The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 124

Seeing that he had not received a response, Hosokawa Fujitaka changed to more direct wording, saying: "In this world, if you want to relieve the worries of the shogunate, you must be close to the Miyoshi family; and in Tango province, you must first be loyal to the Kubo family before you will have the opportunity to realize your ambitions."

Shinzaburo nodded, a sense stirring within him that this was an opportunity not to be missed. If he could truly control the land of Tango, it would not only strengthen his own power but also facilitate future expansion into Tajima.

However, he was also keenly aware of the immense risks involved. Neither Akechi Mitsuhide nor Hosokawa Fujitaka were pushovers. Akechi Mitsuhide, due to his weak foundation and lack of powerful backers, could still be controlled in the short term. But Hosokawa Fujitaka, as a scion of a high-ranking family with close ties to the Ashikaga clan, possessed considerable soft power. Once he gained real local authority, he would likely become much harder to manage.

Don't be fooled by their humble attitude now; who knows if they might turn on you in the future?

If one day the two sides start fighting over the two northern counties of Tango Province, the situation will be very bad.

For a moment, Shinzaburo hesitated.

However, at that moment, he suddenly saw Mitsuhide Akechi give a signal through Hosokawa Fujitaka's blind spot.

Shinzaburo sensed the subtle meaning in that look, pondered for a moment, then adopted a posture as if he had finally made up his mind, and slowly nodded, saying, "I am grateful to Hosokawa Hyōbu for thinking so highly of my Kubo family. I will naturally return the favor and do my best to recommend you as the acting governor of Tango Kenbeyama Castle. However, whether or not you will be allowed to do so depends on the will of the lords above."

Hosokawa Fujitaka was overwhelmed with gratitude and quickly bowed to express his thanks.

After exchanging a few more words, Hosokawa and Akechi took their leave.

Shinzaburo arranged for them to stay in newly renovated guest rooms in Kohama Castle.

Then, as expected, Akechi Mitsuhide secretly requested an audience that night, all by himself.

235 Mitsuhide Akechi had other plans.

It was nighttime, and Shinzaburo had already bathed and changed. He was lying in the living room, casually picking up a book to read before bed to pass the time.

In the dim candlelight, I occasionally glanced at the paper but had no interest in reading it; my mind was preoccupied with what had just happened.

Hosokawa Fujitaka and Akechi Mitsuhide are interesting people.

I unintentionally helped sow the seeds, but I have no idea what kind of flowers will bloom in the future.

Lady Adou dismissed the servants and maids, brought over a cup of warm water with a gentle smile, and then paced back and forth in the room alone. She would occasionally wipe the utensils on the counter, or tidy the cloth on the straw mat, but her mind was elsewhere, her actions incomplete, not as if she were truly doing housework. Instead, she frequently glanced at him discreetly, a subtle, alluring look in her eyes, before steadily drawing closer.

Shinzaburo was always sharp-witted and perceptive; how could he not know what his wife was thinking? However, pretending not to know was a kind of intimate pleasure between them.

Suddenly, a retainer on night duty whispered outside the door, "My lord, the physician Akechi Mitsuhide from the capital requests an audience, saying he has an appointment with you."

Immediately, Shinzaburo's expression turned serious. Putting aside his thoughts about his children, he replied without hesitation, "Take him to the study. I'll be right there."

Upon hearing this, Adou was first taken aback, then her face showed worry, and she asked in surprise, "Sir, are you ill? Why didn't you tell me?"

Shinzaburo couldn't help but smile and shook his head: "Don't worry, I'm fine. I just have some miscellaneous matters to discuss with this person."

"A chores?" Adou immediately pouted, displeased. "If it's a chores, why do you have to come so late at night to visit..."

“Although it’s just a trivial matter now…” Shinzaburo stood up and looked around, then casually said, “In the future, it may involve the gain or loss of territory worth 100,000 koku.”

"Is it that important?" A-Dou's emotions, which had just risen, were suppressed by these words. She immediately adjusted her expression, showing a gentle and considerate smile, and ran to fetch a clean coat and belt, diligently helping the man put them on.

"Thank you for your hard work." Shinzaburo expressed his gratitude, "As for myself, I don't even know where I keep my spare clothes."

“Isn’t this just a matter of course…” Adou chuckled. “If a woman makes her husband worry about how to store clothes, then she is being too unfit.”

She chuckled softly, covering her mouth, as she helped smooth out the wrinkles. Looking at it from left to right, she couldn't help but frown and mutter to herself, "Kohama Castle is too close to the sea, and the humidity is too high. We need to add some dehumidifiers..."

"Didn't Shingoro say he wanted to start a charcoal business in Ogyu Castle?" Shinsaburo said casually. "If what he makes has a good moisture absorption effect, we can take some and use it directly, just pay the cost price."

"Leave the household affairs to me," Adou nodded, then added, "Your Excellency can focus on handling state affairs."

……

The study was brightly lit, and Mitsuhide Akechi was already waiting by the desk, his posture upright, his face calm, showing no signs of fatigue, but rather full of energy and eager to try.

Shinzaburo didn't fully understand what the other person was thinking, but he had some vague guesses. During their quiet meeting late at night, he only smiled slightly and tentatively asked, "Hosokawa Hyobu (Fujitaka) is your longtime friend, isn't he? If you help him take control of Kenbeyama Castle in Tango, you'll surely receive a generous reward."

Without a second thought, Akechi Mitsuhide immediately shook his head: "No! Tango's situation is complicated. Even if the shogunate sends Hosokawa Hyobu to assist in governing, it can't be considered taking over. It's not easy for him to even gain a foothold, let alone promote his old friends. I would rather continue practicing medicine and assist Lord Kubo Sado in managing the two districts of western Omi."

His tone was calm and his attitude sincere, without any hint of seeking credit or favor.

His words were not surprising.

In terms of land and population, Tango Province, comprising five districts, was roughly equivalent to the Takashima and Shiga districts of the western Omi region. However, in terms of geographical importance, Tango was far less significant than the western Omi region.

Furthermore, what Hosokawa Fujitaka was after was merely a "regency" position serving as the young head of the Isshiki family, Senshūmaru. As a relative or friend accompanying him to take up the post, he might not necessarily benefit much from it.

Conversely, if the campaign to manage western Omi is successful, Akechi Mitsuhide, as the main person in charge, can immediately transform himself into a regional official with the help of the Kubo family. Unless Shinzaburo is insane, there is no way he would send someone to replace him.

Given the Miyoshi family's style of doing things, they will not interfere too much at that time.

What was the meaning behind Mitsuhide Akechi's suggestive glances during the day?

Shinzaburo had some guesses in his mind, but he didn't say them out loud. He just remained calm and let the other party speak first.

Mitsuhide Akechi, in a weaker position, couldn't pretend to be profound. He bluntly stated, "Moreover, Hosokawa Hyōbu is currently facing trouble. Even if he receives your recommendation, he may not be appointed by the shogunate as the regent of the Tango Isshiki family."

Shinzaburo had also heard something about the troubles Hosokawa Fujitaka was facing.

After all, Master Mingzhou, the father-in-law, had several disciples working at Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto. As long as one was willing to inquire diligently, one could still be very well-informed.

The story begins several years ago.

The agency that handled internal affairs in the Muromachi Shogunate was called the Mandokoro. The current head of the Mandokoro was Ise Sadataka of the Ise family. He remained in Kyoto during Ashikaga Yoshiteru's exile and served under Miyoshi Nagayoshi, thus preserving his power and position.

However, after Ashikaga Yoshiteru returned, he deliberately appointed Matsunaga Hisahide of the Miyoshi family as the deputy steward of the government office, which put Ise Sataka in an awkward position.

Some time ago, Ise Sataka issued a decree of benevolent governance on a small scale near Kyoto, as was customary, but he was impeached for mismanagement and severely criticized. Then, Hosokawa Fujitaka's half-brother, Mibuchi Haruka, was also implicated.

It's hard to say exactly how much impact this will have.

Judging from Mitsuhide Akechi's tone, it sounds quite serious.

I wonder if there is any accurate source of information?

After a moment's thought, Shinzaburo decided to skip the roundabout probing and directly point out the irrationality in the other party's words and actions: "Since you believe that Hosokawa Hyōbu cannot obtain the position of regent for Tango, why did you instruct me to help recommend him?"

Mitsuhide Akechi's eyes lit up, and he lowered his voice, saying, "That's precisely why he should be recommended. Rather, we should do something counterproductive in secret to make this appointment fall through completely."

"Oh?" Shinzaburo guessed the other party's intention, and his heart beat a little faster.

"Imagine if you solemnly recommend him, but Hosokawa Hyōbu still cannot appoint him... How would he feel?" Akechi Mitsuhide's tone was full of manipulative schemes.

Shinzaburo's eyes changed slightly.

“Disappointed with the shogunate, but grateful to the Kubo family,” Mitsuhide said softly. “In this way, Hosokawa Hyobu might be willing to assist the Kubo family in expanding into western Omi. He is very close to the Numata family of Kumagaya Castle, which is located at the border of Wakasa and Omi, and also has old ties with the Takashima Shichizu and the Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. If he is willing to lend a hand, it will greatly reduce the difficulty for us to take over Takashima and Shiga.”

Upon hearing this, even though Shinzaburo had anticipated it, he didn't feel "as expected" but rather an indescribable chill.

As expected of Akechi Mitsuhide.

Not only do they have profound and meticulous plans, but they also dare to speak them out clearly!

Is it fair to say he's extremely gambling-minded?

There was clearly no mutual trust or emotional foundation between him and Shinzaburo; at most, it was a sense of gratitude for being recognized and valued.

Why was Mitsuhide Akechi so willing to bet on this without hesitation?

When we first met, one could say he had no other options and was clinging to this one last straw. But now that he's done something high-profile with Hosokawa Fujitaka, he should have the opportunity to seek a new future.

Even now, he remains single-mindedly focused on high-risk, high-return goals, with no intention of taking profits when he's ahead, which is quite unusual.

Shinzaburo tries to sense Akechi Mitsuhide's emotions and thoughts, while realizing that he has no reason to refuse.

Whether or not we can maintain control is a long-term question.

Why reject an opportunity right in front of you because you're worried about potential problems years from now?

Shinzaburo slowly leaned back in his chair and smiled, "Your trust in me is truly admirable."

Mitsuhide bowed slightly and said righteously, "Whether I can gain a foothold depends entirely on Lord Kubo Sado's assistance."

Although his tone was humble, there was no flattery in his eyes; instead, there was a sharpness that suggested he was going all in.

Shinzaburo had made up his mind and no longer hesitated. He slowly nodded and said, "Alright. Then I will do as you say and try my best to advise the shogunate and the Miyoshi family to recommend Hosokawa Hyobu to go to Kenbeyama Castle to serve as the regent for the young lord of the Tango Isshiki family."

As for what he meant by secretly and deliberately doing things that backfired... that's left unsaid.

Mitsuhide bowed deeply, his tone still calm and his expression unchanged: "Thank you, Lord Kubo Sado. I hope we can acquire the western Omi region soon."

Taking advantage of the current atmosphere, Shinzaburo made a promise: "At that time, I will definitely ask the noble sir to entrust you with the affairs of Takashima and Shiga districts."

Akechi Mitsuhide simply smiled and said, "While the esteemed person above is indeed highly respected, what favor has he done for me?"

236 I can also be pragmatic.

Next, following Akechi Mitsuhide's advice, Shinzaburo wrote to the shogunate and the Miyoshi family, recommending that Hosokawa Fujitaka come to Kenbeyama Castle to assist Tango in protecting the young lord of the Isshiki family, Senshūmaru.

The letter lavished praise on Hosokawa Fujitaka, claiming that he had demonstrated perfect courage, wisdom, talent, and demeanor in his previous actions, and that given the opportunity, he could become an unparalleled hero.

Clearly, such rambling and flattering words are of no value whatsoever.

However, it's also important to know who wrote it.

Tanba Zhongkui, led by Kubo Yoshiaki, has recently established a stronghold in Wakasa, resisting Echizen and Asakura in the east and pacifying Tango and Iseki in the west. He is a rising star in the Kinki region. Moreover, Araki Murashige, whom he previously discovered, has been performing very well, and now he has naturally recommended Hosokawa Fujitaka. No one would underestimate him.

Shinzaburo's letter was delivered to Kyoto through a temple or shrine, handled by Master Meishu's two disciples, Ryoma and Shitaka.

The two monks also publicly praised Hosokawa Fujitaka.

Ryoma said, "Hosokawa Hyobu went to Tango alone, yet he was able to persuade the samurai in Tsukubeyama Castle to act in unison. His greatest strength was his ability to gain the trust of people from different regions and backgrounds."

Shitaka emphasized, "After listening to Kubo Sado's explanation, I believe that Hosokawa Hyobu's capacity is no less than that of the heroes of the various states. In the future, he will surely be able to serve as a pillar of the nation as a powerful lord."

However, upon hearing these comments, Ashikaga Yoshiteru smiled and said to those around him, "These are indeed true words. Hosokawa Hyōbu is my most trusted confidant, and I cannot leave him lightly. How can I entrust him with a distant post?"

These words were passed on by Matsunaga Hisahide to Miyoshi Yoshioki, who then probably consulted his father, Miyoshi Nagayoshi, and the final conclusion was: The shogun is right!

Under normal circumstances, it makes sense that the best talents should stay in the central government.

But is this the normal situation?

Although the Ashikaga shogun returned to Kyoto after making peace with the Miyoshi family and his authority was somewhat enhanced, his real power was still basically zero, and he could only manage a small territory around Kyoto.

At this time, regardless of their social standing, retainers of the shogunate could not obtain benefits commensurate with their status unless they switched allegiance to the Miyoshi family or at least became retainers of both families. However, this field was already a red ocean, and half of the civil service officials that Miyoshi Nagayoshi had relied on in the last one or two decades were hereditary retainers of the Ashikaga family.

With the wisdom of Ise Sayakumo preceding them, those with ambitions knew that being sent out into the outside world offered a vast sky with great potential, but it was not easy to do so in ordinary times.

It would be truly tragic to have actively sought an opportunity only to be excluded.

Could it really be because they've been caught up in internal political strife?

Since Shinzaburo himself was not in Kyoto, he could not see these details clearly. He simply asked Akechi Mitsuhide to represent the Kubo family to do a good job of comforting them and to take the opportunity to build a closer relationship so that they could become allies who plotted against western Omi.

Ultimately, the one appointed to assist in governing Kenbeyama Castle was Isshiki Fujinaga, a retainer of the Ashikaga family, who held the rank of Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade, Junior Assistant Minister of the Imperial Household Department. Coincidentally, this guy's family name was also Isshiki, and he was a distant relative of Isshiki Chimatsumaru, the guardian of Tango.

The fact that he was appointed to this position indicates that he not only enjoys the trust of Ashikaga Yoshiteru but also the approval of the Miyoshi family, suggesting that he must be a very capable person.

Next, he will remain in Tango for a few years, waiting until he has legally come of age as the guardian of Isshiki Chimatsumaru before stepping down and returning the authority.

Based on preconceived notions, Isshiki Fujinaga was a rather traditional thinker, not a rising star aspiring to establish himself as a powerful daimyo during the Sengoku period. He was likely content with his position as regent and would obediently return to Kyoto upon his term's expiration.

This is a good thing for Shinsaburo.

Then, the newly appointed Isshiki Fujinaga made a detour to visit Wakasa-Kohama Bay, subtly implying: You recommended Hosokawa Fujitaka to assist in Tango's administration because you had a pleasant conversation and thought he was particularly pragmatic, right? Actually, I can also have conversations, and I can also be pragmatic.

Shinzaburo thought to himself that they had only nodding acquaintances before, and their relationship was too shallow, so he didn't want to appear too enthusiastic.

Unexpectedly, when Isshiki Fujinaga's hints failed, he immediately became more direct and said without any pretense, "The entire Tango province, including the Kumano and Takeno districts, is under the control of Kubo Sado, so it is bound to be as stable as Mount Tai. I don't need to worry about it."

The implication is that they will absolutely not create friction or cause unpleasantness.

Seeing that the other party was so cooperative, Shinzaburo couldn't maintain his composure, so he smiled and replied, "Although I strongly recommended Hosokawa Hyōbu before, I also fully believe that whoever the shogunate sends will be the best choice after careful consideration, and will be more than capable of assisting in governing Tango Province."

"Without Lord Kubo Sado's presence, I would not dare to speak presumptuously." Isshiki Fujinaga appeared very humble: "Besides Kumano and Takeno, the local people of the other three districts of Tango also need your prestige to be managed! Otherwise, they would probably be unruly."

Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo became somewhat suspicious and immediately corrected him: "Lord Naito Bizen (Munekatsu), the governor of Dan Province, is also very concerned about Tango. In the future, Lord Isshiki Shikibu (Fujinaga) can listen to his opinions more often."

Unexpectedly, Isshiki Fujinaga shook his head and said, "Before I came to Obama Castle, I visited Naito Bizen at Tanba Yagi Castle. He said that he has recently become obsessed with literature and will be frequently traveling between Kyoto and Sakai. I'm afraid he will even have to entrust his own family's affairs to important retainers, let alone take care of Tango."

At first, Shinzaburo was a little confused.

The entanglement between Naito Munekatsu and his brother-in-law had just been sorted out, and there were still so-called "Hosokawa Harumoto remnants" causing trouble in the territory. How could he dare to go to the Kinai region to engage in literature at this time?

If you don't understand, then just say something universally applicable. Shinzaburo sighed dramatically, "It seems Naito Bizen is truly a man of refined taste. I've been so burdened by worldly affairs lately that I haven't even had the time to reread *The Tale of Genji* to refresh my memory. I'm truly ashamed of myself!"

"In my humble opinion, both literary and martial arts are the right path." Isshiki Fujinaga then added meaningfully, "A month ago, Miyoshi Shusuke (Nagayoshi) also said, 'I now only enjoy composing poems and reciting poems about the wind and moon.' I wonder if Naito Bizen has been influenced by this?"

Now that you explain it, I understand.

It seems that Naito Munekatsu intends to strengthen his grip on the central government and use the support of his "higher-ups" to quell the internal strife in Tanba.

If the Miyoshi regime could truly last for thousands of generations, then his idea wouldn't be problematic.

however……

Shinzaburo didn't follow the time traveler's perspective. Instead, he looked at Isshiki Fujinoga, who was particularly sensible, and said seriously, "In that case, whatever your needs are in Dango, I will do my best to serve you."