The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 64

Unfortunately, Katsumasa Ikeda is only the young master and his word doesn't count; his father has to speak first.

So Shinzaburo immediately went out to Ikeda Castle and made his request.

On the surface, it says, "Please join me in punishing the traitors who have seized the 'forbidden ingredients'!"

As expected, Katsumasa Ikeda was thrilled and very willing upon hearing this.

His father, Ikeda Nagamasa, remained silent for a moment, then stroked his beard and said, "If we successfully defeat the Utsu family, I hope that Lord Kubo Genban will remember this connection and take care of my son in the future."

Upon hearing that there was a chance, Shinzaburo declared without hesitation, "I will never forget the kindness of the Ikeda family."

Upon hearing this, Ikeda Nagamasa slowly shook his head and said meaningfully, "It was not anyone else in the Ikeda family who helped Lord Kubo Genban, but my son."

Shinzaburo was taken aback.

What does that mean?

Does this mean that if internal strife breaks out in the Ikeda family in the future, they will help Katsumasa Ikeda?

It was an unexpected turn of events.

But upon closer examination, it does not violate one's own interests and principles.

Over the past few months, Shinzaburo had had many exchanges with Katsumasa Ikeda and had come to understand that this guy was a generous, enthusiastic, and somewhat reckless and impulsive man who was a good friend but not a good politician.

From all perspectives, if there really is internal strife, it's only natural to support your good buddy.

Moreover, I've recently gained a better understanding of the Ikeda family's situation, and combined with my memories from my previous life, I roughly know why Ikeda Nagamasa is worried.

And there are ways to help them resolve potential problems.

120 A delicate choice between two options

The invitation to the Ikeda family to lend their support naturally required the approval of the Miyoshi family.

So Shinzaburo once again went to Akutagawa Castle under the pretext of delivering "transportation money".

Last time, in order to highlight his own merits, he deliberately handed over more money, giving Miyoshi Nagayoshi sixty silver coins, equivalent to seventy-two kan; and Hosokawa Ujitsuna twenty silver coins, equivalent to twenty-four kan.

This time, it's not necessary; just halve the number.

Anyway, the premise is to ensure that the total amount satisfies the higher-ups. Then, every few dozen days, the silver merchant is commissioned to mint coins once, and then they are sent to the leaders again to continuously create an impression.

Upon assuming office, Miyoshi Nagayoshi and Hosokawa Ujitsuna said they would be satisfied with just 300 kan as "transportation fees." But at that time, they didn't know about the silver mines!

To demonstrate his shrewdness, Shinzaburo planned to donate a total of six or seven hundred kan if he could work at the copper mine for a full year.

So, this time they sent silver coins worth thirty-six kan to Akutagawa Castle.

The official arrangement remained the same as before: Hosokawa Ujitsuna, as the shogunate's Kanrei (regent), was transferred to Miyoshi Nagayoshi, the deputy governor of Settsu.

There's no need to alarm the big shots with this amount of money.

Moreover, Miyoshi Nagayoshi was deeply worried about his second son, who was born with the appearance of dying young, so he probably wasn't in the mood to see anyone.

However, Shinzaburo was still received by Yoshioki Miyoshi, the young master of the Miyoshi family.

This roughly explains why Tanba Zhongkui Kubo Genban Yoshiaki is now considered a person of considerable importance.

Sending money was just a side effect; the main purpose was to invite the Ikeda family to help them conquer the Utsu family of Kuwata-gun, and they hoped to get approval.

As soon as he finished speaking, Yoshiyuki Miyoshi nodded immediately, expressing his approval on behalf of his father.

Before Shinzaburo could even open his mouth to beg, Miyoshi Yoshioki Atsumi revealed a meaningful smile and took the initiative to say, "Kubo Genban, this time we are ordered to attack the Utsu clan, who are defying the imperial court. The task is arduous. The assistance from the Ikeda clan alone may not be enough."

Shinzaburo immediately seized the opportunity, bowed solemnly, and said passionately, "If the Miyoshi family can provide more support, I will be eternally grateful and will never forget their kindness!"

"It is the duty of all warriors to punish traitors." Miyoshi Yoshioki squinted his small eyes, pretended to sing a high-sounding line, and then put on a troubled look, slowly drawing out his tone and saying, "Unfortunately, my family is currently fighting in Sanuki and Izumi at the same time, and we also have to prevent Kyoto from becoming unstable due to the change of era name. The manpower we can mobilize is really limited."

Shinzaburo quickly replied, "The Miyoshi family has produced many outstanding scholars and generals. It would be an honor for me to send either of you."

"Kubo Genban is too kind." Miyoshi Yoshiaki smiled, pretending to ponder, and after a moment frowned and said, "Takayama Tomoteru, who is paired with Matsunaga Danjo, and Bando Nobuhide, who is paired with Miyoshi Hinata, each have hundreds of men to choose from. Which one is the most suitable?"

Upon hearing this question, Shinzaburo was stunned.

Matsunaga Danjo, also known as Matsunaga Hisahide, was the leader of the "Newcomer" faction of the Miyoshi family; while Miyoshi Hinata, also known as Miyoshi Nagayoshi, was the head of the "Mototsuke" lineage of the Miyoshi family. The two each had their own factions and were engaged in open and covert struggles.

Yoshiaki Miyoshi's words just now seemed to be asking Shinzaburo which camp he was planning to join.

Logically speaking, considering Matsunaga Nagayori's kindness in recognizing his talent, the Kubo clan should undoubtedly be considered "newcomers".

But Yoshiyuki Miyoshi doesn't seem to think so.

Asking the question implies a probing intent.

Faced with this sensitive question, Shinzaburo felt that it would be unwise to choose either option, so he immediately knelt down and replied, "It is up to the Miyoshi family to decide. I will only be grateful no matter what!"

Miyoshi Yoshiaki seemed perplexed, shaking his head and saying, "If Kubo Genban doesn't answer, how would I know what to do?"

Shinzaburo remained kneeling, saying, "How could I possibly have the right to interfere in the affairs of the Miyoshi family?"

“If you insist on saying it this way—” Miyoshi Yoshiyuki acted like someone with decision-making difficulties, delaying for a long time before slowly saying something that sounded like a tantrum: “Since I don’t know who to send, I’ll just have to send no one.”

Shinzaburo felt utterly bewildered, completely unable to understand the other party's intentions. Knowing he shouldn't show any emotion, he adopted a composed demeanor and said sincerely, "Allowing the Ikeda family to assist is already a great favor. I am still very grateful."

"Is that so?" Yoshiaki Miyoshi cast a meaningful glance his way.

“These words come from the bottom of my heart.” Shinzaburo’s expression and demeanor showed no problem.

“Ah…” Miyoshi Yoshiki paused for a moment, then suddenly seemed to remember something, clapped his hands, and said, “I almost forgot, Nara Yarokuro also has quite a few people we can use. In fact, it would be most appropriate to have him support Kubo Genban.”

Nara Yarokuro, whose real name was Nara Naganobu. Shinzaburo had done his research beforehand and knew that this man did not belong to either the "Gencho" or "Shinsan" factions, but was a direct confidant of the head of the Miyoshi family.

You can tell from the way they address each other.

The preceding text refers to "Takayama Tomoteru, paired with Matsunaga Dansei" and "Bando Nobuhide, paired with Miyoshi Hinata," emphasizing not only who paired with whom but also referring to them by their given names.

Given Yoshioki's status, it wouldn't be considered impolite for him to address a samurai of lower rank by his first name in a third-party setting; it simply conveyed a sense of distance.

The "Nara Yarokuro" that follows is a direct translation of the word "Tong," which is how friends address each other.

The closeness and distance between them are clearly evident!

Shinzaburo understood that the young master of the Miyoshi family was trying to express something through this.

Previously, when I was conquering Higashiharima, I personally witnessed Miyoshi Yoshioki speaking up for Matsunaga Hisahide and suppressing Miyoshi Nagahisa.

It seems that it was just a temporary inclination and did not represent a long-term relationship.

Ultimately, Sanhao Yixing will still need to build his own team.

If we ultimately accept the aid from Nara Naganobu's forces today, would that be considered a direct connection with Miyoshi Yoshioki?

It doesn’t seem so.

It can only be said that it has made a good start.

Regardless, with the young master of the Miyoshi family personally extending an overture, Shinzaburo had no choice but to bow down without hesitation and say, "I have long heard that that sir is a capable lieutenant of Lord Yoshihiko, possessing both literary and martial talents, as well as wisdom and courage. It is truly an honor to be able to fight alongside him!"

Although Yoshioki Miyoshi is the heir of the Miyoshi family, he is only fifteen years old and has not yet received any official title. Shinzaburo nominally served Naito first and then Hosokawa, and is not a retainer of the Miyoshi family, so he cannot be called "Young Master" and can only be called "Lord Yoshioki".

Upon hearing this statement, Yoshiyuki Miyoshi smiled slightly, his already small eyes narrowing even more, and added, "Speaking of which, Nara Yarokuro actually has quite a good relationship with Hōunken of Tanba. If Hōunken were to choose a reinforcement, I doubt he would choose Takayama Tomoteru or Bandō Nobuhide, but rather Nara Yarokuro."

This Hōyūken is the Buddhist name given to Matsunaga Nagayori after he became a monk.

Miyoshi Yoshiaki's last words are very thought-provoking.

It seems to imply that Matsunaga Nagayori did not necessarily belong to Matsunaga Hisahide's faction, but could also have been a loyal retainer of the young lord.

Of course, this is just empty talk from Yoshio Miyoshi and cannot be taken seriously.

However, when I last met Matsunaga Nagayori, he did claim that "he may not share the same views as my elder brother," and said that "Tamba is Tanba of Tanba people," which was quite a subtle attitude.

On second thought, not long ago, Miyoshi Nagayoshi finally managed to get his concubine to give birth to his second son, although the baby showed signs of dying young and was unlikely to live to be a year old... but it also shows that there is still a possibility that he can have a healthy child again.

From an age perspective, this makes perfect sense.

This year, Sanhao Changqing is only thirty-five years old (by the traditional Chinese age reckoning).

Although this man, known to later generations as the "Vice-King of Japan," was previously known for his deep interest in Zen meditation and aversion to women, what if he were suddenly stimulated and changed his personality?

With his power, he could easily find a hundred concubines in no time by simply giving the word.

The attitude that Yoshiaki Miyoshi displayed at this point in time, as the second generation, is all the more meaningful.

Shinzaburo appeared unwavering on the surface and spoke with great decisiveness, but inwardly he couldn't help feeling somewhat uneasy.

After a while, Miyoshi Yoshiaki sighed softly and said in a low voice, "I'm sure Kubo Genban knows that my younger brother suffered a great misfortune right after he was born, and my father is very worried about it. Everyone says that you are a person who is deeply protected by the gods and Buddhas. Please come with me to the family temple in Akutagawa Castle to pray. I hope it will be of some use."

Shinzaburo naturally agreed respectfully.

121 How to break the deadlock in a landscape of strategic importance?

Despite Miyoshi Nagayoshi's efforts to enlist the help of numerous doctors, monks, and priests, his youngest son still died young.

This made the atmosphere in the entire Akutagawa Castle feel oppressive.

However, a child born to a concubine is not politically significant and will not affect the various ceremonies and rituals at the end of the year and the beginning of the new year.

After bidding farewell to Miyoshi Yoshioki, Shinzaburo went to Yodoko Castle to meet Hosokawa Ujitsuna, presented him with ten silver coins, and received a host of words of encouragement and praise that were given for free.

From late December to mid-January of the following year, it's all a time for social interactions and gift-giving.

Unless absolutely necessary, the daimyo of various countries will not launch a war at this juncture.

Having learned from last year's experience, Shinzaburo handled the situation calmly and without panic.

His current status is somewhat complicated. From the perspective of being the "Copper Mining Commissioner" and visiting the Western countries as an "envoy to the capital," he is clearly one of the most important retainers under Hosokawa Ujitsuna.

But now he has managed to obtain a new appointment and is about to take up his post at Hosono Castle in Kuwata District to attack the Utsu family, who have seized the "forbidden lining". In this way, he is essentially back under the command of Matsunaga Nagayori, the acting governor of Tanba.

Their stances are similar, such as "riding on the horse" or "with power," yet they are also different.

This can be considered a unique phenomenon of the Muromachi period. Many samurai in the five provinces of Kinai and the surrounding Kinai region served both their own country's governor or governor-deputy and were directly under the command of the shogun or kanrei of the shogunate.

For honest and law-abiding people, having two superiors simultaneously increases the pressure. But for those who are adept at navigating social situations, having two superiors is practically the same as having no superiors at all.

Shinzaburo doesn't need to worry about that much right now.

The only feeling was that I had to take care of my colleagues in Tanba and maintain proper relations with the senior retainers of the Hosokawa family in Yodo-ko Castle. The number of letters I had to handle was really too much.

Now that I have a large group of people under my command, I need to hold a few more events involving eating and drinking to improve team cohesion.

Then, whether it's the former Noguchi village and Gokurakuji territory, or the newly granted Hosono Castle, including the Tada copper mine which has not yet stepped down, each must participate in at least one festival ceremony to demonstrate their presence to the people and miners.

Things are going smoothly as they are, and there's nothing to be uncomfortable about. But I'm stretched thin and can't manage everything at once.

On some occasions, they had no choice but to send Mrs. Adou, or Mr. Kinbei and his younger brother Shingoro to attend.

For now, the family can manage this small-scale affair. However, if one has the opportunity to become a regional lord in the future, then one will have to follow the example of other daimyo and establish a group of close retainers specifically responsible for welcoming and seeing off guests.

……

On the sixteenth day of the first month of the second year of the Hongzhi era, Shinzaburo led his men to the newly acquired "Hosono Castle" to begin planning the conquest of the Utsu family in Kuwata County.

Now, besides Oi Shigeie, the monk Jōsō, and the retainers promoted by Kubomura, there is also Inatomi Shigenobu, who volunteered to serve as "Dōshin," plus fourteen members of the Shingu faction including Takemura Hidetoshi, and ronin recently recruited from Sakai, making a total of forty members of the ronin faction.

The budget is fairly ample. The gifts from the Mori and Miyoshi families last year, the magistrate's share from Noguchi village, and the brewing income from Gokurakuji territory are all still going strong. Apart from buying a few "six-eyed" arquebuses, there are no major expenses. The silver continuously mined at the Tada copper mine has a considerable surplus after covering the salaries of guest generals and retainers.

However, the military food reserves are not enough. Shinzaburo himself will need to conscript farmers and soldiers, and he will also need to be responsible for the logistics of the two reinforcements when they arrive in Tanba. It is estimated that he may need ten koku of rice per day at that time.

The family originally had a stock of over a hundred koku. He instructed his younger brother, Shingoro, to continue purchasing from nearby areas. He also asked Master Meishu to buy some rice on credit from a rice shop in front of Kofukuji Temple. All of these were stored together at Hosono Castle.

This should be enough to meet the immediate needs.

Speaking of Hosono Castle, which they are about to move into, although it is called a castle, it is just a small fortress, not much larger than the previous "Noguchi Castle". The castle is built on the banks of the Hosono River, a tributary of the Katsura River, and the surrounding area is all mountains, with only about a dozen villages scattered along the river.

Last year, Matsunaga Nagayori defeated the combined forces of Akai, Hatano, and Utsu, seized this small territory, killed many "underground people" loyal to the Utsu family, and conducted a very crude land survey.

This city is now used as Shinzaburo's base, and the surrounding land is also given as a bonus.

Shinsaburo had already visited these villages before the New Year. Although they were small in scale, they were located beside a small river, which provided them with irrigation benefits. The fields were not barren, and they could earn 500 shi (a unit of dry measure) of tribute each year.

Moreover, the village's "underground people" and able-bodied men suffered heavy casualties in last year's battle, and the remaining villagers are now completely powerless to resist.

Of course, on the other hand, it also means that it cannot provide peasant soldiers with combat capabilities.

Fortunately, after some adjustments, Noguchi Township has begun to show signs of separating the "military personnel" from the "common people," and can barely be considered to have formed a relatively reliable force.

……

As a native of Tanba, Shinzaburo was not entirely unfamiliar with the geography of Kuwata District.

He already knew that the core territory of the Utsu family was located in the so-called "Tamba Highlands," a valley surrounded by mountains and rivers. In addition to growing crops, it also had abundant timber and fishery resources, and its terrain was extremely dangerous.

It was a natural environment conducive to local warlords ruling their own territories.

So when they openly occupied the "forbidden food" that was directly under the imperial court, no one could stop them.