blogombal Page 127
Page 127
Previously, Imagawa Yoshimoto may have considered himself to be of high enough social standing and thus adopted a cold attitude towards the shogunate, not even sending anyone to congratulate Ashikaga Yoshiteru when he returned to Kyoto.
Based on the principle of reciprocity, if you don't give the shogunate face, the shogunate won't give you face either.
Now the situation has changed. With the sudden death of Imagawa Yoshimoto, the succeeding Imagawa clan has little confidence and is clearly trying to get some official support from the central government to get through the crisis.
Imagawa Ujizane's demands were mainly twofold. First, he wanted to inherit his father's official rank of "Chibu Daifu" and the governorship of Suruga and Tōtōmi provinces, which was a very reasonable and customary idea. Second, he hoped to receive the treatment of "Gōsō Banshū" from the shogunate, which was not unreasonable at all.
As for Mikawa Province, the position of governor has been vacant for many years, and the Kira family, relatives of the Ashikaga family, actually holds a similar position. Now, the descendants of the Kira family are still barely surviving, so Imagawa Ujizane is too embarrassed to ask for the governorship of Mikawa.
Incidentally, although official ranks are a matter for the imperial court, the official positions of the samurai family must, in principle, be reported by the shogunate on their behalf. Even if they are not shoguns, they must be Kanrei (commander-in-chief) or Kanrei acting on their behalf.
As long as such memorials are not too outrageous, the imperial court will generally approve them unconditionally.
Ashikaga Yoshiteru was naturally happy to gain the Suruga Imagawa clan's recognition of the shogunate at such a low price.
The question then arises: as the ruler of the realm, the Shogun still has some sense of honor. He can't be flirting with the Imagawa clan today and then supporting the Oda clan's attack on the Imagawa clan tomorrow, can he?
If we don't support Oda Nobunaga's attack on the Imagawa clan, then why should they negotiate peace with the Mino Saito clan?
After all, Owari is not a large country with a short border, and it only has two neighboring countries. To expand, it would have to attack Mino or Mikawa.
As expected, the envoy soon returned from the Oda family, saying that as long as the shogunate could provide a legitimate reason to conquer Mikawa, Oda Nobunaga would be very willing to make peace with Mino Saito.
So we're stuck here.
The diplomatic monk Imagawa Ujizane was stranded in Kyoto, receiving no definite feedback. Meanwhile, the Miyoshi clan was also unsure how to respond to Oda Nobunaga.
A few days later, Miyoshi Yoshioki personally visited. Arriving at Shinzaburo's designated residence at Daitoku-ji Temple, he seemed to want to act as an intermediary, saying, "Lord Kubo has thought it over and over again and still believes that the Suruga Imagawa clan is more valuable, so he cannot support the Oda clan's attack on Mikawa. He hopes to gain your understanding for this."
Well, as expected, despite the Battle of Okehazama, Ashikaga Yoshiteru still sided with Imagawa. What terrible judgment!
and many more……
What does the next sentence say? Forgiveness? Who forgives whom?
Ashikaga Yoshiteru wants my forgiveness? When did I become someone who has such influence?
Shinzaburo was stunned and speechless for a moment.
"Lord Kobo believes that in this day and age, if the shogunate cannot obtain the support of Kubo Sado, then everything will be difficult to carry out." Miyoshi Yoshioki explained with a smile, "I also agree with this point."
"I am deeply honored by your kind opinion." Shinzaburo quickly expressed his humility without saying a word. "Since Lord Koufang has already made his decision, how dare I offer any opinion? However... however, guiding the Oda clan in and out of Mikawa is indeed more advantageous for us."
After hesitating for a moment, he finally said it, not caring whether the other party would accept it or not.
“Hmm…” Miyoshi Yoshioki hesitated slightly upon hearing this, but quickly suppressed his emotions and said firmly, “Judging solely from the perspective of interests, you are right. However, the Oda clan has no reason to attack Mikawa, and the Imagawa clan is a prestigious family with many years of history. If we rashly support the Oda clan in attacking the Imagawa clan, it would probably be improper.”
Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo realized that it was probably not entirely Ashikaga Yoshiteru's opposition; the Miyoshi father and son likely did not support it either.
So he had no choice but to keep quiet.
Seeing this, Yoshiaki Miyoshi quickly reassured him: "You have worked hard recently in planning the negotiations with Mino Saito. Whether or not things go well, you deserve credit."
"How dare I claim credit before the matter is accomplished?" Shinzaburo seemed to be trying his best to appear calm, but his words carried some emotion. "I am not concerned about personal gains or losses, but I am worried about the changing situation in the world."
That's a normal reaction. If you suffer in silence and don't feel any resentment, you'd seem too hypocritical.
Despite his young age and high position, Yoshioki Miyoshi was very patient. He explained in a gentle tone, "Even a centipede with a hundred legs does not die easily. Although the Suruga Imagawa family has suffered a heavy blow, their bones and muscles are still intact. With them supporting the shogunate in the Tokaido region, they may be able to influence the lords of the Kanto region."
The reasoning is certainly correct, and there's no need to repeat it repeatedly. The reason for saying it is purely to consider the listener's feelings.
From this perspective, Miyoshi Yoshioki does resemble a benevolent ruler.
Shinzaburo remained silent for a while, then, finding the atmosphere to be just right, forced a smile, turned his head to the side, and began a new topic: "If we cannot persuade Oda of Owari and Saito of Mino to make peace, perhaps we could consider Echizen Asakura. If the Asakura family's stance changes, it would also be beneficial in restraining Rokkaku of Omi."
“Echizen Asakura… Two years ago, they even launched an attack on Wakasa Province, which you are guarding.” Miyoshi Yoshioki was slightly puzzled. “Although we managed to reach a peace agreement out of consideration for the shogunate, it might not be easy to persuade them to help restrain the Rokkaku family.”
“The situation now may be different from then on.” Shinzaburo said confidently, “First of all, at the beginning of the year, Nagao from Echigo entered Etchu and started fighting against the Hokuriku Ikko-ikki. So, would the Echizen Asakura family have the idea of taking advantage of the situation to seize Kaga? Furthermore, the Asakura family may not be without desire for the land in Omi Rokkaku.”
"Actually..." Miyoshi Yoshioki hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "Lord Kubo Sado, you probably remember that according to the agreement made at the time of the truce, the position of head of the Takeda clan in Wakasa should have been changed this year. Two months ago, the Asakura clan requested the shogunate to escort the new head of the clan (Takeda Yoshitomo) and other Takeda retainers residing in Echizen back to Wakasa. Of course, out of respect for the Miyoshi clan, the shogunate will not easily agree to this. Otherwise, it would be unfair to you. But if they refuse, it will be inconvenient to make other demands on the Echizen Asakura clan."
This news made Shinsaburo waver slightly.
But he quickly considered the cause and effect, then smiled frankly and said boldly, "At that time, Lord Takeda Yoshitaka and his group of former retainers were not driven away by me, but decided to go to Echizen to live on their own. When they left, I only saw them off; today, if they want to return, I will only welcome them back."
"Is that so?" Yoshioki Miyoshi was first taken aback, then suddenly realized, and then frowned in worry. "It seems that Lord Kubo Sado is confident in dealing with these loyalists. However, please be careful!"
"I will certainly remain vigilant at all times," Shinzaburo replied casually, then gave a relaxed and confident smile. "Since I have been tasked with contacting Saito of Mino, wouldn't it be a disservice to Lord Chikuzen (Miyoshi Yoshioki) if I were to return empty-handed? Besides, I have already arranged to meet with Shikibu (Saito Yoshitatsu) through an intermediary, so I cannot back down at the last minute. It is not a great loss to temporarily compromise with the Echizen Asakura family for this reason."
"If you do this... Lord Kubo Sado is taking on far too much of a burden for the sake of peace in the world!" Miyoshi Yoshioki sighed, then added, "I truly don't know how to express my respect. Is there anything the Miyoshi family can do for you?"
Hey, I've been waiting for this line all this time!
"I live in Wakashino and have been ordered to travel in and out of Tango, so I am very concerned about the situation in San'in." Shinzaburo stated his demands frankly: "In the past, the shogunate relied on the Amago clan to stabilize San'in. However, in recent years, with the rapid rise of the Mori clan, the Amago clan seems to be struggling. Therefore, I am determined to restore order in San'in and hope to obtain the relevant authorization."
“San'in…” Miyoshi Yoshioki couldn’t help but marvel. “Ordinary military commanders all hope to obtain fiefdoms close to Kyoto, but you have volunteered to serve in a remote area. That’s rare, very rare indeed.”
"I hope this will be granted." Shinzaburo bowed solemnly.
“Understood.” Miyoshi Yoshioki nodded. “I will submit my application to the shogunate at the appropriate time. No one will compete for such a position, and I’m sure Lord Kōbō will agree.”
242. A giant from Meinong, six feet five inches tall.
Shinzaburo had no idea that his proposal would have such an impact in Kyoto, even causing Ashikaga Yoshiteru to be extra cautious in dealing with the Imagawa family, only approving the succession of the governorships of Suruga and Tōtōmi provinces and the rank of chief minister, while postponing the issuance of the "Gosō Banshū" qualification.
On the other hand, although Oda Nobunaga did not receive the official recognition for conquering the Imagawa clan, he received more attention than in the original historical accounts due to the repeated praise from Tanba Kanekiya. However, now, relying on the prestige of his great victory at Okehazama, he became picky and had little interest in the mere title of Owari governor.
In comparison, the shogunate's attitude will likely gradually lean towards the Imagawa family. However, thanks to Shinzaburo's meddling, the process was delayed for quite some time.
That's one of the advantages of being close to the source.
Even if a distant daimyo possesses the strength of a million koku, it would be difficult for him to interfere in the central government's affairs unless he could march to Kyoto like Ōuchi Yoshioki. However, Shinzaburo's sphere of influence was still close to the Kinai region, and he had a close relationship with the Daitokuji sect of the Rinzai school. Furthermore, he had rendered meritorious service in restoring the tribute of the Yamaguni-sou royal farm, making it easy for him to make his voice heard.
From this perspective, no matter which direction we expand in the future, we must always keep Ōkumi Castle, a stronghold only about 30 kilometers from Kyoto.
The matter of the Tokaido route could only end there. It seemed unrealistic to persuade Oda of Owari and Saito of Mino to turn from enemies to friends, but Shinzaburo still intended to continue the mission, so he set his sights on Asakura of Echizen.
We can't make a wasted trip; we have to get someone on board!
As for the fact that the two sides were mortal enemies just two years ago... does that even count as a big deal in the Warring States period?
Just then, the Echizen Asakura side had a request: they wanted Takeda Yoshitomo, who had originally served as the governor of Wakasa, to return to Wakasa Koseyama Castle with a group of loyal retainers. It was obvious that they had ulterior motives.
During the initial peace negotiations, the other side specifically emphasized that the head of the Takeda clan would be succeeded by Takeda Yoshitaka, which was a foreshadowing of today's events. Although Shinzaburo had obtained the title of deputy governor at that time, he was ultimately inferior to the real governor. Unless there was a complete breakdown in relations, there was really no reason not to let him return.
Although Takeda Yoshitomo is neither talented nor ambitious and is easy to deal with, Echizen Asakura will definitely send some shrewd and capable people to help, so he should not be underestimated.
So... should we completely break off relations?
Of course not!
Shinzaburo readily agreed, stating that his own small interests could be sacrificed to achieve the grand goal of "peace throughout the land." As for Takeda Yoshimune wanting to return to Wakasa, then so be it.
As for whether any unexpected events will occur after returning, that is beyond human prediction and control.
Such consideration for the overall situation and understanding of the bigger picture naturally earned him the appreciation of the Miyoshi family and Ashikaga Yoshiteru. Therefore, when he took the opportunity to propose the "conquest of San'in," he received verbal agreement.
When Echizen Asakura received the good news that Takeda Yoshitaka was allowed to return to Koseyama Castle, he reciprocated by promising to send the Toki clan descendants in their possession to temples in Kyoto and abandoning his plan to support the restoration of the Toki clan in Mino, and recognizing Saito Yoshitatsu, appointed by the shogunate, as the lord of Mino.
With things progressing to this point, Shinzaburo has finally achieved something worth mentioning.
Next, I can go and meet Saito Yoshitatsu in person.
……
The distance from Kyoto to Inabayama Castle in Mino is 100 kilometers. The road conditions are good, the security situation is stable, and it is easy to rent a carriage. Generally speaking, the one-way trip takes no more than three days.
It just has to pass through the control of the Omi Rokkaku family.
However, Shinzaburo was a member of the Miyoshi regime, and the people he was to visit were from the Saito family of Mino. Both were enemies of the Rokkaku family, and their meeting would be to discuss matters detrimental to the Rokkaku family. Entering southern Omi so rashly would likely be unwise.
If they had to leave, they would have to travel light and hide their identities, but how could they do that in accordance with the status and position of the governors of Sado and Wakasa?
Therefore, we must take a detour.
How do we get around it?
Shinzaburo himself first traveled by water to Sakai-cho, boarded a ship belonging to the Ataka family of the Awaji Navy, bypassed Kii Province, entered Ise Bay from the Seto Inland Sea, and landed at the Nagashima Ganshoji Temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect.
Saito Yoshitatsu, on the other hand, left Inabayama Castle and moved to Tetsuji Temple on the southwestern border of Mino, which is also the territory of the Jodo Shinshu sect.
The distance between Changdao Yuanzheng Temple and Zheshi Temple is only ten kilometers.
Although the western side was still inhabited by people from northern Ise Province under the Rokkaku family's umbrella, and the eastern side by merchants from Tsushima who were loyal to the Oda family, they could still maintain their peace thanks to the influence of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist monk.
Six months ago, the Miyoshi family intervened and worked with the imperial court to elevate Ishiyama Honganji to a status equivalent to "Regent Family Temple". It is impossible for the monk Hyunju to forget such a favor so quickly.
Upon hearing that Shinzaburo had arrived, Saito Yoshitatsu set off from Tetsuji Temple and arrived at Nagashima Ganshoji Temple.
The two sides reached an agreement.
This Nagashima Ganshoji Temple is no ordinary temple; it is one of the most important branch temples of the Jodo Shinshu sect. Ishiyama Honganji Temple was upgraded to a "monsetsu" (a high-ranking Buddhist temple) six months ago, and they also enjoy "quasi-monsetsu" status, a case of everyone getting a promotion.
Its temples are magnificent and its monks are numerous, which goes without saying.
Moreover, the Jodo Shinshu sect—also known as the Ikko-shu sect—has a unique approach to its development.
Other sects expand by developing "monzen-cho" or "torii-mae-cho," which means supporting merchants to operate around temples or shrines. Only Jodo Shinshu prefers to develop "terauchi-cho," which means building a huge and sturdy wall to enclose merchants, craftsmen, and cultural figures, forming a "sōkaku."
Therefore, their control over others is much greater than that of other monks.
Take Nagashima Ganshoji Temple as an example. It is located in the prime area where the Kiso River, Ibi River, and Nagara River converge into Ise Bay. It is a place with commerce, agriculture, fishing, and salt production. It has gathered 20,000 to 30,000 people who live together in the delta at the mouth of the bay. It is said to have 100,000 disciples and has built a strong defense with the waterway as a barrier.
Shinzaburo arrived here, wandered around for a bit, and after asking around, discovered that all the workshops, shops, and vendors in the area were under the control of the Jodo Shinshu monks.
The Buddha did not levy taxes, only collecting incense money called "encouragement," and his exploitation was less than that of the surrounding daimyo. At the same time, he could provide emotional value through chanting scriptures and giving lectures, so believers were satisfied with their lives and had a high sense of happiness.
How should this be evaluated?
Shinzaburo's thought was—what's it to me?
Since there are currently no large-scale Pure Land True Religion groups within my territory, I don't need to worry about it for the time being.
The reason why the uprisings spread far and wide and could not be eradicated despite repeated bans is essentially because the feudal landlord class was inhumane. In the current stage of society, there is no way to cure this problem at its root; we can only treat the symptoms as a temporary fix.
So just wallpaper when you need to, and wallpaper as soon as you can.
……
I finally met Saito Yoshitatsu on a gloomy morning.
Shinzaburo arrived at a courtyard built like a school, and across the long corridor, he saw a small mountain with four limbs walking across the way.
After rubbing his eyes, he realized that Xiaoshan was dressed in Wu clothing and wearing a black hat, and had a nose and eyes, so he was definitely a person.
Upon closer inspection, the person opposite him appeared to be significantly taller than himself, probably around 190 centimeters.
It's at least 180.
Compared to those dwarfs around him who are only 140 or 150 centimeters tall, isn't that a small mountain?
Goodness, it's been several years since I transmigrated to the Warring States period, and this is truly the first time I've ever seen a primate with such an abnormally large body shape!
Shinzaburo then remembered that Saito Yoshitatsu had a nickname: "Six-foot-five-inch".
Six feet five inches, which is 197 centimeters. It looks a bit puffy today. But even if you squeeze out the excess, the remaining solids are still quite impressive.
In the past, when Shinzaburo met people like Miyoshi Nagayoshi, Matsunaga Hisahide, and Oda Nobunaga, he couldn't help but observe their aura and shrewdness.
But upon seeing Saito Yoshitatsu today, I had no time to think about anything else; all I could think was—damn, that's amazing!
243 Without morality, one cannot be morally blackmailed.
"I've met Isshiki Shikibu-sama!"
"Greetings, Lord Sasaki Sado!"
The two sides exchanged greetings, and the terms of address they used were quite interesting.
Saito Yoshitatsu's grandfather was merely an underworld figure known as "Nishimura." Through years of service to the Nagai family, the estate magistrates, he gained the status of a member of the clan and was permitted to use the title "Nagai Shinzaemon." This "Nagai Shinzaemon's" son was exceptionally capable. He ingratiated himself with Toki Yoriyoshi, the governor of Mino Province, and inherited the mantle of the deputy governor, Saito. He then usurped the power of the province, becoming Saito Dosan.
In the current generation, they felt that the name Saito was not prestigious enough, so they tried to associate themselves with the prestigious Isshiki family of Muromachi.
Therefore, in Inabayama Castle today, Saito Yoshitatsu and his son are called Isshiki; Yoshitatsu's brothers are all called Saito; and Yoshitatsu's uncles and aunts are called Nagai.
As for why later generations still refer to them as Saito Yoshitatsu and Saito Tatsuoki, it's because the Oda clan, which held sway over public opinion, did not acknowledge their relationship with the Isshiki clan.
Three generations and three surnames symbolize the continuous leaps in social class.
Shinzaburo's pace was much faster. With guidance from Hosokawa Ujitsuna, the shogunate's chief minister, he directly connected with the long-established Sasaki family, getting it done in one step and avoiding the hassle of constantly changing ancestral tablets and genealogies.
In short, they all lead to the same goal by different paths.
The two samurai, both from underground backgrounds, have now gained the recognition of the imperial court and the shogunate, and have been able to become heirs of prestigious families. They are quite evenly matched and a very good pair.
In addition, both sides are tall.
Kubo Yoshiaki, who is only 170 centimeters tall, is just a crane standing among chickens compared to ordinary people; while Saito Yoshitatsu, who is 190 centimeters tall, is like a giraffe standing among chickens, like a genetically mutated monster.