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

Chapter 63: Land Inspection (Part 1)
The Uesugi family is certainly short of money.

And it's in very short supply.

Launching a large-scale military operation requires a large stockpile of equipment and military supplies.

The lead and saltpeter needed for firearms were almost entirely imported because they could not be produced domestically, with Kyushu and Sakai Port being the main sources.

Previously, the Uesugi family could go to Sakai Port to make purchases, but with the fall of Ishiyama Gobo to the Oda family and their control of the Kinai region, the Uesugi family could only go to Kyushu to buy these supplies.

The long distance significantly increases the time and cost required.

Furthermore, the Uesugi clan was in great turmoil after the Otate Rebellion. Before they could even catch their breath, Shibata Katsuie led the Hokuriku Army to attack. At this point, the person Uesugi Kagekatsu should be most grateful to is Akechi Mitsuhide.

If it weren't for Akechi Mitsuhide's instigation of the Honnoji Incident, the Uesugi family would probably be gone by now.

In short, the Uesugi family is now eager to quell the rebellion of Shigeie Niihata, and the sooner the better.

However, the serious problem facing the Uesugi family was that they were out of money and food due to the fierce fighting with the Oda family in Echigo.

"To be honest, the Xinfatian Rebellion has lasted for more than two years. In addition, we fought against the Oda clan in Echigo Province. Our family has been short of food for more than just a day or two."

Whether it was because they were having a good time chatting or because they had a few drinks, Naoe Kanetsugu lowered his guard and began to confide in Sanada Nobuyuki.

As Uesugi Kagekatsu's right-hand man, Naoe Kanetsugu had all the burdens on his shoulders and was also very tired.

"Lord Genzaburo's suggestion today can indeed help our family solve our urgent problem."

"I hope the Sanada family can complete the renovation of the Nakano residence as soon as possible. I beg you," Naoe Kanetsugu said solemnly to Sanada Nobuyuki after finishing his plea.

Sanada Nobuyuki also raised his glass in reply, "Now that Sanada and Uesugi have formed an alliance, we should advance and retreat together from now on."

Neither of them mentioned the Sanada family's previous alliance with a powerful force, as their positions were no longer one of strength and one of weakness.

The Sanada clan, which now controls Shinano Province and has become a daimyo, is qualified to become an ally of the Uesugi clan, even though its overall strength is not as great as the Uesugi clan's.

Perhaps it is precisely this kind of mutually beneficial relationship that can last.

"Genjiro, stop eating and come drink." Sanada Nobuyuki said to Sanada Nobushige, who was frantically eating, with a hint of annoyance.

Sanada Nobushige wolfed down the last mouthful of rice in his bowl, then followed suit and raised his glass.

Clearly, Naoe Kanetsugu did not intend to talk much about the Uesugi family.

Sanada Nobuyuki had no intention of delving into the Uesugi family's inner workings; some things were better left unsaid, and pressing for answers would only make things worse.

"Brother, when are you leaving?"

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Sanada Nobushige began to inquire about Sanada Nobuyuki's schedule.

“My father has just bestowed upon me a county, and there are many affairs to attend to within its borders. Once these matters are settled, I will depart tomorrow,” Sanada Nobuyuki said slowly.

Sanada Nobushige was silent for a while, then looked at Naoe Kanetsugu, who was already drunk, and said, "When can I go back to Shinano? I hear about the main family's activities in Shinano every day, but I can only be an observer."

"I also want to do my part for the family." Sanada Nobushige spent his days honing his military strategy so that he could help his father and brothers as soon as possible.

This aimless life as a hostage is indeed unbearable.

"You stay put at the Uesugi residence. We will notify you if needed."

"Even within the Uesugi family, one is contributing to the main family." Seeing the dejected look on Sanada Nobushige's face, Sanada Nobuyuki could only try his best to comfort him.

Although the Sanada and Uesugi families have established initial trust, and the Sanada family is now in need of their help, Sanada Nobushige will have to stay obediently in the Uesugi family for the time being.

"Don't worry, a great battle may be coming soon, and that will be the time for you, Genjiro, to show your skills."

"Really?" A hint of anticipation flickered in Sanada Nobushige's eyes.

Nobuyuki Sanada extended his hand. "When have I ever lied to you?"

"Brother, just watch! Next time we go into battle, I, Sanada Genjiro, will surely slay enemy generals and seize flags, and bring down the Sanada family's enemies one by one!" Sanada Nobushige shouted.

"It's getting late."

"Where do you live?"

Sanada Nobushige quickly replied, "I live in the Sannomaru area inside the castle; the hostages are all there."

"Go back quickly. I hope that next time we meet, Genjiro, you'll surprise everyone." "I definitely will." Sanada Nobushige nodded firmly.

The next morning, Sanada Nobuyuki did not linger. After bidding farewell to Naoe Kanetsugu, he set off to return to Shinano.

Thanks to Naoe Kanetsugu's orders, Sanada Nobuyuki had a smooth journey and returned to his territory in just one day on horseback.

Takai District is located in northern Shinano Province, adjacent to Echigo Province. However, Takai District and Echigo Province are separated by Iiyama Castle (Minouchi District).

Although Mizuchi District was not Sanada Nobuyuki's territory, Sanada Masayuki had already ordered Sanada Nobuyuki to take charge of the affairs of Mizuchi District. Therefore, after Sanada Nobuyuki entered Iiyama Castle, Shimazu Tadanao quickly received the news.

"Lord Genzaburo, what are your orders?"

Sanada Nobuyuki wouldn't be here for no reason, so Shimazu Tadanao asked directly.

Sanada Nobuyuki quickly explained the purpose of his trip to the Uesugi family to Shimazu Tadanao, and then instructed him, "In a few days, a large number of farmers will be returning to Shinano from Echigo. I need you to stay here and take care of the handover."

"After receiving all the personnel, register which villages they belong to, and notify the Yiming and Shatai people in each village to return them to their original places of residence."

"Each person will be issued only one day's ration, and they are not allowed to gather or linger within the designated area."

“If anyone tries to escape, everyone in the village will be executed.”

"clear?"

"Ha!" Seeing how seriously Sanada Nobuyuki was taking this matter, Shimazu Tadanao also understood the importance of it.

After arranging everything, Nobuyuki Sanada left Iiyama Castle and returned to Nakano House.

Upon entering the city, Sanada Nobuyuki saw dozens of samurai lining up outside the palace.

Pushing through the crowd, Nobuyuki Sanada saw Masahide Hirabayashi and Tadashi Kasuga, heads bowed, writing furiously.

After looking closer for a while, Nobuyuki Sanada realized that they were compiling land survey records for each village.

"Thank you for your hard work," Nobuyuki Sanada said, standing beside the two.

Upon seeing that it was Nobuyuki Sanada returning, Kasuga no Yotada and Hirabayashi Masahiro quickly stood up.

Nobuyuki Sanada waved his hand, signaling the two to continue, and then stood beside them, continuing to observe.

These samurai were previously sent to various villages in Takai County to collect the annual tributes, and they have returned so quickly.

After watching for more than an hour, Harumoto Yoshitada was the first to finish recording.

"Lord Genzaburo, the number of craftsmen in the territory has been counted, totaling one hundred and thirty-two."

"Regarding the construction of the castle town, here are the design drawings. Please take a look."

Nakano-kan is a flat castle, surrounded by level terrain, making it easy to plan a castle town. There is an open space to the west of Nakano-kan, large enough to build a sizable castle town.

After briefly reviewing Kasugamoto's plans, Sanada Nobuyuki found no problems and said, "Then let's begin construction according to the plans."

"How have the artisans reacted to the main family's proposal?"

Kasuga Yoshitada quickly replied, "I heard that Nakano-kan doesn't charge extra for the building, so these craftsmen are willing to move to Nakano-kan."

"In addition, I have already spread the news that Nakano-kan is going to be built as a castle town, and merchants have been coming to inquire about it in the past two days."

"Did our lord manage to get the person from the Uesugi clan?"

　段：也称为反，是一种计量单位。1段=1反=10亩，1亩=36步（太阁检地后为30步）。

　　Special note: One mu in Japan is approximately equal to 99 square meters, while one mu in my country is approximately equal to 666 square meters. That is to say, 7 mu in Japan is roughly equivalent to one mu in my country.

　　The specific amount to be paid for each section of land would usually be agreed upon in advance; this was called the annual tribute, which was collected every six months. This was also the amount of money a samurai was required to pay.

　　The daimyo determined military service based on the annual tribute collected from his retainers and specified the types of soldiers. Retainers would mobilize foot soldiers according to the daimyo's requirements, and the foot soldiers (military servicemen) would also prepare their own weapons and equipment. If the equipment did not meet the requirements, they would have to borrow it from the daimyo (go-dai-gu-zu).

　　In addition, the expropriation rate varies depending on the type of land.

　　For example, planting hemp or other cash crops, or animal husbandry, forestry, and fisheries.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)