Chapter 33

This time, the characters might be a bit hard to understand.

Hidemaru Goroemon Yukichika - Retainer of the Rokkaku family, hereditary retainer, member of the council

Miyagawa Shinjiro Yasunori - Retainer of the Rokkaku family, hereditary retainer, member of the council

Muroga Jinshiro Mitsumasa - Retainer of the Rokkaku family, former retainer of the Takeda family

Ashida Sirozaemon Nobushige - Retainer of the Rokkaku family, former retainer of the Takeda family

Rokkaku Sakyo Daifu Teruyori - Head of the Rokkaku family, biological son of Hosokawa Harumoto, adopted into the Rokkaku family

Miyoshi Sakyoshi Chokei - Head of the Miyoshi family

Eiroku 7 (1564) - Late June - Omi Province, Ika District, Shioazumi Beach - Shioazumi Beach Castle - Rokkaku Yoshitsuna

Today is the day of the council, but it's proceeding smoothly without any troublesome lawsuits. The rice is growing well, and the cotton is also doing fine, according to the report from Naganuma Shinzaburo, the agricultural magistrate. This year, I also distributed cotton seeds to the local people of Omi. In another one or two years, cotton will spread throughout the four northern districts of Omi.

The production and sale of soap are also going well. The abolition of the checkpoint in Tsuruga has increased the flow of soap to Tsuruga. It seems that trade by sea is gaining momentum. Both cotton thread and soap are doing well. By the end of this year, all the soldiers will be replaced by mercenaries hired with money. Finally, I will be able to mobilize ten thousand soldiers.

The production of sake is also going well. Sake from the production facilities in Ika and Asai districts is being sold to Echizen and Mino. I think it's also needed in Sakata, but there have been poor harvests in various places recently. I wonder if it's even right to produce sake. In some regions, there are even orders to prohibit the production of sake. It seems to be particularly strict in the Tohoku region.

"The Ming ships are negotiating with the merchants at Izumo Mihonoseki. It seems to be going well," I said, and everyone nodded happily. If we can establish trade with China, more merchants will come to Tsuruga seeking goods from Tang. Everyone is looking forward to the ripple effect.

We are also developing new specialty products in Tsuruga. I am considering selling Tsuruga salt as a luxury item. I first presented a large amount of Tsuruga salt to the Emperor through the Hikone family.

"I have heard that the Imperial family used to use Tsuruga salt. Now that Rokkaku has taken over Tsuruga, I would like to follow the old tradition and present the salt."

When I said this, the court was delighted. They were happy not only with the salt but also with the fact that I was following the old tradition. They appreciated that I respected the court. I also gave some to Yoshiteru, who was also pleased.

Salt is an essential item for human life. It is also used in religious and ceremonial rituals. The court, in particular, uses a lot of salt. The best thing is that salt does not spoil. For these reasons, it is well-received. I received a letter from my aunt, saying she wanted to meet me in person, but it's difficult. What should I do?

By presenting salt to the Emperor, we are trying to establish the image that Tsuruga salt has been used by the court for a long time and is of high quality. This strategy is gradually paying off. Tsuruga salt is being traded at higher prices. Salt can be produced anywhere there is the sea, so the challenge is to add value. Rokkaku is taking the lead.

Not everything is going smoothly, however. One of the concerns is the war between the Asakura of Echizen and the Ikko-ikki of Kaga. Given the timing, it will probably start soon. They will fight in July and August, harvest rice in September, and fight again from mid-October to December until the snow falls. It's inefficient, and this helped the Asakura last year. How will it be this year? Zōzō thinks it will be tough...

Fortunately, the fortifications at Kinen Pass are progressing smoothly. According to Takenaka Hanbei's letter, the four forts will be completed by early summer. The newly sent Muroga Jinshiro and Ashida Sirozaemon are working hard to master the handling of the arquebus. They are also considering using signal fires to improve coordination between the forts. These two, who are from the Takeda, seem to be good at it. I am thinking of officially adopting it in Rokkaku if it works well.

"By the way, there is a somewhat unpleasant matter," I said, and everyone looked at me with concern.

"Rokkaku Sakyo Daifu seems to be unhappy with me."

Everyone didn't seem very surprised. Is it generally believed that Rokkaku and Rokkaku are not on good terms? Or is it just me and Teruyori?

"It can't be helped. There's the matter of Sakata District," Goroemon said, and everyone nodded. It's not like I conquered it. Sakata District wanted to be under Rokkaku's control, so I accepted it.

"There's also the matter of Kunitomo Village," I added.

"Rokkaku is monopolizing the arquebus, that's what they think," Shinjiro said, and everyone nodded again.

Monopolizing the arquebus, I see. There is some truth to that. Kunitomo Village and Sakai were the main production centers for arquebuses. Rokkaku entered the market, and now the northern districts of Omi, including Rokkaku Valley, Shimizu Mountain, Funaki, and Kōya, are a major production area for arquebuses. Kunitomo Village is also under Rokkaku's control. It might not just be about being unhappy; it could be a security concern. Rokkaku has nearly a thousand arquebuses, which is unsettling.

"I'm thinking of building a castle in Shioazumi, but it seems Sakyo Daifu is complaining. What does it mean to build a castle in Sakata District? Is Rokkaku trying to show off? It should be returned. There might also be concerns that it will be used as a base to attack the Rokkaku."

Someone sighed. Really, what a troublesome kid. Choosing a lord based on family background and lineage can lead to trouble.

"Not greeting him at the beginning of the year also seems to have affected him. He's angry, thinking he was mocked."

"..."

No one suggested going to greet him now. It would be dangerous.

"Well, I don't think it will come to war, but please warn the local people of Sakata District to be careful."

After the council, I returned to my room, dismissed everyone, and lay down. Sometimes, I just don't want to think about anything. But there are still things I can't help but think about. It seems that Miyoshi Chokei is getting worse. It's about time; he will probably die soon. A year after Chokei's death, Yoshiteru will also die. These two deaths will trigger a great turmoil in the capital. Or will they? There are too many uncertain factors, and I can't predict what will happen. What a headache...

Eiroku 7 (1564) - Late June - Omi Province, Ika District, Shioazumi Beach - Shioazumi Beach Castle - Rokkaku Koyone

"Lord, it's Koyone. May I come in?"

"Come in," I replied, and she entered to find me lying down carelessly.

"Are you not feeling well, my lord?"

"No, I just don't feel like getting up."

He didn't look unwell, so he was probably telling the truth.

"Why don't you sit down? You must have something to say."

"Yes."

She hesitated but then sat down next to me. I continued to look at the ceiling without concern.

"Is there something worrying you?"

"...Yes."

"Is it about your father-in-law?"

"Do you know about it?"

"Somewhat."

He answered without looking away from the ceiling.

"Recently, the letters from Hei have been strange. Before, they were bright and said that everything was fine with Sakyo Daifu becoming the head of the Rokkaku family, but now they don't mention it at all, and it seems like he's avoiding it..."

He glanced at me.

"You are caught between the Rokkaku and Rokkaku families. Your father-in-law is in a difficult position."

"Well, I've heard that things haven't been going well with the people from the shogunate..."

He glanced at me again and sat up.

"That's also true. The shogunate officials want to ally the Rokkaku and Rokkaku to counter the Miyoshi. Chokei is seriously ill, and he probably won't last long."

"Is he that ill?"

"Yes, he might not make it through this summer. That's why the shogunate officials are in a hurry. But for the Rokkaku's senior retainers, it's a troublesome situation. The Rokkaku family is in disarray due to recent chaos. They prioritize internal affairs over war to unify their territory. Your father-in-law might be the one who least wants Chokei to die."

Is that sarcasm? I wondered, but he looked serious. He seemed to genuinely believe it.

"...What does Sakyo Daifu think about it?"

When I asked, he gave a light smile.

"Koyone, internal affairs are a dull and tedious job. For Sakyo Daifu, who was adopted into the family, it's not an interesting task."

He called him "Sakyo Daifu" without honorifics. He didn't seem to have good feelings towards him.

"Lord, you seem to enjoy internal affairs."

"I like dull and tedious jobs. There are people like that in the world."

"Well, you are a bit unusual..."

I couldn't help but laugh.

"Everyone says that. I'm sure you've heard it once or twice."

"That's true. But everyone is grateful to you for making the territory prosperous."

He looked at the ceiling again. He seemed embarrassed, which was kind of cute.

"Sakyo Daifu doesn't seem to like Rokkaku."

"...Is it because of the New Year's greeting?"

"No, no, Koyone."

He looked at me.

"There was a grudge between Rokkaku and Sakyo Daifu even before you married into the family..."

He then began to tell me about the grudge.

It all started with the relationship between Sakyo Daifu's father, Hosokawa Harumoto. When the shogun fought against Miyoshi, Hosokawa also joined the fight and was defeated, fleeing to Rokkaku. He stayed there for about four years. He couldn't return on his own, but through the efforts of Yuki, a peace agreement was reached, and he was able to return to Kyoto. However, in that peace agreement, Hosokawa was left out and couldn't return to Kyoto...

"It couldn't be helped."

He shook his head.

"To the Miyoshi, Hosokawa was a more hated figure than the shogun. To reach a peace agreement, they had to abandon Hosokawa. But it's true that this created a grudge between Rokkaku and Hosokawa."

"..."

"For Sakyo Daifu, Rokkaku is the one who abandoned his father. He can't forgive that."

I didn't know. The peace agreement was only talked about in terms of Rokkaku's wealth. I didn't know this had happened... His expression was dark.

"Sakyo Daifu has the idea that Rokkaku should follow the Rokkaku. It seems the shogunate officials have been telling him to bring Rokkaku to Kyoto as the governor of Omi. But Rokkaku took over Sakata District and didn't even come to greet him. Sakyo Daifu is saying that Rokkaku is trying to usurp power. Naturally, he is being harsh towards your father-in-law."

"...What about the other senior retainers?"

He shook his head.

"Shintō and Megata think Rokkaku should cooperate and focus on internal affairs for a while, but they are being looked down upon. Sanboku and Hachisuka, the latter having a new head, are suspected of being close to Uesugi and are being kept at a distance. The shogunate officials might have arranged it that way. It's easy to manipulate a young Sakyo Daifu."

"..."

"Sakyo Daifu is also unhappy that Rokkaku allied with Oda without consulting the Rokkaku. He is even talking about allying with the Ikkoku of Mino to counter Rokkaku. It's a troublesome situation."

I couldn't help but sigh. He laughed, and I wondered how he could laugh.

"Don't look so worried, Koyone. As long as Rokkaku and Rokkaku are at odds, they won't unite to fight the Miyoshi. It's unlikely that Rokkaku and Rokkaku will fight each other. Sakyo Daifu can't start a war on his own."

"Is that so?"

He nodded and then changed his expression.

"More importantly, please tell your father-in-law to be careful. There's a risk."

"Is my father in danger?"

Surprised, I asked, but he shook his head.

"I'm not sure. That's why I want him to be careful. There's also the matter of Goto. You never know what a reckless person might do."

I sighed, trying to hold it back...

Eiroku 7 (1564) - Late July - Omi Province, Ika District, Shioazumi Beach - Shioazumi Beach Castle - Hidemaru Yukichika

The lord summoned all the samurai captains and magistrates to the main hall. I hurried to the hall, where everyone was already gathered. It seems I was the last one to arrive.

"I'm late."

I bowed and took my seat. The lord nodded and looked around the hall.

"Is everyone here?"

"A messenger has arrived from the Rokkaku family. His name is Otani Hyobu Fujiyasu. I believe you all know him. He is a close retainer of the shogun and was assigned to Sakyo Daifu. He says he has important matters to discuss. Please listen carefully."

Otani Hyobu Fujiyasu. I've heard he is quite arrogant, relying on the authority of the shogun, and has been causing a lot of trouble. He is a relative of Otani Saemon-suke, who attended the lord's wedding. I wonder what he has to say. It's probably related to the Miyoshi...

Otani Hyobu Fujiyasu entered the main hall. He nodded in satisfaction when he saw the many retainers of Rokkaku gathered. He must have thought he was being welcomed. After the formalities, he got straight to the point.

"I have come here today to mediate between the Rokkaku and Rokkaku families. The shogun is deeply concerned about the tension between the two families."

"..."

"Also, Miyoshi Sakyoshi Chokei passed away on the sixth of this month..."

"Pity, he was still young. I believe he was just over forty."

"..."

"I regret not meeting him while he was alive. Truly a loss."

"..."

Otani Hyobu seemed a bit flustered. Was it a provocation or genuine regret? I couldn't tell.

"By the way, Otani, are you here as a messenger of the Rokkaku family or the shogun? I'm not quite sure from what you've said."

The lord tilted his head.

"..., as a messenger of the shogun."

There was a pause. He was lying. This was either his own decision or at the request of Rokkaku Sakyo Daifu.

"I see. So what is the tension you speak of? You say there is tension between our families, but I have no idea what you're talking about. Goroemon, do you know?"

Everyone's eyes turned to me. What a nuisance, I didn't need to be singled out.

"I don't know either."

"Shinjiro, what about you?"

"I don't know either."

If the lord doesn't know, there's no way I or Shinjiro would know.

"As you can hear, we have no idea what you're talking about. Otani, what is this tension? Please explain. We can't proceed without that."

Otani Hyobu's face contorted. He seemed confused by the unexpected response.

"It's about Sakata District. Sakata District originally belonged to the Rokkaku family. Sakyo Daifu is unhappy that Rokkaku now owns it and considers it unjust."

"I see."

The lord nodded lightly.

"What do you think? Shouldn't Rokkaku return Sakata District to the Rokkaku family? Of course, not all of it. The two families should share it equally. Then, if you visit Kannonji Castle and have a friendly talk with Sakyo Daifu, the tension will be resolved."

"Visit Kannonji Castle?"

When the lord asked, Otani Hyobu nodded confidently.

"Until last year, you used to visit for the New Year's greeting. Sakyo Daifu is unhappy that this has stopped. This is a good opportunity to renew the friendship between the two families. The shogun will be pleased. Then, regarding the Miyoshi..."

"The Miyoshi are not our concern."

"..."

Otani Hyobu opened and closed his mouth, unsure of what to say.

"Otani, if we do as you say, Sakyo Daifu's tension will be resolved, and the shogun will be pleased, right?"

"Y-Yes."

"Very well, a well-thought-out plan. But how will you resolve my anger? I'm sure you have a plan, Otani."

"..., that..."

His eyes dart