Chapter 37

"You! With your lowly status, how dare you show such an attitude to me, a member of the imperial family!"

After the burning of Mount Hiei, Kōki found himself dealing with a noisy old man. This man was the abbot of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, overseeing all Tendai temples across the country, and the fifth son of Prince Fushimi Sadaharu.

'(He became a monk because he had many children and was poor, right?)'

'(Perhaps, but it might be better not to say that too loudly, don’t you think?)'

Kōki meticulously burned the area around Enryaku-ji Temple to prevent its revival, but it seemed that the most important person had means to escape. He tried to flee with a small entourage through a mountain path known only to insiders, but was captured by the vigilant forces of the Shinchi army.

"You will face divine punishment for your actions!"

'(Why is this bald guy so angry?)'

'(Well, anyone would be angry if their temple was burned down, right?)'

Shōshin was shocked by Kōki’s disrespectful remarks towards the Tendai abbot, who was also a member of the imperial family, but he began to find it a bit amusing. He even thought for a moment about how the abbot, Prince Eiin, would react if he heard Kōki’s sarcastic comments in a normal voice, not just a whisper.

'Even so...'

Even from Kōki’s perspective, who was as far from piety as possible, this Tendai abbot was terrible. Despite being a monk, he had multiple concubines, and when the young monks carrying his luggage were searched, a large amount of gold and silver treasures were found. Among the food supplies, there were containers of alcohol.

Being a monk, he had a wife, was obsessed with money, and drank alcohol—truly remarkable. If there were no such precepts, Kōki wouldn’t have thought much of it, but he couldn’t help but think, 'How can the head of the Tendai sect, who is supposed to set an example, break the precepts so blatantly?'

'(Shōshin, what should we do with this bald guy?)'

'(We should report to the lord, I think.)'

'(Yeah, let’s leave the management of this troublesome bald guy to the lord...)'

Kōki handed over the captured Prince Eiin to Nobunaga, along with his concubines and the large amount of gold and silver treasures.

"Mitsu, take care of him for a while."

"Haa..."

Nobunaga seemed to be equally appalled by Prince Eiin’s worldly nature. He seemed to dislike even looking at him, and Kōki was tasked with his management. At such times, Oda Nobunaga, his lord, had a somewhat dark aura.

"As a member of the imperial family and the Tendai abbot, I am an existence equal to the emperor. If you treat me incorrectly, you will be expelled from Japan!"

Despite being the person responsible for the burning of Enryaku-ji Temple, Prince Eiin fled without a second thought and maintained his arrogant attitude. Kōki, who had seen many unpleasant officials and politicians in his business, thought this guy was in a class of his own and secretly decided to punish Prince Eiin.

"We need to prepare a mansion for the Tendai abbot."

"Hmph! If you understand, that’s good. Despite your lowly status, you’re somewhat reasonable."

Kōki rented a large mansion in the town of Sakamoto and pushed Prince Eiin and his entourage into it. It was essentially a form of house arrest, but in exchange, he allowed them to indulge in luxury.

"This sake is delicious. The delicacies from the mountains and seas are also excellent."

Although he did not allow him to go out, Kōki provided Prince Eiin, who was confined to the mansion, with as much as he wanted of the Shinchi domain’s sake, fish, shellfish, and large amounts of meat.

"Oh! Beautiful girls!"

Kōki spent a large sum of money to bring in beautiful and famous courtesans from various places, and Prince Eiin indulged in debauchery with his concubines every day.

"I’m amazed..."

Akechi Mitsuhide, who came to check on the situation at Kōki’s request, frowned at Prince Eiin’s debauchery.

"This is only temporary, you know."

"Does Lord Shinchi have a plan?"

"Kill him."

"He is indeed a terrible person, but killing him might be too much..."

No matter how terrible a person, Prince Eiin was still a member of the imperial family. Mitsuhide advised Kōki against killing him.

"Mitsuhide, when I say kill, I don’t mean taking his life."

"Not taking his life?"

"Well, the result will be that he would be better off dead..."

Why was Kōki, who disliked Prince Eiin, spending so much money to continue entertaining him? Gradually, the reason became clear.

"It seems the Tendai abbot is staying in the best mansion in Sakamoto."

"Even though Enryaku-ji Temple was burned down, he’s not rebuilding it and is instead living a life of luxury?"

"Even as a member of the imperial family, that’s not right..."

As the head of the Tendai sect, indulging in such debauchery would not bring good rumors. Soon, the entire town of Sakamoto was filled with stories of Prince Eiin’s misdeeds.

"I heard he’s forcibly abducting beautiful young girls from nearby villages."

"I’ve heard that too. He apparently says that he is an existence equal to the emperor, and those who defy him will face divine punishment."

"Sounds like something he would say. The people of Mount Hiei always resort to divine punishment when things don’t go their way."

Sakamoto had developed thanks to Enryaku-ji Temple, so the residents didn’t openly complain, but they had a poor impression of the temple’s warrior monks. When the rumor spread that Prince Eiin was abducting beautiful girls from nearby villages, no one doubted its truth.

"His poor behavior is the reason for this."

The rumors about Prince Eiin’s misdeeds in Sakamoto quickly reached Kyoto.

"Lord, I’ve spread the rumors as instructed."

"Thank you for your hard work."

Kōki used his Iga samurai to spread the rumors, but even without them, it was only a matter of time. The rumors about Prince Eiin’s misdeeds eventually reached the ears of Emperor Go-Nara, his relative.

"That fool!"

Emperor Go-Nara was enraged by the numerous misdeeds of Prince Eiin, which were a mix of truth and lies spread by the Shinchi family. What he found particularly intolerable was the claim that he was an existence equal to the emperor. This statement made it impossible for the nobles to protect Prince Eiin. The emperor’s anger was so great that his father, Prince Fushimi Sadaharu, died of shock. This led to confusion within the Fushimi Palace, making it even more difficult to protect Prince Eiin.

"The emperor is furious about the Tendai abbot’s behavior."

This rumor, combined with the spread of Prince Eiin’s misdeeds, reached various parts of the Kinai region.

"Deliver this letter to Seiki."

"Understood!"

Then, the final blow was delivered by Kōki.

Based on Kōki’s plot, a story was created about the corruption of Mount Hiei, the military actions with the Asakura and Azai families and their failures, the burning of Mount Hiei, and the escape of the Tendai abbot with his concubines and treasures. Despite being a member of the imperial family, he was kept under house arrest and continued his life of luxury without any remorse.

This story was largely based on facts.

"Well... 'Tendai abbot, this girl only...' 'What! Who do you think I am? I am Prince Eiin, the Tendai abbot and a member of the imperial family! Defying me is equivalent to defying the Buddha and the emperor!' Oh! This is getting interesting like a tabloid show!"

Seiki turned these stories into a colorful booklet and distributed it for free across the country. It came with every purchase of products from the Shinchi domain. Free and widely distributed, everyone enjoyed reading the booklets. Seiki made sure that even those who couldn’t read could understand the content through the illustrations.

"Since it’s free, everyone, please enjoy. My brother is quite ruthless..."

Prince Eiin’s house arrest lasted for half a year, and by the time it ended, he was ordered by Emperor Go-Nara to be confined to a dilapidated temple in the mountains. He never appeared in public again and quietly passed away a few years later.

As a result, the Tendai sect’s reputation plummeted, and many of its branch temples defected, leading to a rapid decline.

"Fujitaka, that lowly Shinchi is going to be summoned to the palace."

"That’s right."

"The emperor is whimsical... allowing the sacred palace to be defiled."

Following Yoshitaka’s orders, Mount Hiei was successfully punished. Although he didn’t specifically order it to be turned into a wasteland, the fact that even the powerful Enryaku-ji Temple could not defy him was a good message to spread.

In the midst of this, he learned that Emperor Go-Nara was planning to summon Kōki to the palace. Although he was complaining to Fujitaka, his mood was good enough that he didn’t go as far as to scold him.

"Is it okay to summon such an uncouth person to the palace?"

"That’s probably arranged by Oda-sama."

"Otherwise, it would be a big problem."

The conversation between Yoshitaka and Fujitaka ended there, but Fujitaka had something he was secretly looking forward to. The etiquette instructor for Kōki had not yet been decided. Fujitaka thought that Oda Nobunaga, while a genius, sometimes lacked consideration in such matters.

In that case, he thought it would be good to teach Kōki himself and earn his gratitude.

"Shinchi is powerful. For such a person to rise further, he will need to rely on someone like me."

Fujitaka made this calculation and waited for Kōki’s request. However, his plans were in vain. Kōki found his own instructor, and Fujitaka’s expectations were dashed.

"Lord Kōki, thank you for coming."

"No, I also learned from Lord Fujitaka, so I feel a bit embarrassed..."

The current Shinchi army was not participating in the suppression of the Azai domain but was governing Mount Hiei and Sakamoto with Mitsuhide. This land was to be given to Mitsuhide, who was serving as the Kyoto Shoshidai, and the idle Shinchi army was clearing the remains of Enryaku-ji Temple and preparing the foundation for a new town connected to Sakamoto.

Originally, the town could develop further by improving the lakeside area of Lake Biwa. Kōki left the work to his vassals and was learning the necessary etiquette for the palace from Mitsuhide.

"For occasional visits to the palace, it’s enough to know the basics."

The intellectual Mitsuhide taught in a logical and reasonable manner, and Kōki understood why he was chosen by Nobunaga. While other Oda family retainers were also capable, Kōki felt that Mitsuhide was on a higher level.

"Let’s stop here for today?"

"Shall we take a break?"

After the lesson, they had tea. It wasn’t a formal tea ceremony; they used a teapot to brew tea and prepared sweets like manju, black sugar karinto, candy, and dried snacks that would last.

"Having so many sweets is impressive. I couldn’t do that."

Until he obtained Sakamoto, Mitsuhide was given a stipend by Yoshitaka and Nobunaga. The amount was not small, but he needed to form a retainer group to serve as an Oda family retainer, so the money was never enough, and his family suffered.

Mitsuhide had a hard time in his youth, especially causing trouble for his wife, who once sold her hair to raise money for him.

He had many children, and he wondered if they had ever tasted sweets.

"Lord Mitsuhide, are you not fond of sweets? I can prepare something else if you prefer."

"No, I can’t drink much alcohol, so sweets are my favorite."

Mitsuhide enjoyed various sweets, feeling guilty towards his family, but there were many leftovers because of the large quantity.

"If you keep them in a dry place, they should last for a few months. Please take them home as a gift."

"Is that okay?"

"It’s a thank you for teaching me etiquette."

Mitsuhide gratefully took the leftover sweets and distributed them to his retainers and family.

"They are very sweet and delicious, and the children are happy. Please convey my gratitude to Lord Shinchi."

Mitsuhide felt relieved when he read the letter from his wife. After the war with the Azai, Sakamoto would be given to him by Nobunaga, and he hoped that his family’s life would improve.

"That’s enough for today."

"Shall we take a break?"

The two armies, led by Kōki and Mitsuhide, worked hard on clearing the remains of Enryaku-ji Temple and expanding the port. During this time, Kōki learned the basic etiquette for the palace from Mitsuhide. After the lesson, Kōki always served tea and sweets, and since there were always leftovers, he offered them to Mitsuhide as a gift.

"Lord, you’re being quite roundabout."

"Mitsuhide is serious, so he wouldn’t accept a gift. But he would accept sweets that his family likes."

"Indeed, Mitsuhide is a well-rounded person."

Shōshin was impressed by Kōki’s thoughtfulness.

"This needs to be addressed."

There was one concern about the good person Mitsuhide. It was the very poor relationship between Kōki and Fujitaka, who had connections through renga poetry.

"If only there was a way to reconcile them."

"But, Lord, inviting Lord Shinchi to a renga poetry session would be futile, wouldn’t it?"

"Probably."

Mitsuhide, after spending time with Kōki, did not think he would enjoy a renga poetry session. He told this to the senior retainer Saitō Risan.

"What do you think, Risan?"

"Food, perhaps. Both of them seem to enjoy it."

"Food..."

"Fujitaka will be in Sakamoto in three days."

To inspect the remains of Enryaku-ji Temple, which Yoshitaka ordered to be punished, and to deliver the red seal letter from Yoshitaka granting Sakamoto to Mitsuhide. This complicated situation arose because Mitsuhide served both Yoshitaka and Nobunaga.

"Lord will host a banquet to mediate between them. It’s a common approach, but it’s the only one."

"No, it’s the only way."

Three days later, Mitsuhide hosted a banquet to welcome Fujitaka, who arrived in Sakamoto. He prepared as many dishes as possible, and both Fujitaka and Kōki enjoyed the food and occasionally conversed, out of respect for their host, Mitsuhide.

"This carp in miso is delicious."

The carp was carefully prepared and simmered in miso from the Shinchi domain, which Kōki found very tasty.

"The miso from the Shinchi domain is excellent."

Mitsuhide spent a lot of money to obtain high-quality ingredients and seasonings from the Shinchi domain to prepare delicious dishes.

"Carp is also delicious when simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. You simmer it with soy sauce, sake, and sugar."

"That sounds like it would go well with alcohol and rice. The soy sauce from the Shinchi domain is also excellent for cooking. It’s a bit expensive, though."

"It would be cheaper if the production increased."

As Kōki and Mitsuhide were enjoying their conversation, Fujitaka brought up another topic.

"Mitsuhide, what was the most delicious thing you’ve eaten recently?"

"The manju from Lord Shinchi was delicious. What about you, Fujitaka?"

Mitsuhide, who couldn’t drink alcohol, looked forward to the sweets served during tea time. However, Fujitaka was displeased when he heard Mitsuhide praise Kōki.

"I got some good ama-dai from Maizuru and made it into a wine-steamed dish. It was delicious."

Kōki thought it was a refined choice, fitting for someone who lived in Kyoto.

"Have you ever tried ama-dai?"

But Kōki immediately sensed Fujitaka’s malice. He realized that Fujitaka was thinking, 'You, a country bumpkin, have probably never tried ama-dai.'

"I have, but not many times."

"That’s impressive."

Mitsuhide was genuinely impressed by Kōki’s culinary knowledge, but Fujitaka looked disappointed, not expecting Kōki to be on the same level as him in culinary matters.

"How did you eat it?"

"Well..."

Kōki had the kitchen staff buy ama-dai at the request of his wife, who wanted to try it. They caught it fresh, placed it in a small refrigerator, and rushed it to the Shinchi domain on horseback.

"As sashimi, kelp-wrapped, one-night-dried, and grilled. The skin and scales of ama-dai are also delicious when grilled. You can put them in a soup or use the grilled bones to make a broth for rice. It’s also good in a steamed egg dish, grilled, or as a simmered dish. But the best way to eat ama-dai is in a kabura-zuké."

"Kabura-zuké?"

"Yes."

Kōki explained to Mitsuhide and Fujitaka that kabura-zuké is a dish where the flesh of ama-dai is topped with a mixture of kabura (turnip) and egg white, steamed, and served with a thickened sauce made from katakuri flour.

'(I’ve never heard of such a dish!)'

This dish, which Kōki’s wife had recreated from a restaurant they visited in Neo-Kyoto, did not exist in this era. Fujitaka was jealous of Kōki, who explained the preparation of