Owari Yumeki Golden Day

Secondly, the actual situation was indeed not ideal, which made Hori Hidemura feel very distressed. He was being targeted everywhere and was not even given the opportunity to live a wealthy life behind closed doors.

After being teased by Jing Yizhao, it was obvious that he was moved.

Of course, the letters weren't just addressed to him; Yi Zhao had written dozens of them. Some discarded them like old shoes, others treasured them like treasures. Some secretly read them, while others boldly peered into them. And so on.

On the other hand, Nobunaga was receiving the Takeda clan's envoys and the diplomatic monk Kaikawa Shoki. Nobunaga was still happy because Shingen took the initiative to ask him for help, which made him feel very happy as a master of the world.

In the second half of this year, Uesugi Kenshin and Hojo Ujiyasu had fought countless times and were so angry that they had already turned their backs on each other. Hey, guess what?

Harmony!

The two countries have formed an alliance!

Kakizaki Haruie, the eldest son of Kakizaki Keiie, the head of the Uesugi clan, was sent as a hostage to Sagami Odawara Castle. Hojo Ujiyasu's seventh son, Hojo Ujihide, Kenshin's adopted son, also prepared to depart for Kasugayama Castle.

(Historically, the first hostage and adopted son was Hojo Ujimasa's second son, Kunimasumaru, so no further adjustments will be made here.)

Let's talk about the Warring States Period in Japan. Even if you killed someone yesterday and wanted to eat their flesh and sleep on their skin, you can shake hands and make peace in the blink of an eye today, and become as close as family. You can even take the person who wanted to kill the other party's entire family into your own family as an adopted son.

Profits always come first, and things like favors and love have to take a back seat.

Takeda Shingen was a little panicked when he heard the news. He was fighting with Hojo Ujiyasu. Hojo Ujiyasu still wanted to support Imagawa Ujizane to return to Suruga, and it would be difficult for the two families to stop fighting for the time being.

Shingen, who had fought with Uesugi Kenshin for half his life, knew that Kenshin was a tough opponent. After learning of the alliance between Yue and Xiang, he immediately sent people to Gifu to find Oda Nobunaga.

He asked Oda Nobunaga to mediate and submit a petition to Ashikaga Yoshiaki, who would secretly send a letter of instruction to Uesugi Kenshin, asking him not to attack the Takeda clan. The Takeda clan could also guarantee that they would not interfere in the affairs of Hida, Echizen, and other places.

Previously, Takeda had intended to conquer Hida and Echizen, and last year, Shingen had instigated the rebellion of Honjo Shigenaga to facilitate his attack on Suruga and prevent a surprise attack. Shingen now promised not to attack Kenshin's retreat in exchange for Kenshin's promise not to attack his own retreat.

Everyone knows that Uesugi Kenshin was a man who held high the banner of respecting the emperor and expelling the barbarians. Regardless of whether it was true or not, at least on the surface, he had been struggling to restore the old order.

Since Ashikaga Yoshiaki had a good reputation with him, and Shingen and Nobunaga were relatives by marriage and could be connected, given Takeda Shingen's character, how could he not make the best use of his allies?

Can you help?

After Nobunaga met with Kaikawa Shoki, he asked for the opinions of his important ministers. Naturally, the opinions of the ministers were divided into two camps.

One school of thought is that Nobunaga's main attack direction now is the Asakura family and the Miyoshi Three. Both sides are powerful forces that can mobilize 30,000 people, and it is difficult to kill them quickly.

In this case, it is necessary to maintain peace with other lords and daimyo. As Nobunaga's ally, the security of the Oda family's eastern border depends entirely on Shingen's attitude.

In order to avoid the danger of being attacked from both sides, it is better to help the Takeda family and ask Ashikaga Yoshiaki to come forward and persuade Uesugi Kenshin to attack Echizen Suga.

The other faction is more radical, believing that Takeda Shingen has always lacked integrity and always put profit first. He expelled his father, had an affair with his niece, killed his eldest son, and recently broke his oath with the Imagawa family of Suruga.

It would be best if a man like him were caught up in a war and could never get out of it, so that his army could not rest, his territory could not be secure, and he would be exhausted from running around.

This would be safe for the Oda family and would avoid any future conflicts with the Takeda family, which would lead to war.

Shichibei remained silent because Nobunaga hadn't asked him. It was already known that the attack was carried out by the enemy, so even if Nobunaga had asked Hideyoshi, he wouldn't have asked Shichibei about such matters. Every profession has its specialties, and Shichibei's ability to make money and lend it to the Oda family envoys was his greatest strength.

After watching everyone's argument for a while, Shichibei noticed that Nobunaga glanced at him, but he smiled and turned away to ask someone else.

That's fine, it would be best if we just keep doing this until the end of the meeting. The Shingen thing is actually quite boring. It doesn't do any good for the Oda family whether they support him or not. At most, supporting him can help them show off in front of Shingen.

Showing off Nobunaga's influence on Ashikaga Yoshiaki and the imperial court, he was able to get them to send people to appease Uesugi Kenshin.

But would Takeda Shingen be frightened by something like that? Were there no high-ranking nobles serving as guests at the Imagawa-kan in Sunpu? Of course there were. Shingen still charged in, setting fire to the place and looting it.

He only believed in the swords, spears, swords and halberds in his hands. He probably didn't believe in anything else. He would use it when he needed it, and kick it away when he didn't.

"Nanabe, what do you think?" Hideyoshi was almost well now. At least he no longer needed to cross his legs and rely on others to help him get in and out.

"I don't have any ideas." The elders in the front row were arguing, so it didn't matter if the two of them chatted in low voices.

"I think it's okay to lend a hand." Hideyoshi seemed to support the faction that wanted to lend a hand.

"how?"

"Now that the lord's son-in-law, Suwa Shiro, has become the young master of the Takeda clan, the relationship with the Takeda clan needs to be maintained." Hideyoshi saw further.

Takeda Katsuyori was Nobunaga's son-in-law, and Katsuyori's legitimate son was theoretically Nobunaga's grandson. According to normal thinking logic, as long as there was no fundamental conflict, the relationship between the two sides would probably be relatively harmonious.

Currently, Takeda Shingen is attacking the Hojo clan, and perhaps the Takeda clan's next strategic goal is to seize Kanto. So, Nobunaga goes west, and Shingen goes east, which is perfect.

Who could have thought that in the end they would end up killing each other, and even killing the whole family with a knife.

"That makes some sense..." I have to say, it's understandable why Hideyoshi thinks this way.

"Yes, Shingen is old and he won't live for many years." Hideyoshi continued to analyze. Takeda Shingen is 49 years old this year.

Fifty years of life are like a dream, like an illusion. This is what Nobunaga said every other day. To die at the age of fifty is to die of old age.

"Then Suwa Shiro succeeded to the throne, and the head of the Takeda family was the lord's son-in-law. Young Master Qimyoumaru is also Suwa Shiro's brother-in-law." Shichibei replied.

"That's right!" Hideyoshi nodded slightly, feeling that he had convinced Shichibei.

Just as Hideyoshi had expected, the above debate soon came to a conclusion. In the end, the voices supporting Shingen prevailed, mainly because the young master Takeda was Nobunaga's son-in-law, and everyone felt somewhat excited.

186. Yoshiaki's conspiracy gradually becomes apparent

Compared to supporting Takeda Shingen, Shichibei was more curious about the old monk Kaikawa Shoki. In the later Japanese game "Nobunaga's Ambition 13: The Way of Heaven", the old monks not only came to sell various books and treasures, but also mediated a truce.

Now, look at Kaikawa Shoki, he's doing the work of a "diplomatic monk." This identity, combined with his core business, naturally makes Shichibei curious. Because our identities and businesses overlap.

The big boss Tsuda Muneki from neighboring Sakaimachi once mediated the war between the Miyoshi Three and Matsunaga Hisahide, and also did diplomatic work.

Now Kaikawa Shoki has not yet been awarded the title of "National Master", so why does he have such a great reputation?

After all, Tsuda Muneki was one of the "Three Great Masters of the World" and a prominent merchant in Sakaimachi. The Miyoshi Trio and Matsunaga Hisahide both had interests in Sakaimachi, so it's understandable that they would listen to his advice. Oda Nobunaga and Kaikawa Shoki had no connections or interests, so was he solely relying on his status as a monk?

What a joke! Nobunaga wasn't even afraid of burning down the mountain gate, and he even gave face to you, a monk.

After asking quietly, Shichibei finally understood. It turned out that Kaikawa Shoki and Nobunaga's teacher, Sawahiko Soen, were both fellow disciples from the Rinzai sect of Myoshinji. Sawahiko Soen was the 39th abbot of Myoshinji, while Kaikawa Shoki was the 43rd.

Nobunaga didn't give face to Kaikawa Shoki, but he had to give face to Sawahiko Muneon. Takeda Shingen also knew this, so he sent Kaikawa Shoki.

No wonder Nobunaga did not show any mercy when he invaded Kai and burned Kaigawa Shoki in history.

Treating him with courtesy now was just giving his teacher face. It seemed like diplomacy required more than just being a monk; one also needed face and connections.

Of course, monks may have a religious bonus, and their generally high cultural level may have crossed the threshold in advance. As for whether it can be done, it depends on the situation on the ground.

There's also a story that Japan also had a Christmas truce, facilitated by missionaries sent to Japan by the Jesuits. This trick seems to work for both Japanese and Western monks.

Our Shichibei is now a wealthy businessman. Who knows, one day he might have the dignity to do the job of a great monk.

Nobunaga then sent a messenger to Kyoto, asking Ashikaga Yoshiaki to deliver a letter to Uesugi Kenshin, stating Takeda Shingen's intentions. Kaikawa Shoki had to follow him to Kyoto first, and then from Kyoto to Kasugayama Castle.

I'm afraid that Kasugayama Castle is now waist-deep in snow, and this monk still has to travel quickly. It's not easy to be a diplomatic monk.

In history, Takeda Shingen apparently laid siege to Odawara Castle the following year, only to find he lacked the military strength to capture it. After plundering the castle, he retreated. Before leaving, he engaged in a battle with the Hojo brothers at Mimasu-daira, prompting Hojo Ujiyasu to lament that even if he had gone in, he wouldn't have been able to defeat Shingen.

It was probably after the capture of Odawara Castle that Shingen clearly realized that he could not defeat Echigo or Sagami, so he decided to try Totomi, Mikawa and Nobi.

What an opportunist.

Once this matter was settled, the New Year of 1570 arrived as scheduled. The reason it was still the 13th year of Eiroku was because Ashikaga Yoshiaki had not yet submitted a petition to the court requesting a change of era name.

For this purpose, Yoshiaki also presented the imperial court with 5000 pieces of cloth (here one piece is equal to 25 sen, so the number of pieces is used) for the funds for changing the era name. The imperial court used the excuse of frequent wars and the hope for a better era to change the era name.

The term "Yuangui" originates from the Mao Shi: "Awakening from the Huaiyi people, they come to offer their treasures. Yuangui and elephant tusks, a large bribe of gold from the south." It also comes from the "San Du Fu" in Xiao Tong's Zhaoming Wenxuan (Selected Works of Literature) of the Southern Dynasty: "The cicadas will surely cry in the mountains, and the Yuangui turtles will dwell in the water. Hidden dragons coil in the Juzi Yuze, and the drums will sound to bring rain."

There's no need to insist on saying this era name has any auspicious meaning. Yoshiaki's main purpose in submitting the request to the imperial court to change the era name was to demonstrate to the feudal lords his harmonious relationship with the imperial court and his authority as the Shogun of the Muromachi shogunate.

To be honest, there are indeed not many people who can ask the emperor to change the era name these days.

The Genki era name only lasted three years. Historically, it was Nobunaga who forced the imperial court to change it to the Tensho era. In July of the fourth year of Genki, the first year of Tensho, Oda Nobunaga exiled Ashikaga Yoshiaki, effectively bringing the Muromachi shogunate to an end. Having become the de facto ruler of Kinai, Nobunaga demanded a change of era name.

In Japan, the era name is just like that, just change it, it's not surprising.

It hasn't changed yet, but Shichibei was the one who saw it first. Early in the morning, after presenting the sword to Oda Nobunaga as a direct vassal of the Oda clan, Shichibei retreated from the city and went home to lie down.

It's not that there's nothing to do, it's that I don't want to do it. If you really want to be busy these days, you'll never be able to rest. Nobunaga will be going to beat up Asakura Yoshikage at the beginning of spring. If you don't take a break now, you won't have time to rest later.

Anyway, everything is peaceful. Takeda and Tokugawa in the east are allies of Oda. Oda in the west originally had to worry about the Miyoshi Three. A beating before the New Year should give them peace for a few days.

The only one left was Asakura Yoshikage, a pure thief. Nobunaga had even publicly sent a letter to reprimand the Asakura family in his capacity as the regent of the shogunate, but Asakura Yoshikage remained indifferent.

What else is there to say? Just wait to die.

But was Asakura Yoshikage truly waiting to die? No, he had received a secret letter from Ashikaga Yoshiaki. In it, Yoshiaki reminisced about their close times together, then mentioned Nobunaga's actions of bullying the shogun and suppressing the shogunate, and then enthusiastically invited Asakura Yoshikage to join him in the celebration.

How to help? Of course, beat Nobunaga to death.

Anyone with eyesight could see that Nobunaga was about to attack the Miyoshi Three and Asakura Yoshikage. Close confidants like Shichibei were completely certain that Nobunaga would attack Ichijodani Castle in two or three months.

Since you are certain that Nobunaga is going to come and get you soon, what are you going to do?

Yoshiaki's plan was very direct. He said that he had gained the support of some people in northern Jiangsu who were oppressed by Asai Nagamasa and Oda Nobunaga, and also gained the support of Rokkaku Yoshitaka and his son Rokkaku Yoshiharu who retreated to Koga County in southern Jiangsu.

As soon as Nobunaga sent his army to attack Wakasa Kanezaki, these troops in Nobunaga's rear would be mobilized. When Nobunaga entered Echizen, the Jiangbei army in Nobunaga's army would suddenly rise up and disrupt the Oda army's formation. Asakura Yoshikage could take advantage of this opportunity to raise a large army and attack Nobunaga fiercely.

Nobunaga would be unable to take care of both ends, and with chaos breaking out in his army, he would surely suffer a devastating defeat. Perhaps even Nobunaga himself would be killed, becoming a mere ghost.

Asakura Yoshikage would then be the governor of the shogunate, and both Mino and Owari would be his to take as they pleased. Asakura's important officials would all become shogunate officials, greatly elevating their status.

Why did I mention this? Of course, I wanted to bring all the Asakura clan's important officials into the picture. The Asakura clan actually had some of the flaws of the former Muromachi shogunate's guardian clan. To the west, they were dealing with the Kinai War, attacking the Tsuruga clan in Wakasa. And to the east, they were dealing with the Kaga War, attacking the Ōno clan of the Hokuriku Ikko Ikki.

The two groups gradually formed their own retainers and forces, similar to the guardian deputies who guarded areas beyond their control, and gained corresponding powers.

If a war really breaks out, Asakura Yoshikage will have to get the consent of Asakura Kageaki, Asakura Kageaki, Asakura Kageken and others.

In order to ensure the realization of his plan, Ashikaga Yoshiaki actually considered everything, even winning over the old ministers of the Asakura family.

As a result, the Asakura clan's key officials essentially sided with Yoshiaki's rebellion against Nobunaga. Many people still believed that the Asakura clan was the rightful heir to the Muromachi shogunate. It was simply stolen by the country bumpkin Oda Nobunaga, and they were simply trying to reclaim what had been stolen from them.

Moreover, now with the instigation and political endorsement of Ashikaga Yoshiaki, raising an army to kill the shogunate regent Oda Nobunaga is not only reasonable but also very legal.

Yoshiaki's plan was quite sound, but who were those people from Jiangbei who agreed to switch sides at the last minute? It certainly wasn't Asai Nagamasa. Now Nagamasa had become Nobunaga's avatar, relying on Nobunaga's prestige to vigorously integrate Jiangbei.

Asakura Yoshikage then sent a retainer to sneak into Kyoto to clarify two things to Yoshiaki: who was the Jiangbei man who had been instigated to rebel? And why was he so sure that this person would join the attack on Ichijodani Castle?

If it was just Yoshiaki sending letters to the feudal lords unilaterally, it would be difficult to detect such a secret behavior. After all, there were no surveillance or recordings these days, and the only way to expose it was through informing.

The Warring States period was good, and the good thing was that there were very few people willing to come forward and tell on others. In addition, Yoshiaki chose those who were ambitious or could be persuaded, so there were even fewer people who would come forward and tell on others.

But not only did you receive Yoshiaki's secret letter, but you also exchanged letters with him. It's no wonder that Nobunaga and others who stayed in Kyoto, such as Akechi Mitsuhide and Oda Nobuhiro, noticed something was wrong.

After all, Nobunaga had previously set a rule for Yoshiaki that the Oda clan would assist in the defense of Nijo Palace. Therefore, anyone entering and leaving Nijo Palace every day fell under the watchful eyes of Oda Nobuhiro.

Nobunaga also stipulated that only those who had his permission could formally report to the shogunate. In theory, when Nobunaga was not in Kyoto, the shogunate could not even handle normal official business.

Why do you come to Nijo Palace every few days?

Anyone with a clue could have guessed that Ashikaga Yoshiaki was communicating with the outside world. He had many followers, but only a few close confidants. Seeing those people coming and going, how could Oda Nobuhiro not be suspicious?

It's just that I haven't yet suspected that Yoshiaki is already colluding.

Asakura Yoshikage finally received a reply from Yoshiaki, revealing it was Hori Hidemura. He also learned that Asai Nagamasa was suppressing the powerful families within his domain. If Nobunaga were to launch an army and mobilize troops, he would undoubtedly push Hori Hidemura into the battle to face his doom. This was how they had attacked the Kitabatake clan's Ōkōchi Castle the previous time, and it would surely be the same approach during the next attack on Ichijodani.

Asakura Yoshikage, who understood the situation, finally started to use his brain, deploying troops and forces to prepare for the attack by Oda Nobunaga after the snow melted in spring.

On the other hand, Nobunaga also received a secret report from his brother Nobuhiro, which informed him that Yoshiaki was frequently contacting the outside world. Although he did not know who he was contacting, it was very suspicious.

"This is no longer an ordinary conspiracy, we must strike hard!"

Nobunaga did not discuss the matter publicly during the New Year's holiday, but only summoned a few of his trusted ministers. After hearing this, Shibata Katsuie expressed his support for all of Nobunaga's decisions, regardless of anything else.

"Who is defending this shogunate? It's not the Kubo, not the Hosokawa Kanrei, not the Ise Butler, but our Oda family!" Mori Yoshinari also expressed his opinion immediately.

"Nijo Palace has become a den of conspiracy for despicable people." Sakuma Nobumori was also very unhappy when he heard about this.

"A small group of people in the Imperial Palace are indeed lawless." Shichibei certainly knew what Yoshiaki was plotting, but he couldn't say it.

The main reason is that Asai Nagamasa has become Nobunaga's good brother-in-law, so it is impossible for him to attack Nobunaga together with Asakura Yoshikage. So who can Yoshiaki find to collude and kill Nobunaga?

"No forgiveness!" Hideyoshi followed Shichibei and immediately retorted.

"Hehe, this shogun can only play some tricks." Nobunaga was very satisfied to see that everyone was not shaken at all because of Yoshiaki.

"Fujikichiro, you go to Kyoto now and investigate this matter with Jubei." Nobunaga immediately pointed at Hideyoshi. After all, Hideyoshi had served as the Kyoto magistrate and was familiar with the matter.

"Nanabe, you must convey these five points to that shogun." Nobunaga pointed at Nanabe again.

Taking Nobunaga's document, Shichibei quickly scanned it, finding two crucial points. Nobunaga and Yoshiaki had previously agreed that the Imperial Rescript, the official shogunate document, needed Nobunaga's signature to be valid.

Now there is an additional item: the Go-nai-sho, which is a private letter from a shogun, also needs Nobunaga's signature to be recognized as Yoshiaki's authentic work. All others are considered fake.

Another point is that since the war for peace in the world has been recognized and appointed by the imperial court and the general, no one will be qualified to interfere in Nobunaga's war for peace in the world.

Even if Ashikaga Yoshiaki came in person, he was not allowed to regret and ask about the war arrangements made by Nobunaga. If Yoshiaki asked about it, it would be a violation of the original duty of the public order.

Last year, there were nine rules in the Palace, then seven were added after the attack on Kitabatake, and now five more have been added, totaling twenty-one. The twenty-one rules in the Palace in future history have now been completed.

Shichibei, upon seeing this document, was certain that Nobunaga and Yoshiaki were about to fall out. Nobunaga had clearly told Yoshiaki that if he remained a puppet, he could still survive. Refusing to be a puppet? Humph.