Owari Yumeki Golden Day.

"Broussonetia papyrifera bark will do. If that's not available, we can use various vines and grasses from the mountains to conduct the experiment." Shichibei said this offhand.

Papermaking simply requires raw materials with longer fibers, and paper mulberry bark is the most suitable, but it's okay if you don't have it; you can go up the mountain to collect vines.

It is said that some imperial edicts and documents from the Tang Dynasty were written specifically on "yellow rattan paper." Rattan is actually a very good papermaking material, but rattan does not grow as fast as paper mulberry. Therefore, considering all factors, people still more widely used paper mulberry bark for papermaking.

Although paper mulberry bark is not the best material, it is the most readily available, cheapest, and most abundant.

"What vine?" Nobutsugu Yonekura was also outrageous, actually taking out a small pen he always carried with him and starting to take notes.

All those days I spent teaching you were a complete waste. Didn't I tell you to think outside the box, to try new things, and to practice more? But as soon as you saw Shichibei, you forgot everything and started demanding the standard answer.

“Green vine, kudzu vine… what did I tell you back then?” Shichibei stared at Yonekura Nobutsugu.

Like a twenty-year veteran teacher looking at their students who just won't learn no matter how they try. Are you planning to repeat third grade for three years too?

"Sigh..." Nobutsugu Yonekura realized that he had indeed been a bit ungrateful, and quickly put away his pen and notebook.

Let's do the math, let's calculate the price of the horses first, this is a matter of utmost importance. Those fifteen warhorses alone are worth four or five hundred kan. Yonekura Nobutsugu had to watch Shichibei weigh the gold, and it had to be the exact amount of gold, before he was at ease.

Money is a minor issue; I've already prepared for that. Besides, as for warhorses, Shichibei can just resell them tomorrow, add a zero, and there will be plenty of buyers. After all, Owari doesn't produce horses at all; even if it did, they'd only be packhorses for hauling goods and dredges for plowing.

The village horses, let alone going into battle, would be so frightened by the sound of bowstrings clattering that they would likely hop around in terror.

After carefully negotiating the price of the warhorses with Shichibei, Yonekura Nobutsugu simply told Shichibei to pay for the packhorses and riding horses as usual. There was still some mutual trust in the business; after counting the quantities and turning the abacus beads, Yonekura Nobutsugu didn't even turn the abacus back, simply nodding in agreement.

The two exchanged the gold, which Shichibei had previously exchanged at the Ushito Tenno Shrine on Tsushima Island. Back then, there were no money changers or exchange shops in Owari; you could only exchange gold at large shrines. After all, those shrines had plenty of capital, a good reputation, and guaranteed the authenticity of the gold they offered.

After the money was weighed, Shichibei, seeing that no one was around, took out a large gold coin and stuffed it into Yonekura Nobutsugu's hand.

Yonekura Nobutsugu was taken aback at first, and subconsciously wanted to push it away, but when he looked down, the gleaming gold felt warm in his hand. Seeing his "hesitant" attitude, Shichibei quickly pressed his fingers down.

"Having come all the way from Kai, you should at least treat your colleagues to a drink." Shichibei didn't say anything about gratitude or help, but gestured towards the Takeda samurai and grooms who had brought the horses.

"Hmm..." Nobutsugu Yonekura didn't refuse and just held it in his hand.

Shichibei clapped his hands together and gave him a smile.

It was probably a rare opportunity for someone to give him gold coins, and Nobutsugu Yonekura's hand kept tucking into his sleeve, but he couldn't manage to get it into his pocket. Finally, with great effort, he managed to pull his hand out and stuff the money into his pocket. It seemed like he was tucking it into his loincloth, making it difficult to walk properly.

"Please put in a good word for me with the Grand Steward next year, and I'll eat as many horses as you want." Shichibei didn't ask for much; his main concern was establishing a good relationship.

"Alright, alright." Every year Shichibei would say the same thing, so Nobutsugu Yonekura simply nodded in agreement.

After this incident, Yonekura Nobutsugu, no longer wanting to stand by the horse, followed Shichibei into the shop. One reason was to ask Shichibei for an introduction, as he needed to deliver Takeda Shingen's letter of greeting to Nobunaga. Another reason was to inquire about the Battle of Inabayama, as the information relayed to Kai by the Toyama clan and the Kiso River was only secondhand.

Shichibei, who was Nobunaga's messenger, was definitely on the scene and knew firsthand information.

You've come to the right person. I was there during the Battle of Mino, and I was in command at the foot of Inaba Mountain.

Guess what? Even Ryūō was captured by one of my own experts. For this achievement, Shichibei even received a reward of 1,000 kan chūyō.

"So it was you who captured him!" Yonekura Nobutsugu never expected that Shichibei, who was barely any flesh on his arms, would actually capture Saito Tatsuoki alive.

"No, no, no, it's my home." Yonekura Nobutsugu was definitely making things up in his head. Shichibei was leading dozens of men to hunt down Ryūshō.

After recounting the robbery and counter-robbery that Kotaro and his companions had encountered, Nobutsugu Yonekura suddenly realized that it was pure luck. What about Ryuki? The news from Kiso didn't mention what happened to Ryuki after his capture.

"To be granted a fiefdom, one must receive 15,000 strings of cash and be listed as a member of the inner circle."

"Of course." Nobutsugu Yonekura was a bit lacking in business and handicrafts, but when it came to war and post-war resettlement, he was an expert.

Were the Kiso family naturally subordinate to the Takeda? They were defeated by the Takeda and then became its retainers through marriage. The Oyamada and Anayama clans were essentially the same.

The biggest difference between them and Longxing is that they were not completely defeated and were able to remain in their old territories. Longxing, on the other hand, was completely defeated, with its capital city falling, which is why it was able to be transferred to Qingxu through surrender.

"I've already sent Kiyosu to take up his post," Shichibei replied casually.

If Yonekura Nobutsugu had arrived a few days earlier, he might have had a chance to see Tatsuoki in the street. Tatsuoki had previously stayed at Komakiyama Castle, summoning the hereditary retainers of the Saito clan for three generations. He only set off for Kiyosu after almost everyone had arrived.

However, it's highly likely they won't stay in Kiyosu Castle for long. Nobunaga promised to use Kiyosu Castle to settle the Saito samurai group, but he didn't say that Ryūgen could stay in the castle indefinitely.

Whether there's something to do or not, you all have to come to Xiaomushan City to serve your country.

As for what specific dukedom you serve? I don't know for now. Anyway, as my retainer Nobunaga, you have to serve me. After all, I granted you land, so it's only right that you massage my back and legs.

Boldly annexing the Saito Samurai Group is one thing, but keeping Ryuko under his nose is quite another.

"So, it won't be more than three to five days before Saito Minokami returns to Komakiyama?" Yonekura Nobutsugu asked thoughtfully.

"That's for sure." Shichibei, who was secretly sighing to himself, didn't notice the subtle emotion in Yonekura Nobutsugu's tone.

"Understood. Please introduce me then." After receiving confirmation, Nobutsugu Yonekura did not ask any further questions.

"It's no big deal. You can come with me to the city tomorrow," Shichibei said, readily agreeing to take charge.

Now that Shichibei is a direct senshu (a high-ranking member of the Imperial Guard), we can go directly to the castle and line up outside Nobunaga's residence to announce our arrival. If Nobunaga has nothing else to do, he will summon us immediately. We no longer need to register at the castle gate and wait for a notification like before.

With Shichibei's words, Yonekura Nobutsugu naturally nodded. They were all staying at Shichibei's residence near Komakiyama Castle, the kind where a call from the next morning would be heard.

That night, Shichibei had mentioned inviting Yonekura Nobutsugu to dinner. Yonekura Nobutsugu patted his kidneys, saying he had just promised his colleagues they would have a good drink at a tavern near the castle. Shichibei's invitation could only be accepted the next day.

Since that's the case, there's not much more to say. After Shichibei left, Yonekura Nobutsugu immediately wrote a letter and handed it to a Takeda samurai, instructing him to travel day and night back to Kai to report the situation.

90. Every life is different.

On behalf of Takeda Shingen, Yonekura Nobutsugu also presented Nobunaga with a chestnut warhorse. Nobunaga happily accepted it and immediately inquired about his adopted daughter, Toyama-hime, in Kai Province.

I'm several months pregnant and about to give birth.

The talk of this political marriage was, in a way, somewhat joyous. If nothing unexpected happened, the child born would be the future Takeda Nobukatsu, the last heir of the Takeda clan who committed suicide at the age of eighteen in Mount Tenmoku, leaving virtually no trace of his life.

Moreover, Lady Toyama suffered severe postpartum hemorrhage as a result, which led to her death. With the current level of medical technology, it is not uncommon for even noblewomen, especially those from top aristocratic families, to experience dangers or even death during childbirth.

Shichibei, sitting to the side and behind, just kept his head down. He thought it best to keep such things to himself. Our job now is to introduce Yonekura Nobutsugu.

Oh right, it seems like everyone has to have children...

Alright, Nobunaga, seated at the head of the table, asked Shichibei if there was anything lacking in the hospitality for Yonekura Nobutsugu. If so, he should let him know. As for sake and venison, he would have them delivered directly to Kawamura's residence, ensuring that Yonekura Nobutsugu and his samurai guests enjoyed themselves to the fullest.

It's not that Nobunaga can't afford to offend Takeda Shingen now, but rather that Nobunaga's mind has begun to turn to stirring up trouble in the Kinai region. He's not willing to waste his energy on the remote mountains of Kai and Shingen.

Not only are the mountain monkeys difficult to defeat, but there's also little benefit in conquering them. If it weren't for the gold in Kai and the fine horses in Shinano, this place would truly be a barren and desolate place.

Warfare is all about cost-effectiveness. This was especially evident in Japan's Sengoku period, where battles that resulted in losses were actively avoided.

As for battles that can make money? Look at Uesugi Kenshin, how many times did he campaign in Kanto? Thirteen times, I think. At first, everything was thriving and full of vitality. Later, however, he became universally hated, and the entire Kanto region turned into his death ground.

After chatting with Yonekura Nobutsugu for a while, Nobunaga instructed Sakuma Nobumori to host a special banquet for him. Nobunaga had many things to attend to and needed to focus his energy on the important matters.

Sakuma Nobumori accepted the order and invited Yonekura Nobutsugu to leave the castle for a banquet. He even asked Shichibei to accompany them, but unfortunately, Shichibei had to entertain the other Takeda samurai and the Kai people. Nobunaga had promised to send them sake and venison, so Shichibei had to take these gifts back to Kawamuraya.

They parted ways at the castle gates, with Sugaya Nagayori taking Shichibei to collect food and drink. He even congratulated Shichibei, saying he was now a prestigious samurai with a thousand kan (a unit of weight) in hand.

Sigh, what's with all this talk of famous samurai? They're all just serving Nobunaga.

When Shichibei returned to Kawamura-ya and was serving wine and meat to the Takeda men, a maid ran in from outside. She was so excited to see Shichibei that she grabbed him and told him to find a doctor.

Why would I need to see a doctor when I'm perfectly healthy? Besides, who are you? I don't know you. You barge into someone's shop in broad daylight, constantly talking about doctors—who are you?

The maid's cries quickly attracted everyone's attention, but it's unclear if they understood what she meant. They saw a grown man being pulled and tugged by a woman, seemingly in a confusing situation. Usually, onlookers didn't intervene; instead, they just watched the drama unfold. Who knows, maybe she's a mistress, has a child out of wedlock, or is juggling multiple relationships?

In this situation, everyone gets excited and watches the woman pull the man around without trying to stop her. They might even cheer when they see the woman slap the man several times.

Only after both sides have tired of wailing, or have started crying on the ground, and there's nothing more to see, will someone step in to mediate and resolve the situation. What kind of family matter is this that everyone should know about? Problems should be resolved privately.

When everyone saw Shichibei being pulled by a woman, they just watched the show and didn't care at all.

After looking for a while, one of the shop assistants recognized her and said that she was a maid from the Kinoshita family. She was from the Kinoshita Hideyoshi family and had been to Kawamura-ya with Aji before.

Huh? Shichibei grabbed the maid and demanded to know whose family she belonged to. At this point, the maid was useless except for crying. She just sat there sobbing and couldn't even speak a complete sentence.

If Shichibei hadn't been so polite, he would have gone up to her with two big blouses and told her that crying would count as time.

Unable to get any useful information from them, Shichibei apologized to the group of Takeda men and instructed his servant to fetch a doctor. Shichibei himself then made a trip to the Kinoshita residence; he had to see her. His younger sister, Aji, was married into the Kinoshita family, and he needed to be concerned.

The door to the Kinoshita residence was wide open. There were no men inside, as all the male members had gone with Hideyoshi to garrison Sunomata Castle. Only a few women remained. As soon as Shichibei entered, she heard a piercing scream, a truly terrifying one.

Shichibei, who was not a particularly daring person to begin with, peered through the door frame and finally spotted Aji and several other women from the household.

Ningning is giving birth!

Yes, yes, yes, just now in the castle, Nobunaga and Yonekura Nobutsugu were discussing Takeda Katsuyori's marriage to Lady Toyama. When the topic turned to having children, Shichibei was thinking about who was going to have a baby. Now, it seems Nene is about to give birth.

None of the women in the Kinoshita family had ever had children, and there was no one else in the household who could make decisions. At least Aji was somewhat intelligent enough to send someone out to fetch help. Unfortunately, the person he sent out was useless and couldn't even give a clear reason.

"What's going on!" Shichibei strode in, immediately interrupting the group of weeping women.

"Difficult...difficult...difficult...it seems like a difficult birth." Startled by Shichibei's shout, Aji turned around and saw that it was his older brother. Fortunately, he was able to utter a complete sentence.

"Go prepare scissors, hot water, clean linen, and bedding," Shichibei instructed, staring into Aji's eyes.

Aci repeated the instructions and got up to take care of it. At this moment, the doctor that the shop assistant had called arrived. Actually, the doctor wasn't an obstetrician. After taking a look at Ningning's condition, he immediately said to find someone else.

"Brilliant? I'd like to know who's brilliant too." Shichibei slammed a two-and-a-half-ounce gold coin into the doctor's hand. The doctor's hand trembled slightly. He said, "I'll stay here and watch over things. I'll send my apprentice to fetch a woman who knows how to deliver babies."

Will you really answer? I guarantee I will!

While directing the women to work together to take Ningning to the inner room, the doctor also instructed everyone to wash their hands and feet, and the women who couldn't help went to fetch firewood and boil water.

Shichibei wasn't idle either; he sent a servant to fetch Toshiie's wife, Matsu. Also, he invited Nene's mother, Asahi, and other familiar women. Nene needed to see familiar faces to calm herself down.

I'm already nervous, and if all the people coming in and out are strangers, I might get even more nervous.

Asong and Asahi both lived near the city walls, and upon hearing that Ningning was about to give birth, they rushed over as fast as they could. Following them were two midwives the doctor had found. Let's call them midwives for now; their effectiveness would depend on the situation.

Logically speaking, Ningning's physical condition should be quite good. She's a daughter of the Wu family, who historically lived to be seventy or eighty years old. And now she's already twenty, which is frankly a good age for childbearing. Her body is fully developed, and her pelvis is open, naturally increasing the probability of a successful natural birth.

Why did she never have children in her entire life?

Could it be that this home birth without anyone to take care of her has ruined her health? Hideyoshi and the other men are all with Sunomata, but there are still two maids at home.

Oh yes, those two maids are clearly useless; they can't even speak properly when something goes wrong. I'll have to talk to Hideyoshi about it later and get rid of them, replacing them with two more clever ones.

The screams inside the room grew louder; could it be a difficult childbirth?

If it was a difficult childbirth, then it would truly correspond to the historical fact that Hideyoshi and Nene had no legitimate son. Nene suffered a difficult childbirth, ultimately losing the baby and also losing her fertility. The more Shichibei thought about it, the more likely it seemed; perhaps this was indeed the historical truth.

Hearing the screams from inside the house, Shichibei felt a chill run down his spine. How could this be? Shichibei immediately thought of sending someone to Sunomata to call Hideyoshi back. He was a man of the Kinoshita family, and he was the one who made the decisions when something happened.

Anyway, Shichibei is just a relative. It's fine now that no one is in charge. The main problem is that if Hideyoshi blames Shichibei for Nene's infertility in the future, then Shichibei's efforts will have been in vain.

Given Hideyoshi's dementia in his old age, such a thing was by no means impossible.

He strode out the door, telling the servants to prepare the horses, when Maeda Toshiie also ran over. He had a personal relationship with Hideyoshi, and Nene and Matsu were also very close friends. Hearing that his wife had come to help with someone's childbirth, he naturally wanted to come and see her after his shift.

That's perfect, brother. Go to Sunomata and see if you can bring Hideyoshi back.