Chapter 62

Eiroku 13 (1570) Early November, Omi Province, Takashima District, Yasui River Village, Shimizu Castle, Kuki Mototsune

"Did your uncle report to Hanbei then?"

"No, not exactly. It was not me, but Umeda Saemon-no-kami who reported to Hanbei."

What do you mean? My uncle, Bizen-no-kami Yoshinori, laughed softly as he looked at my puzzled face. Buruchan is old, so he tries to appear dignified. Well, it doesn't matter; Uncle only acts so solemn when we're alone. I also find it amusing to talk to Uncle in my private room, with no one else around. Perhaps Uncle enjoys it too, knowing that I find it amusing.

"Saemon-no-kami wrote to ask about the state of Wakasa, as he was looking for a place to build a new house."

I see, it's about the 20,000 koku, isn't it? That hasn't been decided yet.

"Do you and Saemon-no-kami have a close relationship?"

Uncle said, "Well," and nodded.

"We fought together in Ise, so we have a certain level of familiarity."

It's surprising how things are connected. No, it's not strange since Uncle was under the Rokkaku, but there are connections I don't know about, which feels odd. I'm not worried, but it feels strange. Am I worried?

"Wakasa is a good place, but there is some concern about the movements of the Hatano and the Ikkoku. That's what I replied. Saemon-no-kami was concerned and reported to Hanbei, who then inquired with me."

Hanbei and Saemon-no-kami fought together in the conquest of Ise and Kaga, and they became close during that time. That's why he reported, right? Is Saemon-no-kami worried about me? Or was he worried about Uncle?

"Why didn't you report to me?"

Uncle scratched his head, looking troubled. If you had reported to me, I wouldn't have felt so uneasy...

"It's clear from Wakasa that you are having difficulties with Ise. The concerns about the Hatano and Ikkoku are just my intuition, and it's hard to..."

"..."

Uncle shook his head this time.

"I also received a letter from my grandson, Sakon. He doesn't say it, but he's having a hard time."

I couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Ah, what a bother. To have my pages and attendants read my mind, I must be shallow. I'm depressed."

"That's not true. A vassal's job is to read their lord's mind; otherwise, they can't serve."

"I see, that's how it is."

"That's how it is."

Uncle nodded solemnly. I felt a bit lighter.

"Understood. But in the future, don't hold back, Uncle."

"Hai, I will do so."

Uncle bowed. Let's end this issue here.

"So, how is it? You sent troops, but it's not going well, is it?"

"There are places where I feel that way. They're not openly hostile, but they're clearly wary, even watching us."

Uncle nodded solemnly.

"Was sending 3,000 troops the right decision, Uncle?"

"You should know best. Did you include the Hachimon?"

"Well, that's..."

When I answered, Uncle nodded.

"What I felt while in Takahama is that the Hatano and Ikkoku are clearly working together. The only target they would cooperate against is the Kuki. If it were the Miyoshi, the Ikkoku's movements would be more ambiguous."

Uncle's tone was serious. Yes, if it were the Miyoshi, the Hatano would be one thing, but the Ikkoku would have no direct involvement. It's a headache, and it's frustrating. The roasted tea tasted unusually bitter.

"What did the Hachimon say?"

Uncle looked at me as if peering into my face.

"...The monks of Mount Hiei have fled to Tamba and Tango. Unfortunately, both Hatano Saemon-no-kami Hideharu and Ikkoku Shikibu-taifu Yoshimichi are devout. They reported that the monks are being well protected. This was before you were stationed in Takahama."

"But you also treat temples and shrines with respect, don't you?"

"They say I use the gods and Buddhas, not respect them. Hatano Saemon-no-kami is said to have cursed me. I don't deny it; it's true."

Uncle grunted. Hey, if you keep doing that, I'll want to call you Buruchan.

"There's another problem."

"...Money, right?"

"You're right. The products of Tamba don't sell at all in Kyoto. Even if they want to sell, they can't compete with the cheaper products from Kuki. On the contrary, Kuki's products are flowing into Tamba through Kyoto. While Tamba's merchants are moving to the Bizen and Harima areas, the scale of their business is much smaller compared to Kyoto. Tamba is in a situation where it can't sell what it produces. Naturally, taxes are also decreasing."

"I see."

Uncle grunted again. ...It's a difficult situation.

"How about Tango?"

"It's even worse. With the port of Obama becoming more active, ships are now prioritizing Obama over Maizuru and Miyazu. As a result, the number of ships coming from Maizuru and Miyazu has significantly decreased. Naturally, this is an unpleasant situation for Ikkoku Shikibu-taifu."

"...When did you realize the money problem, Uncle?"

"I realized it when I heard that ships were passing through Tango without stopping for Obama. It seemed strange, so I investigated and found out that Ikkoku Shikibu-taifu had significantly increased the port fees."

I see, with the tax revenue decreasing, he raised the port fees. This will make ships avoid Maizuru and Miyazu even more. Kuki's port fees are low, and they don't tax cargo. It's a paradise for merchants.

"Uncle, can you withstand an attack if it comes to war?"

Uncle said, "Well," and folded his arms.

"If the Hatano and Ikkoku join forces, they can muster at least 10,000 troops. If they attack Takahama Castle, there's no problem; 3,000 troops are enough. We just need to wait for reinforcements and drive them back. However, if they target the port of Obama, it will be a difficult situation."

"You're right."

Ships from Ming also come to Obama; we must protect it at all costs. Along with Tsuruga, it's a crucial source of revenue for Kuki. If we try to defend it, Uncle will have to abandon the castle and engage in field battles. Even if we gather all the local samurai of Wakasa, we can only muster 5,000 at most. We would be fighting against more than twice our number.

"But will they attack?"

Uncle tilted his head.

"I can't say. Ikkoku alone isn't that scary. But if the Hatano join, it will be troublesome. The Hatano and Miyoshi are enemies, and the Hatano are close to Lord Yoshizato. Therefore, I don't think they will clash with Kuki. However, in the Sengoku era, the impossible can happen. We can't be complacent."

"That's true, but..."

Uncle's tone was weak. It's unlikely, but we can't be complacent. Kuki is dealing with issues in Ise and is also in a hostile state with the Miyoshi. If the Hatano and Ikkoku see this as an opportunity, it's not impossible.

"If I'm in Omi, I'll send reinforcements. But there are times when I won't be. ...I'll station 4,000 troops in Tsuruga."

"In Tsuruga?"

"I've already stationed 3,000 troops in Takahama. If I send 4,000 more as reinforcements, it might be seen as too provocative."

"..."

He looks dissatisfied.

"Uncle, send Manzaemon and Kojirou to Tsuruga. Let them defend Tsuruga."

"Understood."

This time, he looks satisfied. Manzaemon Sadahiro and Kojirou Ujihide are Uncle's proud sons and my cousins. Both are over thirty and trustworthy men. With 4,000 troops, they can handle any situation. I should thank Shoho-obasan. After that, we discussed a few more things, and Uncle returned to Wakasa. Just before he left, he asked how his grandson, Sakon, was doing. When I told him he was doing well, he looked pleased. Maybe Buruchan also loves his grandchildren and wants to raise them well...

The Hatano and Ikkoku, which one is easier to attack? Using the pirates of Wakasa to control the land, the problem is the Hatano. Tamba is a difficult place to attack. Even the historical Akechi Mitsuhide struggled. Tamba has a deep relationship with Harima. The Hatano's sister is supposed to marry into the Bessho, who govern the eastern part of Harima. The western part of Harima is strongly influenced by the Hongan-ji. In other words, Tango, Tamba, and Harima are likely to unite against Kuki. It's a frustrating reality.

"Lord"

"What is it, Sakon?"

Nagai Sakon called me. This guy doesn't resemble his grandfather, Bizen-no-kami Buruchan. While Bizen-no-kami has a bulldog-like round face, Sakon has a slender face like a spitz.

"Lord Kitabatake's consort has come to pay her respects."

"Understood. This isn't appropriate here. Please guide her to the study, and I'll come right away."

"Hai"

Lord Kitabatake's consort, what a bother. The consort of Lord Kitabatake, who is the wife, is the daughter of the Rokkaku clan's virtuous lord, Rokkaku Yoshikata. In other words, she is the sister of Jochi Nyudo and my aunt by marriage. Her name is Fue, and she is also the mother of the Kitabatake brothers, Uemon-no-kami Shigetada and Jiro Uemon-no-taifu. She must have rushed to Shimizu Castle, fearing that her sons would be killed because I suspected the Kitabatake and was investigating the brothers. Not long ago, Jiro was supposed to receive 5,000 koku in Echizen. What happened? She must have felt that way too.

I can't ignore her. The fathers-in-law of the Hachisuka, Shindo, Megata, and Hirai asked me to meet her, looking uncomfortable. To them, she is the daughter of the respected Kanrei-dai, and they couldn't refuse when asked to mediate. I can't refuse the request of the Hachisuka and others. Meeting her posed no problem. I have no intention of killing the Kitabatake brothers.

I met her and had a proper conversation. I will give Jiro 5,000 koku in Echizen, and I will have Uemon-no-kami Shigetada take responsibility for Lord Kitabatake's hostile actions against Kuki and retire. It might seem a bit unreasonable, but as the head of the Kitabatake, Uemon-no-kami Shigetada cannot avoid responsibility. Naturally, I will also hold Lord Kitabatake responsible and have him build a new residence where he will be confined.

The heir will be the third son, Tsurumatsu-maru. Since he is still young, a guardian will be appointed from the Kitabatake clan. Sakai Hyogo-no-kami Kiyoyoshi and Oginai Sagami-no-kami Terunori, both strong anti-Kuki men close to Lord Kitabatake, will be the guardians. Lord Kitabatake's confinement will likely be just a formality, and they will start anti-Kuki activities. In other words, it will give us a reason to punish them. Once the head of the clan retires, if they still plot rebellion, we will have no choice but to kill them.

I explained these points to my aunt by marriage. She accepted them. For her, the most important people are Uemon-no-kami Shigetada and Jiro. Lord Kitabatake, who endangered his sons' lives, is now her enemy, and Tsurumatsu-maru, born to a concubine, is a hateful existence who flatters Lord Kitabatake and threatens the lives of Uemon-no-kami Shigetada and Jiro. She must be delighted that I will eliminate them without dirtying her own hands. She will go to Echizen with Jiro, saying that they are not involved in the disturbances in Ise and that I should do as I please. In the Sengoku era, it's tough for men, women, husbands, and wives to survive. ...Well, it's time to head to the study.

Eiroku 13 (1570) Late November, Omi Province, Takashima District, Yasui River Village, Shimizu Castle, Meme Norishige

"Your sudden visit has surprised me. What brings you here?"

I don't think she's lying. My nephew, Kuki Daisan-no-daifu Mototsune, looked suspicious. Kogu-no-nai-shi tried to dispel his suspicion with a smile, but her cheeks seemed to twitch.

"I apologize for coming without prior notice. There is something I need to confirm with Daisan-no-daifu."

"From the Emperor?"

"No, not from the Emperor. But he seemed troubled, so out of respect, we..."

"I see."

It's not the Emperor's will; it's the concern of us ladies-in-waiting...

Daisan-no-daifu probably doesn't believe me. He must be suspicious of my presence. My role is to manage the communication between the palace and the outside world and to handle the letters of the ladies-in-waiting. It's not unusual for me to be here. However, I am different; I shouldn't be here. I am here as Kogu-no-nai-shi's attendant because I am Daisan-no-daifu's aunt...

"What is the Emperor troubled about? I, Daisan-no-daifu, am naturally dull and have no idea."

"It's about Kuwana."

"Kuwana? I thought it was to be returned to the Imperial Court as a royal domain."

His suspicion grew stronger. Daisan-no-daifu frowned.

"Yes, the Kuki family will send a steward to collect taxes, and half of the revenue will go to the court. The Emperor is very pleased. However, it will be treated as Kuki's territory for a while. When will Kuwana be returned?"

Daisan-no-daifu glanced at me.

"It will be after the Ikko-ikki of Nagashima is suppressed. It's hard to say when that will be, but it should be next year at the earliest. However, the taxes will start being collected from next year, so there's no need to worry."

"That's what I've heard. ...Next year, you say?"

"Is there any inconvenience?"

"..."

Kogu-no-nai-shi looked reluctant to speak and glanced at me. Daisan-no-daifu's eyes narrowed, and he looked at me too.

"Aunt, can you tell me?"

His voice was stiff, and I held back a sigh.

"The Emperor is troubled about the position of Shogun."

"Please continue."

His voice remained stiff.

"Recently, there has been a strong movement to appoint Ashikaga Yoshizumi as Shogun. However, if that happens, it will make you uncomfortable. The Emperor feels a strong sense of gratitude towards you. From the previous Emperor's passing to the coronation, your assistance was invaluable. The Emperor doesn't want to be ungrateful to you."

Daisan-no-daifu seemed to be deep in thought.

"Was the reason for not appointing Shogun to Ashikaga Yoshizumi and Yoshizumi in the past this?"

"It's not just that. You have shown various considerations to the court. And you won the battle in Yamashina. Everyone couldn't ignore that. However, the defeat of the Takeda in Kawachi and Kii has strengthened the movement to appoint Ashikaga Yoshizumi as Shogun."

Daisan-no-daifu's face relaxed, and he let out a breath.

"I was asked to come from Awa, so the Miyoshi must be desperate."

"Yes."

"About Kuwana, you mentioned earlier?"

"If Kuwana is returned to you, the Emperor plans to use it as a reason to delay the appointment of Shogun. Is that difficult?"

Daisan-no-daifu let out a breath.

"It's not difficult, but it's only a temporary solution. It doesn't have much meaning..."

He shook his head. That might be true, but the Emperor is in a tight spot.

"Please tell the Emperor that the ones controlling Kyoto are Sanada Bizen-no-kami and Anze Settsu-no-kami. Therefore, it is crucial for the court to maintain a cooperative relationship with them. There's no need to consider me. Otherwise, the Emperor's position will become difficult."

Kogu-no-nai-shi shifted uncomfortably. She seemed surprised.

"Is that alright? You and Lord Yoshizato will be in a difficult position."

"There's no need to consider me. Lord Yoshizato will have to endure. It's not easy to become Shogun, and it can't be helped."

It sounded like he was talking about someone else. The conversation was over. I had successfully explained the Emperor's difficult situation and sought his understanding. Kogu-no-nai-shi looked relieved.

Eiroku 13 (1570) Late November, Omi Province, Takashima District, Yasui River Village, Shimizu Castle, Kuki Aya

"Sister, it's been a long time."

"It really has been a long time. Did you enjoy the dinner?"

"Yes, it was delicious."

"The food is a bit different from Kyoto's cuisine."

"I was surprised by the unusual dishes."

We both laughed. In recent years, exotic ingredients from Ezo, Kyushu, and Ming have been brought to Omi, and dishes made with these ingredients are served.

"Sister, I'm always grateful for your support of the court, our family, and the Asukai family."

"I haven't done anything. It's all thanks to Daisan-no-daifu."

It's true. The support for the court and the Asukai family is all arranged by my son. I have no involvement.

"Have you heard about the recent events?"

"No, I haven't."

"I see..."

My sister looked puzzled. My son doesn't tell me about his public affairs. This hasn't changed since he became the head of the Kuki family.

"He will be here soon."

"Then I should tell you."

My sister then told me about the appointment of Ashikaga Yoshizumi as Shogun. I was surprised by the extent of my son's influence. Even