Chapter 75

Eiroku 15 (1572) Early July, Omi Province, Higashi蒲生郡 Yawata-cho, Yawata Castle, Kuki Mototsuna

"Quite a magnificent castle, isn't it?"

"I would be delighted if you said that even as a compliment."

"Not a compliment at all. I am speaking from the heart."

In front of me, an elderly man in his fifties is smiling gracefully. He is Imai Soshu, whose shop name is Naya, a merchant from Sakai. Merchants of this era often profit from wars. One could say that Soshu is a merchant of death. One must not be deceived by his refined smile.

In reality, Yawata Castle is a decent castle, but in Settsu there is the Kusagawa Castle, and in Kawachi, there is the Iimori Castle. Both are important strongholds of the Miyoshi clan, and they possess a grandeur that rivals Yawata Castle. Moreover, in Settsu, there is the Ishiyama Hongan-ji. Yawata Castle is something he would be accustomed to seeing.

"How is it? Are the merchants of Sakai accustomed to this?"

"There is some confusion, but we will gradually get used to it."

"That's good to hear."

The town of Sakai played a significant role in the recent invasion by the Awa Miyoshi clan. The trade of weapons, ammunition, and provisions—well, that's what merchants do, so it can't be helped. The problem is the ships and the port. The Miyoshi forces, pursued by the Kuki, fled to Settsu and used the ships and port to escape to Shikoku. The number of ships is not large, after all, there is the Anazawa navy. However, it couldn't be helped that Sakai actively helped some of the soldiers escape. The Miyoshi clan ruled the Kinai region for a long time, and Sakai had cooperated with them. I think there were parts that couldn't be severed.

Of course, I criticized this and demanded the abolition of self-governance and submission to the Kuki family. As expected, the merchants of Sakai resisted. Among them, Imai Soshu and Tsuda Soshitsu were the ones who persuaded the merchants to submit to the Kuki. These two seem to have given up on the Awa Miyoshi clan after the failure of the attack on Yoshimasa. They thought that the Miyoshi were inefficient and had no future.

Thanks to these two, we avoided bloodshed. However, the submission is quite loose. The city administration will continue as before, but when an order comes from the Kuki family's magistrate, it must be given priority. If this is not followed, the Kuki family's magistrate will impose punishment. In other words, it is self-governance under Kuki rule. It must feel quite restrictive.

I am not entirely satisfied, but I accept it, thinking that as the Kuki grow larger, the degree of submission will increase. For now, this is fine. I don't think the relationship with the Awa Miyoshi clan has been completely severed. That's fine too. If I force it, the resistance will be severe. Hachigatsu is also in Sakai, so I won't be lacking in information. I will slowly and steadily integrate Sakai into the Kuki.

"By the way, how about that matter? Is the Shogun likely to resign?"

When I ask, Soshu shakes his head and says, "Not easily."

"Is it impossible?"

"Yes."

Soshu nods slowly. Tenshukuya is the shop name of Tsuda Soshitsu. I am using Tenshukuya to persuade Yoshisuke to resign from the Shogunate.

"I want to settle this by the end of the year. We can't keep Yoshimasa waiting. Please convey to Yoshimasa and his father, Yoshimasa, that they should persuade the Shogun."

"I understand. But why are you so considerate of the Shogun? Wouldn't it be quicker to dismiss him? I'm sure the Left Horsehead would wish for that."

He is trying to probe my mind. Who is behind him? Yoshimasa? Yoshisuke? Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami? Anazawa Settsu-no-kami? Is it my strong suspicion, or is it their lack of trust? Which one is it?

"Yoshimasa once had a brother and a younger brother, but both were killed. And Yoshimasa has no children. Despite his youth and vigor, he must feel very lonely."

"..."

"The Kōshō family is also old. Yoshimasa is elderly, and his eldest son, Yoshinari, has already passed away. The only male heirs are the Shogun and his younger brother, Yoshinori. It's not a situation where one can feel secure. The Ashikaga bloodline is lamentably thin."

Soshu nods and says, "Indeed."

"If the Shogun is dismissed in this situation, what will happen? The Shogun will not accept it and will claim that he is the legitimate Shogun. This will result in two Shoguns in the realm. To rectify this, the Shogun will have to be eliminated. In some cases, the entire Kōshō family might be eliminated. This will further thin the Ashikaga bloodline."

Soshu nods in agreement.

"I see, so that's why you want the Shogun to resign."

"Exactly. Yoshimasa does not have good feelings towards the Shogun or the Kōshō family. But this is a personal matter. For the sake of the Ashikaga family, he must endure... I am asking him to wait until the end of the year."

"You have thought this through..."

Soshu sounds impressed. Yes, the Kuki are loyal to the Ashikaga family... or so everyone thinks. I will send letters to the major daimyo of the realm, including the Hōjō, Imagawa, Takeda, and Chōsokabe. Even those who dislike me will see that I am trying to create peace.

"But will the Shogun accept it?"

"It might be difficult. But I think Yoshimasa and Yoshinori will accept it if approached correctly. It's a way to break the deadlock."

"What do you mean by that?"

Soshu looks puzzled. Is he okay? He seems unreliable. Or is it my fault?

"The Kōshō family has never produced a Shogun. But now that the Shogun has come from the Kōshō family, people will think that the Kōshō family can produce a Shogun. In other words, the status of the Kōshō family has risen. They are a step above other Ashikaga clan members. Is there any point in being stubborn here?"

Soshu nods vigorously.

"That's right. If something happens to the Left Horsehead, the next Shogun is likely to come from the Kōshō family. If they understand this..."

"Soshu, it sounds like you are inciting them. I don't want that."

"I apologize."

Soshu is smiling wryly. I also laugh. But if I hint at this, negotiations might be possible.

"The problem is Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami and Anazawa Settsu-no-kami. If the Kōshō family is asked to resign from the Shogunate in exchange for their pardon, it might be accepted. I will take care of the Left Horsehead."

"In that case, Buzen-no-kami and Settsu-no-kami might accept it. The Kōshō family will not have to feel guilty towards them. But what about the Left Horsehead? Will he accept it?"

"Continuing the war will not stabilize Yoshimasa's rule. This is a good opportunity for peace for Yoshimasa."

"Indeed. I will convey this to Tenshukuya."

"Thank you. ...Do you know Miyoshi Hyūga-no-kami?"

"Of course. He is a powerful figure in the Miyoshi family."

Soshu is smiling. He might be quite close to him. This is convenient.

"Please tell him to talk to Hyūga-no-kami. He is a reasonable person and will likely become an ally if approached logically."

"Understood. Does Daisan Daifu know Hyūga-no-kami?"

"I have met him once and had a conversation. I remember him as a decent person."

Soshu shows a look of recollection. It must have been nearly twenty years ago.

"By the way, what about the Chōsokabe issue?"

When I ask, Soshu smiles.

"I am following your instructions. In Sakai, we do not handle Chōsokabe's goods."

"Thank you. This will help Tosa calm down a bit."

First, we will starve them out. From there, we will pressure Chōsokabe. Yoshimasa will move after the Shogunate is declared, probably in the new year. We must settle Tosa by then.

Eiroku 15 (1572) Mid-July, Omi Province, Higashi蒲生郡 Yawata-cho, Yawata Castle, Kuki Mototsuna

"Has the West Garden Temple of Iyo attacked Tosa?"

The Lord looks stunned. It's a rare sight, and I must record it in my diary later.

"Yes, and it is said that the Shōshō has won. The 300 rifles sent by the Lord were very useful."

"..."

"Did you not know?"

The Lord shakes his head and says, "I did not know."

"Nothing has been said by Togi Soshan. Is it a report from the Iga agents, Uncle?"

I nod, and the Lord exhales.

"What is Mōri thinking? The Tosa Ichijō family will not intervene in Iyo. They are focused on fighting Chōsokabe... Is this the decision of the West Garden Temple?"

"We will receive a report directly from Tosa."

"That's right, but it's a troublesome situation."

"..."

"Under these circumstances, we cannot make the Shōshō retire. Soshan must be troubled too. The delay in the report might be due to this."

The Lord's expression is stern. Indeed, it would be difficult to make the Shōshō, who has won the battle, retire. The Tosa strategy is back to square one.

"Lord, what is more worrying is whether the Shōshō will invade Iyo."

The Lord frowns.

"The greatest threat to the Tosa Ichijō family is Chōsokabe. Chōsokabe is clearly aiming to unify Tosa. They won't have the luxury to invade Iyo when their own foundation is shaky. Instead, they should focus all their efforts on Chōsokabe now that they have defeated the West Garden Temple."

"The Daitoku family might request it."

The Lord exhales again. The delay in the report from Soshan might be due to trying to stop it.

"It's because he married the daughter of the Daitoku family!"

The Lord spits out.

"Against Chōsokabe, the Daitoku family is useless. If they ally with the Daitoku, they will be used in the war against Mōri. If they invade Iyo, Mōri will definitely come. If they lose, Chōsokabe will be pleased."

The Lord is right. I understand this too. But I am not sure if the head of the Tosa Ichijō family understands this. It's a troublesome victory, and it would have been better if they had lost. That would have given a reason to make him retire. But if they lose, Chōsokabe's offensive will intensify... I sigh.

"Should we send an envoy to Tosa?"

"That's right. If they invade Iyo, we will not provide any assistance. I will write a letter to that effect. I will also send an envoy to Mōri to question the West Garden Temple's actions."

"That's a good idea. By the way, what about the Ise issue? If retirement is difficult..."

The Lord frowns.

"No, I will have him come. I will firmly tell him to focus on Chōsokabe, along with Kudai Nagon. If necessary, I will demand that he divorce the Daitoku's daughter. At that time, I will also send an envoy to the Daitoku. If the Tosa Ichijō family is destroyed, the daughter will be in a miserable situation. Is that acceptable?"

The Lord is quite angry.

"The Daitoku family must be in a difficult position. The Ryūzōji of Hizen, they are trying to become independent."

"You are right. The Daitoku family is no good. They are in a precarious position while continuing the war against Mōri. It's only natural that the Ryūzōji are taking advantage of their weakness."

"..."

"They are similar to the Daitoku and Ichijō. They are neglecting their foundation and venturing out. I see them as having a strong sense of vanity. They won't survive in this chaotic era."

The Lord's voice is cold. The Lord stabilized Ise by executing the Northern Field and taking away the self-governance of the towns, including Ōsumi. There must be a sense of disdain towards the Daitoku and Ichijō. Vanity, indeed, is not something the Lord feels.

"West, the Ryūzōji. East, the Mōri. Eventually, the Daitoku will be attacked from the south."

"South, you mean?"

"The Shimazu of Satsuma."

"Why do you think that?"

There are no such reports from the Iga agents. Where did the Lord get this information? The Lord frowns.

"Ryūkyū."

"Ryūkyū?"

"The ship sent to Ryūkyū has returned. Ryūkyū is close to the Shimazu and has many trade relations, so they are sensitive to their movements. The Shimazu are currently at war with the Itō of Hyūga. If the Shimazu win, they will move into the Hyūga area, and soon Bungo will be in danger."

"What if the Itō win?"

The Lord sighs.

"The Itō are expanding their influence from Satsuma to Ōsumi. After that, it will be Bungo. The Daitoku, preoccupied with the Mōri and the Ryūzōji, will have a weakness from the south. The Daitoku will be surrounded and forced to defend."

"The Tosa Ichijō family will also be affected."

"Before that, they will be destroyed by Chōsokabe. The Daitoku cannot prevent it."

The Lord's expression is dark. It might be better to change the topic to Ryūkyū to lift his mood.

"I heard the ship from Ryūkyū has returned. How did it go?"

"The trade was successful. They bought a large amount of silk, agarwood, ivory, and sugar. But the King of Ryūkyū has died."

"Really?"

The Lord's expression does not improve. What a situation...

"The heir is still young. Ryūkyū might fall into chaos, which could affect trade. We will send ships this year, but we cannot be optimistic."

"..."

"The news from Tosa and Ryūkyū is all gloomy, Uncle. The only achievement is severing the connection between Sakai and Chōsokabe. It's a disappointing situation."

The Lord looks disheartened. What a dilemma. I should consult the Iga agents to see if there is a good solution...

Eiroku 15 (1572) Mid-August, Omi Province, Higashi蒲生郡 Yawata-cho, Yawata Castle, Kuki Mototsuna

"So, what did Ise-no-kami say?"

"He seems quite dissatisfied with the Left Horsehead Yoshimasa."

"I see."

In front of me, Ise Yojirō Sadanori, Inaba-no-kami Sadaharu, and Kazusa-no-suke Sadahiro are standing respectfully. They have come to inform me of the matters from the main family. Generally, the youngest, Kazusa-no-suke Sadahiro, speaks, while Ise Yojirō Sadanori and Inaba-no-kami Sadaharu occasionally provide additional information.

"What is he dissatisfied with?"

"He is dissatisfied that the Shogunate has not been declared and that Daisan Daifu is showing consideration for the Shogun and the Kōshō family."

"Hmm, does he not say anything about Ise-no-kami returning to the position of the Head of the Office of Ceremonial Affairs?"

I say sarcastically, and Yojirō shows a troubled expression. The other two do not change their expressions. Indeed, they are from the Ise family.

"He also mentions that he cannot govern on his own, which often causes dissatisfaction."

The root of the dissatisfaction lies there. In other words, Yoshimasa wants to do things his way.

"Unfortunately, that cannot be allowed. If we allow it, this Yawata Castle will be flooded with nobles coming to petition."

My words make the three of them smile wryly.

The attendees, Higashibaru Sanojō, Kurono Shichizō, and Akechi Jūbei, also grimace. I did not intend to make a joke. I have received letters of gratitude from the nobles in Kyoto, such as the Konoe, Asukai, and Kanjōji, regarding Ise's return to the position of the Head of the Office of Ceremonial Affairs. I have also received similar letters from my aunt, Senda, and the new Palace Lady. Yoshimasa's personal rule? It would cause a great uproar in Kyoto. No one wants Yoshimasa's personal rule. In Kyoto, he is called the "Evil Government." He is not even the Shogun yet.

"What about the vassals? Are they supporting him?"

"No, most of them are on the side of restraint."

"The effect of giving them stipends is somewhat working."

Everyone smiles wryly. Money has a great power, doesn't it?

"Then, who is supporting Yoshimasa?"

"Ichii Kōnaishō Akichika, Settsu Nakatsukasa Daifu Harakuni, and Kōshū Nakatsukasa Shōshō Kiyonobu."

"I see."

Ichii is from the Ichii family of Tango, and Settsu is the former Head of the Office of Ceremonial Affairs. They will likely show resistance to the Kuki.

"This is troublesome. I have explained to Yoshimasa, but he does not understand. I asked him to wait for the sake of the Ashikaga family. Does he not understand?"

"The Left Horsehead believes that it is better to become the Shogun and then ask the Shogun and the Kōshō family to surrender. Those who defy the Shogun should be eliminated..."

I am exasperated. Sanojō is chuckling, but Shichizō and Jūbei look exasperated. They seem to be thinking, "Is he stupid?"

"He wants to feel like a Shogun by issuing orders, Sanojō. Is he thinking that he can achieve it by giving orders? That's ridiculous. If that were the case, Yoshiteru would not have been assassinated. No daimyo will follow orders that are not in their favor. They only accept them when they see a benefit for themselves."

I ignored Yoshiteru and Yoshimasa's orders. Yet, the Kuki are considered loyal to the Ashikaga. What is the reason? I can't understand it. It feels like I am being set up. Maybe it's a form of flattery? I need to be careful...