Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

When asked about this, Nobunaga shook his head, saying he hadn't received a reply from Anekokōji Yoritsuna. He guessed Anekokōji Yoritsuna was still considering it; after all, people wouldn't be so willing to hand over something as valuable as silver mines if they could control them directly.

Perhaps it was because Nobunaga asked that Anegokōji Yoritsuna mistakenly believed there was a new silver vein inside this broken zinc mine. Otherwise, why would a busy man like Nobunaga specifically write to Hida to inquire?

Oh dear, even Nobunaga knows this is a poor silver mine, why hold onto it like it's your lifeblood? Why not trade it with Shichibei for some Yongle coins, or some swords and spears?

Regarding the copper mine, Shichibei sent people to Minami-Ise to investigate. Minami-Ise did indeed produce copper, but the output was average, and its main product was actually mercury.

Simply put, it's a by-product of mercury and copper mining; the process of refining mercury conveniently yields copper. It's a byproduct, and mining copper specifically would be too costly.

Later, Japan experienced four major public health problems, one of which was the air pollution in Mie Prefecture, which was also related to the mercury produced at that time.

We should also check out the copper mines in other places. Shichibei is most familiar with two copper mines: Ashio Copper Mine in Kanto and Bessho-dori Mine in Shikoku. There's also Ajin Copper Mine in Ōu, which is quite famous. I'm not very familiar with the other copper mines.

But no matter which one, it's still a long way from Shichibei's goal. To break into Ashio or Bessou? Not to mention that Shichibei himself doesn't have that kind of strength, even Oda Nobunaga doesn't have that much power right now.

The only option is to write to the big bosses in Sakai and Kyoto and ask them to inquire whether there are any copper mines in the Oda clan's territory or in the territories of feudal lords who are friendly with the Oda clan.

If possible, given Shichibei's influence within the Oda clan, he would most likely be able to secure the contract.

Regarding the Kamioka mine matter, please, Nobunaga, do your best to help. How can you not give your brother-in-law, Anekokichi Yoritsuna, any face at all? Ask him for his honest price, what exactly it is.

Living by the zinc mine in that mountain valley, mining only a tiny amount of silver, you'll never get rich in your entire life.

Tsuda Muneki, upon receiving Shichibei's letter, wasn't particularly surprised. Even if Shichibei wanted to mint copper coins, it wasn't entirely incomprehensible. Sakai itself had people involved in the business of producing counterfeit coins. In Kyushu, it was said that Ōtomo Sōrin personally minted counterfeit coins, passing them off as privately minted copper coins from neighboring Nanjing.

It also had a nickname, "Kyosen," and was directly exported to other parts of Japan. With its own copper mines, its own people, and its own minted, low-cost coins, the cost was extremely low. Exchanging any commodity for it was profitable; if it could be exchanged for rice and cannons, it would be a huge profit.

A copper mine within Oda Nobunaga's territory? Tsuda Muneyuki suddenly recalled an old news story: the Tada Copper Mine in Settsu had declared bankruptcy and dissolved. It wasn't because they lacked copper that they dissolved; it was mainly because business was mediocre, and there was infighting within Settsu.

I heard that the territory has been captured by Takayama Shigetomo, but he hasn't established a rule over it. It's a purely mountainous area; establishing a rule there is difficult unless there's something sufficient to sustain the army's production.

The two sides are currently vying for control of the plains around Ikeda Castle, and during the autumn harvest, they are sending people to steal rice from each other.

Chapter 301 Shingen's Death Confirmed Immediately

Leaving aside the matters of Shichibei Copper Mine and Zinc Mine for now, heavy snow was already falling, and the samurai generals who had been urgently summoned to Kofu Tsutsuzaki Castle, which was covered in white snow, were in a state of panic.

Shingen Takeda, who had just returned to Kofu from Yumura Onsen, toured the "bustling" castle town with great interest. This scene was completely non-existent ten years ago; it had all been built up in the last few years.

The massive three-story paper mill, constructed of bamboo and wood, nestled in the mountains of Yijia, constantly emitted steam. The intense heat from the lime slurry even kept the roof free of snow. Inside, workers toiled, crushing reeds, paper mulberry bark, and mulberry bark to make pulp in precise proportions, slurrying it to form paper, and then drying it with heat.

Sheets of washi paper, though not snow-white, are still well-made and of acceptable quality, and are constantly being created by the paper craftsmen.

Shingen paid no heed to the mud splattered around the paper mill by melting snow, and entered with great interest to talk with the supervising samurai and paper workers. The Bando merchants who came to buy and collect washi paper knelt down upon seeing the imposing Takeda Daizen Daifu.

Telling everyone to go about their business, Takeda Shingen simply waved his hand. Gazing at the more than fifty paper mills lining the riverbank, Shingen was deeply impressed by the wonders of nature; paper alone could bring the Takeda clan an income of over five thousand kan.

On the other side, there were over a hundred longhouses made of wood and wax, the air thick with the smell of various wax fruits mixed together, and the steam from burning and boiling. Perhaps I'd gotten used to it, but it didn't smell bad at all.

The mountain samurai town, which should have been desolate and lifeless in winter, was now filled with a cheerful atmosphere (it wasn't lively before, because the able-bodied men would go out killing and robbing with Shingen in winter). In order to facilitate the export of goods, or rather, to facilitate his rule over Suruga and his travels to Luoyang, Takeda Shingen extensively repaired the road between Kai and Suruga.

As long as the snow wasn't too heavy to clear, the constant flow of Bando merchants would hire Kai farmers during their off-season to clear the snow, open up roads, and ensure the export of Kai goods.

What started as a ten-day market became a three-day market, and later even a regular market. Merchants traveling to and from the castle town not only transported Koshu paper and Koshu wax, but also brought a large amount of other goods.

Workers and samurai with ample cash also took advantage of the New Year to make purchases and trade. As a result, Kai's dried fruits and persimmons gained channels for both export and domestic sales.

The mere ten-day course brought Takeda Shingen an annual income of over 20,000 kan. This not only added 2,000 regular foot soldiers to the Kai Takeda clan, but also allowed Shingen to accumulate a vast fortune of 10,000 ryo of gold and 30,000 kan of sen within Kofu Castle.

It's somewhat lamentable that while Kai Seitake had many capable samurai, it lacked even a single financial savvy individual with political acumen. The fact that such a person so devotedly followed Oda Nobunaga perhaps speaks volumes.

Sensing his impending death, Takeda Shingen couldn't help but sigh deeply.

Perhaps after his death, Kai would lose the ability to contend for the throne. Takeda Yoshiyori was brave and respected, and his moral compass was relatively flexible. However, the Takeda clan was a constantly operating war machine; only through continuous external expansion could they suppress internal conflicts and maintain a unified front against external threats.

Expansion has stopped, and internal contradictions are becoming uncontrollable.

Upon realizing this, Takeda Shingen, returning to Kofu Castle, vomited blood and finally fell seriously ill, losing consciousness. The generals stationed throughout the region rushed to Kofu and gathered before Takeda Shingen. Clearly, Takeda Shingen was no longer capable of making any large-scale, detailed plans.

Aside from the already confirmed succession of Takeda Yoshiyori as head of the clan, Takeda Shingen did not require that Yoshiyori's death be kept secret for three years. He only instructed Yoshiyori not to launch any military campaigns for three years unless absolutely necessary.

By doing everything in our power to assimilate Totomi Province, and with the interests of Totomi to divide among ourselves, the Takeda clan will likely remain stable for at least three years. After that, we can rely on the natural defenses of the mountains and rivers to observe the situation across the land.

The strategically important regions of Kai and Shinano are sufficient to allow a feudal lord to establish a stronghold, secure his territory, stabilize public sentiment, and pacify his soldiers. He should also forge an alliance with the Hojo clan, repair relations with the Tokugawa clan, avoid becoming embroiled in a protracted war with the Uesugi clan, and stockpile military supplies, weapons, and gunpowder.

According to Shingen, Nobunaga's ability to manage people was like piling up firewood; as long as the firewood was exhausted, the fire would not go out, and those who came later would surpass him. Currently, the Oda clan is constantly expanding, and can still maintain its position. But if one day they can no longer expand, internal strife will inevitably ensue.

Alternatively, if Oda Nobunaga himself dies and his successor lacks the ability to manage people, it is also very easy for unrest to occur within the family, leading to disaster.

The Takeda clan now possesses a substantial capital of nearly 1.5 million koku. They must guard against impatience and wait patiently. If the tide turns, there may well be an opportunity to contend for supremacy.

After saying this, Takeda Shingen vomited blood again, his face turned ashen, and his breath became faint; he eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Three days later, Takeda Shingen passed away, ultimately failing to fulfill his great wish of planting the Takeda Ridge banner on the Seta Bridge, the entrance to Kyoto. He was fifty-two years old.

Because Oda Nobunaga had sent the physician, Sugisai, to personally visit and treat Shingen, and had also given Shingen a son, Takeda Nobufusa, under his name, Oda Nobunaga received news of Shingen's death only eleven days after Shingen's passing.

Considering the heavy snow in Kai and the difficulty of traveling along the Nakasendo Road at that time, this speed was quite fast. Nobunaga, who was already overjoyed at establishing the royal court, was even more delighted upon hearing the news.

Shingen is dead! Dead!

The Takeda Daizen-daifu, who caused Oda Nobunaga's greatest crisis and decisively defeated the Oda-Tokugawa allied forces at the Battle of Mikatagahara, did not fully complete the 50-year cycle of his life. At the age of 52, he reached a crucial point in his life. Without such a ruthless and renowned ruler, the morale of the Takeda army would inevitably plummet.

However, the elite troops left behind by Takeda Shingen still exist, and Oda Nobunaga currently has only easy targets at his disposal. There's no need for him to ram into the rotten, godforsaken land of the Nakasendo Road. Once he has swept away the feudal lords of the Kinai region and commanded an army of 100,000, how could the Takeda clan not surrender?

He immediately sent someone to the Tsutsuzaki residence in Kai Province to offer condolences, but more importantly, he wanted to see if Takeda Shingen was truly dead.

If possible, it would be best to see Shingen's body with your own eyes. A couple of slaps across the face are one thing, burning the soles of his feet is another. Just call out to him a couple of times and see if he'll respond.

This task wasn't assigned to Shichibei, because Sanjo Seikyo and Asukai-kyō had already arrived at Gifu Castle to prepare for the handover of various important matters of the Imperial Court. Of course, their visit to Gifu was also to collect the maintenance and repair materials for the Forbidden City that Nobunaga had promised.

The imperial court is truly greedy; they'll throw money away as soon as they see it. Once the money is transported to Kyoto, they'll open the gates of Todai-ji Temple wide and welcome Nobunaga.

Shichibei had to stay in Gifu to entertain the court nobles and also to send two of them off, so ultimately only Sakuma Nobumori and Takigawa Kazumasu could go to Kai. Both were close confidants of Nobunaga, and Nobunaga simply instructed them to set off as soon as possible. A condolence visit isn't a casual visit; why bring gifts? Their presence is the most important thing.

Knowing the importance of the matter, Sakuma Nobumori and Takigawa Kazumasu also left immediately, intending to return quickly, without lingering in Kai for long.

"In that case, if Jiang is left with no one to rely on in the Eastern Kingdom." Shichibei was reporting to Nobunaga about the reception of the angel and the contribution of materials for the repair of the forbidden area.

"You're nothing but a stray dog." Nobunaga didn't bother looking at the accounts. He glanced through them briefly, saw the total, and since it didn't exceed his expectations, he immediately signed and stamped his name.

The detailed accounts below can be settled between Shichibei and Murai Sadakatsu and Niwa Nagahide. Otherwise, what's the point of keeping these retainers? Aren't they just there to do the work?

"The only reliable people in the West are Mori and Ōtomo..." Shichibei glanced at the monogram and confirmed it was correct.

"Hmph." Nobunaga didn't answer, he just smiled.

Indeed, the one who most supported Ashikaga Yoshiaki in the east was first Asakura Yoshikage, who is probably already dead by now. Then it was Takeda Shingen, who is now completely dead. As for Uesugi Kenshin, he was loyal to the shogunate, not Yoshiaki. Besides, Uesugi Kenshin was still far removed from Nobunaga, and the day they clashed was still far off.

Both the Mori and Otomo factions in western Japan are in a precarious position. The Mori were a powerful local alliance, and with Mori Motonari's passing, they lost a respected and influential leader. Even now, they continue to align themselves with Oda Nobunaga, maintaining connections with central authorities to enhance their own prestige and status.

Hoping to gain the approval of the people and the court, he established a new regime in the Defense Minister's region, where the old order was deeply ingrained and the people always remembered the Ōuchi clan.

Needless to say, the Ōtomo clan was in dire straits ever since their defeat at the Battle of Imayama in suppressing Ryūzōji. Loyal and valiant samurai generals were being defeated and killed one after another, and they faced challenges from Ryūzōji in the north and the Shimazu clan in the south. The so-called Kyushu gandai (conquest) was no longer simply a matter of an unstable foundation.

If he works for Ōtomo Sōrin for another two years, Ōtomo might not even be able to continue working.

These two, Mori, got scratched several times by Nobunaga for getting too close. Otomo didn't even get a chance to shout "666" before being utterly defeated by the Shimazu brothers at Mimikawa, losing a whole host of retainers and generals. He lost almost all his influence in Higo and Hyuga, and because of the loss of Kamachi Akimori, he lost Chikugo to Ryuzoji.

"My lord has been appointed to the rank of Junior Third Grade. Should we also consult Lord Asukai?" Shichibei asked directly after receiving the accounts.

Asukai Masayoshi came to handle this matter. However, judging from Nobunaga's attitude, it seems he intends to let the Oda retainers receive their favors first before considering his own. In any case, he's about to go and seize Ranshatai, further solidifying his position.

Takeda Shingen said that Nobunaga managed people like a pile of firewood, and that's certainly true. But as long as the person being managed continues to shine and isn't burned out, Nobunaga will give more than Shingen. And it's not just about money and land; that doesn't even require official approval.

"What official position do you want to hold?" Nobunaga didn't answer, but instead asked Shichibei.

"I will not serve as the Junior Assistant to the Chief of Staff." Shichibei knew not to pretend with Nobunaga about such things, so he simply said it outright.

"Oh my, Imagawa Jibu is the first archer of the Kaido, so his position as Jibu is not bad." Nobunaga chuckled when he saw Shichibei's "excitement".

Actually, it wasn't just Imagawa Yoshimoto; there was also Ishida Mitsunari. Look at Ishida Mitsunari, a seemingly respectable but ultimately scheming junior advisor to Hideyoshi, spending his entire life playing the villain. In the end, not only did he lose his own head, but his entire clan was wiped out by Kobayakawa Hideaki. He only managed to save his own life by having his son become a monk.

It's bad luck, really bad luck.

Shichibei isn't pretending. We're just small businessmen, so we're somewhat influenced by this concept of fortune. In ancient times it was called luck, in modern times it's called a "windfall." If you're destined for wealth, you will be; if you're not, don't force it.

Since this position of Junior Assistant to the Chief of Staff would hinder Shichibei's wealth and affect his fortune, anyone who wants it would be a fool.

"I think the East Market Official is very good, and Zuo Jingliang is also quite good." Shichibei finally dared to speak up.

Why? Because the East Market Chief was one of the subordinates of the Left Capital Governor, and in the Ritsuryo era, this position was a "capital official." In contrast, Hideyoshi's appointment as the Governor of Chikuzen and Mitsuhide's appointment as the Governor of Hyuga were both out-and-out officials.

Although both were ranked fifth, the position of Dongshi Zheng (Eastern Market Supervisor) was actually a higher rank as a Beijing official. In other words, bringing back the Ming Dynasty governor to Beijing to become a vice-minister meant a promotion.

Zuo Jingliang is even simpler. His Tang Dynasty name was Jingzhao Shaoyin or Fengyi Shaojian. Fengyi was the official title of Zuo Fengyi and You Fufeng, which were set up near Chang'an during the Han Dynasty.

If we were appointed Zuo Jingliang, we could be respectfully addressed as Kawamura Kyōjō Daifu, regardless of our social standing.

Of course, they couldn't compare to the more prestigious Left or Right Grand Masters of the Capital. But when it comes to official titles, everyone uses the most flattering ones. Those councilors were all respectfully addressed as prime ministers. Even in later generations, you'd see a section chief, and in private, you'd call them section chief. You'd see an inspector, and you'd call them a certain department or bureau.

“You have a good eye for choosing…” Nobunaga blinked, naturally aware that the official positions under the jurisdiction of the Left and Right Capitals were officials of the capital.

Historically, Shibata Katsuie was appointed as the military commander of Shuriken, a position that was essentially a governor of the capital (but not a governor outside the capital), which was considered a reward from Nobunaga for Shibata Katsuie's outstanding military achievements. No one else seemed to object, given his proven military exploits.

After personally traveling through time, Shichibei discovered that even Akechi Mitsuhide wasn't entirely knowledgeable about these things. Given his humble origins and his role as a foot soldier under Ashikaga Yoshiaki, there were bound to be areas he hadn't explored.

In other words, he has an exceptionally strong learning ability and is a workaholic who loves studying, making it seem like he's an all-rounder. He wasn't really clear on the details, such as the distinction between official positions in the capital and outside the capital.

Hideyoshi, needless to say, is still grinning like an idiot.

"I am deeply grateful to my lord." Shichibei thought to himself that by acting a little too eager, he was, in a sense, flattering Nobunaga.

Oda Nobuhiro said, "Just follow in Nobunaga's footsteps." So let's be bold and make Nobunaga feel that he's done Shichibei a favor, and that his service will continue as long as the favor remains. Nobunaga will then be more comfortable using Shichibei.

Chapter 302 Kawamura, the Junior Magistrate of the Capital Region

Spring of the second year of Tianzheng (1574 AD).

Nobunaga received satisfactory replies to all his requests to the Imperial Court. Even more gratifying was the return of Sakuma Nobumori and Takigawa Kazumasu, who had gone to Kai Province. Shingen was thoroughly cleaned and sealed in a vat; he was completely dead, there was absolutely no problem.

For Nobunaga, this was a double blessing; there couldn't be a better New Year's gift.

The death of Takeda Shingen was utterly absurd. Nobunaga felt incredibly refreshed and spent his days having tea parties and playing archery with Sanjo Nishi Sane and Asukai Masayoshi. They were practically ready to set off a couple of cannons to celebrate.

As is largely the case in history, the senior retainers of the Oda clan received various rewards, basically all of them. Akechi Mitsuhide received the surnames of Junior Fifth Rank Hyuga no Kami and Koretomo, Hanawa Naomasa received the surnames of Junior Fifth Rank Saemon-suke and Harada, and Niwa Nagahide received the surnames of Junior Fifth Rank Echizen no Kami and Koretomo.

Mori Yoshinari, who had long since died in battle at this time in history, received the surnames of Junior Fifth Rank Genban-no-kami and Koreto. Hideyoshi's surname, Hashiba, was originally made up by himself. The imperial court endorsed it and officially bestowed upon him the surname "Asomi" (a courtier), and then granted him the title of Junior Fifth Rank Chikuzen-no-kami (Governor of Chikuzen).

Sakuma Nobumori was granted the title of Junior Fifth Rank Right Guard Commander, Hayashi Hidesada's self-proclaimed title of Sado Governor was endorsed by the Imperial Court, Takigawa Kazumasu was granted the title of Junior Fifth Rank Left Guard Commander, and incidentally our father-in-law Oda Nobuhiro was also granted the title of Junior Fourth Rank Attendant-Left Guard Commander.

Even after a change in rank, one must address them as Oda Samurai or Oda Shōjō. If they are explicitly transferred to a territory, they can be addressed as "So-and-so Samurai."

As for our Shichibei, he had to choose between Higashiichi and Sakyō, and ultimately chose Sakyō. From now on, when he appears in public, he'll be respectfully addressed as Kawamura Kyōjō.

The very sensible Shichibei, together with a group of ministers, presented the court with 100 kan (100 kan per person). They also gave 20 kan to Lord Asukai, who came to deliver the imperial edict, and treated him to a lavish feast.

Consider it a rehearsal. After Nobunaga went to Kyoto and seized Ransha, he sent the imperial envoy away. Everyone had to thank Nobunaga and offer him gifts and money.