Warring States Eagle

Just as Tao Longfang and Mao Liyuan were preparing for a decisive battle, the Luo family became busy after entering the spring of the first year of Hongzhi.On this day, the main generals of the Luo family's navy first division, navy second division, first standing ashigaru division, and second standing ashigaru division were summoned by Zheng Liang to the castle tower on the seventh floor of Xuefu City. Come in the chamber.

After obtaining the posts of Guardian of Bungo and Guardian of Tsushima last year, Masara immediately issued orders in the name of these two posts to the Saeki family and the clan of Tsushima, which are still entrenched in half of Haibu County in the southeastern part of Bungo country, respectively. He made a request to submit to him on his own initiative, but was brutally rejected by the Saeki family and silenced by the Zong family.Now, it's time to take action on these two.

In the meeting hall of Kyushu Hizen National Academy City, all the retainers of the Luo family gathered together.After everyone saluted Zhengliang and sat down, Zhengliang immediately said:

"Kansuke, first tell everyone about the recent situation around the main family."

"Yes, my lord." Yamamoto Kansuke, who was in charge of the intelligence cabinet, introduced immediately after taking the order, "Everyone, in the northeast of the main family, it seems that the Ouchi family and the Mori family are about to start a battle for the western part of the Aki country; On the front, the Xituji family, an ally of the main family, is fighting fiercely with the coalition forces of the Kono family and the Ono family who are invading its border; as for the Saeki family to the southeast of the main family, it seems that the adjacent Ito family has been changing frequently recently, and there may be a conspiracy against the main family. The pleadings issued by the main family demanding surrender were also torn up by the other party. On the contrary, the Tsushima clan, which received the pleadings from the main family, remained silent."

"What about the situation in South Kyushu?" Masara asked immediately when he found that Kansuke Yamamoto did not state the situation in South Kyushu.This area is what he cares most about.

"Since the Shimadzu family in southern Kyushu had a period of change last year, it has suddenly quieted down recently. The Kitago family in the southern part of Hyuga is fighting fiercely with the Ito family. It depends. The ally of the main family, Kita The hometown is already a little unbearable." Yamamoto Kansuke said immediately.

"The calmer the water surface, the more likely there is a bigger vortex hidden below." Zhengliang said immediately, "About the change of the Shimadzu family, have you informed the allies of the family in Kita-Satsuma, Nishi-Osumi and other places? gone?"

"Report to my lord, I have already notified everything. And according to my lord's wishes, I have solemnly warned them to be careful to guard against the Shimadzu family." Yamamoto Kansuke immediately replied.

"In that case, it's up to them whether to be prepared." Zheng Liang nodded after hearing the words.

"My lord, please forgive me for speaking bluntly. My lord seems to have decided that the Shimadzu family in Southern Kyushu will tear up the northern Satsuma truce resolution previously presided over by the family. Moreover, no matter whether the noble families in the northern Satsuma area or the Shimadzu family, at this time It's an ally of the main family. If the Shimadzu family knows that the main family, as its ally, secretly encourages the wealthy families in Kita Satsuma and other places to guard against the Shimadzu family, it may cause dissatisfaction with the Shimadzu family, and even tear up the relationship with the main family. The covenant, so you openly oppose the family." At this time, Dongxiang Heiji said in a puzzled manner.

As the ruling member of the Luo family's internal cabinet, and also a member of the family and an old and important minister of the family, he had already learned of Zheng Liang's next battle plan in advance.It is precisely because of knowing this information.Only then did he feel that it was really not suitable for the Luo family to make new enemies at this time.As a result, the Luo's family fought on multiple fronts. After all, the family's material reserves are limited. Even if they can barely support this multi-line battle, over time, the reserves will continue to decrease. Then the Luo's family has accumulated over the past few years The material background will be consumed.Don't look at the usual consumption at home, but once a war starts, the supplies will be consumed like running water.As the chief steward of the Luo family, he had to control the supplies of the Luo family.Deep down in his heart, he does not want the Luo family to expand rapidly, but hopes that the Luo family can develop healthily and steadily instead of expanding like a tightrope.

As soon as Togo Heiji's words came out, although many retainers in the meeting hall did not know the real purpose of Masara's attack this time, it also aroused their sympathy. He echoed: "My lord, in the eyes of my servants, the Shimadzu family in Southern Kyushu is just a small daimyo in the local area, and the territory of his family has not even been unified with the Satsuma country. They have turned against each other, and their strength is even worse than that of the Ito family, does the main family value the Shimadzu family too much?"

In fact, Arima Harujun's analysis of the Shimadzu family is not unreasonable.Historically, the Shimadzu family was on par with the Ganfu family of Osumi country in the initial stage of their fortune. As a result, in the future, after the Ganfu family and the Ito family joined forces to deal with the Shimadzu family, the Shimadzu family was beaten to the ground. Following the "Kyushu Ozama", a large number of elites of the Ito family were killed, and the Shimadzu family became completely strong.At this time, Arima Harujun who spoke at this time even had to rely on the strength of the Shimadzu family to compete with Hizen's Kuma Ryuzoji Takanobu.

But it is precisely because Zhengliang knows the potential of the Shimadzu family that Zhengliang will do everything possible to limit the development of the Shimadzu family. Once the Shimadzu family finds a development opportunity, the Shimadzu family will grow to be able to produce A powerful daimyo in big trouble.

However, since Zheng Liang was so afraid of the Shimadzu family, why didn't he simply concentrate his forces to eliminate the Shimadzu family at once?There are three main reasons.

One is that the Luo family and the Shimadzu family are allies.If the covenant between the two parties was blatantly broken, what would the other allies of the Luo family think?This will lead to the fact that no daimyo will easily form an alliance with the Luo family in the future, and it will even lead to the collapse of the peripheral diplomatic situation created by the Luo family at this time.Especially in the Southern Kyushu area, if all the allies of the Luo family ran to the opposite side, it would undoubtedly add a difficult hostile camp to the Luo family in the south.Of course, this is not the main reason.

Second, at this time, historical opportunities such as civil strife in Ouchi's family and Ouchi's family continued to appear in the north and east at this time. This forced Zhengliang to focus his strategy on the north direction. Under such circumstances, we can only seize the most important opportunity first.

The third is that although Zhengliang is afraid of the Shimadzu family.However, he was not too afraid to attack the Shimadzu family.It was only when he had the heart to attack the Shimadzu family.Unexpectedly, Wang Zhi's influence hooked up with the Shimadzu family.According to the information from the Intelligence Pavilion, Wang Zhi was constantly recruiting manpower in the Shimadzu family's territory at this time, and at the same time started a lot of cooperation with the Shimadzu family.Their cooperation is not just a simple trade cooperation like the cooperation between Luo's family and Wang Zhi's forces.It can be said that at this time, the Shimadzu family has used a series of cooperation to bind the interests of Wang Zhi and the Shimadzu family.

Once Zheng Liang takes action against the Shimadzu family, it is very likely that Wang Zhi's forces behind the Shimadzu family will be drawn out.And at this critical juncture of accumulating family background and seizing opportunities that are constantly emerging, Zheng Liang is really unwilling to establish such a difficult enemy as Wang Zhi.

It is the above three reasons.As a result, Zhengliang paid attention to the Shimadzu family, but did not take any action against the Shimadzu family.

However, in the meeting room, seeing that many of the retainers below actually agreed with the speeches made by Togo Heiji and Arima Harumi just now, Masatoshi did not want everyone to really despise the Shimadzu family, which would make all the retainers He will suffer a disadvantage when facing the Shimadzu family in the future, so he immediately said solemnly:

"No, in my eyes, the Southern Kyushu region is the biggest threat to the main family. It is precisely this Shimadzu family, whose strength is even stronger than the Ito family of Hyuga country. Therefore, everyone, if you face the Shimadzu family in the future At this time, you must not take it lightly, otherwise I will punish you severely."

"Wow!" All the retainers couldn't help being surprised when they heard that their lord valued the Shimadzu family so much, and even warned them so seriously to be careful of the Shimadzu family.

"Okay, calm down. As for why I attach so much importance to the Shimadzu family, you will naturally know in the future. Kai Muneun and Honda are obedient to orders."

"I'm here!" The captains of the Seventh Standing Ashgaru Team, Kai Muneun and Gunmetsutsumoto Masanobu, who were suddenly named by Masara, immediately stepped out and saluted.

"The team you two belong to is defending the South Kyushu area. You must cooperate with the intelligence cabinet to closely monitor the movements of the Ito family and the Shimadzu family in this area. If there is any change, I allow you to do so without approval." And attack. As long as I can give me a satisfactory analysis and result afterwards." Zheng Liang said immediately.

"Wow!" As soon as Zheng Liang's words came out, everyone in the meeting hall was shocked again.You must know that according to the laws of the Luo family, without the personal approval of Zheng Liang, the various teams of the family cannot attack at will, except for doing their own responsibilities.Now Zheng Liang is equivalent to giving the seventh standing Ashgaru team the authority to make their own decisions and report back afterwards. This is the first time such a situation has occurred in Luo's family.It's no wonder the retainers were so surprised.

And Kai Zongyun and Honda Masanobu were also shocked by Zheng Liang's authorization. After being shocked, they immediately solemnly accepted the order: "Obey!"

"Okay, the arrangements for Southern Kyushu have come to an end for the time being. Now let's talk about the Saeki family in the southeastern part of Bungo country. Since the Saeki family did not obey the orders of the guardian of Bungo, and even tore up the letter of the family, it is obviously disrespectful to the guardian. Your respect. Write another letter of interrogation, questioning why Zuo Eki Yoshio, the governor of the Saiki family, disrespected the guardian, and ordered him to die as an apology." After arranging the countermeasures for southern Kyushu, Zhengliang then turned the topic to the southeast of the Saeki family.

"My lord, I'm afraid Saeki Yoshikado will not obediently apologize with death? Will he even tear up the interrogation form from our family again?" The fourth standing Ashgaru team, who was secretly called one of the "two stone generals" by everyone in the family Chief General Oishi Tomohisa spoke immediately.

The other member of the "Two Stone Generals" is the executioner.The reason why Oishi Tomohisa and Executive Zhongjian are called the "two stone generals" of the Luo family is because both of them are brave and strong. The reefs in the huge waves generally stand there.However, sometimes the two of them can't flatter their strategies. They can only fight bravely, but they are not good at using strategies.That's why they have this ridiculous title, like rocks, more than hard, but lack of flexibility and lack of strategy.

When Dashi Zhijiu said this in the meeting hall, many retainers in the family couldn't help but feel speechless.Now any fool can see that this is the lord's plan.And Zheng Liang also said with a smile:

"That's exactly what Yoyo Saeki wants. Since Yoyo Saeki is so disrespectful to protect himself, then we must attack him." Even if you want to attack the Saeki family, you need a bit of righteousness.

"Enjoji Nobuin and Naoshima Naoshige listen to the order!"

"exist!"

"This time, the strategy of the Saeki family will be handed over to the Sixth Standing Ashgaru Division where you are. Pay attention to the Ito family's support to the Saiki family in the south." Masara ordered.To deal with the Otomo camp that has lost the northeastern part of Bungo country, help contain the Luo family.At the same time, there is only half of the Saeki family in Haibu County.Indeed, only one standing team is enough.The only thing that is a bit difficult is.It is very likely that the Ito family will come to support the Saeki family.

And Zheng Liang could think of this question, and Yuancheng Temple Xinyin could naturally think of it, so Yuancheng Temple Xinyin immediately asked:

"My lord, what should I do if the Ito family comes to support me?"

"Hehe, it depends on the performance of our allies." Zhengliang said with a smile, "Now the Kitago family in the southern part of Hyuga country is resisting the attack of the Ito family, if the Ito family will really send troops this time Support the Saeki family. Then the pressure faced by the Kitago family will be relieved. Since the family has contributed to the ally, the Kitago family as an ally must also contribute to the family. At that time, the Kitago family will need to be in the Ito family. Take a hard blow from the back, and use this to contain the Yidong family, making them face enemies on both sides."

"My lord is brilliant." Hearing what Zheng Liang said, all the retainers immediately praised him.

"Kansuke, the contact with Beixiang's family this time will be handed over to the intelligence cabinet where you are."

"Yes!"

"Yoshioka Chosuke!"

"exist!"

"Although the contact with the Beixiang family is in charge of the detective of the Intelligence Pavilion, you still represent the Beixiang family as an envoy to the Beixiang family. After reaching this cooperation agreement with the Beixiang family, you will stay there temporarily as the liaison of the family. Representative." Zheng Liang ordered again.

"Yes!"

"Kakukuma Ishimune!"

"The subject is here!"

"Whether it's the situation of the Satsuma family or Minami Hyuga, it needs a person to make overall arrangements, and this important task will be entrusted to you." Zhengliang said.

"Follow my lord's order!" Kakukuma Ishimune immediately accepted the order.

"By the way. If necessary, the intelligence cabinet can also use rumor tactics to spread the rumors in Hyuga country that the Luo family will unite with the allies of the four countries, the Xituji family, to attack Hyuga country, causing the Ito family to fall into chaos." After the retainer mission, Zheng Liang suddenly thought of such a solution.

"My lord is wise!" Kansuke Yamamoto of the Information Pavilion couldn't help admiring after taking the order.

"If the Ito family still continues to send troops to support the Saeki family at this time, then Wakabayashi Echigo defends, and you lead the fourth navy standing division that is left on the coast of Bungo country to support the sixth standing ashigaru division against the Saeki family. Tomohisa Oishi, the Fourth Standing Ashgaru Squad you belong to also sent part of the army to support."

"Yes!" Wakabayashi Echigo Mamoru and Oishi Tomohisa received the order immediately.

"Okay, about the strategy of the Saeki family, I will arrange it here for the time being. What will be arranged now is the focus of this family's strategy, Tsushima Island." The subject of the meeting speaks out.

"Taking Tsushima Island will completely ensure the safety of the west direction of our family. Now the Tsushima family has not followed the requirements of our family's letter, and came to express their surrender to our family, which is obviously to the representative of our family. The imperial court has objections. Such traitors, of course, our family will replace the imperial court to exterminate them." Zheng Liang then used the imperial court as the righteousness of the expedition.Now that Zhengliang was appointed by the court as the guardian of the horse, it would be a fool if he didn't take the righteousness of the court as a banner at this time.Taking Tsushima Island will not only ensure the complete stability of the west of the Luo family, but also take the opportunity to conduct legitimate trade with North Korea under the banner of the Tsushima clan, reducing reliance on smuggling trade.This is of great benefit to the Luo family.

"That's right, people who disrespect the court like this really need to be exterminated." The retainers below also immediately echoed.

"Okay, the following generals will listen to the order." Zheng Liang's eyes narrowed, and then he said seriously.The people below immediately fell silent, and listened intently.Compared with the South Kyushu area and the Saeki family area, Tsushima Island is completely an isolated island. It is much easier to conquer than the previous two areas. Earn a little military merit to get more material and even territorial rewards.

"The main force participating in the battle this time is the first, second, and fourth of our family. The three standing squadrons of the navy, Murakami Takashi, Kunatsuzu, and Murakami Takeshi. After the three of you arrive at the station of the squadrons, immediately follow the slightly I will give you the list later, and each will lead the fleet to Iki Island to gather."

"As for the arrangements of other teams, the specific arrangements will be reported separately later, and the teams that get the task must also be ready to go out."

"Yes!" All the retainers said immediately.

"Masano Isano, Masanobu Takasaka!"

"The subject is here!"

"This time, the cavalry squadron of the two of you is not the main force for the expedition, so for a while, the cavalry squadrons of the two of you will be in the coastal areas of Bungzen and Bungo countries for the time being, patrolling and training at the same time, which will help To ensure the safety of the border to the east of our family.” At this time, the standing squadron of the first cavalry under Masao Isano had [-] cavalry, and the standing squadron of the second cavalry under Masanobu Takasaka had also increased to [-] cavalry.

"Yes!" Masahiro Isano and Masanobu Takasaka immediately took orders.

"Akabane Shinnosuke!"

"exist!"

"With the multi-line battle of our family this time, there will definitely be a certain emptiness in our territory. During the period, it is inevitable that some small bugs who are not afraid of death will come out to make trouble, and our family just took this opportunity to get rid of these hidden bugs. , this task is entrusted to you."

"Follow your master's orders!"

"As for the logistics department and the cabinet, after you go down, you must also make relevant logistics arrangements for this attack." Zheng Liang finally ordered.

"Yes!" All the retainers below immediately led the people.

Immediately, everyone in the Luo family got busy preparing for the expedition later.And at this time, the envoy sent by Tao Longfang also arrived at the Xuefu City of Luo's family.

Tao Longfang's emissary is Tao Chichang, the important minister in his family, and the ostensible purpose of his arrival is to invite the Luo family to participate in the raid on the Maori family in Anyi Kingdom.But Zheng Liang, who learned of Tao Longfang's envoy's intention, smiled contemptuously.

Where is Tao Longfang inviting the Luo family to attack the Maori family together?This is completely a test for the Luo family.If Tao Longfang really wanted to cooperate with the Luo family so much, he wouldn't have deliberately covered up the news of the alliance after the two sides confirmed the alliance.But in fact, Tao Longfang has been worried that after the news of the two alliances is announced, the rumors that Tao Longfang secretly colluded with Zheng Liang to assassinate the Shan family will be regarded as fact by everyone in the family.You must know that even though Zhengliang destroyed the two Sugi families of Chikuzen and Bungo successively, there are still many Sugi families in Tao Longfang's camp at this time.If it was because of the announcement of the alliance between the two families, he would be self-reporting, and it would inevitably lead to commotion among the Shan family members in his camp, or even conspiracy.

Since Tao Longfang is so worried that the alliance between the Tao family and the Luo family will be leaked out, but now he invites the Luo family to join An Yi's Maori family, isn't this tantamount to announcing the relationship between the two parties?But, did Tao Longfang really intend that?The answer is obviously no.Therefore, this is Tao Longfang's attempt to test Luo's family.

After all, Tao Longfang is also very afraid of the giant Luo's family, especially after learning that Ouchi Yoshitaka, the son of Ouchi Yoshitaka, who he has been looking for before, has joined the Luo family, he is already afraid of the Luo family. I hate it again.Obviously, this time he didn't want the Luo family to participate in the decisive battle between him and Mori Motozuru, and he was also worried that the Luo family would sneak attack the relatively empty Nagato country's rear while he was out.

Zhengliang was well aware of Tao Longfang's petty thinking, so he immediately told Tao Longfang's envoy that the Luo family would attack Tsushima Island this time, and hoped that the Ouchi family would not intervene in this matter.In order to make Tao Longfang's envoy believe his words, Zheng Liang even sent someone to send the envoy to Iki Island, allowing him to see with his own eyes the Luo family's navy that was constantly gathering.

After witnessing the large-scale gathering of the Luo family's navy, Tao Chichang hurried back to Zhou Fangguo and reported the news to Tao Longfang.

(It’s the end of the month again in the blink of an eye. Even if I have a cold and fever recently, I’m desperately insisting on daily [-]D updates. Here, I’m asking everyone for a monthly pass at the end of the month!) (To be continued...)