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

Chapter 112: Dealing with the people and distributing land!

Uesugi Kagekatsu was indeed working hard to quell the rebellion of Shigeie Niihata.

A small-scale probing attack was launched in April, but it had little effect.

Uesugi Kagekatsu is actively preparing for war in Echigo, planning to launch a full-scale attack on Shigeie Niihata in August.

Therefore, during this period, the Uesugi clan was frantically stockpiling war supplies, and the demand for military rations and equipment was enormous.

Thanks to the alliance between the Sanada and Uesugi families, the Uesugi family's business activities in Shinano were exempted from taxes, so during this period, Nakano Castle served as a trading hub, and business exchanges were very frequent.

But Nobuyuki Sanada couldn't worry about that for the time being; he had to return to the Sanada House first.

The post-war settlement work in Shinano is about to begin.

On June 23 of the eleventh year of Tensho, Sanada Nobuyuki finally returned to the Sanada family after two months away from Shinano.

When I passed through Uedada-daira, the construction of Uedada Castle was in full swing.

Tens of thousands of laborers from all over Shinano Province toiled under the scorching sun. Large quantities of stone and timber were transported to Uedada-daira, and the bustling scene impressed even Sanada Nobuyuki.

After Ueda Castle was built, the Sanada family had a base for ruling Shinano.

"Lord Genzaburo is back!"

"It's Genzaburo-sama, Genzaburo-sama is back!"

Along the paths of Sanada village, wherever Sanada Nobuyuki passed, farmers planting rice in the fields and passing Sanada samurai bowed to him.

Upon receiving news of Sanada Nobuyuki's arrival in Sanada Township, Sanada Masayuki rushed to the entrance of the Sanada House to greet him. When he saw Sanada Nobuyuki appear on horseback, Sanada Masayuki's heart began to race.

The gift sent to Kyoto disappeared without a trace, and Sanada Nobuyuki never heard from him again. Sanada Masayuki had no idea what decision the Oda family had made regarding Shinano.

Should we agree to the Sanada family's request, or is there another plan?

During this period, Sanada Masayuki felt as if each day was an eternity.

"Father!"

Sanada Nobuyuki dismounted at the door and handed the reins to a servant standing nearby.

"It's good to see you back." Sanada Masayuki greeted Sanada Nobuyuki with a smile and patted him on the shoulder.

"About Shinano."

"Let's go inside and talk," Sanada Masayuki interrupted Sanada Nobuyuki, gesturing for them to go inside first.

Sanada Masayuki hoped that he could be mentally prepared for the news of such a decision to dedicate the entire Shinano province.

With a nervous heart, Masayuki Sanada entered the Sanada House. His steps were slow and his breathing was slightly rapid.

Although he maintained a calm demeanor, Nobuyuki Sanada, who was standing beside him, could clearly sense Masayuki Sanada's unease.

Yes, after more than a year of hard work, whether it will be a dream come true or a waste of time will be revealed at this moment. It would be strange if Masayuki Sanada could remain calm.

After entering the room and taking a seat, Sanada Masayuki's lips moved before he slowly asked, "How is it?"

As he uttered those two words, Masayuki Sanada unconsciously clenched his fists.

Sanada Nobuyuki did not speak, but slowly took out the Oda family's seal and a letter in Hideyoshi Hashiba's handwriting from his bosom.

"Why don't you take a look for yourself, Father?"

With trembling hands, Masayuki Sanada took the letter from Nobuyuki Sanada's hand. He felt his heart race and the two pieces of paper in his hands feel as heavy as a thousand pounds.

Taking a deep breath, Sanada Masayuki slowly unfolded the vermilion seal.

He looked at it very carefully, reading it almost word by word.

Nobuyuki Sanada remained calmly seated, his gaze fixed on Masayuki Sanada's face.

As he read on, Masayuki Sanada's tense face gradually relaxed.

Then, a smile appeared on Sanada Masayuki's lips, followed by...
"Hahahahahaha!"

"Shinano! Shinano!"

"Finally, finally!"

"Hahahahaha!"

Masayuki Sanada was nearly driven mad.

The emotions that had been suppressed for months were finally released, gushing out in an instant like a river bursting its banks.

Sanada Nobuyuki was also infected by Sanada Masayuki's emotions, and his own feelings became somewhat turbulent.

After laughing for a while, Masayuki Sanada finally calmed down, but he couldn't stop smiling.

"Gensaburo, Shinano, belongs to the Sanada family now."

"I know."

Aren't you happy?

"I've already had my fill of happiness."

“That’s true. You went to Kyoto, so naturally you’d be the first to know.”

"No, I have to go tell your grandfather right away!" With that, Sanada Masayuki ran barefoot to the backyard.

The maids were quite surprised to see Sanada Masayuki so overjoyed. In their minds, Sanada Masayuki had always been a very composed and calm person.

Why are you so happy today?
Is Mrs. Yamate pregnant again?

Sanada Nobuyuki followed Sanada Masayuki into the Buddhist hall of the Sanada-kan.

On the wall directly opposite the entrance to the house hangs the inscription "Hakusan Daigongen," and below the scroll are the memorial tablets of the Sanada family's ancestors.

Sanada Masayuki was kneeling in front of the memorial tablet, muttering incantations.

It was then that Sanada Nobuyuki noticed that a memorial tablet bore the inscription "Kiyama Shingen-ko".

Why is Takeda Shingen's memorial tablet being enshrined in the Sanada family's Buddhist shrine?
As expected, Sanada Masayuki still loved Takeda Shingen just as much.

“Father, the people of the country can come to the Sanada House now.”

After waiting for a while, Nobuyuki Sanada finally spoke, pulling Masayuki Sanada back to reality.

"There's no rush yet."

Sanada Masayuki slowly got up and pulled Sanada Nobuyuki out of the Buddhist hall and into the courtyard.

"Lord Hashiba has granted our clan permission to deal with these local lords as we see fit. Genzaburo, what are your thoughts?"

Now, Masayuki Sanada has realized that he simply cannot live without this son.

Sometimes, Masayuki Sanada wondered, why is Nobuyuki Sanada so outstanding?

Could it be that the bloodline of my Sanada family is truly strong?
“Hasn’t Father already made a decision?” Sanada Nobuyuki asked in return.

Although he had just returned to Shinano, Sanada Nobuyuki had received quite a lot of information along the way.

The fact that Sanada Masayuki built Ueda Castle alone shows that he already had at least a preliminary idea in mind.

“I knew I couldn’t hide it from you.” Sanada Masayuki stroked his beard smugly. “I do not intend to carry out large-scale punishment of these people.”

"Only the ringleaders need to be punished."

Nobuyuki Sanada nodded; this was the arrangement that best suited the situation in Shinano Province.

What the Sanada family needs now is to stabilize Shinano Province as quickly as possible and then establish their rule in Shinano.

This rule isn't something that can be achieved simply by having Hideyoshi Hashiba's permission; it also requires the support of a large number of ordinary citizens.

If you kill all these people, who will help the Sanada clan conscript soldiers and collect taxes?
How will the Sanada family's policies be implemented? Moreover, if the people are dealt with on a large scale, it is very likely that the people who were originally planning to submit will gather again and revolt.

Shinano would then descend into endless chaos, which is not in the Sanada family's interest.

"So, what exactly does Father plan to do?"

Without hesitation, Sanada Masayuki replied, "The Kiso, Yashiro, and Muroga families need to be severely punished, and the Ina district troops who went to war with the Tokugawa family also need to be punished."

"The territory of Saku County needs to be redistributed."

“The people who stood with our clan in this uprising, such as Kasuga and Ogasawara, need to be rewarded.”

“This is what we need to do next,” Sanada Masayuki said slowly.

Nobuyuki Sanada nodded in approval.

If the Sanada family wants to completely control Shinano, then the most basic requirement is to have a clear system of rewards and punishments.

In other words, you have to ensure that your followers benefit, that neutral citizens see an opportunity, and that you deal with a group of die-hards as a warning to others.

"Let's go, gather the retainers, and discuss the specifics of the matter."

"it is good!"

Soon, under Sanada Masayuki's orders, the retainers of the Sanada family arrived at the Sanada residence.

After a day of discussion, a preliminary plan was finalized. It was submitted to Masayuki Sanada only after Nobuyuki Sanada had refined it.

"Summon the people."

"what!"

June 29th.

People from all over Shinano gathered once again at Toshishi Castle.

The assessment room was still bustling with people.

However, some observant people will notice that there are significantly fewer people this time compared to last year's assessment of Dishi City.

Among the crowd, some people could not hide their excitement, some were depressed and lost in thought, and most of the Chinese people were filled with unease.

The local gentry present were well aware of Sanada Nobuyuki's march on Kyoto, and the news that the Sanada clan had defeated the Tokugawa clan at Uehara Castle and forced them to cease hostilities was already old news.

At this point, anyone who isn't a fool would know that the Sanada family is no longer the same Sanada family.

This is the Sanada family, which has already gained the recognition of powerful daimyo in the surrounding area and has already secured a strong alliance with Oda Nobunaga.

In the past, everyone may have been of equal status, but now the situation is completely different.

"Our lord has arrived!"

Soon, as the people of the country were filled with their own anxieties and worries, with a pronouncement, Sanada Masayuki, the head of the Sanada family, entered the assessment room with an imposing manner.

The people from all around couldn't help but bow down.

After Sanada Masayuki was seated, Sanada Nobuyuki immediately stood up.

The process was the same: a letter bearing the seal of Oda Nobuyuki was slowly unfolded in his hands.

"Now, the ruling of the Oda clan regarding Shinano will be announced."

Nobuyuki Sanada lowered his speaking speed and increased his volume to ensure that every member of the Chinese audience could hear him clearly.

As Sanada Nobuyuki finished speaking, the Chinese people present held their breath and became completely silent in the evaluation room.

"The Shinano uprising has now been quelled. The Sanada clan's command was excellent and their achievements were remarkable, and they also repelled the Tokugawa invasion."

"A warning has been issued to Tokugawa, and both sides are to cease hostilities and refrain from further military action."

"The Sanada family is responsible for dealing with all the people who participated in the uprising."

"From this day forward, the Sanada family shall be the master of Shinano Province, and all the people of Shinano Province shall do their utmost to assist the Sanada family. Those who disobey this order will be severely punished!"

"This certificate is hereby issued as proof."

"On May 8, the eleventh year of Tensho, Hideyoshi was guarded in front of the building."

As Sanada Nobuyuki recounted the contents of the red seal, fear was evident in the eyes of the assembled kokujin (local people).

Although the signature is not from the head of the Oda clan, who in the world doesn't know that the Oda clan is now under the control of Hideyoshi Hashiba?
The issuance of this official document with the red seal indicates that the Oda clan has fully recognized the Sanada clan's rule over Shinano and has entrusted the handling of the aftermath of the Shinano uprising entirely to the Sanada clan.

In other words, the Sanada family, the lords of Shinano, have made their grand entrance.

"Do any of you have any questions about the contents of the aforementioned letter bearing the red seal of the Oda clan?"

Doubts? Do we even have the right to question?

The power of life and death is now in the hands of the Sanada family. To question them now would be like walking into the line of fire.

Seeing that no one spoke, Nobuyuki Sanada turned around and nodded to Masayuki Sanada before returning to his seat.

Next, it's Sanada Masayuki's turn to perform.

"Everyone!"

The moment the sound rang out, everyone's heart leaped into their throats. Many Chinese people were drenched in sweat.

Especially those Japanese who participated in the Shinano uprising were now completely disheartened, and some had even prepared themselves to commit seppuku.

If things go wrong, we might not even be able to save our family name.

"In this uprising, our family will only punish the ringleaders; those who were coerced will not be considered." Sanada Masayuki set the tone for the initial decision.

These words eased the anxieties of the Chinese people somewhat, but they soon became uneasy again.

So who exactly is the ringleader, and who was coerced?
Just as everyone was feeling uneasy, Sanada Masayuki continued, "It has now been determined that the Yashiro, Muroga, and Kiso families are the real culprits behind this uprising."

"The three families colluded with Tokugawa and started the war without authorization, which can be described as a heinous crime."

"According to the final ruling, the final penalty for the above three companies is the confiscation of all their winnings!"

Wow!
Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in uproar.

At any time, such a punishment of directly confiscating all territory is the most severe outcome, and it is generally only done when expanding outwards and conquering other forces.

For those who staged a rebellion within their territory and then voluntarily surrendered, the usual punishment was simply ordering the head of the household to commit seppuku, which was enough to save face.

After everything was finished, everyone continued eating from the same pot.

Now that the Muroga, Yashiro, and three other families have had their territories confiscated, many local lords are already somewhat dissatisfied.

If it weren't for the Oda clan backing up Sanada, these local lords would have gone back and launched a military protest against such a punishment.

In particular, the retainers and samurai within the three territories are sure to cause trouble, and their territories will also be confiscated.

Sanada Masayuki seemed oblivious to everyone's reactions and continued speaking to himself, "Kasuga Dan Masatada!"

"Ha!" Kasuga Nobuta, who was below, quickly stepped forward.

"The Kasuga family assisted the main family in this uprising and made great contributions in the capture of Yashiro Castle."

"The territory of Yashiro Village, Tokura Village, and Asagi Village in Hanishina District, which was previously held by the Yashiro clan, is hereby granted to the Kasuga family."

"These are the certificate of gratitude and the certificate of land ownership." Sanada Masayuki picked up the certificate of gratitude and the certificate of land ownership from the table and handed them over.

Kasuga Nobutatsu was completely bewildered. He just stood by and did nothing, and none of his foot soldiers participated in the battle.

At most, I joined the Sanada family in besieging Yashiro Castle. Moreover, Yashiro Castle was opened by me. Sanada Masayuki actually granted me the Yashiro family's territory directly?

When Kasuga Nobutada received the certificate of gratitude, his mind was still blank, but he quickly recovered and bowed deeply in gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Lord Awa!"

(End of this chapter)