Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

As a result, there were instances where Japanese ships sent to Tang Dynasty China were actually pieced together with glue, and whether they could reach Ningbo depended entirely on the weather.

This isn't meant to criticize Takeda Shingen, but he lacked the business acumen to succeed. He stormed the Imagawa estate in Suruga, engaging in widespread looting and arson, and even the Suruga shipwrights fled. He likely didn't even have a shipyard or shipwrights to build daikai-sen (large ships), and finding such skilled technicians would have been extremely difficult.

Therefore, Nobunaga first needed to ascertain the number of ships registered in Ise Bay at that time, so he would have a general idea. As for those small fishing boats that could only carry two people, they didn't matter; they couldn't be used.

While Shichibei was writing the letter, Nobunaga ordered that the Fukushima father and son, who were currently in charge of Yamada Miyasu, be "invited" to the scene. Of course, it was only "invited" for the time being. Once it was clear whether they had been secretly supporting the Takeda clan, they would be "captured".

Both matters were being handled simultaneously. Fortunately, the Kitabatake clan in southern Ise was also under the protection of the Oda army at this time, and Kuki Yoshitaka of Shima was extremely friendly to Nobunaga. After all, Kuki Yoshitaka had relied on Nobunaga to revive his clan. As for matters such as the sudden death of their nephew and Kuki Yoshitaka taking charge, those were private matters and will not be discussed here.

Soon, the Fukushima father and son were "invited" to Gifu Castle; Kuki Yoshitaka personally went to invite them. Even if you are a deputy governor of a divine territory, or the head of an autonomous city, these days you have to gradually submit to the emerging Sengoku daimyo.

Even a "free city" like Sakai had to accept Shichibei, the Sakai governor, let alone other towns and cities. Towns like Kunitomo, with their advanced handicrafts, had some room for negotiation, but for the Kamori territory where Yamada Mikata was located, it all came down to whether Nobunaga would give them face.

If I give you face, you're a god. If I don't, you're less than a dog.

Especially on such important political matters, Nobunaga summoned his men and questioned them about their previous transport of Nagashima Ikko-ikki members. Although there was no evidence for this, it was as obvious as a louse on a bald man's head.

In the vast Ise Bay, only a few businesses have boats. Tens of thousands of people travel to and from Ganshoji Temple on Nagashima Island; there must be someone cooperating with them.

It doesn't matter if you don't confess. Arrest all the boatmen and oarsmen belonging to the Yamada Club and torture them severely. What kind of confession can't we get? Do you think we still care about human rights these days? If Nobunaga has any suspicions, it's a capital offense.

Despite a sharp question, the Fukushima father and sons remained defiant.

They stated that they were people under the jurisdiction of the Ise Grand Shrine and had no connection with Oda Nobunaga. They didn't even need to pay attention to the officials sent by the Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, let alone Nobunaga, the so-called regent.

If you're so capable, then get His Majesty the Emperor to issue an imperial edict. If you do, I'll obey you.

Ha ha.

Nobunaga, who might have initially only harbored suspicions, was now thoroughly provoked. "You want an imperial edict, huh? Fine, no problem." Nobunaga waved his hand and sent someone to find Crown Prince Naruhito, urging him to request that the Emperor issue an imperial edict.

On the other hand, humph, requesting an imperial decree is a matter of respecting the dignity of the Ise Grand Shrine of Shintoism. But killing a few of you scoundrels is a matter of the prestige of the people of the world.

Without saying a word, in front of the Fukushima father and son, he randomly pointed to one, picked him out, and killed him. He cut him in two with a single stroke, and after killing him, he cut off his head and hung it in a bamboo cage for public display.

Then the imperial edict arrived, a genuine imperial edict, bearing the imperial seal. The nobleman who came to deliver the edict was Asukai, who was also a current member of the samurai family.

how about it?

What other excuses do you have?

The Fukushima father and son immediately berated Oda Nobunaga, saying that Nobunaga manipulated power, deceived his superiors and subordinates, and was a demon, a devil!

Wow, even Shichibei, who was standing by as a witness, couldn't help but look up and take a second look. So you guys were the ones who called him the Demon King first? I thought those bald monks at Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei were the ones who shouted "Demon King" first.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. The Ise Grand Shrine holds a higher status in Japan than Mount Eizan.

Nobunaga was afraid of your scolding? Immediately, bring out the instruments of torture—large wooden boards and small thorny branches—and whip them mercilessly until the Fukushima father and sons were covered in raw, mangled flesh on their buttocks and thighs. Naturally, they obtained all sorts of confessions, including information about providing assistance to the Nagashima Ganshoji Temple, and there was another thing Nobunaga wanted to know.

That is, Yamada Mihoyoshi "exported" twenty ships to the Takeda clan, with Saito Tatsuoki acting as the middleman. Takeda Shingen had already paid for the shipbuilding, and Yamada Mihoyoshi had already sent fifteen of his existing ships to Suruga. The remaining five were still under construction.

good good!

Upon hearing this, Nobunaga clapped his hands enthusiastically, his smile absolutely murderous. As expected, the entire Fukushima clan, men and women numbering several dozen, were executed. The men were captured and beheaded in Gifu, while the women were sold into slavery by lower-ranking foot soldiers.

Kill the whole family!

The publicly stated crime was that Fukushima Okako and his companions assisted Nagashima Ganshoji in sending troops. They killed Nobunaga's younger brother, Oda Nobuoki, and his general, Ujiie Bokuzen.

Blood revenge is a matter of course. Even if the matter is brought to the Shogun or the Imperial Court in Kyoto, it would be perfectly reasonable and legal. After all, Nobunaga's younger brother, Oda Nobuoki, was indeed killed—that's the proof.

“Go tell them, this is what happens to Naitōganshō-ji Temple!”

Dozens of bamboo cages were hung along the street below Gifu Castle. After being displayed there for three months, they would be hung in Anotsu and Ominato for another three months. Nobunaga clearly told these townspeople, "You have the right to support Nagashima Ganshoji Temple, but I have the right to kill your entire family. Think it over."

"Yes!" Shichibei answered resolutely.

Is this something to joke about? Of course not. The entire Fukushima clan, numbering over a hundred, was slaughtered—that's the end result. Why support any other organization? Go support the Nagashima Ganshoji Temple.

Shichibei and the members of the association of Anonozu and Ominato made it clear that from now on, not only renting ships, but also building ships and recruiting shipwrights, all of these things would need to be reported in advance.

This proposal has already been implemented in Sakai and Anotsu, and now the so-called "divine territory" of Yamada must also follow it. Anyone who violates it will face the extermination of the entire Fukushima clan.

Chapter 231 Ordered to Welcome Princess Song

The public execution of the entire Fukushima clan, intended to intimidate both insiders and outsiders, was secondary. What Nobunaga truly worried about was Takeda Shingen's change of strategy. If Takeda were to betray him now, Nobunaga would truly be trapped in a desperate situation, with nowhere to be buried.

No, we need to keep Takeda in check for now!

Nobunaga could only formally turn against Takeda Shingen after defeating either the Miyoshi Triumvirate or Asakura Yoshikage, two formidable enemies. Of course, if he could drag out the conflict until both enemies were wiped out, then Nobunaga was confident he could defeat the mere Takeda.

Let's fight! When have you ever seen Nobunaga afraid of war?

So how do we appease Takeda Shingen right now? Oda Nobunaga's idea is to immediately arrange a marriage between Takeda Shingen and Oda Nobunaga. Oda Nobunaga and Takeda Matsuhime have already established a marriage agreement.

This year, Oda Myojo is already sixteen years old, and he is fully eligible to formally come of age. Nobunaga had actually begun preparing for his coming-of-age ceremony long ago. Didn't you notice that Kawajiri Hidetaka has already been dispatched as a tutor, and that Gamo Tsuruchiyo and other members of the Eshu and Owari families have become Oda Myojo's servants and pageboys?

Princess Takeda Matsuhime is twelve years old this year. Before her, Oda Fuyuhime was twelve when she married Takayama Shigetomo. It can't be said that it's completely common, but as long as the age of tenkui arrives, one can get married in this day and age.

We must get married!

Nobunaga's plan was for Shichibei to be appointed as the next commander and immediately go to Tsutsuzaki-no-kan in Kai Province to discuss with Takeda Shingen the possibility of sending Takeda Matsuhime to Gifu Castle to fulfill the marriage agreement made years ago.

It's definitely Shichibei who needs to go. Shichibei is currently the Oda clan member with the most frequent and closest ties to the Takeda clan. After all, Shichibei does horse trading with the Takeda clan every year, and some of the goods the Takeda clan needs to purchase are obtained through Shichibei.

But war is about to break out, who will take care of the general logistics?

Nobunaga had already thought this through. After all, there was still Niwa Nagahide. At worst, they could temporarily convert Niwa Nagahide's army into a small pack animal unit to deal with the situation for a while; it was a minor difficulty that could be easily overcome.

Compared to Takeda Shingen's immediate defection, this is almost negligible. Furthermore, Asakura Yoshikage is busy with his marriage alliance with Kennyo Shonin to secure his rear, and he might not necessarily launch a military campaign. Also, the Miyoshi Triumvirate and the Settsu Ikeda clan have become suspicious of each other; there should be at least three to five months of peace.

Since Nobunaga has said so, Shichibei truly has no excuse to refuse. We must strive to strengthen this marriage alliance for Nobunaga, even if it only lasts two or three years.

set off.

At the time, Oda Kyokumaru was only eleven years old, while Takeda Matsuhime was just seven, making it impossible for them to marry and have children. Moreover, Lady Toyama, who had married into the Takeda family, was already Takeda Katsuyori and had given birth to a legitimate son, Takeda Yoshiyori. The marriage alliance between the two families was still strong, so neither side was in a hurry.

Last month, Nobunaga wasn't in a big hurry. It was only after the Fukushima parent-child incident that Nobunaga started to get anxious and immediately began to take action.

Another reason for choosing Shichibei was that he himself could muster a sufficiently grand and elaborate wedding procession. Sending anyone else wouldn't have been able to produce a procession as large as the Kawamura samurai group.

Who can afford to support a cavalry of five hundred?

Aside from Nobunaga himself, it was Shichibei.

Sending such a grand and impressive army to welcome Princess Matsuhime is truly an honor. Bringing Princess Matsuhime to Gifu Castle in such a magnificent display will surely save face for the Takeda family.

As for the money, Nobunaga and Shichibei discussed it privately. When they sent Lady Toyama to the Takeda clan, she received a dowry of 5,000 kan. Now, it certainly couldn't be less than that; if the Takeda clan hinted at it, then 10,000 kan would be acceptable. It would all be considered a loan from Nobunaga, to be repaid slowly later.

"What if Takeda Shingen makes exorbitant demands?" Shichibei asked tentatively. Nobunaga simply patted Shichibei's thigh and said, "You're the one with the bigger thighs, so you'd better bear with it."

Anyway, I'm determined to see this marriage happen. Takeda Matsuhime, you'd better carry her back to Gifu Castle. As for how much it will cost? Nobunaga will accept anything under 10,000 kan, but over 10,000 kan? Kawamura Shichibei Nagayoshi's connections are really something else.

Knowing what was going on, Shichibei could only gather his retainers and vassals, and in order to send gifts to the bride, he also gathered thousands of soldiers and servants, making a total of no less than 3,500 people, and set off by sea towards Takeda territory.

Since the two sides were allies at the time, Nobunaga sent a messenger by fast horse to Tsutsuzaki-no-kan in advance to inform Shingen that the Oda clan's wedding delegation was coming to Kai. At the same time, Nobunaga's uncle, Toyama Kagetoshi, also traveled to Kai via the Kiso Road to act as the deputy envoy of the wedding delegation, mediating and facilitating the matter as soon as possible.

When the Oda clan's welcoming delegation of several thousand people arrived at Tsutsuzaki Castle, the samurai townspeople of the Takeda clan crowded the roadside, constantly watching and exclaiming in surprise. Upon arriving at Suruga Fuchu Castle, Shichibei sent men running along the streets, shouting that the young lord of the shogunate's regent, Lord Nobunaga, had come to marry the princess of the Takeda clan.

Regardless of whether Shingen agrees or not, let's create this momentum before they react. Shingen, you can't go back on your promise, can you?

Therefore, when Shichibei arrived at the foot of Tsutsuzaki Castle, people from samurai to farmers lined the square streets to watch with curiosity. When they saw the 500-horse cavalry in full regalia, they exclaimed in amazement, saying that this was the imposing presence of Oda Nobunaga, the regent of the Muromachi Shogunate.

Although our Takeda clan does possess such a powerful Obata Red Cavalry unit, and is certainly capable of defeating the Oda-style cavalry, the sight of such a formidable force still left everyone astonished.

Fortunately, this is an ally of our Takeda clan, who has come to marry Princess. With such a powerful ally, Lord Otate will surely be able to continue his efforts and create even greater glory.

Inside the hall, Atobe Katsuyuki, a senior retainer of the Takeda clan, personally greeted the Oda delegation, making proper arrangements for them with politeness, warmth, and sincerity. However, he made no mention of summoning Shichibei or Princess Matsuhime, simply telling Shichibei to rest for the time being and not to be impatient.

They're all old acquaintances, what's going on?

Back then, when you assisted Takeda Yoshiyori in purchasing the position of Shinano Governor and received the character "Yoshi" from Ashikaga Yoshiaki, it was Kawamura Shichibei who acted as the middleman. Now you're being polite to me?

Atobe Katsuyuki, who was grabbed by Shichibei, just smiled and said that the peach blossoms in Kai Mountain were in full bloom and that Shichibei must go and see them.

"Lord Atobe, huh? Hmm?" You're also a senior retainer of the Takeda clan, the kind who holds power in the country. How come you've learned to play mind games with me?

"Lord Kawamura, I was just following orders. Following orders, following orders, do you understand?" Atobe Katsuyuki was certainly not a fool. He had distinguished himself since the time of Takeda Shingen and became a senior retainer with the same mobilization power as Kosaka Masanobu.

When will the Imperial Palace Master summon me?

“The Imperial Palace Master is not in the castle. He went to Chōzen-ji Temple to pray for the deceased Mother Zuiun-in.” Atobe Katsuyuki gave an impeccable reply.

Takeda Shingen's mother, Ōi no Kata, or Lady Ōi, died in May of the 21st year of Tenbun (1552). It was only natural for Shingen to remember his mother and hold a memorial service for her, as the anniversary of her death was fast approaching.

"Really not in the city?" Shichibei released his grip, staring only at Atobe Katsuyuki.

"Really not here, really not... really..." It's the same old story. In front of Oda Nobunaga, Shichibei is just a small merchant, but outside...

There was a large army of 3,500 men outside, all of whom were brought out by Shichibei. With such a large force as their backing, their voices were incredibly loud and intimidating.

Although Atobe Katsuyuki wasn't intimidated, he was still taken aback by that moment of "impressiveness" and stammered out a question.

"Please hurry." What could they do? Shichibei couldn't just force his way into the palace.

Nobunaga clearly sent someone to Tsutsuzaki-no-kan in advance to inform Takeda Shingen, and Shingen even went out to pray for his mother's soul. This seems like an excuse.

It's not entirely Atobe Katsuyuki's fault; it's just that Takeda Shingen was still hesitant. Although he had received a secret letter from Ashikaga Yoshiaki, he hadn't yet made up his mind to turn against Nobunaga.

The Takeda clan was locked in fierce fighting with Hojo Ujiyasu, and had not yet achieved peace with Uesugi Kenshin. Even though the Takeda clan's military strength was not low at present, and it would not be difficult to mobilize 40,000 to 50,000 men with full force, Uesugi and Hojo were not weak forces either, each with tens of thousands of men. If they were to attack Oda without any regard for them, it would be tantamount to suicide.

Unless Ashikaga Yoshiaki can persuade Uesugi Kenshin to achieve peace between Kai and Echigo, and the Takeda and Hojo clans are nearly finished fighting, only then will Shingen have the courage to consider marching on Kyoto.

Or even if they don't go to Kyoto, annexing Totomi and Mikawa would greatly enhance the Takeda clan's strength.

It should be noted that during the Battle of Mikatagahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu commanded 8,000 hatamoto (chieftains) at Hamamatsu. He also had 5,000 cavalry from Higashi-Mikawa under Sakai Tadatsugu at Yoshida Castle, and 5,000 cavalry from Okazaki under Tokugawa Nobuyasu. Including the early troops killed in the battle against Yamagata Masakage, Tokugawa Ieyasu already possessed a formidable force of over 20,000 men.

What if these 20,000 people were to join the Takeda clan? The Takeda clan's size would explode, especially with control of the main roads of the Tokaido and the ability to charge tolls at the gates, which would greatly enhance the Takeda clan's economic power.

At that time, we might see Oda Nobunaga mobilize 70,000 men and Takeda Shingen mobilize 60,000 men, and the two sides launch a major battle on the Nobi Plain.

Just thinking about it is exciting.

The question is whether Nobunaga would betray the Tokugawa clan in order to maintain the alliance with the Takeda clan? It is highly unlikely. The Takeda clan is already a daimyo with a million koku of rice. If they were to annex the Tokugawa clan as well, there would really be no one who could restrain the Takeda clan.

Even Nobunaga, who dominated the Kinai region, would probably wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat when facing the Takeda clan, which possessed Kai, Nobunaga, Sumeru, Tohoku, and three or five provinces, as well as half of western Kozuke.

The Takeda clan is neither at the point of turning against each other, nor do they feel that turning against each other would likely bring them no benefit. Marrying Matsuhime off to maintain the alliance should be an easy decision, so why isn't Shichibei here?

Hojo Ujiyasu is seriously ill!

Not only was he seriously ill, but Hojo Ujiyasu also realized that he was unable to help his son-in-law, Imagawa Ujizane, recover the former territory of Suruga, and he was also worried that his son, Hojo Ujimasa, would be no match for Takeda Shingen. Therefore, despite his illness, he sent a request for peace talks to the Takeda clan.

Ujiyasu repeatedly instructed Hojo Ujimasa to restore peace with the Takeda clan and to focus all his energy on the conquest of Kanto. He told him not to waste any more time with the Takeda clan.

It was precisely because the possibility of harmony between the two sides had greatly increased that Takeda Shingen hesitated.

To be honest, a daughter's happiness and fate weren't necessarily a big deal to Takeda Shingen. Historically, Oda Nobunaga married his daughter to the small Gamo family in order to acquire the gunsmiths of Hino. And Tokugawa Ieyasu, in order to appease the Maeda family of Kanazawa, even ordered Tokugawa Hidetada to immediately marry off his two-year-old daughter to Kanazawa.