Chapter 214: Chapter 103: Aoto Targeted by the General of Expedition

"Not at all," Tokugawa Iemochi smiled gently, "Not only should ministers relieve the monarch’s burdens, but the monarch should also consider the ministers."

Among the common folk, there were always those spreading bold assertions—Ii Naosuke was an ambitious power-hungry minister! He currently dominated the shogunate by claiming "the General is young," but once the General grows up, Ii Naosuke will undoubtedly continue to grasp power tightly, unwilling to return it to Tokugawa Iemochi.

If people who closely interacted with Tokugawa Iemochi and Ii Naosuke heard these rumors, they would definitely scoff.

Anyone with even a slight understanding of their relationship knew clearly—Tokugawa Iemochi and Ii Naosuke, who stood together during the "Hitotsubashi-Nanji Conflict," had a relationship much closer than some common people assumed.

"We have intensified our intelligence-gathering efforts yet still haven’t acquired clear information on those Mito Domain vassals planning to assassinate you."

"These assassins are far more cunning than we assumed."

"This also indicates that their assassination attempt is meticulously planned, not some trifling endeavor."

A somber expression gradually crept onto Tokugawa Iemochi’s face.

"Ii, whether in emotion or reason, I do not wish to see you killed."

"Just now, I have discussed with my esteemed mother."

"We are planning to have you temporarily step down from the position of Tairō."

"Until the turmoil completely subsides, you should hide away in a safe place within Edo for a while."

"Ii, what do you think?"

Ii Naosuke’s expression changed several times in quick succession.

At first, he was stunned.

After staring at Tokugawa Iemochi with a surprised gaze for a while, he slowly pressed his lips together, and the astonishment in his eyes gradually transformed into a faint relief.

"...Lord Shogun."

Ii Naosuke bowed his head once more.

"Thank you for your and Her Highness Tenshōin’s concern."

"But... if I were to temporarily step down from the position of Tairō now, Ando Nobuaki and the others might cry."

Ii Naosuke smiled faintly, continuing with a semi-joking tone.

"Currently, the ’Anti-foreigner Faction’ ruffians are becoming increasingly rampant, and their presence poses a threat to the shogunate’s existence."

"Ando Nobuaki and the others currently lack the capability to handle such critical moments; they are still unable to assist you, Lord Shogun, through these difficult times."

"Moreover, even if I were to temporarily hide, it wouldn’t necessarily save me from those who hate me."

"If these assassins are determined to take my head, I would ultimately be found even if I escaped to the ends of the earth."

"So—Lord Shogun, I understand your and Her Highness Tenshōin’s kind intentions."

Hearing Ii Naosuke speak this way, Tokugawa Iemochi immediately showed a look of concern.

He was about to say something more to persuade Ii Naosuke.

But as soon as he opened his mouth, he paused.

In the old minister’s eyes before him, he saw a gaze that involuntarily reminded him of a rock.

Looking at the light in Ii Naosuke’s eyes, a thought flashed through Tokugawa Iemochi’s mind—mere words would never convince Ii Naosuke...

"Ah..."

Suddenly, Ii Naosuke, as if recalling something, let out a small gasp and then, smiling, reached into his robe.

"Lord Shogun, I originally intended to give you this in a few days."

"But since we rarely have a moment alone now... I may as well give it to you now."

Ii Naosuke took out a thin booklet from his robe.

"This is...?" Tokugawa Iemochi, looking puzzled, accepted the booklet and opened it.

Inside, there was a list of names, one after another.

Some of the names in the booklet were indeed very well-known.

For example—Matsudaira Yoshihiko, Daimyo of the Aizu Domain, Matsudaira Shigeaki, Daimyo of the Sangming Domain...

Behind each name, there was a simple sentence resembling a comment.

Behind Matsudaira Yoshihiko, Daimyo of the Aizu Domain, was the sentence "A pillar of the country, can be boldly employed and trusted."

Behind Matsudaira Shigeaki, Daimyo of the Sangming Domain, it read "Lacks boldness, but still worth employing, though not with too heavy responsibilities."

All other names on the list had similar comments, either long or short—

He has quite a good eloquence and is an excellent debater; skilled in managing finances; although he possesses no special talents, his loyalty is commendable...

While Tokugawa Iemochi was feeling astonished by the contents of this booklet, Ii Naosuke spoke softly with a smile:

"Even though I’ve increased the number of guards I take with me on my daily outings, there is always a chance something slips through unnoticed."

"No matter how many guards are there, absolute safety cannot be guaranteed."

"71 years ago, the Lord of Hirose Domain, protected by over a hundred guards, was still killed by the lone ’Asura’, Ogata Isseki."

"Therefore, it’s always wise to prepare for unforeseen circumstances."

"This booklet was created by me over a whole month; it is a ’List of Talents’."

"The talents recorded in this list have been meticulously selected by me after thorough consideration."

"Their origins vary greatly; some are daimyo of certain vassal states, while others are just subordinate samurai of humble backgrounds."

"However, regardless of their background, they all share one commonality—they are people of outstanding talent worthy of serious consideration or deployment."

"Lord Shogun, if the day comes when I am no longer here, please use this list as a reference, employing or focusing on these talents without constraints and according to circumstance."

Tokugawa Iemochi widened his eyes in surprise.

He gazed in a trance at the smiling Ii Naosuke.

Subsequently, he pursed his lips tightly and redirected his gaze to the booklet in his hand.

Silently, he turned its pages one by one, examining this ’List of Talents’ that Ii Naosuke had meticulously crafted for him.

When he reached the final page with a name written on it, Tokugawa Iemochi’s finger suddenly halted.

Tachibana Aoto—this was the last name recorded on the ’List of Talents’.

After every name on the list, there was a brief comment introducing their potential talents.

Only Tachibana Aoto was an exception—no comments were written beside his name.

"Tachibana Aoto...?" Tokugawa Iemochi pondered over this name.

Up until now, every name he had seen on the list seemed somewhat familiar to Tokugawa Iemochi.

Only the name "Tachibana Aoto" felt unfamiliar, yet he felt he might have heard it somewhere recently...

Ii Naosuke responded swiftly.

Upon noticing Tokugawa Iemochi’s questioning gaze towards the name "Tachibana Aoto," he immediately said:

"Lord Shogun, you should have heard this name."

"He was the Edo North Guard Station Designated Town Patrol Dōshin who protected a French businessman and his family during an attack over a month ago, surrounded by more than two hundred ’Anti-foreigner Faction’ rioters: Tachibana Aoto."

Ii Naosuke’s words instantly dispelled the fog clouding Tokugawa Iemochi’s mind.

"Oh... I remember now..." Tokugawa Iemochi nodded slightly, "It was him... "

"Based on my observations and evaluations, Tachibana Aoto’s victory was not due to mere good fortune," Ii Naosuke said slowly, "He achieved that brilliant victory through outstanding tactical command and an extremely keen battlefield instinct."

"Tachibana Aoto possesses a certain level of command talent—this is beyond doubt."

"However, whether he is worthy of significant appointment still requires monitoring and testing."

"After all, the battle he won was merely a small-scale skirmish with fewer than three hundred participants in total, too minor to serve as an effective reference."

"The Shogunate currently needs exceptional individuals capable of triumphing magnificently in battles of various scales."

"Moreover, due to the limited time spent interacting with Tachibana Aoto, his true character remains unexplored."

"Even though it’s yet undecided whether this person is worth significant employment, his future is worthy of our anticipation."

"That’s why I included his name on this ’List of Talents’. "

"If I am no longer here afterwards, please, Lord Shogun, do observe and evaluate Tachibana Aoto more thoroughly on my behalf."

"Who knows... He might even become our Shogunate’s future ’Minister of State’."

"Ii!" Tokugawa Iemochi then raised his head in displeasure, glaring at Ii Naosuke, "Please refrain from speaking such ominous words like ’if I am not here anymore’!"

Looking at Tokugawa Iemochi’s annoyed expression, Ii Naosuke paused briefly, then laughed heartily and said, "Apologies... I will be mindful of it in the future."

After briefly reprimanding Ii Naosuke for his ominous remarks, Tokugawa Iemochi refocused on the name "Tachibana Aoto" in the list.

"Tachibana Aoto... "

Then, once again, he pondered over this name.