Chapter 11

In the 24th year of Tenmon (1555), late January, in Kutsuki Valley, Omi Province, at Kutsuki Castle, Takewakamaru.

"Happy New Year!"

"Happy New Year!"

When his great-uncle Zōnin offered New Year greetings, everyone echoed in unison. In the large hall, about twenty prominent members of the Kutsuki family had gathered to celebrate the New Year.

"Hmm, happy New Year. Last year was tough for all of you. Take your time and enjoy yourselves."

Cheers of warmth rose, and everyone began to eat and drink.

It seemed odd to have a New Year party in late January, but until January 15, the New Year celebrations and visits were busy in each household. On January 20, there was the Kusari-ki celebration, which is similar to the modern mirror-opening ceremony. So when I said I wanted to have a New Year party, it naturally ended up being held in late January. I was also busy with greetings to Yoshiteru and his surroundings, so I have no complaints.

"This year seems to be a peaceful New Year, unlike last year, which was quite hectic."

"Yes, the Miyoshi were causing trouble."

Voices of agreement came from all around. The voices were quite loud; perhaps they were already drunk. The maids were pouring drinks, so they might have been drinking more than usual. It's good that everyone can drink, but I can only have dandelion tea. I don't mind it, but I can't get drunk.

The food is also excellent. There are simmered dishes, grilled fish, mountain vegetables, and pickles. The simmered dish is made with shiitake mushrooms, and the fish is marinated in sake, giving it a unique flavor. Good food makes the drinks flow, and as the drinks flow, the conversation becomes lively and the voices get louder. It's best if everyone is happy.

"But at that time, I was so scared. My lord faced down Miyoshi Masahiro."

"Indeed, indeed."

"You said you weren't afraid even if it was 30,000 men. I was so scared at that time."

Oops, the attention is on me. I need to say something clever...

"Actually, I was trembling. I almost wet my pants. I should have tried to trip Masahiro."

There was a moment of silence, then everyone burst into laughter.

"Is that true? My lord was so calm."

"It's not a lie, Gorōemon. It's not easy to put on a brave face."

The laughter grew louder. I think I've gained a bit of familiarity.

"Will this year be a good year?"

"Oh, there's something to look forward to in Kyoto. In the summer, a prince or princess is expected to be born."

Everyone started to get excited about the birth of a prince or princess. Honestly, it doesn't matter which. Grandpa probably agrees, nodding vigorously.

At the end of last year, my aunt, Meme Tenshi, became pregnant. Good job, Aunt Meme. Being pregnant means that Prince Soshin often visits Aunt Meme. He must have put in a lot of effort, not just with sake and soap. I sent him tiger fur, candy, and silk. I even sent a cushion, saying it was cold in winter. Aunt Meme wrote that the prince often visits, finding it novel. Her daughter, Princess Harunari, wants to marry me. She seems to like my generous cousin. Unfortunately, it's impossible due to our different social statuses, so she should give up.

Surprisingly, what was well-received in this era was the toothbrush, known as "shikimi." I couldn't stand it anymore and made one in the fall. The material is bamboo and horsehair. It works quite well. Soon, the Kutsuki retainers and peasants started using it. Naturally, Yoshiteru and his group also use it. As a result, the horses in Kutsuki have unusually short tails. Poor things.

According to Aunt Meme's letter, everyone was delighted. However, I sent the highest-quality lacquered ones. I think it's natural to be happy. Now, the toothbrush is an important specialty of Kutsuki. When high-ranking people like the Emperor and nobles start using it, it becomes popular. Kutsuki's products are branded with the chrysanthemum (Imperial family) and paulownia (Ashikaga family) to improve their image. Ah, Gorōemon is singing. His voice is good, but it's a bit off-key.

The political and military situation around Yoshiteru is not good. The Miyoshi's momentum shows no signs of weakening. Yoshiteru is desperately requesting the daimyo to come to Kyoto, but he gets no positive responses. In the Chūgoku region, the Nishimura faction of the Amako was purged, weakening the Amako. On the Seto Inland Sea side, the Tō and Mōri have started a major conflict. It's unlikely that we can expect reinforcements from the Chūgoku region for a while. Well, it's following historical events.

Yoshiteru also reached out to the Hongan-ji, but the head of the Hongan-ji, Shōnyo, died in August, and his son Kennyo succeeded him. Kennyo is a tough man who fought Oda Nobunaga for ten years. However, he is only twelve, so it's safe to assume he has no real power yet. The Hongan-ji, having just changed its head, is unlikely to take any action.

Even if Kennyo were an adult, it's unclear whether he would cooperate with Yoshiteru. Kennyo became the adopted son of Kujo Sadaharu just before Shōnyo's death. Being an adopted son means forming a parent-child relationship with someone else's child, which is a heavy relationship, though not as strong as an adopted child. Shōnyo also became the adopted son of the Kujo family, so it can be said that he followed the precedent. I believe he tried to make allies in the palace by connecting with the Kujo family.

This Kujo Sadaharu is a problem. The Kujo and the Konoe are not on good terms, but the worst part is that Sadaharu's daughter is married to Sōhō, the younger brother of Miyoshi Nagayoshi. This means that the Kujo and the Miyoshi are related through the Kujo family. I think the Hongan-ji is likely trying to repair its relationship with the Miyoshi. It's impossible for Yoshiteru to move the Hongan-ji.

The efforts to influence the court are not going well. The court is divided into a struggle between the Kujo-Miyoshi alliance and the Konoe-Ashikaga alliance, but everyone is just watching the Kujo and Miyoshi. The court's support for Yoshiteru is weak. Konoe Harumichi was promoted to the first rank and changed his name to Masahito this New Year. It's a happy event, but it serves no purpose. Moreover, Masahito's name includes a character from Yoshiteru's father, Yoshizumi. Changing his name like that is strange.

My head hurts. It might be impossible to unite the court with the Konoe and Ashikaga. However, I can't give up on reconciliation. Grandpa has asked Yamako Noritsugu and Hazama Yorifusa for help. Grandpa's wife, who is my grandmother, is the sister of Hazama Yorifusa. Yamako's wife is also the same. Yamako is a Kugonin, and Hazama is a Sangi, but it's unclear if it will work... In that case, I need to get closer to the imperial family. Aunt Meme is my hope. I'll send her a set of bedding next time; it's still cold, so she'll be happy.

"My lord, here is your tea."

"Thank you."

Kiri added more dandelion tea for me. She is fourteen this year. This young girl, who still looks like a child, is a kunoichi. The world is full of surprises. She is quiet and even Aya Mama likes her.

The notable achievements of last year were the start of saltpeter production and the acquisition of the Hachimon. Additionally, I started trading with new merchants from Wakasa, Kogure Toshiemon, and Tanaka Sōtoku. I asked Toshiemon to bring goods from the San'in region and Sōtoku to bring goods from the Dewa and Mutsu regions, modern-day Yamagata and Akita. It will probably be profitable, but it won't have a significant impact. This year's achievement will likely be Aunt Meme giving birth to a child. The future is unclear, and I can only sigh.

In the 24th year of Tenmon (1555), late September, in Kutsuki Valley, Omi Province, at Iwagami Hall, Kutsuki Sadatsuna.

"Shōdatsu is dead... What a pity."

Lord Yoshiteru whispered weakly. The shogunal retainers were all silent, just bowing their heads. Shōdatsu, a famous general of the Asakura family, died in early September at the age of seventy-nine. He was a warrior who raised the military prestige and status of the Asakura family. For him, it was a life well-lived. But Lord Yoshiteru's disappointment...

"What will happen to the Asakura?"

"A new general, Asakura Yoshikage, has taken command and is fighting the Ikki of Kaga."

"I see... Kyoto is far, Saimonnojō."

"..."

Even the usually optimistic Saimonnojō Fujihide was silent.

In July, the Asakura, led by Shōdatsu, started a war against the Ikki of Kaga. As expected, the Asakura chose to fight in Kaga rather than send troops to Kyoto. Lord Yoshiteru had hoped that after defeating the Ikki, Shōdatsu would come to Kyoto... The suppression of the Ikki was a preparation for the return to Kyoto, to eliminate future concerns...

But Shōdatsu is dead. With the death of Shōdatsu, a powerful figure in the Asakura family, significant changes are expected. However, it's unclear what those changes will be. Without that clarity, Lord Yoshiteru cannot move. The shogunal retainers are bowing their heads, likely due to the same reason. Lord Yoshiteru's luck is bad, and everything is going against him.

"My lord, do not be discouraged. There are many who support you, starting with Nagao Kagekatsu of Echigo. Gather their strength and return to Kyoto."

Fine Kawarabayashi Hyōbu-taifu encouraged Lord Yoshiteru. Kawarabayashi and Saimonnojō are half-brothers, and indeed, their loyalty to Lord Yoshiteru is similar, not just in appearance.

"That's right, as Hyōbu-taifu says. I cannot be discouraged. ...Minbu-shōsuke, how is Takewakamaru?"

"Takewakamaru is at Kutsuki Castle. Being young, he must focus on his studies. He is probably reading a military book now."

"That's right, he is only seven. Still the age to focus on studies."

Lord Yoshiteru smiled, and the shogunal retainers laughed. The atmosphere lightened, and they left Lord Yoshiteru's presence.

Returning to Kutsuki Castle and going to Takewakamaru's room, I found him clicking the abacus.

"Feeling energetic."

"Grandpa... Is Kiri here?"

Takewakamaru called out, and a young maid came into the room.

"Prepare roasted tea for Grandpa."

"Yes."

Preparing tea means there is something to talk about. I sat down, and he immediately spoke.

"Grandpa, the rice from the Seto Inland Sea region is no good. The price has risen due to the war between the Mōri and Tō. The regions of Echizen, Kaga, Etchū, and Echigo are also no good. Tamba is also no good due to continuous wars. The relatively cheaper options are Ise, Mino, and Omi. A bit further away is the San'in region. This year, we will probably buy rice from there."

"I see."

Takewakamaru looked at me.

"Shōdatsu of the Asakura is dead."

"Yes, he is dead. Lord Yoshiteru is very disappointed."

"I told you he couldn't be relied upon."

"Yes, that's right."

The maid brought the roasted tea. I took a sip, and the bitterness in my mouth seemed to disappear.

"Can the Asakura defeat the Ikki of Kaga?"

When I asked, Takewakamaru lowered his gaze.

"...Grandpa, I don't think the Asakura can be relied upon anymore."

"..."

"Shōdatsu was too great. Because of him, the Asakura entrusted everything to Shōdatsu. It was fine while he was alive, but now there is no one to succeed him."

"Is there no one?"

Takewakamaru looked at me and sighed.

"If there were, would Shōdatsu, nearly eighty, command the war himself? There is no one, which is why Shōdatsu did it. I think he probably thought the Asakura would be in danger after his death. That's why he tried to suppress the Ikki while he was alive. I don't think Shōdatsu ever considered coming to Kyoto."

I sighed. I realized again that Takewakamaru resented the shogunal retainers and Lord Yoshiteru for linking the Asakura's actions to the return to Kyoto. He wants them to see the reality.

"I don't rely on daimyo or court nobles. They all just watch the Miyoshi. Look at the Konoe; they changed their names to cut ties with the Ashikaga, seeing that they couldn't match the Miyoshi and Kujo. The same goes for the Asukai; they focused on self-preservation after the birth of the prince. Neither family is doing anything to bring Lord Yoshiteru back to Kyoto. They just write to me, saying it's not going well."

His tone was dismissive, showing how frustrated he was.

"Then what will you do? Will you keep Lord Yoshiteru in Kutsuki?"

"...Does Grandpa want to bring Lord Yoshiteru back to Kyoto?"

"If possible, yes. But it's not necessary to push too hard. Kutsuki is small, and there are limits to what can be done."

Since the bushi cannot be relied upon, I tried to use the court to bring Lord Yoshiteru back to Kyoto. I made efforts, but they did not bear fruit. The only achievement is that Meme Tenshi gave birth to Prince Eirin. The connection with the Imperial family has strengthened, but the court nobles are not united in bringing Lord Yoshiteru back to Kyoto, so the court cannot pressure the Miyoshi...

It's not something Kutsuki can do alone. As long as the daimyo do not move, Kutsuki can do nothing. Perhaps it's not right to burden Kutsuki and Takewakamaru further. Wanting to bring Lord Yoshiteru back to Kyoto is my selfish desire. The shogunate relying so much on Kutsuki is also my responsibility. I got too close to the shogunate...

"I'm tired of it. When I'm called, I listen to the daimyo's complaints about not following their orders. What can I do? If I tell the truth, they make a face. I can only listen silently or tell lies. In the end, I'm told that I should have half of Omi. It's a subtle way of criticizing Kutsuki for being small. I'm fed up. It's not for Grandpa, but for me to bring Lord Yoshiteru back to Kyoto."

"...But, is there a way?"

Takewakamaru bit his lip and fell silent. Probably not...

"I have one idea, but it will cost money."

His tone was slow, showing he was deeply considering it.

"What is it?"

"The Emperor. Though it's a bold idea, we will use the Emperor."

The Emperor? But with the court nobles not supporting the Ashikaga, it should be difficult...

"The Emperor is over fifty. There might be a succession."

"A succession? So Prince Soshin will ascend the throne?"

"Yes."

The Emperor's death is not impossible...

"To ascend the throne requires money, and the court has none."

"Surely..."

His voice trembled. Takewakamaru nodded.

"Kutsuki will provide the money. It will cost about 2,500 kan, but it's worth it. The Emperor, or rather the court, cannot ignore Kutsuki. They will probably offer an official position, but I won't accept it."

He said it firmly.

"...Reconciliation, then."

"Yes, I will demand it."

"But will the court move? The Kujo and Miyoshi might oppose it."

"There is a possibility. If they do, Kutsuki will cut ties with the court and the Emperor. I will inform the Asukai and Konoe after the coronation. They will desperately try to persuade the Kujo and Miyoshi."

"I see."

The current Emperor has not had a coronation for ten years. The court is in dire straits. If Kutsuki abandons the court, what will happen? Everyone will criticize the court for not being able to fulfill the request of a small lord from Omi. No daimyo will contribute to the Emperor. They will only contribute for the sake of an official position. The court will become even more impoverished...

"I will earn money. For that purpose. I will buy reconciliation with money. Lord Yoshiteru might be against it, but I will do it."

Takewakamaru glared at me. He will do it even if I oppose him.

"Understood. I will persuade Lord Yoshiteru. It's much better than being buried in Kutsuki. Do your best."

He will be angry, but I will persuade him. That's all I can do...