Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to ask the Grand Master to send someone to show me around." Shichibei was eager to see this so-called Tada Copper Mine.

Chapter 309 The Kamioka Mine is Also in Hand

Taking advantage of Nobunaga's absence, Shichibei immediately set off. Although Tsuda Muneki could guess that Shichibei intended to use the vast wealth he would inevitably possess from monopolizing the annual tribute rice and mines to engage in the two-way trade, he still didn't quite understand Shichibei's urgency.

However, Shichibei is a key retainer of the Oda clan, and one who is on good terms with these merchants. Even if Tsuda Muneki didn't understand, he had to help. Because Shichibei's interests overlapped with theirs, with Shichibei in the Oda clan, their voices would reach Oda Nobunaga's ears more easily.

From Kyoto to Takatsuki, they stayed overnight in Takatsuki Castle. Takayama Shigetomo, assuming Shichibei's sudden arrival meant something important, quickly prepared a feast to entertain him. Only after Shichibei explained his intention to revitalize the Tada copper mine did Takayama Shigetomo feel relieved.

He immediately offered to contract the job to Shichibei for free, and said he would be extremely grateful if Shichibei could set up a local post with thirty regular soldiers to act as guards.

Wow, it seems that Tada Copper Mine has really collapsed badly, and Shigetomo Takayama doesn't even want a single cent.

Anyway, the mine definitely needs someone to guard it, so this person can serve as both a guard and a protector for the Takayama family's outpost, killing two birds with one stone. If something really happens, Takayama Shigetomo will at least get a heads-up, so he won't be caught off guard.

Shichibei will certainly agree to these conditions. As for Araki Murashige, that will have to be handled by Tsuda Munekichi. With his status as a master craftsman, he will surely get a response.

Another day's journey to Tada-in, where the retainers had long since perished in the flames of war. Neither the Tada estate nor the Tada-in courtyard, nor the original manor houses or courtyards, remained. Not only were the people gone, but even the buildings were gone.

As for the mines? They're located northwest of Tada-in. The hills wind and the roads are winding; it doesn't actually take a whole day to get from Kyoto to Takatsuki, but it takes about dark from Takatsuki to Tada. This is especially true since Shichibei was trying to look around at the mines, making the journey even more circuitous.

There were some miners who had been exempted from official duties working near the Tada copper mine, and several villages were located around the mine. But at this time, they were barely surviving by guarding the one- and two-field rice paddies in the valley and the hillside fields (fire-scorched fields) that had been cleared away due to mining.

The population was sparse; those with skills had all left the mountains to make a living, leaving behind only the elderly, weak, and disabled. Fortunately, thanks to Tsuda Muneki's connections, they eventually found a temple in the mountains that combined Shinto and Buddhist practices. In the past, when Copper Mountain was prosperous, it probably had some worshippers. Now, the buildings are dilapidated, the red paint peeling off, suggesting it hasn't seen any visitors for a long time.

After donating some money for incense, Shichibei, Tsuda Munechika, and the hired helper he had sent checked into the temple. They wanted to find out the current situation of the Nose Copper Mine or the Tada Copper Mine—how did it go bankrupt and dissolve?

Sure enough, these days, the local monks are the best at chanting sutras. Although Shichibei is completely uninterested in religion, he has to admit that temples and churches play a huge role in preserving local historical records.

Tada Copper Mine was originally a mining site under the jurisdiction of Settsu Province, just like Shichibei's family was originally a horse farm under the jurisdiction of Owari Province. Both were directly subordinate to the so-called Yamato Court.

Later, the various manors and resources under the control of the state government gradually fell into the hands of the Fujiwara nobility, which is why Tada Estate and Tada-in were established. This place changed from "royal land" to manor.

However, the Fujiwara clan's glory did not last long. During the great upheaval of the Nanboku-chō period, the Tada copper mines fell under the control of the samurai and were seized by them.

In the end, it all fell into the hands of Hosokawa Kanrei without much fanfare. But where is Hosokawa Kanrei now? The last Hosokawa Kanrei with real power, Hosokawa Harumoto, has been dead for over a decade. Moreover, Hosokawa Harumoto's life was full of ups and downs, and he had long since lost control of the dozen or so vassal states he once commanded.

The later Hosokawa Ujitsuna, or the current Hosokawa Akimoto, were merely puppets or "distinguished guests" who had lost all power. They not only failed to manage the copper mines, but they also lost all the territories under the Hosokawa clan's control.

The governor of Tanba is Hosokawa, the governor of Awaji is also Hosokawa, the governor of Izumi is still Hosokawa, and even the governor of Bitchu is Hosokawa. Can Hosokawa Akimoto govern even an inch of these places?

Without anyone to manage it, there's no one to protect it. Copper Mountain and Kunitomo Village are different. Although Kunitomo Village is also an autonomous town exempt from official duties, it has its own technology. It began to receive political protection during the Ashikaga Yoshiharu era, and the feudal lords who later invaded it paid even more attention to Kunitomo Village and exerted influence over it.

Okay, I understand.

The vegetarian meals at the temple were nothing special, just enough to fill one's stomach. After resting for a day, Shichibei took another walk around the entire copper mountain. Hundreds of years of mining had turned the nearby hills into the bald heads of monks.

No wonder they can't even farm. With this level of soil erosion, it's probably impossible to grow rice in the valleys. They can only plant some miscellaneous grains on the slopes to keep out the rainy season.

However, this is also a good thing, as it eliminates the need to consider the needs of people both upstream and downstream. Mining often involves many problems such as heavy metal pollution, and the people downstream who drink the water from ore processing are truly destined to die sooner rather than later.

Now that people have fled due to soil erosion, it's actually a good thing, as there's no need to worry about the subsequent pollution and remediation. Although ordinary people's lives are cheap now, thinking about these things is completely unnecessary. But in business, harmony has always brought wealth, and Shichibei firmly believes in this principle.

Try to avoid trouble if possible, and always be kind to others.

Upon returning to Kyoto, Nobunaga also returned to Kyoto. He had been entrusted with the matter of Oda Nobutada, so a brief report sufficed. However, the matter of Lady Takaya's request for Nobunaga to intervene and retrieve the heads of her husband and over thirty other retainers required his attention, and he needed to specifically negotiate with Miyoshi Yoshitsugu.

In reality, Miyoshi Yoshitsugu and Nobunaga didn't have any deep-seated hatred for each other. It was mainly because, as Ashikaga Yoshiaki's brother-in-law, he was more aligned with Ashikaga Yoshiaki in terms of political stance.

Furthermore, as the head of the Miyoshi clan's main branch, Miyoshi Yoshitsugu might still harbor some ambition to revive its former glory. Miyoshi Nagayoshi, once known as the "Vice-King of Japan," was the ruler of the previous dynasty. His glory days were truly magnificent, but their reign was far too short-lived; the Miyoshi clan collapsed the moment he passed away.

As the adopted son of Sanhao Changqing according to the patriarchal system, he indeed bears the heavy responsibility of reviving the family. Whether he can succeed or not is another matter; at least he must have the will to do so.

However, given how things have developed to this point, many things and many people are now beyond our control.

It's highly likely that Nobunaga will still need to find a scapegoat to kill Miyoshi Yoshitsugu and Ashikaga Yoshiaki. After all, Miyoshi Yoshitsugu protected Ashikaga Yoshiaki. Nobunaga himself didn't want to get his hands dirty with the blood of the former shogun, but that didn't stop him from calling on people to kill them.

Since the two sides weren't fighting for the time being, it was normal to ask for a head. Nobunaga picked up his pen and wrote quickly, in just two or three minutes. He signed and sealed the bag, and even asked Shichibei whether he should send it himself or send it directly.

It would definitely be better to send it directly to Nobunaga. Although Nobunaga's name might attract hatred, it's actually quite useful in normal times. Even Miyoshi Yoshitsugu, if he can avoid further increasing his hatred towards Nobunaga, would probably be willing to give him face.

After seeing the letter sent out, Shichibei mentioned it to Nobunaga, saying he was going to take over the Tada copper mine business. He also told Nobunaga about Takayama Shigetomo's request, subtly hinting at Aneokoji Yoritsuna's involvement. Had it worked out?

It's done. Reminded by Shichibei, Nobunaga seemed to suddenly realize something and ordered someone to retrieve Anekoji Yoritsuna's reply. The letter stated that he was willing to hand over the Kamioka mine, on the condition that Nobunaga would help him.

Note that it is a donation, but with conditions.

What were the conditions? Anekōji Yoritsuna hoped not only to become the governor of Hida Province in the Imperial Court, but also to succeed his father and be able to properly continue serving as a middle councilor.

Back then, didn't he and his father both change from the Miki clan to the Anekoji clan? His father became the fourth rank Hida no Kami, and he became the fifth rank Saemon-suke. Later, his father was promoted according to seniority, but he was demoted.

Using Nobunaga's name, he hoped to offer up the Kamioka mine, which produced very little silver, in exchange for Nobunaga's recommendation for him to the position of Junior Third Rank Councilor.

Of course, that's not necessary right now. The immediate goal is to rise from the rank of Fourth-Rank Attendant, Hida-no-kami, and then, after three to five years, to the rank of Fourth-Rank Vice Admiral, Hida-no-kami. Taking it one step at a time, that's keeping pace with Nobunaga. At least I can't be faster than Nobunaga, right?

"I will obey your orders, my lord." Shichibei quickly kowtowed to Nobunaga, who had been given a task for no reason.

"It's alright, it's all about saving face." Nobunaga seemed completely unconcerned, but his tone revealed a hint of pride.

That's true. They don't even want the mines anymore, they just hope he can recommend them to higher authorities. Isn't this just an action to further elevate Oda Nobunaga's status as a pillar of the samurai family?

To be honest, Nobunaga wished that all the samurai families in the world would obtain official positions through him.

"Then I will mint Tongbo coins to circulate within my territory." Although Nobunaga didn't care about such matters, he still had to report it.

"This is your matter; there's no need to report it to the emperor." Nobunaga extended his hand, interrupting him directly.

The Oda clan's unification process is accelerating, and Nobunaga has no time to listen to Shichibei's explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of minting a unified currency. Even if he wanted to hear it, he would have to wait until he had unified the country.

"Then I will handle it as appropriate." Shichibei was more than happy for Nobunaga to be a hands-off manager, so he bowed directly.

"Okay, just remember to count me in." That was Nobunaga's only request. He would use force to guarantee Shichibei's various commercial rights, and Shichibei would simply transport gold for him.

"I understand, I understand." How great, this model is so convenient.

"As for Zhixing's matter..." Finally, there was the matter of Madam Takaya and her two children's cosmetics. This was the easiest thing to resolve, so it was left until last.

"I have spoken with Lord Takaya and asked for 1,000 kan." Shichibei wasn't trying to be a good guy; he was just setting a price and letting Nobunaga negotiate.

If he had to support a large group of retainers, a thousand kan would probably have been barely enough to feed them. However, Oda Nobuhiro had clearly expressed his intention to annex his samurai group, so he no longer needed to support his retainers. Even if he only received three hundred kan, it would be enough for him to eat and dress comfortably.

"Then it'll be a thousand kan. Go back and have Kankuro allocate it." Nobunaga didn't even haggle over the price before handing it over.

What else is there to say? Oda Nobutada's rank of Junior Fifth Grade has already been relegated to a lower position by Karasuma Mitsunori. Nobunaga, on behalf of Nobutada, will submit a memorial to the Imperial Court to go through the recommendation process, and the Imperial Court will then dispatch an imperial envoy to Gifu.

He left Nobunaga's residence in Kyoto. That's right, Nobunaga no longer lives at Honnoji or Myokakuji temples in Kyoto. This is because the residence in Kamikyo's Mushakoji district, which he had previously acquired in exchange for Tokudaiji Kimioshi, has been completed.

Construction began in the third year of Genki and continued until the second year of Tensho. Over the three years, except for the period when Yamaoka Keitomo publicly raised the flag of rebellion against Nobunaga at Nijō Palace, the work was carried out in renovation and construction.

Relying on the existing buildings and the surrounding expanded land, Nobunaga built a luxurious and spacious residence in Kamikyo. Although it didn't quite reach the level of Jurakudai, it was still quite impressive.

Shimada Hidemitsu had been working on this for a while, and only recently reported back to Nobunaga.

Thus, Nobunaga now had a residence in Kyoto perfectly befitting his status, so he naturally wouldn't bother going to Honnoji Temple anymore. Shichibei, visiting for the first time, carefully observed the place. The walls weren't high, there was no surrounding moat, but the gate was heavy, and the entire building could accommodate one or two thousand people.

but……

Well, it's not Shichibei's place to meddle in this. If something really happened, Nobunaga could have simply retreated to the Nijō Palace next door.

Unlike in history, when the Nijō Palace gradually fell into disuse during this period, Ashikaga Yoshihide is still living there now. The Nijō Palace has been renovated and is now fully functional.

Even if Nobunaga only had one or two thousand men, it wouldn't be difficult for him to guard the place for two or three days. In two or three days, not to mention Hosokawa Fujitaka of Katsuryuji Castle and Takayama Shigetomo of Takatsuki Castle, even Hideyoshi of Yokoyama Castle and Mori Yoshinari of Tamonyama Castle would probably have arrived by now.

There's probably no need for any elaborate schemes like the burning of Kyoto town or any other backup plans. While Nobunaga was known for his extravagance, he also started paying attention to pomp and circumstance.

Whenever they went out, even just to go shopping, they would bring hundreds of people with them. If they went a little further, they would be accompanied by two thousand female riders and servants.

In open field battles, 2,000 men might be insufficient; if surrounded by 20,000 or 30,000, they would likely be wiped out. However, 2,000 men are more than enough to defend a city, enough to keep the enemy occupied for at least two or three days.

Shaking his head to banish these wild thoughts, Shichibei turned to find Karasuma Mitsunori. Since he was the one who secured Oda Nobutada's position, it was highly likely that the desirable post as an imperial envoy to Gifu would fall to him.

Sure enough, after talking with the young man, it turned out that the imperial court was indeed sending him to Gifu. Karasuma Mitsunori was all prepared, watching the craftsmen hired by Kawamuraya rebuild his dilapidated house while awaiting the imperial decree.

Once you go to Gifu, you can eat at the hands of both Shichibei and Oda Nobutada, and you can indulge in drinking, gambling, and whoring until you're unconscious for two or three months.

Chapter 310 Yoshiaki escapes and intends to head towards Sakai

Miyoshi Yoshitsugu himself did not reply. Instead, he sent a high-ranking monk from Daitoku-ji Temple, Shōrei Sōnin, to Kyoto to meet with Oda Nobunaga. This Zen master was a fellow student of Miyoshi Nagayoshi's teacher, the Zen master Sōtō, and had a close relationship with the Miyoshi family.

However, besides bringing the heads of Hatakeyama Akira and more than thirty others, he also presented Nobunaga with a relatively bold proposal. Miyoshi Yoshitsugu and Ashikaga Yoshiaki must have sensed Nobunaga's intention to exterminate them all, so Ashikaga Yoshiaki decided to leave Wakae Castle and instead enter the so-called free city of Sakai.

Not only did Shōrei Sōin come specifically for this purpose, but Mōri Terumoto's diplomatic monk, Ankokuji Ekei, was also waiting in Kyoto, offering to vouch for Ashikaga Yoshiaki.

It was similar to guaranteeing that Ashikaga Yoshiaki would never oppose Oda Nobunaga again, and that if he did, all the gods and Buddhas would not forgive him and he would be punished by heaven and die.

Perhaps Ashikaga Yoshiaki wanted to flee to the Mori clan's territory and rely on their power to fight. But Mori Terumoto wasn't stupid; he didn't take the bait and was still trying to maintain the alliance with the Oda clan.

However, the Mori clan also hoped to save Ashikaga Yoshiaki's life. After all, this was a card they could play, and it might come in handy someday.

According to Shōrei Sōnin, if Nobunaga was willing to negotiate, Hoida Motochika of the Mōri clan was in Sakai and was willing to come to Kyoto immediately as a hostage. Then, the Honganji monk Kennyo would send someone to escort Ashikaga Yoshiaki into Sakai and arrange for his accommodation. Nobunaga would not need to lift a finger; he only needed to agree.

Tsk.

No, what good would doing this do for Nobunaga? Shichibei, who was in Kyoto and preparing to return to Gifu after receiving these heads, was somewhat confused by this request.

Of course there were benefits. Ashikaga Yoshiaki promised to hand over his eldest son, the future Ashikaga Yoshihiro, as a hostage to Oda Nobunaga to ensure the success of the negotiations.

Upon hearing this condition, not only Shichibei, but even Nobunaga, who was sitting above, nodded slightly. Ashikaga Yoshiaki only had this one son. Although Nobunaga already had Ashikaga Yoshihide as a trump card, and was using it quite well, Nobunaga never felt he had too many cards to play; having a wide range of cards was a good thing.

Although Ashikaga Yoshiaki was not incapable of having more children, having a legitimate son in his grasp was always a form of blackmail. If Ashikaga Yoshiaki wanted to rebel again, he would have to consider the life of his son.

Without his son, where will he find an heir?

Ashikaga Yoshiteru had no successor; all of Ashikaga Yoshiharu's sons were killed, so the line went down to Ashikaga Yoshihiro and Ashikaga Yoshisaka.

It would be a huge joke if, after all that struggle, one had to adopt Ashikaga Yoshihide's son to become the shogun.

"Please send Sōken Sōken away," Nobunaga said, turning to Akechi Mitsuhide, Shichibei, and Murai Sadakatsu, who were currently in Kyoto. Ashikaga Yoshiaki certainly wanted physical destruction, but now that Sogō Masayasu had been scared away and Hatakeyama Akitaka was dead, there wasn't a suitable, capable person to kill Ashikaga Yoshiaki.

Let Ashikaga Yoshiaki stay in Wakae Castle. The anti-Nobunaga forces fighting around Wakae Castle still have a banner. Even if Nobunaga, using Ashikaga Yoshihide's name, points at him as a traitor, with Yoshiaki there, they at least have an explanation to give internally.

At this moment, Akechi Mitsuhide was actually quite "enthusiastic," believing it was better not to agree. As long as Wakae Castle was captured, Ashikaga Yoshiaki and his eldest son would have to die, and death would be the cleanest solution.

Finding someone to attack Ruojiang City isn't difficult; there are always people willing to fight for Ruojiang's tens of thousands of shi of territory. Killing a former general isn't enough to warrant the disastrous infamy of directly killing the current general.

Murai Sadakatsu, on the other hand, was relatively conservative, asking Nobunaga if it was possible to guide Matsunaga Hisahide to kill Miyoshi Yoshitsugu. In any case, the relationship between Matsunaga Hisahide and Miyoshi Yoshitsugu was quite ambiguous, so if Nobunaga could guide Hisahide to kill him, then he could ignore Shōrei Sōin.

If Hisahide is unwilling to kill, then this proposal isn't necessarily a bad thing. At least it has drawn Ashikaga Yoshiaki from the completely anti-Nobunaga camp to the "neutral camp" of Sakai, and even gotten his son into their hands.

So the topic turned to Shichibei, and Nobunaga prepared to hear Shichibei's thoughts and opinions.

Shichibei's attitude was similar to that of Murai Sasakatsu: if they could kill him, they should do so; if they couldn't, taking control of his son would be a viable option.

Upon hearing this, Nobunaga asked Shichibei in return how strong his control over Sakai was.

Those present were all astute individuals; how could they not understand? When Ashikaga Yoshiaki was exiled from Makishima Castle by Oda Nobunaga, he had only about a hundred retainers left. After the battle of Wakae Castle and the natural desertion of some, he now has at most a few dozen.

A few dozen men escorted Ashikaga Yoshiaki to Sakai. We won't go into the details of the monks guarding him along the way, including Kennyo of Honganji Temple. Once inside Sakai, however, there were no more monks guarding him.