Chapter 51

Eiroku 11 (1568) July, late month, Nomi Province, Masamura Village, Masamura Castle, Shiina Uemon-no-taifu Yasahiro

Someone entered the room. First, an elderly man, then a middle-aged man, and finally a young man. The elderly and middle-aged men must be the Takeda father and son. The young man seemed to be Kudoki Daisen-no-taifu. He was wearing unusual armor. Kudoki was trading with the Southern Barbarian merchants. It might be the rumored Southern Barbarian armor. Still, are the Takeda father and son wearing great armor? That’s quite rare.

After them, the Uesugi family retainers entered one after another. For the Takeda father and son to come here... The elderly man took the seat opposite me, the highest seat, which should have been for Daisen-no-taifu. The next seat was taken by Takeda Shuri-no-taifu. Sigh, do I have to give up my seat?

As I was about to stand, a voice called out, "Stay there." It was Daisen-no-taifu.

"In the middle of battle, there’s no need to worry, stay there."

Hesitating, Daisen-no-taifu took the seat below mine. Troublesome, but since the Kantou Kanrei nodded, I said, "It’s an honor," and bowed. Daisen-no-taifu lightly returned the bow. Then the Uesugi family retainers took their seats.

"Daisen-no-taifu, it’s been a long time. I’m grateful for your visit this time."

The Kantou Kanrei’s words were met with a shake of the head from Daisen-no-taifu.

"It’s not much. I’m the one who feels honored by such words from the Kantou Kanrei."

The Kantou Kanrei laughed out loud.

"It’s a bad habit of Daisen-no-taifu. He’s always being modest."

"It’s not like that..."

Daisen-no-taifu smiled wryly, and the Kantou Kanrei laughed again. Indeed, I’ve heard that the Kantou Kanrei and Daisen-no-taifu have a close relationship, and it seems true. The Uesugi family retainers also looked pleased.

"This is our first meeting, Shiina Uemon-no-taifu."

"Shiina Uemon-no-taifu Yasahiro, I look forward to working with you."

"Kudoki Daisen-no-taifu Motonori. I also look forward to working with you."

Hmm, he’s different from what I’ve heard. He’s said to have a fiery temper, but he doesn’t seem that way. Rather, he seems to be a polite and considerate man.

After exchanging pleasantries, the introductions of the Takeda father and son were made, and the greetings ended. Takeda Shuri-no-taifu claimed the title of Noto Guardian. Indeed, he’s trying to gain recognition from the Kantou Kanrei. Noto is outside the jurisdiction of the Kantou Kanrei, but Echigo, the base of the Kantou Kanrei, is close to Noto. He’s probably trying to use it as a backing. Or perhaps things didn’t go well with Daisen-no-taifu. They don’t seem particularly close.

"We need to decide on the punishment for the Jikkyo and the disposition of Etchu. First, Shinagawa District, which will be governed by Shiina."

"Thank you."

I bowed to the Kantou Kanrei. I have no complaints; receiving the entire Shinagawa District, which was being eroded by the Jikkyo, should amount to about 150,000 koku.

"Next, Nomi District, which will go to Daisen-no-taifu."

"I will decline. There’s no need to worry about me."

What? Nomi District should be worth nearly 200,000 koku. To decline it? Murmurs arose from everyone. The Kantou Kanrei’s expression showed surprise. Only Daisen-no-taifu’s expression remained unchanged.

"I have a proposal."

"What is it?"

"Let’s divide Nomi District into two parts, north and south. Give about 100,000 koku in the northern part to the Jikkyo, and let the Uesugi family hold the remaining part of Nomi District, as well as Ichinomiya and Funehashi Districts. Make Masamura Castle a base for the Uesugi family’s control of Etchu. Considering Hida, I think this would be better."

"Hmm."

The Kantou Kanrei grunted. Murmurs arose again.

Indeed, about 100,000 koku in Nomi District, plus Ichinomiya and Funehashi Districts, would amount to about 300,000 koku. The Uesugi family would gain a solid position in Etchu. With the Ikkō-ikki now cut off, the Jikkyo family wouldn’t gain significant power in Nomi District. However, to give up 200,000 koku...

"But is that alright, Daisen-no-taifu?"

"It’s fine. For our family, it’s enough that Etchu and Hokuriku are stable. We don’t need more than that."

The Kantou Kanrei nodded vigorously.

"It’s an honor. Then, I will do as you suggest. I will give 100,000 koku in Nomi District to Jikkyo Uemon-no-jo. If he refuses, we will crush him. Yamashiro-no-kami, send a messenger."

"Hai."

Naoe Yamashiro-no-kami stood to send the messenger. It didn’t take long for a response of acceptance to come from Jikkyo Uemon-no-jo. Though his status would be reduced to about half of what it was, he couldn’t complain. Without the support of the Ikkō-ikki, Jikkyo Uemon-no-jo is isolated in Etchu.

Eiroku 11 (1568) August, late month, Omi Province, Noto District, Kihama Village, Kihama Castle, Saito Yamashiro-no-kami Sadahiro

Mehata Jirozaemon-no-jo suddenly visited the castle without any prior notice.

"How are you, Jirozaemon-no-jo?"

"I was in the area and decided to drop by."

"Surprising, indeed."

"Did I cause any trouble?"

"What are you saying? Let me offer you some tea. Or perhaps water, given this heat? Or sake?"

"Water would be appreciated."

Though he said he was in the area, it’s unlikely to be a coincidence. Considering there was no prior notice, he probably wanted to have a private conversation. His request for water instead of sake also suggests this. I also had something to discuss, probably the same topic. I ordered water to be prepared and led him to my private room.

"Jirozaemon-no-jo, how are things in your domain?"

Jirozaemon-no-jo’s face relaxed.

"Things are going smoothly. And Yamashiro-no-kami?"

"Things are going smoothly here as well. The peasants are working hard on soap production."

We looked at each other and laughed.

"How many troops have you gathered?"

"About six to seven tenths. As a member of the council, I can’t show too much incompetence. And Yamashiro-no-kami?"

"The same here."

I nodded. The lord said we only need to gather half, but we can’t be complacent.

A page brought in the water. After he left, I spoke.

"So, what brings you here today?"

Jirozaemon-no-jo chuckled, "You noticed, didn’t you?" We each took a sip of water. This might be the only moment we can drink calmly.

"A bit of a troublesome matter has arisen. I need your advice. It seems that Sakyo Daisen-no-taifu has sent messengers to the local samurai in southern Omi. I was consulted on how to handle it."

"..."

"You’re not surprised. Did you already know, Yamashiro-no-kami?"

"I did. Did you receive any messengers?"

Jirozaemon-no-jo shook his head.

"I didn’t. As a member of the council, I’m being treated well, and I have no complaints."

"Indeed. Neither did I."

We laughed. I feel so well-treated that it’s almost comical. It must look even more so from the outside.

"The messenger came to Kozuka Sakon-no-shousuke."

"Ah, I see. A good target."

Jirozaemon-no-jo nodded. Kozuka Sakon-no-shousuke Takaharu was the second son of Gotou Tango-no-kami, but became the head of the Kozuka family on Sakyo Daisen-no-taifu’s orders. He must feel indebted...

"Sakon-no-shousuke is quite troubled. He doesn’t deny his debt to Sakyo Daisen-no-taifu, but he can’t side with him. He can’t cause more confusion in the Kozuka family."

"..."

"The Kozuka family has welcomed adopted heirs for two generations. Sakon-no-shousuke has to consider the branch families."

"The branch families must resent Sakyo Daisen-no-taifu."

I nodded. Sakon-no-shousuke must be in a position where he can’t afford to consider such things as gratitude.

"Did Sakon-no-shousuke clearly refuse?"

"Of course, but the other side didn’t seem to give up."

If the lord were here, he would immediately report it and the matter would be settled. But the lord is on a campaign in Hokuriku. He has already conquered Etchu and is now attacking Noto. The campaign is going smoothly, and it’s expected to be resolved soon. But it will still take some time for him to return.

"While the lord is away, if messengers come again and again, rumors might start. What will the lord and the surrounding people think? Sakon-no-shousuke is afraid of that."

"Perhaps that’s Sakyo Daisen-no-taifu’s intention."

"Sakon-no-shousuke hasn’t even consulted his elder brother, Gotou Iki-no-kami. Probably because of what happened to Tango-no-kami, he doesn’t want to involve the Gotou family."

Jirozaemon-no-jo’s tone was bitter. It might be more accurate to say Honenji’s Kennyo rather than Sakyo Daisen-no-taifu. I’ve heard that Sakyo Daisen-no-taifu is in Ishiyama.

"I can’t confidently guarantee Sakon-no-shousuke’s innocence. After all, we were originally retainers of the Rokkaku family. Even if I vouch for his innocence, there’s a possibility that others won’t believe it."

"I’m in the same position."

The lord doesn’t discriminate among his retainers, but that doesn’t mean we are unconditionally trusted. We must be careful not to misstep.

"Who came to you, Yamashiro-no-kami?"

"Yanagida Bitchu-no-kami. The Yanagida family is one of the seven heads of Takashima, a branch family. He probably thought there was a connection."

"Foolish."

Jirozaemon-no-jo sighed. Indeed, it’s foolish. Even if they are branch families, they are now essentially separate families. It would only be a nuisance for Yanagida Bitchu-no-kami.

"To be honest, I can’t imagine the local samurai in southern Omi rebelling against the lord."

I nodded.

"I agree. It’s been about a year since they submitted to Kudoki. The peasants are happy; taxes are lower, and prices have dropped. There’s no need to go to war. In this situation, it’s hard to imagine the peasants accepting a rebellion against Kudoki. If the lord were to cut off support, the peasants might even rebel against us."

I exhaled, taken aback by Jirozaemon-no-jo’s words.

"Sakyo Daisen-no-taifu doesn’t understand this."

I nodded. Every daimyo is cautious about controlling the local samurai. They must neither be too lenient nor too strict, praising and scolding at the right times to win their hearts. It’s not an easy task. The local samurai are more difficult to handle than enemies. One mistake can lead to chaos and destruction. The Rokkaku family was ultimately abandoned by the local samurai and fell.

In this regard, the Kudoki family’s treatment of the local samurai can be described as extremely lenient. They don’t take hostages, order them to perform labor, or impose unreasonable military service. To the enemy, it might seem that the lord’s control over the local samurai is weak and vulnerable. But that’s not the case. The lord is not trying to control the local samurai. He is trying to enrich the peasants and merchants under his rule.

As long as they remain under Kudoki’s rule, they can be prosperous and safe. If they leave, they will lose everything. As Jirozaemon-no-jo said, if they rebel against the lord, the peasants will surely abandon them. It might not be visible from the outside, but it’s clear from the inside. The lord’s control over the local samurai is extremely strong. They can’t survive without him.

"Yamashiro-no-kami, should we write a letter to the lord together?"

"That’s a good idea. First, let’s write a letter. But instead of writing directly to the lord, let’s write to someone the lord trusts, someone who knows Sakon-no-shousuke and Bitchu-no-kami well. We’ll ask that person to write to the lord."

Jirozaemon-no-jo frowned.

"Is there such a convenient person? If there is, that would be great."

"Kaga-no-kami."

"Kaga-no-kami? Hiraizumi?"

"Yes, Kaga-no-kami is the grandfather of the young master, Takewakamaru. He would never harm the Kudoki family. Everyone should recognize that he puts the Kudoki family first."

I nodded, and Jirozaemon-no-jo’s expression brightened.

Lady Obokata is close to her due date, so Kaga-no-kami must be busy. It’s a bit awkward to ask him at such a time... If Lady Obokata were truly the daughter of Seishin Nyudo, the lord could have been adopted by the Rokkaku family after the fall of Kannonji. Omi could have been unified without conflict, and the Rokkaku family could have become stronger under a new head... Even if she were an adopted daughter, the lord should have been adopted by the Rokkaku family. That way, the lineage of the Omi Guardian, the Rokkaku family, could have been preserved. I did consider it, but I couldn’t take that step...

Eiroku 11 (1568) August, late month, Noto Province, Kashima District, Furusato Village, Kudoki Motonori

After conquering Etchu, the allied forces of Kudoki, Uesugi, Shiina, Jikkyo, and Takeda, numbering 45,000, invaded Noto. In response, Yusa and Nagahisa gathered their forces at Nanao Castle. It wasn’t just the local samurai; the Ikkō-ikki and refugees from Etchu also joined. Even the ones who had promised to defect to me, such as Onii and Miyake, entered Nanao Castle. They seemed to have been forcibly gathered.

The total number of forces at Nanao Castle exceeded 20,000. Before attacking the castle, we decided to suppress Noto first. We thought it would be easier to demoralize the enemy. Onii and Miyake would also find it easier to defect. The Uesugi, Shiina, and Jikkyo forces surrounded Nanao Castle, while the Kudoki forces suppressed the districts of Hakui, Kashima, Futo, and Suzu. The suppression itself wasn’t difficult; the castles were mostly empty, like abandoned houses.

After completing the suppression and returning, we found that Nanao Castle had fallen. It was a sturdy castle with countless fortifications on the ridges, somewhat resembling Kannonji Castle. I thought it would be tough to take, but it fell surprisingly easily. It was a bit unexpected. The reason for the fall of Nanao Castle was not military but due to the castle being a defective residence. In modern terms, it would be a reason for a lawsuit. The lawsuit would be against Takeda Yoshinori and Yoshitsuna, but the people in the castle were trespassers, so it’s their own fault. It’s the curse of Takeda Yoshinori and Yoshitsuna.

The castle had the space to accommodate 20,000 people, but it lacked the facilities for 20,000 people to live. The sewage system couldn’t handle the waste, and the castle became unsanitary, with waste overflowing in various places. In other words, the living space was unnecessarily large. It was also summer, making food spoil easily and increasing the risk of food poisoning. With these conditions, an epidemic was inevitable. Something like E. coli or dysentery broke out. The epidemic and the dead bodies made the situation in the castle miserable. On windy days, the stench from the castle reached the Uesugi forces surrounding it. I was glad I was on the outside.

Onii and Miyake didn’t need to defect. They couldn’t fight in such conditions; they didn’t want to die in filth. So, before I returned to Nanao Castle, they surrendered. The epidemic claimed many foot soldiers, Ikkō-ikki monks, and followers. The higher-ranking samurai were less affected. The reason was soap.

The higher-ranking samurai used soap, so they were relatively well-off in terms of hygiene. The foot soldiers didn’t use it, and the monks and followers wouldn’t use the soap made by Kudoki. Eating with unclean hands naturally led to illness. Yusa and Nagahisa decided to surrender because the monks and followers, who were in the majority, died in large numbers, and the soap ran out, making the situation dangerous. I was surprised to learn that soap is a necessity in a siege. It should be upgraded to a military supply. It will sell even more.

Now, I will meet with the surrendered people. The location is the Uesugi camp. Nanao Castle is too dangerous. But I don’t really want to go to the Uesugi camp. The Uesugi generals are troublesome. Naoe and Honjo say things like, "You’ve grown so much," with tears in their eyes, and others talk about how good sake tastes or how they want to try rare sake or a Southern Barbarian armor