Chapter 12

### Kōji 3rd Year (1557) - Late July - Kōno Takashima District, Kutsuki Valley - Kutsuki Castle - Takewakamaru

Recently, I've started to enjoy playing with the abacus. *Pachi pachi pachi pachi.* It allows me to work mindlessly, and it feels good to see the money accumulate. It's not like I'm saving money for no reason, which is also a good thing. It's for the Emperor's enthronement ceremony. The preparations are more than sufficient; all that's left is to wait for the imperial succession.

I thought it was a dead end, with the samurai and the court nobles being useless, but then I realized that my aunt had given birth to a child. The child was a boy, named Eiren, the second prince of Prince Gōnin. The first prince is Prince Sanehito. I remember that later, Nobunaga pressured the then-Emperor to abdicate in favor of this prince. That means Prince Gōnin was the Emperor at that time. Well, of course, the current Emperor is already over fifty, so it's not unusual for a succession to occur.

So, when will it happen? There hasn't been a succession since Nobunaga's entry into Kyoto. That means it must have happened before 1569. I don't really remember any events of the Emperor's death in games or anything. So, it must have happened before the Battle of Okehazama. The Battle of Okehazama was in 1560, and now, with the death of Taihaku Shōsai in Suruga and the death of Saitō Dōsan, it's probably around 1557 or 1558. So, the Emperor's death is imminent, and Prince Gōnin will ascend the throne as Emperor Go-Nijō.

Thinking about this, I realized the enthronement ceremony. The court in this era is in dire straits. They can't even afford a wedding. The Empress, or rather, the Empress Dowager, used to be the Empress, but there isn't one now because it's too expensive to maintain. That's why my aunt is a lady-in-waiting, a position that's cheaper.

The princesses are mostly sent to nunneries because there's no money for weddings, so they are sent there instead. Of course, the same applies to the Emperor's enthronement ceremony. The current Emperor couldn't have his enthronement ceremony for ten years. He finally managed to have it after receiving donations from daimyos, but it took ten years. For the samurai, it's better to spend money on military equipment than on the enthronement ceremony.

So, if I have the money, I can fund the enthronement ceremony even from Kutsuki. They are in trouble because they don't have money. I can use this to negotiate peace. The Hōjō and the Miyoshi might complain, but the Miyoshi control Kyoto. They don't provide the money, so I will. If they have complaints, they should have provided the money themselves.

I've been making a lot of money. Sake and shiitake mushrooms aren't enough. So, I made money from rice. I sold rice to places at war. I didn't want Kutsuki to be directly involved, so I had the Hachimon do it. To the Tō, the Mōri, the Amako, and the Takeda of Kai and Wakasa. I sold a lot. I even sold to the Miyoshi in Tamba. I bought up all the rice for sake from the Kōya, the Furuse, and the Tanaka, so the price of rice skyrocketed from the Kinai to the Chūgoku region. I have to do it again this year.

The Mōri were in the middle of unifying the Chūgoku region after defeating the Tō at Itsukushima. They kept buying rice because of the continuous wars. Especially after they captured the Iwami Silver Mine, they paid well. They were really good customers. The remnants of the Tō and the Amako also bought rice. They were desperate. If they lost, they had no future, so they bought without hesitation. The Chūgoku region was a big profit.

The Takeda of Kai were in a bad situation. They couldn't produce much rice. They were always suffering from floods and famines, and they were poor, so they often lacked food. When I sold them rice, they even sold their captives and their families to raise money. It was hard to tell if they were fighting to become rich or to pay for the rice.

I understand how difficult it is to be poor, and I also understand that I don't have the right to criticize the Takeda for taking advantage of it. But, it's just too much. I can't criticize them, but I can't like or respect Takeda Shingen. He probably doesn't care if I dislike him.

Yoshitada's emotions have become more intense. He gets happy, cries, and gets angry over small things. Last year, in April, he mediated a conflict between the Asakura and the Ikko-ikki. After the death of Sōdatsu, the Asakura couldn't defeat the Ikko-ikki anymore. Yoshitada probably realized that entering Kyoto was impossible. Mediating the conflict was the only way to enhance the Shogun's authority. He must have been disappointed, as he grumbled every day.

He was very happy when Dōshin Ōtomo presented him with firearms at the end of the year. Kutsuki already had firearms, but he was happy that they were sent from Kyushu to Yoshitada. He was in a good mood for a while, but soon, the neighboring daimyos started to get angry, saying it was suspicious. There was a big gap between reality and his ideal. Besides, in this world, there are no counselors, so such mental illnesses only get worse.

Recently, he has been drinking more. Sometimes he drinks during the day. He must be feeling helpless. He doesn't get violent, but he cries. Sometimes he ends up crying himself to sleep. When he wakes up, he practices swordsmanship to hide his embarrassment. I warned the people around him not to let him drink, but they can't stop him.

In April this year, we held the 200th anniversary memorial service for Ashikaga Takauji in Kutsuki. We even called a monk from the Jōjūin, the Ashikaga family's temple. Yoshitada said it couldn't be done modestly, so we did it grandly. Of course, the expenses were covered by Kutsuki. We gave the monks a generous donation, and they went back with a smile. Yoshitada's emotions were heightened during the service, and he declared that he would crush the Miyoshi and cried while confessing to Takauji. It was quite a scene.

Then, he immediately came crying, saying that the Konoe residence had burned down. He only asked for money without offering any help. I was angry, but I treated it as an investment and provided aid. He needs money, but he mistakes the money I earn for his own. I want to cry.

I feel sorry for my grandfather. Sometimes he looks very sad. He probably relied on the Ashikaga to protect Kutsuki, but now the Ashikaga rely on Kutsuki. It's a ridiculous situation, with the Shogun of the land relying on a small domain with only 8,000 koku. My grandfather probably thinks he's just a burden to me. But he can't let go of his feelings for the Ashikaga. I can't do anything. Comforting him would only hurt him. The best I can do is take him fishing on the Azumi River to cheer him up. From the outside, we probably look like a close grandfather and grandson.

Sometimes, I think about using the Hachimon to assassinate the Emperor. But the risk is too high. Patience is a strategy, and I convince myself of that. ...Should I really do it? It's only a year or two earlier. If Yoshitada complains about buying peace with money, I'll say I killed the Emperor. I did it because you were weak. What do you think? Yoshitada might go insane. He might try to kill me.

That might not be bad. I might feel relieved right before he kills me, and it would be a good trial to toughen him up. I might even die laughing. ...No, my thoughts are becoming too extreme. It's a dangerous trend. Maybe I should take my grandfather fishing.

### Kōji 3rd Year (1557) - Mid-September - Kōno Takashima District, Kutsuki Valley - Kutsuki Castle - Kutsuki Aya

"Mother, it's Takewakamaru. May I come in?"

"Of course, come in."

The door opened, and Takewakamaru entered the room with Umamaru. This was the second time he had come to this room today. It's unusual for my son, who doesn't usually act like a child, to visit twice in one day. I felt a bit anxious.

Takewakamaru sat down, and Umamaru sat behind him. Umamaru is eleven years old, and I've heard he is about to have his coming-of-age ceremony.

"Mother, we received a letter from the Asukai family in Kyoto. It says the Emperor has passed away."

"Oh, the Emperor has passed away!"

"The letter says that there will be significant expenses for the funeral and the enthronement. I understand the enthronement will be expensive, but will the funeral also be costly? I'm not sure about this..."

It's rare for Takewakamaru to be confused.

"Yes, it will be costly. I've heard it costs about 1,000 kan. During the reign of Emperor Gotokugamon, the funeral was delayed because the funds were insufficient, and the body deteriorated badly. It was a terrible situation. I wonder how it will be this time... Father must be very worried."

Umamaru muttered, "1,000 kan." He must have been surprised. Takewakamaru, however, ... wasn't surprised. When will this child be surprised...

The funeral expenses were usually covered by the Ashikaga family. But after the Ōnin War, the Ashikaga's power weakened, and the court was affected. The current Shogun is in Kutsuki, not Kyoto. How will this affect the funeral and the enthronement? The letter from the Asukai family might be a hint that they want Kutsuki to provide assistance. I've heard that the 200th anniversary memorial service for Ashikaga Takauji in Kyoto was quite well-received.

"Mother, do you know the procedure from the Emperor's death to the enthronement of the next Emperor?"

"Yes, I know. In general, the enthronement is declared with the accession, followed by the funeral and a period of mourning. After the mourning period, the grand ceremony is held."

"Period of mourning? Grand ceremony?"

Takewakamaru frowned.

"There are things you don't know, Takewakamaru. The period of mourning is called 'Ryōan.' The grand ceremony refers to the enthronement ceremony and the Daijōsai."

"What about the Daijōsai?"

"It's the Niinamesai, which is held every November. The first Niinamesai after the enthronement is called the Daijōsai and is held specially."

"I see. When will the enthronement ceremony be held? After the mourning period, will it be next year?"

"Next year. The enthronement ceremony and the Daijōsai will not be held for a year after the previous Emperor's death."

Takewakamaru muttered, "Next year."

"You know a lot, O-kata-sama."

"In noble families, there are diaries of the successive heads. Reading them gives you a good understanding. If you don't read them, you can't acquire the knowledge necessary for a noble."

Umamaru sighed. He was genuinely surprised. But Takewakamaru...

"Takewakamaru-sama, about the funeral expenses..."

"Normally, the Ashikaga Shogun's family would cover them, but now the Miyoshi family controls Kyoto."

"So, will the Miyoshi family cover the expenses?"

"Perhaps."

Takewakamaru smiled. Was it a sneer? From a child?

"But if I were the Miyoshi Chikuzen-no-kami, I wouldn't. I would let the body deteriorate without a funeral. Then, when the situation becomes unbearable, the Emperor and the court nobles would beg for the funds. Everyone would think, 'The Ashikaga can't do it, only the Miyoshi can.' Eventually, no one would pay attention to the Shogun."

"..."

It was a sneer.

"Please don't worry, Mother. Kutsuki will cover the funeral expenses of 1,000 kan. I won't let Aunt suffer. Please convey this to her. ...Let's go, Umamaru."

"Understood."

With that, Takewakamaru left the room. I sighed.

### Kōji 3rd Year (1557) - Mid-October - Kōno Takashima District, Kutsuki Valley - Kutsuki Castle - Kutsuki Masatsuna

"Minbu Shōsuke-sama, Takewakamaru-sama, the Emperor was particularly pleased with your donation this time. Thanks to you, the funeral went smoothly."

Aya's brother, Asukai Saemon-no-suke Masahiro, laughed, hiding his mouth with a fan.

"Your aunt, Meme, also asked me to convey her gratitude."

"I am glad we could be of service."

I bowed, and Takewakamaru also bowed. Laughter was heard again. What a good mood.

The funeral of the previous Emperor was completed without any issues, thanks to the 1,000 kan prepared by Takewakamaru. Without it, the funeral might have been in a dire state. The court must have been very pleased. They sent Aya's brother, Asukai Saemon-no-suke Masahiro, to Kutsuki. They probably thought it would be difficult for anyone else to meet the Shogun. They wanted to make it look like a family visit.

Or, perhaps Masahiro volunteered. To show the relationship with Kutsuki to others. It's not unusual to think that as an uncle, I could extract more money from Kutsuki. The funeral was an unexpected expense for Takewakamaru, who was focused on the enthronement ceremony. But he saw it as an opportunity and didn't hesitate to donate.

"The Emperor also said he would grant an official rank to Takewakamaru when he comes of age. What a fortunate thing."

He laughed again.

"Uncle, I respectfully decline that offer. I did not donate for an official rank. It was solely for the Emperor's sake."

"How noble. ...I am truly moved, Masahiro."

He shook his head, as if deeply moved.

"May I ask, Uncle?"

"Of course, what is it?"

"What about the grand ceremony?"

Masahiro's expression turned grim.

"Unfortunately, the funds... If things continue like this, the ceremony will not be possible. Given the funeral, it's difficult to ask for more, but can Kutsuki provide a donation? Even a small amount would be appreciated..."

He asked hesitantly, watching us. Indeed, his target might be me. As an uncle, he might think I can extract more money from Kutsuki.

"Takewakamaru, what do you think?"

"Well... Uncle, how much do you need for the grand ceremony?"

"About 3,000 kan... But it's impossible, isn't it?"

He sighed sadly. What a good act. He's trying to gain our sympathy. Takewakamaru looked at me and nodded slightly. It's going according to plan.

"Uncle, it's fine."

"Really?"

Masahiro looked at me. This man still doesn't understand. The head of the Kutsuki family is Takewakamaru, not me. If he had been paying attention to the correspondence with Aya, he would have understood this. He's unreliable.

"3,000 kan, Kutsuki will donate."

"Really? Are you serious?"

He looked at me again.

"The head of the Kutsuki family is Takewakamaru."

"But... "

"There's no need to worry. The funds are already prepared."

Takewakamaru's words made Masahiro swallow hard.

"However, there is a condition."

"Condition?"

"Yes, you must not forget about the Shogun."

Masahiro's face twisted in panic.

"Ah, no, it's just that... It's difficult to negotiate with the Miyoshi. Everyone is just watching their movements..."

He panicked, and Takewakamaru slowly shook his head.

"Uncle, stop lying. We know that you and the Kanpaku have done nothing."

"..."

"You can't blame the past. I understand it's difficult to stand up to the powerful Miyoshi."

"Yes, that's true. It's not that we've given up on the peace negotiations, but the Miyoshi are too strong..."

He relaxed, realizing he wasn't being blamed. Takewakamaru nodded in agreement.

"I'm relieved to know you haven't given up on the peace negotiations."

"Really? You understand?"

"Yes. We can't waste this opportunity."

"Takewakamaru-sama..."

Takewakamaru looked at Masahiro, who straightened up, looking somewhat intimidated.

"The grand ceremony should be celebrated by all officials and warriors. Yoshitada is the pinnacle of the warrior class, and a grand ceremony without him is unthinkable. The Emperor would also be dissatisfied. Kutsuki cannot donate to such a ceremony."

"..."

What a good way to put it. The logic is on Takewakamaru's side. Masahiro was like a frog caught by a snake, unable to move.

"Uncle, please convey to the Kanpaku that Kutsuki will donate if the conditions are met. If not, Kutsuki will no longer be involved with the court. Is that clear?"

"That, that's..."

"Of course, relations with the Asukai family will also end."

"Wait!"

Masahiro, turning pale, was about to say something, but Takewakamaru shook his head to stop him.

"Uncle, this is a critical moment for the Asukai family. Please be resolute. If the peace negotiations succeed, the Asukai family will be more respected than ever. If not, everyone will criticize you. Aunt's position will also become precarious."

"..."

Masahiro froze, and Takewakamaru smiled at him.

"Don't overthink it. If it's a matter of the court, the Miyoshi won't refuse peace with Yoshitada. Especially with the grand ceremony at stake. If they refuse, they will have to provide the funds themselves. Isn't that right?"

"Yes, that's true."

"Please achieve the peace negotiations by March next year. I don't want the 3,000 kan we've prepared to go to waste, Uncle."

Takewakamaru chuckled. It seemed his frustration was finally relieved. With the grand ceremony at stake, the Kujō family can't strongly oppose. In fact, using the Kujō family to persuade the Miyoshi might make the peace negotiations easier. ...Still, the power of money is truly terrifying.