Swallow Return

Seeing that his intentions had not been conveyed effectively, Liu Yun pondered for a moment and then added, "What I said just now was indeed from the bottom of my heart. I can roughly guess that your previous attacks on various Buddhist sects and your current plan to coerce the royal family into relocating are all aimed at eliminating long-standing problems and establishing a truly unified new government. Such actions are probably unprecedented in the sixty-six countries of the four islands of Japan... However, if we look at the Tang Dynasty across the sea, or the various southern and western barbarian regions, we can find quite a few precedents. So when I first heard it, I didn't find it particularly strange..."

Upon hearing this, Oda Nobunaga's expression finally relaxed somewhat.

Upon hearing the phrase "unprecedented and unparalleled," he revealed a proud and smug smile.

But towards the end, Oda Nobunaga's face turned bitter, and he quickly waved his hand to stop Ryuun, interrupting him to stop him from continuing: "Enough, enough! No need to explain, I understand!"

Then Nobunaga slowly let out a sigh of relief, raised his arm, and wiped the sweat from his forehead with the wide sleeve of his hunting robe.

This action was truly devoid of decorum.

It should be noted that hunting robes are worn by Japanese nobles only on important festivals and ceremonies; they are the most formal attire available. How could one casually wipe away sweat like that?

Unless he's really too hot.

Then another question arises—

Liu Yun looked around and pointed to the nine incense burners arranged in an unidentified shape in the surrounding courtyard—one large and eight small—and asked bluntly, "Are you sweating from the heat? If so, why are you burning incense?"

At that moment, Oda Nobunaga was preparing his words when he heard this and almost stumbled and fell to the ground.

Fortunately, he was quick-witted enough to adjust his pace, cough a few times, and pretend that the previous embarrassment did not exist. He awkwardly entered the next topic: "Ahem... Liuyun Palace, you are right! The difference between me and other lords is that I not only want to defeat the heroes, but also to unify the world."

Oda Nobunaga is usually a concise and succinct person, but this time he spoke quite a bit.

Not only that, just as Ryuun was about to respond, a hint of apprehension flashed across Nobunaga's face, and he quickly interrupted, "When I was young, Owari was in great chaos. There was the Shiba family, the guardians of the land, and two other guardian deities, as well as nobles and courtiers from Kyoto down to the provincial level. These people all seemed to have the authority to give orders. In addition, many Buddhist temples and shrines had obtained the privilege of 'no taxation, no contribution,' and acted recklessly in their own territories. So there was never a day of peace, and there was always fighting and killing each other... Moreover, farmers and merchants did not know who was in charge, and often had to pay taxes and perform labor for several forces at the same time, so they could not concentrate on farming or doing business. Owari was originally a fertile and well-connected place, but it was made impoverished and devastated."

After listening to this long speech, Liu Yun nodded.

Although I don't know the other person's intention in saying this, the words themselves make sense.

He readily agreed, saying, "That's exactly what the Warring States period was like."

Oda Nobunaga, now in his own rhythm, ignored the commotion around him and said with a sigh, "I originally thought that as long as I raised an army to sweep away the other forces and unify the country, I could end the chaos and restore the world to its proper state. But after learning about the previous dynasty and going to Kyoto to see the truth, I realized that I had thought too simply. Although the Duke of Kamakura (Minamoto no Yoritomo) and the Duke of Muromachi (Ashikaga Takauji) could command the country as shoguns, they still could not bring true peace and tranquility."

What I just said was a bit beyond Liu Yun's comprehension, so he could only stroke his chin and ask, "I'd like to hear more about it. Why is that?"

Oda Nobunaga paused for a moment, took a deep breath, his face gradually flushed, and raised his head and said loudly, "When the Lord of Kamakura and the Lord of Muromachi conquered the world, they needed to use the imperial court to demonstrate their status and rely on temples and shrines to win people's hearts. After they succeeded, they were already too entangled with various forces to cut them off."

At this point, Liu Yun finally realized: "So, you decided to use other forces to establish a regime. Hmm... Does 'spreading martial power throughout the world' also mean not relying on the imperial court and temples, but solely on the power of warriors to seize the world by force?"

“Indeed.” Oda Nobunaga glanced over, stroked his beard, nodded solemnly, and said, “However, back then, I had the will but not the power. Even protecting myself from the Imagawa clan’s military might was extremely difficult, let alone conquering the world. For thousands of years, most of the talents in Japan have been associated with the imperial court, temples and shrines, or other traditional forces. If I didn’t want to get involved with them… the only ones I could rely on for support were perhaps the demons and monsters that the world regards as monstrous threats! I won’t hide it from you, although I, Nobunaga, consider myself the greatest hero of all time, I couldn’t have established my empire on my own. It was indeed with the help of demons and monsters that the Oda clan defeated enemies like Imagawa, Saito, Rokkaku, Miyoshi, Asai, and Asakura, achieving our current dominance.”

Demons and monsters...

Are we finally getting to the main topic?

Liu Yun, who never liked to hide things, asked directly upon hearing this: "So, the so-called 'bet with the nine-tailed fox' came about because of this?"

Oda Nobunaga rarely sighed softly, revealing a hint of sorrow and desolation, and replied in a deep voice, "That's right, exactly."

Liu Yun pressed on: "So, is the so-called bet also about single-handedly seizing the 'Number One Fragrant Wood in the World,' Ranshadai, from the Shosoin Repository of Todai-ji Temple in Nara?"

Oda Nobunaga nodded: "Yes."

Liu Yun didn't pause for a moment, and pressed on again: "You sent Lady Guidie and Lady Ningning here to propose that I marry the widowed Miss Ashi. Is it really because of this strange bet?"

Oda Nobunaga's answer remained concise and clear: "Yes!"

Liu Yun frowned, then shook his head, finding it unbelievable: "So, you're in danger of losing this bet, but if I marry your sister Oichi and become the son-in-law of the Oda family, your sworn brother can turn the tables? Although I don't understand any magical contracts, it just doesn't seem reasonable."

Oda Nobunaga finally stopped saying "yes," and instead sighed deeply, his face solemn as he said in a deep voice, "Lord Ryuun, although you don't understand any knowledge of magic or contracts, you should have heard that ever since the holy monk Jianzhen crossed the sea from Tang China and sealed away the demons and monsters of Japan, monsters have been unable to survive on their own and must feed on human 'obsessions' to continue their existence."

Liu Yun nodded to indicate that he understood.

Oda Nobunaga paused for a moment, seemingly choosing his words, before continuing, "If ordinary people disagree on the outcome of a game in a casino, the casino operator will arbitrate and determine who wins and who loses. But my bet with the yokai certainly doesn't have a casino operator involved. Lord Ryuun, have you considered this?"

Liu Yun nodded again, but couldn't help but wonder, "What does this have to do with what we just talked about?"

Could it be that……

He suddenly realized something.

I looked up and our eyes met.

Oda Nobunaga slowly said, "Then, Lord Ryuun, do you understand? My bet with the yokai will be decided by the 'obsessions' of the people of the world. If most people think I have won, then I have won; otherwise... then the yokai have won."

Hearing this, Liu Yun finally understood the cause and effect.

Chapter 276 For peace and prosperity for the people

“There are no clear rules. When everyone thinks you have won, you can win…” Liu Yun muttered to himself, resting his chin on his hand, deep in thought. “Although this sounds like a charade, for some reason it has a kind of credibility that is hard to explain. It must be the truth.”

"Of course!" Oda Nobunaga's face showed annoyance again, and he raised his voice, "I have always been upright and honest in my life and have never liked deceit. What reason do I have to deceive you today?"

He seemed to be on the verge of anger, but he managed to hold back his emotions because of the awkward situation that had just occurred.

Liu Yun ignored the change in the other party's expression and continued to deduce according to his own line of thought: "So, the current situation is... you previously claimed that you would cut off Lan She Dai to deal with the monks of the Ikko-shu sect, and you have indeed done so, but the outside world is questioning whether you did it with your own strength? And because of the outside world's questioning, you have become the one at a disadvantage in the bet with the monster?"

Oda Nobunaga did not answer, but nodded slowly twice with a stern face.

At this moment, His Highness the Demon King's expression was exceptionally serious.

Liu Yun continued, "I guess that when you made the alliance with the demons, you may have gained some kind of special ability, which allows you to absorb the confidence of others to strengthen yourself. In other words, when everyone thinks you are exceptionally powerful, you will truly be exceptionally powerful; conversely, if everyone thinks you are mediocre and weak, you will truly be mediocre and weak... That should be the logic, right?"

Oda Nobunaga frowned, still not very happy, and said irritably with pursed lips, "It's not far off, though not quite right. To be precise, the source of power is nothing more than so-called 'desire'."

Liu Yun didn't quite understand: "Desire? Are you talking about the 'desire' in 'desire'?"

Oda Nobunaga was unusually patient today, explaining in a deep voice with a blank expression: "That's right, it's this word 'desire'."

Liu Yun misunderstood for a moment, his expression immediately turning strange. He looked the other person up and down, nodded, and said, "Prime Minister Oda, you are indeed a man of strong desires, in every aspect... at least that's what I've heard from the rumors..."

Oda Nobunaga was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and sneered, "Lord Ryuun, you are right. I do have strong desires in all aspects. Unfortunately, the contract I obtained from the demon cannot be maintained by my own 'desires'; it must be obtained from someone else."

Liu Yun understood a little: "Speaking of which, Lord Hashiba Hideyoshi's desire for wealth and fame is far stronger than that of ordinary people. So... you promoted him from humble beginnings not only because you valued his talent, but also to use his 'desire' to become stronger?"

At this point, Oda Nobunaga, with a proud and smug expression, stroked his beard and nodded, saying, "Indeed, that's the kind of person the monkey is. When I first met him twenty years ago, although he was extremely diligent and had great potential, he hadn't yet learned any real skills. I made his 'desire' a reality, and his rare character has been very beneficial to me. For twenty years, the monkey has steadfastly believed that as long as he follows in my footsteps, his desire for wealth and fame can be continuously fulfilled. This lad has risen from a mere foot soldier to a senior retainer, and at the same time, he has given me an advantage in my contracts with yokai."

Liu Yun nodded in understanding: "In my opinion, there are quite a few samurai in the Oda clan like Lord Hashiba Hideyoshi. Although their desires are not exactly the same, they all believe that Your Excellency the Prime Minister can make their 'desires' a reality. The relationship between the ruler and his subjects can then be mutually beneficial."

Oda Nobunaga sighed deeply and said, emphasizing each word, "However, things have changed since two months ago, starting with the Shosoin Repository of Todai-ji Temple in Nara."

"Changes?" Liu Yun could roughly understand, but couldn't help but habitually chime in with a line.

“Yes, everything has changed…” Oda Nobunaga’s expression was extremely grim: “Including the most steadfast of my retainers, many of them have begun to have doubts. They think that even if they follow me, things may not be safe. Once such thoughts take root in their minds, my power will begin to weaken.”

Liu Yun shook his head, feeling helpless: "Is it because of what I did that day?"

Oda Nobunaga was silent for a moment, then reluctantly said in a low voice, "Yes. The one who ultimately succeeded in taking Ranshatai was neither me nor any of my loyal retainers, but the newly promoted outer vassal, Sasaki Ryuun, who was far from being integrated into the Oda clan... It could even be said that without you, the outer vassal, the takeover of Ranshatai would have failed. This naturally raises suspicions."

Liu Yun, lacking confidence, tried to argue: "Even if I'm a newly promoted outsider, I'm still considered a member of the Oda clan. If I resolve this matter, can't it be considered an achievement of the Oda clan?"

Oda Nobunaga glanced at him, then shook his head with disdain: "Lord Ryuun, it's just the two of us here, so let's speak frankly. You've never truly accepted yourself as a retainer closely connected to the Oda clan, and everyone can see that; they're not fools."

Liu Yun felt a little awkward and could only change the subject: "Have you never faced any questioning before?"

“That’s not quite it.” A cold, murderous smile appeared on Oda Nobunaga’s lips. “I have been suspected twice before. The first time was in Kanegasaki, when I was intercepted by the Asai army of Rikiri—this suspicion ended after Asai Nagamasa’s skull was made into a sake cup; the second time was in Kyoto, when I argued with Lord Kubo (Ashikaga Yoshiaki)—this suspicion dissipated as Lord Kubo fled Kyoto in a panic.”

Liu Yun keenly sensed the threat, but was not afraid. Instead, he calmly smiled and said, "This time, I aroused suspicion, so do I have to die or be defeated to resolve this?"

Oda Nobunaga's eyes blazed with fury as he stared at him, raising his voice and speaking solemnly: "They all failed to see their own place and insisted on breaking free from my control, which led to the final consequences. Lord Ryuun, you have never been such an arrogant person. There should be a better solution between us."

Liu Yun sighed, "Is the solution that I have to marry Miss Ashi and become your sworn brother?"

Oda Nobunaga said matter-of-factly, "Otherwise what? Isn't it the best way to announce that 'Sasaki Ryuun is still a loyal retainer who shares the honor and disgrace of the Oda family'?"

Liu Yun remained silent.

Oda Nobunaga continued, "To be honest, Lord Ryuun has never expressed any desires to me. It's not too late to bring this up today. May I ask if you have any wishes that you would like me to fulfill?"

Liu Yun forced a smile and said, "Of course. What I really yearn for is a life of luxury and indulgence. I'd be content with an endless supply of sea bream, tempura, and monk's sake every day."

Oda Nobunaga clearly didn't believe it, shaking his head dismissively: "These are nothing but the desires of ordinary people! Lord Ryuun, you are a rare hero in this world, how could you be so vulgar? Besides, with your current ten thousand koku of credit, you are more than capable of doing these things."

Liu Yun shook his head and sighed: "You won't believe me if I say something vulgar... so I can only say something lofty... like, peace throughout the world, and prosperity for the people, how about that?"

Oda Nobunaga paused for a moment, then burst into laughter: "That would be perfect! If you want peace in the land and prosperity for the people, you should follow my advice."

Liu Yun asked, "What does this mean?"

Oda Nobunaga raised his head and stroked his beard, saying with a sigh, "As I just said, when I was young, I made a pact with several great demons, and with their power, I gained the ability to absorb their 'desires' to nourish myself. Did you hear me clearly?"

Liu Yun nodded: "Of course I heard it clearly."

Oda Nobunaga continued, “Back then, I started as a mere magistrate in Owari Province, defeating countless formidable enemies before finally establishing my power in several provinces. At that time, to contend with other daimyo, I needed my retainers to provide an endless stream of ‘desire.’ However, now the Oda clan is the hegemon of the Kinai region, controlling millions of koku of land and possessing an army of two hundred thousand. I only need to sit back and issue orders, while my retainers go out and conquer the land. But even today, I cannot relax. Do you know why?”

Liu Yun said, "I would like to hear the details."

Oda Nobunaga paused for a moment, then explained in an extremely solemn tone: "The relationship between me and the demons is one of deception and mutual exploitation. When I am strong enough, I can use the demons' unique skills at will. But if I, Nobunaga, am not strong enough, the demons may take the initiative, and then they will have the opportunity to break through the seal set up by the holy monk Jianzhen and return to the human world."

Liu Yun couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "Is that really true?"

That makes sense when you think about it.

In this world, the most powerful demons are all sealed away by the holy monk Jianzhen, and Nobunaga just mentioned that he made a pact with a demon who could be called a "demon king" when he was young...

It's easy to imagine that those he collaborated with back then were all monsters that were in a sealed state!

At this moment, Oda Nobunaga nodded solemnly and said in a serious tone, "Lord Ryuun, I entrust this to you. For the sake of your wish for 'peace throughout the land and prosperity for the people,' please do as I suggest!"

Chapter 277 Solutions to the Problem

"Lord Liuyun, I beg you. For the sake of your wish for 'peace throughout the world and prosperity for the people,' please do as I suggest!"

As he spoke, Oda Nobunaga bowed sincerely.

He was usually an arrogant and taciturn person, so it was quite unusual for him to patiently explain so much about the cause and effect to Liu Yun today.

It could even be said that, by His Highness the Demon King's usual standards, his words and actions just now had a rather "subservient" connotation.

He patiently explained the cause and effect of the matter, described in detail his own demands and helplessness, and finally asked Liuyun for help.

When had Oda Nobunaga ever bowed his head and shown such weakness before? Not even to his own father, not since he was ten years old.

Regardless of whether his remarks were reasonable, his attitude alone was solemn and serious enough.

Liu Yun didn't think Oda Nobunaga was acting.

At least it's not just acting.

Although he couldn't provide any concrete evidence, Liu Yun's intuition preceded his reason, leading him to conclude that Oda Nobunaga was generally sincere and frank today.

Experience has shown that since arriving in the bizarre and supernatural world of Japan's Warring States period, one's intuition has often been far more reliable than reason.

Therefore, Oda Nobunaga's words, "Peace throughout the land, prosperity for the people," were probably not empty words. While he was undoubtedly a ruthless and cunning ruler who would stop at nothing to gain power, he also seemed to have some ideals and was trying to make the world a better place in his own way.

Unfortunately, this may not be understood by everyone.