Prime Minister Bizen

Chapter 152 Mikawa Raid ([-]) The Allegiance of the Tsutsui Family

Hideka's trip to Cheongju achieved great results, and the next day, after bidding farewell to the Hideyoshi brothers, they set off for Kyoto.

By the time Xiujia arrived in Kyoto, it was already the night of the 26th. After taking a rest at Kiyomizu Temple, Xiujia called the generals for a military meeting on the second day.

"Father has agreed to my plan to attack Tokugawa, and has added 8000 troops for me. These people will meet me in Songban. Now everyone, please report the specific situation."

The first person to report was Kamei Fusaki, who was responsible for the purchase of grain. "Because it is the beginning of summer, and the summer grain is not harvested, it is the time when grain prices are the highest. I can only buy grain from Harima and Yamato. The price is 1000 shi and 635 kan. I bought 10000 shi, 3500 shi from Harima have been transported to the barracks, and I will ask the Tsutsui family to accept the food from Yamato, and it will be handed over to us on the way.”

Xiujia nodded upon hearing this. This is a good way to deal with it, saving unnecessary food consumption.

"You take the West Sanuki people to set off today, set up military stations along the way, and lay out Yamato's military rations first. This is the marching route I planned." After finishing speaking, Xiujia handed over the road map in his hand to Kamei Said, "Quan Deng, tell me about the situation of the armaments."

"Before our family entered the battle, the main reserve team was relatively adequate and armed, but the gunpowder was not enough. Now, due to the tense war on the front line, the purchase price of gunpowder in Sakai Port has reached 280 guan. A barrel, I asked Nawu for 250 guan Buying 20 barrels at the price of one barrel can only solve the urgent need.”

"Has the price of gunpowder risen so much? How much did the family sell to Nawu?" The Xiu family was shocked by the current high price of gunpowder. Their own cost was only 35 guan a barrel. How could they buy such a high price outside.

"Together, we sold it to Setoya at a price of 60 kanwen, and Setoya sold it to others at a price of 80 to 90 guan. Starting this year, all our gunpowder was purchased by Mingshang at a price of 100 kan. According to Nawu, Now the Nanban merchants sell gunpowder for 300 guan, and the Ming merchants sell it to them for 200 guan.”

"I went to the Owari front line. The consumption of gunpowder on the front line is not so high at all. The current price is so high that it is completely driving up prices." Xiujia couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"I asked my father for enough gunpowder support, plus the gunpowder brought by my family, I think I should be able to handle it." Listening to Akashi Quandeng's report, Xiujia replied, "By the way, did your father reply? ? I went back and forth for 9 days, there should be news from Okayama, right?"

"Yesterday, a ship from Okayama came ashore from Osaka and brought news from my father. He said that the Salt Water Army would only send troops if the price reached 8000 Guanwen."

Xiujia frowned upon hearing this. As the most important naval force in the Seto Inland Sea, the headquarters of the Salt Water Army is located in the middle of Bichu, Bizen, and Sanuki Rinkai controlled by the Xiujia.

As early as 1582, after the change of Honnoji Temple, the Yanbaoshui Army chose to move closer to Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi did not expect that under such circumstances, the Yanbaoshui Army would dare to take advantage of him.

It's just that time waits for no one, the transportation plan of all the ships has been calculated, and the Xiu family can only admit it with a pinch of their noses, "Promise them, and I will send you 3000 Guanwen after the matter is completed."

"They asked to pay the money before attacking." Akashi Quandeng said helplessly.

Xiujia raised his head in surprise when he heard that, and stared at Akashi Quandeng, as if confirming the accuracy of the news, and got his confirmation reply.

Xiujia couldn't help sneering from the corner of his mouth, "Interesting, it's really interesting. Reply to ask Satsuma to ask Haruka Ryo to pay the military money temporarily. After the matter is over, I will go to Mrs. Miyamoto to have a good chat."

Since the reform of the Xiu family's military system, the military gold that the Xiu family brought with them each time they went out into battle was fixed. Generally, it was withdrawn based on the number of troops per 1.5 people, so that it was convenient to purchase supplies nearby and reward soldiers.

Xiujia only brought 1 guanwen out of this battle, and nearly 9000 guanwen were used to purchase food and gunpowder. The 5000 guanwen that Xiujia asked Akashi Quandeng to bring to the salt-saturated water army before were all sent from Okayama again. Knowing that the army full of salt and water has to be overweight after eating dry and wiping clean.

"You should deal with this matter immediately. The ships of the salt water army and the home water army must gather at Songban Port around June 6th."

"Yes, I'm going to arraign right away."

"How's the lieutenant in the army doing?" After asking about the military equipment, Xiujia turned to Gang Lisheng and asked.

"Don't dare to slack off for a moment, and all of them will be arranged in accordance with the war training schedule. Now the sons and daughters are all like wolves and tigers, wanting to kill the enemy and make meritorious deeds." Gang Lisheng replied confidently.

"Well, I saw it on the way into the camp. I was really full of energy. Since the training this afternoon was cancelled, except for the reserve team arranged in front, all other soldiers were allowed to go to Kyoto to buy and rest for half a day, but they had to return before sunset. battalion, and those who violate the order will be executed according to the time of war."

"It will be called at Yinshi tomorrow, and the whole team will set off at Maoshi, marching along the streets of Yamato, and stop at Nara at night."

At this time, there are three roads from Kyoto to Ise, one passes through Omi, Mino, and Owari, and enters Ise. The advantage of this road is that it is a well-equipped road along the way. The depot is replenished.

The disadvantage is that this road is the main road connecting the East and the West, and businesses are carried out along the way.There are countless rogues, and it is absolutely impossible for the Xiu family's army of ten thousand to hide.

The second is to go south from Kyoto to Yamato, follow the Kizugawa River into the deep mountains of Koga and Iga, and then pass through Iga Ueno Castle, cross Kataizaka, cross Kameyama and enter Ise.

This road is the route used by Hidenaga to attack Ise in history. It is somewhat concealed (maybe), and can achieve unexpected effects. The disadvantage is that the deep mountains of Koga and Iga are not so easy to climb, and marching on the road may be difficult.

Coupled with the fact that Iga is the subordinate territory of the Tokugawa ninjas, Hideie is really worried about the imposing border of Iga.

The third road is the main road together with Yamato and Ise. After passing through Nara, continue southward, pass through Uda County, enter Iga Zhangming, and then enter Ise through the Kiriyama Imperial Palace.

Compared with the second road, this road is a bit of a detour. The advantage is that the territory along the way is all friendly troops. Only Zhang Ming is also under the control of the Xiuchang Army. It is the third article.

"Let's talk about the order of each reserve team." After handing over the marching map to the generals, Xiujia took out another military strategy book prepared in advance and said.

"The first battle vanguard Kurashiki Ubi, Akasaka Bei Ukita interpreter Okamoto Ushihide, I entrust you with the task of vanguard, no problem, brother." After reading the first battle, Hideka looked at him solemnly. Ukita Kanye, sitting first on the lower right.

As the daimyo who owns 6 koku of Kurashiki, Ukita's first vassal, the Ukita Kanke unswervingly promised to come down, "Please rest assured, I will never shame Ukita."

Xiu Jia, who received an affirmative reply, nodded and continued.

"Second Brigade Okubi Takashima Masayuki 1500 people

In the third round, there are 1500 people for Mino Bisenhara's victory

In the fourth formation, Qinglong Beiqiu Shangjiu's Zhuquebei Gaoshan Clan has 3000 people

The fifth team is equipped with firearms Endo Shuntong Takeuchi Jiusheng Banner is prepared by Shobayashi Isshin The team directly under the central government has 2300 people

On the sixth team, there are 1500 people on the right side of Zhongshan Guangneng Makoto Ito

On the seventh team, there are 1500 people left by Ryosuke Takahashi

In the eighth formation, there are 3000 people on the left and right of Sanuki, Iemitsu Iemitsu, Nishiki, Nagao Plateau, Riji Kagawa.

above. "

"Have you all understood the order of your formation? Ryosuke, tomorrow your reserve team will march more slowly, and cooperate with the Sanuki people to guard the military supplies. The other reserve teams must follow the requirements on the marching route and arrive at every stop on time. Stop here, have you posted yet?"

"Yes"

Early the next morning, Hideka was woken up by Shimizu Yukiya. After eating a bowl of tea and rice, he dressed neatly and followed the army. In order to ensure concealment, Hideka deliberately chose to march at 5~6 o'clock when the sun rose. .

The march on the first day went very smoothly. At night, the army stopped at Kofukuji in the outskirts of Nara. This was originally the Tsutsui family's Motoyama temple. They passed by the Hide family, and the Tsutsui family naturally had to express themselves.

Hideka originally wanted to refuse the Tsutsui family's banquet on the grounds of time constraints, but a little later, Tsutsui Sadaji personally came from Yamato-gun Mountain Castle to invite Hideka to the dinner.

All the lords and lords of the family have come, so there is no reason for the Xiu family to refuse, they have no choice but to go to the banquet.

Before leaving, Xiujia explained to Ukita, "Whether I come back early tomorrow morning or not, the army must start on time, and it is enough to leave Qinglongbei and Suzakubei to act together with my team." Then he took Oka Lisheng together to dinner.

Yamato Koriyama Castle is 5KM southwest of the ancient capital of Nara. It is not far from Kofukuji Castle, where Hideka stayed, and Koriyama Castle. It only takes ten minutes to ride a horse.

When Xiujia came to Koriyama Castle Honmaru, Xiujia was flattered to see Tsutsui Junqing dragging his sick body to see Xiujia.

"Master Tsutsui, why did you come out in person? I'm really flattered."

"Major General Yu Chai came to Junshan City in person, so I naturally want to come to meet the guests. Besides, my health has improved a lot, and I have prepared some thin wine. Please come in, Your Highness."

Hideka and Tsutsui Junqingqian gave way, and then stepped into the reception room, and chose the first seat on the lower left. Oka Toshikatsu sat next to Hideo, and Zhuang Qingzhi and Shimizu Yuki followed Hideo. .

"Master Tsutsui's complexion has indeed improved a lot, and he will be able to serve Father soon." Hideka said politely to Tsutsui Junqing, who was in the main seat, after taking his seat.

"Hey, it's an old problem. I also hope that one day I will be able to contribute to Quan Da Nayan's killing the enemy."

These banquets and drinks in Japan are very meaningless, especially at such high-end receptions. There will also be samurai dances in the military reception to add to the fun. Today, in order to avoid misunderstandings, Tsutsui Junkei just invited a few geisha from Nara to serve as the Hideka Playing and singing folk songs, anyway, the whole Xiu family was drowsy.

After drinking for three rounds, Tsutsui Junqing ordered people to leave. There were only Xiujia, Oka Toshikatsu and their father and son in the hall. Tsutsui Junqing suddenly said to Xiujia very formally, "Habayashi, I have a request. I hope His Highness agrees."

Hideka looked at the two who had already bowed to him, and hurried forward to help Tsutsui Junqing up, after all, he was a patient.

Sure enough, because of the excitement just now, Tsutsui Junqing's face was a little pale, and beads of sweat dripped from his head.

"How is Master Tsutsui? Do you want to call a doctor?" Hideyoshi asked with concern as he looked at his painful expression.

Tsutsui Junqing waved his hand and said to Hideka, "It's not in the way, it's not in the way, let's get to the point first."

"My body is very clear to me. It has reached the point where there is no cure for medicine and stones. Now the only thing I am worried about is this son. He is too impulsive. I am afraid that he will hate His Highness Yu Chai. I hope His Highness Yu Lin will deal with it more."

Xiujia looked at the "big boy" who was 10 years older than him. He really didn't expect that one day he would be entrusted to take care of someone older than him. It was a bit embarrassing.

Seeing that the Hide family did not reply for a long time, Tsutsui Junqing coughed a few times, grabbed Hide's arm and prayed, "Although the Tsutsui family is not very powerful, it is a famous family in Yamato and has prestige in Kinai. If Your Highness can guarantee that the Tsutsui family will Not bad, the Tsutsui family will definitely repay His Highness when His Highness needs it."

The Xiu family looked at Tsutsui Shunqing and said calmly, "Why is the family not in decline? If one day the Tsutsui family is asked to transfer to another country, will the young monk accept it?"

"Transferred to another country?" Tsutsui Junqing looked at Hideka in surprise and asked.

"My father's base city has been determined to be in Osaka, so Settsu is the territory of the sky. It is impossible to arrange a daimyo with more than ten thousand stones in the mountain castles that intersect with Settsu, Harima, Hanoi, Izumi, and Yamato. The transfer of the Tsutsui family has been completed. Settling down, if the day really comes, will the Tsutsui family be willing to transfer the seal?"

In history, Tsutsui Dingji was stubborn after Hideyoshi issued the order to transfer the seal, and deliberately delayed, which caused Hideyoshi to be furious and wanted to change the Tsutsui family and remove the seal.

In the end, it was his mother who was born in a public family who personally apologized to Michihideyoshi, and in exchange for the transfer of one hundred thousand koku of Iga country. .

In the end, after years of hard work by his mother, the Tsutsui family finally returned to the 20 koku domain in front of Sekigahara.

Xiujia raised this question again at this moment, just to make the Tsutsui family prepare.

Tsutsui Junqing heard Hideka's statement, and after a moment of silence, he asked Hideka, "Where will my family be transferred?"

How did the Xiu family know this question? After thinking for a while, he said to Tsutsui Junqing: "I can't give you an approval letter yet, I just ask your attitude, whether you accept the transfer, and if you accept it, you should first propose the reward you will get. It will definitely be richer than passively accepting the transfer."

"To be honest, my family is here to support the crusade against the Tokugawa family. My father has already transferred the Tsutsui family's military power to me. If the Tsutsui family can make military achievements in this battle, it will not be a problem to be awarded for their meritorious service."

"After defeating the Tokugawa Senate, my lord father must need a trustworthy samurai to guard the Tokugawa side. Does the young monk think that the Tsutsui family is trustworthy?" Hideka picked up a glass of wine, took a sip and said playfully.

"The Tsutsui family is absolutely trustworthy, please rest assured His Highness Habayashi and Gonda Nayan on this point."

"So I know it in my heart. Now that the war is undecided, and I don't know what to do with Tokugawa. Maybe it's Mikawa, maybe Enjiang, maybe Suruga, is Tsutsui the young monk and governor willing to go?"

"Is the transfer so far away? Can't Ise Omi? Even Kii?" Tsutsui Junqing looked at Hideka with longing eyes and asked, but only Hideka shook his head calmly in answer.

As if seeing Hideka's insistence, Tsutsui Junqing could only accept the ending of being transferred to the Tokaido Road, and said, "But fortunately, these are rich lands that have been developed for many years, so how much will Ishi Taka give?"

"I will try my best to fight for the Tsutsui family, but I think it's okay to get an extra 3 to 5 shi."

At this time, the stone height of the Tsutsui family was Yamato 14 koku. If you add the seal of 3 to 5 koku, it will be a daimyo with 18 koku.

Tsutsui Junqing also knows that the army he participated in this battle is only more than 3000 people, which is not enough to obtain the military merits of the heavens. The increase of 3 to 5 shi is already the result of the operation of the Xiu family, so he is very satisfied .

"Even so, I am very satisfied, thank you His Highness Habayashi for your assistance." After finishing speaking, Tsutsui Junqing saluted Hideka again.

"You don't have to thank me for this, I still need your help with some things."

"But it doesn't matter if you say it. Whatever you need from your family, feel free to speak up."

"If you end up in Sanhe, I want you to give me the management of Kamigono City in Gamagori. I want to set up a port there. Of course, this place is still your family's territory in name. You don't have to worry about what you do. "

The fact that the Hide family wants to lease Kami no Sato is to build a port to facilitate Ezo trade. The trade volume that the Seto family is transporting from Ezo is increasing. There is no transfer station for the Nao family to repair and hide. Sooner or later Hideyoshi will know his secret, so Hideyoshi thought of renting Gamagori to build a port.

This place is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and faces the sea on one side. It is an independent small kingdom, which allows the Xiu family to handle the affairs of the territory and the port in a concealed enough way.

Moreover, the current stone height of this territory is only about 2000 stones, which is so insignificant compared to the increase in title obtained by the Tsutsui family, and it can be regarded as a little interest charged by the Hide family.

"Of course, if it's in Yuanjiang or Suruga, I hope we can discuss the location of the port later."

"There is no problem with this matter, is there any more?"

"No, the Tsutsui family's entitlement is what you deserve. Why would I ask you for interest to give you shackles? I just hope that the Tsutsui family can keep pace with the main family in the future, otherwise I will offend my father. It will be troublesome too."

"Please don't worry about this matter. The Tsutsui family will definitely follow His Highness Habayashi's orders in the future. If His Highness doesn't believe it, I can make Fujishiro recognize His Highness as a righteous father and never betray him."

What the hell?Am I going to be recognized as a foster father by an adult ten years older than me?No matter what the Hide family heard about this matter, they felt overwhelmed, and hurriedly stopped them, saying, "No way, brother Kanto Shiro will definitely be able to revive the head of the Tsutsui family in the future. , if Fujishiro doesn't dislike it, we can sworn brothers, you as brother and me as brother, how about it?"

The worthless Tsutsui Junqing who had been belittled by his adoptive father before, now that he heard the Xiu family praise him, he immediately agreed to the Xiu family's sworn brotherhood request. For Tsutsui Junqing, all he wanted was to have a bond with the Xiu family. It makes no difference whether they are father and son or brothers.

So, under the witness of Tsutsui Shunqing, the two became sworn brothers of different surnames in Koriyama Castle, and agreed that the two families would watch over and help each other in the future.

(End of this chapter)