Chapter 89

### Genki 2nd Year (1574) - Early June - Omi Province, Higashinokuni, Hachimantown - Hachiman Castle - Kuki Masahisa

In the calendar room, the lord was conducting official business. In the waiting room, a large number of people were waiting to meet the lord.

"This time, I have been appointed to the military strategy division, and I am truly grateful and offer my deepest thanks."

"Hmm, work hard, Shuza. Jugo and Shigemitsu are also doing their best in their respective positions, so I count on you."

"Hai."

"From now on, we will advance our troops to the western provinces. It will not be an easy journey. Work diligently in the military strategy division."

"Hai."

Lord Kuki Shuza left the lord's presence.

"Lord Magistrate, I remember that Lord Shuza was in charge of the supply division. Is it common to transfer to the military strategy division?"

When I asked, Lord Magistrate Arakawa Heikuro denied it.

"Lord Shuza is a member of the lord's family and served close to the lord since his childhood. The lord probably wants to give him various experiences."

"I see."

Next, Ise Yojuro, Inaba Morinaga, and Kazusa-no-suke Masahiro were called to the lord's presence. All three were members of the Ise family, who were the executors of the shogunate's government. The Kuki and Ise families are closely connected. The topic of discussion was about the senior advisor of Awa, who was planning to promote the retired Yoshizumi to a higher rank. It seems they are considering promoting him to the rank of Jusanmi Gon Chunaigon, but it cannot be done directly, so they will first promote him to Shoshi-i.

Shoshi-i is a temporary rank given to those who are to be promoted to Jusanmi. According to Heikuro, maintaining a good relationship with the Awa Sannomiya family is essential to keep the 15th generation in check and to maintain the relationship with the Kōshō Kōfū family. Sigh, when I come here, I can't help but think that Tanba is a backwater. I now understand why my father told me to come and study in Kuki. If I had thought of it as a hostage, I would have betrayed my father's intentions.

After the three from Ise left, Heikuro was called next. I, as his attendant, also went to the lord's presence and prostrated myself. In the calendar room, besides the lord, there were also Higashinokuni Sanojyo and Kurono Shizou, who were acting as advisors. Both exuded a presence befitting their status as veterans.

"Heikuro, the one next to you is, oh, Hikojiro, is it? Both of you, don't be shy, raise your heads."

"Hai."

When I raised my head, the lord was smiling gently. I felt at ease. When I was in Tanba, I thought the lord was intimidating, but that's not the case. The lord is gentle and kind.

"Hikojiro, are you getting used to your work?"

"No, I am constantly surprised."

The lord laughed out loud. I didn't mean it as a joke. Every day is a series of surprises. When the lord finished laughing, he encouraged me to keep working hard. His concern was deeply touching.

"Then, what is it, Heikuro? Are the warehouses full?"

"No, that's not it."

"Then, did the bottom of the warehouse fall out?"

"That's not it either."

"Hmm, you don't have any leads, Heikuro. That sounds like a troublesome matter."

"Hai."

The lord laughed heartily. He seemed to find the situation amusing, even though it was a troublesome matter. Well, that makes it easier to talk about. Maybe it's a matter of attitude? I will eventually inherit the family, so I need to learn from the lord.

"By the way, what is it?"

"It's about money."

"Money?"

"Hai, various goods from different regions are gathered in the Kuki domain."

"Umm."

"Among them are high-value items that need to be purchased in large quantities, especially in the supply division."

The supply division, those guys buy in large quantities. Rice, salt, matchlock guns, lead balls, saltpeter... I was surprised during the attack on Tanba. They buy so much that the warehouse almost empties, but it quickly fills up with money. I was also surprised by that.

"Umm, so what's the problem?"

"The money for payments is bulky and inconvenient to carry."

"I see, that makes sense. It could hinder transactions."

The lord nodded in agreement.

"It's not just bulky. There's also a shortage of copper coins."

"We have been accepting a lot of money from Ming, but..."

Heikuro shook his head.

"It's not enough. Moreover, the Kuki domain is storing money..."

"True, but we are also using it. The supply division buys goods and also maintains roads."

"The local people are also storing money..."

The lord sighed. It's an incredible situation. How much money has gathered in the Kuki domain? Since I was assigned to the warehouse division, I've been hearing about money every day, and it's always surprising.

"Then, what should we do?"

The lord seemed to find it amusing for some reason.

"Perhaps we should prepare a substitute for copper coins."

"Substitute for copper coins? I see, that's a good idea."

The lord laughed out loud. What? Can he understand just from that?

"Then, what will you use?"

"Hai, Hikojiro suggested using gold and silver to create new coins."

"Gold and silver? That's an interesting idea, Hikojiro."

"Hai, I am honored."

Good, he found it interesting. The lord is in a good mood. Still, it's impressive that he understood just from that. When I explained it to Heikuro, it was much more difficult.

"Lord, if you agree..."

"Umm, I think it's a good idea, Heikuro. What we need to be careful about is the exchange rate between gold, silver, and copper coins."

"Hai, how about ten gold coins for fifteen kan of copper coins, and ten silver coins for two kan of copper coins?"

"Hmm, you've thought about it that much."

"Hai."

"Heikuro, present this at the next council meeting. We will decide it there. I also need to think about it a bit."

"Hai."

After leaving the lord's presence, I asked Heikuro.

"Lord, you said it will be decided at the next council meeting."

"That's how important it is. You should be prepared to attend the next meeting."

"Hai, I look forward to it."

"Umm."

The council meeting, I've always wanted to attend one. I'm looking forward to it.

### Genki 2nd Year (1574) - Early June - Omi Province, Higashinokuni, Hachimantown - Hachiman Castle - Kuki Masahisa

After finishing my work and returning to my room, I took a deep breath and drank some tea. Using gold and silver as currency. That's an interesting idea. Creating new coins, specifically gold and silver coins, means minting koban. Currently, the Kuki, Oda, and Uesugi domains are using a common measuring system to standardize weights and measures. If we propose it, there's a possibility they will agree. More importantly, Uesugi's participation is necessary because of their gold. Creating koban without a unified government might be premature, but if we include Oda and Uesugi, we can control almost the central part of Japan.

In May, the Oda-Tokugawa alliance fought against the Imagawa-Takeda-Hojo alliance. Although it wasn't decisive, the Oda-Tokugawa alliance emerged victorious. In Mikawa, the Oda's influence has grown, and they are showing signs of targeting Enshu. It won't be long before the Tokaido, a major artery, falls under their control. Adding the Sannomiya and Tosa Ichijo will bring Shikoku into their sphere of influence. In that case, creating koban wouldn't be out of place. First, we need to standardize the measuring system with the Sannomiya and Tosa Ichijo. Both families have strong ties to Kyoto, so there shouldn't be much resistance.

We could simply set the exchange rate between gold, silver, and copper coins and leave it at that. Creating gold and silver coins could be done later. No, wait. First, we need to set the exchange rate. Heikuro mentioned ten gold coins for fifteen kan of copper coins and ten silver coins for two kan of copper coins. This seems to be the current market rate, but isn't gold a bit too cheap? If it's too cheap, it could lead to the outflow of gold to foreign countries. Maybe I should casually ask the Nanban merchants about the exchange rate.

However, if the value of gold increases, the value of silver will relatively decrease. The Takeda and Uesugi, who own gold mines, will be happy, but western Japan uses silver as the main currency. There will be confusion and resistance. The Mori and Yamana, who own silver mines, will definitely oppose it. But eventually, they will be conquered, so it might not be a concern. Hmm, I'm conflicted. Maybe I should play the drum.

"Yagoro-dono."

"Whoa, Mother?"

I was surprised. When I realized Aya-mama was in front of me, I decided to play the drum later.

"What's wrong? You're making a loud noise. Are you okay? I have something to talk about."

"I'm fine, please go ahead."

I straightened my posture. Aya-mama looks serious. She always looks serious when she comes to me. I wish she would come with a smile sometimes. "Yagoro-chan, how are you? Your mother is also doing well."

...That's impossible.

"I received a letter from my sister."

"From Aunt?"

Is Aunt Chizu doing well? She was depressed at the funeral of the Ayanokoji elder...

"There is talk of Princess Eishin being declared an imperial princess."

"Princess Eishin being declared an imperial princess?"

I see, she's that age now. Time flies.

"The late Ayanokoji elder was looking forward to it. The emperor said it would be a great loss... It's a great honor."

"Indeed."

"Princess Eishin is also being considered for a marriage to Lord Jitsumasa of the Nishihara family."

"The Nishihara family?"

Aya-mama nodded.

"Lord Jitsumasa's mother is from the Sanjo family."

"Then?"

"The mother of the crown prince, the new empress, is also from the Sanjo family. Lord Jitsumasa and the crown prince are maternal cousins."

So, this marriage proposal is from the Sanjo family to the Kuki and Ayanokoji. It's a way to maintain good relations.

"What did Uncle Ayanokoji say?"

"He is happy and considers it a good proposal."

That's understandable. More importantly, it's not a proposal that can be refused.

"Since Aunt sent a letter to Mother, it's about the expenses."

"Yes, this year has been financially demanding..."

Aya-mama sighed. The Ayanokoji family spent a lot of money on the elder's funeral. There's no money left for the imperial princess declaration. Is this a hint that they can pass the responsibility to me?

"It's a good proposal. I also want my cousin to be happy. I will gladly help."

"Can you do that?"

"Of course. Mother, there's no need to be hesitant."

Aya-mama smiled. There's no need to be hesitant, I've said it many times.

"But this year has been unfortunate, hasn't it?"

"Yes, the imperial princess declaration will likely be next year."

"Then the marriage will be even later?"

"Yes."

So, this year is the funeral, next year is the imperial princess declaration, and the following year is the marriage. I need to use gold and silver for either the imperial princess declaration or the marriage. I need to figure it out by the end of the year.

"By the way, about Tatsuhime."

"Tatsuhime? What about her?"

Aya-mama looked a bit troubled.

"She's of age now. What should we do? I want you to think about her future."

"Think about it? You mean a marriage proposal?"

"Yes."

I see, Tatsuhime is twelve or thirteen now. With the talk of her cousin's imperial princess declaration and marriage, it's natural for Aya-mama to be concerned.

"I understand. However, we need to revive the Onii family, so we can't simply find a marriage proposal. We need to restore the Onii name and give her a fief before she can marry. First, we need to find a suitable second or third son."

We need at least 5,000 koku of land. After all, we gave 10,000 koku to the families of Chō and Yūza. Who is available? Not a successor but a capable young man. Another headache. Maybe I should consult with Yon and Yuki.

"It won't be easy, will it? Tatsuhime doesn't have a reliable family or relatives. Even if she marries, she might feel isolated."

"Yes, that's a possibility."

Well, I can be her support, even if not a family. Still, she might feel isolated. What should I do... Aya-mama looked at me intently. What is it?

"Can you be Tatsuhime's guardian?"

"Of course. I will be her guardian. That way, she won't be treated poorly."

"That's not what I mean, do you understand?"

"..."

Aya-mama nodded.

"Since you already have three sons, there's no inconvenience in having Tatsuhime's children take the Onii name."

So, that's it? I feel like sighing.

"That's true, but Mother, I have Yon and Yuki. If I'm asked to take a new concubine..."

Aya-mama shook her head.

"For someone in your position, having one concubine is not unusual."

"That's true, but more isn't necessarily better."

"That's true, but..."

A mother and daughter talking about women? Spare me. I have no complaints about Yon and Yuki. I'm very satisfied. If I'm asked to take a new concubine...

"Besides, if Tatsuhime becomes a concubine, Shino will also be considered."

"Yes, that's what I think. Yagoro-dono, can you please consider it?"

"..."

No, Aya-mama is serious. I sighed.

"They say their mothers were concubines and were not treated well, but they often felt lonely. I don't want them to feel that way even after marriage."

"..."

"Can you understand, Yagoro-dono?"

That's a tough request. Please don't look at me with those pleading eyes, it's making me waver.

"I also want them to be happy. The Kuki and Ayanokoji families wouldn't be in this situation if we hadn't agreed to the Kōshō Kōfū's request to restore the Hatakeyama. I am partly responsible for their current situation. I haven't forgotten that."

"Then..."

"Mother, will becoming my concubine truly make them happy? I already have a wife and a concubine. They would be joining as additional concubines."

Aya-mama thought for a moment.

"There's no need to decide immediately. I understand your thoughts. I want to consider what is best for Tatsuhime and Shino."

"Please do."

"I will consult with you once I have a clear idea."

Aya-mama nodded and left the room. I sighed.

Well, if I think about it pragmatically, being my concubine might be the simplest solution. She can bear my child and have the child take the Onii name. There are many examples of this. A famous one is Takeda Katsuyori. His original name was Suwa Shiro Katsuyori, inheriting the Suwa name and using the character "Yori" from the Suwa family. He didn't use the "Nobu" character from the Takeda family, indicating he was considered a member of the Suwa family. Probably his mother's wish.

But, will being my concubine make her happy? If she's someone like Yuki, who came because it seemed interesting, it might be fine. She might have preferences, and it would be pitiful if she became a concubine reluctantly. What would Yon and Yuki think? They might have treated her like a younger sister, but as a concubine, she would be a competitor. Especially Yuki, who wants a son, might not be happy. I don't want the household to become tense. I might lose my place.

I should consult with Yon and Yuki. I should also see if there's a suitable match for her other than being my concubine. I should consult with Gorōemon, Higashinokuni Sanojyo, and Sanada Danjō. Gorōemon is a Kuki vassal, Sanojyo is a former Rokkaku vassal, Danjō is from Shinano, and the Ise local lords. I should have them suggest suitable candidates. It should work out somehow. My head hurts, maybe I should play the drum. No, I'll use the abacus today.