Japan's Warring States Period: The Rise of the Wakasa Tiger

Although an agreement had been reached to reconcile the Takeda clan and the Ouchi clan in Wakasa and Aki, in Ouchi Yoshitaka's eyes, the status of the two families was different.

The relationship with the Wakasa Takeda clan can certainly be fixed in the form of an "alliance", but it is different with the Aki Takeda clan. Ouchi Yoshitaka believes that although the new head of the Aki Takeda clan is from Wakasa, he is ultimately just a big citizen in Aki.

In fact, calling the Aki Takeda clan "big" is a bit of an exaggeration. If it were during the time of Takeda Motoshige, it could be said that way, but nowadays, he only rules the three western counties of Aki in name, and most of the people in those counties have in fact become independent.

As Ouchi Yoshitaka said, the current Aki Takeda clan is "not ruling out of Ginzan Castle". In this situation, Ouchi Yoshitaka proposed that if they wanted to restore peace with the Ouchi clan, it would naturally not be achieved in the form of an "alliance", but should be achieved in the form of vassalage.

Takeda Motomitsu initially opposed Ouchi Yoshitaka's request. After all, no matter how weak the Aki Takeda clan was, it was still a famous family that had flourished in Aki since the Kamakura period. In a sense, it gave birth to the current Wakasa Takeda clan and Kai Takeda clan. If the Takeda clan agreed to be a vassal of Ouchi Yoshitaka, it would inevitably bring shame to the Takeda clan.

But Ouchi Yoshitaka disagrees:

"Don't mind me saying this, but I am now the guardian of the six provinces of Suo, Nagato, Iwami, Aki, Buzen, and Chikuzen. The Takeda clan of Aki is not even a guardian of a branch county, so what qualifications do they have to be on an equal footing with the main family?

Besides, even the Mori Umako of Yoshida-gunyama Castle has pledged loyalty to the main family. I'm sure you know how the Aki Takeda clan compares to them. It wouldn't be difficult for you to follow the example of the Mori clan, right?"

Indeed, although Ouchi Yoshitaka's words were harsh, they were true.

The Wakasa Takeda clan was still the guardian of two countries and the guardian of several sub-counties in Aki and Tajima, and was also a companion of the shogunate, so they were barely qualified to form an alliance with the Ouchi clan;

But what is the Aki Takeda clan? They are just the "county representative" who governs the territory for the Wakasa Takeda clan, who also serves as the guardian of the Aki branch county. Whether in terms of strength or duties, they are completely different from the Ouchi clan. The difference is huge. What reason is there for them to want to "form an alliance"?
After much deliberation, Takeda Motomitsu agreed to Ouchi Yoshitaka's request based on the principle of "good neighborliness and friendship", that is, the Aki Takeda clan would become vassal statesmen of the Ouchi clan, and follow the example of the Mori clan and send Takeda Kozaburo, the illegitimate son of the former head of the family, Takeda Mitsukazu, to the Ouchi family as a hostage.

Ouchi Yoshitaka was quite satisfied with this result, especially when he heard that the hostage that the Takeda family was going to send was a handsome young man of only sixteen years old. His eyes suddenly lit up and he said without hesitation:
"Please leave this little Saburo to me. I will train him to be as talented as Shosuketaro and Matashiro. If possible, I will hold a coming-of-age ceremony for him later this year, and I will be his eboshi-kun at that time."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Your Highness." Takeda Motomitsu felt his scalp tingling when he heard this, but he thought it was okay: "Well, this is like a sheep walking into a tiger's mouth. But it doesn't matter. He is a bastard and is not valued at home. Using him to gain the trust of the Ouchisuke is also a sure-win deal."

Now that the main business had been discussed, Takeda Motomitsu and Kagawa Mitsukage prepared to return to Aki after the banquet.

Ouchi Yoshitaka originally wanted to keep the two of them for a few more days to experience the prosperous commercial and cultural atmosphere of Yamaguchi, but Takeda Motomitsu was worried that Shinagawa Nobumasa would return to Ginzan Castle before them, which would cause unnecessary trouble. In the end, he politely declined Ouchi Yoshitaka's kindness and set off back the next morning.

That morning, in order to show his respect for Takeda Motomitsu, Ouchi Yoshitaka specially arranged for Tao Takafusa to see him off.

Tao Longfang was of similar age to Yi Zhong, both born in the first year of Dayong (1521), but he was a few months younger than Yi Zhong.

From the outside, this young retainer who was already the governor of Shu-no-kami was very handsome, with fair skin, red lips and white teeth, and a pair of bright eyes that made people like him. Even Takeda Motomitsu couldn't help but praise him when he saw him.

Before leaving, the two of them exchanged some pleasantries, but as they chatted, they actually talked about Yizhong.

"Your Excellency has lived in Suo for a long time, and you even know the name of the head of the family?" Takeda Motomitsu asked with some surprise. After all, Wakasa and Suo are thousands of miles apart, so how could Tao Takafusa be so concerned about Yoshishige, who has been in the throne for less than two years.

"The name of Wuwei Hall has long been known across the mountains and seas and has reached Zhoufang Changmen. How could I not know it?" Tao Longfang replied politely:

"It has only been two years since Takeiden ascended the throne. He has suppressed civil strife and defeated powerful enemies many times, making the Wakasa Takeda clan reach unprecedented prosperity. Such a heroic figure is naturally well-known."

"I would like to thank you for your praise on behalf of the master." Takeda Motomitsu responded with a smile, "But to be honest, the master is indeed a blessing to our Wakasa Takeda clan, and I am also deeply gratified."

"Think about it, Wuweidian is about the same age as me, but he is already the guardian of two countries and a companion of the shogunate, while I...ah, there is really a world of difference." Tao Longfang couldn't help but sigh.

Takeda Motomitsu didn't know whether he was being polite or expressing his true feelings, but after all, the two of them were not familiar with each other, so to be on the safe side, he could only say some polite words:

"You are too modest, sir. There is no such thing as 'a world of difference'. You are now the deputy governor of Zhou, and have been promoted to the rank of junior fifth rank. This is already very impressive. Don't underestimate yourself."

"Haha, thank you for your comfort, Your Highness. I am just ashamed of myself and I am just expressing my feelings." Seeing Takeda Motomitsu being so polite, Tao Longfang stopped talking and did not go into details. He bowed and said goodbye to him, "I wish you a safe journey. If there is a chance in the future, I would like to visit Wuweidian in Wakasa. I hope Your Highness can help introduce me to you then."

"Of course." Takeda Motomitsu responded with a smile, "You must stay in Wakasa for a few more days, so that we can show our hospitality."

After saying this, Takeda Motomitsu and Kagawa Mitsukage mounted their horses and galloped towards the east under the gaze of Tao Takafusa.

Looking at the two people's backs gradually going away, Sugi Shigenori, another important official of the Ouchi clan standing next to Tao Longfang, couldn't help but mutter:

"I was not in a position to interrupt at the banquet yesterday, but now when I think back on it, I still feel a little unsure. Tell me, was it right for the lord to let the Takeda clan of Aki off this time?"

This Sugi Shigenori was the Buzen Shugodai. Not only did he appear to have an equal status with Tao Takafusa within the Ouchi clan, but the two were also quite close in private.

The two, along with Nagato's guardian daimyo Naito Norimori and Iwami's guardian daimyo Tomota Takamori, were representatives of the "dictatorial faction" of the Ouchi clan, and were inclined to use force to achieve the Ouchi clan's expansion in the western region.

Therefore, Sugi Shigenori thought that he should take advantage of the defeat of the Niwa clan's Shingu faction and use force to forcibly remove the nail of Ginzan Castle to prevent future troubles. However, Ouchi Yoshitaka had already agreed to make peace with the Takeda clan at the banquet yesterday, so he could only fire a "hindsight" at Tao Longfang.

Tao Longfang did not give a direct answer to Shan Zhongjun's question, but instead asked, "What do you think is the most direct consequence of taking over Yinshan City?"

"Of course it is to eliminate the threat to the main family. To be optimistic, the entire western Aki will be completely under the control of the main family in the future. The Amago clan will no longer have any place to intervene, and the main family will no longer have any worries." Sugi Shigenori replied.

"Is that all?" Tao Longfang asked.

"Is there anything else?" Shan Zhongju was confused as he couldn't understand the implication of Tao Longfang's words.

"Taking over Ginzan Castle will not only eliminate the worries of the main family, but also the Niwa family," Tao Longfang replied. "I don't understand," Sugi Shigenori shook his head and said, "How come it's helping the Niwa family in return?"

"Didn't you hear clearly what Hoshinji said at the banquet yesterday?" Tao Longfang explained, "Now Wakasa and Aki Takeda are of the same blood. If the main family forcibly attacks and destroys the Aki Takeda clan, it will force the Wakasa Takeda clan to the opposite side.

Although they were not adjacent to the main clan, they were adjacent to the Niwa clan. Since they controlled the Niwa clan's route to the east and Kyoto, they were the target that Niwa Akihisa wanted to win over.

If they instigate us to capture Ginzan Castle, needless to say, the Wakasa Takeda clan will definitely form an alliance with the Amago clan. This will ensure the safety of the Amago clan's eastern front, allowing them to withdraw more troops and concentrate on competing with the main clan for hegemony in Aki, Bingo, and Iwami.

In other words, if the main family captures Ginzan Castle, it will help the Niwa family consolidate the eastern defense line. Doesn't this help them eliminate their "worries"? "

"I see." Sugi Shigenori suddenly realized and nodded in agreement. "But I always feel like I have a thorn in my side and a thorn in my throat because the Takeda clan is stuck in Aki."

"If you change your mindset, maybe you won't feel that way." Tao Longfang advised:
"Just think about it, this Ginzan Castle is the lifeblood of the Wakasa Takeda clan. As long as the main clan holds this lifeblood, he, Wue-dono, must disturb the eastern front of the Amago clan on behalf of the main clan.

Besides, Ginzan Castle was not originally in the hands of the main family, but it could be used as a bargaining chip to exchange for the support of the Wakasa Takeda clan. This kind of "no investment, huge profits" business would only make the main family profit.

As for the Takeda clan in Aki, you don't have to worry about them turning against you. They are surrounded on three sides by the main family, and most of the retainers are close to the main family. To put it bluntly, the new head of the family is just a puppet and will not cause any big waves. You can rest assured about this."

"If it's true as you said, the Aki Takeda clan will be more useful if they stay here." Sugi Shigenori praised him with deep conviction, "You are indeed Goro. No wonder the lord relies on you so much. I am really ashamed of myself."

"Let's not exchange these polite words." Tao Longfang smiled, "But the Faxin Temple Palace is not as easy to deal with as I thought. We must not relax our surveillance of Yinshan City in the future. Fathers all have such strategies, and the Wuwei Palace may be even more difficult to deal with."

"Wakasa is thousands of miles away from the main family. No matter how powerful Takeiden is, he is out of reach. Besides, the Wakasa Takeda clan has only about 200,000 soldiers now, which is far less than the main family. They do not pose any substantial threat to the main family." Sugi Shigenori said indifferently.

"I hope so." Tao Longfang frowned slightly, his expression a little serious, "I hope the friendship between the two families can last forever."

"Friendship is something that is never static." Shan Zhongju saw it clearly, "Common interests breed friendship. After serving for so many years, you should know this principle better than me."

Tao Longfang nodded: "What you said is right, seize the present and talk about the future later."

Just as Tao Longfang and Sugi Shigenobu were discussing heatedly, Kagawa Mitsuki, who was walking side by side with Takeda Motomitsu, also opened up and "replayed" the scene of last night's banquet with the former head of the Wakasa Takeda clan.

"Your Highness, I really don't understand why you told me not to tell Ouchisuke that the Amago family was preparing to mobilize a large army to attack the Mori clan again?" Kagawa Mitsukage asked bluntly.

"Lord Guangjing, how did you feel about being 'teased' at the banquet yesterday?" Takeda Motomitsu asked calmly.

"Teasing? Your Highness, what do you mean by this?" Kagawa Mitsuki asked in confusion.

"Isn't it true? Didn't you tell me earlier that Ouchisuke agreed to make peace with our two Takeda families? How come you almost went back on your word at the banquet and rejected the Amaki Takeda family's request for peace?"

Facing Takeda Motomitsu's questioning, Kagawa Mitsuki felt very depressed: "I don't know why this happened. If I had known that such a thing would happen earlier, I would not have been in a hurry to invite you to the Ouchi Pavilion."

"I know, it's not your fault." Takeda Yuanguang patiently comforted him, "But have you figured out why this happened?"

Kagawa Mitsuki thought for a while, but had no idea, so he shook his head and said, "Please tell me, Your Highness."

"In my opinion, Ouchisuke wanted to intimidate me." Takeda Motomitsu speculated secretly, "He told you in advance that he agreed to repair it, implying that your visit to Ouchi Hall this time was just a formality, in order to paralyze us."

"But after we arrived at the Ouchi-kan, they suddenly launched an attack, catching us off guard." Kagawa Mitsukage continued.

Takeda Motomitsu nodded: "Yes, he wanted to 'entertain' us in this way."

"But what good will it do him?" Kagawa Mitsuki asked puzzledly.

“I think there are two main benefits.

First, as I just said, it is to give the main family a warning and make us realize that the status of the Aki Takeda clan and the Ouchi clan is not equal.

Second, I want to test my opinion and see how determined I, the Wakasa Takeda clan, am to protect the Aki Takeda clan."

"I can understand the first point. But what's the point of him doing this for the second point?" asked Mitsukage Kagawa.

"The degree of determination reflects the family's understanding of the situation," Takeda Motomitsu analyzed.

"If I recognize the irreplaceable role of the Wakasa Takeda clan in balancing the Amago clan, I will naturally argue with reason and resolutely safeguard the interests of the Aki Takeda clan.

On the contrary, if I am not confident in the role that my family can play, I will make concessions and compromises according to Ouchisuke's wishes.

In other words, by looking at the strength or weakness of the main family's attitude, one can judge whether the main family has the determination to fight against the Niwa clan, and then infer whether the main family can become an ally that the Ouchi clan can trust."

"In other words, Ouchisuke wants to use this incident to see whether the Wakasa Takeda clan is qualified to form an alliance with the Ouchi clan?" asked Mitsukage Kagawa.

"Qualifications? That's understandable to a certain extent." Takeda Motomitsu nodded slightly, "I didn't expect that this Ouchisuke looks gentle and refined, but his heart is full of twists and turns. Fortunately, I came with you this time. If it were someone else, I'm afraid he would be fooled around." (End of this chapter)