harleyscars Page 79
Page 79
The size isn't an issue, but their requirement is "exemption from all duties," meaning complete tax exemption. Furthermore, the conditions for all six commercial properties must be identical.
That's quite an appetite.
It's not that it's completely unacceptable, but there's no need to agree immediately.
As the saying goes, if you ask for an exorbitant price, you should bargain down to the bottom!
Shinzaburo neither confirmed nor denied it, but simply smiled and asked the customer, "The local Tanba chestnuts are quite sweet, aren't they?"
The merchants knew this meant they were about to haggle, so they offered empty compliments, but their expressions all became serious.
When it comes to specific numbers, past personal relationships become irrelevant; even close brothers need to keep clear accounts.
The three Kyoto merchants then exchanged glances and reached a tacit agreement. Yoshida Munetada, who was leading the group, spoke solemnly, saying, "Once Lord Kubo Genban has completed the construction of Ōyū Castle, repaired the bridge over the Ōi River, and made some preparations for the roads, the old mountain village streets can indeed be restored. However, of the three hundred chō journey from here to Kyoto, seventy percent of it passes through the desolate mountains of northern Kazuno District in Yamashiro Province. It will be difficult to obtain supplies and defend against bandits."
Shinzaburo didn't quite understand what the other party meant, and cautiously replied: "Since it is a desolate mountain in the northern part of Kazuno District, Yamashiro Province, it is beyond my jurisdiction, and I'm afraid I can't help you."
Yoshida Munetada smiled slightly, glanced at the merchant Nakajima Muneyuki (wearing gowns) and the blacksmith Kanaya Tomosuke on either side of him, and continued, "In this desolate mountain area, there used to be a Sugisaka Pass, which served as a checkpoint for the Imperial Court. Later, the trade routes fell into disuse, and the pass naturally disappeared. The other day, we were chatting with a nobleman in the capital and suggested that this place be granted to Lord Kubo Genban as a reward for restoring the tribute from Yamaguni-sou. That nobleman was somewhat interested, but he hasn't reached a conclusion yet. If we try to persuade him further..."
“This is truly an overwhelming honor.” Shinzaburo was overjoyed, but he had to exert a great deal of self-control to maintain his composure and nodded calmly: “If we accept such a favor, then the branch that was ‘exempt from all duties’ will naturally follow suit.”
He couldn't help but be unhappy.
This pass in the desolate mountains is of little use to others. But for Shinsaburo, it is a win-win situation.
Being able to extend our reach into Yamashiro Province and establish a sentry post near Kyoto would facilitate the collection of information from the central government and help maintain order along the roads. Moreover, based on past memories, the Sugisaka Pass area, though described as barren mountains, is actually covered by several small rivers, so it's not impossible to cultivate land there.
Yoshida Munetada added, "That would be even better. However, I've heard that Sugisaka Pass has become a haven for bandits..."
Shinzaburo replied without hesitation, "It is my duty to suppress the bandits."
At this moment, Master Mingzhou was somewhat surprised, as if he had not known about this beforehand, but then he smiled with satisfaction.
On the other hand, Imai Munehisa and the HDB flats in Kohama Bay, Masataka and Sekido Hisahisa, are in a somewhat awkward position.
They had not prepared a gift of that magnitude.
However, Imai Munehisa reacted quickly and immediately spoke up: "After Lord Kubo Genban has dealt with the bandits, the Sugisaka Pass will definitely need to be repaired before troops can be stationed there. I will take care of this matter."
HDB flats Zheng Long and Guanhu Jiuxing also quickly spoke up, expressing their willingness to share the burden.
Shinzaburo knew when to stop and didn't want to be greedy anymore, agreeing to all the conditions.
The final conclusion was that each of the six merchants would contribute 300 strings of cash for the construction of the new city, as well as bridge repairs and road maintenance. The 300 strings of cash could be paid in cash or in the form of materials and labor.
Afterwards, each family allocated a plot of land, five rooms deep and twelve rooms wide, in the best area along the roadside below the city, to open a branch store and enjoy the privilege of "exemption from all duties".
In addition, three wealthy merchants from Kyoto will persuade the imperial court to grant Sugisaka Seki to Shinzaburo. This may involve communication with Hosokawa Ujitsuna and Miyoshi Nagayoshi, who claim they can handle it, and Master Mingzhou has also said he will help.
Meanwhile, Imai Munehisa of Sakaicho and the kimono and sekido of Kohama Bay were responsible for repairing the Sugisaka Seki gate into a good base after defeating the thieves.
While such an agreement could be described as mutually beneficial, it is generally more advantageous to Shinzaburo.
Although he had a close relationship with Imai Munehisa and his group, he only had one partner, so he couldn't negotiate terms. However, Master Mingzhou's introduction of the wealthy Kyoto merchants created a competitive situation.
148 I felt pity for him.
After reaching an agreement with the merchant, Shinzaburo immediately dispatched men to the abandoned Sugisaka Pass area to investigate the alleged thieves.
That area is steep and rugged, with narrow mountain roads stretching for twenty kilometers in all directions. Moreover, it has been in disrepair for many years. If the bandits were to occupy the advantageous terrain, it would probably be quite difficult to resolve the situation.
However, the mountain road had long been cut off, and no caravans had traveled this route for a long time, so it seemed that there should not be conditions for the breeding of thieves.
After searching the mountain valley, they discovered that the so-called "thieves" were actually refugees living there. They had painstakingly cultivated a small amount of land and barely managed to survive on meager harvests, supplemented by fishing and hunting.
The terrain was truly unfortunate. The refugees were located in the Sugisaka Pass area, which was only seven or eight kilometers away from the fertile Kameoka Basin and less than fifteen kilometers away from the political center of Kyoto. However, they were isolated by mountains and lived in completely different worlds.
The Heian period court must have gone to great lengths to establish a mountain road for transporting tribute by manpower.
The budget for restoring the bridges and roads this time will be several hundred strings of cash. The cost of building them from scratch back then would probably be more than a zero higher.
It is easy to imagine that even without having to pay taxes to any lord, the refugees near Sugisaka Pass were all emaciated and pale.
As for clothing, it can't even be described as tattered; they've degenerated to the point of processing animal hides and grass to wrap themselves in, resembling primitive humans. Housing consisted of caves and thatched huts.
Despite their austere lifestyle, the meager productivity still couldn't support many people. The combined number of men, women, and children in the several settlements was only a little over a hundred, which seemed insufficient to even take on the role of thieves.
However, after making inquiries, feedback was indeed received that on several occasions in the past, as ascetics from the Kyoto direction would venture into the wilderness to temper their will, they would unfortunately be robbed by desperate refugees, stripped naked from head to toe including their underwear, and then driven out.
That's why there are rumors of rampant thieves.
Interestingly, the refugees in several settlements all insisted that they were the only ones who were innocent.
Shinzaburo didn't bother with that.
Living in the chaotic Warring States period, merely stripping the repairman of his belongings and clothes without harming his life already shows he was a kind-hearted person.
We should pacify and appease the law-abiding people living in uncivilized areas.
So Shinzaburo hired refugees to do the construction work using brown rice and plain clothes.
They also sent messengers to inform the wealthy merchants in Kyoto that after our army's arduous battle and bravery in killing the enemy, all the bandits near Sugisaka Pass have been beheaded, and there is no need to worry anymore!
After some time, the third-ranking councilor, Shin-no-kōkyō, visited Hosokawa Ujitsuna, Miyoshi Nagayoshi, and Matsunaga Nagayori in turn, expressing his gratitude to each of them before finally arriving in Kuwata District.
Shinzaburo still respectfully dispatched an oxcart to pick him up, and specially bought sea bream, bonito, crab, and shrimp from Ohama Bay in Wakasa Elementary School to keep them fresh in ice water as a treat.
Niita Shigeyasu was very satisfied and conveyed the imperial decree.
First, he expressed his joy at the successful defeat of the Utsu family, and then, taking advantage of the situation, entrusted the "forbidden grove" Yamaguni-so to Shinzaburo for management, hoping to receive regular tribute.
Secondly, just as the wealthy merchants had said, the Sugisaka Pass in the desolate mountains of Kazuno District, Yamashiro Province, was granted to the Kubo family.
Finally, upon learning that the castle Shinzaburo was building was called Ōgum Castle, he decided to rename the Yamaguni Road to Ōgum Road to signify its good reputation.
What's the point of this?
Shinzaburo found it hard to understand.
I don't expect anyone to understand. Anyway, with Kono Takatoki's guidance on etiquette, I just need to act all grateful and flattered.
In the end, Shinzaburo promised to pay the court 240 kan every year and also gave a small bag of silver coins as a gift.
Shigeyasu Taniguchi shook his head and sighed, "I'm really ashamed. I can't do this again." He then skillfully stuffed the money into his pocket and, without even going to the Yamaguni-sou area, returned to Kyoto after a hearty meal and drinks.
Next, all projects proceeded as scheduled.
Utsu Castle was demolished, and the materials were transported to the confluence of the Oi River and the Yuge River to build Oyu Castle.
The renovation of the old Shan Guo Street—now called Da Gong Street—involved the repair of bridges and roads along the entire route.
There was also the reconstruction of the Sugisaka Pass outpost.
The location of Sugisaka Pass is quite good. The watchtower is located at a high point 400 meters above the ground, which can cover a long stretch of road in front and behind. As long as a dozen or twenty people are stationed there, it will be enough to deter potential thieves.
If any enemy troops dared to advance through this place, it would be an impregnable fortress.
Since the six wealthy merchants each contributed 300 kan (a unit of currency) and also covered the renovation of Sugisaka Seki, Shinzaburo barely spent any money throughout the process. He also didn't have much cash on hand, even though he had greatly expanded his income through land surveys, the bulk of the benefits wouldn't take effect until next autumn.
The addresses of the branches of the six shops that will enjoy the "exemption from all duties" have also been planned.
While it may seem like a loss of potential tax revenue, it's important to consider that most of Tanba Province doesn't have castle towns; trade is conducted only through regular market days. The fact that merchants have already settled in Oogami Castle even before its construction is complete is already quite good. Once the economy develops, more shops will undoubtedly open, and then tax revenue can be collected.
Since the project didn't cost him any money, Shinzaburo invested his surplus funds in flood control within his territory. This was crucial to public morale and would also affect his income the following year.
……
Everything was progressing smoothly, and before we knew it, it was the last two months of the second year of the Hongzhi reign (1556).
Aside from the usual wedding formalities, the Kubo family is experiencing a wedding boom.
The main group consisted of villagers brought from Kubo Village, almost all of whom married wealthy farmers who had obtained the status of "ashigaru" (foot soldiers) near the Kumada River and Inoue River.
This was the result of Shinzaburo's deliberate promotion, so he would attend every banquet and present congratulatory gifts.
Meanwhile, some of the warriors under his command found their own partners. As long as there were no political problems, they could receive blessings.
The wedding of Ari-chan and Shingoro is drawing ever closer.
However, these are secondary. The real good news is that, thanks to Shinzaburo's hard work, Mrs. Adou is finally pregnant.
Based on the calculations, it was probably in July when he was shot at Noguchi Castle.
This is something to celebrate.
Only when a lord has descendants to inherit his power can the future of his forces be guaranteed, and his retainers can serve with peace of mind.
Perhaps due to his robust physique and strong body, A-Dou's reaction was not very strong. He did not experience any particularly obvious nausea, vomiting, or lethargy. In fact, he was happier than before.
But... I don't know when it started, but they often look at me with a strange gaze.
Shinzaburo thought and thought, but still couldn't figure out what she meant, so he just asked her directly.
As a result, Lady Adou smiled enigmatically and said slowly, "My lord, do you still remember Chizuru, whom you met in Kyoto?"
Chizuru?
Of course I remember.
Isn't that the wet nurse of the young master of the Shingu faction? After they met by chance, she seemed to have made some promises in order to win over fourteen samurai, including Takemura Hidetoshi.
But immediately afterward he was sent as an envoy to the Mori clan in the west, and upon his return he began preparing a strategy to attack the Utsu clan. Then he fought for several months, followed by various diplomatic affairs, and then he was busy suppressing the Ikki and governing his territory...
Thinking about it this way, it seems like I've been ignoring them for a whole year.
Shinzaburo is indeed extremely busy, but he's not completely without any free time.
I secretly sent a few letters, but we never met. I was thinking of waiting for the right opportunity.
Unexpectedly, Adou saw through it.
At this moment, Shinzaburo said righteously and solemnly, "I think it would be more appropriate to take a concubine after the birth of a child from the direct line of descent."
After hearing this, Adou sighed repeatedly and said with emotion, "When I first learned of this, I was quite annoyed. But since you haven't taken any action, I can't help but feel sorry for her! She has already waited a whole year. We should bring her home as soon as possible. I heard that she is raising a nobleman from Izumo Amago. Perhaps this will benefit the Kubo family in the future."
Shinzaburo nodded somewhat awkwardly.
A few days later, the person was brought in.
Chizuru is a few years older than Adou, but she is more than 20 centimeters shorter, making her appear much smaller and more petite in comparison.
Furthermore, given her timid and weak demeanor, she knelt down in fear and huddled in a ball upon entering the room, saying, "Greetings, Your Excellency; Greetings, Mistress."
It was as if a timid rabbit had met a nimble doe.
Ah Dou may have originally intended to establish his authority, but seeing this, he was afraid of frightening the other person, so he sighed and stepped forward to help him up.
Then he looked her up and down, grasped Chizuru's hands, glanced at her sideways, and said meaningfully, "Such a beautiful woman, you actually dared to leave her outside for a year. You truly are worthy of being called a master."
Shinzaburo chuckled in surprise and couldn't help but mention the story of "I feel pity for her".
Adou had never heard of this story before and asked for details out of curiosity.
Shinzaburo then explained:
Huan Wen, a powerful minister in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, secretly took a concubine, but was caught by his wife, who came to confront him. However, upon seeing the concubine's beautiful and pitiful appearance, the wife's anger vanished, and she sighed, "My son, I pity you too, let alone this old servant?"
Adou didn't seem to understand this Tang Dynasty anecdote very well. Her curiosity lay in asking, "Was that Lord Huan Wen very accomplished?"
Shinzaburo said, "He held a position similar to that of the Shogun, and established authority in place of the Imperial Court. The territory under his rule was estimated to be larger than the entire country of Japan."
Adou beamed with joy: "Then your mention of this man is surely a good omen!"
Seeing this, Shinzaburo decided not to bring up the matter of Huan Wen's son's death and the extermination of his clan, and instead smiled and changed the subject.
Throughout, Chizuru remained quiet and submissive to the side, not uttering a word unless her name was called, like a decorative object in the room. When she was called upon, she would first kneel and bow before replying respectfully.
Next, Shinzaburo and Azumi met the two children that Chizuru was raising.
The young master of the Shingu faction was named Toyowakamaru. He was only three and a half years old at the time. Unlike ordinary mischievous infants, he was rather introverted and attached to his wet nurse.
Chizuru's biological daughter is almost four years old. She is lively and cheerful, living up to her name, Little Tiger.
If narrow sand
149 The Venerable One bestows blessings again
Winter goes and spring comes; time flies.
In the early summer of the third year of the Hongzhi reign (1557), the Miyoshi family finally withdrew from the war in Sanuki and Izumi.
Kagawa Nokage of Nishisanuki eventually surrendered to Miyoshi Yoshikata, agreeing to surrender a quarter of his territory and uphold the duties of a vassal. Furthermore, if the Miyoshi family issued a subsequent order, the Kagawa family would be required to perform 2,500 military service duties without crossing the sea, or 1,500 if they did.
This outcome could be considered a victory, but it wasn't a truly satisfying one.
The Miyoshi clan was far stronger than their opponents. Considering only the Shikoku army led by Miyoshi Yoshikata, their maximum mobilization capacity was around 18,000 men. On the other hand, Kagawa no Kage, even including all the old, weak, and disabled soldiers, had no more than 5,000 men.
Throughout the year, with more than three times the manpower, they launched multiple attacks, ultimately gaining a modest advantage and forcing the enemy to surrender. Such an experience is nothing to boast about.