Chapter 39

【Kudoki Family】

Kudoki Minbu Shousuke Sadatsuna - Grandfather of Yagoro Sadatsuna

Kudoki Koye - Wife of Yagoro Sadatsuna, daughter of Hirai Sadahide

Hidematsu Gorouemon Yukichika - Vassal of the Kudoki family, hereditary retainer, member of the council

Hidematsu Samon Sadanobu - Vassal of the Kudoki family, hereditary retainer, son of Gorouemon Yukichika

Kurono Jūzō Kagehisa - Vassal of the Kudoki family, leader of the Eight Gates

Ōtsu Hachizaemon Tsunahide - Vassal of the Kudoki family, former vassal of the Rokkaku family, magistrate of Ōtsu

【Rokkaku Family】

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

Koma Mimasaka-no-kami Hideshige - Vassal of the Rokkaku family, magistrate of Kusatsu

Hirai Kaga-no-kami Sadahide - Vassal of the Rokkaku family, one of the six major vassals

Hirai Yatarō Takaharu - Vassal of the Rokkaku family, son of Hirai Kaga-no-kami Sadahide

【Miyoshi Family】

Miyoshi Shurui Daidokoro Masakatsu - Former head of the Miyoshi family

Miyoshi Magojirō Masanari - Head of the Miyoshi family, son of Tokugawa Issai, adopted into the Miyoshi family

Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami Masahide - Brother of Masakatsu, uncle of Magojirō Masanari

Anzai Settsu-no-kami Fuyuyasu - Brother of Masakatsu, uncle of Magojirō Masanari

Matsunaga Danjō Tadayoshi - Vassal of the Miyoshi family

Naitō Bizen-no-kami Masahiro - Vassal of the Miyoshi family, brother of Matsunaga Tadayoshi

【Ashikaga Family】

Ashikaga Yoshiaki - 13th Shogun, died in the Eiroku Incident

Ichijō-in Kakukei / Ashikaga Yoshinaga - Brother of Yoshiaki, historical 15th Shogun Ashikaga Yoshinaga

Ashikaga Yoshitada - Cousin of Yoshiaki, historical 14th Shogun Ashikaga Yoshitada

Hosokawa Hyōbu Daidokoro Fujitaka - Vassal of Ashikaga Yoshiaki

【Hatakeyama Family】

Hatakeyama Shurui-no-suke Takaharu - Head of the Hatakeyama family, guardian of Kii and Kawachi

【Merchants】

Kumaya Genjiro - Merchant from Wakasa

Furukake Ribe - Merchant from Wakasa

Tanaka Sōtoku - Merchant from Wakasa

Eiroku 9 (1566) - Mid-June, Omi Province, Takashima District, Anai River Village, Shimizu Castle - Kudoki Sadatsuna

"Grandfather, how are you feeling?"

"Don't worry, I'm fine, as you can see. On good days, I even go up to the watchtower."

"I see, that's good. But don't overdo it."

"I understand. Don't treat me like I'm sick."

The grandfather smiled wryly. He seems to have lost some weight, and looks a bit smaller. But his complexion isn't bad, which relieved me.

He apparently caught a cold at the end of January and has been in and out of bed since then. What annoyed me was that he kept it a secret from me. I only found out at the end of February. Today, he seems to be feeling better, as he is properly dressed and waiting for me in the room.

"So, you've become a daimyo now, haven't you?"

"That's right. But it's a small province like Wakasa."

The grandfather laughed out loud.

"Still, that's quite an achievement, to have conquered it in just two months."

"Thanks to Kusunoki who persuaded Suka Yuzen to surrender. Once Suka surrendered, the other kokujin followed suit."

The grandfather nodded and sipped his tea. The Kusunoki family, a powerful clan in Wakasa, is related to the Kusunoki family through marriage. Before the invasion of Wakasa, I asked the Kusunoki family to persuade Suka Yuzen to surrender. The Kusunoki family, not wanting to lose the Suka family, worked hard to persuade them. I need to thank them later.

"But you didn't forgive Omi, did you?"

"He received favors from the Takeda but sided with the Miyoshi. I can't trust him."

"Is that all?"

"On the surface, yes."

The truth is different. Omi Suruga-no-kami Masahiro was powerful in western Wakasa and was trying to extend his influence to the Hama Bay. He also controlled the Tango Road to the west. He was an obstacle. With an untrustworthy Omi behind me, it would be difficult to advance west from Wakasa. We fought a tough battle, but he was outnumbered. We captured him as he was fleeing from his castle and beheaded him.

"The Miyoshi family has split."

"Yes, they have. The Ashikaga family has also split."

"What do you think about it?"

"I don't know. I'm having Kurazō investigate it. It's a surprise."

"I see..."

The grandfather's expression darkened. He is still concerned about the Ashikaga family.

During the expedition to Wakasa, the Miyoshi family suddenly split. Magojirō Masanari and the Matsunaga brothers against Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami Masahide and Anzai Settsu-no-kami Fuyuyasu, and the Miyoshi Three. This isn't surprising, as it happened historically. However, I am a bit confused. Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami Masahide and Anzai Settsu-no-kami Fuyuyasu have installed Ashikaga Yoshitada of the Hōjō Kō clan. This makes sense. But Magojirō Masanari and the Matsunaga brothers have installed Ichijō-in Kakukei, who later became Ashikaga Yoshinaga, at Taimon Castle. This is confusing.

Magojirō Masanari is the man who killed his brother Yoshiaki. How can he team up with Kakukei (Yoshinaga)? There must be a reason... In this world, Kakukei (Yoshinaga) did not flee from the Ichijō-in in Yamato. It seems he couldn't escape, but if he is working with them, it's a different story. It seems that for Kakukei (Yoshinaga), Yamato and Matsunaga Hisahide were considered safe. He didn't need to flee, and he wasn't in danger of being killed.

"Kakukei (Yoshinaga) from the Ichijō-in in Yamato has sent a letter asking for your support."

"That's what I expected."

"You don't need to be cautious with me. Do as you please."

"I don't need to worry. I've always done what I wanted."

"I see."

The grandfather smiled wryly.

"Grandfather, the court has offered me an official position, Jushiige, Daisan Daidokoro."

"Really? Are you going to accept it?"

"I think I will. There's no need to be cautious with the Rokkaku anymore. Also, the court sending an official position means they unofficially recognize the burning of Mount Hiei. There's a reason to accept it."

"That's a good idea."

It will also be a blow to the monks. Kenu might throw a tantrum again.

"Grandfather, Koye is pregnant."

"I heard. You're going to be a father."

"And you'll be a great-grandfather."

What a strange situation. In my original world, I was alone, but in this world, I have a wife and even a child...

"It's something to look forward to. I'm not ready to die yet."

"Exactly. Please live a long life."

According to Ayama, the baby is due around New Year's next year. I hope he lives until then.

Eiroku 9 (1566) - Mid-July, Omi Province, Ika District, Shiozuhama, Shiozuhama Castle - Kudoki Sadatsuna

"Congratulations on your appointment as Jushiige, Daisan Daidokoro."

Kumaya Genjiro, Furukake Ribe, and Tanaka Sōtoku bowed their heads.

"Thank you. I appreciate your efforts. I'm grateful."

"We are honored."

They brought a lot of gifts. I feel a bit embarrassed.

"By the way, are you going back to Wakasa?"

When I asked, the three of them exchanged glances and smiled.

"No, our base is now in Tsuruga..."

"If Wakasa prospers again, we might return."

"We hope that day will come."

It must be tough for merchants from Wakasa to work in Tsuruga. Wakasa should be thriving with trade through the Sea of Japan, centered around Hama, but...

"Eventually, that day will come. Ships will come and go from Hama."

The three of them looked pleased. It's not impossible. If the war ends and taxes are reduced, Wakasa's economy should naturally recover. It has a favorable geographical environment, with a good port in Hama and a large consumer market in Kyoto. Eventually, Kudoki's trade will be centered around the two major good ports, Tsuruga and Hama.

"By the way, do you have any interesting or concerning news?"

When I asked, the three of them thought for a moment. Furukake Ribe slapped his knee.

"Kumaya, Tanaka. There was the issue of maritime trade with China, wasn't there?"

"That's right."

"That's right."

The other two nodded. When I asked what it was, Kumaya Genjiro started to explain.

"I don't know if it's interesting, but it's a concerning matter. It seems that the voices calling for the abolition of the ban on maritime trade with China are getting stronger."

"..."

"It's said that the criticism is growing that the worsening of piracy in China is due to the ban on maritime trade."

"I see."

The ban on maritime trade, in other words, the maritime prohibition policy. It's a policy to limit trade through the tribute system and to crack down on smuggling and piracy, but it's not very effective. The two major security issues in China are the northern nomads and the southern pirates.

"If the ban on maritime trade is lifted, more ships will come, won't they?"

"Not necessarily," Tanaka Sōtoku shook his head.

"While they are recognizing trade with other countries, they are not recognizing trade with our country and Ryukyu."

"Why is that?"

"In short, it's because they don't trust Japan."

Oh, that's quite a harsh statement. The three merchants also smiled wryly.

"But if they recognize trade with other countries, won't it have an impact? It would be safer to go to a country where trade is recognized than to come here and break the law."

When I said this, Kumaya smiled slightly.

"The ones who are coming now say they will continue to come even if the ban is lifted."

"Even if they break the law?"

"It's profitable. Kelp, dried shiitake mushrooms, and soap. They can't give them up."

"I see."

Will it be okay? There might be some impact. If so, I should take out some insurance.

"I want to call in the Portuguese ships."

The three of them exchanged glances.

"As a replacement for Chinese ships?"

"That's one reason. But to be honest, I want their ships. And their cannons. I want to be able to build those ships and cannons in Kudoki."

"I see."

The three of them nodded.

"The Portuguese are in Sakai or Kyushu. If you give us some time..."

"Can you do it?"

"Yes."

Kumaya Genjiro answered, and Furukake Ribe and Tanaka Sōtoku also nodded. They are reliable. After all, the more trading partners they have, the more profit they can make. That's the calculation. But that's fine. A merchant's job is to make a profit. If they start chasing ideals, they're not merchants anymore.

"By the way, what will you do? I heard that you received a letter from Yoshinaga of Yamato asking for your support."

Furukake Ribe asked me. The other two were also looking at me intently. The split in the Ashikaga and Miyoshi families has finally reached the stage of armed conflict. Miyoshi Masahide and Anzai Fuyuyasu have captured the Matsunaga-controlled Yosui Castle in Settsu and welcomed Yoshitada to Taimon in Settsu. They will probably advance into Yamato with the support of Tsuchiya Masahiro and Kōfuku-ji. And Ichijō-in Kakukei has renounced his monastic vows and is now known as Ashikaga Yoshinaga.

"Unfortunately, Yoshinaga has not been appointed as Shogun. So, what I received is a letter similar to an official letter."

An official letter is a private document issued by the Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, usually accompanied by a letter from a close attendant. The letter I received had a letter from Hosokawa Fujitaka. Don't start acting like a Shogun yet.

"So, what will you do?"

Furukake Ribe asked again. He seems very concerned.

"Supporting Yoshinaga won't do any good."

"Is that so?"

"It won't. If I support Yoshinaga, it means I'm teaming up with Matsunaga. In that case, the Rokkaku will support Yoshitada. Yoshinaga will be surrounded by enemies."

The Rokkaku lost Yamato to Matsunaga and Ōtsu to Kudoki. They won't team up with these two. They are currently being pacified by the Shogunate vassals, but if I support Yoshinaga, the Rokkaku will definitely support Yoshitada.

"It would be more beneficial to team up with the Rokkaku. At least, the road from northern Yamato to Iga and Omi would be open. I could get reinforcements from the Rokkaku or escape if necessary. If I can also team up with the Hatakeyama of Kii and Kawachi, it would be difficult to lose. I replied that way."

Let the political struggles in Kyoto play out on their own. If I provide any support, it will be financial. I will focus on the conquest of Echizen. The goal is one million koku, right? The three of them exchanged glances.

"I understand your reasoning, but Yoshinaga won't give up."

"Why is that? Sōtoku."

"The balance of power is being tested."

"What do you mean?"

The balance of power? What a strange thing to say, Sōtoku. ...Kumaya Genjiro and Furukake Ribe also have serious expressions. Do they agree? Still, the balance of power, what a grandiose term.

"It's the prevailing opinion in the Kinai region. Kudoki is a loyal retainer of the late Yoshiaki. Whether Yoshinaga can win Kudoki's loyalty is being tested."

"Ridiculous. I don't know who's spreading such irresponsible rumors."

I couldn't help but shout. Yoshiaki, are you haunting Kudoki even after death? Have you really become Kudoki's guardian deity?

Eiroku 9 (1566) - Mid-July, Omi Province, Ika District, Shiozuhama, Shiozuhama Castle - Kudoki Koye

"Koye, how are you feeling? Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm fine."

"Good. But the heat will get worse. Be careful."

"Yes."

Lord Yagoro visits me several times a day to check on my health. He always stays with me at night.

"Lord, are you not feeling well?"

"Yes, every day is full of troublesome things and I get tired of it."

"No, that's not what I mean. It's because I'm in this condition..."

"Hmm, is it about the bedroom?"

"Yes."

Lord Yagoro tilted his head a bit.

"Has someone said something to you?"

"...Father Hirai said that there is someone he wants to serve you..."

"Someone you know?"

"A daughter of one of the retainers."

Lord Yagoro looked at me intently. It was a bit embarrassing.

"Tell your father that it's not necessary."

"Yes."

"You only need to think about giving birth to a healthy child."

"Yes."

Lord Yagoro smiled gently. Does he not want a concubine?

"Koye, which side will the Rokkaku family take, Yamato or Settsu? Has your father said anything?"

"No."

"I see... Then, please tell your father that Kudoki will focus on the Ikkō-ikki in Echizen for the time being and has no intention of intervening in the conflict in Kyoto."

"...Yes."

My father and Lord Yagoro are probing each other through me.

"It seems that Rokkaku Sakyo Daidokoro is causing trouble. He says that putting Samon in Shiozuhama Castle is a sign of attacking the Rokkaku, and that building a castle in Sakamoto is for some other purpose, and that the next target after Ōtsu is Kusatsu. He is suspicious of Kudoki, and your father and the Shogunate vassals are troubled by this. I swear, the Ōtsu incident was unexpected."

"..."

"Your father is in a difficult position. Because of the connection with Kudoki, he is now being looked at with suspicion."

"..."

"Perhaps it would be better for your father to side with Kudoki. Kudoki will always welcome your father. Please convey that as well."

"...Yes."

Eiroku 9 (1566) - Late July, Omi Province, Ritsuraku District, Hirai Village, Hirai Castle - Hirai Sadahide

Yatarō entered the room.

"Father, did you call me?"

"A letter from Koye has arrived. Read it."

I handed him the letter, and he started to read it. After finishing, he thought for a moment and read it again. After finishing, he handed the letter back to me.

"What do you think, Father?"

"...What do you think?"

"The Kudoki domain has