Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

A five-person or seven-person leadership team is acceptable, but as long as Shichibei is alive, no one else can challenge for the position. Unless Shichibei voluntarily relinquishes power internally, no one else can challenge it.

His wealthy businessman.

The various associations and merchants from the Kinai and Noo regions, who had been notified beforehand, had already gathered in Sakaicho when Shichibei accompanied Nobunaga to the tea party. They were all inquiring about the purpose of Shichibei's large-scale summons. Not only was the doorstep of Tsuda Munekichi's house worn down, but even Takeno Munekata, who was not very good at business, had people inviting him to banquets every day.

Takeno Munekazu wanted to say that he was just a tea master and a political broker, and that Shichibei never consulted him about important matters, so what was the point of asking him?

However, Takeno Munekazu had the advantage of being a local; he knew that Shichibei had set up a mint in Sakai and was also developing the Tada copper mine and Kamioka silver mine on a large scale.

The other day, when he introduced Hihiya Ryoki and Konishi Ryusuke to Shichibei, Shichibei asked him about the exchange rate between gold, silver, and copper coins in Sakai.

So Takeno Munekazu made a big deal out of it; whoever asked him, he would give them a Yongle Tongbao coin that Shichibei had privately minted.

The big bosses knew, of course, that these brand-new copper coins were privately minted. The moment they handled them, they could confirm that the weight was correct, the inscriptions were clear, and they could be used as normal Yongle Tongbao coins.

This is a coin minted by Kawamura!

Everyone pretended to suddenly understand, but Takeno Munekazu smiled without saying a word, while the big bosses thanked them profusely and each took a brass coin home to discuss it with their confidants.

By the time Shichibei arrived in Sakai, everyone was already there. After all, it was only about 400 kilometers from Osaka to Edo, and in the Edo period, a flying kick could arrive in a week.

Yes. These days, every Japanese person has a great pair of feet.

Even during World War II, Japanese soldiers had good footwork. There's a joke about how to distinguish Japanese-American soldiers from regular American soldiers. If you can't tell by appearance, assign them a task like delivering a message three kilometers away. If their first instinct is to walk, they're Japanese-American. If their first instinct is to get in a jeep...

The car that sped forward with a tap of the accelerator was a typical Unsafarian American soldier.

Whether by boat, horse, or on foot, these big bosses arrived on time and appeared together before Shichibei.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen..." Shichibei was truly dazzling. As he stepped into the hall from outside, all the wealthy merchants stood up and bowed to him.

These days, applause and cheering are out of the question, let alone welcoming with both hands.

They waved their arms, cried, or jumped around incessantly, all that usual stuff. Everyone just lowered their heads, revealing several bald heads for Shichibei to see.

"Lord Kawamura, Lord Kawamura..." Everyone called out to Shichibei one after another. And you know what? Shichibei patted this person on the shoulder, pulled that person's arm, said a few words to you, and chatted with him. If you didn't know better, you would think he was some kind of high-ranking leader.

It's only 50,000 shi.

"Please be seated, everyone." Shichibei, with a composed expression, naturally took the seat of honor. Although it wasn't like Nobunaga's arrangement with a raised tatami mat, sitting in this position certainly felt different.

The big bosses on both sides sat upright, awaiting Shichibei's instructions. Shichibei deliberately remained silent, simply observing these big bosses quietly.

As a senior official appointed by Oda Nobunaga, Shichibei was in charge of all commercial activities and the affairs of merchants and townspeople within the Oda clan's territory. He also adjudicated all lawsuits between merchants. Furthermore, Shichibei himself was involved in commerce, giving him absolute and overwhelming control over the merchants present.

Normally, Shichibei only relied on the branch managers in major towns and cities, along with the local associations, for basic management. But now, with a major matter involving currency exchange across all of Japan, Shichibei had to personally lead the discussions.

After all, apart from Shichibei, no one else in the Japanese business world has the strength and influence to convene a general meeting of the trade association.

After a brief pause, Shichibei, having skillfully used this brief silence, cleared his throat and coughed. Everyone, already standing ramrod straight, straightened up even more.

Without a word, a servant brought over a tray, containing a small gold coin (about one tael) and a Yongle Tongbao brass coin for each person. Only after everyone had clearly seen the two items did Shichibei speak.

"By order of the Regent, we have unified all the gold and silver in Japan to recast coins. This is the sample coin." Shichibei held up a small gold coin of one ryo and showed it to everyone again.

Some were secretly amazed, some were completely clueless, and some remained noncommittal… …the crowd who learned from Takeno Munekazu that Kawamura-ya was minting coins.

They were the most relaxed, having already guessed Shichibei's intention to consolidate money and goods. Those who hadn't found a way in, however, could only marvel at the situation at this point.

The key point is that Shichibei controlled both the production end and the cash flow (mining).

(Mountain), and also backed by Oda Nobunaga, who was about to unify Japan. Everyone present was a merchant making a living under the Oda family's umbrella, and they couldn't even voice any objections.

Don't want to stay in this business anymore?

"The Emperor has entrusted me with this mission; today marks the beginning of our nation's two-way business." Shichibei threw the gold taupe onto the floor.

Excellent, it's the sound of gold. Crisp, melodious, and pleasing to the ear—it embodies almost every adjective used to describe a sound that praises the world. This also reflects Shichibei's feelings at this moment.

Perhaps this is one of the advantages of minting gold coins; the sound of gold hitting the ground is so clear and distinct. It's not that there aren't metals that can imitate this sound, but at least not in this era. No matter how finely a copper alloy or iron alloy is mixed with lead and tin, it simply cannot replicate the sound of gold.

We are not afraid of counterfeiting; fake gold simply cannot circulate.

"This is due to both the authority of the Regent and the success of Kawamura-dono's scheme," Takeno Munekazu immediately jumped in, praising him first.

"Yes, yes, yes..." Now everyone praised it and agreed wholeheartedly.

Looking around, Shichibei suddenly spotted two familiar faces: Sen no Sōichi and Imai no Munehisa. Although Sen no Sōichi hadn't managed to curry favor with Hideyoshi, he still occasionally received invitations and banquets from Nobunaga due to his own reputation.

Please, but it's like a monarch keeping entertainers—purely for decoration.

On the contrary, Matsui Tomokazu, who was recommended to Nobunaga by Shichibei, had previously been in charge of land surveys in Kai and Shinano, and had already gained real political power within the Oda clan. As both tea master and magistrate, and being close to Nobunaga, he held a considerable position.

Another person, Imai Munehisa, had a real conflict with Shichibei. After all, in the case of the division of property between the Hideya and Takeno Shoyo, although Shichibei did not take advantage of both the plaintiff and the defendant, he did favor Takeno Munehisa greatly, and divided up a lot of Imai Munehisa's property and gave it to Takeno Munehisa.

Unexpectedly, this guy also attended the preparatory meeting as a member of the Sakai-cho Association and even agreed with Shichibei's plan.

Seeing Shichibei's gaze sweep over, Imai Munehisa actually...

He nodded to Shichibei. Well, to be honest, this guy actually made a name for himself in history; at least he's incredibly flexible.

Knowing I couldn't win, I joined in.

Shichibei himself had no grudge against Imai Munehisa, so his willingness to join was a good thing. It's better to resolve conflicts than to perpetuate them. We need to recruit as many members as possible for the Federal Reserve Bank of Japan and reduce the number of those who resist financial control.

He nodded, and Shichibei nodded as well. Let bygones be bygones; from now on, let's make money together.

Chapter 384 Imai Ning is a Chicken Head

The preparatory meeting had only one core agenda item: to fully endorse Kawamura Shichibei Nagayoshi as the representative and spokesperson for the Kinai and Noo-seki business districts. After Mune Kotaro gave a detailed explanation to the attending merchants, the first meeting adjourned.

I'll give everyone some time to think: Should we vote for Shichibei? How should we vote? When should we vote?

In a sense, the merchants of Nobi-sei were Shichibei's core base, while the merchants of Kinai were Shichibei's targets for united front work; the two sides should be treated differently.

However, when dealing with the larger group of businesspeople, everyone needs to work together as a team. Being a leader or a key figure is actually quite difficult.

First, I'll treat everyone to a feast, and today Shichibei will be the host. After you all enjoy my feast, when facing merchants from Kyushu, Tohoku, and the western provinces, Shichibei will be carried in a decorated sedan chair.

Sitting in the head seat has its advantages; no one is urging Shichibei to drink. Shichibei can even abstain from alcohol completely. No wonder they say the dinner table is the best stage for power; at least that's true today.

Even after Shichibei left, his hearing and eyesight remained sharp.

That small wine dish held about ten sips; I wonder if it contained even two ounces of sake.

A sea breeze blew, and Qingming Festival arrived once more. He saw Imai Munehisa standing by the roadside, waiting for him. Shichibei, who had already whipped his horse, ready to gallop home so Ashikaga Princess could take a bath, reined in his horse.

"Naya?" Even though he recognized Imai Munehisa, Shichibei still asked deliberately.

"I apologize for disturbing you, Lord Kawamura." Imai Munehisa bowed his head, seemingly indicating that he had not indulged in excessive drinking or socializing at the banquet.

At the banquet just now, many people knew they were merely followers, or even if a plenary session were held, they would only have the right to attend but not to vote. So they took this opportunity to make connections everywhere. Putting aside everything else, it wouldn't hurt to get to know a few more influential merchants in the shipping, leasing, and warehouse industries.

During the social interactions, Shichibei also subtly observed those with whom he had prior trade ties via sea voyages. Those who dealt in Chita pottery or Kiso cedar quickly sat together. However, local Noo merchants often sat alone or drank with two or three familiar business associates.

In addition, there are lackeys like Takeno Munekazu, and Munekotaro...

People like Ito Sojuro, who were already subordinates of Shichibei, also had many friends.

But Imai Munehisa...

“It seems Naya has something to say.” Shichibei jumped off his horse and walked to Imai Munehisa’s side.

"It's just a small matter." Imai Munehisa made no attempt to hide his desire to ask Shichibei for help.

In fact, Imai Munehisa was dissatisfied with Shichibei's judgment on the division of property. He tried to use the imperial court and his personal connections to reach Oda Nobunaga, hoping that this higher-ranking arbitrator would order a retrial of his and Takeno Munekazu's property division case.

However, to his surprise, Tsuda Munekichi, with whom he had previously had a fairly good relationship, simply told him to settle the case quickly. As for the high monk of Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto, who was on good terms with him, and several court nobles (Imai Munehisa was granted the seal of the Minister of Finance), they waved him off as soon as they heard that the previous judgment was made by Kawamura Nagayoshi.

He eventually sought help from Matsui Yukan, who was also in Sakai at the time and had even studied tea ceremony with him. As Nobunaga's tea master, right scribe, and magistrate, Matsui Yukan was someone Nobunaga knew and could surely have some influence over.

After hearing Imai Munehisa's words, he immediately got up to leave. Imai Munehisa grabbed him, and, unable to refuse, he replied, "You should know your limits when you provoke people. An ordinary martial artist is one thing, but Kawamura Shichibei is not someone you can mess with."

Although Nobunaga didn't say it, his actions spoke louder than words; he truly loved that adorable Shichibei deeply. In terms of affection alone, Matsui Tomokazu knew he couldn't compare.

I advise you to give up on this idea as soon as possible, or you'll be tormented sooner or later.

This confirmed Shichibei's position within the Oda clan, a position that had previously been sought everywhere without success. After all, Shichibei outwardly appeared as Nobunaga's trusted merchant, his highest official post being Ōchikata, essentially the commercial manager within the Oda clan's territory.

He shouldn't be comparable to a master siege strategist like Hideyoshi Hashiba or a founding father like Nobumori Sakuma. So why do people wave their hands when Shichibei is mentioned?

Hey, Nobunaga needed fighters, strategists, and, most importantly, money to conquer the land. Skills varied, that's irrelevant, but their importance differed. Shichibei's role within the Oda clan was unparalleled. That alone was enough to earn Nobunaga's favor, and others...

People can no longer stage accidents to extort money.

So Imai Munehisa pondered all night, and after hearing that Shichibei was going to convene a meeting of merchants from all over the country, he made up his mind.

"A small matter?" Shichibei didn't believe it. If it were really a small matter, why would you wait for me by the roadside in the middle of the night?

"Lord Kawamura is determined to launch a major undertaking in the three goods and two substitutes sector; that is the important matter, everything else is insignificant." Imai Munehisa was, after all, a merchant, and a second son at that, who relied on marriage...

Takeno Sho's daughter, Hiten, is a quintessential "phoenix man"—both his physique and his cunning are commendable. "Haha..." Shichibei simply chuckled and didn't respond.

This is the advantage of being a leader in a superior position: when subordinates ask for your opinion, you can choose not to. After all, Shichibei is only responsible to Oda Nobunaga, the source of his power. What about oversight? What about feedback? What about public opinion? He doesn't need to care about any of that. It's completely impossible for Imai Munehisa to get anything out of Shichibei.

"Hmm... Kawamura-dono is in the rice industry and has the power of the regent, Nobuhiro. Doesn't he intend to consolidate things?" Seeing that Shichibei was a seasoned veteran who didn't respond at all, Imai Munehisa had no choice but to continue on his own.

"The rice industry!" Shichibei paused slightly; this was indeed part of Shichibei's plan.

However, because the two-way exchange business was more important and urgent, Shichibei decided to first finalize the exchange, minting, and issuance of gold, silver, and copper coins. As for rice...

The industry can be calmly reorganized. Moreover, once the market currency stabilizes, rice prices can also stabilize and adjust accordingly.

"The rice industry relies on two things: capital and storage. Kawamura-dono and I are a perfect match in these two aspects." Imai Munehisa turned his head and glanced at Shichibei.

Actually, there are three more reasons. Japan's national circumstances are unique. Rice is effectively controlled by the daimyo (feudal lords). To manage the rice industry, one needs to have influence with the daimyo. Coincidentally, Shichibei had influence with all the Oda clan daimyo. None of the Oda clan's legion commanders or castle lords disliked Shichibei or had any enmity with him.

To truly grow and strengthen the rice industry, one must combine power, money, and warehousing technology.

Even in 2025, warehouse management will still be a highly specialized discipline. These days, things are even more different. In 2025, rice stored for more than 36 months will most likely become...

Feed grains. Storage only requires managing the condition of rice for 36 months, or even 24 months.

These days, as long as the rice isn't moldy, it doesn't matter whether it contains excessive levels of aflatoxin or not; it's stored and sold the same way. Moreover, during the Edo period, people preferred aged rice for a time, reasoning that it had lost more moisture and was more filling. Shichibei has always been skeptical of this claim.

Faced with the challenge of managing so many rice products, Shichibei didn't have the necessary management personnel or warehousing expertise.

After all, the 40,000 koku of rice from last year at Gifu Castle, which was used as tribute rice this year...

Previously, all of it had been taken to Kai by Oda Nobunaga and eaten. Any leftovers would be mixed with the new rice and secretly disposed of.

Shichibei handled well over a million koku of tribute rice each year, and disposing of tens of thousands of koku of old rice was a piece of cake for him. Forget about being a shrewd businessman; he'd even repaint secondhand armor and weapons and sell them to Oda Nobunaga as brand new.

Does his heart ache? When the gold pieces clashed together, producing a clear and melodious sound, Shichibei's heart did not ache at all.

The reason for adjusting the rice industry after adjusting the two substitute industries.

Currently, Imai Munehisa, as the largest warehouse keeper in Sakaicho, possesses a sufficient number of experienced warehouse managers. This is indeed an asset that can be used to sell Shichibei for a good price.