Swallow Return

After all, as a lord now, he bears the responsibility for more than just his own destiny; it is also necessary for him to expand his territory and spread his blessings far and wide.

It seems that everyone in the Sasaki family has been doing well during this period.

Hayami Kiyobei ​​is now essentially the "acting village chief" managing two thousand koku of land and over a thousand people. This position already makes him overjoyed, feeling that his talents have finally found a place to be used. Eguchi Sukezaemon, regardless of wind or rain, patrols around all day with three or five attendants, looking very serious and imposing. He doesn't have to use his brain, and he's overjoyed and very satisfied when he occasionally catches a petty thief.

Uncle Xinghe became the first abbot of Shunshan Temple, and during the New Year's prayer ceremony, he received a large number of worshippers. Although he was extremely busy, his spirits were rising, and it was said that he even planned to take in a few orphans from the neighborhood as his disciples. Junior Brother Suifeng, on the other hand, devoted his youthful energy to government affairs. In just a few months, he had become quite proficient in handling official documents, settling accounts, organizing the people, and managing projects.

There are only two yokai, Aotabo and Kurotabo, whose needs differ from those of humans, making it impossible to determine whether their desires are satisfied.

Public opinion is more complex.

Because Liu Yun could achieve great military exploits single-handedly, farmers were never conscripted as miscellaneous soldiers. Instead, a sum of money was collected in lieu of labor based on the number of people and the amount of land they owned.

On the bright side, the villagers can focus on tending their fields instead of going to the front lines as cannon fodder, which is worthwhile even if it means paying more taxes. But some reckless scoundrels feel stifled at home because they don't have the chance to go out and have fun, and hope that they can be taken on missions in the future.

Hayami Seibei reported on the people's demands at the meeting on the third day of the Lunar New Year, and Ryuun said, "Isn't this simple? It's too easy to solve."

From now on, we can operate on a voluntary basis. Those who want to join the army can be sent to the battlefield, while those who are afraid of death can pay money to stay at home and farm. Wouldn't that be perfect?

Hayami Kiyobei ​​was bewildered after hearing this. Rationally speaking, the method was indeed quite reliable, ensuring that those participating in the battle were militiamen with a certain amount of courage, rather than just conscripts forced to go through the motions. However, how could such a serious matter as military service be decided so frivolously?

So he replied, “In accordance with common sense, there are quotas for the number of people mobilized and the equipment that needs to be raised by the people in each territory. It is probably not appropriate for you, my lord, to let the people choose freely.”

Liu Yun's question was: "Does the Oda clan have such a quota?"

Hayami Seibei was speechless.

Oda Nobunaga was an outlier among the Sengoku daimyo, only caring about the results and not the process, and had no interest in things like military service regulations.

Although he was speechless, Hayami Seibei still felt that what he was doing was inappropriate.

Liu Yun was quite lenient and didn't force him, but gave him ten days to think it over. If he couldn't come up with a suitable reason to object, then he could proceed as planned.

Hayami Seibei had no choice but to accept the terms.

Eguchi Sukezaemon, who was present, disagreed and said irritably, "You're overthinking it! Lord Ryūun has doubled the Sasaki family's territory in just a few months. Following his orders is definitely the right thing to do!"

Uncle Xinghe, who was standing nearby, remained indifferent to this.

Junior Brother Suifeng listened with great interest and fell into thought along with Hayami Seibei.

……

Leaving that little incident aside, on the tenth day of the first lunar month, the family welcomed two special guests: Sasa Narimasa, a close attendant of Oda Nobunaga, and Takei Yuan, a trusted magistrate.

Coincidentally, both of them had met Liu Yun once before.

As before, Sasa Narimasa remained stern and unsmiling, like a boring robot.

As a civil official, Takei Xi'an was much better at speaking. He flattered and ingratiated himself in his words and actions without making a sound, like a gentle spring breeze.

Upon meeting these two guests, Liu Yun learned that the most core members of the Oda clan had been summoned to Gifu Castle for a face-to-face report during the Spring Festival this year and were currently in a meeting.

Those who are not so central but are still quite important, such as oneself, will have messengers sent by Nobunaga to indirectly greet them, convey some instructions, and bring the leader's care.

As for anything below that, there wasn't even a direct channel to contact Nobunaga; they could only wait for their direct superior to return from Gifu Castle to learn about the arrangements for the new year.

After hearing this, Liu Yun suddenly realized that people in high positions of power are actually quite busy.

I finally get to celebrate the New Year, but I can't even stay home and cuddle with my wife. I have to go to the city and discuss scheming and backstabbing with a bunch of men. Just thinking about it makes me tired.

However, being in a subordinate position and constantly being controlled by others is also unpleasant.

If only we could have both fish and bear's paw.

Sasa Narimasa and Takei Yuan were unaware of Ryuun's arrogant thoughts. They left after only half an hour, saying they had other clients to run away with.

Iori was more than qualified to be the mistress of the house; she had sealed two small bags of silver coins in advance and sent them over secretly by Saeko.

Upon seeing this, Liu Yun remembered to send the two "imperial envoys" a reward for their hard work.

Takei Yuan smiled and readily accepted, placing it neatly into his pocket. Sasa Narimasa frowned, appearing somewhat uneasy, but ultimately accepted it as well.

The two men brought Nobunaga's arrangements, the gist of which was that although Takeda Shingen was not dead, he could indeed prove to be unwell, and Ryuun should be richly rewarded for his great service. After the Asai clan, who were still stubbornly resisting at Odani Castle, were destroyed, the 120,000 koku of land in the three districts of northern Omi would be given to Kinoshita Tokichiro, and half of the land currently under Kinoshita Tokichiro's control at Yokoyama Castle, about 10,000 koku, would be allocated to Sasaki Ryuun.

This is actually a worthless check.

So Liu Yun was originally a little dissatisfied.

However, the two envoys then stated that, given the territory had not yet been delivered, they would provide one hundred taels of gold as compensation, which would be sent shortly.

Liu Yuncai then felt it was acceptable.

It can't be said that it was for the money.

One hundred taels of gold may seem like a lot, but if you drink monks' wine and chrysanthemum wine every day and eat lobster, sea bream, tempura, wild boar (wild boar meat), etc., it can only last for about two hundred days. Money doesn't matter; the key is attitude.

If Sasa Narimasa and Takei Yuan knew that Ryuun was planning to squander the bounty like this, they would probably be so angry they'd vomit blood.

Other samurai would love to split every penny in half to buy more fully equipped arquebuses and warhorses. Who has ever seen a colleague so greedy, corrupt and degenerate?

Fortunately, they don't have the ability to read minds.

Finally, Sasa Narimasa and Takei Yuan added that although Azai Nagamasa was trapped in Odani Castle and his days were numbered, he was still making a desperate struggle, requesting reinforcements everywhere while seemingly secretly plotting something at Toragozen Mountain near Odani Castle, which was worth noting. They hoped that Ryuun could cooperate well after Kinoshita Tokichiro returned from the meeting and eliminate the remaining counterattack forces as soon as possible.

Liu Yun was quite accepting of this.

Putting everything else aside, just for that empty promise of 10,000 koku, we should put more effort into getting rid of the Asai family as soon as possible.

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Chapter 100 So This Is What Separation of Soldiers and Farmers Is (Part 2)

The New Year's holiday passed quickly, and the ten-day agreement was over in the blink of an eye. Hayami Seibei finally came up with a suitable reason to explain why the people could not voluntarily choose whether to serve in the military or pay money.

He said to Liu Yun: "If the people within the territory are allowed to choose freely, then some 'clever people' might deliberately choose to join the army when things go smoothly and they are likely to win. When they encounter a powerful enemy that is difficult to deal with, they might pay their dues and evade the task. Wouldn't this encourage opportunism?"

Moreover, if the Sasaki family's territory expands further in the future, the ambiguous policies will confuse the lower classes and create opportunities for rent-seeking. Honest and law-abiding officials may find it difficult to establish authority, while unscrupulous officials may take the opportunity to oppress the common people.

Liu Yun found some of what he said to be quite reasonable.

At this moment, the junior disciple Sui Feng, who was sitting on the side listening, made a suggestion: "Why not divide the people into two categories? The first category should pay more tribute but not have to bear military service, while the second category should pay less or no tribute but should bear military service as usual. Wouldn't that be closer to your idea, senior brother?"

Hayami Seibei immediately asked, "Has Master Suifeng ever considered what would happen if someone initially chose to pay for service but later regretted it? If it cannot be changed, it will still cause dissatisfaction."

With a smug smile, Sui Feng shook his head and said, "I've thought about it too! We can let them apply to change their status, but there are three conditions: first, it must be approved by higher authorities; second, it can only be changed once a year; and third, a fixed amount of money must be paid."

Hayami Seibei pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "I've heard that some prominent families in the Kanto region have already implemented similar policies, so it's certainly worth considering adopting them."

Liu Yun readily agreed, "That's good, let's do it that way."

Although Eguchi Sukezaemon didn't quite understand, he still exclaimed in admiration, "Master Suifeng is truly amazing! No wonder he studied in the temple! He's nothing like a country samurai like me who only knows how to use a sword."

Uncle Xinghe was quite surprised, and shook his head with a wry smile, saying, "Actually, we only read Buddhist scriptures in the temple, and we don't study anything in this area... at least this humble monk has never heard of it."

Upon hearing this, Hayami Seibei said seriously, "With the aptitude of young Master Suifeng, if he can find a way to enter a famous temple to accumulate experience, he might have the opportunity to become a guest of honor of the daimyo as a learned monk in the future... No, as long as he rises with the lord, he might not need any experience to have a chance!"

Upon hearing this, Junior Brother Suifeng waved his hands repeatedly to express his humility: "Master Hayami, you flatter me too much! I wouldn't dare to think that far ahead."

Even so, a glimmer of light flashed in his young eyes.

Liu Yun immediately sensed the scent of fighting spirit and ambition.

But this doesn't make people feel disgusted.

In the future, the Sasaki family will inevitably be involved in the power struggles and deal with various powerful figures. Junior Brother Suifeng has been a friend for several years, and there's a basic foundation of trust; having him as an ally is definitely a good thing.

Liu Yun knew in his heart that his advantage lay only in his personal martial prowess, and it was unlikely that he would become a cunning old fox skilled in politics and intrigue in a short period of time. If he could have someone by his side to share these responsibilities, that would be fine too.

……

Liu Yun originally thought that this policy was just a random act of impulse in response to the public's demands.

In any case, the Oda clan's management was very relaxed. The higher-ups only looked at the results and not the process, and as long as the subordinates ensured outstanding performance, they could do whatever they wanted in their daily work.

Unexpectedly, the subsequent impact was quite profound.

On the thirteenth day of the first month, Kinoshita Tokichiro returned to Yokoyama Castle after attending the year-end meeting at Gifu Castle. He immediately summoned all his retainers and local lords and conveyed the conquest mission assigned by Nobunaga.

In order to show his special regard for Liuyun, he did not send any messengers to inform him, but instead personally visited him with a gift.

After arriving at the Sasaki Mansion, we sat down and chatted for a bit, inevitably talking about the recently implemented "new policies".

Under the management of Hayami Seibei and the young monk Suifu, the more than 300 farming households within the 2,000 koku territory were divided into two categories. More than 130 people were recorded in the "Military Service Account," which allowed them to pay less tribute but required them to serve in the military for an extended period. The other 180 people were listed in the "Substitute Service Money Account," which exempted them from military service and only required them to pay the full amount of tribute or to perform safe labor in lieu of military service.

Liu Yun didn't take it seriously, thinking it was just something he was doing casually.

When Kinoshita Tokichiro heard about it, his eyes lit up, and he exclaimed in admiration, saying that it should be widely adopted.

Liu Yun hadn't reacted yet.

Kinoshita Tokichiro laughed heartily and explained, “Brother Ryuyun’s brilliant idea has given me a lot of inspiration! However, while your idea is ingenious, it lacks a certain degree of force. In my opinion, those who choose to participate in military service, since they have already enjoyed the benefits of paying less or no tribute, should serve diligently and spend at least half of each month on standby in the city, instead of only coming temporarily when there is a need for battle. As for those who choose to pay the substitute service fee, since they no longer need to participate in military service, there is no reason for them to keep their armor and weapons. They might as well sell them to me at a low price. What do you say, brother?”

Liu Yun pondered for a moment, then suddenly realized, "You mean, all the armed people are stationed in the city, under strict control. And in the countryside, where it's difficult to manage, only unarmed people remain..."

“Yes, yes!” Kinoshita Tokichiro said smugly, “I’ve had similar thoughts for a while now, but it wasn’t until today that Brother Liuyun reminded me! Don’t laugh at me, but since becoming the lord of Yokoyama City, I’ve discovered that there are too many local bullies around here. Many families control the territory of one or two villages in the mountains, with thirty or fifty soldiers. They’re not very useful, and they’re quite difficult to manage. Fights break out from time to time, and they’re always behind on their tribute. It’s too far away to investigate, it’s a real pain… If we use Brother Liuyun’s method, they will only have two choices: one is to work under my nose and obediently serve as soldiers; the other is to hand over their armor and weapons and go back to the fields to become wealthy farmers.”

Liu Yun was taken aback upon hearing this, feeling as if he had heard this idea somewhere before, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Kinoshita Tokichiro, caught up in his own reverie, clapped his hands and exclaimed with self-satisfaction, regardless of whether anyone else was listening attentively: "Either join the army or return to farming. I think this can be called 'separation of soldiers and farmers,' and it's worth promoting, truly worth promoting!"

What? This is the separation of soldiers and farmers?

Liu Yun remained silent for a moment, then said expressionlessly, "Actually... my Sasaki family is the kind of local bully you just described, the kind that's hard to manage... If this policy is ultimately used to control myself, it would be truly laughable..."

Kinoshita Tokichiro didn't take it seriously, shaking his head with a smile and saying, "Why are you worried about this, Brother Ryuun? As I just said, those local thugs are neither very useful nor obedient, which is why we need to find a way to deal with them. Of course, someone with your skills doesn't count! How could we use them to control you? It's you and me who are on the same side, cooperating to deal with those disobedient bastards!"

That was too blunt, and it sounded rather awkward. Liu Yun was a little dumbfounded, unsure of what expression to make.

After laughing, Kinoshita Tokichiro suddenly said meaningfully, "People often tell me that no matter how skilled Sasaki Ryuun is, he's just a martial artist. But I think Brother Ryuun is more than just a martial artist!"

Chapter 101 So This Is What Separation of Soldiers and Farmers Is (Part 2)

Liu Yun never expected that his unintentional act, after several twists and turns, would inspire Kinoshita Tokichiro and lead to the idea of ​​"separation of soldiers and farmers".

Moreover, news soon arrived that Oda Nobunaga was also very interested in this and expressed his approval.

Thus, as the first step in the "separation of soldiers and farmers," before the spring plowing of the third year of Genki (1832) had even begun, Kinoshita Tokichiro issued an order to the local people near Yokoyama Castle to "gather their retainers." Those who received the order were required to prepare warhorses, armor, and weapons, and bring a certain number of men to reside permanently in the castle.

If you are unwilling to accept this arrangement, that's fine too. You can hand over all your weapons, return to your hometown to farm, and never have to respond to any military service calls again.

Logically speaking, Oda Nobunaga had already implemented such a policy on a small scale, with his 3,000 "Makaishu" (a type of cavalry unit) serving as a standing army being the best example. However, it seems there were no immediate plans to actively promote it throughout the entire territory.

However, just because there have been examples does not mean that it will be universally accepted.

In fact, it has sparked countless complaints.

For hundreds of years, the local people in northern Omi have been ruled by the Kyogoku and Asai clans, but both clans had very low levels of centralization, so the countryside was largely a place where everyone did their own thing.