The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 80

However, launching an offensive is inherently difficult. Moreover, the battlefield is ever-changing, and there are countless examples of the outnumbered defeating the superior. There is no reason to question Miyoshi Yoshikata's ability to secure a small victory steadily.

On the Izumi side, Sogawa Kazutsugu, who had entered Kishiwada Castle, did a pretty good job, physically eliminating most of the enemies and allowing a four-year-old child of the Miyoshi bloodline to inherit the position of the guardian of the Matsuura family.

Araki Murashige, recommended by Shinzaburo, reportedly had several good performances in diplomacy and military affairs, and was granted a territory of nine villages and two temples. He even wrote a letter of thanks, introducing some local conditions.

However, the anti-Sanyoshi faction within Izumi Province enlisted the help of relatives and friends from Kawachi and Kii.

The guardianship duties of these two countries belong to the prestigious Tayama family, but they have long been nominal rather than real.

The province of Kawachi had always been controlled by the governor-general Yuza Nagayoshi. Later, Miyoshi Nagayoshi married Yuza Nagayoshi's daughter and, after his father-in-law's death, supported his young brother-in-law to take over the reins of power, thus maintaining indirect control.

Kii Province, under the influence of religious forces such as Ichijo-yamane-rai-ji, Koyasan Kongōbu-ji, and the three major shrines of Kumano, formed a unique situation of co-governance by high-ranking monks and priests and local gentry, completely breaking away from the traditional samurai class system.

Kawachi Province was originally considered good territory, while Kii Province was a neutral zone. However, due to the war in Izumi, the atmosphere in both directions has become very delicate.

Izumi Province was formerly a direct territory of the Hosokawa clan. In an effort to gain allies, the Hosokawa clan once ceded a district in the south to Negoro-ji in Kii Province, and later granted many lands in the east to samurai in Kawachi Province. The relationships here are extremely complex, and the legal ownership of many properties is a tangled mess.

Faced with these hidden dangers, Miyoshi Nagayoshi must be having a headache for quite some time.

However, he actually had something even more troubling.

That was the solution to the shogunate.

Miyoshi Nagayoshi originally intended to support Ashikaga Yoshinobu, a collateral descendant of the Muromachi Shogunate, to replace Ashikaga Yoshiteru. However, Yoshinobu fled to Kyushu in fear after his close friend Hosokawa Mochitaka, the governor of Awa Province, was killed by Miyoshi Yoshikata.

After a series of arduous diplomatic attempts, the two sides finally rebuilt their fragile friendship.

Ashikaga Yoshihisa received a promise of 3,000 kan of "royal rations" per year, and then agreed to return to the Kinki region.

At the same time, Ashikaga Yoshiteru and Hosokawa Harumoto, who were hiding in Kuchiki Valley, unexpectedly sent an olive branch, subtly expressing their desire to reconcile with the Miyoshi family.

Then—it is said that Miyoshi Nagayoshi fell into deep thought and was unable to make a decision for a long time.

……

Shinzaburo felt that whether the Sanuki campaign was well-executed or not, and how much of a threat Izumi posed, were tactical issues that didn't need much consideration. However, how to deal with the shogunate was a matter of paramount political strategy; how could he hesitate to make that decision?

But important military matters are not something that lower-level personnel need to worry about.

Let alone Shinzaburo, even Miyoshi Nagayoshi, Matsunaga Hisahide, or Miyoshi Yoshikata, Ataka Fuyuyasu, and Sogawa Kazutsugu might not dare to express their opinions on this issue on their own. Apart from Miyoshi Yoshioki, who was gradually taking over the family business, it is hard to imagine anyone else who is qualified to speak on this matter.

Instead of making a fool of yourself, it's better to spend your energy on something more meaningful.

At the beginning of the year, Ari's younger sister officially married into the Settsu Ikeda family and became the young mistress. Shingoro's younger brother married the daughter of the Kawakatsu family and started his own family.

Shinzaburo was quite emotional and couldn't help but ramble on like an old man.

Especially for his younger sister, he personally wrote more than a dozen pages of instructions, repeatedly emphasizing that she must inform her family if she encountered any difficulties, for fear that she might run into trouble at the Ikeda family. His younger brother was doing better, as the two places were only a day's ride apart, and with the knowledgeable and experienced father, Kinbei, helping him, there was no chance of any problems.

During this period, apart from focusing on the development of his own territory, the only task he carried out was to follow Matsunaga Nagayori in launching the "Tsuke Castle" operation near the main castle of the Hatano family in Taki District.

The so-called "Fucheng" refers to the fortress-based advance tactic.

This is the most effective strategy of our time, but it's a bit expensive.

However, in order to deal with their mortal enemy, the Hatano family, they couldn't care less about anything else.

The reason why the two sides became mortal enemies was that Miyoshi Nagayoshi divorced Hatano Harumichi's sister and married Yusa Nagayoshi's daughter.

The Hatano family is quite innocent.

Taking advantage of the off-season for farming, Shinzaburo led the laborers in his territory to work methodically for fifty days before returning home.

Then, at the end of April, Ōkum Castle was completed, and the route to Kyoto was restored.

The family crest of the Okra Dragon Gall and the horse seal with the image of Zhong Kui were placed at the highest point of the citadel.

After the renovation of Sugisaka Pass was completed, troops began to be stationed there. Imai Munehisa, along with Kamiya Masataka and Sekido Hisaoki, not only rebuilt the outpost, but also leveled a small piece of land by the roadside for the purpose of building inns and a market, from which some labor fees could be collected later.

Six merchants from Kyoto, Sakai, and Obama established their own branches near Ōyū Castle, each enjoying the privilege of "exemption from all duties".

Soon, a small number of caravans began to try transporting goods along this route.

Shinzaburo stood atop the newly built two-story palace, watching laborers carrying large bamboo baskets pass by under the guidance of merchants, and he could almost hear the clinking of Yongle coins in his ears.

Then comes the real highlight—

In early May, Adou gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl!

Shinsaburo was overjoyed and immediately invited his relatives and friends to a banquet to celebrate.

But soon after, I heard the saying that "twins are a bad omen".

It's not just one or two people who think this way.

The belief that twins are unlucky is not a universal consensus; it mainly circulates in the Kanto region. However, in some parts of Nankaido, there is a custom of venerating twins.

Unfortunately, the cultural influence of the Kanto region is undoubtedly greater than that of Nankaido.

Although the fetus inherited the parents' genes and was born very healthy, without any signs of "bad luck," Adou himself was affected, to the point that he was worried and lost his appetite, and soon became physically and mentally exhausted.

However, Shinzaburo quickly came up with a solution and, after discussing it with Master Mingzhou, personally implemented it.

He solemnly fasted and bathed, and then secluded himself in the small temple within the Great Bow City to chant sutras, claiming it was to pray for the children.

Three days later, he emerged, claiming that in a daze, he encountered a black-robed master who offered him a sword with his right hand and a five-colored rope with his left. He did not know the meaning of this.

Master Mingzhou exclaimed in surprise upon hearing this: "Wearing a black robe, a sword in his right hand, and a five-colored rope in his left, could it be Acala? This is the Venerable One bestowing a sacred object upon his newborn child!"

Shinzaburo was overjoyed and immediately kowtowed to thank the Venerable One. He then took the opportunity to name his son "Kendoujimaru" and his daughter "Nawachiyo".

When Adou learned of this, he felt relieved and stopped worrying.

Master Mingzhou and Shinzaburo then said to their family and servants, "We have been repeatedly blessed by the Venerable One, so we should keep our gratitude to ourselves and not boast about it to outsiders, otherwise we may turn good fortune into misfortune."

Adou wholeheartedly agreed and firmly believed it.

Shinsaburo thought to himself, "My wife didn't seem to be this innocent and naive before."

Is it true that pregnancy makes you stupid for three years, or is it that people are simply more willing to believe opinions that are favorable to them?

In short, the most important thing is for A-Dou to eat well and rest peacefully to avoid poor postpartum recovery.

150 Wakasa Takeda suddenly invaded

Shinzaburo was immersed in the joy of becoming a father for the first time and drank heartily with his relatives and friends for two days.

But then I won't have time to stay home anymore.

Matsunaga Nagayori planned to attack the Hatano clan and launched a full-scale conscription in Tanba.

Shinzaburo assembled his troops and gathered them at the foot of Ōgimiya Castle. Just as they were about to meet up, he suddenly heard from a merchant that Takeda Nobutoyo, the governor of Wakasa, had defeated the Isshiki family of Tango, acquired a large amount of new territory, and was about to invade Kuwata District of Tanba Province!

The story is told in great detail and cannot be easily dismissed as a rumor.

Shinzaburo immediately wrote to his superiors to explain the situation and request a postponement of his participation in the battle.

Matsunaga Nagayori's consent was successfully obtained.

The most anxious people in this situation are undoubtedly the Kawakatsu family, their in-laws in the north. They have built their fortune on trade with the Kohama Bay in Wakasa Province.

Given their long-standing relationship, they must have found a way to gather information.

Shinzaburo, on the other hand, inquired at two branch stores run by merchants from Kohama Bay near Ogong Castle.

Not long after, the definite news finally arrived.

The story isn't entirely false, but it's not as terrible as the rumors suggest.

First of all, the story of Wakasa Takeda defeating Tango Isshiki is not so simple.

To be precise, when the previous head of the Isshiki family died, his son was still young, and Isshiki Yoshiyuki, a member of the family, became regent. However, Isshiki Yoshiyuki was ambitious but incompetent, and abused his power, which aroused public anger. He was besieged by the local people and fled to his stronghold in Kasa District, which borders Wakasa to the east.

Wakasa no Kōshū Takeda Nobutoyo, an ambitious daimyo, upon seeing this, immediately led his troops to Tangō under the pretext of assisting Isshiki Yoshiyuki in avenging his father. He then killed the unsuspecting Isshiki Yoshiyuki at a banquet and seized control of several castles in Kasa District.

In the Warring States period, such shameless behavior was commonplace and there was nothing to complain about.

However, the people of Tango would not thank Takeda Nobuyuki for this and welcome his army.

As for the invasion of Kuwata County in Tanba Province, what exactly happened?

That's because Utsu Naganari, the head of the Utsu family who had previously fled, went to Wakasa Province and sought refuge with Takeda Nobutoyo.

Although Utsu Nagashige was hostile to the imperial court, he had always maintained a good relationship with Hosokawa Harumoto, so he still had some influence among the various states.

Wakasa, the governor of Takeda Nobutoyo, was also a close confidant of Ashikaga Yoshiteru and Hosokawa Harumoto, who opposed Miyoshi Nagayoshi. He boasted that he would help Utsu Naganari defeat the despicable Kubo Yoshiaki and the treacherous Kawakatsu Hirotsugu, and reclaim the territory of Kuwata County.

……

Upon learning this, Shinzaburo remained calm, believing it would be all bark and no bite.

Wakasa Province has low productivity and limited population and land. Since Takeda Nobutoyo has already dispatched troops to Tango, where would he find the resources to intervene in Tanba?

The commander of Tanba was none other than the renowned Matsunaga Nagayori, who was backed by tens of thousands of troops from the Miyoshi clan.

However, this time, even the astute Yoshiaki Kubo made a mistake.

Not long after, Wakasa Governor Takeda Nobutoyo actually launched a two-front war, gathering an army and approaching Horikoshi Pass, making a show of entering the territory of Kawakatsu Hirotsugu of Kuwata District, Tanba Province.

Kawakatsu Hirotsugu, already seriously ill, died suddenly in shock and anger. His son, Kawakatsu Tsuguji, could only hold a simple funeral, immediately ascended the throne, organized his retainers to prepare for defense, and requested reinforcements.

As a result, the plan to attack the Hatano family had to be cancelled.

Shinzaburo led eight hundred soldiers ahead to join the Kawakatsu family at their island castle.

He was still puzzled all the way, unable to understand where Takeda Nobutoyo, a mere guardian of Wakasa, got his strength and courage.

Three days later, Matsunaga Nagayori arrived with his troops.

During this period, Wakasa Takeda's troops remained stationed at the border, their intentions unknown.

Matsunaga Nagayori was quite puzzled and planned to send an elite squad to probe the area.

Unexpectedly, just before they were about to set off, they received news: "The enemy troops seem to be killing each other!"

Everyone present was stunned, and no one spoke for a long time.

Not long after, another soldier reported: "The enemy has retreated at full speed!"

Even Matsunaga Nagayori, who had fought in many battles over the years, was now confused and could not tell whether the enemy was really causing a mutiny or was using a tactic to lure the enemy in.

Therefore, no order was given to pursue them immediately.

Two more days passed before I finally understood.

It was Takeda Yoshitomo, the son of Wakasa's protector Takeda Nobutoyo, who gained the support of most of his retainers, rebelled in the face of battle, and drove his father away!

It was later learned that none of Wakasa Takeda's senior retainers were loyal to their former master; some supported the coup, while others remained silent.

Takeda Nobutoyo had several adult sons, and apart from his eldest son who rebelled, the others all supported their elder brother in seizing the throne.

Why are they so consistent?

Or perhaps it's because Takeda Nobutoyo's actions have always been too outrageous.

The Wakasa Takeda family was actually a branch of the Aki Takeda family.

The Takeda clan of Aki Province was destroyed by Mori Motonari more than a decade ago. Takeda Nobutoyo, who was the governor of Wakasa Province, suddenly had a strange idea and actively contacted Ashikaga Yoshiteru, Amago Haruhisa, Honganji Shonyo and others, hoping to get their assistance in order to invade Aki Province.

This has gone beyond the realm of the bizarre, approaching the level of mental illness.

The distance between Wakasa Province and Aki Province is 450 kilometers!

Even if Ashikaga, Amago, and Honganji give you face and are willing to help, how are you going to go to Aki to fight the Mori? By taking the Shinkansen?

The vast sums of money spent on diplomatic activities in pursuit of this elusive goal have been in vain, and have already aroused strong dissatisfaction among the many retainers and retainers of the family.

Some time ago, after sending troops to intervene in Tango, he managed to acquire some castles through deception. Takeda Nobutoyo has finally regained some of his prestige. However, before he could even consolidate his newly acquired territory, he announced his intention to attack Tanba.

Others are greedy for more after getting what they want, but he's already eyeing more than he's gotten!

Wakasa's national strength was clearly insufficient to support such a grand dream.

There's also a very strange dark history.

Five and a half years ago, Takeda Nobutoyo succeeded as the governor of Wakasa, and quickly squandered the inheritance left by his father and grandfather. When he was in dire straits, he came up with a shady scheme: to have a "bastard mother and son" together.

Lai Muzi is a popular form of private fundraising in this era. The specific mechanisms vary in different regions, but in general, it combines elements of charity, gambling, and credit.

A group of people would gather together and periodically pool their surplus grain or money to form a "Lai Mu" (赖母). Then, each year, one person would be chosen from among the members to receive a small portion of the grain or money; this portion would be called the "Lai Zi" (赖子).

Sometimes, the "loan shark" is given to the poorest person who has no food, which is equivalent to doing charity; sometimes, the "loan shark" is chosen by drawing lots, which is equivalent to buying lottery tickets; sometimes, the loan is given to a member to do business, and the principal and interest are repaid when the money is made, which is equivalent to credit.

In order to generate income, Takeda Nobutoyo, as the governor of Wakasa, personally organized a "Yori-mama-ko" event, inviting many powerful temples and shrines within his territory to participate.

They certainly don't need to expect charity, but they can certainly try their luck with lotteries and credit.

In its first year, Takeda Nobutoyo implemented a lottery system, offering high returns to lucky winners, which prompted other temples and shrines to increase their investment.