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

Chapter 123 Power Over the Seas (6 chapters today, please subscribe)

Osaka Castle, Sanada House.

Yamate-dono kept waving the palm-leaf fan in her hand; the hot weather made her miss the mountains of Shinano.

Although it is far less bustling than here, being surrounded by mountains always offers a respite from the sweltering summer heat.

Since arriving at the Hashiba family as a hostage, Yamate-dono has gradually adjusted his mindset from initial discomfort.

Although she was a hostage, her personal freedom was not restricted. Not only could she travel between Kyoto and Osaka, but she could also sometimes go sightseeing in Sakai Port with other family members.

Of course, merchants from Sakai Port would also transport many exotic imported goods to Osaka for sale. Ming Dynasty silk and porcelain, Luzon hemp, and other such items were the most popular among women, but the prices made them prohibitive for Lady Yamate.

"Madam, the Sanjo family has come again, inviting you to a tea party in a few days."

"The location is the Konoe residence in Kyoto," a maid whispered cautiously in Yamate-dono's ear.

Yamate-dono rubbed his forehead, looking like he had a headache. "Didn't we just go there a couple of days ago?"

"Why are these people so relentless? They've already spent over twenty strings of cash this month."

"Ah Xun, go check how much money we have left?"

Being a hostage in Osaka Castle can be quite expensive.

Prices are high here, and you have to buy all the necessities. Although Sanada Masayuki would send money here from time to time, he didn't know the prices in Osaka, and the money he sent was only enough to feed himself.

Yamate-dono has been to Kyoto several times, and the cost of various gifts has already emptied his wallet.

Not long after, the maid returned and brought bad news to Lord Yamate.

There were only a few strings of cash left at home.
The weather was already unbearably hot, and upon hearing these words, Yamate-dono's face became even more grim than if he were about to cry.

"Madam, are we still going to Kyoto?" the maid asked timidly.

Yamate-dono's face hardened. "I'm not going. Tell the Sanjo family I'm sick."

"Yes."

Not long after she left, the maid Ah Xun quickly returned.

"how?"

"Madam, there are guests outside requesting an audience. They claim to be friends of Lord Genzaburo," A-Xun quickly replied.

Yamate-dono raised an eyebrow. "Gensaburo's friend?"

"Several people, judging from their clothes, they should all be samurai from the Hashiba clan."

Yamate-dono quickly stood up. "Please come in quickly."

During this time, Lord Yamate gradually understood the extra task of being a hostage: to befriend the retainers of the Hashiba family and deepen the relationship between the Sanada and Hashiba families.

Before long, several warriors led in more than a dozen servants carrying boxes of various sizes.

"I am Ichimatsu from Fukushima!"

"My name is Kato Toranosuke!"

"My name is Kato Magoroku."

"My name is Kuroda Yoshihei."

"Meet Madam."

Looking at Fukushima Masanori, Kato Yoshiaki, Kato Kiyomasa, and Kuroda Nagamasa in front of him, Yamate-dono was also completely bewildered.

I didn't hear Nobuyuki Sanada mention having so many friends in Kyoto before I came here.
However, Lord Yamate only paused for a moment before covering his mouth with his fan and whispering, "I've often heard Genzaburo mention you all. Seeing you today, I can see that you are indeed all very imposing samurai."

"Did my elder brother also mention us?"

"Yes, what did our eldest brother say about us?"

The four of them immediately asked with excited expressions.

Lord Yamate was truly baffled. These four people in front of him looked older than Genzaburo, so why were they calling him "elder brother"?
"Um, this..." Yamate-dono said casually, she had never heard Sanada Nobuyuki mention those people before.

But having no other choice, he could only grit his teeth and continue, saying, "Gensaburo said that you are all exceptionally brave and talented samurai under Lord Hashiba, and that becoming friends with you is the happiest thing for him."

"is it?"

"So, we hold such a high position in Big Brother's heart?" Fukushima Masanori and the other three exchanged beaming glances.

"Oh, right!" Fukushima Masanori was the first to react, then pointed to the waiters carrying boxes at the door and said, "We heard that Madam has come to Kyoto, so we brought gifts with us."

"Yes, yes, yes." Kato Kiyomasa also said, "I had important matters to attend to before and couldn't find the time, but as soon as I had some free time, we made an appointment to come together."

"I'm a little late, please forgive me, Madam." It was Kato Yoshiaki who spoke.

Kuroda Nagamasa, standing to the side, patted his chest and said, "If there is anything that you, Madam, can do to help, you can send someone to find me, Kuroda Nagamasa."

"My fief is in Kawachi. You may visit it when you have time." Kuroda Nagamasa was awarded 450 koku of Kawachi Province for his meritorious service in the Battle of Shizugatake.

Fukushima Masanori gave Kuroda Nagamasa an annoyed look. "What, do you think you're so great?"

Kuroda Nagamasa immediately retorted, unconvinced, "My father still has 10,000 koku!"

Seeing the four of them arguing for no apparent reason, Yamate-dono was amused and burst out laughing.

Upon hearing the sound, Fukushima Masanori and the others realized they were still in front of Yamate-dono and quickly sat back down.

"Alright, I appreciate your kind intentions, and I am truly grateful."

Fukushima Masanori and the others realized their rudeness and quickly took their leave.

After everyone left, Yamate-dono walked into the courtyard with the help of a maid.

Yamate opened one of the boxes at random, and his mouth dropped open.

"So many?!"

Several boxes were opened in succession, all filled with expensive items sold in Osaka Castle.

They brought two bags of clothes, teaware, bowls, salt, and even rice.

When the last box was opened, several copper coins immediately spilled out and fell to the ground.

Lord Yamate swallowed hard, slowly turning his head to look at the equally shocked maid beside him. "The Sanjo family hasn't gone far, has it?"

"There shouldn't be."

"Go after them quickly! I need to attend the tea party in two days!"

The person most delighted by the initial completion of Osaka Castle was naturally Hideyoshi Hashiba.

He dreamed of owning a castle even more magnificent than Oda Nobunaga's Azuchi Castle, and the construction of Osaka Castle made Hideyoshi truly feel that he had become the "master of the land".

However, some are happy while others are sad.

While Hideyoshi Hashiba was overjoyed, Nobuo Oda felt as if he had eaten shit.

Omi, Mitsuiji Temple.

This temple, located on the shore of Lake Biwa, is also known as Enjo-ji and is the head temple of the Tendai sect. The "Evening Bell of Mii-ji Temple," one of the "Eight Views of Omi," refers to this place.

However, Oda Nobuo was in no mood to appreciate the scenery; he was feeling particularly depressed at the moment.

During the Battle of Shizugatake, Toyotomi Hideyoshi supported Oda Nobukatsu as the head of the Oda clan, and in doing so, Oda Nobukatsu executed Oda Nobutaka.

He originally thought that it would be his turn to issue orders and take over the Oda clan, but it turned out that all the orders from the Oda clan were issued by Hashiba Hideyoshi.

Previously, Hideyoshi Hashiba would at least send someone to ask Nobuo Oda's opinion, but since Osaka Castle was built, the Oda family's orders have been issued directly from Osaka Castle, and Nobuo Oda has no chance to even ask about them.

This was something Oda Nobuo simply couldn't accept.

I am the head of the clan! You, Hashiba Hideyoshi, are merely a retainer of the Oda clan. What do you want to do?
"My lord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi is increasingly disregarding you."

“If this continues, in the eyes of the world, Hideyoshi Hashiba will become the head of the Oda clan.” “My lord, you must do something.”

The retainers who had accompanied Oda Nobuo to Mii-dera Temple also joined in the fire-lighting.

Oda Nobuo was angry, and his retainers naturally shared his discontent.

If Oda Nobukatsu had real power, they would have been important retainers of the Oda clan, and their status and position would have risen dramatically.

If Oda Nobuo becomes a puppet, then they are dispensable.

"That monkey is currently riding high and has many allies. If war breaks out, we are probably no match for it."

Upon hearing this, Oda Nobukatsu immediately exclaimed, "Does my Oda clan have no allies or loyal retainers?"

"Tokugawa!"

"Find Tokugawa!" Oda Nobuo suddenly thought of a name. "When my father was alive, Tokugawa Mikawa-no-kami made an alliance with our main family, and has never betrayed our main family in all these years."

“The Tokugawa family is a trustworthy ally. If we can get the Tokugawa family on our side, then our family will have a chance of winning.”

"And there's Sasa Narimasa, who has always been dissatisfied with that monkey."

"The Mori, Chosokabe, and the Saiga clan of Kii—they can all be used by me!" As one name after another came out of Oda Nobuo's mouth, he suddenly felt that Hashiba Hideyoshi was not so great after all.

His father, Oda Nobunaga, also had a headache when facing the encirclement, so why not let Hashiba Hideyoshi experience the same thing?

"My lord, if war is to break out, the water transport in Ise Bay will be of paramount importance."

“Whether it’s transporting supplies or moving ashigaru from Ise, Mikawa, and Owari, we all rely on Ise Bay. We should first ensure that the shipping route through Ise Bay remains unobstructed,” a retainer suggested.

Oda Nobuo immediately agreed, "That's right, that's a good idea."

“Ise Bay is within the sphere of influence of the George family.”

A retainer added, "With Lady Ohno alive, the Saji family would certainly have supported our lord. But now that Lady Ohno is gone..."

Lady Ōno was Oda Nobunaga's younger sister, Oda Inu, and the daughter of Oda Nobuhide. She married Saji Nobukata of Chita District in Owari Province.

The Saji family were local lords of the Owari Chita Peninsula. They had long controlled shipping in Ise Bay, and their Saji navy was very powerful, making them a dominant force in the Ise Bay area.

Who is the current head of the George family?

"It is Lady Ohno and Lord George's son, Prince Kuro."

Oda Nobuo stroked his chin, lost in thought.

With the death of Oda Inu, the marital ties between the Oda and Saji families dissolved. To maintain this alliance, another woman had to be married into the Oda family.

They must get the current head of the George family, George and Kuro, to stand on their side.

"Is this person betrothed to Jiulang?"

"I have never heard of it," the retainer replied hastily.

Oda Nobuo suddenly had an idea: "Why don't we arrange a marriage for him?"

“I’ve heard that Lady Oichi’s daughter was cared for by Lady Ohno for a period of time, so she is a suitable candidate,” a retainer said slowly.

"Young Master?" Oda Nobuo nodded. "Although he's a bit young, it's fine to arrange the marriage first."

Kotobuki is Aichi and Azai Nagamasa's youngest daughter, Azai Go.

"Originally, Cha Cha seemed more suitable, but that monkey is keeping a close eye on her; he's really persistent in his wicked intentions!"

"You can handle the marriage alliance with the George family," Oda Nobuo waved his hand, showing no interest in handling such matters personally.

"what!"

"By the way, has Lord Konoe Naifu agreed to the meeting?" Oda Nobuo suddenly asked.

Konoe no Naifu is Konoe Nobuyoshi, the son of Konoe Sakihisa, and his current official position is Naijin (Minister of the Interior).

"It's already set, November 16th, the meeting place is in Mii-dera."

“That’s fine, it saves me from having to make another trip.” Oda Nobuo nodded.

He didn't have the money to build a castle like Osaka Castle, but he could get a higher official position than Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He planned to ask the Konoe family for a position.

At least in terms of official rank, he must be one level above Hideyoshi Hashiba.

Not only did he change his official title, but Oda Nobukatsu also changed the Oda clan's seal. He replaced Oda Nobunaga's "Tenka Fubu" (meaning "Unification of the Realm by Force") with his own "Wei Jia Hai Nei" (meaning "His Prestige Reaches the Seas"), thus demonstrating to the world the prestige of the Oda clan's head!
Osaka Castle.

In a quiet house, Asai Chacha leaned on the railing of the corridor, one hand as a pillow, looking at the blooming flowers in the courtyard with a lonely expression.

Behind Chacha, two maids felt a pang of heartache seeing Chacha's haggard face.

The two maids were also from the Asai family; one was named Koharu, and the other Konoha. In terms of seniority, they were of the same generation as Asai Nagamasa, so Chacha was their niece.

"Miss Chacha, you haven't eaten again today. How can your body take this?"

"Yes, let's eat a little. Lord Hashiba specially had it bought from Sakai Port, and there are many things that I've never even heard of before."

Cha Cha turned her head and said with a look of disgust, "Who cares about his stuff?"

As soon as she finished speaking, seeing that the two were about to continue, Cha Cha quickly conceded, "Aunties, please stop talking, I'll eat it, okay?"

The maid Koharu hesitated for a moment, but finally spoke up, "I have heard something. It seems that the lord of the Oda family intends to marry Koharu to a samurai in Owari."

Upon hearing this, Cha Cha's expression changed drastically. "Little Du is only eleven years old. Whose idea was this?"

"Could it be that monkey again?"

Koharu looked around to make sure no one from Toyotomi Hideyoshi was nearby before continuing, "Miss Chacha, please keep your voice down. It's not good if someone hears you."

"It was Lord Oda's idea."

Xia chimed in, "We're living under someone else's roof now, so there are some things we should keep to ourselves and never say aloud."

“Miss Chacha is the support of Miss Achu and Miss Xiaodu. You should think about them too.”

After listening to their conversation, Cha Cha fell silent.

She knew very well what Hideyoshi wanted from her; he showered her with gifts and fawned over her, practically wearing the word "possession" on his face.

Back then, Hideyoshi Hashiba coveted his mother Oichi's beauty, and now that his mother is gone, he has set his sights on himself.

Chacha felt nothing but hatred for Hideyoshi Hashiba, knowing that he was a direct participant in the capture of Odani Castle and the destruction of the Asai family, as well as the culprit who led to Oichi's death by breaching Kita-sho Castle.

But as Xia said, if they offended Hideyoshi Hashiba, it wouldn't matter if she died, but what would happen to Achu and Ajiang?

"I want to go out for a walk." Cha Cha sighed. Since she couldn't escape this cage, she could only accept her fate. "I heard that the new neighbors moved into the front yard. Who are they?"

"It seems to be a daimyo of Shinano, called the Masada family?" Xia looked at Xiaochun beside her.

Koharu nodded. "Yes, it's the Sanada family. Lord Fukushima and the others sent a bunch of things over a few days ago."

"Huh, where's Miss Chacha?"

Chacha, who was just next to the two of them, suddenly disappeared.

As Xiaochun turned around, Chacha, with her arms crossed over her chest and her face flushed, was walking into the house.

"Miss Chacha, aren't you going out?" Xia called from behind.

Without turning her head, Cha Cha replied, "Change your clothes first!"

　Asai Sanju: Compared to the three Asai sisters, Asai Sanju (the third wife) is not very famous.

　　The Asai Three Bureaus refer to the Kaizu Bureau, the Xiangniang Bureau, and the Omi Bureau. These three women were the daughters of Asai Ryomasa's daughter, Tsuruchiyo, and Taya Akimasa. (For more details, see *The Kyogoku Family's Ambition*, which provides a detailed introduction to Taya Akimasa.)
　　After the Asai family was destroyed, the three of them became Chacha's maids and served her.

　　Among them, Kaizu no Tsubone married Asai Masataka, the illegitimate son of Asai Nagamasa. After the fall of Osaka Castle, Kaizu no Tsubone went to Edo to serve Asai E and Senhime.

　　Kagaya no Tsubone was more active in diplomacy, and served as an envoy to Suruga with Okura no Kōki (that disgusting old woman in Sanada Maru, the mother of the Ōno brothers). She died after the Battle of Osaka.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)