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

Chapter 3 Strong Support
The Master Longxing mentioned by Xinzhong was called Yunfeng Longxing, and was the favorite disciple of Chang'an Longchong, the abbot of Kenninji Temple in Kyoto. Although Chang'an Longchong was unknown, the reputation of his other disciple, the famous Taiyuan Xuezhai, was resounding throughout the East.

Yunfeng Longxing has inherited the true teachings of Chang'an Longchong, and is the best candidate to succeed Jianrenji. When Xinzhong first entered Jianrenji, it was Longxing who took him to practice. They have been together for more than ten years. Although they are not master and apprentice, they are close friends.

Not long ago, he heard that Nobushige was attacked and seriously injured. He was originally going to Suruga to visit Taihara Yusai, but he turned north at Omi and hurried to Gozeyama Castle to visit him. Ten days ago, seeing that Nobushige was no longer in danger, he was ready to set off again, but he could not resist Nobushige's enthusiastic invitation and stayed in Kasumi Castle until now.

Kenninji Temple is the main temple of the Rinzai sect, and its disciples and influence spread across the five provinces and seven regions of Japan. Although Yunfeng Longxing lived in the temple for a long time, with the help of the influence of the Rinzai sect, he had a clear understanding of the chaotic situation in the world at that time, especially the situation of the jagged edges of Kinki and Tokaido.

Two years ago, when Taihara Yusai assisted Imagawa Yoshimoto in quelling the "Hanakura Rebellion" and taking control of Suruga, he repeatedly invited his junior brother to come out and assist the Imagawa family, but he declined. After all, he was born in a turbulent time, and no one knew who might be the victim of the sword tomorrow.

However, Yunfeng Longxing had a different opinion about Xinzhong, especially Xinzhong after he was attacked, which made him feel both strange and familiar.

To say he is strange is that the boy who was ignorant of the world and lived in harmony with the world is now able to make decisions and has ambitious goals; to say he is familiar is that this boy is very much like myself when I was young. Born in such a turbulent time, how many people can really suppress their restlessness?

"Let me see if I have made a mistake." Yunfeng Longxing, who was used to living a carefree life, was aroused by Nobuyuki after spending these days together. However, in his opinion, whether he could successfully deal with Takeda Nobutaka's rebellion this time would be a test that would determine whether he would stay or go.

"Master Longxing, I would like to hear your advice." Xinzhong knew the temper of his best friend, but the situation was critical, so he still hoped that Yunfeng Longxing could give him some advice. After all, one wrong step would lead to all wrong steps, and if he made a slight mistake, his role in this world would be "finished" ahead of time.

"I would like to hear your plan first." Yunfeng Longxing took a sip of tea and replied slowly:

"Since Miyakawa-dono and Ukyo Ryo have indeed raised their armies, there are now three options open to Your Highness and everyone else:

One is to send troops to support Lord Nobutoyo in Gozeyama Castle, and after the success, he will replace Miyagawadono as the strongest branch family;
The second is to get closer to Gongchuan Palace. After the success, maybe he can get three sides and one county, or at least half a county, and fight against Gongchuan Palace in name only.
The third option is to sit back and wait for the two sides to decide the winner before making plans. This option has the highest risk but also the highest return. The risk is high because both sides must suffer losses to succeed; the return is high because it can take the opportunity to resolve the disputes within the Takeda clan that have lasted for more than 30 years and establish the authority of the main family headed by His Highness. This is not only a great blessing for the Takeda clan, but also for the entire Wakasa Province. "

Among these three options, Nobushige chose the last one without hesitation: the other two options were only temporary solutions for the Takeda family and might even lead to greater civil unrest, which would not be good for either Wakasa or the Takeda clan; the third option was indeed very risky, but the weak Takeda clan could not afford the turmoil and must stabilize the country as soon as possible before repelling foreign aggression. Judging from the current situation around Wakasa, Nobushige did not have much time left.

"Master, I choose the third one." Xinzhong solemnly reported his answer. After hearing this, the people present had different expressions. Some were relieved, some were angry, some were happy, and some frowned. Yunfeng Longxing saw it all, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously rose slightly, thinking: "I really didn't make a mistake."

"Since Your Highness has made the decision, there is no need for me to say more. Now that things have come to this, just do it."

Yunfeng Longxing's recognition was a great encouragement to Xinzhong. He took a long breath, slowly stood up, looked around, and clenched his military partner's hand with a trembling sound. His voice was immature but as solemn as possible:

"Everyone, my Takeda clan is the descendant of Silla Saburo, and we are a famous family. However, we are surrounded by powerful enemies and our family is in civil strife. It is a critical moment for our survival. If you trust me, I am willing to sacrifice my life to suppress the rebellion and maintain peace, protect the Takeda clan, and restore peace to this narrow territory. If you are willing to follow me, I will be grateful; if you don't want to help, you can leave, and I will never stop you."

As soon as these words came out, the palace, which had just returned to silence, was stirred up again. Several samurai who were entrusted by Takeda Nobutoyo to follow Nobushige to Kasumi Castle stood up angrily, muttering "Your Highness is treacherous, I cannot condone it" and strode out of the palace;
Some of the yorikunis sent by the nearby powerful families also walked silently towards the door; however, most of the retainers and samurai chose to stay, including Matsumiya, Kagawa and others and the samurai sent by the Kumagai family.

Although this scene was within Xinzhong's expectations, he still felt disappointed: "People's hearts are like this. Even if we win, I'm afraid we still have a long way to go."

"My lord, I'm back!" Just when Nobushige was frowning, Kumagai Takashige ran into the palace excitedly.

"My lord, I have brought three hundred soldiers this time! Not only all the defenders of Okura, but also one hundred soldiers transferred from Mikata Castle. My father specifically instructed me that these three hundred people are fully handed over to you, my lord!" As soon as Kumagai Takashige said this, the already restless hall became even more noisy.

"With three hundred troops, Mikado-dono (Kunao Kumagai) has spent all his money!"

"Yes, the three palaces all trust Your Highness so much, what reason do we have to worry!"

"I will not leave. I am willing to follow Your Highness to quell the civil unrest!"

"Me too!"

"That's right, I'm not leaving!"

Everyone was talking at once, and many of the powerful families who were about to leave turned around and sat back. Xinzhong was very excited to see this scene, but he didn't know that an even bigger surprise was yet to come.

"Report!" A messenger ran into the hall quickly, panting and kneeling on the ground, saying: "My lord, the lords Matsumiya, Kagawa, Yamagata and others have all led their troops to support us. According to preliminary estimates, there are nearly three hundred people!"

"Matsumiya? Kagawa?!" Nobushige subconsciously looked down at Matsumiya Kiyonaga and Kagawa Morihisa, picked up his military uniform and pointed at them, his excitement evident in words: "You...you two guys!"

The two of them looked at each other and smiled: "Since you are my master, how dare I not do my best!"

"Yes, I even borrowed my father-in-law's Yamagata cavalry. My lord, please don't let us down!" Matsumiya Kiyonaga laughed heartily. This scene made Xinzhong feel warm in his heart.

"Sheng Jiu, count the troops immediately. I want to hold a military meeting!" At this moment, Xin Zhong was full of fighting spirit and confidence: "This time, great things may be accomplished!"

(End of this chapter)