Chapter 63

Eiroku 13 (1570) - Late November - Omi Province, Takashima District, Anegawa Village - Shimizuyama Castle - Kudoki Mototsuna

"Aunt, I apologize for my rudeness earlier. I greet you again. I am Kudoki Daisennojou Mototsuna."

"It is Meme no Tosei. I am always grateful for your consideration, Daisennojou-dono. Please call me Katsu."

Katsu? Is that her real name? I've never heard it before. Ayama and Aunt Katsu, those names would even work in modern times.

"Then, please call me Yagoro."

Aunt Katsu's eyes widened. Oh, how cute.

"Is that alright?"

"It's fine. Lately, even my mother calls me Daisennojou. It's a pain in the neck."

"Oh!"

Ayama and Aunt Katsu laughed in unison. They look alike, both of them. Not just their faces, but their voices too. Ayama is beautiful, but Aunt Katsu is beautiful as well. Why do I look like my father? It's a bit depressing.

"That was my mistake. But you are already a person of high standing, I couldn't call you Yagoro so casually."

"Mother, we are family. It's too formal."

Ayama said she would be more careful from now on. The three of them laughed, and perhaps the distance between them had narrowed a bit.

"I was surprised, it's different from what I heard. I thought Yagoro-dono was more frightening."

"Aunt, rumors are unreliable."

"But earlier, you were a bit scary. Kudoki no Naishi was trembling too."

Ayama glared at me. I didn't do anything though... Bad rumors spread quickly.

"By the way, about what happened earlier, is it alright? I heard from my sister that it might cause trouble later."

Ayama's words made Aunt Katsu nod.

"The Miyoshi will call on the daimyo of various regions to overthrow the Kudoki, claiming it is in the name of Yoshisuke-sama. Yoshisuke-sama must also wish for this."

Being worried by two beautiful women, I don't feel bad. But what they are saying is not wrong. Yoshisuke can't ignore an enemy force with over 60,000 troops in the neighboring country. But he can't easily turn them into enemies either. A lot of preparation is needed.

"It might be so. But how many daimyo will join them. First, the Oda and the Uesugi won't join, they each have their own enemies. Moreover, the Miyoshi have allied with the Hongan-ji. The Oda and the Uesugi are incompatible with the Hongan-ji. If that's the case, the Kudoki will directly face the border of Yamashiro and Wakasa. It's troublesome, but there are ways to deal with it."

If the front lines don't multiply, there won't be a problem. Especially in Yamashiro, we can always stop the logistics and impose an economic blockade. The more troops the enemy has, the more burden on their supplies. We can't be careless, but there's no need to fear.

"What about Ise? Nagashima? Are they having a hard time?"

Ayama looks worried. It seems everyone is worried about Ise.

"The Ikkō-ikki in Mikawa has been suppressed. The Oda, at our request, have secured the border with Nagashima and stopped the movement of people and goods. Nagashima is isolated and will dry up soon. After the new year, we plan to send troops to suppress it."

The two of them looked at each other. It seems to be okay, it seems to be okay, it seems to be okay. A three-step use of "okay" by sisters.

The Ikkō-ikki in Mikawa has been suppressed. With the Kudoki suppressing the autonomous city in Ise and blockading Nagashima, the Ikkō-ikki in Mikawa has been completely isolated. With the pirates of Shima submitting to the Kudoki, aid from Shizugatake and Saiga has also been cut off. The Ikkō-ikki in Mikawa has weakened immediately. Nobunaga and Ieyasu even sent letters of gratitude. The Oda and Tokugawa alliance literally annihilated the weakened Ikkō-ikki. The main temples of the Ikkō-ikki in Mikawa, such as Honshō-ji, Honshō-ji, Jōkō-ji, and Shōman-ji, were destroyed. All other temples affiliated with the Hongan-ji were also destroyed. Those who sided with the Ikkō-ikki were all killed. Not just peasants, but also the samurai of Mikawa.

It wasn't Nobunaga, but Ieyasu who ordered it, apparently. According to Jūzō's investigation, Ieyasu's anger was considerable. But the anger of the Mikawa samurai who followed Ieyasu was even greater. At the time when they were about to become independent from the Imagawa, they were incited by the monks and sided with the Imagawa. As a result, the Tokugawa became a vassal of the Oda after a family dispute. It was something that couldn't be forgiven. The brothers Honda Masanobu and Masaharu, Watanabe Morinari, Hachisuka Masakatsu, Sakai Tadayori, Nakamura Yoshinobu, Naitō Kiyonaga, and Kato Teruaki were all killed. Their families were exiled, but it will be difficult for them to survive.

"Yagoro-dono, I have something I want to ask."

"What is it, Aunt Katsu?"

Aunt Katsu has a determined look, it makes me nervous. If I were to be looked at like this, even the Emperor would be charmed.

"Can the Kudoki family use their power to request the proclamation of Prince Sanehito, the Emperor's first son, as a prince? The costs have been delayed due to lack of funds. If the Kudoki can do this, I think the proclamation of Yoshisuke-sama as Shogun can be stopped."

"I see."

As expected, she has the skills to survive in the Imperial Court. She's not just beautiful and cute, Aunt Katsu. But it might be impossible to delay the Shogun's proclamation any further.

"Then, what about Eiri-sama at the same time?"

"No, that's not possible, Mother. If we do that, it might be seen as a secondary proclamation of Prince Sanehito. We need to give the impression that the Kudoki and the Asukai are solely dedicated to serving the Emperor... It would be better to proclaim Prince Eiri as a prince in one or two years."

We can't let people think that the Kudoki and Asukai are only thinking of their own power. Aunt Katsu nodded.

"I agree, but my father..."

Father? The old man of the Asukai?

"I can't believe it, but..."

"Yes, if the Kudoki family expels the Miyoshi family and occupies Kyoto, they might place someone other than Prince Sanehito..."

"Absolutely not, Aunt! You must not say such things!"

Ayama and Aunt Katsu were shocked. I glared at them. This cannot be allowed.

"If such a thing happens, the Asukai family might be accused of using the power of the samurai to distort the imperial lineage! How dangerous that would be, the Asukai family might be expelled from the Imperial Court!"

"..."

Both of them were frightened. Was it because of my stern look, or the content of my words... No, it's no good to yell at these two. What should I do? The old man of the Asukai is thinking of something terrible. It might have been a mistake for him to become a junior minister. The Asukai are a second-rate noble family with no real power among the court nobles. He doesn't understand the fear of power. He must have been carried away by the power of the Kudoki. My head hurts, I'm surrounded by people who think too much.

"Aunt Katsu, can you deliver a letter to the Emperor?"

"To the Emperor?"

"Yes."

Aunt Katsu seemed to think for a moment.

"What will be the content?"

"First, it's a letter of gratitude, expressing sincere thanks for the Kudoki family's consideration. Second, it will convey that there is no objection to the proclamation of Yoshisuke-sama as Shogun. Third, it will state that the Kudoki family will cover the costs for the proclamation of Prince Sanehito as a prince and the ceremony to establish him as Crown Prince."

Ayama and Aunt Katsu gasped. But we have to do this to wake up the old man of the Asukai.

"Aunt, although it's a good suggestion, we should acknowledge the proclamation of Yoshisuke-sama as Shogun. If we delay it any further, the Miyoshi will become frustrated, thinking that the Emperor is hesitating due to consideration for the Kudoki. No, Yoshisuke-sama will become frustrated. When that happens, they might target the Asukai family, or even Prince Eiri. It's dangerous."

Ayama and Aunt Katsu nodded. Aunt Katsu looked pale. They even killed Yoshitaka. The Asukai would be crushed easily.

Yoshimasa will complain, but he can't help but acknowledge the proclamation of Yoshisuke as Shogun. The Asukai are an important piece in the Kudoki's work with the Imperial Court.

"After the Shogun's proclamation, the Kudoki family will cover the costs for the proclamation of Prince Sanehito as a prince and the ceremony to establish him as Crown Prince. If we do this, no one will doubt the Kudoki family's dedication to the Imperial Court. The Emperor will also be relieved."

Aunt Katsu nodded in agreement.

"About Prince Eiri, we will proclaim him as a prince in one or two years. After that, we will establish a new imperial house. The Kudoki family will provide the fief. What do you think, Aunt?"

"I have no objections. Please do it. But is it alright? The ceremony to establish a Crown Prince hasn't been held for over a hundred years."

"That's why it's good. We will perform the ceremony to establish Prince Sanehito as Crown Prince without any shortcuts. That way, the sincerity of the Kudoki and Asukai will be conveyed."

Aunt Katsu nodded. I was relieved. I'm glad Aunt Katsu is not a power-hungry woman. I won't write about Eiri in the letter. But the Emperor will surely ask Aunt Katsu about Eiri. If she can convey it orally, the Emperor will also be relieved. And the Emperor's favor towards the Kudoki and Asukai should increase.

Still, the old man of the Asukai, making Eiri the Emperor? It seems he's gone mad. I need to be careful from now on, and maintain close contact with Aunt Katsu. The court nobles look down on the samurai. Do they not understand this? Originally, the samurai served the court nobles, but I think there are other reasons. It's hatred. The court nobles avoid killing, while the samurai kill without hesitation. I think they dislike the brutality and bloodiness of the samurai. The court nobles don't mind if the samurai use their power to protect the Imperial Court, but they won't allow them to use it to pressure the Imperial Court. They will definitely retaliate.

The assassination of Yoshimitsu, the theory that the Imperial Court was behind the Honnō-ji Incident, and the theory that a substitute was used for Princess Kazunomiya—how much of these are true, I don't know. But there are things in history that I think are clearly true. The two princes born to Emperor Gomizunoo and Empress Kazuko are one of them. This is a story that even appears in novels. I remember being impressed when I read it.

Empress Kazuko is the daughter of Tokugawa Hidetada. By introducing Tokugawa blood into the Imperial family and becoming an imperial relative, the Tokugawa at the time probably thought they could control the Imperial Court. The entry of Kazuko into the Imperial family was quite forceful. Then, children were born. Two princes and four or five princesses. The two princes, being the sons of the Empress, were the most likely candidates for the next Emperor. The Tokugawa must have been delighted. But these two princes died in quick succession during their childhood.

Was it a coincidence? I don't think so. Because just before these two princes died, the Purple Robe Incident occurred. It was a time when the relationship between the shogunate and the Imperial Court was at its worst. It's not surprising that there were people who thought the Tokugawa blood should not be introduced into the Imperial family. Even if it was Emperor Gomizunoo, I wouldn't be surprised. The shogunate must have realized this, and after that, no daughters of the Tokugawa married into the Imperial family. The Imperial Court is like that, using the Kudoki's power to make Eiri the Emperor? It's ridiculous! Don't they know the saying, "If you don't touch the gods, they won't curse you"? It's best to offer prayers and worship from a distance.

"Yagoro-dono, there is one more thing I must tell you."

"What is it, Aunt?"

It's probably not good, given Aunt Katsu's nervousness.

"My brothers are considering that you should marry a daughter of the Asukai family. They want to strengthen the bond between the Kudoki and Asukai."

"Ha?"

I couldn't help but let out a surprised sound.

"Katsu, is that as a concubine?"

"No, not as a concubine. For someone of Yagoro-dono's status, having two wives is not unusual."

"Is this the adopted daughter of Brother Yōkei?"

"Yes, she is fifteen years old, and her name is Kiku."

Listening to Ayama and Aunt Katsu, my head started to hurt. Two main wives? That's the source of family disputes! What are they thinking? Are all the men of the Asukai idiots? And she's the daughter of a Buddhist monk?

I want to firmly refuse, but it might cause trouble. There's also the matter of Eiri. If I handle this incorrectly, the relationship between the Kudoki and Asukai will become strained. That's not good, I need to think of a good way to avoid it... How can I avoid it? ...Maybe I can push this girl onto another man. Someone higher than me, someone who seems more useful to the Asukai than me, is there such a person? My head hurts.

Eiroku 14 (1571) - Mid-January - Yamashiro Province, Katsurano and Aoe Districts - Muromachi Palace - Miyoshi Nagayasu

"First, congratulations."

"Truly, a good year has begun."

Voices rose from all around. It was a New Year's celebration banquet, and about thirty people from the Miyoshi family had gathered at the Muromachi Palace. The newly built Muromachi Palace was gradually losing its new smell. It's hard to settle down while this smell is still around.

"The sake is delicious. The cups are good, you can enjoy the pictures on the cups while drinking."

"In the past, it was cloudy, but it has become quite refined."

Everyone nodded.

A noble from the upper seat stood up. Yoshisuke, who received the Shogun's proclamation at the end of last year and became the 14th Shogun.

"I am a bit tired, so I will rest in the inner chambers. Enjoy yourselves."

Yoshisuke started to walk, and we bowed our heads to see him leave the room. Sigh.

"Hmm, he said he was tired..."

Everyone looked puzzled. Until just a moment ago, Yoshisuke was in high spirits, drinking sake. It's natural to be puzzled.

"Perhaps he's not having fun."

Everyone looked at me.

"Not having fun? What do you mean, Nishimori-dono?"

"The sake, it's clear sake, isn't it? He must be thinking of the Kudoki."

When I answered, everyone looked troubled.

"But... isn't clear sake a must for celebrations?"

"That's true, we can't drink cloudy sake now. Well, I understand your feelings..."

There were nods here and there.

I understand your feelings too. Even after receiving the Shogun's proclamation and becoming the 14th Shogun, the current situation is not something to be simply happy about. Just before the decision to grant the Shogun's proclamation, the Imperial Court sent an envoy to the Kudoki. Considering that the envoy was Meme no Tosei and Kudoki no Naishi, it must have been an envoy sent by the Emperor's will. When the envoy returned, the Shogun's proclamation to Yoshisuke, which had been difficult until then, was suddenly decided. It seems they sought the Kudoki's approval for the Shogun's proclamation of Yoshisuke, who was being supported by the Kudoki. In other words, the Emperor recognized that the power of the Miyoshi, who supported Yoshisuke, was stronger than the Kudoki. The Kudoki lost face, that's what I thought.

Everyone rejoiced and prepared for the Shogun's proclamation. After the Shogun's proclamation, they would gather allies, attack Yamato, and then Omi. But the Imperial Court made an unusual announcement. After the Shogun's proclamation, they would select an auspicious day to proclaim Prince Sanehito, the Emperor's first son, as a prince and perform the ceremony to establish him as Crown Prince. But how would they cover the costs? How would they do it when they couldn't do it before due to lack of funds? When I was puzzled, I learned that the Kudoki would cover the costs. I almost couldn't believe my ears. Is the Kudoki hoping for the enthronement of Prince Eiri, who is related by blood? Why are they aiding the proclamation of Prince Sanehito as a prince and the ceremony to establish him as Crown Prince? And why, when they lost face?

I hurriedly sent my retainers to investigate the truth. And I learned the following. The Emperor sought the Kudoki's approval for the Shogun's proclamation. The Kudoki accepted it and, as proof of their sincerity towards the Emperor, proposed the proclamation of Prince Sanehito as a prince and the ceremony to establish him as Crown Prince. Prince Eiri would be proclaimed as a prince in one or two years and a new imperial house would be established. The Kudoki would cover all the costs. When the Emperor heard the Kudoki's proposal, he only shed tears.

"I thought we had won."

"It's not that easy. The Imperial Court is full of voices praising the Kudoki."

"They are tough, I understand how you feel, Nishimori-dono."

Everyone's eyes were on me.

"They are a bit too tough, it's