, what's your opinion about the phrase you said just now, 'Concentrate on what can really revitalize the country'?"

"It's very simple! You only need to do one thing." Bei Chuan raised a finger, "Send envoys to the Nanman countries to investigate the Nanman countries!"

Beichuan's words not only made Dingxin frowned, but also the other Ruo Nianji around him.

"Can you tell me why?" Dingxin asked.

"My lord, you should have read the Fengshuo post submitted by Dutch businessman George three months ago, right?" Beichuan said in a deep voice, "England among the southern barbarian countries has begun to use a A device called a 'steam engine'."

"The rest of the southern barbarian countries have also begun to gradually put into use the 'steam engine'."

"According to the Fengshuo post submitted by George, a small 'steam engine' has the power of a hundred animals. Only one 'steam engine' can increase the daily mining volume of a mine by several times, or even ten times. several times."

As soon as Beichuan finished speaking, Dingxin let out a strong disdainful smile:

"Mr. Beichuan, do you believe this kind of rhetoric that is no different from the lies of a three-year-old child?"

"Of course I have read the letter you mentioned, which was submitted by the Dutch businessman George three months ago."

"I also remember the above content."

"It says: 'Steam Engine' powered by steam."

"Isn't this nonsense?!"

When he said this, Dingxin's volume suddenly increased several times, and the necks of the other three Ruonianji besides Beichuan couldn't help shrinking.

"A mere steam can withstand the power of a hundred animals? Even a five-year-old child wouldn't believe this kind of nonsense."

"My lord!" Bei Chuan responded with a resonant voice that did not lose his conviction, "To be honest, I am also skeptical about what George wrote in Feng Shuo's post that the 'steam engine' can withstand the power of a hundred animals. .”

"But because we don't know the truth or falsehood, we should send people to the southern barbarian countries to investigate!"

"If George's post is correct, then the 'steam engine' is definitely a weapon that will benefit the country and the people! We must also have a 'steam engine'!"

Although Kitagawa's tone was sincere, Matsudaira Sadanobu still showed no interest at all.

"Now I don't have the spare money and time to investigate the southern barbarian countries." Matsudaira Sadanobu waved his hand impatiently, "Instead of wasting this money to investigate the southern barbarian countries, it is better to use the money to investigate the movements of Lucia. "

"The number of expeditions sent by Lucia to Ezodi has become more and more frequent."

"Compared to the English country, the Lucia country, which is eyeing the northern gateway of our country, is more worthy of our attention."

Seeing that Matsudaira Sadanobu showed no interest in what he said just now, Beichuan's face immediately turned ugly.

Just when Bei Chuan was about to say something more, another Ruo Nian who was sitting next to him tugged Bei Chuan's sleeve.

This person is the other one of the four Wakonen - Yoshimoto Choemon.

Gibbon was the oldest of the five present - he was 50 years old this year.

Not only the oldest one, but also the most useless one.

He didn't have much ability, and he got Ruo Nianji's position purely by his ancestor's shade.

When everyone was discussing government affairs enthusiastically there, he basically sat on the sidelines like an immovable puppet without saying a word-because he couldn't say anything penetrating.

But it would not be true to say that he was of no use at all.

When Lao Zhong quarreled with the rest of Ruo Nian, he was always the first to stand up as a peacemaker.

Because he is the oldest, even Matsudaira Sadanobu will give him face as an elder, and when he steps forward to be a "peacemaker", he will also give him face.

Thanks to Gibbon's blessing, Edo Castle has been spared a lot of bloody disasters.

After seeing Yoshimoto reminding him not to touch Matsudaira's bad luck with his movements and eyes, Beichuan pursed his lips, and after a moment of silence, he snorted coldly.

"...Forget it, let's talk about sending envoys to the southern barbarian countries later."

Bei Chuan pulled his sleeve back from Yoshimoto's hand.

"My lord, let's discuss the next thing." Bei Chuan crossed his hands in front of his chest, "The next thing to discuss is also something that I have been very concerned about since I heard about it."

"This matter has something to do with the 'Imperial Trial Match' that you insisted on holding, Mr. Old Middle School."

Matsudaira Sadanobu narrowed his eyes slightly after hearing the word "gozen test match" from Kitagawa's mouth.

"My lord." Bei Chuan cast a meaningful look at Matsudaira Sadanobu, "I recently heard such an interesting rumor from other people."

"Everyone knows that the reason why the old and middle-aged adults want to hold the 'Imperial Trials' is to use this as an opportunity to encourage everyone to practice literature and martial arts, and to revitalize the martial arts."

"But an interesting rumor came out recently: this is just a superficial reason. It is specially used to fool some officials in the shogunate, so that the "imperial trial" can be held smoothly."

"In essence, the old, middle-aged and adult held the 'Imperial Trial Match' for another purpose."

"The real purpose is to accumulate experience in holding exams, and find out the content and methods of the exam that are suitable for Chinese people."

"To prepare for the revival of the 'imperial examination system' in our country in the future."

"My lord, whether this rumor is true or not, can you give us a positive answer here?"

The rest of Ruo Nian Ji did not show any surprise after hearing Bei Chuan's words.

Their calm appearance silently announced to Matsudaira Sadanobu that they also knew about this rumor.

The four Wakonenyose, headed by Kitagawa, all focused their attention on Matsudaira Sadanobu.

Bathed in the eyes of these four colleagues, Matsudaira Sadanobu did not answer immediately.

He just continued to maintain a blank expression, silent.

After a short silence—

"Hahaha." Matsudaira Takanobu let out a few chuckles, "Is there any need to talk about it? Of course this is a fake rumor."

"Reviving the imperial examination system in Tang Dynasty? Reviving the imperial examination system that has been extinct in our country for hundreds of years, what is the benefit to our country?"

"The reason why I intend to organize the 'Imperial Trial' is to better encourage everyone to practice literature and martial arts."

"No other purpose."

"The rumor you have heard is nothing more than malicious slander against me."

"You don't need to care about it."

"It's good that my lord doesn't intend to revive the imperial examination system." After quietly listening to Dingxin's words just now, Beichuan said in a flat tone, "The demise of the imperial examination system in our country hundreds of years ago has proved that The imperial examination system is only applicable to the land of the Tang Dynasty, not to our country."

"We have a large number of excellent warriors, and there is no need to revive the imperial examination system."

"Since you have personally said that your purpose of holding the 'Imperial Trial' is very simple, then I am also relieved."

For some reason, when Bei Chuan said the sentence just now, he specially emphasized the tone of the group of words "speaking by himself".

Matsudaira Sadanobu smiled without saying a word, and lowered his head to grab the teacup by his lap.

When he lowered his head, there was a slight coldness in his eyes.

It's just because he just lowered his head at this moment, and the coldness was fleeting, so Beichuan and others around him didn't notice the coldness in Matsudaira Sadanobu's eyes.

*****

*****

Today is a long-lost update, with a total of 8,000 words.

Starting tomorrow, the monthly pass will be doubled, so everyone save the monthly pass until tomorrow to vote!

Please see that for the sake of my explosive update today, start voting for me tomorrow!

In one of the previous chapters, I talked about popular science and the Japanese imperial examination system. Let me review it with you again in this chapter!

Please remember the first domain name of this book: . Mobile version reading website: