Owari Yumeki Golden Day

197. Rescue Asai from Jiangzhou first

"Boss, we are at Qingxu's stable..."

Shichibei retreated from the castle and headed home. Inase Yoshishige came running over cautiously. From what he said, he knew that the stables under Kiyosu Castle had been wiped out by Saito Ryuoki.

"How much loss?" Shichibei still had some composure. After all, his family business was big, and some losses were completely acceptable.

"No one is safe, but 400 kan of money and 80 horses were lost." Seeing that Shichibei was calm, Inase Yoshinari reported the losses.

"It's a small matter, nothing." Upon hearing this, Shichibei simply took off his sword and handed it to the young major general.

Anyway, the Takeda clan's horse sales team came a few days ago and sold a few hundred more horses to Shichibei. The few horses lost due to the sudden war and the abandonment in Echizen have now been fully recovered.

Yonekura Nobutsugu also wrote back saying he had found a minor mining official who might meet the requirements, but he wasn't sure if it was the one Shichibei was looking for. He would send him to Gifu later for Shichibei to review. If confirmed, he would help him with the dismissal procedures in Kai.

After all, it's not easy to get a proper job these days. Don't just leave the domain because of Shichibei's words. If you don't find the right person and lose your salary, that would be a shame.

"Several stables in Jiangzhou were also attacked, and one person died." Inase Yoshinari nodded to his sister-in-law, Major General, and continued.

"Does that person have a son?" Shichibei remained calm.

"There is one, only ten years old."

"Come to our store and see what he wants to do. Also, send fifty kan to their family, no, one hundred kan." Shichibei is not a cold-blooded person.

Those who guarded post stations, stables, and hikage parlors were mostly "tushi" (apprenticeships) with a salary of 15 or 20 kan. This was the same salary as the Inoyama family, the protagonists of "The Samurai's Household Account Book." Their family's salary was 70 koku, which also qualified them as apprenticeships.

Now, Shichibei receives a pension of 100 kan, which is roughly equivalent to five years' wages for living expenses. His child is ten years old, and when he turns fifteen, he can come out and carry a gun and herd horses for Shichibei, and the salary will be enough to support the family.

"That's good." Upon hearing how Shichibei handled the matter, Inase Yoshinari nodded slightly.

Someone immediately brought in the orphan and widow to kowtow to Shichibei. Shichibei had nothing much to say. With the sudden change, casualties among the personnel posted outside were normal. He offered a few words of comfort and sent them off to collect their compensation.

"Is there anything else?" Shichibei took out the document and learned about the recent losses in detail.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to buy Oshu horses this year."

"Ah."

It is definitely impossible to buy it. Wakasa is now almost completely controlled by the Asakura family. All the Oshu and Echigo horses brought back from the north for trade have been requisitioned by the Asakura family and will never flow into the Omi market again.

"The current situation has had a great impact on the store." Yoshinari Inase thought about it and expressed his thoughts.

"Wait a moment." Shichibei waved his hand. Firstly, he was reading documents, and secondly, he saw a member of the Mori family coming over.

Mori Yoshinari arrived to withdraw 500 kan (approximately 100 kan) in cash for the construction work, and Oda Nobuoki was due soon. They would discuss the matter after they both collected the money. The construction of Usayama Castle and Ogie Castle was a major undertaking Nobunaga had just outlined at the meeting. One was to block Asakura, the other to block Saito, and both were strategic passes.

The Mori family warrior, upon seeing Shichibei, quickly saluted and handed over the document signed and sealed by Mori Kanari. After Shichibei confirmed it was correct, he ordered the payment. Five hundred kan—a considerable sum, it would have required an oxcart to carry it.

Soon, Oda Nobuoki's family arrived. Was he Nobunaga's seventh or fifth brother? Oda Nobuhide was a remarkably strong man, known for a time as the "Tiger of Owari." He left behind dozens of children. However, he died prematurely, leaving only three adult sons: Nobuhiro, Nobunaga, and Nobukatsu.

By this point, his sons and daughters had generally grown up and were able to serve Oda Nobunaga.

Only after sending the two families away did Shichibei allow Inase Yoshinari to continue. The impact on Kawamuraya was mainly concentrated in northern Omi and southern Owari.

and many more!

Inase Yoshinari was halfway through his words when Shichibei suddenly thought of Kitaiise. He immediately ordered Inase Yoshinari to send people to Tsushima and Anozukuri to tell the stables scattered across Kitaiise to prepare for retreat.

The reason was also ready-made, in order to prevent the Koga Rokkaku clan's surprise attack on northern Ise, as well as the possible invasion of northern Ise by Kiyosu Saito Tatsuoki.

Of course, what was it actually preventing? Only Shichibei himself knew.

Some things haven't happened yet. If you tell others about them, not only will you have no evidence, you will also have to bear political responsibility.

So if you can avoid it, don't. As for Kitai-Ise, let's just close the deal for now. Anyway, there are good reasons to do so, so we can wait and see what happens.

"The Rokkaku family?" Inase Yoshinari didn't expect that the Rokkaku family might harass northern Ise.

Although the Rokkaku family had entered and exited northern Ise many times in history, and even supported and cultivated pro-Rokkaku forces in the area, Rokkaku Yoshitaka's main focus now should be on restoring the rule of Jiangnan.

"What?" Qibingwei thought to himself, you kid still question me?

"Speaking of Kitase, Sojuro reported that the Jodo Shinshu believers from Nagashima are gathering." Inase Yoshinari said thoughtfully.

Because Nagashima is a large, flat sandbar at the mouth of a river, access is by boat. Tsushima is undoubtedly the place with the most boats. Ito Sojuro, who stayed at the Tsushima branch, would naturally be aware of the boat movements.

"Why didn't you report it earlier?" Shichibei was shocked when he heard this and threw the document to the ground with a bang.

"It's... it's... it's on the back page..." Shichibei is usually a very kind person. As a businessman, kindness brings wealth.

The sudden anger scared Inase Yoshinari, who had never seen him like this before. He flipped through the document book in a panic, pointing to the content at the back that recorded the movement of ships on Nagashima and the gathering of believers.

"You almost ruined everything!" Shichibei picked up the notebook and criticized Inase Yoshinari harshly.

He's already the head of our store, living in the chaotic Warring States period. How come he has no sensitivity to such a major event as a gathering of people?

Inase Yoshinari was not a complete fool. Considering the current environment, he suddenly realized why Shichibei criticized him.

However, Shichibei had no time to bother with him. Since the Ikko-ikki had already begun to gather on Nagashima, it meant that Honganji would soon become hostile to Nobunaga. With this clear evidence, he had to report it immediately.

As it was getting dark, he harnessed his horse and galloped to the residence in Linden Valley. The head foot soldier guarding the gate saw that it was Shichibei and immediately sent someone in to report, and while reporting, he led Shichibei inside.

Nobunaga was having dinner at the time. When he learned that Shichibei had something important to report, he didn't shy away and asked Shichibei to sit down and talk directly. When he heard that the Nagashima Ikko Ikki were gathering, Nobunaga put his chopsticks to rest.

Although he didn't show any alarm on his face, he still put down his bowl of rice and pounded his hands on his legs a few times.

After pounding it, he didn't say anything. He picked up the bowl and ate the rice carefully. He also asked Shichibei if he had eaten. If not, he could bring him a bowl and eat it first.

It's already this late, please stop trying to act calm and collected with me. How can you have the time to eat?

Qibing Lian said that it was not necessary, and asked him to tell him what to do now.

Instructions? Nobunaga waved his hand and had the small dining table taken away. How could he have given instructions when the incident happened so suddenly? Honganji and Nobunaga clearly had a non-interference relationship. When Nobunaga attacked northern Ise, he had nothing to do with Nagashima either.

Although Nagashima is just a large sandbar at the mouth of a river, its sphere of influence also includes some land on the Ise shore, with a total land area of ​​approximately 100,000 to 150,000 koku, making it a local lord.

If Nagashima Gansho-ji Temple is given more time to develop, it may become a powerful force like Kaga Kanazawa Gobo.

Since Shichibei didn't want to eat, Nobunaga didn't force him to eat. He directly asked Shichibei, when will Honganji openly oppose? Nobunaga is already in crisis on two fronts. If he adds Honganji as a front, he will really be overwhelmed.

"After the autumn harvest at the latest." This was not a prediction made by Shichibei, but was based on reality.

Because Ganshoji was also one of Kawamuraya's customers, after last year's autumn harvest, Ganshoji sold tens of thousands of koku of rice to Shichibei. This is recorded in the Kawamuraya branches in Tsushima and Anotsu.

In other words, Nagashima Ganshoji Temple didn't have much food in stock, and now they were calling on believers to gather. If they wanted to fight a long battle, they had to obtain sufficient military rations. Even if Ishiyama Honganji offered support and transported rice, it would not be able to fully cover local expenses.

Furthermore, Ishiyama's support likely focused on military equipment. The town of Ishiyama Honganji, home to at least 40,000 people, was the epicenter of the town. The entire arquebus industry, from upstream to downstream, ultimately converged on Ishiyama's town.

Let's not even talk about the thousands of iron cannons we need to support Ganzheng Temple, but at least five or eight hundred will be enough. Nagashima doesn't produce saltpeter ammunition, so we need to get a supply from Ishiyama now.

Once the military equipment and rations are replenished, Changdao will most likely rise up.

"Autumn harvest?" Nobunaga looked towards the distant Nagashima Island without comment.

If Nobunaga could really delay his open uprising until the autumn harvest, he would have time to prepare. If he could easily defeat Asakura or Saito's central route, he would have enough strength to deal with Nagashima.

As for Ishiyama Honganji Temple in Settsu, the three guardians of Settsu could be ordered to attack it. Ikeda Katsumasa had shown such dedication during the retreat from Kanazaki that Nobunaga could simply promise to capture Ishiyama and grant all the territory to the Ikeda family.

When it comes to his territory, Nobunaga is not stingy. As long as you can fight and are willing to work for him, he will give you the land.

"Urgent report!"

Just as the two of them were facing each other in silence, the attendants outside rushed in, bringing in two samurai. Neither of them looked familiar, and they didn't seem to be samurai from the Oda family.

"Keiken-dono, the traitor Asakura has already sent troops to Odani and started to set up his formation in Kinomoto!" As soon as these words were spoken, it was certain that they were samurai from the Asai family.

"understood."

The Asai warriors didn't ask for help, and Nobunaga didn't send troops, so there was a tacit understanding between the two sides. Nagamasa knew that Nobunaga was under attack from all sides and might not be able to send reinforcements, but he was still hopeful. After all, the Asakura army had 30,000 soldiers, while the Asai army defending the city only had 4,000 to 5,000.

"My lord." Qibingwei called out.

The situation now left no room for hesitation. Things were happening everywhere, but the one jumping for joy the most was Asakura Yoshikage. No matter what, we had to beat Asakura Yoshikage up first, to get rid of the influx of a hundred punches.

If Asakura Yoshikage was hurt, he would retreat to Echizen. After the autumn harvest, when the snow began to fall, Echizen would be able to temporarily settle down. Whether it was to deal with Hori Hidemura in Jiangbei or Saito Tatsuoki in Kiyosu, there would be three or four months of leisurely time.

"Go and call Murai Tamebe." Nobunaga did not respond to Shichibei, but instead asked someone to call Murai Sadakatsu.

"If you are talking about military rations, I still have 25,000 stones of brown rice in the rice warehouses under the city and in Tsushima." Shichibei was supposed to have 40,000 stones, but part of it was lost in Kanezaki.

However, the bill was all put on Nobunaga, since it was he who paid for the military rations.

"Hmm?" Nobunaga's look was hard to describe; it wasn't hostile.

It's probably a mixture of many emotions, such as surprise, disbelief, and the fact that you still have so much food.

"No more hesitation, you must strike hard!"

"Send a message to Okazaki, ordering Mikawa no Kami to lead 5,000 men to Gifu." Nobunaga jumped up and gave orders to the attendants outside.

The servants rushed out like flying, not daring to delay for a moment on such a matter.

"Where are the weapons I asked you to dispatch?" Nobunaga turned around and asked Shichibei.

"Most of them have been dispatched, and the remaining quantity will be in place within half a month." Shichibei answered immediately.

"it is good!"

It would take Tokugawa Ieyasu about ten days to mobilize his troops and reach Gifu. Nobunaga would also need time to wait and recruit some farmers and soldiers, so half a month would be just right.

While the two were chatting, Murai Sadakatsu arrived. Nobunaga had originally intended to ask him how much rice was left in the city, but now there was no need to ask. Since everyone had arrived, Nobunaga ordered Murai Sadakatsu to quickly prepare rations and horse feed for Tokugawa Ieyasu's 5,000 men.

If someone volunteered to help carry a rifle and fight, it was a good idea to treat them to a good meal. Murai Sadakatsu accepted the order and asked where the battle was to begin. The distance and time involved were both prerequisites for preparing sufficient rations and horse feed.

Nobunaga, who was originally a little hesitant, finally decided to rescue Odani and Asai Nagamasa first.

The Oda army wasn't afraid of fighting. Even though they'd just fled from Kanegasaki, who hadn't suffered a defeat back then? And who hadn't been beaten up by Takeda Shingen? He was hung up and beaten by Murakami Yoshikiyo. Even Honganji was beaten all the way from Yamashina in Kyoto, and fled to Settsu Ishiyama.

Fight, as long as there is a goal and direction. Nobunaga has prestige in the family and can mobilize sufficient war funds and military rations. The samurai regard serving the public as their duty, so they will act immediately and mobilize immediately.

198. Building a Fort and Besieging Qingxu City

Shichibei did not accompany Nobunaga into battle, as a small pack train was not needed. A brief description of the route is easy to understand: starting from Gifu Castle, entering Fuwa County, passing through Sekigahara, a place famous in Japanese history, and then entering the Jōhei-ji area in Omi.

Kamipingji Castle was the last territory of Kyogoku Takayoshi and his father in Jiangbei. Now the city has been demolished and only the place name remains.

After passing Johei-ji Temple, it only takes two hours to walk across the mountains of Mount Ibuki (where Mitsunari Ishida fled) and enter the plains surrounding Lake Biwa.

Then where? Then it's Anegawa.

So, if we make a static distribution map of the countless wars throughout history, we will find that these wars were fought around certain important roads, passes, and rivers.

This was also a necessity for the Battle of Anegawa in history. Some say Asai Nagamasa carried out this operation to send reinforcements and food to Sawayama Castle in the south. Others say that Nobunaga had to cross the Anegawa River when he left Mino and attacked Odari in the north, so Asai Nagamasa had to stop him at the Anegawa River.

In short, there are many opinions, but let’s not discuss them for now.

At this point, Nobunaga's intention was to attack the Asakura and Hori armies that were besieging Kodani. By the way, the area north of the river that you enter through Sekigahara is Sakata County, and Hori Hidemura's original base was in Sakata County, where Kamahara Castle was located.

Enter Sakata County and obtain food from the enemy!

If you rob him, I'll ask you to rebel.

Upon hearing of the alarm in Sakata County, Asakura Yoshikage dispatched 4,000 men, including the generals of Maeha Yoshitsugu, to continue the siege of Odani Castle. He personally led an army of 20,000, along with 3,000 men from Hori Hidemura, to meet Nobunaga.

Shichibei in the rear was not aware of the situation of the war, but he continued to transport food and money to the front, and fully supported the city-building activities in Usayama and Okie.

Until the very last moment, Nobunaga decided not to conscript the peasants, instead ordering the Mino Three to lead 6,000 men to join him in the battle north of the Yangtze River. The Inaba, Ujiie, and Andō families showed no signs of rebellion for the time being. Perhaps Ryūshō had also come to recruit them, but at least for now, none of them had defected.

With their 6,000 men, and Tokugawa Ieyasu also bringing 5,000 men to assist, Nobunaga himself only needs to gather 19,000 men, and he will have an army of 30,000, which is enough to compete with the Asakura-Hori coalition forces.

They fought their own battles, while Shichibei, as the general staying behind in the castle (retaining duty), began to deploy the general siege of Kiyosu Castle.

The family elder Hayashi Hidetada, who was originally ordered to stay behind, returned directly to Owari and built Iwakura Jinya on the basis of Iwakura Castle Post Station to suppress the rebellious Saito Tatsuoki from the north.

Historically, before launching his campaign to Kyoto, Imagawa Yoshimoto captured the castles of Narumi and Ōtaka on the Owari-Mikawa border. Nobunaga then built five forts around Ōtaka Castle, besieging it and attempting to starve it to death. He also monitored the Imagawa clan's movements and provided early warnings for Kiyosu Castle.

So, in his first battle, Tokugawa Ieyasu, wearing his flashy gold armor and covered with gold foil, bravely defeated the blocking Oda army and delivered military supplies to the Imagawa army in the city.

Now, because Oda Nobunaga did not have enough money and food to launch a large-scale general attack on Kiyosu Castle, he ordered Shichibei and Hayashi Hidetada to cooperate and start building forts around Kiyosu Castle, also trying to besiege Kiyosu.

Logically speaking, Kiyosu Castle was Nobunaga's stronghold, so it shouldn't be difficult for Nobunaga to attack it. In fact, it wasn't difficult at all, but the samurai group that Ryuxing brought with him to Kiyosu were all members of the Saito family for three generations, and they were loyal only to Ryuxing.

So, despite having similar territories, Hori Hidemura was able to mobilize over 5,000 men to fight close to home, while Ryūshū only managed over 3,000. Because the expected Mino-level victory didn't materialize, Ryūshū immediately became the weakest link in Nobunaga's entire enemy force.

Of course, if the Nagashima Ikko Ikki officially launched an uprising and Longxing had support, that would be a different story.

When Nobunaga sent his troops to attack Asakura, Shichibei advised him that since he knew Nagashima might also be hostile, he must trap Ryusei's troops in Kiyosu. If Ryusei's elite core samurai retreated to Nagashima Gansho-ji Temple, one could only imagine how powerful the Nagashima Ikko Ikki would be, given their religious indoctrination, ample supplies, and a qualified samurai corps.

Nobunaga, a man well versed in the rules of the Warring States period, would certainly approve. After all, it was Shichibei's money that was being spent, so he would owe it all. Too many lice don't itch, too many debts don't worry, so Nobunaga waved his hand and let Shichibei do the work.

He also asked Oda Qimyoumaru to salute Shichibei. You should stay at home and learn the turtle technique from your uncle Kawamura.

When you go out to fight in the wild, learn from your father. If you're a tortoise sheller and waste money on siege warfare, learn from your uncle Kawamura. Shichibei even said he couldn't handle it. Oda Qimyoumaru is already the legitimate heir of the Oda family. If he calls him uncle now, how will he be called in the future?

However, it is a bit strange that when Oda Qimyoumaru came to pay his respects to Shichibei, Shichibei also found Gamo Tsuruchiyo, who was previously sent to Gifu Castle as a hostage. At that time, Gamo Tsuruchiyo was serving as a retainer to Oda Qimyoumaru. Although she did not get the Oda family's daughter, she also became Qimyoumaru's follower.