The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 93

This news might not be taken seriously by others, but Shinzaburo immediately grasped its deeper meaning.

The brothers Tomita Seigen and Tomita Kagemasa of Ichijodani in Echizen Province were highly renowned swordsmen, attracting many samurai from afar to become their disciples. Although the Asai family of Omi Province was a vassal of Rokkaku, they were not considered retainers, so it was not unusual for their young lord to freely travel to Echizen to learn martial arts.

However, as a time traveler, it's easy to see that this thirteen-year-old young lord is none other than the future Asai Nagamasa! In the original history, he raised the banner of rebellion against the Rokkaku clan and won many battles. Later, he followed Oda Nobunaga for a time, but broke with Nobunaga due to his relationship with the Asakura clan.

If that's the case, then there's clearly something more to the story about going to Echizen to learn swordsmanship.

If Asai Nagamasa were to rebel against Rokkaku with the support of the Asakura family, it would inevitably affect the north-south trade route on the east bank of Lake Biwa. If the Ōyūkai Road could remain stable at that time, its status as a trade route from Hokuriku to Kyoto would be further enhanced.

Furthermore, Wakasa borders Omi and has a fixed transportation route between them. If Shinzaburo has the resources, he could easily make arrangements in advance and seize the opportunity to get involved.

Of course, the prerequisite is to withstand the pressure exerted on Wakasa by the Asakura family.

There is also positive news in this regard.

Shinzaburo originally only asked Miyoshi Yoshioki for help, wanting to spread some news that was unfavorable to the Asakura family's peace talks with Honganji Temple. However, by sheer accident, it exacerbated the internal divisions within the Echizen Asakura family.

People certainly wouldn't publicize internal strife; only rumors would circulate. It was said that Asakura Kagekage of the Ōno district chieftain's family slandered a colleague, and then Asakura Kagekasa of the Tsuruga district chieftain's family retaliated by hitting him with a club. But the truth of the matter remains unknown.

The only thing that the outside world can be certain of is that Asakura Yoshikage personally took Asakura Kagekage and Asakura Kagekage to Heisenji Temple. Under the witness of the high monks, they agreed to let bygones be bygones and to unite like brothers from now on.

The fact that they need to do this specifically indicates that the conflict between the two sides has become quite serious.

Thus, Shinzaburo saw even greater hope in defeating the Asakura clan.

Unfortunately, it wasn't good news coming from all over the country.

The situation in the capital region is not very favorable.

Miyoshi Nagayoshi previously used a very complex method to control Kawachi Province. Specifically, he supported his brother-in-law, Yusa Shinjiro, who was not yet ten years old, as the deputy governor, elevated the governor Hatakeyama Takamasa to a high position, and won over three powerful military commanders: Yasami Munefusa, Tange Moritomo, and Shizui Morimasa.

In this way, Hanoi was in a state of being a vassal state.

However, in recent years, both Tange Moritomo and Shizui Morimasa have passed away without leaving any heirs. As a result, Yasumi Munefusa has become the dominant family, and his ambitions have grown. He has been actively cultivating relationships with the anti-Mitsuyoshi forces in Kii and Yamato, and his attitude towards Miyoshi Nagayoshi has become increasingly subtle.

The punitive expedition was imminent.

However, given Miyoshi Nagayoshi's usual practice, he would only send troops after finding a pretext for war and completing all the necessary diplomatic work, so it was still in the planning stages.

Shinzaburo could only pray that the preparation time would be longer and the scale of the war would be smaller.

Otherwise, the question becomes how many reinforcements can be obtained to fight the Asakura clan in Wakasa.

Having received a letter from Awaya Katsuhisa, he understood that he had gained the approval of Wakasa's insightful people. If he could resolve the potential threat from the Asakura family militarily, he would have a good chance of naturally taking control of the country.

The question is whether this potential threat can actually be resolved.

175 Settsu reinforcements only care about money.

Contrary to expectations, the situation in the Kinki region ultimately did not align with Shinzaburo's interests.

To a large extent, this stemmed from his recommendation of Araki Murashige to Miyoshi Nagayoshi.

It's truly a case of coincidences.

Previously, in Kawachi Province, the samurai force of Yasami Munefusa had grown in power, and he had joined forces with the anti-Mitsuyoshi forces of Yamato and Kii, and was stirring up trouble. Miyoshi Nagayoshi wanted to subdue him, but he was struggling to find a pretext.

Especially at this crucial juncture of peace negotiations with Ashikaga Yoshiteru, it is not advisable to be too domineering in diplomatic matters.

At this crucial juncture, Araki Murashige infiltrated alone to visit Hatakeyama Takamasa, the governor of Kawachi, and explained to him: "The Miyoshi family lacks a foothold in Kawachi and must rely on your name to establish themselves; Ami Misaku-no-kami (Munefusa) is a local tyrant who may one day commit regicide. Comparing the two, shouldn't you abandon the Ami clan and befriend the Miyoshi family?"

Hatakeyama Takamasa was indeed persuaded and followed Araki Murashige to Akutagawa Castle, requesting Miyoshi Nagayoshi to send troops to attack Yasami Munefusa.

Upon seeing this, Miyoshi Nagayoshi was overjoyed and immediately organized and mobilized the troops to prepare for war.

Unexpectedly, unrest occurred again at the exiled government in Kuchiki-dani.

The legitimate shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru, was determined to return to Kyoto and was even willing to make peace with Miyoshi. However, the former Kanrei, Hosokawa Harumoto, was dissatisfied and joined forces with a group of hawkish retainers of the Ashikaga family to raise an army in the name of the shogunate, intending to coordinate with Kawachi Yasami Munefusa in the north and south for a final stand.

It must be said, Hosokawa Harumoto's network of connections is quite impressive.

Many nearby forces provided him with manpower or material support, and a number of wild warriors and monk soldiers joined him, quickly gathering three to five thousand people.

Let’s not talk about the distant things, let’s talk about the nearby things.

Kubo's in-law, Kawakatsu Tsugumi, out of consideration for their past relationship, sent him 100 kan of cash and 100 koku of rice. Tanba and Wakasa had many small forces, and sent their illegitimate sons and youngest sons with three or five followers to join the battle. Even Takeda Yoshitomo, who was leading the resistance against the army in Higashi-Wakasa for the headship of the clan, sent his third brother to serve in Kuchiki-dani.

This kind of thing, let alone Shinzaburo being unable to stop it, even Miyoshi Nagayoshi could only turn a blind eye.

The saying goes, "The law does not punish the masses." If everyone has done it, you can't just kill everyone.

In fact, Kawakatsu Tsuguji initially considered sending his younger brother with troops, but was persuaded by Shinzaburo to change his mind and only send money and provisions. He was already considered relatively unconstrained by traditional thinking, but he still felt that he had to make some gesture, otherwise he wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

The reason why the Miyoshi family launched their campaign against Ami Munefusa under the banner of Hatakeyama Takamasa, the governor of Kawachi, is similar. In those regions where a unified rule had not yet been achieved, there lived many small, independent clans who were generally influenced by "historical limitations" and valued traditional legal and legitimacy.

Interestingly, Ashikaga Yoshiteru maintained private communication with Miyoshi Nagayoshi, claiming that he had no intention of starting a rebellion, while at the same time not preventing Hosokawa Harumoto from acting in the name of the shogunate.

Shinzaburo personally felt that this alone was enough to prove that negotiating peace with this person was not a good choice, and it would have been better to forcibly support the illegitimate son Ashikaga Yoshihiro as shogun.

Unfortunately, his opinion doesn't count.

In the end, Miyoshi Nagayoshi launched a mobilization at the end of April, intending to conquer Kawachi; while Hosokawa Harumoto gathered his troops in early May and launched a counterattack on Kyoto from Kuchiki Valley.

The Miyoshi family was forced to fight on two fronts.

There were rumors that the Kono clan of Iyo, the Akamatsu clan of Harima in Sanyo, and the famous clans of Tajima in San'in all participated in the war at the same time. Some even said that the Mori clan of Aki had been entrusted with the hope of driving out the Miyoshi after the Battle of Itsukushima. However, in the end, only Tango Isshiki and Tanba Hatano actually raised an army, which was what Matsunaga Nagayori had to deal with.

In the Hokuriku region, the Asakura clan amassed a large force in Tsuruga County in mid-May, claiming they would help Takeda Yoshitomo regain his position as head of the clan.

At this turbulent time, the Miyoshi family sent 2,500 men from Settsu Province, led by Ikeda, to Wakasa to provide assistance.

……

"Thank you all, my lords. Seeing the capable and skilled soldiers of Settsu, I can rest easy now."

When they met at Nadasho Castle, Shinzaburo said this.

But he wasn't at all at ease.

Admittedly, with 2,500 reinforcements, the numerical disadvantage was not significant, and they were fully capable of fighting.

The problem is, without a top figure from the Miyoshi family in charge, how much fighting spirit will these Settsu people have?

The Ikeda family might offer some assistance out of consideration for their marriage ties, but it's hard to say what they'll do otherwise.

This inevitably brings to mind the Battle of Mikatagahara in history, where Oda Nobunaga also sent 3,000 troops from Owari to Tokugawa Ieyasu, but failed to appoint a capable leader from a prominent clan. As a result, apart from an honest man named Hirate Hirohide who fought to the death against the Takeda clan, the other forces fled before even engaging in battle.

Moreover, this kind of thing is perfectly justifiable when spoken of. Why fight to the death over land that isn't mine? Shooting three shots into the air is doing right by our allies.

To avoid future troubles, Shinzaburo had no choice but to lower his stance and welcome the reinforcements, testing everyone's mindset one by one.

As expected, Nagamasa Ikeda and his son Katsumasa Ikeda were the most friendly, saying, "We're all on the same side, no need to be so polite."

Then, An'i Mikawa no Katsumune, the head of the An'i family, smiled slightly and said proudly, "I have heard that the Tsuruga corps of the Echizen Asakura family is renowned and unparalleled in the Hokuriku region. It just so happens that our Settsu army has been fighting in all directions in the Kinai region and has also gained some martial fame. This is a good opportunity to settle the score."

Then, Irie Suruga no Kami Motohide, the head of the Irie family, was less boastful and spoke very practically: "Wakasa is where our young lord made a name for himself last year. If it is taken over by the Asakura family so quickly, wouldn't the entire Miyoshi family lose face? As the saying goes, 'When the lord is worried, the subject is disgraced.' We can't just stand by and watch that happen."

There was also the head of the Valin family, Valin, who kept flattering Masamune Yukitsuna with a smile: "I have often heard about Kubo Genban's deeds in recent years and have been looking forward to the opportunity to fight alongside him. It is a great honor to be able to observe and learn from him now."

Regardless of whether what the generals said was true or not, they still gave them face on the surface.

Only the head of the Miyake family, Miyake Izuwa Morikunimura, said in a detached tone: "Please rest assured, Lord Kubo Genban, although some retainers may complain about fighting far from home and not receiving land rewards, I will do my best to urge them to do their best."

When these words were spoken, everyone was shocked.

He was clearly using the name of his retainers to vent his own grievances.

Katsumasa Ikeda, as the brother-in-law, immediately got angry and stood up, about to start cursing, but was stopped by Shinzaburo.

Shinzaburo wasn't angry at all; on the contrary, he was quite happy.

It's better to vent now than to openly declare your intentions and then desert your post.

In the chaotic Warring States period, a time of deceit and intrigue, those who speak frankly about seeking profit are not necessarily bad people.

It was May, and samurai who made their living from agriculture and real estate generally didn't have much spare cash. But Shinzaburo currently had considerable business income and had just sold a large plot of land to Imai Munehisa, so he was quite well-off.

Furthermore, it would be reasonable to use the tax revenue from Kohama Bay to pay for the expenses incurred in protecting Wakasa.

If the problem can be solved with money, then it's fine.

There were five families from Settsu Province, varying in size but generally at the same level. Shinzaburo immediately ordered 250 kan of silver to be brought out, first offering each guest 50 kan as a greeting gift. He then spoke with great enthusiasm: “As everyone knows, you are all heroes of Settsu, who will always uphold the code of the samurai and fight bravely against the enemy. But I have received your kindness, and if I do not repay it, would I be heartless and ungrateful? For the sake of the Kubo family's reputation, please accept these humble gifts. Furthermore, any Settsu samurai who performs meritorious service in battle will be richly rewarded!”

Without hesitation, Miyake Izuwa Morikunimura stuffed the fifty kan of silver into his pocket, a smile finally appearing on his face as he said cheerfully, "Since Lord Kubo Genban has said so, how could I possibly refuse?"

The others then said things like "it would be impolite to refuse," "I am ashamed," and "I am apprehensive," and accepted the gifts.

At this point, Shinzaburo began to think that Miyake Izuwa Morikunimura probably had some real skills. Otherwise, with that kind of personality, how could he have survived in the Miyoshi family?

On the contrary, those who say nice things are not necessarily so credible.

Next, Shinzaburo led these reinforcements to Koseyama Castle and attended a banquet with the Wakasa samurai.

The process was not very pleasant.

Takeda Nobutoyo may have fallen into path dependency and wanted to express goodwill by teaching literature, but the Settsu samurai did not show the same extreme respect for their teacher as Shinzaburo had before.

Nasa Yamato, the pirate who was recruited, was subtly looked down upon.

Fortunately, Itsuki Masakatsu was good at handling situations and loved making friends, so he worked hard to maintain the atmosphere.

Right there at the banquet, news arrived that the army of Echizen Asakura had left Tsuruga and marched into Wakasa.

176. The strategy of sowing discord: an old but effective tactic.

During the Warring States period, the concept of "ninja" was not yet fully developed. If a daimyo wanted to conduct reconnaissance, he would either inquire from monks, priests, merchants, or theater troupes, send his samurai to play the role, or temporarily hire some mountain thieves, bandits, or peddlers.

Shinzaburo is now consciously recruiting petty thieves and scoundrels as retainers to build a professional intelligence team, which is quite ahead of its time.

Upon learning that the Asakura clan had entered the fray, he immediately inquired, "How many enemy troops have entered Wakasa? Who is their commander-in-chief?"

Ishikawa Mayuki, who joined the Kubo family two years ago, has now become a group leader, managing four or five subordinates and is already very familiar with the work process. But when faced with this most basic question, he looked embarrassed and answered cautiously: "It is estimated that the Asakura family has mobilized about 12,000 to 13,000 people, and more than 200 ships have left Tsuruga. However, the candidate for the commander-in-chief has not yet been determined."

Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo was quite puzzled and asked in surprise, "Knowing the name of the enemy's commander-in-chief should be much easier than calculating the number of people, right? How come we couldn't find out?"

Ishikawa Masayuki said with great embarrassment, "The three of them, Asakura Uemon-no-daifu, the magistrate of Ōno District, Asakura Saemon-no-juni, and Asakura Ue-no-juni, the magistrate of Tsuruga District, went into battle together, and I did not see any difference in the height of their banners. I really do not know who the commander-in-chief is."

Shinzaburo pondered for a moment without saying anything, then ordered another search.

Meanwhile, in response to the enemy's departing navy, all warships along the coast of the Wakasa region were ordered to converge under the banner of Nasa Yamato-suke for naval defense, preventing attacks from the rear. The total number of our own navy is estimated to be less than two hundred, but the difference shouldn't be too great; while we might not be able to defeat the Asakura navy, maintaining a stalemate should at least be feasible.

……

With the support of the resistance forces in eastern Wakasa, the Asakura clan's army made a brief stop at the shore of Lake Mikata, about 20 kilometers in a straight line from Koseyama Castle. However, this route could not be traversed in a straight line; it required detouring through the northern coast or the southern valley, so the actual distance was approximately 40 kilometers.

Instead of immediately resorting to force, they sent a monk with a letter declaring that their arrival was solely to uphold justice and support the legitimate headship of the Wakasa Takeda clan.

The text further explains that although Takeda Yoshitomo exiled his father, there were reasons for it, and he gained the approval of all his retainers, so this action cannot be considered rebellious. On the contrary, Takeda Nobutoyo repeatedly acted foolishly during his reign, incurring the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people, and he even made the absurd statement about deposing the eldest son and establishing the younger one. It was only right for him to give up the position of head of the family.

Shinzaburo wasn't particularly interested in these high-sounding words. You can't win a war by debating classics. His only impression was that although the Echizen Asakura family had once been low-ranking officials, they now truly acted like a prestigious clan, insisting on a just cause and using diplomacy before resorting to force.

However, the letter was indeed signed by three people, making it seem impossible to tell who the commander-in-chief was.

These are the names of Asakura Uemon Daibu Kagekage, Asakura Saemon Jōke Kagehisa, and Asakura Uebei Jōke Kagetaka.

Or rather, are the three of them jointly serving as the overall commander?

That's quite rare.

Having gathered intelligence over the previous two months, Shinzaburo already knew the names of the three men.

Asakura Kagekage, the magistrate of Ōno District, is currently the second-in-command of the Echizen Asakura family in all aspects of domestic and foreign affairs. He is considered a shrewd and capable official, although he has not been known to have any achievements on the battlefield. Asakura Kagekazu, the magistrate of Tsuruga District, is quite famous for his martial prowess as the successor of the Hokuriku Army God Asakura Sōteki. He has achieved many successes in the past campaigns against the Kaga Rebellion, but he is arrogant and easily angered, and has poor relations with other members of his clan.

These two men came from the two most important branches of the Echizen Asakura family and had been secretly vying for power for a long time. Recently, the conflict escalated to a great extent, with one man allegedly slandering and the other secretly attacking the other. Asakura Yoshikage had to personally intervene and persuade them to swear an oath to abandon their past grievances and remain united before the matter was finally resolved.

It is quite surprising that two people with deep-seated conflicts are being sent to the battlefield together so quickly.

Did Asakura Yoshikage really believe that swearing an oath in a temple or shrine could truly turn enemies into friends and create a harmonious relationship? Or is it that the current situation in Echizen Asakura is truly inseparable from any one of these individuals?

As for the other chief of the Asaba district, Asakura Kagetaka, his presence was somewhat less noticeable. He was already fifty years old, an older, senior, and well-liked man with a close relationship with the head of the clan. He had participated in many important tasks in the past, mostly in deputy positions, and had not made many contributions over the long term, mainly relying on hard work. Sending him on the field was clearly for coordination.

But this makes the order of command among the generals even more unclear. When the three disagree, who makes the final decision? They can't very well fight each other, can they?

So the question arises: why doesn't Asakura Yoshikage, as the head of the clan, personally lead the troops into battle? Logically, only he is currently capable of suppressing internal disputes and ensuring the implementation of military orders.

This is actually not easy to explain; the answer is simply tradition.

Tracing back four generations, Asakura Takakage, the restorer of the Asakura family, actually carved out his territory through military force during the Ōnin War. However, after his descendants acquired Echizen Province, they promoted civil administration and advocated for recuperation and development. In the eighty years since then, there has only been one recorded instance of the head of the family leading troops, which was in the fourth year of Meiō (1495). Apart from this, every expedition during this period was led by a member of the family, which has become an unshakable political tradition.

However, for the past few decades, Asakura Sōteki, known as the "God of the Northern Army," had held the position of "Military Commissioner," commanding battles in place of the clan head. His abilities, status, seniority, and prestige were largely undisputed. Now that Sōteki is dead, finding someone who can command respect will not be easy.

With Asakura Kagekage, Asakura Kagehiko, and Asakura Kagetaka joining forces, will they be able to coordinate well?

As a time traveler, Shinzaburo's understanding of the internal strife within the Asakura family is likely deeper than that of the Asakura family members themselves.

The news of the destruction of Jodo Shinshu temples was intended to disrupt the peace talks between Asakura and Honganji, but it unexpectedly had a positive effect.

Now that the letter has been delivered to my door, how could I let such a golden opportunity slip by?