The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 119

The Miyoshi family has now undergone a change of leadership. Miyoshi Nagayoshi has been promoted to the rank of Repairman, and the position of Governor of Chikuzen has been handed over to Miyoshi Yoshioki.

Muto Shunsuke's request to have a direct audience with Miyoshi Yoshioki reveals his eagerness for advancement. However, his willingness to send his wife and children to Obama Castle as hostages demonstrates his sincerity.

He is indeed a remarkable person.

It should be noted that Mitsuhide Akechi has been secretly working for the Kubo family for one year and three months, and has yet to say that he will send his family to Wakasa for resettlement.

Shinzaburo showed no inclination to speak up.

Because Akechi Mitsuhide, though seemingly gentle and tactful, actually possessed a strong sense of self-respect, he could only be appeased and persuaded, not forced. He favored a style of communication where both parties held tacit understanding, made concessions to each other, and avoided making definitive statements—the way of the Kyoto intellectuals.

Muto Shunshu offered his wife and children, which clearly demonstrated a more straightforward and rational approach to his actions.

Shinzaburo wrote a letter to Yamana Yutaka, the governor of Tajima, saying that this ronin named Muto Shunshu was very capable, but his family had a grudge against him, so he could not give him an important position. Therefore, he recommended him to him.

Then he asked, "How do you plan to conquer Tajima?"

Without hesitation, Muto Shunshu said, "I have done a rough investigation of Tajima. The best course of action at present should be to incite the Shugo Daigakiya family to raise the banner of rebellion. In that case, Lord Yamana Kingo will most likely be no match for him, and the Kubo family can then advance under the pretext of assisting in suppressing the rebellion."

Shinzaburo nodded happily: "That puts my mind at ease."

225 Sanhao Encirclement Network

From the end of the second year of Yonglu (1559) to the beginning of the following year, the situation of the various states underwent tremendous changes.

First, news came from Kyoto that Miyoshi Nagayoshi had been promoted to the rank of Repairman and moved to the more convenient Iimori Castle. His son, Miyoshi Yoshioki, inherited the rank of Chikuzen no Kami and the rule of Akutagawa Castle. Both father and son served as "Gosho Banshu" (officials in charge of the shogunate).

This likely means that the Miyoshi Yoshioki-kai will officially take over the direct forces of the Miyoshi family, and Miyoshi Nagayoshi will attempt to establish another "Kōgi" independent of the shogunate, just like the former half-shogun Hosokawa Masamoto.

Meanwhile, through the mediation of the Miyoshi family, the imperial court issued an edict elevating the status of Ishiyama Honganji Temple, granting it a status similar to "Regent Family Monk," thus resolving their long-standing legal disputes with Shoren-in and Senshu-ji Temples.

As a result, the friendship between Honganji Kennyo and Miyoshi Nagayoshi deepened, while his relationship with Echizen Asakura Yoshikage deteriorated. Subsequently, there were signs that the long war between the Hokuriku Ikko-ikki and the Asakura family was about to resume.

Echigo's Nagao Kagetora led his troops into Echigo-chu under the pretext of rescuing the Shiina clan, which led to a conflict with the Hokuriku Ikko-ikki. This was good news for the Asakura family.

In addition, rumors circulated that Echizen Asakura supported the Asai family of northern Omi against the Rokkaku family of Omi.

Not long after, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru accepted a generous gift from the Ōtomo clan of Bungo Province, bestowing upon them the title of Kyushu Tandai (a high-ranking official in Kyushu). This gave Ōtomo Yoshishige ample reason to take over the Ōuchi clan's legacy. Meanwhile, Mōri Motonari, who was expanding his influence in northern Kyushu, found himself in an awkward situation and quickly dispatched envoys with a large amount of gold and silver to Kyoto to lobby on his behalf.

The Miyoshi family had originally planned to cultivate a good relationship with the Amago clan of Izumo to restrain the Mori clan of Aki Province. However, they learned that Amago Haruhisa, who was nearly fifty years old, had fallen ill during a military campaign and was unable to take any action. From this perspective, although the most important Iwami silver mine in western Japan was still in the hands of the Amago clan, their overall situation was quite pessimistic.

Fortunately, losing him won't make a difference.

While Ishiyama Honganji Temple and the Mori clan of Aki may have previously harbored intentions to oppose the Miyoshi clan, they certainly won't join the encirclement for the time being. The forces of the Echizen Asakura clan will also be tied down.

The overall situation suddenly became much better.

Then there was Hatakeyama Takamasa, a prominent samurai family who served as the governor of Kawachi and Kii provinces. He openly changed his long-standing pro-Miyoshi stance and called on the people of various provinces to attack the Miyoshi family.

To be precise, Hatakeyama Takamasa's attitude had already changed long ago, but it's only now becoming public.

The reason may be that Miyoshi Nagayoshi was previously only satisfied with maintaining indirect control over Hanoi, but now he has sent many retainers to garrison the country, showing a strong tendency to directly annex it.

For the same reason, there were also people opposing the Miyoshi family everywhere in Izumi and Yamato.

Implementing a monolithic system of rule will inevitably offend people.

At this point, the only ally worth mentioning was in Mino. Saito Yoshitatsu had responded quickly and proactively to the Miyoshi family's offer, promising to join forces against Rokkaku Yoshikata. Miyoshi Nagayoshi also helped him smooth things over with the Imperial Court and the Shogunate.

However, this guy had no integrity whatsoever. Having just received benefits in Kyoto, he immediately sent an envoy to the Rokkaku family in Omi to propose a marriage alliance.

The Rokkaku family had just undergone a generational change, and the new head of the family, Rokkaku Yoshiharu, agreed to the marriage without much thought. However, his father, the recently retired "recluse" Rokkaku Yoshikata, was furious when he learned of this and immediately stepped in to stop it, ordering his foolish son to reflect on his actions behind closed doors.

In short, with the Three-Benefit Encirclement as the starting point, the situation of the nations changed continuously like dominoes.

However, some people are focused on their land acquisition and do not get involved in central government affairs.

For example, the Suruga Imagawa family showed no interest in the affairs of Kyoto, but unilaterally made demands on the entire province of Owari, without making great efforts to curry favor with the imperial court and the shogunate.

Both Takeda Shingen of Kai and Hojo Ujiyasu of Sagami maintained their own pace of expansion and did not rashly change their major policies due to changes in their "upper-level" forces.

It's possible that the daimyo of the eastern provinces had a higher degree of centralization, thus making them less dependent on the old authority.

Of course, there were also pitiful figures like Oda Nobunaga of Owari, who went to Kyoto to pledge his loyalty but were still met with indifference. Perhaps it was at this moment that the Great Demon King's idealized view of the shogunate shattered.

……

Shinzaburo, the deputy governor of Wakasa, has ideas closer to those of the daimyo of the eastern country. He also plans to accumulate strength and expand his territory first, and then enter the central government to compete for the right to speak when the time is right.

However, the Kubo family is not a completely independent force, and its diplomatic strategy needs to be consistent with that of the Miyoshi family.

Taking advantage of the New Year holiday, Shinzaburo once again visited the Kinai region, paid a visit to the important figures he needed to meet, congratulated Miyoshi Nagayoshi and his son Miyoshi Yoshioki on their promotions, and then casually inquired about strategic issues.

After all, there is a clear trend of forming an encirclement around the country. Even if diplomatic means are used to resolve some of the issues, there is still some pressure.

So, should we suspend the plans on Tango's side, shrink our battle lines, and focus on defense?

Shinzaburo didn't want this to happen. But in order to show his unwavering loyalty, he spoke up anyway.

Unexpectedly, Yoshioki Miyoshi shook his head decisively and said: "The recent rampant encirclement is due to my family's defeat in Kawachi last year; and the defeat in Kawachi was due to a misunderstanding between my father and Uncle Buzen no Kami (Yoshio Miyoshi). Now, thanks to the mediation of Uncle Settsu no Kami (Fuyuyasu Ataka), the misunderstanding has been resolved, the Miyoshi family is united, and there is nothing to fear from external enemies."

Oh, it's good news that the eldest and second eldest Miyoshi brothers are reconciling. Shinzaburo had also heard that Yoshikata Miyoshi planned to become a monk and change his name to "Monogaiken Shikikyu" to show his submission to his elder brother.

But is that enough to put our minds at ease?

It still feels a bit uncertain, but since the leader has said so, there's nothing more to say.

Then, Yoshioki Miyoshi gave instructions: "Back then, the attack on Tango with the forces of Tanba and Wakasa was carried out on the orders of Ashikaga Kubo. I hope that we can achieve results as soon as possible, otherwise it will damage the dignity of the shogunate. Naito Bizen (Munekatsu) may be busy dealing with the remnants of the former Kanrei, so I will have to rely on the Kubo family for the Tango matter."

Shinzaburo immediately expressed his surprise: "The remnants of the former Kanrei only number a few hundred, yet they've managed to overwhelm Naito Bizen, the governor of Dan Province?"

Miyoshi Yoshioki gave a wry smile and said helplessly, "Chikatsu, the last surviving member of the Naito family, is bedridden with illness. So Bizen's position is quite delicate right now. Coupled with the previous defeat, the people of Tanba are in a state of panic, and the situation is somewhat out of control."

Ah, the youngest son left behind by the former guardian, Naito Kunisada, is sick?

What a coincidence.

Back when Naito Munekatsu was still called Matsunaga Nagayori, in order to smoothly inherit his father-in-law's business, he used his brother-in-law, Chikatsu, as a figurehead, claiming that he had no intention of seizing the throne.

A year ago, he went back on his word and, taking advantage of his capture of Yagami Castle, declared himself "Governor of Dan Province," effectively usurping the Naito family's business.

Then, conveniently, my brother-in-law fell ill...

How can this be explained clearly? It's a situation where one is caught in a compromising situation, and there's no way to defend oneself. Anyone with a bit of social experience would suspect that Naito Munekatsu is trying to eliminate any potential threats through underhanded means.

If the so-called "remnants of Hosokawa Harumoto's faction" were to use this as a starting point to launch a propaganda offensive, the samurai of Tanba might actually waver.

Naito Munekatsu indeed didn't have the energy to continue participating in the campaign against Tango.

"It's my duty, my responsibility." Shinzaburo patted his chest without hesitation, then deliberately asked, "Was it really just a coincidence that Chikatsu, the last surviving member of the Naito family, contracted the disease?"

“Of course.” Yoshiyuki Miyoshi gave him a wink. “If someone had done it, he wouldn’t be bedridden; he would have died instantly.”

“You’re right. In that case…” Shinzaburo pretended to suddenly realize something, and then made a suggestion: “I have an idea about the orphan of the Naito family, but I don’t know if it’s appropriate.”

"Oh? Since it's Lord Kubo Sado's brilliant plan, it must be suitable." Miyoshi Yoshihisa looked expectant. "Please tell me quickly."

Shinzaburo then explained the plan.

“That’s right, that’s indeed a good idea. I will have my father mediate and make it happen. On your way back to Wakasa, you can visit Yagi Castle and tell them about this.” Miyoshi Yoshioki’s eyes lit up after hearing this, and he expressed his agreement. He then gave instructions: “If all goes well, the Tanba Naito family will focus on preparing for this matter, except for dealing with the remnants of the former Kanrei. The campaign against Tango will still need to rely mainly on the Wakasa army.”

Shinzaburo replied, "I understand."

At this point, Miyoshi Yoshioki hesitated for a moment before continuing to emphasize: "Tango Isshiki is ultimately a noble family loyal to the shogunate. The current trouble is caused by the rebellion of powerful ministers, but their young lord bears no responsibility. Therefore, we cannot easily seize their land. Even after the conquest is successful, only the Kumano and Takeno districts, which have been agreed upon, can still be handed over to the Kubo family for 'temporary administration'."

Originally, he was tasked with assisting Naito Munekatsu, the governor of Dan Province, in conquering Tango, and afterwards received the Kumano and Takeno districts. Now, he is the main force in conquering Tango, and still receives the Kumano and Takeno districts.

In other words, the number of tasks has increased, but the rewards remain the same.

No wonder Yoshiaki Miyoshi hesitated.

Shinzaburo pondered for a moment, without trying to elevate his own awareness, and simply said in a frank tone: "These two counties as a new favor are enough to repay the bravery of the Wakasa samurai. I will also gain something."

The implication is that it doesn't matter if the earnings are less, as long as it's not like you're working for free.

That's a very practical statement.

Miyoshi Yoshiaki then smiled and nodded, saying, "Now that my father and I have been favored by Lord Kubo and are among the 'officials of the shogunate,' we should naturally follow the proper procedures and assist the Ashikaga family in stabilizing the realm."

Shinzaburo said, "I come from a humble background and was not very knowledgeable about the world. It was only after I became acquainted with the lords of the Miyoshi family that I gradually came to understand the principle that 'if the name is not correct, the words will not be proper; if the words are not proper, things will not be accomplished.' This is probably what it means to emulate the virtuous."

Yoshioki Miyoshi wore a satisfied expression and sighed, "If everyone were like Kubo Sado, what worries would there be about peace in the world? What a pity..."

He didn't say what was so regrettable, and Shinzaburo didn't ask either.

It's nothing more than trivial internal factional struggles.

……

After some discussion, the direction returned to its starting point. There was no need for the Kubo family to "go to Kyoto to serve the emperor"; they could simply return to their own territory and continue their operations.

But coming here is by no means a waste of time; on the contrary, it is very necessary.

Sanin takes the time

226 Danba’s people are determined

Located in the Kameyama Basin, Tanba Kofuku-ji Temple is not usually too cold. However, in January of the third year of Eiroku (1560), the weather was overcast for several days without sunshine, and the snow from the previous year had not completely melted by the end of the month.

In this season of fluctuating temperatures, the early spring wind is not gentle; instead, it carries a chill that makes one feel uneasy.

No formal religious ceremony was held today, but a large number of samurai and soldiers still gathered at the temple.

Because the "Prefect of Danzhou," Naito Munekatsu, went alone to the prayer hall of Kofuku-ji Temple to pray for the blessings of the gods and Buddhas for his brother-in-law, Naito Chikatsu, who was still a minor but had fallen ill.

Retainers and guards naturally had to accompany them.

Only Naito Munekatsu's wife, who is also Chikatsu's older sister, was left at home to take care of him.

If an outsider were unaware of the details, they might assume it was a display of brotherly affection and devout prayer. However, in reality, although Munekatsu and Chikatsu both shared the surname Naito, they were not closely related by blood.

The former deputy governor of Tanba was named Naito Kunisada, who died six or seven years ago. Chikatsu was Kunisada's only son, and was only four or five years old at the time; Munekatsu was Kunisada's son-in-law, and took over the actual power.

It's clearly a situation where the cuckoo has taken over the nest and the guest has become the master.

Back when Naito Munekatsu was still known as Matsunaga Nagayori, he had become a monk to prove his innocence, adopting the name "Hōunken". However, two years ago, after capturing the Hachigami Castle of the Hatano family in Taki District and eliminating the Naito family's long-standing enemy, he began to call himself "Naito Bizen no Kami Munekatsu, Governor of Tan Province", his intentions being self-evident.

Now that my brother-in-law Qiansheng is almost of marriageable age, he has fallen ill. How can this be explained?

Naito Munekatsu prayed alone in his room for a long time, and no one knew what his expression was. His close advisors, on the other hand, all remained unusually silent.

In the corridor outside the prayer hall, three samurai stood on the left, exchanging silent glances. Fukui Shima-no-kami, though advanced in years and always stern, remained impassive and calm today; Kobayashi Hyuga-no-kami kept his head down, occasionally glancing up, but his eyes held a hint of evasion, quite unlike his usual lively self; while Sasabe Hakuki-no-kami, who always liked to be self-satisfied and refined, kept his back turned, staring into the distance, pretending to admire the scenery.

Although they were all from Tanba and had served the Naito family for generations, they were not originally top-ranking officials. They were promoted to high positions by Naito Munekatsu himself after he took over.

However, faced with a storm of public opinion, the three reacted somewhat subtly.

Meanwhile, Matsunaga Magoroku, Naito Munekatsu's nephew and the Taki District Magistrate, paced back and forth in the right corridor with a stern face, his eyes seeming to hold a flame that could burst forth at any moment.

The rest simply observed with indifference.

"Three seniors!" After an unknown amount of time, Matsunaga Magoroku finally couldn't help but speak. His voice was not loud, but it was urgent. "Lord Chikatsu only caught a cold during the change of seasons. After seeing a doctor, he said there was nothing serious. Why are you all so worried?"

Upon hearing this, Fukui, Kobayashi, and Sasabe exchanged glances and, in perfect unison, looked down at the ground without replying.

Matsunaga Sonroku, however, refused to give up and directly addressed him: "Lord Shima no Kami, you are a wise and experienced man, could you dispel my doubts?"

Fukui Shima-no-kami had no choice but to raise his head and say in a low voice, "A cold is a common ailment. It's just that the timing was too coincidental."

"So what?" Matsunaga Magoroku finally couldn't help but shout, "Can we tolerate those with ulterior motives making veiled accusations and falsely accusing us just because of a mere 'perfect timing'?"

The statement was made so seriously that no one responded.

Matsunaga Sunroku looked at the three men, growing increasingly anxious: "Lord Bizen (Naito Munekatsu) has been expanding the territory for many years, and his efforts are immense. Today, he is personally praying for his sworn brother, which can only be described as sincere. As important retainers, you should do your best to help him share his burdens."

At this moment, Kobayashi Hyuga-no-kami coughed twice and said cautiously, "We are naturally loyal to Lord Bizen, but when people's hearts are in turmoil, it is not advisable to speak recklessly, otherwise we may make things worse."

"Nonsense?" Matsunaga Sonroku snorted and sneered, "People can talk nonsense and spread rumors everywhere, but if we refute them, we're considered to be talking nonsense? What kind of logic is that!"

Fukui and Kobayashi did not answer. Sasabe Hakuki-no-kami frowned as if he wanted to say something, but hesitated for a moment and did not speak.

Just as Matsunaga Magoroku was about to speak again, a soft creaking sound came from the hinges of the prayer hall door.

Looking in the direction of the sound, Naito Munekatsu had already come out.

He looked undeniably tired, and his complexion wasn't very healthy, but thankfully his expression remained calm.

“The innocent are innocent, Sun Liu need not say more,” Zong Sheng said quietly, his tone extremely calm. “The three of them are right to ignore the rumors.”

After speaking, he recited a few more Buddhist verses, then slowly turned around, seemingly about to enter the prayer area again.

"How could Uncle do this..." Matsunaga Sonroku was so anxious that he forgot the rule of "using job titles in the workplace" and didn't know what to say.

Just then, a strong male voice came from afar.

"It's a coincidence that you are all here, which saves me the trouble of making a trip to Yagi Castle!"

Then came a burly and imposing man, striding in with the air of a dragon and the gait of a tiger, exuding a heroic and dignified air.