Chapter 212: Chapter 103: Aoto Targeted by the General of Expedition

"To take a step back—do they truly believe that Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu is worthy of the name ’wise’?"

"I’ve met that Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu several times; from what I see, he’s nothing but a bookworm whose mind has become pedantic from reading too much!"

"Such bookworms might appear reliable on ordinary days, but when disaster strikes, they often become completely useless!"

"Aside from his pedantic mind, he utterly lacks the courage needed to take on the great responsibility of ’General of the Expedition.’"

"He doesn’t have the decisiveness required to resolve important matters."

"He’s the type who, when his side falls into disadvantage in battle, would panic and abandon his troops, fleeing on his own—a spineless failure!"

"If Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu were to assume the position of General, unless he dies young, I have no doubt—he would become the final General of our Edo Shogunate."

"If you let those devious and sinister spirits dance in chaos, the Shogunate, the very nation, will never know peace!"

"I have no regrets for harshly suppressing these wicked small fry to prevent the nation from splitting and turmoil, do I?"

"History will ultimately prove who is the loyal subject, be it them or me!"

The tone of Ii Naosuke grew increasingly fervent.

"Her Highness Tenshōin, although you are the adopted daughter of the Satsuma Domain Daimyo Shimazu Hisamitsu, you are also the Shogunate’s Principal Consort!"

"I hope you will prioritize the interests of the Shogunate above all else!"

Ii Naosuke deliberately pronounced "Shogunate" with heavy emphasis.

Her Highness Tenshōin’s chest rose and fell more rapidly after Ii Naosuke’s words completely fell silent.

"...Lord Tairō," said Tenshōin gravely, with a face like still water, "You have your principles, and I have mine!"

"Upon entering Da Ao, I swore—I would give my utmost for the nation’s future!"

Tenshōin deliberately pronounced "nation" with heavy emphasis.

[Note: Da Ao was where the General’s biological mother, children, official wife (Principal Consort), side wives, and female officials resided during the Edo Era in Edo Castle. It can be understood as the General’s harem during the Edo Era, with no male allowed near Da Ao except the General.]

"’For the nation’s future,’ huh..." Ii Naosuke mimicked Tenshōin’s tone, imitating her emphasis on "nation."

He seemed amused by his own mimicry, showing a smug expression.

"If Her Highness has such determination, then please mature swiftly."

Ii Naosuke’s expression gradually turned indifferent and cold.

"Forgive my frankness—some of your thoughts, Your Highness, remain so immature they make me want to laugh."

"Just relying on enthusiasm and childish ideas cannot protect this nation."

Neither Ii Naosuke nor Tenshōin was willing to back down as they stared at each other.

The place was silent.

But it felt like thunder was rumbling by their ears.

...

...

Tenshōin folded her hands in front of her, expressionless, walking quickly down the corridor, leaving the luxurious room where she met with Ii Naosuke.

Because Tenshōin walked so fast, her attending female officials struggled to keep up.

Suddenly, a hoarse voice unique to a boy changing voice called Tenshōin to a stop:

"Mother!"

A young boy emerged from the shadow of the corridor on Tenshōin’s right side.

The youth had a rather fair appearance, with a straight and tall nose, long curved eyebrows, and hair that wasn’t cut into the Tsukushi Haircut, but was black and shiny.

His features still bore a touch of youthful innocence, yet his gestures already had some semblance of adult maturity.

The youth’s clothing was embroidered with the Tokugawa Family’s crest: the Three-leafed Sunflower.

Wearing clothes embroidered with the Three-leafed Sunflower, calling Tenshōin "Mother"...the youth’s identity was clear.

It was Tokugawa Keifuku, who, supported greatly by Ii Naosuke and the ’Nanki Faction,’ successfully defeated the ’Hitotsubashi Faction’ and became the new General two years ago!

Two years ago, after the former General Tokugawa Iedzumi passed away, Tokugawa Keifuku officially became the 14th General of the Edo Shogunate, following the customary practice, he changed his name to the current "Tokugawa Iemochi."

"Lord Shogun...?" Tenshōin stared in surprise at Tokugawa Iemochi who suddenly appeared.

The female officials behind Tenshōin quickly bent low, offering a grand salute to Tokugawa Iemochi.

Tokugawa Iemochi smiled, gesturing to the female officials to waive their salutation, then quickened his pace slightly to reach Tenshōin.

Tokugawa Iemochi was still only a fourteen-year-old youth, ten years younger than Tenshōin.

Since Tenshōin was the official wife of the former General Tokugawa Iedzumi, and to assume the grand title of General of the Expedition, after the ’Nanki Faction’ won two years ago, Tokugawa Iemochi became Tokugawa Iedzumi’s adopted son.

Thus, even though their age difference hardly resembled a mother and child, Tenshōin was still Tokugawa Iemochi’s mother in name; whether in public or private, Tokugawa Iemochi must call Tenshōin "Mother" with utmost respect.

"Lord Shogun," Tenshōin asked, "Why are you here?"

"Mother..." Tokugawa Iemochi showed a bitter smile, "Have you quarreled with Ii again?"

Tenshōin paused, her expression halting.

She turned her head slightly, signaling to the female officials behind her with a look. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

The female officials immediately understood and quickly retreated.