Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

Let's retreat to Wakae Castle first. The siege of Honganji Temple was already lifted due to Kuki Yoshitaka's defeat. Now, let's retreat a few more kilometers and establish a foothold in Wakae Castle first.

Say.

The main force of Sakuma Nobumori's army had their families residing in the town below Wakae Castle, so retreating wouldn't necessarily mean they would flee to other places. This is quite in line with the reality of Japan's Sengoku period: going to war only four or five kilometers from home, and if you were quick on your feet, you could go to war every day, go home and sleep with your wife at night, and then go to war again the next morning.

Yu Li and his ilk? Aren't they all running away? Two of them have already done so.

Leaving Miyoshi Yasunaga and Kondo Kensei as the rearguard, Nobunaga did not hesitate to lift the siege of Honganji Temple and return to Wakae Castle to discuss other matters.

Honganji Temple has been breached from both land and water!

By the time Shichibei on the Sakai side received the news, Mika Yoriteru had already joined forces with Yusa Kawachi Nyudo to seize Iimori Castle in Kitakawachi, raised an army of over four thousand men, and clearly raised the banner of rebellion against Oda. Meanwhile, Matsunaga and his son retreated to Shigiyama Castle, openly defecting and echoing the Mori clan.

Settsu, Kita-Kawachi, and Nishi-Yamato formed a line that was entirely occupied by anti-Nobunaga forces. Not only did the Hongan-ji Temple regain its space for activity, but even Izumi and Minami-Kawa, south of this line, were also affected.

There's no need to worry, after all, these people are plotting a rebellion in Oda's heartland of Kinai, they won't be able to cause trouble for long.

Unless the Mori army can wipe out Hideyoshi's Harima army and advance directly into the Kinai region, relying solely on waterway support will be absolutely insufficient.

The saying "political power grows out of the barrel of a gun" applies everywhere.

If the Mori tribe invaded the Kinai region, the entire situation would change. If they didn't, these rebels would mostly have to fight on their own.

Aside from Honganji Temple, which had the ability to defend itself, even figures like Mika Yorimitsu and Matsunaga Hisamichi struggled to maintain their own defenses. How many men could they mobilize? Nobutada's Noo army didn't even budge; if they had just brought up a force of at least 30,000, plus the 18,000 of Tokugawa Ieyasu and his son, each of them could easily besiege a castle.

After all, Takeda had been completely suppressed, so Nobutada and Ieyasu would not have any difficulty leading troops into battle for a long time.

“There are quite a few Mori supporters in Nishi-Harima.” Takenaka Hanbei was taken back by Shichibei. Now that something happened, there’s no one around to talk to and analyze things with. It’s too painful.

In any case, the Takenaka family only sent three or four hundred soldiers, compared to the number Shichibei sent out.

Six thousand troops are nothing. "That's normal."

"With the defeat at Kizugawaguchi, it has become much more difficult for the Sakaizu's return ships to and from Harima." Takenaka Hanbei looked rather unwell, exhausted from his journey.

"Wait a minute!" Shichibei slapped his forehead. What if Nagaharu rebels?

Now that the water transport route for supplying Hideyoshi has been basically cut off, if not Changzhi also rebels, then Hideyoshi will be completely isolated.

Chapter 396 Appointment as Governor of Bessho-Harima

With the siege of Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple failing and rebellions breaking out in both Kita-Kawachi and Nishi-Yamato, Nobunaga's presence in Wakae Castle held little significance. After entrusting the tasks of suppressing Mika Yorimitsu and the Yusa-Kawachi Nyudo to Sakuma Nobumori, Nobunaga led his troops back to Kyoto.

Shichibei originally planned to convene a national guild meeting for the two-times-transfer trade in Kyoto, but with the war, not everyone could attend. Staying in Sakai was pointless, so he took a detour to Kyoto.

Let's bring up Takenaka Hanbei's preparations to discuss the situation in Harima with Nobunaga, and also take a look at Nobunaga's assessment of Bessho Nagaharu. By the way, the "Nagaharu" in Bessho Nagaharu's name is the same as the "Nagaharu" in Oda Nobunaga's name. This was obtained from Nobunaga after Bessho Yasuharu's death in 1 Genki, when Bessho Nagaharu urgently succeeded to the throne.

Logically speaking, Nobunaga and Nagaharu were close relatives, practically father and son.

However, during the chaotic Sengoku period in Japan, even biological fathers and sons, let alone half-fathers and sons, would kill each other without any mercy.

It took more than seven days to detour back to Kyoto from Sakai. I had just said I was going to pay my respects to Oda Nobunaga when Shichibei saw...

An incredible scene.

Bessho Nagaharu is having tea with Nobunaga.

Damn, has this prophetic ability failed? If Bessho Nagaharu harbored rebellious intentions, how dare he travel so unprepared to Kyoto to have tea with Nobunaga?

of?

Besides, this person was right next to Nobunaga; Shichibei couldn't possibly just blurt out that Nagaharu was planning a rebellion. Who would accuse someone of plotting a rebellion in front of them? Unless they've already completely broken ties and are prepared for anything...

all.

Bessho Nagaharu came to visit his half-father for one main reason. The Bessho family was assisting Hideyoshi in subduing Harima, and they had contributed to the effort. Therefore, Bessho Nagaharu hoped that Nobunaga could submit a petition to reaffirm the appointment of his grandfather, Bessho Nariharu, as Grand Minister of Finance.

From then on, their families could inherit the position of Grand Secretary and Grand Assistant, a truly legitimate official post recognized by both the Imperial Court and the shogunate.

Of course, in his heart, Bessho Nagaharu most wanted to be the governor of Harima. But the lord of Harima was Hashiba Hideyoshi, so his ambition to become the governor of Harima was essentially a challenge to Hideyoshi. Bessho Nagaharu wasn't stupid; as a second choice, he first sought to obtain the rank of Junior Fifth Rank.

The position of doctor has been secured.

Everyone knew that Nobunaga was a man who rewarded merit and punished wrongdoing without delay. Even between biological father and son, promotions had to be based on seniority, following procedures, and accumulating merit. This was especially true for Nobunaga and Nagaharu, who were only half-father and son, lacking a proper father-son relationship.

I originally wanted Takenaka Hanbei and Nobunaga to explain the situation in Harima, but now it's fine, there's no need at all. Bessho Nagaharu explained it clearly and plainly. Otherwise, why would Nobunaga invite him for tea?

After finishing his tea, Hideyoshi had a basic understanding of the details of his time in Harima.

If nothing unexpected happens, once we take down Kozuki Castle, we'll completely suppress Sasō Akamatsu.

With this, Hideyoshi would be able to control most of Harima's territory and become the true ruler of Harima. The only problem was that the Mori army was constantly reinforcing its forces in Harima, and after its failed attack on Murozu Port, it was preparing to make a comeback.

Hey, with the Mori clan facing a formidable enemy, how did you manage to escape and buy an official position, Nagaharu?

When asked this, Bessho Nagaharu smiled and explained that his uncle, Bessho Yoshichika, served as a jindai (military officer) alongside Hideyoshi. When Bessho Yasuharu died suddenly, it was Bessho Yoshichika (Bessho Kasō) and Bessho...

These two uncles, Shigemune and Shigetoshi, served as vassals to assist Bessho Nagaharu in his succession.

No wonder, with someone taking the lead and carrying the burden for him, it's clear that Changzhi can use connections in Kyoto. Let's also reminisce about the glorious years when Bessho Naruharu, the patriarch of the Bessho family who revived the family, participated in the struggle for supremacy among the great powers of the land.

The Bessho clan was quite renowned, descended from a collateral branch of the Akamatsu clan, with their ancestor being Bessho Yorikiyo, the grandson of Akamatsu Suefusa. Bessho Noriji built Miki Castle and established power in the three districts of Higashiharima. During Bessho Noriji's reign, they successively defeated the invasions of the Miyoshi and Amago clans, greatly enhancing their prestige.

In a short time, it unified the entire eastern eight districts of Harima (Minang District, Akashi District, Kako District, Inan District, Kasai District, Kato District, Taka District, and Shinto District), becoming the first power in Harima Province to turn into a Sengoku daimyo.

However, due to the extremely poor relationship between the Akamatsu family and the Muromachi Shogunate, Bessho, despite being one of the most prominent collateral branches of the prestigious Akamatsu family, didn't even have a hereditary official position. Now, Bessho has aligned himself with Oda Nobunaga. Although he's currently assigned to Hideyoshi as a yūjū (military officer), Hosokawa Fujitaka is also a yūjū, and Tsutsui Junkei is also a yūjū. For a daimyo to be a yūjū doesn't necessarily affect his status.

Rank.

After Bessho Nagaharu took his leave, Nobunaga asked Shichibei why he had rushed over from Sakaimachi. Was there something he wanted to say, or was there someone he wanted to introduce?

Ow...

This is the important matter. Although Nobutada has distinguished himself in many major battles such as the Siege of Nagashima, the Siege of Kamo, and the Siege of Iwadono, he actually fought as a subordinate general of Oda Nobunaga and earned his merits. Now Nobunaga wants Nobutada to practice against Matsunaga Hisahide, who only has a few thousand men, and appoint him as the commander-in-chief.

After much deliberation, Shichibei voiced his concern that Bessho Nagaharu might be misled by Mori Terumoto. Nobunaga frowned deeply, for he simply couldn't believe Bessho Nagaharu would rebel.

Speaking ill of others behind their backs, especially baseless accusations, is generally considered disgraceful.

It's only Shichibei who said that; if anyone else said that, people would believe it.

They'd slap him when he grew up. If it were a real rebellion, would Bessho Nagaharu dare to live so openly next to Nobunaga with only a hundred or so followers? Absolutely not.

Shichibei's position is somewhat awkward. If he were the commander of a main army corps, he could simply station his troops in Settsu and see if the other commanders rebel. If Shichibei were Nobunaga, it would be even simpler. I don't need concrete evidence of your rebellion; if I just suspect you, I can kill your entire family.

However, Shichibei was a chief retainer and Ōchikata, who neither managed the military nor cared for the people. Now, the question of whether to consider governing another region was being raised. Whether Nobunaga would listen was entirely up to him, and it was highly likely to incur Nobunaga's displeasure.

Sometimes it's not that I can't remember, it's just that before things explode, saying it makes me sound like a despicable person that everyone hates.

So what's the reason? Nobunaga wouldn't kill Nagaharu, the governor of the eight districts of Higashi-Harima, just because of Shichibei's words. It's not that he lacked the power, but rather that he was currently conquering the land. If he were to kill a person from a major province for no reason, what would the people and nobles of the other thirty or forty provinces think?

Even if they eventually try to whitewash it, claiming that Nagaharu Bessho plotted a betrayal and fled to Aki by boat, the irrefutable evidence remains unchanged.

It can withstand the test of history.

Other onlookers also have eyes and brains; they will make their own judgments and understandings.

And believe it or not, there's a reason that perfectly reflects the mindset of samurai during Japan's Sengoku period. This reason is probably something Nobunaga himself had already begun to formulate.

Are you considering using intimidation tactics against other places?

Hmm? Nobunaga turned his head to look at Shichibei. Isn't that obvious?

After conquering a country, it was common practice for daimyo to gradually coerce the subjugated people into becoming their retainers, and then to establish hereditary retainers.

Now that Hideyoshi has established a firm foothold in Harima, Nobunaga will certainly not allow Bessho Nagaharu to remain completely independent. First, he will use the prestige of the Eboshi clan's kinship to intimidate the Bessho family and make them a vassal daimyo of the Oda clan. Then, just as he had intimidated the Azai family before, he will transfer the Bessho family to some distant lands to serve as a vanguard.

Force them to become retainers and pawns; those who survive are considered heroes and can remain in their homeland. If they die, so be it; just find another citizen.

Suppressing troublemakers among the people was an important daily task for the daimyo of the Warring States period.

Of course, such matters cannot be accomplished solely through violence; a combination of kindness and coercion is necessary. There are usually steps involved, such as arranging marriages between children or granting a daughter-in-law a position. These interconnected steps gradually strengthen control over the populace.

Nobunaga's current request for Bessho Nagaharu to be promoted to the rank of Junior Fifth Rank, Minister of Finance and Assistant Minister of State Affairs, is an act of bestowing favor. You must repay such favors, whether it's by fighting hard in battle or by contributing to the construction of Azuchi Castle for Nobunaga. The forms may differ, but the core is the same: it all drains the strength of the people of the country.

When one's power is exhausted to a certain extent, it becomes time to use force to subdue one's subjects.

If the situation were such that all the areas surrounding the Bessho family were under Nobunaga's control...

Surround them. So, unless they're really pushed to the brink, there's a very high probability that Changzhi will be slowly boiled like a frog in lukewarm water, gradually forced into submission.

But the situation is different now. Think about it carefully: the Mori army can directly connect with Bessho Nagaharu through the Seto Inland Sea, which they control.

The key point is that if Bessho Nagaharu rebels, Hideyoshi will be completely isolated. He will lose even the route back to the Kinai region, as the Mori navy will block his way by water and Miki Castle by land.

Think it through, don't let your most cherished, hardworking Wang Xiu become a burden.

Ji lost money.

After speaking, Nobunaga tapped his thigh with his folding fan, clearly agreeing with Shichibei's reasoning. Therefore, they could no longer intimidate Bessho Nagaharu; not only could they not intimidate him, they also needed to win him over significantly.

Bessho Nagaharu's wife was arranged for him by his father; she was the daughter of Hatano Hideharu, a powerful figure in Tanba Province north of Miki Castle. Therefore, there was no way to arrange another daughter for Nagaharu.

As for granting additional territory? Unless it's granted to Harima, it might mislead Nagaharu into thinking he's about to be transferred to another territory by Nobunaga, which wouldn't be good.

That really can only help him get a position as a high-ranking official, so he can have some fun and feel like he's become a noble and prestigious person.

"Why not just go for Harima-no-kami!" Shichibei thought to himself, "At this point, why be so stingy? Hideyoshi is an iron-willed Oda man. As long as we send someone to talk to Hideyoshi properly, he will definitely understand."

Furthermore, Hideyoshi was well aware that he was the governor of Chikuzen Province under Hashiba, and his future fiefdom would definitely be one million koku in northern Kyushu. Harima was merely a temporary base for the campaign against the Mori clan, and it might not truly belong to him.

"Alright!" Nobunaga didn't refuse; it was indeed better to handle such matters well. At this very moment, in Harima, beneath Kakogawa Castle, a meeting was being held...

Kakogawa's assessment: Because the Mori army launched a surprise attack on Murozu, and Hideyoshi had already established a foothold in Himeji, he decided to prevent the people of Harima from defecting to Mori.

To demonstrate his authority as the lord of Harima, Hideyoshi ordered the generals of Harima to send hostages.

understand.

In this day and age, sending hostages is perfectly normal. Before setting out, Bessho Nagaharu had even decided that, since he had no biological son, his uncle Bessho Shigemune would serve as a hostage to Hideyoshi.

侧。

In this assessment, Hideyoshi naturally adopted a magnanimous attitude, allowing everyone to introduce themselves, which also served as a way for Hideyoshi to get to know and utilize them.

As the head of the Bessho family, the first family in the eight districts of Higashiharima, Bessho Yoshichika, who came to support Hideyoshi's campaign as the garrison commander, immediately began to boast about his family's lineage as a collateral descendant of the prestigious Akamatsu clan.

In Kyoto, this family is nothing. What about the top-tier samurai families like Ashikaga Yoshihide, Hosokawa Akimoto, Hosokawa Saneyuki, and Hatakeyama Jiroshiro? If Nobunaga invited them for tea, they had to arrive an hour early. As for families like Yamana and Isshiki, they weren't even in the running; they could only stand outside, not qualified to drink tea with Nobunaga.

Long tea leaves.

But in Harima, no one could truly challenge the claim that their family held the highest rank. With the departure of Sōyō Akamatsu, the downfall of Tatsuno Akamatsu, and the decline of Okishō Akamatsu...

Inevitably, Bessho Yoshichika talked a bit too much, and it came across as somewhat pretentious. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, in front of Hideyoshi, who came from a lower-middle-class foot soldiers and was merely from an ordinary wealthy peasant family, he belittled those of humble origins to elevate his own family's status, making it seem as if the Bessho family were on top of the world.

If you were Hideyoshi, wouldn't you feel that this guy was subtly humiliating you?

After all, Hideyoshi was now a powerful daimyo with 420,000 koku of rice, and one of the most prominent army commanders under Nobunaga. He was responsible for the important task of conquering the Sanyo Road. In front of Nobunaga, he was just a lowly servant, but outside, he was the dignified governor of Chikuzen Province, Hashiba.