Japan's Sengoku Period: The Sanada Clan's Ambition

Chapter 110 Shinano Industrial Park, Online Card Dealing

Inside the residence of the lord of Kinzan Castle, Sanada Nobuyuki kept his eyes fixed on Kana Saizo.

Kazuya also looked at Sanada Nobuyuki with a scrutinizing gaze.

The two stared at each other for more than ten seconds before Ke'er looked at Mori Nagako and asked, "And who is this?"

"Oh, this is Lord Sanada Genzaburo, the young master of the Sanada family of Shinano," Mori Nagayoshi quickly introduced to Kazusazo.

Ke'er picked at the mud on the soles of her feet and flicked it onto the floor.

Under Mori Nagayoshi's murderous gaze, Ke'er Saizo calmly looked at Sanada Nobuyuki, "Sanada?"

"Never heard of it."

"Saizo!" Mori Nagayoshi rebuked, "Lord Genzaburo defeated the Tokugawa clan in Shinano, don't be so presumptuous!"

"Furthermore, Lord Hashiba Chikuzen-no-kami has already recognized the Sanada family's status as daimyo. Soon, the Sanada family will be the daimyo who owns the entire province of Shinano. Watch your words."

While waiting for Ke'er to hide, Sanada Nobuyuki and Mori Nagayoshi exchanged information about their respective families.

Although Mori Nagayoshi lost his territory in Shinano, he now controls eastern Mino and has also occupied some of Oda Nobutaka's former territories, greatly increasing his strength.

Furthermore, his father-in-law, Tsuneoki Ikeda, was in charge of western Mino, so the entire Mino region was now under the control of the Ikeda and Mori families.

The Sanada clan has repelled the Tokugawa clan's attack and annihilated the Shinano uprising. Now, with Hideyoshi Hashiba's permission, they have essentially secured their position as the lords of Shinano.

Once the local populace in Shinano is dealt with, the Sanada family will be the rightful daimyo of Shinano.

It can be said that from now on, the Sanada family's status within the entire Oda Group is almost the same as that of the Mori family.

If this were during Oda Nobunaga's time, the Sanada clan would be considered "vice-generals" under Takigawa Kazumasu, similar to the positions of Maeda Toshiie and Sasa Narimasa under Shibata Katsuie.

While they are certainly not as powerful as bigwigs like Niwa Nagahide and Ikeda Tsuneoki of the Kiyosu Conference, they are still a force to be reckoned with.

"I am Nobuyuki Sanada, the head of Hyogo Province, and my father is Sanada Awa no Kami, the head of the Sanada family." Nobuyuki Sanada then formally introduced himself.

Compared to Mori Nagayoshi's introduction, Sanada Nobuyuki's words revealed two key points.

First, I, Sanada Nobuyuki, am the young lord of the Sanada family of Shinano, not an ordinary retainer or samurai.

Second, I am now the head of the military storehouse, a rank of fifth grade, appointed by the imperial court.

Who controls Kyoto now?
Hideyoshi Hashiba!
I have thighs behind me.

So you'd better be polite to me.

"So it's Lord Sanada Hyogo. I was very rude earlier. I am Kana Saizo. Please forgive me." Kana Saizo also took the opportunity to back down.

When dealing with someone who is arrogant and conceited, you have to be even more arrogant and reckless than him.

Seeing that Kazuki Saizo was finally looking at him properly, Sanada Nobuyuki continued, "I've heard that Saizo currently has no lord. Would you be willing to serve my Sanada family?"

"Unfortunately, Lord Sanada is too late. I have already decided to go and seek refuge with Lord Miyoshi Sonshichiro," said Ke'er Saizo, politely declining.

When she said this, Ke'er emphasized the four characters "Sanhao Sun Qilang" with extra care.

The meaning is quite clear: you, Nobuyuki Sanada, may sound impressive, but the Miyoshi family, whom I'm about to join, are no less formidable.

"Does Lord Sun Shichiro have a past relationship with Cai Zang?" Sanada Nobuyuki suddenly asked, digressing from the main topic.

Ke'er looked completely bewildered, but still answered honestly, "I do not know Prince Sun Qilang."

"If that's the case, how did Cai Zang know that Prince Qilang would be given an important position so soon?"

Ke'er was speechless.

Seeing this, Sanada Nobuyuki immediately seized the opportunity and said, "I had a very pleasant conversation with Lord Musashi just now. Lord Musashi strongly recommended Saizo to me, saying that Saizo has the courage of ten thousand men."

Hearing this, Mori Nagayo turned his head in confusion. "Huh?"

Did I just say that?
“I have a very close personal relationship with Musashi-no-kami, so I naturally trust him. Therefore, it can be said that I am eager to recruit Saizo.”

Hearing Sanada Nobuyuki's compliments, a smile immediately appeared on Ke'er Saizo's face.

Sanada Nobuyuki continued, "If Saizo is willing to serve our family, I, Sanada Hyogo-no-kami, will certainly not treat you unfairly."

"Otherwise, wouldn't we be letting down Musashi-no-kami's strong recommendation?"

"You agree, Musashi no Kami?" Sanada Nobuyuki gave Mori Nagayoshi a wink.

Mori Nagayoshi immediately realized what he meant and nodded vigorously, "Ah, yes, yes, yes."

Sanada Nobuyuki had just forcefully revealed his identity, which was a way of intimidating others and also stirred up Kazusa's resentment.

Then came another round of flattery, praising Ke'er Cai Zang to the skies, and even dragging Sen Chang Ke into it as a background figure.

Ke'er, who had been hiding somewhere, hadn't heard any of this, and now her gaze towards Sanada Nobuyuki was filled with tenderness.

When Nobuyuki Sanada said these words, Ke'er was secretly overjoyed.

"Then, I wonder how much salary Lord Sanada intends to grant me?" Ke'er Saizo suppressed a smile and asked the most crucial question.

Nobuyuki Sanada pretended to be deep in thought, deliberately keeping everyone in suspense.

After Ke'er's hidden appetite was whetted, Sanada Nobuyuki revealed an extremely reluctant expression, "Alas, to be honest, I don't know much about family matters."

"But since he is such an outstanding samurai as Saizo, the 1000 koku of salary is worth it, even though I am a little reluctant to part with it."

After hearing what Nobuyuki Sanada said, Keiko's eyes lit up instantly.

When Sanada Nobuyuki spoke, Kazuya was listening attentively, and he also heard that Sanada Nobuyuki said "salary" instead of "knowledge".

what does this mean?
This means that the 1000 shi (a unit of dry measure) is his salary, and he does not have to bear the corresponding military service. The 1000 shi is real money that goes into his pocket.

Finally, I don't have to worry about not having enough to eat.
"Is Lord Sanada telling the truth?"

"Musashi-no-kami can testify that this is no exaggeration!"

"Very well!" Kaer Tsaizo immediately raised the wine cup in front of him and said loudly to Sanada Nobuyuki, "Since Lord Sanada thinks so highly of me, then my life belongs to Lord Sanada!"

"Drink this cup, and from now on, you will be my master."

Nobuyuki Sanada immediately showed a look of joy, clinked glasses with Keiji Saizo, and then picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp.

Ke'er felt like she had hit the jackpot, and Sanada Nobuyuki also thought he had won big; both of them were extremely happy.

He easily tricked Ke'er Saizo into his hands; how could Sanada Nobuyuki not be happy?

From Mori Nagayoshi's perspective, it seemed that Kaoru had been completely fooled. Genzaburo's few words had left him utterly bewildered.

Damn it, when you were eating for free at my place before, you never smiled at me!
With Cai Zang joining us, the Sanada family is truly like a tiger with wings!

"I hope that Saizo will one day bring great merit to the Sanada family and become a renowned warrior!"

"what!"

"Rest assured, my lord, the spear in my hand will surely make the enemies of the Sanada family tremble with fear!" With the atmosphere already built up, Cai Zang felt he couldn't wait to grab his spear, mount his horse, and charge into battle.

Sanada Nobuyuki immediately picked up his wine cup and said to Mori Nagayoshi and Kazusaji, "I must thank Musashi-no-kami for recommending such a valiant general as Saizo. Musashi-no-kami, please drink this cup to the brim."

Sen Changke immediately picked up his wine and drank it all in one gulp, but in his heart he was thinking, "I should be thanking you for taking this plague away. If you had stayed a few more days, I would have been eaten out of house and home."

After the banquet, both host and guests enjoyed themselves immensely.

Sanada Nobuyuki was taken by Kazusazo to his residence, Ryūgen-ji Temple, located outside Kanayama Castle. Yamagami Teruhisa and the others also stayed there. Early the next morning, Sanada Nobuyuki bid farewell to Mori Nagayoshi.

Sen Changke specially dispatched 50 people to escort them.

After Sanada Nobuyuki and his group left, Mori Nagayoshi stood at the door and sighed with relief.

Then, Mori Nagayoshi excitedly ran home and found Ikeda Chi, saying with a look of excitement, "Madam, you can bring out all the meat now."

"That gluttonous demon is finally gone!"

Heading east from Meinong, the entire route is a rugged mountain road.

They passed through many villages along the way, but fortunately, the forest chief could send troops to escort them, so no accidents occurred.

Three days later, Sanada Nobuyuki and his party finally entered Shinano Province.

"Lord Genzaburo, we have arrived at the Kiso family's territory."

“I have already investigated. The Kiso family is currently trapped in Fukushima Castle, and Kiso Yoshimasa dares not leave the castle at all.”

“We can swagger through Kiso Valley to Ina District. Once we reach Ina District, it will be under the control of our main clan.” As an intelligence expert, Sasuke had already entered Mino to gather information when Sanada Nobuyuki was still in Kanayama Castle.

Sasuke has already gathered information about the entire Shinano region, not just the Kiso family.

During the time that Nobuyuki Sanada was away from Shinano, Masayuki Sanada was not idle either.

First, a ceasefire agreement was reached with Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Tadatsugu Sakai, stationed in Ina District, led the Tokugawa army back to Mikawa, and Matsushima Castle was subsequently taken over by Masamitsu Hoshina of Takato Castle.

Immediately after learning of Tokugawa's withdrawal and the truce with the Sanada clan, the Japanese lords in Shinano who had colluded with the Tokugawa clan in the uprising were thrown into panic.

The Tokugawa family left decisively, without leaving a trace.

What about the rest of us?
The people of Shinano Province are now living in fear. Everyone knows that Sanada Nobuyuki has gone to Kyoto and is just waiting for the Oda clan's final decision, which will be the death of many.

Just when many of the people of Shinano were feeling insecure, Sanada Masayuki issued a mobilization order, calling on the people of Shinano to conscript laborers to build a new castle in Ueda-daira.

Furthermore, Sanada Masayuki directly stated that all the people of Shinano Province should send representatives.

This is equivalent to sending a message: no matter what you Chinese people have done in the past, as long as you continue to support the Sanada family, everything will be fine!
Upon hearing the news, the people of the country responded enthusiastically and immediately began mobilizing the laborers within their territory to be sent to Ueda-daira.

In an instant, Shinano launched a vigorous castle-building campaign.

Of course, there were a few vassal states that did not participate. The three initiators of the uprising, Muroga, Yashiro, and Kiso, naturally did not have this opportunity.

"People say that Shinano is mountainous, but it is not exactly a remote place."

In the mountains of Shinano, Kazusazo looked around and couldn't help but sigh, "I have been to Hida before, and the roads there are much more difficult to travel. Compared to Hida, Shinano is already quite good."

"Has Saizo been to Hida?" Sanada Nobuyuki asked casually as he rode his horse.

Once inside Shinano, there was no rush to continue the journey. Sanada Nobuyuki slowed his horse's pace along the way, taking the opportunity to observe the situation within Shinano territory.

"I have been there." Ke'er immediately stood beside Sanada Nobuyuki, gun in hand. "Two years ago, when the Oda clan attacked Kaga, I accompanied Sasa Narimasa on a mission to Hida."

"Lord Neishima of Guiyun City previously donated funds for the construction of Azuchi Castle, and we were ordered to go there to express our gratitude."

"Incidentally, there's also the purpose of getting Hida to join Lord Nobunaga's ranks," said Kazuki Saizo, speaking eloquently from his horse.

Guiyun City?
This is a legendary place.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Sanada Nobuyuki asked, "What was Uchijima's response?"

"Lord Uchijima rejected the proposal to become subordinate to the Oda clan."

"why?"

"Even if the people of Hida Province are unwilling to surrender, does the Oda clan really intend to launch a large-scale attack on that wretched place like Hida?"

“That makes sense.” Nobuyuki Sanada nodded in agreement.

Sending too few troops to attack Hida would be ineffective.

They must have sent a lot of people; the amount of food the army ate on the way could probably equal several years' worth of production in the Hida region.

It's a completely unprofitable business.

As they spoke, the group entered a village.

Sanada Nobuyuki and his group of more than a dozen people rode horses, making them stand out conspicuously at the village entrance.

Soon, an old man with a cane walked out of the village, followed by more than a dozen young men in shabby armor, each carrying a long spear.

"Gentlemen, this is Minamimaki Village. May I ask what brings you here?" The old man looked at Sanada Nobuyuki and the others with a wary expression.

Sanada Nobuyuki rode up to the old man, ignoring the young man holding a spear beside him, and looked directly at him, "You are Otsuna here, aren't you?"

The "Yi Ming" is a member of the "Village Committee," similar to a village head, and there are often several Yi Mings in a village.

"Exactly."

"Are we just passing through? Is this the territory of the Kiso family?" Sanada Nobuyuki continued to ask.

The old man shook his head. "It used to be, but it's not anymore."

"Oh?"

"why?"

"Previously, Lord Kiso of Fukushima Castle sent troops to attack Uehara Castle of the Suwa family, but was defeated by the Sanada family."

"Not long ago, the Tokugawa clan, who were sent as reinforcements, also withdrew from Shinano. Lord Kiso has abandoned this place and retreated to Fukushima Castle."

"The villages around here have come under the jurisdiction of the Sanada family." Seeing that Sanada Nobuyuki and the others seemed to have no ill intentions, the old man began to speak.

Sanada Nobuyuki also gestured to Yamagami Teruhisa, Kana Saizo, and the others behind him to lower their guns, and then continued, "I wonder who the magistrate of this place is?"

"Why does the master ask this?"

As Sanada Nobuyuki approached, the old man realized that Sanada Nobuyuki and his companions were all dressed as samurai, and his tone became much softer.

“We are all retainers of the Sanada family. Since this place is now under Sanada’s control, we naturally have business with the acting magistrate,” Sanada Nobuyuki said with a smile.

Daikan were samurai sent down by the daimyo to manage various villages and towns. They were generally responsible for supervising the implementation of the daimyo's policies and collecting various taxes. In peacetime, they would also organize labor services on the daimyo's orders or assist the daimyo in conscripting foot soldiers during wartime.

"So you are all lords of the Sanada family. Please come into the village."

“Perfect timing, the local official is in the village,” the old man said quickly.

Nobuyuki Sanada did not move and remained standing in the same spot.

The old man immediately realized what was happening and quickly told the able-bodied men behind him to put down their weapons and step aside.

Sanada Nobuyuki gave Yamagami Teruhisa a wink, and the latter immediately understood, leading three or four samurai on horseback into the village.

Before long, Teruhisa Yamagami came out with one person.

"Genjiro?"

"Brother?"

(End of this chapter)