The name of the great swordsman begins in Okehazama.

A hint of surprise flashed in Shigeji's eyes; the cost of supporting professional soldiers was too high.

"Secondly," Nagayoshi continued, "Hattori Haruyasu will be in charge of security and intelligence gathering within the territory. In addition, I need him to 'invite' some people here."

"please?"

"From the nearby mountains, and even from the borders of the Takeda territory," Nagayoshi said calmly, "those homeless people, exiles, and mountain dwellers can all be 'invited' to Iwamura. Those willing to cultivate new fields will have their annual tax reduced for two years; those skilled in crafts can obtain a place to live in the castle town."

Shigeharu immediately understood. This was to increase the population within his territory and rapidly develop the land. In the chaotic Warring States period, population equaled wealth, but this method was inevitably...

"My lord, this move may trigger friction with neighboring countries."

"The friction has been there for a long time. By the way, we set up many checkpoints on the mountain road leading to Shinano, firstly to collect taxes and protect the trade route, and secondly to guard against Takeda."

"yes!"

Changqing stood up, as if he didn't want to stay with Chongzhi for another moment.

"Begin preparations today. Report your progress to me every three days."

As Shigeharu reached the door, he suddenly stopped. "My lord, regarding the Battle of Moribe..."

"There's no need to dwell on the past," Nagayoshi interrupted him, his voice cold. "We both belong to the Oda clan now; just do your duty."

It is true that Takenaka Shigeharu was a capable retainer, but the spirit of Moribe still haunted Nagayoshi's heart. Even though Shigeharu had been his retainer for a month, he still harbored resentment.

Shigeji bowed deeply and had no choice but to turn and leave.

He had also heard about Changqing's killing of three minor noble families in Ximinong. He knew that Changqing was a man of great loyalty and was just looking for an opportunity to ease the tension between them.

"You've heard about the Mikawa uprising, haven't you?" Nagayoshi suddenly called out to him.

"Yes. It is said that over a hundred of Matsudaira Ieyasu's retainers defected, and Okazaki Castle was besieged."

"Ieyasu did not seek help from Lord Nobunaga. What's your opinion on that?"

Shigeharu pondered for a moment: "Lord Ieyasu's desire to reorganize the land and taxes in Mikawa has sparked the Ikko-shu uprising. If Ieyasu can quell it on his own, he will gain prestige and maintain greater independence within the alliance."

"A smart person is indeed a smart person," Changqing nodded slightly.

"That's what I was thinking. Lord Nobunaga sent someone to summon me to Kiyosu Castle for some important business. Your archery was excellent... Don't forget to learn from Marume Nagayoshi."

"Arrow? What arrow?"

"It's alright, you can leave now!"

On the day Changqing left Yancun, it was drizzling in the early morning.

Shigeharu stood at the city gate, watching the troops depart, when he suddenly recalled that rainy day during the Battle of Moribe. Rainwater mixed with blood seeped into the earth.

He then realized that the arrow in question referred to the one he had intended to shoot at Nagayoshi during Moribe's time.

Does my lord mean "everything is over"?

……

The atmosphere in the council hall of Kiyosu Castle was more relaxed than Nagayoshi had anticipated. After all, Mino was already on the verge of falling into the hands of the Oda clan.

Nobunaga was sitting cross-legged in the main seat, talking to Niwa Nagahide. When he saw Nagahide enter, he beckoned him in: "Nagayoshi, come, sit closer."

All of Oda's retainers who were capable of mobilizing 500 men for battle were present.

Lin Xiuzhen, Shibata Katsuie, Niwa Nagahide, Sakuma Nobumori, Mori Kashige, etc., Ikeda Tsuneaki, Takikawa Kazumasu...

The discussions mainly concerned the land occupied by the temple.

Afterwards, Nobunaga kept Nagayoshi behind.

"There's one more thing." Nobunaga toyed with the fan in his hand. "The Asai clan knows that entering western Mino is hopeless, so they've agreed to form a formal alliance with me. I'd like to entrust you with the mission of escorting Yuki (Hayashi Hideyoshi) to Odani Castle early next month."

Escorting the lord's adopted daughter to a marriage alliance was an honor usually reserved for high-ranking officials or relatives.

"I will certainly not fail in my mission."

"Aichi has been asking why her kendo master hasn't arrived yet. What kind of spell have you cast on her?"

Since things have come to this point, whether you cower or stick your neck out, you'll still get stabbed.

"My lord, I wish to marry Miss Oichi?"

Nobunaga tilted his head. "Ahead of you are some unknown daimyo, and Gonroku, Goro-suke..." He seemed to go through all the retainers who wanted to be his brother-in-law in his mind, then waved his hand. "I guess you don't have much of a chance..."

"Inabayama Castle..."

"Hmm?" Nobunaga's eyes lit up.

"Using only the forces from Mino, I guarantee I can take Inabayama Castle by the end of next year!"

Nobunaga laughed so hard he changed his sitting posture, looking like a drunkard.

"That's for next year; let's take care of the things in front of us first!"

……

The team escorting Ah Xue set off early the next morning, with a total of 200 people involved.

Besides Nagayoshi, Kinoshita Hideyoshi and Maeda Toshiie were also accompanying him.

The procession moved slowly and with great pomp, as if they wanted the whole of Japan to know that Asai and Oda had become allies.

Ayumi is very beautiful, like a figure from an ancient painting. Although she can't compare to Aichi, she is still considered a beauty.

Changqing was somewhat relieved that he had not mistreated Changzheng.

Asai Nagamasa personally went to the border line agreed upon by both sides to welcome the delegation, which is between Ōgaki Castle and Sawayama Castle. Moreover, the Oda family's entourage could only be escorted to Sawayama Castle to rest for one night.

This completely changed the nature of the marriage, making it seem more like sending someone hostage.

Upon meeting Changqing, the young eagle of Omi revealed a sincere smile.

"Lord Mori, it's unexpected to see you again so soon. Lord Nobunaga's dispatch of you to escort Miss Yuki shows how important this matter is to him."

After the banquet, Nagamasa invited Nagayoshi to drink on the top floor of the castle tower.

"If Lord Mori doesn't mind, I'd like to have a private talk with you." Nagamasa dismissed his attendants and personally poured sake for Nagayoshi.

"Lord Asai, you're too kind."

After the two shared a drink, Nagamasa gazed at the night view of northern Omi outside the window and suddenly sighed: "To be honest, governing northern Omi is much more difficult than fighting a war."

Changqing remained calm and said, "I would like to hear the details."

"Father... has been in frequent contact with former retainers lately. It was truly not easy to form an alliance this time."

"It is human nature for loyal subjects to cling to the past. However, in chaotic times, adhering to tradition may not be a wise move. My lord was able to rise to power so quickly precisely because he did not follow the rules."

"That's exactly right! I originally intended to take this opportunity to besiege Kannonji Temple, but the Asakura family refused to send troops to help. Those old retainers seem content with that tiny place in northern Omi."

He paused, "Sometimes, I even feel that if I do something wrong, my retainers will immediately support my father."

Nagayoshi then asked, "What is Lord Asai's opinion on the Ikko-ikki in Mikawa?"

The change of topic startled Nagamasa for a moment, then he began to think seriously: "Matsudaira Ieyasu... This man is able to remain in such a predicament without seeking outside help; he is either extremely arrogant or extremely clear-headed. I am more inclined to believe the latter."

"You share the same view as Lord Nobunaga. Ieyasu is using this opportunity to establish his prestige and eliminate some old fogies, thereby increasing national strength. He is unwilling to ask for help, and he is also worried that Lord Nobunaga will look down on him if he sends troops. Deep down, he does not want to be someone else's vassal. In this respect, he is the same as you."

The two smiled at each other and raised their glasses to drink together.

"Lord Mori, what are Oda's plans after he takes Mino? Will it be Hida Province in the north, Ise Province in the south, or... southern Omi?"

"If Lord Nagamasa doesn't take Kannon-ji Temple, then Lord Nobunaga will definitely attack it. After that, the Asai clan will only be able to expand across Lake Biwa..."