Chapter 96

In the third year of Genki (1575), mid-September, in Himeyama, Higashi District, Harima Province, at Himeji Castle, with Koshi Takatoki.

As I was about to head to my father's retirement room with my uncle Kyumei, I noticed Kuroemon and Zenji peering into the room. I wondered what they were up to. When they noticed me, they put their fingers to their lips, signaling to be quiet. They had a mischievous look on their faces. I looked at my uncle, who also had a mischievous expression. I tiptoed closer to them.

"How is it, Taibei? Look at this."

"This is a flower vase, isn't it? Lord Retired."

Peeking in, I saw my father showing a small black flower vase to Taibei. So, this is it. These two seem to share a common interest in pottery. This is the first time I've seen it, and I'm sure my uncle hasn't either.

"It's quite good, isn't it? It's a Bizen ware."

Taibei tilted his head.

"Is it Bizen ware? I thought there was no black in Bizen ware, Lord Retired?"

Taibei, you know a lot. When did you become so knowledgeable? Zenji and Kuroemon were trying hard not to laugh.

"There is black in old Bizen ware. It's called 'black Bizen' and is highly valued. It was quite expensive, though."

Father chuckled.

"I see."

Taibei nodded, and Father looked pleased.

"This flower vase will make the green leaves and red or white flowers stand out."

"Yes, winter camellias would be perfect. I'm looking forward to it. ...But it might be difficult to find something too large."

"Indeed, that's a pity."

Father sighed, and Taibei nodded.

"What about your pot?"

"I used it for pampas grass at the moon-viewing party."

"Ho, Taibei, you have a refined taste."

Father laughed. Pampas grass in that pot? Uncle was covering his mouth, and Zenji and Kuroemon were doing the same. Taibei looked pleased to be praised.

"It had a good atmosphere, but the pampas grass seemed a bit too thin. Perhaps cherry or plum branches, or pine branches would be better."

"Indeed, then I'll put winter camellias in my flower vase and plum branches in your pot. I want to display them side by side; each has its own charm."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to winter."

It seemed like a good time to interrupt.

"That's quite an interesting conversation, Father, Taibei."

As I spoke, Uncle, Zenji, and Kuroemon followed, laughing.

"What, were you listening? From where?"

"From when Father showed Taibei the Bizen flower vase. Zenji and Kuroemon were listening before that."

"Taibei, you seemed to enjoy it."

"Pampas grass in that pot, how refined. I'm impressed."

"I'm looking forward to winter."

Taibei turned red and mumbled something as Uncle, Kuroemon, and Zenji teased him.

"Koremasa, is there something?"

"Yes, a letter from Shosho."

Father exclaimed, "Ho." Then, as Zenji, Kuroemon, and Taibei tried to leave, he stopped them. Their faces became serious.

"What does it say?"

"Yes, it mentions the condition of the Kanto Kanrei Terutora and the marriage of his adopted son, Uesugi Kagekatsu, to Shosho's daughter, Takahime."

Silence fell, and everyone exchanged glances.

"Terutora has a slight paralysis on one side of his body. He can speak, but with some difficulty, according to the letter. Takahime will be sent to Echigo next year, and the wedding will take place. It seems things will be busy from now on."

"Paralysis on one side?"

"Battle will be difficult."

"What a pity, for a man hailed as a military god like Terutora to be unable to fight..."

Zenji, Kuroemon, and Taibei spoke, and Father and Uncle listened with complex expressions. Both were at an age where they could relate to the risk of stroke. They must have had their thoughts.

"Koremasa, how old is Takahime?"

"Seven, and Kagekatsu is twenty."

"Seven and twenty..."

Father muttered, and everyone reacted. Some grunted, others sighed.

"What do you think, Koremasa?"

Father asked in a low voice.

"It seems to be an attempt to improve Kagekatsu's position. The letter mentions that Terutora has a slight paralysis and some difficulty speaking, but the situation might be worse. Kagekatsu is acting as a substitute, and they want him to inherit the family and the Kanto Kanrei position as soon as possible."

"But at twenty, he could inherit the family without a substitute. That seems suspicious."

"He must be a fool, or there are people within the Uesugi family who do not follow him willingly. These people must have considerable power and cannot be ignored."

Everyone nodded at the exchange between Uncle and Father.

Inheriting the family at a young age is not uncommon. If experience is lacking, a guardian can be appointed, as with Shosho. He lost his father at a young age and inherited the family under his grandfather's guardianship. By the early teens, he was leading troops and establishing his authority. Being under a guardian is not shameful, especially for a large family like the Uesugi. The fact that Kagekatsu cannot do this at twenty suggests there are opposing forces, as Father said. That's why Takahime is being sent. As the daughter of Shosho, she will provide significant support. And...

"Takahime is a concubine's daughter, but her mother is said to be the daughter of the Kibitsuhiko Shrine's chief priest."

"Kibitsuhiko Shrine?"

Uncle sounded surprised.

"Yes, it has significant influence in the Hokuriku region, including Echigo."

Everyone grunted.

"This is a powerful talisman."

"Even those who dislike Kagekatsu will find it hard to act."

"Such a talisman would be useful for the Koshi family too."

Zenji, Kuroemon, and Taibei's conversation made Father and Uncle laugh. They must have felt reassured about Echigo.

"What is it, Koremasa?"

Father looked at me with a puzzled expression. He wasn't the only one; everyone was looking.

"No, with the Uesugi receiving such thorough support, I think Shosho's western campaign is imminent."

I smiled and everyone nodded.

"Yes, finally the nine-character banner will wave over Harima."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Everyone seemed satisfied with Father and Taibei's conversation.

A talisman... it could be a double-edged sword. Until now, the Kudoki and Uesugi have cooperated, maintaining a balance of power. But if Takahime is accepted, those in Echigo and Etchu with ties to the Kibitsuhiko Shrine might see her as their leader rather than the Uesugi. This could create a pro-Kudoki faction within the Uesugi territory. What this will mean for the Uesugi...

It's not as simple as Shosho providing support. The Uesugi leadership will have to be more considerate of the Kudoki. This situation will continue until Kagekatsu and Takahime have a child, a successor. With Takahime being seven, this will take about ten years. ...Am I overthinking this?

In the third year of Genki (1575), early October, in Yawata, Higashimikawa District, Omi Province, at Yawata Castle, with Kudoki Motonao.

I was polishing a pot in my room. Usually, this calms me down, but not today. I can't relax at all; I feel depressed... Using a seven-year-old daughter for security is the act of a despicable father. Takahime cried, saying she didn't want to go to Echigo. It was hard to console her. She wouldn't even look at the castella or the beautiful clothes. She said she wanted to stay in this castle, by my side. I told her that Kasugayama Castle is large and magnificent, but she has grown into a father's little girl. I haven't bathed with her, but...

The only comfort is that Aya, Yon, and Yuki understand the situation. I talked to Yuki, apologized many times, and bowed. She understood that the Uesugi were necessary to protect the Kudoki. Aya and Yon understood through Yuki. If I had talked to them, they might have rebelled, but Yuki's explanation made them accept it. They said they were suffering too. I'm grateful for their understanding.

But I think I would have preferred to be blamed. It would have been easier to be called a terrible father, a scoundrel, and be slapped. That's the truth; I am a scoundrel, a human waste. But I could have justified it by saying it was necessary to protect the Kudoki. But everyone is kind to me. They care for me, not just the women, but the retainers too. This makes it even harder.

I feel depressed, unable to recover. I wish some fool would start a war. Then I could vent my frustration by crushing them. But I can't act. Yon and Yuki are about to give birth, and Takahime gets lonely if I go out. ...This is bad, I keep stopping my pot polishing, sighing. What am I doing? I need to focus and polish the pot.

The Kanpaku suggested making Takahime a foster daughter of the Konoe family. The Kanpaku has deep ties with the Uesugi and is concerned about Terutora's illness. He is also in opposition to Yoshizane. It would be unwise for the Kudoki's rise to be threatened. The Kanpaku wants to minimize the Uesugi's confusion.

Takahime, a warrior princess of the Sengoku era. She recognizes the value of the Konoe family and aims to strengthen the bonds between the Konoe and Kudoki families, as well as the Konoe and Uesugi families. For the Uesugi, having Takahime as a foster daughter of the Konoe family would be like a demon with a golden club. Through the Konoe family, they could have a strong connection to the imperial court. Truly, Takahime is a blessing.

Yoshizane will be furious. He might already be. Deciding a marriage without prior consultation is unacceptable, he would say, pacing and raging in front of Ichiya Fujinaga and Hosokawa Fujitaka. While Fujinaga might have incited him, he is foolish. The prohibition of private marriages between daimyo was institutionalized in the Edo period. There's no need to seek permission. The Uesugi and Kudoki have already agreed to report the marriage after it takes place next year.

The reason is simple: they don't expect Yoshizane to accept it willingly. Both the Uesugi and Kudoki understand the necessity of this marriage. The Uesugi are in a tight spot. Yoshizane, who harbors deep resentment towards the Kudoki, is an obstacle. Now, Yoshizane has not only the Kudoki but also the Uesugi as enemies, a foolish move. The Awa Sannomiya, who have no good feelings towards Yoshizane, will strengthen their ties with the Kudoki, Uesugi, and Awa Sannomiya.

Yoshizane must be unhappy. After making peace with the Hongan-ji, the imperial court delegated the exchange rate of gold and silver to the Kudoki. Announcing the exchange rate, he was quite angry. The court and the Kudoki are looking down on the shogunate. That's true; their goals are different. Everyone seeks development and stability, but Yoshizane seeks division. The Ashikaga don't need a large power to exert influence. But the world is tired of chaos, so the court relies on the Kudoki.

Perhaps in the future, the delegation of the gold and silver exchange rate will be seen as the day the court transferred governance from the Ashikaga to the Kudoki. The Kudoki regime was born on this day. It might be premature, but it could be seen as the first step towards the birth of the Kudoki regime. If it really happens, sending Takahime will not have been in vain. Then the problem is Oda.

Nobunaga also sent a letter inquiring about Terutora's condition. I replied that he has a slight paralysis on one side and some difficulty speaking, but it's not incomprehensible. He will need assistance, but he can still handle political affairs. I wrote that sending his daughter will strengthen the bond between the Kudoki and Uesugi. I wonder what he thinks.

Currently, Oda is attacking Totomi and preparing to invade Suruga. The Takeda of Kai, the Hojo of Sagami, and the Imagawa are desperately trying to prevent this. The Uesugi of Echigo cannot move for now, and the Kanto and Shinano will likely observe the situation. This means the Hojo and Takeda can commit significant forces against Oda. About 15,000 from the Imagawa, Takeda, and Hojo?

Oda and Tokugawa have about 30,000. They have no reason to lose. But to ensure victory, should we send reinforcements from the Kudoki? Not by land, but by sea, using the navy to attack the coast of Sagami and Izu from Suruga. This might not make the Hojo withdraw, but it could pressure them. The Imagawa's vassals will be distracted. I'll propose this to Nobunaga. How will he respond? Will he accept or reject it?

"Father."

I looked and saw Takahime peeking in from the door. Sigh, I can't send her off like this.

"Your manners are poor, Takahime. If you have something to say, come in. There's no need to be shy."

She answered, "Yes," and entered the room, walking up to me and sitting down, like a doll. My heart ached.

"What is it? Do you have something to say?"

I tried to sound calm and gentle.

"Mother says you should come to her."

"Yuki?"

Takahime nodded. I'm not just a bad father, I'm a terrible husband. Yuki is suffering, yet she is concerned for me. I don't have time to be depressed. Next year, Takahime will go to Echigo. I can only be with her now.

"Come here, over here."

Takahime stood up happily and walked over, sitting in front of me with her back to me. I stroked her head, and she looked up and smiled. I used to do this often. Maybe she's been shy because of her younger siblings. I'm a failure; my nose is starting to sting. I need to say something...

"Your little brother or sister will be born soon."

"Yes."

"When you were born, I was away at war for half a year and didn't know about it. I didn't even know you were in Yuki's womb."

"Really?"

"Yes, Yuki didn't tell me about the pregnancy because she was concerned for me on the battlefield. When I returned to the castle, Yuki appeared with you, and I didn't realize you were my daughter. I thought she was holding someone else's child."

"..."

"I was scolded. Not just by Yuki, but by Yon and my mother too. My grandfather laughed and said I was absent-minded. To think that child would grow into such a beautiful daughter... It's amazing."

What am I saying?

"Do you remember the castle at Shiozuhama?"

Takahime shook her head.

"That's the castle where you were born. You moved to Shimizuyama Castle soon after, so you probably don't remember."

"Yes, what kind of castle is it?"

"It's a small castle, much smaller than this Yawata Castle or Shimizuyama Castle."

"Really?"

Takahime sounded surprised, looking puzzled. That's understandable; you were born after the Kudoki grew. It's hard to believe.

"But from that castle, I conquered northern Omi, Echizen, Kaga, Noto, Wakasa, southern Omi, and Ise. That castle watched over the Kudoki's growth."

"Wow."

"Yes, it's an amazing castle. I was happy when I captured it. It meant the Kudoki could grow. I thought I had secured northern Omi."

Takahime looked at me intently. She probably didn't understand half of what I said, but she was trying hard to understand. She was precious to me.

"Would you like to see it? We can go by boat."

"Yes!"

Takahime sounded excited.

"Then let's go after the baby is born. We can't worry Yon and Yuki. And I'll take you to Kudokidani too."

Yes, I need to take her to Kudokidani before sending her to Echigo.

"Kudokidani?"

Takahime looked puzzled.

"It's where the Kudoki clan has lived for generations. The Kudoki name comes from Kudokidani. I lived there until I was about ten."

"Really?"

"Yes. I need to introduce you to your ancestors. You are my pride."

"Yes."

Takahime smiled and nodded happily.

"Takahime..."

"Father?"

"No, I'm looking forward to that day."

I'm a fool. I was about to tell her that I would do anything to protect her, even if it meant making enemies of the Uesugi and Oda. I wanted to say that I would protect her, even if it meant my own destruction. I'm a hopeless fool. If I fall, Takahime will lose her support. I can't forget that. The Kudoki must be strong and large.

I need to proceed with making Takahime a foster daughter of the Konoe family. I need to assign suitable people to her. The Hachimon and Iga are not suitable; they might offend the Uesugi. I'll choose trustworthy people from the K