Chapter 90

In the second year of Genki (1574), early July, in Hachiman-cho, Takashima District, Omi Province, at Hachiman Castle, Kuki Moritsuna.

『When the four seas are calm and the country is at peace, the branches do not rustle. Is this a peaceful era? The pines of Aihin may be blessed, but even when we look up, matters may be neglected. In such an era, the people are prosperous due to the benevolence of the lord. How blessed is the lord's benevolence! How blessed is the lord's benevolence!』

A Noh actor is dancing. It seems to be the role of the main deity of Sumiyoshi Shrine. Takasago, a song of good fortune. But in my original world, it was a song I had no connection with.

It must be the Minmanji-Za, as the Noh performance was canceled last time due to the critical condition of the old man from Asukai. This time, it seems they are putting in a lot of effort. I haven't watched a Noh performance since last May, during the Boys' Festival. It's not easy to watch Noh performances. After the performance, I need to apologize to the Minmanji-Za for the last time.

Ayama, Yoné, Yukino, Takewakamaru, Tatsuya, Shino, and the lord of Takashima, Kurono Shigizou, Shinzō, Miki, Megata Jirōsaburō, Otsu Hachizō, Komai Mimasaka, Umedo Saemon, Chikusa Jirōsaburō, Hayashi Yujizō, Inukai Shinshirō are watching the Noh performance. Tatsuya and Shino seem to be enjoying it. ...What should I do? I consulted with Gorōemon, Shōno, and Danjō about Tatsuya. They all said the same thing: making her my concubine would be the best option.

Even if I were to adopt a son-in-law, it would be someone quite a bit older, as he would need to have considerable ability. Such a person would already be engaged. Moreover, even if I adopted a son-in-law, there's no guarantee he would rise to a high position, and there's a risk he might die in battle due to impatience. Considering this, it would be better to have Tatsuya as my concubine and have her children revive the Onii family.

Danjō and Gorōemon responded in writing. Danjō mentioned Takeda Katsuyori, who is trustworthy in this world, and Gorōemon mentioned the example of Yoshikawa Motoharu. Both wrote that it would be better to have my children in the Hokuriku region in the future. Well, that might be true. Noto is the border with Uesugi, and a core figure might be necessary.

However, it would be at least fifteen years in the future, and I can't quite grasp it.

The strange thing is that Yoné and Yukino don't oppose it. They both thought I would make Tatsuya and Shino my concubines. After talking, I realized that both of them value the lack of a solid backing and a reliable support. Tatsuya and Shino are not from prestigious families but are daughters of local lords. Therefore, they don't have the special advantages that the historical Asai sisters had. They see it as uncertain how much they would be valued even if they were to marry. It seems better to be my concubine.

Moreover, Yoné and Yukino don't see Tatsuya and Shino as dangerous rivals. Yoné is the daughter of a Kuki retainer, Hiraishi, and has given birth to three sons. Yukino is the daughter of the Kibitsugu Shrine's chief priest, who has influence in the Hokuriku region, and has given birth to two daughters. Even though she hasn't given birth to a son, her two daughters can't be underestimated, as they might be used for political marriages in the future. Currently, Kuki only has Yukino's two daughters as cards.

In other words, both have solid backing and children, and have secured their place in the Kuki family. They think it would be easier if Tatsuya and Shino became concubines. They know each other well and have straightforward personalities. They won't compete with us. The ranking in the Kuki household will settle with Yoné, Yukino, and then Tatsuya and Shino.

There seems to be a cooperative relationship between Yoné and Yukino, so there are no troubles between them. What they fear is a powerful lord's daughter becoming a concubine and competing with them. Especially as a concubine, Yukino is more cautious. For Yukino, being a concubine means securing her position.

Well, it's a Sengoku era for both men and women. When it comes to the wives of powerful figures in the Sengoku era, Hideyoshi's wife, Kitahime, is famous. She was the legal wife but didn't have children. What was her relationship with the concubine, Yodo-dono...? The side performance of Takasago ended without me noticing. Then the second performance, Yashima, began. A monk appeared, followed by two attendants. Yoné told me that Yashima is a famous Shura Noh. I nodded, but what is a Shura Noh? I might ask later.

The exchange rate between gold and silver is about 15 to 16 in overseas markets. This means that at the exchange rate set by Hei Saburō, gold will flow out. The exchange rate between gold and silver should be aligned with the overseas market. However, this would cause a collapse in the value of silver or a surge in the value of gold. Western Japan, such as Awa, Tosa, and Bungo, would oppose it. It's a headache. When I discussed it at the council, everyone frowned.

The exchange rate becomes an issue because gold and silver are used. What about creating a different currency, like paper money? Is it impossible? Paper money was used in the Edo period in the form of domain notes, so it's not impossible. A nominal currency that can be exchanged for copper coins. The issue is the backing by financial resources. One mistake could lead to serious inflation. And preventing counterfeiting.

If issued, the paper money would only be valid within the Kuki domain. But that would free us from the shortage and complexity of copper coins. Wait, users might include merchants from other countries. In that case, would it circulate outside the Kuki domain? I don't know, I don't know. The economy is a living thing, and money is very cautious. People value convenience. I have no idea how it will move.

Moreover, the exchange rate between gold and silver is still unresolved. I understand the current situation is unsatisfactory, but I don't have a solution... My head hurts. Should I ask the merchants? I should ask those who use gold the most. Perhaps merchants in Tsuruga, Sakai, Hakata, and Hirado, who trade with overseas. I'll start preparing now. I'll call a meeting in the New Year.

Yoshitaka seems to be planning something foolish again. He is trying to assassinate me using Kōga ninjas. I received a warning from Hosokawa Fujitaka that Yoshitaka was trying to kill me using Kōga ninjas. I warned Matsunaga and Muro. And they caught the culprit. It was a member of the Wada Danjō family, who were the guardians of Settsu.

The Wada family were local lords in Kōga and became vassals of the shogunate during Yoshitaka's time. Naturally, they had ninja skills. Danjō died during the counterattack by the Miyoshi, but he had a son. The son took on the mission out of hatred for Kuki, who had taken Settsu. Muro reported this, and I confirmed with Shigizou. It seems the Wada son doesn't know the cause of Danjō's death, which was the assassination by the Hachimon. I didn't ask for details, but it seems the Hachimon didn't directly kill Danjō.

The Wada son was killed by Muro's men. I say "killed" vaguely because it was officially announced as a death from illness. It's a scary story. The direct client for the assassination was Mibuchi Yamashiro, Fujitaka's brother. He is currently in Fujitaka's custody, with no contact with the outside world. However, it seems Fujitaka finds it troublesome to have his brother in custody.

Fujitaka has distanced himself from the Ashikaga, but Yoshitaka and Fujitaka still see him as an ally in the Kuki campaign. They are trying to use Fujitaka to communicate. Whether to refuse or accept the request is up to Fujitaka, and I won't force him. If something happens, Fujitaka will inform me, which is enough.

It's time to seriously consider destroying the Hongan-ji, as it is an obstacle. Whether attacking Harima or Kii, I would have to expose my back to the Hongan-ji, which is dangerous. I have made Tanba and Tango part of the Kuki domain. Next, I should make Settsu fully part of the Kuki domain. I will order Kobayakawa to start negotiations with the Hongan-ji. If it comes to the Hongan-ji, it will be Harima and the Mōri. I need to strengthen intelligence gathering in the Chūgoku region...

In the second year of Genki (1574), early September, in Hachiman-cho, Takashima District, Omi Province, by Kōshō.

"It's quite lively, don't you think?"

"Hachiman is the base of Omi Shōshō, so it's natural for it to be lively."

"Still, it's surprising. It would be impossible in Harima."

"Taibei, comparing it to Harima is not fair."

Kurayama Sanchū, Inoue Kurōemon, and Muro Taibei marveled at the bustling town. All three had loud voices and were quite surprised.

"It's because there are no checkpoints. It makes it easier for merchants to move."

At my words, the three nodded.

"The Kuki family favors merchants. It's not just the abolition of checkpoints and guilds. What was the road like from Harima to here?"

"Well, the roads in Settsu, Yamashiro, and Omi were wide and clean."

Sanchū thought for a moment and the other two agreed.

"Lord, it means that it's easier for merchants to move, and thus easier to do business, right?"

"That's right, Kurōemon. But that's not all. The fact that the roads are well-maintained means it's easier to move troops."

"Indeed, the Kuki army is known for its speed."

"That's right, Taibei. But the ones who benefit the most from well-maintained roads are the porters. Transporting supplies on bad roads is not easy. With good roads, that's not a problem. The speed of the Kuki army is partly due to this."

The three nodded, especially Sanchū.

"By the way, Lord, can you tell us who you will entrust to arrange a meeting with Omi Shōshō?"

"You're curious, Kurōemon?"

"Of course."

Kurōemon's answer made Sanchū and Taibei nod. Well, the quality of the intermediary does affect the outcome of the meeting, so it's natural to be curious.

"I'm thinking of entrusting it to the councilor, Kurono Shigizou."

"Lord, that's..."

Sanchū exclaimed. Kurōemon and Taibei were stunned.

"Don't be so surprised, Sanchū. Shigizou was originally the leader of the Hachimon and knows a lot about us. I thought it would be more convenient."

Now that Tanba and Tango are part of the Kuki domain, the next target for Kuki will be Harima. Sitting and waiting for Kuki's invasion means certain destruction. How will the Bessho and Akasaka respond... If they join Kuki first, the Kōshō will be in even more danger. Relying on the Mōri is an option, but with the Saitō of Shikoku allied with Kuki, the Mōri are at a disadvantage. They are trying to take in the Ukita, but if they do, how will the Mura respond...? I managed to persuade the Kōshō to ally with Kuki. Next, I need to ally with Omi Shōshō.

In the second year of Genki (1574), early September, in Hachiman-cho, Takashima District, Omi Province, at Hachiman Castle, Kuki Moritsuna.

In my room at Hachiman Castle, there were four guests: Kōshō, Kurayama Sanchū, Inoue Kurōemon, and Muro Taibei. It's strange that they came, isn't it? No, they should have come, I suppose. It's surprising and a bit joyful. I was happy when Shigizou told me that envoys from the Harima Kōshō family had arrived. I almost jumped when I heard their names. I immediately said I wanted to meet them all, and Shigizou and Shōno gave me strange looks. Well, it's natural to be surprised. Kurayama Sanchū, Inoue Kurōemon, and Muro Taibei must also be surprised to be called.

"I meet Omi Shōshō for the first time. I am Kōshō, a senior retainer of the Harima Kōshō family."

"Indeed, thank you for your long journey."

"Thank you, my lord."

"Kōshō, are you related to Kōshō Kaga-no-kami?"

"No, my family originally comes from Omi. We used to be called Kuroda. My great-grandfather left Omi, and my grandfather served the Kōshō family. My father married into the Kōshō family and received the Kōshō name."

I see, he's here. Just one more push.

"From Omi, you say?"

"We lived in Kuroda Village, Ika District."

"Ika District? Then your family is related to the Kyōgoku clan?"

"Yes, we are said to be descendants of the Kyōgoku clan."

"I see, then we are distant relatives from long ago. Meeting here is a strange coincidence."

"Thank you, my lord."

Kōshō bowed, but his face was smiling, so he must be feeling good inside.

"Before we get to the matter at hand, can you introduce your attendants?"

"Yes."

Kōshō was surprised, but he said "Yes." Sanchū, Kurōemon, and Taibei were also surprised and looked uncomfortable. Well, it's natural. The positions of Kōshō and these three are completely different. It's strange for me to be interested in them.

"These are my retainers, Kurayama Sanchū, Inoue Kurōemon, and Muro Taibei."

The three bowed. It's boring, I want to talk.

"Kurayama Sanchū, Inoue Kurōemon, Muro Taibei. Have you tried funa-zushi?"

The three looked at each other.

"No, we haven't."

Sanchū answered for them, but he was blinking.

"It's a specialty of Omi. Try it before you return to Harima. However, it has a strong smell, and many people find it difficult. Still, it makes a good story to tell back home."

Kōshō, Sanchū, Kurōemon, and Taibei nodded vaguely.

The maids brought in tea and sweets and placed them in front of the four guests, Shigizou, Shōno, and me, then left.

"Let's discuss the matter while drinking tea. Sanchū, Kurōemon, Taibei, if you have anything to say or ask, don't hesitate, okay?"

The three nodded.

"First, try the sweets. They are called castella, brought by the Christians."

Oh, the four of them are staring at the castella. It's their first time, so it's understandable.

Shigizou, Shōno, and I started eating, and Taibei, looking at the castella, took a small bite. He chewed slowly under everyone's gaze.

"Delicious!"

He groaned.

"Taibei, drink some tea. It will refresh your mouth. Then eat more castella."

"Yes, ...this is incredible."

Taibei drank the tea and sighed. He's so cute. Shigizou and Shōno are also looking at Taibei with amusement.

"Kōshō, let's talk after you finish the castella. It's unrefined to discuss serious matters while eating delicious food."

"Yes."

Kōshō, Sanchū, and Kurōemon started eating. The texture is different from Japanese sweets, so they are eating cautiously. However, after one bite, they groan. This is the same as Taibei.

"Shōshō, I heard the Christians brought this. Do they often eat such things in the South?"

"Well, I don't know, but Kōshō, it doesn't seem to be particularly difficult to make."

"Is that so?"

Kōshō nodded. He looked at the remaining castella with regret and ate it.

"The Christians want to preach in Kyoto. However, the shogun does not allow them to spread their teachings. They asked me to help them."

"I see."

"I understand their feelings, but what can I do about Kyoto? If I ask the shogun, he might stubbornly refuse the Christians. I told them it's impossible now."

Kōshō and the others nodded vaguely.

"There are those in the court who dislike the Christians. I plan to allow the Christians to make castella in the Kuki domain and in Kyoto. I will present it to the court. There are rare and delicious things from across the sea. It's important to experience them first rather than rejecting them outright. I will try to persuade the court to allow the Christians to preach after that."

Kōshō nodded this time. He seems to have a strong curiosity.

"Kōshō, let's get to the matter at hand."

The tea time is over. At my words, Kōshō, Sanchū, Kurōemon, and Taibei's expressions changed.

"The Kuki family controls eleven provinces in the Kinai and Hokuriku regions, and their momentum is unstoppable. The Kōshō family wishes to walk with the Kuki family in the future to extend our family's fortune. This is what our lord, Kōshō Kaga-no-kami Masanori, thinks."

Kōshō stared at me intently.

"Last year, there were movements in Harima that seemed to be against the Kuki. I thought the Kōshō family was among them, but was I wrong, Shigizou?"

Shōno looked at Shigizou, who smiled.

"Indeed, there were such movements, Shōno."

Don't torment him, but a little pressure is necessary.

"Please understand, we never intended to oppose the Kuki family. On the contrary, we feared being attacked by the Kuki family and gathered our troops."

"That's what we thought as well."

Kōshō showed a relieved expression, as did his retainers.

Don't be so desperate, Kōshō. I also placed 30,000 troops in Settsu during the Tanba campaign. It's mutual. However, was it just the Kōshō, Bessho, and Akasaka who feared the Kuki? And did I fear them? I can't tell who is foolish and who is cowardly.

"Kōshō, is it okay for the Kōshō family to join the Kuki?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Kōshō, is the Kōshō family united? Were there any opinions to join the Mōri?"

"There were. But we decided to join the Kuki family..."

"Kōshō, you persuaded them, right?"

Kōshō nodded. He seems confident, but it's dangerous. It might end badly, just like in history.

"How do you see the movements in the Kinai and the western provinces?"

"Well..."

Kōshō started confidently, but I had a bad feeling.