Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

Perhaps in Nobunaga's mind, Azai Nagamasa should have seen the situation clearly at this point and surrendered with courtesy, in which case he could still have been granted a marquisate.

Instead of feeling that they were still Nobunaga's ally, that they supported Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki's march to Kyoto, and that they had the right to sit down and talk with Nobunaga and make demands of him.

A person's ambition, character, and even principles of conduct all change along with life's journey. History has seen many instances where a wise ruler can transform into a foolish and chaotic tyrant within three to five years.

Hideyoshi's current inspiring spirit and relentless striving are so admirable that if a movie were made about him, even with forced sentimentality, it could easily rake in billions at the box office. Who could have imagined that in his old age, he would become senile, afflicted with dementia, violence, greed, and resentment…

Should I try to persuade them?

Shichibei turned to ask Nobunaga for another audience, but then realized that Akechi Mitsuhide was still inside, accompanying Nobunaga in receiving the Mori clan's envoy. He would have to wait until Nobunaga was free before bringing up the matter.

Although it may be impossible and inconvenient to immediately grant Azai Nagamasa the position of Kohoku Governor, it would be good to recommend him for the position of Omi Governor first.

It's unreasonable to assume that Nagamasa, having become the governor of Omi, would harbor unrealistic ambitions towards southern Omi, which Nobunaga controls. That would be far too pessimistic. Nagamasa's current focus is on subduing the warlords north of the river and becoming their de facto ruler, not simply being the most powerful leader among his colleagues.

Or, if Nobunaga wasn't even willing to petition the governor of Omi on behalf of Nagamasa, then at the very least, he should have helped Nagamasa obtain the title of a shogunate official.

Some powerful families in Jiangbei were descended from officials who served in the shogunate or government offices, and they held some status within the shogunate. Since we're talking about this old order, let's offer some limited praise to Nagamasa within that old order.

Forget about the "attendants of the emperor," let's just call them "attendants of the emperor." Acknowledge that Azai Nagamasa was one of Ashikaga Yoshiaki's devotees. In this way, at least within the old order of the shogunate, Nagamasa became a powerful figure in Kohoku, second only to the Kyogoku clan.

Even though the Kyogoku and Asai clans have a deep-seated hatred for each other, the Kyogoku clan has now completely declined. Let's mediate: if we can't give you the position of Governor of Jiangbei, how about giving you a deputy Governor of Jiangbei?

The Amago family was merely the deputy governor of Izumo under the Kyogoku clan, and after three generations, they almost became a true "governor of both the Yin and Yang realms." Since they were all officials from the Kyogoku clan with precedents for promotion, it wouldn't be unreasonable to use this opportunity to win over Azai Nagamasa.

While pacing back and forth outside the building, Kanemori Nagachika, the guard on duty, asked Shichibei if there was anything else he needed to report to Nobunaga. He said there was no need to wait in the sun on such a hot day; they could wait inside the hut in the servants' quarters. He could help Shichibei cut in line or something; waiting indefinitely was no big deal.

That's true, waiting around doesn't guarantee a long wait. It's best to cut in line right after Mitsuhide and the Mori messenger, while Nobunaga is changing clothes, resting, and drinking water, and quickly deliver the report.

With Kanamori Nagachika's reminder, Shichibei sat down in the servant's quarters to wait. Kanamori Nagachika beckoned to a servant to quietly run inside and inquire with Nobunaga's page, making the necessary arrangements.

Anyway, Shichibei is from Owari, Oda, and the Lower Four Districts. He is a true Odaman, and as long as he doesn't commit any fundamental mistakes, he has an extra life compared to outsiders.

When Shichibei was reporting on things earlier, Nobunaga was eating and didn't find Shichibei annoying at all.

After waiting for about forty minutes, Mitsuhide and the Mori envoy emerged from the pavilion. This Mori envoy was likely a significant figure, like Kiihisa, whom Shichibei had received—the kind who would be recorded in history. However, Shichibei was currently preoccupied with other matters and wouldn't engage in any further interaction.

Mitsuhide noticed that Shichibei was still standing outside the building and was slightly puzzled. However, he was not one to talk too much, so he nodded to Shichibei and left the building to see the Mori envoy back to his residence.

A page ran out and led Shichibei inside. Nobunaga was indeed changing his clothes, with two page fans fanning him. Wearing formal attire to receive an envoy in this sweltering heat, he was barely able to move once he sat down; even his loincloth must have been soaked.

"Speak quickly, there's more to come." Nobunaga pointed to a plate of melons in front of him, indicating that Shichibei could help himself.

"It's about what happened to Lord Ogani a couple of days ago..." Shichibei sat down in front of Nobunaga and asked him in a tentative tone.

"Hmm?" Nobunaga paused noticeably when he heard that it was about Azai Nagamasa.

To be honest, Nobunaga probably admired Nagamasa quite a bit. After all, Nagamasa looked like a very brave and strong man, and judging from his past actions, he was clearly not a fool. He and Oichi were a perfect match.

He's both my brother-in-law and a very capable person; anyone would admire him. After all, he can't inherit the family fortune, yet he can help his son when necessary. This relationship is just right—neither too close nor too distant—it's practically perfect.

"Lord Kotani is, after all, the lord's sworn brother. It would be unfortunate if he came to Kyoto without receiving any reward." Shichibei tried his best to appeal to Nobunaga's emotions.

Indeed, Azai Nagamasa came along with 5,000 men. He really gave Nobunaga face, but gained nothing in return. Now it's time for Oda Nobunaga to establish himself, gain prestige, and build his reputation.

The Mori envoy who just left requested that Nobunaga, in his capacity as Kanrei of the Muromachi Shogunate, send troops to subdue the Yamana clan. Nobunaga will most likely agree to this, in order to gain prestige within the framework of the old order.

Since that's the case, let's give them a little something when they come over for a long-term stay.

"What? You want to be his advocate?" Nobunaga's tone remained unchanged, but he was puzzled that Shichibei and Nagamasa had no close relationship, yet Shichibei came to persuade Nobunaga.

"That's not the case. I just feel that now that Your Majesty has taken charge of the realm, and with the newly subjugated areas now under your control, it is precisely the time to be impartial, uphold justice, and establish order. Rewards for merits and punishments for transgressions must be fair."

"Hmph, reward him with the title of Jiangbei Guardian?" Nobunaga knew that Shichibei was right, but he felt that Shichibei did not understand his current strategy.

"No, no, no, bestowing the title of Guardian of Jiangbei might cause many famous scholars to have doubts and be dissatisfied," Shichibei quickly explained, indicating that he could understand Nobunaga's current thinking.

"What do you think?"

"The Imperial Guards and the Deputy Governor of Jiangbei shall not overstep their bounds. Amago is also a former retainer of Kyoto, so the former general shall be appointed Governor of Yin and Yang Eight Kingdoms as before." Only then did Shichibei reveal his thoughts.

The key point is that there are precedents; Amago Haruhisa was able to be appointed as the Governor of Yin and Yang. At that time, the Kyogoku family was not completely dead yet, and Ashikaga Yoshiteru was also rewarded.

Now that the Kyogoku clan is almost entirely wiped out and has lost nearly all its power, they are far inferior to Hatakeyama Takamasa. Given Nobunaga's prestige, what's the point of appointing him a deputy governor?

Nobunaga gave him face and acknowledged his status as a protector, which was already quite generous of him.

"You're talking to yourself! He didn't overstep the bounds, but you did!" With a snap, Nobunaga slammed the melon he was holding onto the plate, finally changing his tone.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty..." Shichibei quickly lowered his head, crawled back several steps on his knees, and fell to the ground.

"A national treasure is not something a mere merchant like you can comment on," Nobunaga continued, his voice sharp with questioning.

"Your subject, Your subject, Your subject..." Shichibei suddenly understood a principle after being scolded like this.

Respect the fate of others and let go of the urge to help others.

Why is it that in history, ministers who died for their principles, or rather, those who dared to speak frankly and vehemently, are remembered and celebrated throughout history?

There are some matters that a minister can understand and who will offer advice without fear of suspicion. If the ruler is wise and the minister is discerning, then all is well. However, if the ruler is foolish or stubborn, the minister's well-intentioned advice will not be appreciated or recognized. Instead, the ruler will have a different opinion.

Are you teaching me to do things?

Once the monarch develops this idea, the minister's career is essentially over. Because the monarch no longer likes or appreciates you, and harbors prejudice and disapproval, even if they don't kill you, simply banishing you to some remote mountain village will finish your job.

It's difficult to be a wise ruler, and it's also difficult to be a virtuous minister.

Shichibei was thinking of preventing Azai Nagamasa from developing resentment towards Nobunaga because of this reward, and from ultimately deciding to betray Nobunaga completely and want to kill him.

Ultimately, this event hadn't even occurred yet. At this point, Nobunaga was already the ruler of the land, dominating the capital region, with all the feudal lords submitting to him. What right did Azai Nagamasa, with a mere 300,000 koku of rice, have to rebel?

I will not surrender peacefully, but rather emulate the praying mantis with its mighty arms!

Logically speaking, Azai Nagamasa simply didn't have the resources to rebel against Nobunaga. With his limited strength, he could at most muster a dozen or so men, while Nobunaga could easily field an army of fifty or a hundred thousand. Forget about fighting in the open field, they couldn't even hold their castles.

Why are you in such a hurry to consider Nagamasa's feelings and thoughts?

When Shichibei first saw Nobunaga, he stormed off, clearly showing his dissatisfaction. Nobunaga showed Shichibei any respect whatsoever, and several of Nobunaga's pageboys quickly followed, leaving Shichibei alone in the mansion.

Oh no, oh no, oh no! Even in the sweltering summer heat, Shichibei felt a chill run down his spine, and his head was spinning. He'd been so wishful thinking, so clinging to the hope that Nobunaga would be alright, that he wouldn't be betrayed. But those were things he'd foreseen; logically speaking, they were simply impossible.

From Nobunaga's perspective, Shichibei was even acting somewhat self-centered and abusing his seniority. Feeling favored and trusted, he began to criticize Nobunaga's actions.

A gust of wind blew through the room, and Shichibei actually started to shiver.

He got up in a daze, and walked out of the building in a daze. Shichibei's mind was a mess, and he had no idea what would happen next or whether Nobunaga would punish him.

The men who were waiting for Shichibei at the gate noticed that something was wrong with him. They pulled him back to the camp and rushed to find Kotaro So and Hanbei Takenaka. The two arrived in a hurry and also found that Shichibei was completely numb.

They hurriedly asked what had happened, but the men had no idea. The two then sent someone to ask Kanamori Nagachika, who was on duty that day. Kanamori Nagachika also didn't know what had happened, only that Shichibei seemed to have advised Nobunaga on something, which angered Nobunaga, who stormed off, and that's how Shichibei ended up.

However, Nobunaga was only angry for a moment, and no specific punishment was given, so it shouldn't have come to any serious consequences.

147. Nobunaga was also slightly moved.

Seeing Shichibei's state, Kotaro and Hanbei took a moment to discuss it, and finally went up and slapped Shichibei twice across the face, making Shichibei see stars.

Once he cried out "Ouch!", he felt better.

Ignoring Shichibei's pained expression as he covered his face with both hands, the two men immediately asked him what had happened. How had he angered Nobunaga? Was it official or personal? Was there any way to salvage the situation?

They have a very clear relationship of dependence and cooperation with Shichibei. If Shichibei were to collapse, they would definitely not fare well either.

Furthermore, just a few days ago, Nobunaga had increased Shichibei's rank to 5,000 kan, so why was he so furious today, almost kicking Shichibei out of his residence? There were too many changes inside and out, and no one knew exactly what was going on.

"I suddenly understand something." Shichibei felt pain all over, whether it was his face or his head.

With two people on either side of me urging me on, I had no choice but to answer first since I couldn't cry out in pain.

"What? What? Say it!" Kotaro raised his hand, ready to give the slow-moving Shichibei a couple more whacks.

"Speak less, do more." Shichibei quickly replied, those two blows had almost killed him.

"Huh?" Now it was Kotaro So's and Hanbei Takenaka's turn to be confused.

What is he doing? Hasn't Shichibei been busy enough? Right now, he has to maintain the streets from Ogaki Castle to Setabashi, and also conduct land inspections in southern Omi. He even has to temporarily manage the ports and towns of Otsu, Kusatsu, and Katada. He has so much to do that he wishes he could split himself in two.

What else do I need to do?

"Just do whatever you need to do." In just half a day, Shichibei figured it out; saying more would only lead to mistakes.

"..." The two people opposite could not respond and could only stare at Shichibei.

Actually, they were alright; at least they had Shichibei to keep an eye on them. Oda Nobunaga, who was in the dark room, could only stare at the ceiling.

During the day, Shichibei offered his scathing advice, which initially displeased Nobunaga. What was Shichibei anyway? Just a lowly merchant; what could he possibly know about matters of state? Nobunaga ruled the land, acting as Shogun, and was known as the ruler of the land. Did he really need a mere merchant like Shichibei to teach him?

The feeling of expansion is even more intense than if I said it was duck neck, and I know you all know it's rat, but I still say it's duck neck.

After all, with Yabo, he at least had to issue a statement, persuade three or five insiders, and use coercion and bribery. With Nobunaga, it's either yes or no, whatever he says.

You're unhappy? Either keep it to yourself. If you let your unhappiness out, I'll kill you. And I mean it, I'll kill you before you see the sun rise again.

The feeling of being "invincible" can easily make people lose their way and become intoxicated.

Nobunaga felt he didn't need to worry too much about Azai Nagamasa's feelings and could simply act according to his own ideas. After all, Nagamasa's strength of 300,000 koku meant he was incapable of rebelling.

But what Shichibei said that afternoon did indeed remind Nobunaga. Nagamasa was not a retainer, and he didn't need to follow Nobunaga's wishes in everything. To Nobunaga, Nagamasa was merely a lord with a mere 300,000 koku of land. Outside the court, Nagamasa was a daimyo who commanded tens of thousands of people and governed hundreds of thousands of subjects.

Nobunaga didn't give him any face at all. How could he face people in northern Omi? He went on a military expedition and gained nothing. He was supposed to be a brother-in-law and the son-in-law of the Oda family.

Ha ha……

How would the powerful clans of northern Omi view Azai Nagamasa? According to the typical samurai mindset of Japan's Sengoku period, they would certainly look down on him, considering him utterly useless and only capable of putting on a show within Omi. On a global scale, he would be nothing more than a tiny, insignificant figure.

Shichibei is right; Azai Nagamasa should indeed be given some compensation. Although the position of Governor of Kohoku cannot be given, giving him a substitute governorship would not be a big deal.

Although the Asai family has only been prominent for three generations, they have been a powerful clan in Asai and Ika districts for at least three to five hundred years. They even served as the district governor of Asai district, so they were not among the most powerful, but they were not among the least powerful either.

Look at Oda Nobunaga's own family, the retainers of the Kiyosu Oda clan, the deputy governor of Owari Province, and one of the three Kiyosu magistrates. If you really want to compare them, the magistrate and the district governor might not necessarily be ranked higher.

Sure enough, the human world is the same everywhere; once you're on board, the requirements for boarding become stricter. It's the same thing as those Mexicans who already have US green cards and second-generation Mexicans born in the US suddenly switching sides and starting to support our Trump.

Having obtained green cards, they naturally don't want illegal immigrants to continue coming to Amerindra, affecting their welfare and taking away their job opportunities.

Perhaps we really should heed Shichibei's advice and give Azai Nagamasa some tangible benefits. Even though Nobunaga and Nagamasa had a fight before, everyone is just going through the motions; as long as the result is satisfactory, the process doesn't matter.

When the emperor bestows favors upon someone, one must serve the public.

The next day, Nobunaga got up and told his page and attendants to cancel all their morning duties. Then he summoned Shichibei to the residence. They didn't speak or do any errands; they simply ate breakfast together.

There seemed to be a thick barrier between Nobunaga and Shichibei.

What to do after breakfast? Go home, go back to your mothers. Before parting, the two stood by a small pond, a gentle breeze ruffling the stray hairs at Nobunaga's temples and stirring up some dust from the desolate streets of Kyoto outside.

Something seemed to have gotten into his eyes, and Shichibei turned his head to rub them. Nobunaga patted Shichibei, who had lowered his head, and strode away.