Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

Enraged, Hideyoshi immediately remarked that the old woman was tired.

Not only did he curse, but he also got up and rushed forward, kicking Bessho Yoshikichi without hesitation.

His foot. If Bessho Yoshichika hadn't fallen so quickly, he would have slapped him a few times.

Hachisuka Koroku and Hashiba Hidenaga, who were on either side of Hideyoshi, quickly tried to pull him away. Bessho Yoshichika represented half of Harima Province; even if they didn't like what they heard, they couldn't just hit him like that. This was tantamount to thoroughly humiliating Bessho Yoshichika in front of the entire Harima province.

Bessho Yoshichika was stunned and fell to the ground without even thinking of getting up. After all, he was a prominent figure at the evaluation site, and he never expected to be so directly humiliated.

The evaluation meeting ended in discord.

Hideyoshi was the first to be dragged out, while Bessho Yoshichika was helped up later, his face dark with anger.

(The above events are considered historical facts by Furukawa Kazuo.)

Chapter 397 Official Appointment Announced in Changzhi

Nobunaga entrusted the task of entertaining Bessho Nagaharu to Shichibei, as he needed to rush back to Gifu to bring over Nobutada's troops. In any case, the process of submitting the samurai official appointments was already established, and Shichibei could simply follow the established procedures.

This is a minor matter; Shichibei doesn't even need to consult his waka teacher, Karasuma Mitsunori. He should first confirm his official rank with Bessho Nagaharu, then forward the document to Murai Sadakatsu. Murai Sadakatsu will then forward the document to the Imperial Court; if things go smoothly, it should be completed within a week. "The Regent has other military affairs; from now on, I will be in charge of receiving Lord Miki." Shichibei is a senior retainer and Ōchikata of the Oda clan, so his status is certainly sufficient. Bessho Nagaharu...

He'd already had tea with his half-father, so there was nothing wrong with it. "Military affairs are paramount, military affairs are paramount."

"I heard you mention before, my lord, that Lord Miki wishes to seek a Grand Secretary and Grand Assistant?"

"Yes, this was the position my grandfather held." Bessho Nagaharu and his uncle Bessho Yoshichika were family after all, and they insisted on bringing up the introduction of the job my grandfather had held.

It's understandable, really, for people like them who come from noble families but are not from ordinary backgrounds.

Moreover, while they were considered influential in a certain region of the country, they weren't influential enough to be known even in Kyoto, and they were very concerned about how others perceived them. This was because they were trying to squeeze into that feudal upper class and become a member of the old order.

"Of course, of course. Lord Miki has worked hard and made great contributions, and his deeds have been rewarded in Harima." Shichibei was only there to help with the process of buying the official position, so of course he wouldn't say anything unpleasant.

During the Edo period, some court nobles would complain that samurai lords were buying their positions from them.

They talk about looking down on this and that. It can only be said that the generals after Miyamichi Miyamichi raised the useless parasites of Kyoto too well, making them arrogant and self-important. They not only want to make money, but they also want to earn it while maintaining a respectable image—they want both power and prestige.

"Then I'll leave everything to you. Also..." Bessho Nagaharu wasn't stupid; he meant how much money it would cost.

"Hmm." Shichibei held out his hand, his five fingers spread wide, indicating that he only wanted fifty kan.

Nobunaga spent countless coins at the Imperial Court. He wielded immense influence there, having befriended former Regent Konoe Sakihisa and Prince Naruhito of the Eastern Palace; he had many people speaking on his behalf. With his influence, even a fraction of Bessho Nagaharu could buy a...

For a physician of the fifth rank, fifty strings of cash would suffice.

Of course, the fifty strings of cash were only for "repair materials" to be donated to the imperial treasury. Afterwards, two shi of rice and two bolts of silk were to be sent to each of the forty or fifty high-ranking officials as a congratulatory gift. For the official who actually contributed, the gift would be valuables worth thirty strings of cash, preferably in cash.

Upon the arrival of the imperial envoy, a lavish banquet must be prepared to entertain him. If it is possible to host a Noh or sumo wrestling performance, that would be even better. In addition to the banquet, depending on the individual's circumstances, a minimum of twenty kan (a unit of currency) is generally given, and those with the means may give thirty or fifty kan.

You asked why Shichibei didn't extend his favor to all the court nobles back then? Because Nobunaga personally purchased the gifts, and he had already done so. Bessho Nagaharu was visiting for the first time, and extending his favor also served as a way of testing the waters, at least making himself known by sending rice and silk. Afterwards, he could send gifts again every year during the New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.

In this way, the Bessho family could have two or three acquaintances in Kyoto. Whether it was asking court nobles to mediate a war or to promote someone to a higher official rank, someone would speak on their behalf.

Awooooo...

Listening to Shichibei's words, Bessho Nagaharu quickly wrote them down. He was a country bumpkin, and this was his first time in the old capital.

You can't remember all the local dialects.

Finally, Bessho Nagaharu asked, "How much should Shichibei receive?" A smart, sensible man—why did he even rebel with Mori? If he had clung to Oda Nobunaga's coattails, and been willing to be granted a fiefdom, he could have become a hereditary daimyo with 300,000 koku. Who knows, he might even have been granted 420,000 koku in Hiroshima! Why rebel?

Shichibei quickly waved his hand, indicating that a katana would suffice as a token of his appreciation. "We're not professionals in this business; there's no need to actually accept money."

Having apparently understood Shichibei's meaning, Bessho Nagaharu also noted down one of Shichibei's tachi swords. Only then did he respectfully rise and leave to prepare the gifts and cash.

By all accounts, this kid seemed like a well-behaved person, so how did he rebel? At nineteen, he planned a rebellion and almost drove Hideyoshi to his death; he's incredibly capable. With that kind of talent, it would have been so much better if he had followed Nobunaga in conquering the land. Nobunaga was very generous in paying those who did hard work.

The document was sent to Murai Sadakatsu, the Kyoto Magistrate, with the instruction to expedite the process. Of course, it wasn't about appointing him as the Grand Secretary or the Governor of Harima Province.

Shichibei then went to see Karasuma Mitsunori to ask him...

Please ask the regent Nijō Haruyoshi to say a few kind words to him. With the weather getting warmer, Karasuma Mitsunori wasn't planning to waste any more time in Kyoto and was packing his bags to spend his summer vacation at the Ōtsu villa that Shichibei had given him.

You're living the good life, while I'm half-dead on the front lines, you're stuck in the rear and get half a year of summer vacation.

Upon seeing Shichibei arrive, Karasuma Mitsunori immediately pulled up the hems of his trousers and trotted over. He hurriedly ordered servants to bring tea and asked Shichibei why he had time to come to Kyoto. Had things been settled in Sakai? Or did Lord Nobunaga have some instructions? Putting everything else aside, Shichibei was certain of one thing: even though the siege of Honganji had been lifted and war had broken out in Kita-Kawachi and Nishi-Yamato, the people of Kyoto were not panicked at all; they were all quite at ease. Didn't you see that Karasuma Mitsunori was already preparing to go on summer vacation? His life was carefree and easy; he was content being a parasite.

The tide has truly turned.

In the past, Kyoto was a place where even the slightest disturbance could cause chaos. Now, even if Settsu, Kawachi, and Yamato were to be in turmoil simultaneously, it wouldn't matter much. The consensus across the land is that Oda Nobunaga will fulfill the weighty responsibility of achieving "peace throughout the land."

good thing.

Five days later, the formalities were completed, and the samurai envoy from the Imperial Court, Asukai-no-kyo, came specifically to the residence of the Right General. Although Nobunaga himself was not in Kyoto, he had theoretically helped recommend Nagaharu Bessho, so the announcement was also made there.

After mumbling and reciting for a while, Asukai-kei turned the book over and showed it to Bessho Nagaharu. To be honest, Shichibei didn't really understand what kind of nonsense he was reciting, let alone Bessho Nagaharu.

But Nagaharu Bessho could read, and he clearly saw the three characters "Harima-no-Kami" written on the document. In an instant, his face bloomed like a chrysanthemum, and his whole body trembled with excitement.

"I am overjoyed!" It was only after Shichibei gestured to him that he bowed and ordered his younger brother, Betso-yō, to pass the document through him. He then raised both hands and received the document.

"You have worked hard and made great contributions, and this is a special reward for you." Asukai-kei finally spoke a sensible sentence.

"This is a special commendation from the Regent for you." Shichibei chimed in, adding that it was all because Oda Nobunaga liked you that he helped you with this.

"I will never forget Your Majesty's kindness." Despite his excitement, Bessho Nagaharu quickly had someone present the money given to Asuka Nami-kei and the great sword given to Shichibei.

Asukai received the money, covered his mouth with his folding fan, and chuckled to himself. He'd made another sale today; how could he not laugh? He was quickly led away to prepare for the feast.

It was only at this point that Bessho Nagaharu and Shichibei stood up. Needless to say, Bessho Nagaharu was extremely grateful, repeatedly thanking Shichibei for mediating the situation and Oda Nobunaga, who was farsighted and insightful.

He secretly desired to be the governor of Harima, but since Hideyoshi was the lord of Harima, he couldn't bring himself to ask. To his utter surprise, Nobunaga ultimately recommended him for the governorship, and the sense of satisfaction he felt was indescribable.

He expressed his gratitude repeatedly, bowing to Shichibei incessantly.

Bessho Nagaharu was already the deputy governor of the eight districts of Higashi-Harima, and now with the added title of governor of Harima, he truly is the foremost noble family in Harima, especially given the decline of the Akamatsu clan. Shichibei stepped forward and patted the young man on the shoulder, indicating that further bowing was unnecessary. Lord Nobunaga cares about you, do you understand? From now on...

If you serve Lord Nobunaga well, your future blessings will be long.

The newly appointed governor of Harima was incredibly active, indulging in feasts and drinking, and presenting gifts to court nobles. He refused to leave Kyoto, spending over half a month visiting and networking with various officials, and still wasn't satisfied.

Shichibei was responsible for entertaining him and even had to show him around, acting as his tour guide.

At this very moment in Tanba, Akechi Mitsuhide's military might is soaring, and he is poised to unify Tanba. Not long ago, Mitsuhide finally captured Yagi Castle (Funai District), and the castle lord, Tanba Guardian, Naito Joan, barely escaped with his life; his whereabouts are unknown.

Thus, Mitsuhide began his attack on the Utsu clan of Kuwata County. However, Utsu Castle was nestled among mountains, and his fierce assault failed to capture it. Mitsuhide then prepared to build fortifications around Utsu Castle, gradually closing in and compressing Utsu Yorishige's operational space. Eventually, he advanced to the walls of Utsu Castle and launched a "supply siege."

Once the war enters the earthwork phase, it becomes unnecessary to support so many people. After all, the battlefield between the two sides might just be a ditch or a valley; even if 100,000 people come, only 300 to 500 will actually enter.

Araki Murashige, Hosofō Takashi, Hatano Hideharu, and others, along with their forces, led the majority of their troops back to their base. Those who remained in the area...

The main purpose was to show off their own forces.

With the troops remaining on the front lines, all expenses would fall to Mitsuhide, which would be like water flowing away. He only needed to provide meals for his own troops, whose salaries had already been paid and whose territories were secure. Only beheadings would warrant rewards.

Utsu Castle was like a rock in a latrine, smelly and hard. Mitsuhide was helpless, but he could only grit his teeth and bear it.

Leaving aside his tough challenges, Hatano Hideharu, who had only been released and returned to Yagami Castle for two or three days, was informed by a retainer that a secret envoy from a distant country had come to pay his respects.

Faraway country? What the heck? But Hatano Hideaki, who was left behind at Yagami Castle, kept winking at him, so Hatano Hideji understood and agreed to receive him.

While waiting for the person to arrive, Hideji Hatano hurriedly asked his younger brother, "Who is it? Why are they being so mysterious?"

gross profit!

Upon hearing that it was someone from the Mori clan, Hatano Hideharu was initially startled. After all, he was now a vassal of Oda Nobunaga, and contacting the Mori would be tantamount to courting death.

But looking at his younger brother, it seemed like something was wrong.

Since we're here, let's meet. It's just a meeting, nothing serious.

Upon meeting, Hideji Hatano asked the visitor what advice he had for them. He absolutely wouldn't openly inquire about the visitor's background. As long as he didn't ask publicly, he'd pretend he didn't know. Although it was purely a pretense, it provided an excuse to deflect blame if anything went wrong.

Actually, I didn't learn anything. I heard that Utsuyoshige is about to be finished.

That is.

Hideharu Hatano, who also contributed to this, was quite pleased. He participated in the front-line battle, annihilated Naito Joan, and now beat Utsu Yorishige so badly he couldn't leave his house. It was a great relief to vent the anger he felt when Matsunaga Nagayori and his men bullied him back then.

So the visitor asked, "What will happen to Tanba after Utsu Yorishige's defeat and death?" The answer was, "Of course, there will be peace in all directions, and each region will guard its own borders."

Where is Azai Nagamasa, Oda Nobunaga's brother-in-law? Where is Toyama Kagetomo, Nobunaga's uncle-in-law? Kobe Tomomori adopted Kobe Nobutaka and even granted him his fiefdom. Why do you, Hatano Hideharu, believe you can control Yagami Castle for generations, ruling behind closed doors?

Once the entire Tanba region is pacified, the Hatano family will become the...

The caged bird of the Tian family, no matter how much it is squeezed flat or rounded, Hideharu Hatano can only accept it.

The final outcome would certainly not be better than that of Azai Nagamasa, who was forced to transfer his former territory north of the Yangtze River to Echizen. It's highly likely he would adopt Nobunaga's son, who was still having one child after another, and ultimately have his family fortune seized by the son. Even without the family fortune, the Iwamura Toyama family would be completely wiped out, leaving nothing behind.

This is the same principle, applicable throughout Japan; it's just that people of different backgrounds experience it in completely different ways.

For Nobunaga, this meant slightly easing his pressure on the other territories, and sending Enla.

Stay put. At least until Mori is killed, don't move. For Hideharu Hatano, that was like a bucket of cold water being poured over his head.

Akai Naomasa has already been killed, Naito Yoshiyasu has been exiled, and Utsuyoshige is finished. The only remaining member of the Daikoku clan in Tanba is Hatano Hideharu.

Will the newly appointed Mitsuhide Akechi be able to tolerate Hatano? Probably not.

These words left Hideji Hatano deep in thought; the reasoning was...

That makes sense. But with his power alone, he couldn't possibly rebel.

The messenger laughed, announcing that the Mori army had decisively defeated the Oda army at the Kizugawa estuary, lifting the siege of Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple. Meanwhile, Mika Yorimitsu of Kitakawachi, Yusa Kawachi Nyudo, Nishi Daiwa, and Matsunaga Hisahide had all raised armies, with the Saiga clan of Kishu adding to the ranks. The southern Kinai region was in complete chaos, and Nobunaga's forces were severely tied down.

The Mori army will soon launch a large-scale offensive in Harima to tie down Hideyoshi's forces. If Hideharu Hatano can destroy Mitsuhide's army now, Nobunaga's strength will be severely weakened. On the western side of his territory, he will not be able to organize another army of 20,000 to 30,000, or even 40,000 to 50,000 men in the short term. After all, a thousand soldiers are easy to find, but a good general is hard to come by. A general might be found, but a core group of thousands of samurai officers must be inherited through hereditary succession and absorbed into larger units.

I can't say for sure about anything else, but making the Hatano family the guardians of half of Tanba province won't be a problem.

Chapter 398 Spending Money to Attract Online Trolls

Seeing Bessho Nagaharu's bee-poop-eaten look, Shichibei felt confident that the situation was under control. At this point, as long as Nobunaga didn't pressure the Bessho family to become retainers and helped him achieve his long-cherished wish of becoming the governor of Harima, he should be able to maintain this situation for at least two or three years.

After Hideyoshi pacified all of Harima and won over the Ukita Naoie family, he extended the war to Bibu.

In those days, even if Changzhi were to rebel, the impact wouldn't be too significant. Back then, if he wanted to rebel, so be it; if the sky wanted to rain, or a mother wanted to remarry, let her be.

Right.

Having done this much, Shichibei felt he had done his duty to Hideyoshi and Nobunaga. Having finally established a good relationship with Bessho Nagaharu in Kyoto, he happily left Kyoto and returned to Miki Castle in Harima Province, clutching his "appointment certificate," which was as precious as his life-saving treasure, and a small wooden plaque.

No sooner had he left than he saw Araki Murashige leading his troops back to Settsu from Tanba. Mitsuhide's Tanba campaign was progressing smoothly, as Hatano Hideharu hadn't rebelled yet. Even if he did, it wouldn't be fatal, since Mitsuhide had already driven away Naito Joan and possessed Yagi Castle, giving him a solid foothold in Tanba, allowing him to advance or retreat as he pleased.

Then Shichibei will leave this matter alone. If Hatano Hideharu is swayed into rebellion, consider it a test for Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide

So, for those hard-working people, this one test won't make a difference.

But why did Araki Murashige rebel?