Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

"Hahahaha..." The people around him also burst into laughter. Are there any places that our Oda Heavenly Soldiers cannot enter?

Do you know about Nagashima Gansho-ji Temple? Our Oda army burned it down. Do you know about Eizan Enryaku-ji Temple? Our Oda army burned it down. Do you know about Rakuyo Honkoku-ji Temple? This time it wasn't burned, it was demolished.

Your nonsense is meant for Takeda Shingen, who's already dead. We Oda's heavenly soldiers have no interest in hearing it.

"Men, go! Open the gate!" Shichibei waved his horse handle and immediately ordered his troops to move.

Hara no Nagayoshi gave a whistle, and someone went to dismantle a small pavilion built over a well on the street. They took down four pillars, tied them together, and began to bang them against the gate of Erin-ji Temple with a loud "heave-ho!"

"Kai Erinji Temple is resisting the Shogunate's official duties! I am here on the orders of the Regent to investigate this matter of non-rebellion. Open the gate!" I am here on behalf of the Shogunate to open the gate.

Open the door! Open the door! Don't hide inside and keep quiet.

Sure enough, exclamations came from inside the temple. The prerequisite for a temple to obtain temple control and protection was to submit to the Muromachi Shogunate's management of temples and shrines. In "Ikkyu-san," the most frequently appearing supporting character, besides Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, is Ninagawa Shin'emon, who was the magistrate of the Muromachi Shogunate responsible for managing temple and shrine affairs.

The "Zen-Ribatsu-shi" (僧録司) was essentially a government-run organization. Later, the Edo Shogunate also established the Temple and Shaman Administration, placing Buddhism under the control of the samurai government.

(The last Buddhist regent of the Muromachi Shogunate, Seisho Jusen, had already been exiled by Nobunaga at this time.)

Sure enough, the gate of Huilin Temple was incredibly sturdy; it wouldn't budge even after several attempts. Just as Kawamura Jun called out from outside, the gate slowly opened by itself. Two senior monks emerged, each holding a document. It clearly stated that this was a forbidden document issued by Takeda Nyudo, the governor of Kai Province under the shogunate.

"Come, come," Shichibei stepped forward and beckoned to the two monks, signaling them to bring over Takeda Shingen's documents. The two monks weren't particularly flustered at this point, because Shichibei was quite well-known in Kai, and everyone knew that he was a senior retainer of the Oda clan.

A respectable person should act with dignity, right?

The official document was handed to Shichibei, who didn't even glance at it before tearing it to shreds. He scattered the scraps, clapped his hands, and pointed them at the two monks.

"Alright, now there are no more documents." You actually think you can reason with a machine of violence?

When you talk to me about law, I just want to laugh.

"You, you, you, you..." The two monks had probably never seen Shichibei so shameless, and yet he was a shameless samurai who acted with such self-righteousness.

"I am here by order of the Regent to inspect the gates of Kai-no-Tokuzan. Make way!" Shichibei raised his horse staff and lashed it at the monk in front of him.

I can't beat Yamagata Masakage, but I can beat you?

The monk was knocked to the ground, and Kawamura's soldiers swarmed in. What "inspection"? To put it bluntly, it was just a pretext to raid his home because he hadn't completed his official duties.

During the ransacking, the lower-ranking soldiers would suddenly become completely unafraid of any gods or Buddhas, and would burn offerings with extraordinary zeal.

Of course, finding Ashikaga Chitose-maru and Makijima Akimitsu is also essential. Shichibei ordered his men to search for the two men at all costs. Whether to kill or punish them is Nobunaga's decision. But the men must be in place.

After passing through three gates, Shichibei rode his horse directly into the Fudo Myo-o Palace and finally met Kaikawa Shōki.

Born in 1513 (the 10th year of the Eisho era), Kaikawa Shōki is now over sixty years old. Even in the realm of monks, this is considered a long life. After all, sixty is considered the age of maturity, and seventy is considered the age of old age.

Dressed in a purple robe, he stood out conspicuously in the crowd. Seeing Shichibei ride into the hall, the monk was about to angrily rebuke him for disgracing Buddhism. But before he could utter a word, Shichibei struck the old monk in the face with his horse-drawn staff.

"Guards, tie up this scoundrel who refuses to pay his taxes!" You evade taxes, and you're still arguing with me about this and that.

"What!" Kaikawa Shokichi had considered a thousand or ten thousand reasons, but he never imagined that he would be arrested by the Oda army on charges of tax evasion.

It's a complete injustice! It's a damn injustice! Having risen to the position of Imperial Preceptor, Kuai Chuan Shao Xi no longer cares about official business or trivial matters like tribute; he's long since delegated those worldly affairs to his disciples and grand-disciples.

But with such a thing happening at Huilin Temple, the questioning will definitely be directed at him, the abbot. After all, when a company gets into trouble, they arrest the legal representative; how can you run away if you're the legal representative?

"There's no need to complain to me. If you have something to say, go and say it to the temple and shrine magistrate, Takei-dono." Shichibei was very satisfied as he watched the soldiers of Kawamura Army tie up the man so easily.

Sure enough, once you join the army, your skills in tying people up become second nature. Whether capturing prisoners on the battlefield or looting in peacetime, you have to tie people up properly before you can sell them. The key point is that there are quite a few servants in Kawamura's army who know how to tie up horses. If they can tie up horses properly, how could they possibly tie up a monk in his sixties?

"I want to see the executive authority, I want to see the executive authority."

Chapter 372 Nobutsugu Yonekura Buys Nobushige

The ten famous temples of Kanto, including the burial ground of Takeda Shingen and the residence of the National Preceptor, Eirin-ji, had been completely transformed into a military camp and trading market. A total of two hundred people, from resident monks to novices, were all bound by Kawamura's army.

Except for Kaikawa Shoki, who was placed by the brazier in the center of the temple, the others either redeemed themselves or were sold into slavery. Those without money borrowed from nearby temples, while those with money voluntarily pointed out where they had hidden their money. Shichibei forbade the soldiers from setting fire to the temple buildings; they were only allowed to take away everything they could see and move.

If it's visible and movable, then it naturally belongs to the spoils of war.

"Really no money? The Kawamura-ya shop assistant has already come in with an abacus. All those present are masters of the Rinzai sect. If Eirin-ji can't survive here, there will always be new temples to rely on. We'll take out nine and return thirteen times; a loan will suffice. Given the Oda clan's current power, unless you, Master, flee Japan, you'll have to pay it back eventually."

It will incur penalty interest.

As for those miscellaneous spoils of war? Shichibei didn't have time to concern himself with them; they were all trivial matters. Only Ashikaga Chitose-maru and Makijima Akimitsu required Shichibei's personal attention; otherwise, the trip would have been a waste.

By the way, the evidence that Huilin Temple had not paid its official taxes is readily available. Just search through their temple's income and expenditure records, point to something, and you'll have confirmed the crime of tax evasion.

"Brother." Hara Nagayoshi led two women to Shichibei.

"Ashigai Chitose-maru!" Shichibei quickly got up to look.

“It’s true without a doubt, and there’s also Makijima Sonrokuro.” Hara Nagayori then pointed to the seven or eight Ashikaga samurai who were also bound and sitting cross-legged on the ground.

"A great achievement!" Shichibei nodded to Hara Nagayori. For this head alone, Hara Nagayori would receive an additional 1,000 koku.

Upon closer inspection, the child appeared to be only one or two years old. He was likely soothed to sleep and showed no signs of distress. In truth, it didn't matter whether the child was alive or dead; the important thing was to arrest Ashikaga Yoshiaki's male descendant. The two maids looked terrified, but Shichibei had no interest in them. He simply instructed everyone to keep a close eye on the child, as he would later be given to Nobunaga.

Below Makijima Akimitsu? Normally, all accounts would be settled. But now they need to prove Ashikaga Chitose-maru's identity. Whether or not to settle accounts depends on Nobunaga's decision.

Send someone to inform Nobunaga of what happened at Eirin-ji Temple. As for Kaikawa Shōki, who evaded taxes? Let Takei Yūan handle that. He's usually the one responsible for negotiating matters concerning temple leaders.

Today's visit to Huilin Temple is like Xiang Zhuang's sword dance, its true intention being to capture Liu Bang. The main goal is to kidnap Ashikaga Chitose-maru without burning down Huilin Temple or Kaikawa Shōki. As long as Kaikawa Shōki doesn't self-immolate, everything will be fine.

You say Shichibei disgraced Buddhism? That's laughable. In the Kamakura, Nanboku-cho, Muromachi, Azuchi, and Momoyama periods, there were countless samurai who set fire to temples, looted monks, and committed other acts of arson. How many of them are remembered with infamy?

No one was killed, and the temple was inspected for a legitimate reason. Shichibei has been quite reasonable, hasn't he? At most, Kaikawa Shokichi might write a few words of criticism against Shichibei in his memoirs someday.

sleep!

Sleeping soundly, Yuan Nagayoshi casually gathered up Kaikawa Shōki's silk clothes and used them as bedding. The Imperial Preceptor's fine robes—how wonderful! Who knows, they might even be blessed by Buddha.

The next morning, find an oxcart for the master, and don't tie him up while you're at it. Tying the old monk up all night has left him looking pale and unwell. Don't tie him to death; otherwise, future historical accounts will say that Shichibei and Kaikawa Shokichi were played to death…

It may not be wild enough, but it's definitely disgusting.

Returning to the siege of Iwadono Castle, also known as Iwadono Mountain Castle, the castle is situated on Iwadono Mountain at an elevation of 634 meters. On one side of the castle is the confluence of the Katsura River and the Kuzuno River, tributaries of the Sagami River, while on the other side is an almost vertical cliff, so steep that it is called "Mirror Rock" because of its extreme straightness.

The streets below the castle are an important transportation hub connecting Kai Province to Musashi Province. With the castle as a base, a small border market has formed. Halfway up the mountain, there is also Entsuji Temple, which can serve as a branch castle, and the shrine where the Seven Shrines of Myojin, known as the "Iwadono Authority," are located.

After glancing at the castle's layout, Nobunaga and Nobutada nodded repeatedly. No wonder Takeda Yoshiyori didn't even stop at Tsutsuzaki Castle, but rushed to Iwadono Castle overnight.

It is said that there are currently 2,500 cavalrymen under the castle, including 2,000 under Oyada Nobushige and 500 under Takeda Yoshiyori. The Oda army attacking the castle has more than 20,000 troops, consisting of a series of large armies including Oda Nobunaga, Oda Nobutada, Hashiba Hideyoshi, and Takigawa Kazumasu.

With a tenfold advantage, attacking the city was the obvious choice. To avoid any unforeseen complications, Nobunaga's attitude was that a generous reward would surely attract brave men.

Whoever can seize a castle and kill Takeda Yoshiyori will be granted a fiefdom of 20,000 or 30,000 koku, whichever they desire. Even setting up the fiefdom right next to Azuchi Castle wouldn't be a problem. If someone already holds a fiefdom, like Hideyoshi with 120,000 koku in Nagahama, Kohoku, then their fiefdom will be increased to 200,000 or even 300,000 koku for the entire province.

Don't worry about where this country is, just seal it off.

The soldiers were overjoyed and full of high spirits. Hideyoshi was quite shrewd; he had led his troops into Kai first and deliberately recruited many gold minions. Now he invited them directly to the castle for the so-called "earth dragon attack."

Use any means necessary; Nobunaga is determined to kill Takeda Yoshiyori. Whatever the method, just kill him.

"Oh? Where is he?" In the midst of the siege, Shichibei's messenger ran over.

"They're right outside the tent." The messenger immediately escorted Ashikaga Chitose-maru, Makijima Akimitsu, and the others into the shogunate's main tent.

Nobunaga and Nobutada glanced at the one- or two-year-old boy and Makijima Akimitsu, relieved to have one less worry on their minds. The siege was frustrating enough; they might as well take them out and behead them to vent their anger.

"My lord, why don't we put it down and invite Makijima Sonroku into the city..." Hideyoshi looked disheveled, but his spirits were high.

"What do you mean?" Nobunaga turned around.

Hideyoshi's idea was a classic psychological warfare tactic. Iwadono Castle had 2,500 men, while its lord, Takeda Yoshiyori, had only 500, and his retainer, Oyamada Nobushige, had 2,000. With Oda's army of over 20,000 launching a fierce attack, they were bound to capture the castle. Could Oyamada Nobushige truly hold out?

The reason they are fighting so desperately now is simply because they fear Nobunaga will slaughter all the powerful clans and noble families under the Takeda's protection in order to install samurai from the Oda clan's own household. Releasing Makijima Akimitsu into the castle to persuade Oyamada Nobushige might have a miraculous effect.

Even Ashikaga Yoshiaki's retainers, whom Nobunaga deeply hated, were not killed. So, Oyamada Nobushige had no enmity with Nobunaga at all; he was just a follower of the Takeda clan.

To gain the trust of Nobushige Oyamada, Makijima Akimitsu promised him that if he fought against Takeda and presented Yoshiyori's head, he would be allowed to stay in the county and live peacefully.

Let's prioritize. As for whether Oyamada Nobushige was loyal to his lord, that's a matter for later. Right now, Yamagata Masamitsu is the head of the Kai Preservation Association, and nobody says he's disloyal.

“Father, Nagahama is right.” Oda Nobutada immediately agreed, believing that delay would only lead to complications.

Iwadono Castle is close to Hojo Ujimasa's territory, and Hojo Ujimasa hasn't yet reacted to come to Takeda Yoshiyori's aid. By the time he does, his 50,000-strong army will be scattered, giving Oda Nobunaga a real headache.

"Hmm..." Nobunaga beckoned and instructed someone to bring in Shichibei's envoy.

Looking up more closely, Nobunaga realized that the foreigner looked somewhat familiar. He decided to ask him about it, and then he remembered: this man was Yonekura Nobutsugu.

Yonekura Nobutsugu was a member of the Takekawa-shu, a local samurai group in Kai Province. Most of the Takekawa-shu were part-time farmers and part-time soldiers, but some were full-time samurai. Yonekura Nobutsugu did not go to Mino with Takeda Yoshiyori because he had recently switched to a civilian job, mainly responsible for managing various properties around Kofu Castle.

When Oda's army invaded, Kai collapsed, and Yonekura Nobutsugu was left without support. First, Yamagata Masamitsu returned and began organizing a maintenance committee. Then Shichibei arrived in Kai. Well, some things, you know, since there's a leader, there's no need to explain them so clearly.

Yonekura Nobutsugu and others chose to side with Yamagata Masamitsu and Shichibei. Kawamura's army had just arrived in Kai, so the task of running errands and delivering messages was naturally left to the locals. Upon seeing Yonekura Nobutsugu, Shichibei immediately said, "Let me serve the Kawamura family, I'll start with a salary of fifty kan. What Kai says next depends on Nobunaga's decision."

If Nobunaga intends to eradicate the Kai samurai corps, then Yonekura Nobutsugu will take his fellow villagers to Azuchi and serve Shichibei. If Kai is ultimately settled by Yamagata Masamitsu, then serving Yamagata is also acceptable.

Although they were acquaintances to some extent, Nobunaga immediately ordered Yonekura Nobutsugu to bring Makijima Akimitsu into the castle to persuade Oyamada Nobushige. The price offered to Oyamada Nobushige was the security of the territory of Tsuru District, while the price offered to Yonekura Nobutsugu was 500 kan of credit for any place in Kai Province.

If we can persuade Oyamada Nobushige, not only will the entire Yonekura family be spared, but they can also be transformed into Oda's vanguard in Kai, enjoying a generous stipend of 500 kan. The Yonekura family's own territory and assets can be handed over to their brothers, uncles, or nephews, guaranteeing that the Yonekura family will rise to another level.

Without hesitation, Yonekura Nobutsugu, having received the order, led Makijima Akimitsu into the city as soon as it got dark. He wasn't stupid; why would he do something like that in broad daylight, in full view of everyone?

What's the situation inside the city?

Takeda Yoshiyori naturally sent men to Odawara Castle to find Hojo Ujimasa, but unfortunately, Hojo Ujimasa was locked in a stalemate with the allied forces of Yuki, Satake, and Utsunomiya, and couldn't spare any resources to rescue the Takeda clan. Even if he were to mobilize troops, he could only send three to five thousand men at most, which wouldn't be enough for Oda Nobunaga to kill.

In the vast eastern country, Takeda Yoshiyori had only this one ally who could secure reinforcements. The Takeda family was truly something else. To be so universally hated, his death was truly deserved.

Now that the Hojo army can't come, what should we do?

You ask me? Who should I ask? Nobushige Oyamada is still observing the situation. Iwadono Castle is high and fortified, perfectly fitting the criteria of a "Japanese castle." Without indirect fire, taking it will be very difficult.

Even after suffering a fierce attack from Oda's army of over 20,000, Oyamada Nobushige did not expect the castle to fall quickly. Surrounded by water on two sides, with a sheer cliff on one side, and a 600-meter-high mountain path remaining, there was still plenty of fighting to be done.

But tonight was different. Before Oyamada Nobushige stood Yonekura Nobutsugu and Makijima Akimitsu. Hideyoshi was right; Oyamada Nobushige was indeed moved to realize that Nobunaga hadn't even killed Makijima Akimitsu.

But being touched is just being touched; if you want him to do something, you need to offer something worthy of public recognition.

"Price? The security of the territory under my jurisdiction in Tsuru County is guaranteed. Name your price." Yonekura Nobutsugu had received instructions from Shichibei before his arrival, and now he had Oda Nobunaga's guarantee. His magnanimous demeanor made Oyamada Nobushige almost unrecognizable.

We've all been working around Kofu Castle, we used to work together, and it's only been a few days since we last met, and you're already acting all high and mighty?

However, whether or not he was trembling with fear, Oyamada Nobushige was unaware of Kiso Yoshimasa's asking price. Furthermore, Kiso Yoshimasa's high price was due to his eldest son and daughter being held hostage at Kofu Castle. Oyamada Nobushige's son, daughter, and their mother were all inside Iwadono Castle, so his defection wouldn't be under much pressure.

The main issue is the killing of his former lord, Yoshiyori Takeda. Killing Yoshiyori would inevitably bring him the infamy of regicide.

Five thousand taels!

Asking for the moon, then settling for a bargain. Nobushige Oyamada also wanted five thousand taels of gold, but his plan was to open the shop first and let Nobutsugu Yonekura negotiate the price.

To everyone's surprise, Yonekura Nobutsugu readily agreed, stating that he would immediately offer five thousand taels of gold upon seeing Takeda Yoshiyori's head.

This immediately surprised Oyamada Nobushige. No one was even haggling over the price; Nobunaga was truly generous. He then secretly regretted not asking for six thousand taels—no, eight thousand taels! Who doesn't love gold?