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

Chapter 113 The Lord of Shinano!

At first, Chunri Xinda did not realize that his identity had changed.

However, they quickly realized their mistake and changed their address to "Lord".

This cry of "Lord!" not only signifies the Kasuga family's loyalty to the Sanada family, but also acknowledges the Sanada family's rule over Shinano.

This is the territory of three villages. The territory of the Kasuga family has doubled. Hesitating for even a second longer would be disrespectful to the territory!

Chunri Xinda returned to his seat with great joy, and the Chinese people below also realized what had happened.

Confiscating the territories of the people is indeed excessive, but if you say that the confiscated territories are a reward to them, then that would be incredibly appealing.

So working for the Sanada family is really lucrative?
In particular, the way Ogasawara Sadayoshi and Hoshina Masamitsu looked at Sanada Masayuki had changed.

With burning eyes fixed on Sanada Masayuki, if Kasuga Nobutatsu, who was just there for show, was doing this, then wouldn't the two of them be able to take off?

Sure enough, the next second Sanada Masayuki turned his gaze to Ogasawara Sadakichi, who immediately straightened his chest.

"Kisaburo Ogasawara."

“Ha!” Ogasawara Sadakashi stepped forward in response.

"In the Battle of Uehara Castle, the Ogasawara family also led their troops to participate in the battle and blockaded Shiojiri Pass to stop the enemy's attack."

"The villages of Sakima, Yamagata, Asahi, Soga, and Kataoka in Chikuma District are hereby granted to the Ogasawara clan!"

"The former territory of Chikuma County and Azumi County is now peaceful."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Ogasawara Sadayoshi immediately knelt down, saying, "Thank you, my lord!"

"From this day forward, the Ogasawara family will serve the Sanada family to the death!"

“Hoshina Jinshiro.” Sanada Masayuki then looked at his son-in-law, Hoshina Masamitsu.

"what!"

"The Matsushima-Ogasawara family's territory is yours." Sanada Masayuki spoke much more casually to his son-in-law.

When the Tokugawa family retreated, Ogasawara Nobutaka, the head of the Matsushima Ogasawara family, led his clan directly to Mikawa with the Tokugawa family. Sanada Masayuki was quite generous.

Hoshina Masamitsu was also stunned by this huge surprise. The Matsuo Ogasawara family was a powerful local lord in Ina District, with a territory worth at least two or three thousand koku.

"Thank you, father-in-law!"

Seeing Kasuga Nobutatsu, Ogasawara Sadayoshi, and Hoshina Masamitsu enjoying themselves, it would be a lie to say that the Chinese people below weren't envious.

If they had known this would be the outcome, they would definitely have stood firmly on the Sanada family's side.

Next, Sanada Masayuki granted Suwa Yoritada parts of Suwa District, thus restoring all of the Suwa family's former territories and giving them back control of the entire Suwa District.

Suwa Yoritada was naturally overjoyed with this result.

The four men mentioned above all sent troops to support the Sanada clan during the Shinano uprising, so they received the most rewards.

Next came the vassals who remained neutral during the Shinano uprising and joined the Tokugawa side, mainly the Chiku clan of Ina district and the Ogasawara clan of Mineoka.

Sanada Masayuki issued a pacification order, securing the territories of these local lords.

When the Tokugawa clan launched a major offensive, it was understandable that these local lords would choose to remain neutral or join forces in order to avoid being attacked by the Tokugawa clan.

The Sanada family did something similar back then; it was a helpless act by a small power.

Since the decision has been made to punish only the ringleaders, the Sanada family will not punish the local populace. Peace and stability will suffice, thus stabilizing the situation in Shinano.

However, the situation this time is different from last year.

Last year's order for safekeeping was issued by the Oda clan, while this year's order is issued by the Sanada clan.

This means that their territory will be recognized by the Sanada family from now on, and the organizational affiliation of the Shinano people will be transferred from the Oda family to the Sanada family.

Previously, they were retainers assigned by the Oda clan to the Sanada clan; now, they established a direct superior-subordinate relationship with the Sanada clan. This marked the beginning of the transformation of the local populace into vassals.

As the saying goes, everything is difficult at the beginning, and it was originally a very difficult thing to get the people of the country to accept the Sanada family's peaceful life.

However, with the Oda clan backing them up, they can transition through this phase peacefully. Otherwise, the Sanada clan would need to send troops to subdue these people one by one.

After the rewards and punishments were completed, the people present finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The Sanada family benefited, while the others retained their territories; everyone was happy.

You mean Yashiro? Muroga? Kiso?

Who are these three? You probably don't know them at all. Do we even have these kinds of people in Shinano?

From this point on, the Sanada family established its initial rule over Shinano.

What followed was another lively banquet. Amidst the clinking of glasses, everyone praised Sanada Awa-no-kami's reputation for honesty and integrity.

Sitting in the main seat, looking down at the noisy crowd below, Sanada Masayuki had regained his composure.

After getting up and turning past the screen, Sanada Masayuki left the judging room.

When Sanada Nobuyuki saw that Sanada Masayuki had gotten up, he followed him out.

The father and son stood side by side in the corridor, looking at the quiet courtyard, and both fell silent.

"Father, what are you thinking about?"

After a while, Nobuyuki Sanada couldn't help but speak first.

Sanada Masayuki turned his head and smiled. "If it were last year, and someone told me that the Sanada family could become the lord of Shinano, I would never have believed it."

"At this moment, it feels like a dream."

"Father, isn't this what my Sanada family deserves through our hard work?"

“Gensaburo, you’re right.” Sanada Masayuki smiled and patted Sanada Nobuyuki on the shoulder. “This is what the Sanada family deserves!”

"Not only Shinano, but also Kai and Ueno, former territories of Lord Shingen, will be reclaimed by me, Awa no Kami Masayuki!" Sanada Masayuki declared with unwavering resolve and boundless pride.

Nobuyuki Sanada was speechless. "You must have just drunk fake alcohol."

They've only just acquired Shinano, and now they're already eyeing Kai and Ueno.

However, it is a good thing that Sanada Masayuki is ambitious. If he were to become attached to a father who is complacent and lacks ambition, then Sanada Nobuyuki would have to consider whether to succeed as head of the family ahead of schedule.

At that time, leading troops to Sanada-kan, drawing swords and vehemently explaining the advantages and disadvantages to Sanada Masayuki would be in line with the tradition of Japan's Sengoku period.

“Gensaburo, tell me about your experiences in Kyoto.” Sanada Masayuki walked into the courtyard and sat down on a rock.

"About what?" Nobuyuki Sanada followed.

Obviously, the following conversation should not be heard by outsiders.

Sanada Masayuki thought for a moment, then said, "Hashiba Hideyoshi."

"What kind of person is he?"

"Is it true that he's rumored to be as short as a mouse?"

Sanada Nobuyuki slowly replied, "If we only talk about appearance, Hashiba Hideyoshi is indeed not good-looking." "But he is no ordinary person, having risen from a mere foot soldier to wield power in the Oda clan."

"During this trip to Kyoto, I had a lot of contact with Hideyoshi."

"Although this person came from a humble background, he had great ambitions and was kind to others, and he was generous in rewarding those who were truly loyal to him."

Of course, there's one more thing Sanada Nobuyuki didn't say: all of the above is based on the premise that you have to stay alive.

If you were to die by accident, Hideyoshi Hashiba would turn on you and not even acknowledge his own family.

"So, you think Hideyoshi can lead the Oda clan to even greater heights?" Sanada Masayuki asked Sanada Nobuyuki with a serious expression.

Nobuyuki Sanada affirmed, "That's certainly true."

"Hideyoshi has many supporters in the Oda clan and a large number of talented samurai under his command. I believe that it will not be long before Hashiba Hideyoshi becomes the next Oda Nobunaga."

"So, according to you, there are no dissenting voices within the Oda clan?" Sanada Masayuki astutely grasped the crux of the matter.

Ultimately, although Toyotomi Hideyoshi is currently the most powerful person in the Oda clan, he is still just a retainer of the Oda clan.

If Toyotomi Hideyoshi wanted to replace Oda Nobunaga, it would certainly cause dissatisfaction among some people within the Oda clan, especially the main members of the Oda family.

"In my opinion, if Hideyoshi wants to secure that position, there is still one more battle he has to fight," Sanada Masayuki added.

"Who is your father?"

"The destruction of Shibata is just the beginning. Once Hashiba Hideyoshi gains power, he will not want to have another lord above him."

"Even if this lord is only in name."

“Next, Hideyoshi will definitely take action,” Sanada Masayuki said with certainty.

At this time, Nobuyuki Sanada also admired Masayuki Sanada. He could analyze this point from just a few words, which showed that Masayuki Sanada was indeed worthy of his reputation.

“Mori, Chosokabe, and even Tokugawa.”

“These daimyo won’t stand idly by; a great battle is already brewing. And when that happens, our Sanada family’s opportunity will arrive.” A fire seemed to burn fiercely in Sanada Masayuki’s eyes.

Seeing this, Nobuyuki Sanada immediately chimed in, "Before that, we must accumulate strength as quickly as possible, otherwise how can we snatch chestnuts from the fire?"

"What are your thoughts?" Sanada Masayuki decided to hear Sanada Nobuyuki's opinion.

"Now that our clan has secured its position as the lord of Shinano, the next step is to establish a comprehensive legal system to ensure our rule."

Sanada Masayuki nodded thoughtfully, "Like the 'Kōshū Laws and Regulations' promulgated by Lord Shingen back then?"

“That’s right.” Nobuyuki Sanada continued, “Only by establishing a sound system and clearly defining the main family’s rule over Shinano can Shinano truly become the main family’s territory.”

Whether or not a "division of provinces" law was enacted during Japan's Sengoku period can be seen as a marker of the transition from traditional daimyo to Sengoku daimyo.

Especially for a newly emerging power like the Sanada family, a complete and effective system of state division laws is the foundation for ruling a country.

The formulation of laws governing separate states can effectively manage the people, control the retainers, govern temples, shrines, villages, and towns, handle territorial disputes, and most importantly, stipulate clear military obligations for the retainers and people within the state.

Such a set of laws, which are followed from the bottom up, can greatly enhance the daimyo's rule and control over his territory.

After careful consideration, Sanada Masayuki agreed to Sanada Nobuyuki's proposal.

"Then you, Genzaburo, will be in charge of drafting the national laws."

Who needs to assist?

This workload was obviously too much for Nobuyuki Sanada to handle alone, so Masayuki Sanada would definitely have to send some people.

Sanada Nobuyuki thought for a moment, and then named several people one after another.

"Matajiro Kawahara, Hitachisuke Ashida, Takanashi Uchiki, Danmasadada Hoshina, Satsuma Mamoru Yazawa, and Shaosuke Kamahara Miyauchi."

Five of the six were retainers of the Sanada clan. As for why Hoshina Masatoshi was included, Sanada Nobuyuki considered that Hoshina Masatoshi had served the Takeda clan for many years and was very familiar with the Takeda clan's laws and regulations.

Shinano was once part of the Takeda clan's territory. Although it was impossible to copy the Takeda clan's "Koshu Laws and Regulations" verbatim, many of its provisions still have great reference value.

Sanada Masayuki silently recited the names of the group in his mind, then nodded in approval.

The next morning, the people of Shinano Province in Toishi Castle returned to their respective territories with the Sanada family's certificate of peace.

Meanwhile, the Sanada family began to reward those who had contributed to the success of their campaigns.

Ashida Nobuban, who had rendered meritorious service in defending Komoro Castle during the Saku County uprising, was awarded an additional 500 koku of rank.

Masashige Oi, the governor of the Oi family in Saku County, was ordered to commit seppuku, and Yukiyoshi Oi of Iwao Castle succeeded him as the governor of the Oi family.

Shimazu Tadanao was granted an additional 200 koku of rice in Mizuchi District, and Izuura Morikiyo received four villages in the Yashiro District from the Yashiro family.

Muroga Masatake's territory was confiscated. Most of his territory was taken over as direct control of the Sanada family, and the remaining 1000 koku of credit was distributed among retainers who participated in the Battle of Uehara Castle, such as Mochizuki Masayori, Nezu Masatsuna, Horita Sakubei, and Takanashi Naiki.

Yazawa Yoriyasu, who had previously distinguished himself in the defense of Ueno Numata Castle, was granted an additional 200 koku of land, while Tsuneta Nagayuki and Kamara Shigeharu were each awarded 50 kan of cash.

Sanada Masayuki also adopted Sanada Nobuyoshi's daughter, whom he had left at home, and married her to Kamahara Shigeharu, further strengthening the Sanada family's rule in Ueno.

In addition, Obata Nobusada of Ueno Province also received a thank-you gift from Sanada Masayuki—a letter of farewell from Hashiba Hideyoshi.

This was something Sanada Nobuyuki specifically asked Hashiba Hideyoshi for. Although it doesn't mean much now, Obata Nobusada will probably be very grateful to the Sanada family in a few years.

After all the arrangements were completed, a new problem arose for Masayuki Sanada.

What should be done about Yoshimasa Kiso?

Yoshimasa Kiso remains in Fukushima Castle, clearly intending to resist to the very end.

Although the Sanada family imposed the punishment of confiscating their territory, Kiso Yoshimasa certainly wouldn't accept his fate.

Although the Sanada clan could simply rally the local populace of Shinano to attack Kiso Yoshimasa under the current circumstances, Sanada Masayuki did not want to resolve this issue through force.

Firstly, the construction of Ueda Castle is underway, and a large number of laborers have already been drawn from it. If a large-scale mobilization of foot soldiers is carried out, this year's harvest will certainly be greatly affected.

Secondly, the Kiso clan had ruled the Kiso Valley region for many years, unlike the Muroga and Yashiro clans who were on the periphery. If they were simply suppressed by force, even if the Kiso clan were destroyed, who would govern this territory?
The local forces, including the common people, local servants, temples, and shrines, do not have a high level of recognition for the Sanada family. There are concerns about whether a Tu-Ikki or even an Ikko-Ikki will break out within their territory.

"The best solution for the Kiso family is to let Kiso Iyo no Kami go into seclusion and have someone from the main family inherit the Kiso family name."

“This way, we can take over the Kiso family’s territory in the most peaceful way,” Nobuyuki Sanada said, expressing his opinion.

We can't treat Kiso like we did with Muroga and Yashiro. They're a prestigious family in Shinano, and it would be best to bring them under our control.

Adoption is the most common and least likely to provoke resistance.

The Kiso family preserved its name, which was perfectly acceptable to Kiso Yoshimasa. The Sanada family also incorporated the Kiso family's territory into their own through succession, a situation acceptable to both sides.

Upon hearing Nobuyuki Sanada mention adoption, Masayuki Sanada's expression became somewhat unnatural.

"We can't just give Genjiro away as an adopted son, can we?" Sanada Masayuki hesitated.

Sanada Nobuyuki looked at Sanada Masayuki with a strange expression. "Father, is there something you're hiding from Mother?"

"For example, that guy named Ade from Yangui City."

Sanada Masayuki's expression changed; something bad was about to happen.

(End of this chapter)