Emperor Ming's grandson

Chapter 302: Takatori Castle

Ano Kotowa and the angel Jian Yi set out on the journey back to Yoshino. With their departure, the negotiations between the Ming Dynasty and the Southern Dynasty of Japan officially began.

In the Yoshino Palace, Emperor Go-Kameyama was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Ming envoy.

Upon learning that the Ming Dynasty was willing to send envoys for detailed negotiations, a glimmer of hope actually ignited in his heart. The important officials of the Southern Dynasty also gathered in front of the emperor, preparing for the upcoming negotiations.

A few days later, the Ming envoys arrived in Yoshino and were warmly received by the emperor and his ministers of the Southern Dynasty.

After the solemn welcoming ceremony, the two sides began formal negotiations.

As an angel, Jian Yi first explained the attitude of the Ming Dynasty: "His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty is well aware of the plight of the King of Japan and is willing to lend a helping hand, but the assistance is not free and requires corresponding conditions and rewards."

Emperor Go-Kameyama exchanged complicated glances with important ministers such as Anno Saneki and Rokujo Tokihiro. They understood that although the assistance from the Ming Dynasty was important, they could not accept all conditions without principles.

As a representative, Ano Minoru carefully put forward the Southern Dynasty's position: "Our Dynasty is grateful for the generous help of the Ming Dynasty, but the specific conditions need to be discussed in detail. I wonder what specific requirements the Ming Dynasty has?"

The Ming envoy smiled slightly, took out a document from his sleeve, and slowly unfolded it: "My Ming Dynasty has made the following demands: First, your dynasty must recognize the Ming Dynasty's sovereignty and pay tribute to specific materials every year; second, you must open some ports for Ming Dynasty merchant ships to trade; third, if the Ming Dynasty sends troops to assist, the Southern Dynasty must provide military funds and logistical support, including ships, supplies, and guides familiar with the terrain; fourth, your dynasty must promise that if the separatist situation cannot be completely resolved, the above interests of the Ming Dynasty will not be harmed during the negotiations with the shogunate after the war."

After hearing these conditions, the rulers and ministers of the Southern Dynasty looked at each other in bewilderment. These conditions were undoubtedly some kind of restriction on the sovereignty of the Southern Dynasty, but considering the current urgent situation, they had no choice.

However, we should still fight for what we can.

Aye Shiwei was the first to speak: "The Emperor of the Ming Dynasty has generously helped us. However, regarding the recognition of sovereignty and annual tribute, our dynasty is willing to recognize and pay tribute, but our national strength is limited and we may not be able to bear too much. I hope that the Ming Dynasty can understand our difficulties and make some concessions."

Rokujo Tokihiro followed closely, adding sharply: "Furthermore, opening the port to Ming merchant ships for trade can promote economic exchanges between the two countries, but we must also consider the livelihood and safety of our people. If Ming merchant ships frequently travel, it may have an impact on our people's livelihood. If there are pirates again, should the Ming fleet be stationed here permanently? Therefore, the specific terms of opening the port must be detailed and thorough."

After hearing this, Jian Yi remained calm and responded: "The Ming Dynasty is well aware of your concerns, so the conditions proposed are based on the long-term interests of both parties."

"The issue of suzerainty and tribute is the cornerstone of establishing friendly relations between the two countries. It is not to restrict the Southern Dynasty, but to jointly maintain regional peace and stability. As for the opening of the port, the Ming Dynasty will send special officials to assist in management to ensure trade order and safety."

"The conditions proposed by the Ming Dynasty are all based on the long-term interests of the two countries. If your dynasty wants to get help, it must pay something. If you insist on your own opinion, you may not be able to escape the fate of destruction."

Rokujo Tokihiro immediately took over the conversation, saying fiercely: "The Ming Dynasty is wrong! Although our dynasty is in adversity, we still have our backbone. If the Ming Dynasty is sincere in helping us, it should respect our wishes and discuss a mutually beneficial and win-win strategy."

Jian Yi responded sharply: "Mutual benefit and win-win? If your dynasty is unwilling to cooperate, how can there be a win-win situation? The Ming Dynasty's assistance is not free. Your dynasty needs to recognize the situation and not let the momentary impulse miss the national affairs."

Obviously, these things are not up for discussion, and Jian Yi's attitude is very firm.

Even before he knew what the other party would say, Jian Yi had already thought of his response on the way.

Afterwards, the negotiations entered a stalemate, and the two sides repeatedly negotiated on the specific details. Ano Minoru argued with important Southern Dynasty officials such as Rokujo Tokihiro and constantly put forward suggestions for revisions, striving to win the support of the Ming Dynasty while safeguarding the interests of the Southern Dynasty.

For example, the Southern Dynasty was willing to provide military and logistical support within a reasonable range, but only without affecting its own defense capabilities.

At the same time, the Southern Dynasty promised that there would be no problem with post-war negotiations with the Northern Dynasty, emphasizing that the interests of the Ming Dynasty should not override the sovereignty of the Southern Dynasty.

Although the Southern Dynasty was unwilling to accept this, facing the strong pressure from the Ming Dynasty and the urgent war situation, they had to begin to weigh the pros and cons and struggle internally.

Finally, after a fierce ideological struggle, the rulers and ministers of the Southern Dynasty realized that continuing the stalemate would only make the situation worse.

After consulting Emperor Go-Kameyama, Ano Sane took a deep breath and spoke slowly: "What the Ming envoy said makes sense. Our dynasty is indeed at the critical moment of life and death. For the sake of the country and the people, we are willing to make compromises, but please keep your promise and help us overcome the difficulties with all your strength."

Jian Yi's expression eased a little when he heard this, and he nodded in agreement: "The Ming Dynasty will fulfill its promise and lend a helping hand to the Southern Dynasty. I hope that your ruler and his ministers will also keep their word and jointly resist the foreign enemies."

With these words, the negotiations, which had been full of heated arguments and uncompromising attitude, finally came to an end.

Although both sides insisted on their own views and refused to give in to each other, the Southern Dynasty finally chose to compromise under the heavy pressure of the reality that the Muromachi shogunate army had already reached the outskirts of Yoshino.

When Jian Yi returned to the Ming Dynasty with the reply from the Southern Dynasty of Japan, the entire court was excited.

After listening to Jian Yi's detailed report in Wuying Hall, Zhu Biao nodded with satisfaction and said: "Since the Southern Dynasty has agreed to the conditions, our Dynasty should go all out to help them."

Immediately, Zhu Biao ordered the Five Military Commanderies and the Ministry of War to immediately prepare for all matters related to cross-sea operations.

At the same time, he also ordered to strengthen the defense of Peking and Liaodong to prevent any unexpected events.

As war preparations progressed intensively, the Ming fleet began to gather in Jeju Island and Busan Port. The warships were generally equipped with new firearms, and the soldiers were in high spirits and ready to go.

Duke Cao Li Wenzhong was also officially appointed as the commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force, responsible for commanding the upcoming cross-sea operations.

In Yoshino, the rulers and ministers of the Southern Dynasty were also making final preparations. In accordance with the agreement reached with the Ming Dynasty, they opened some ports and prepared ships and supplies. At the same time, they also strengthened ties with the Ming Dynasty to ensure close cooperation between the two sides during wartime.

As the Ming fleet appears on the sea surface covered with war clouds, a cross-sea battle that will determine the fate of Japan is about to begin.

Soon, the Muromachi shogunate also noticed the various abnormal phenomena.

In the Hana no Gosho in Kyoto, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu summoned Hatakeyama Motokuni, Isshiki Mitsunori, and his son Ashikaga Yoshimochi, who did not go to the front line, to discuss countermeasures.

Inside the room, the flickering candlelight illuminated Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's worried face.

He sat upright in the main seat, his eyes sweeping over Hatakeyama Motokuni, Isshiki Mitsunori, and his son Ashikaga Yoshimochi who were present. Everyone's expression revealed their concerns about the Ming Dynasty's involvement in the affairs of the Southern Dynasty.

This incident had a huge impact on the Muromachi shogunate!
"The Ming fleet has assembled. Obviously, they are ready to intervene in our war with the Southern Dynasty." Ashikaga Yoshimitsu spoke in a deep voice, breaking the silence in the room. "We must discuss countermeasures as soon as possible. The unification of Japan is just around the corner. We cannot let the efforts of three generations of shoguns fail. The situation has been in chaos for decades."

Upon hearing this, Hatakeyama Motokuni frowned and spoke first: "This move by the Ming Dynasty is undoubtedly a provocation to us. They are thousands of miles away, yet they dare to interfere in our internal affairs. We must give them a severe response! We should gather all the troops that can fight and fight them head-on to let them know that Japan is not a place they can meddle in at will!"

Isshiki Manfan shook his head and said calmly, "Master Jiguo is wrong. The Ming Dynasty is strong and our shogunate cannot easily contend with it. Blindly fighting will only increase casualties and consume national strength. We should win by wisdom, not force."

Ashikaga Yoshimochi took over the conversation, his eyes flashing with thought: "Father, I think we should seek a diplomatic solution while maintaining military pressure. Perhaps we can consider negotiating with the Ming Dynasty to find a solution acceptable to both sides."

Hatakeyama Motokuni said angrily: "Negotiate? The Ming Dynasty has clearly stated that it will assist the Southern Dynasty. What can we use to negotiate? Do you want us to give up the results of many years of war?"

Isshiki Manfan pondered for a moment and said slowly: "We may be able to start from other aspects, for example, propose some exchange conditions to reduce the direct aid of the Ming Dynasty to the Southern Dynasty."

"Humph." Hatakeyama Motokuni sneered: "Our hope can only be placed on ourselves. I suggest that we immediately mobilize all the elite troops to launch a general attack on Yoshino. We must completely eliminate the remaining forces of the Southern Dynasty before the Ming fleet arrives!"

The room fell silent again, everyone held their own opinions, and the atmosphere became increasingly tense.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was also well aware that the decision made now would likely affect the future of the shogunate, and he had to weigh the decisions carefully.

"What about the 'Yuankou Fortresses' built along the coasts of Kyushu and Honshu?"

"It has been built and the entire coast is defended, but we are afraid that the Ming fleet will land from the coastline controlled by the Southern Dynasty."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu nodded and finally adopted Hatakeyama Motokuni's plan.

"Tell the frontline's Yoshimasa Sasaki, Mitsuru Hosokawa, and Yoshinori Akamatsu to intensify the attack on Yoshino. If they fail to capture it within ten days, have them commit seppuku to apologize!"

Hearing this, everyone in the room had different expressions.

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Hatakeyama Motokuni's eyes. He knew very well that this was a gamble, but the temptation of victory made him willing to take the risk: "General, you are wise! I will immediately send a message to the front line, telling them to do whatever it takes to capture Yoshino within ten days!"

Although Isshiki Mitsunori had some reservations in his heart, he could only nod his head to show his obedience to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's decision: "Since the general has made the decision, we will fully support it. However, Lord Motokuni, while attacking Yoshino, we must also strengthen the defense of our homeland to prevent a surprise attack by the Ming fleet."

Ashikaga Yoshimochi took over the topic and added, "Yes, father. We can mobilize the garrison forces of Kyushu and Shikoku, strengthen the patrols and vigilance of the various 'Yuan invaders' fortresses in the coastal areas, and at the same time, send spies to infiltrate the Southern Dynasty to collect intelligence on the movements of the Ming fleet."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu nodded slightly, expressing his appreciation for his son's suggestion: "Yoshimochi is right. Intelligence is of vital importance. In addition, we need to prepare a group of envoys. If the war goes badly, they will immediately set off for Ming Dynasty and try to ease the tension through diplomatic means."

After the meeting, the order was quickly passed to the front line.

After receiving the order, the three generals, Sasaki Yoshimasa, Hosokawa Mitsurumoto, and Akamatsu Yoshinori, all felt great pressure, but they also knew that this was the best opportunity for them to achieve great achievements and go down in history.

In Takatori Castle outside Yoshino, the confrontation between the two sides has become increasingly tense.

Takatori Castle, also known as "Hibiscus Castle", is located in the mountains between the Nara Basin and the Yoshino area. The height difference is rare among Japanese mountain castles, with a height difference of nearly 600 meters. In terms of height difference, it is the largest in Japan.

This fortified castle was built in the second year of Genkō during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period, about sixty years ago. It was built by the powerful Ochi clan of the Southern Dynasty. As the Southern Dynasty's vanguard base in Yoshino Mountain, it had very important military significance.

The Ochi clan was originally subordinate to Kofuku-ji of the Fujiwara clan. They took advantage of the turmoil of the Northern and Southern Dynasties to extend their power to the southern Yamato area. After they occupied the central area of ​​Takatori Town, the leader of the Ochi clan at that time, Ochi Kunisumi, built a castle on Takatori Kaibuki Mountain, which later became Takatori Castle. It is now completely controlled by the Southern Court.

Takatori Castle is centered on the Honmaru and surrounded by the Ninomaru, Sannomaru and a large area of ​​castle walls. These castle walls are connected to natural fortifications such as the Yoshinoguchi and Tsubosakaguchi. Since its construction, the castle has been famous for its dangerous terrain and solid defensive capabilities.

Let's put it this way, Takatori Castle is to Yoshino what Juyongguan Pass is to Peking. Without Takatori Castle, there would be basically nothing to defend, because Takatori Castle is not a single castle, but the most important link in the overall defense system. The natural barriers on both sides, such as Yoshinoguchi and Tsubosakaguchi, are blocked. If you want to attack, you can only go through Takatori Castle. If you are determined to attack Yoshinoguchi and Tsubosakaguchi, which are almost cliffs, Takatori Castle can calmly send troops to support.

Yoshimasa Sasaki looked up at the defense line of the Southern Dynasty army, with a cold light flashing in his eyes.

He knew very well that the upcoming offensive would be extremely brutal, but he was determined to complete the mission at all costs.

"Pass the order, all troops prepare for battle! Tomorrow morning, we will launch a general offensive, and we must capture Yoshino within ten days! If we fail to capture Yoshino within ten days, all of us will commit seppuku to apologize!"

Yoshimasa Sasaki's voice echoed through the valley, inspiring the demoralized soldiers.

At the same time, the Southern Dynasty army was also making intensive preparations for defense.

Kitabatake Manmasa stood in Takatori Castle, looking at the busy soldiers outside. He knew in his heart that it would be difficult for the Southern Dynasty to withstand the all-out attack of the Muromachi shogunate army with its current strength. But he also understood that anyone could give up, but he couldn't. He was the only general of the Southern Dynasty on Kyushu Island who could fight against the shogunate. For the future of the Southern Dynasty, he must fight to the end.

"Order all troops to strengthen their defenses and prepare for the attack by the shogunate army."

The day of the decisive battle finally arrived. As soon as the sky turned pale, the shogunate army's camp was already a busy scene.

The smoke from cooking rose up and mixed with the morning mist, adding a bit of haziness to the upcoming bloody battle.

The foot soldiers sat around the fire, holding rice balls in their rough hands and swallowing their simple breakfast with steaming kelp soup.

The samurai appeared more solemn. They wore armor decorated with red lacquer, held sharp samurai swords, gathered under their respective flags, and accepted the mobilization of their generals.

Yoshimasa Sasaki stood on the podium, his voice loud and firm: "Gentlemen, today is the moment when we decide the fate of Japan!"

"Takatori Castle is right before our eyes. The fall of the Southern Dynasty is just around the corner!"

"Remember, we are not here to conquer, but to unify!"

"To end these decades of war and bring peace back to the people!" "Today's battle will undoubtedly win!"

"Today's battle will definitely win!"

The samurai below shouted together. They all knew that Takatori Castle was the last obstacle blocking the march south to Yoshino.

As the mobilization was completed, the shogunate army began to march out of the camp and form a battle line.

The foot soldiers quickly packed their equipment and followed their respective team leaders, marching in orderly steps towards Takatori Castle.

The warriors followed on horseback, their figures casting long shadows in the sunlight, like an unstoppable iron stream.

The Southern Dynasty army was on full alert in Takatori Castle. Kitabatake Manya personally stood on the city wall, looking at the shogunate army gradually approaching in the distance, his heart filled with determination.

He knew very well that if there was no external intervention, this battle would be a turning point in the fate of the Southern Dynasty.

Victory means life, defeat means death!
He took a deep breath, turned around and said to the soldiers beside him: "Everyone, Gaoqu City is our last line of defense and the throat of our dynasty! Today, let us defend this land and our beliefs with our blood and lives! Regardless of life or death!"

As the shogunate army approached, the air was filled with a strong smell of gunpowder and tension.

The foot soldiers, whose lives were cheap, began to build ladders, preparing to attack the steep Takatori Castle from above.

The Southern Dynasty army was not to be outdone. They used the arrow towers and catapults on the city walls to launch a fierce counterattack against the attacking shogunate army.

Arrows poured down like raindrops, and the Shogunate army's foot soldiers fell one after another, but more people continued to move forward, stepping on the corpses of their companions.

"boom!"

The stones thrown by the catapults smashed into the shogunate army's formation with a sharp whistling sound, instantly knocking down several foot soldiers and leaving them in a bloody mess.

As time went on, the battle became more intense, and the shogunate army, relying on its numerical advantage, gradually approached the city gate.

However, at this critical moment, the Southern Dynasty army's musket team suddenly showed their power, and rows of lead bullets whizzed out, knocking down dozens of shogunate soldiers in an instant. This sudden blow caused the shogunate army's offensive to stagnate.

Seeing this, Yoshimasa Sasaki was furious. He rushed forward wielding a samurai sword and tried to boost morale.

However, just as he was about to rein in his horse, a stone bullet suddenly flew from the top of the city wall, and the broken stone hit him in the chest. General Sasaki staggered a few steps and fell off his horse.

The shogunate army suddenly fell into chaos.

Kitabatake Manmasa stood on the top of the city wall and looked at the gradually collapsing shogunate army line. He knew that this was God's care, and it also bought the Southern Dynasty a precious breathing space.

However, the battle did not end there.

Although the shogunate army was temporarily in chaos, it soon began to recover. The officers quickly filled the command gaps. Akamatsu Yoshinori and Hosokawa Mitsurumoto shouted loudly, encouraging the soldiers to regroup and continue to attack Takatori Castle.

"Don't give up! For the general's will and for our glory, charge!" Yoshinori Akamatsu's voice pierced through the noise of the battlefield and inspired the surrounding soldiers.

They gritted their teeth and raised their weapons again. Despite heavy casualties in the siege, the shogunate army's offensive did not weaken.

On the Southern Dynasty army side, although Kitabatake Manmasa was happy in his heart, he also knew that the battle was far from over.

He quickly adjusted his deployment, ordering the musket team to continue suppressing the enemy with firepower, while at the same time mobilizing elite samurai to prepare for a counterattack, taking advantage of the low morale of the shogunate army to deliver a fatal blow.

"Keep calm, aim and shoot!" shouted Takekawa Juichi, who had retreated from Fuxing Temple earlier.

Takekawa Juichi's voice was firm, giving the soldiers great confidence.

The musketeers fired according to orders, and every bullet seemed to carry the wrath of revenge, and soldiers of the shogunate army fell one after another.

As the battle to climb the city began, the samurai of the Southern Dynasty were like tigers descending from the mountains. They used the cover of the city walls to flexibly shuttle between battlefields and launched surprise attacks on the shogunate troops climbing the city walls. Their naginatas gleamed coldly in the sun, and every swing was accompanied by the enemy's wailing. The Southern Dynasty samurai defeated the enemy with fewer troops and demonstrated amazing combat effectiveness.

On the side of the shogunate army, a samurai wearing black armor and holding a huge naginata looked like a god of war. His name was Kuroda Takeo, and he was a fierce general under Sasaki Yoshimasa. Seeing that his commander was not sure whether he was alive or dead, he was filled with rage.

He led the charge and rushed towards the ladder. The arrows from the Southern Dynasty army rained down like raindrops, but it seemed unable to stop him.

Kuroda Takeo climbed to the top of the city wall, wielding his naginata. Every swing was powerful and not only split the shields and spears that blocked his progress, but also carved a bloody path through the enemy. His bravery inspired the foot soldiers behind him, and they followed in Kuroda Takeo's footsteps, approaching the top of Takatori Castle step by step.

However, the Southern Dynasty's army was no ordinary force.

On the city wall, a young samurai named Fujiwara no Nobunaga was holding a spear that gleamed with cold light. He was originally a warrior under the Ochi clan, but he defected to the Southern Dynasty due to the decline of his family.

At this moment, he stood behind the battlements, staring at the brave warriors of the Shogunate army who were climbing up the city wall with his eyes as sharp as torches.

When Kuroda Takeo was about to leave the battlement and everyone was temporarily avoiding his attack, Fujiwara Nobunaga suddenly jumped out, and his spear was like a dragon, piercing Kuroda Takeo's vitals.

Kuroda Takeo reacted quickly, turning his naginata and colliding with the spear, making a deafening sound of metal clashing. The two men fought back and forth, and the fight was difficult to determine.

On the city wall, the Southern Dynasty soldiers and the Shogunate army's foot soldiers also engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Amid the flashing swords and shadows, life seemed as fragile as grass.

As time went on, casualties on both sides increased dramatically.

Although the Southern Dynasty army was outnumbered, they relied on the rugged terrain and firm will to tenaciously resist the attack of the shogunate army.

The shogunate army, relying on its numerical advantage and the bravery of some elite samurai, gradually tore several gaps in the city wall, and the two sides fell into a tug-of-war.

At the same time, the commanders of the shogunate army, Akamatsu Yoshinori and Hosokawa Mitsuru, also realized the plight of the Southern Court army.

They all knew that if they could not quickly capture Takatori Castle, the shogunate army would face huge losses.

"All troops, listen up! Take Takatori Castle at all costs!" Akamatsu Yoshinori shouted loudly.

As the order was issued, the shogunate army's offensive became more fierce.

They rushed to the gap in the city wall desperately and launched a final fight with the Southern Dynasty soldiers. On the city wall, the duel between Kuroda Takeo and Fujiwara Nobunaga was about to decide the outcome.

As his physical strength gradually depleted, Fujiwara Nobunaga left more room for maneuver each time he fired his gun. There were no more fancy moves, and he just tried to find Kuroda Takeo's flaws.

Finally, after a fierce confrontation, Fujiwara Nobunaga cleverly used the terrain to lure Kuroda Takeo into a brief state of unbalance.

At this critical moment, Fujiwara Nobunaga suddenly leaped up, and his spear pierced Kuroda Takeo's heart like a snake out of a cave.

Although Kuroda Takeo reacted quickly and blocked the attack with his naginata, he was still a step too slow. The tip of the spear pierced his armor, and blood instantly dyed his clothes red.

Kuroda Takeo roared, swung his naginata, and headed straight for Fujiwara Nobunaga.

Fujiwara no Nobunaga avoided the attack and took advantage of the momentum to leap back, but he was accidentally tripped by a scattered stone from the battlement and lost his balance.

Kuroda Takeo took advantage of the situation and pursued, slashing down with his naginata fiercely, and the battle was about to end.

However, at this critical moment of life and death, a foot soldier from the Southern Dynasty risked his life to join the battle and used his body to block the fatal blow.

Kuroda Takeo's naginata was deeply embedded in the soldier's chest. This sudden change made Kuroda Takeo stunned for a moment, and it was this moment of hesitation that gave Fujiwara Nobunaga the opportunity to counterattack.

Fujiwara Nobunaga suppressed his grief and used all his strength to thrust out with his spear again. This time, it accurately pierced Kuroda Takeo's heart.

Kuroda Takeo's body slowly fell down, his eyes full of unwillingness.

At the same time, the foot soldiers of the shogunate army continued to climb the ladders, and the musketeers of the Southern Dynasty army kept firing deadly lead bullets downwards, trying to stop their offensive. The air was filled with the pungent smell of gunpowder and the strong smell of blood, and the battlefield was echoing with painful wails.

As the battle progressed, soldiers on both sides showed admirable combat performance.

Although the morale of the shogunate army's soldiers was slightly low, they relied on their desire for victory and launched charges towards Takatori Castle again and again. Many of them were injured, but no one retreated even a step.

The soldiers of the Southern Dynasty army, relying on the terrain advantage and the support of firearms, held the city and continued to inflict heavy damage on the shogunate army.

In this fierce battle, both the Shogunate Army and the Southern Dynasty Army used all their strength without holding back at all. Even the Shogunate Army's common practice of conserving strength did not occur. Instead, they sent equal numbers of people to launch a fierce attack in turns.

Just when the two sides were in a stalemate, Rokujo Kanezane, who was from the Rokujo clan in the Southern Court army, discovered the weak link in the shogunate army's offensive.

Rokujo Kanezane pointed to the terrain at the other end and gave a suggestion to Kitabatake Mangiya.

"General Kitabatake, you can go around from the east and flank the enemy from behind."

Kitabatake Manya looked in the direction his finger pointed and saw the baggage camp over there. After thinking for a moment, he said.

"Okay, you lead the men down the Yoshino Pass."

"Yes!"

After receiving the order from Kitabatake Manmasa, Rokujo Kanezane quickly mobilized an elite force, bypassed the main battlefield, and raided the grain storage points behind the shogunate army from the flank.

Rokujo Kanezane personally led this elite force. They shuttled through the dense forest like ghosts and approached the supply camp of the shogunate army silently. With an order, the Southern Dynasty samurai rushed into the camp in an instant like tigers descending from the mountains, and engaged in fierce close combat with the shogunate army guards. Amidst the swords and shadows, the Southern Dynasty samurai relied on their extraordinary martial arts and tacit cooperation to quickly defeat the guards and set fire to some of the supplies.

This tactic of making a feint to the east and attacking in the west caught the top brass of the shogunate army off guard. Although not much food was burned, they were still frightened.

Kitabatake Man-ya stood on the top of the city wall, looking at the chaos of the shogunate army with a sneer on his lips. He knew very well that this was the best time to counterattack.

So he ordered the Southern Dynasty army to launch a fierce counterattack under the cover of the musket team.

The samurai wielded naginata and spears, while the foot soldiers held spears and bows and arrows. They surged towards the shogunate army like a tide, vowing to drive the enemy out of this land completely.

Although the shogunate army had a large number of troops, there were only a few on the city walls. Under the fierce counterattack of the Southern Dynasty army, they gradually lost their foothold.

Although Akamatsu Yoshinori and Hosokawa Mitsuru tried their best to command the battle, they seemed powerless in the face of the desperate counterattack of the Southern Dynasty army.

The battle lasted until the evening, and the setting sun dyed the battlefield blood red.

In the end, after paying a heavy price, the shogunate army had to retreat to a safe area, and Takatori Castle remained standing.

(End of this chapter)