Hojo Ushimasa thought for a while and asked.
"So, Terutora Uesugi insists that we recognize her as the leader of Kanto and will never give up easily?"
Hojo Genan looked solemn and nodded.
There are no land disputes between the two parties for the time being. The conflicts are all focused on the identity of the leader of Guandong. They are very sharp and difficult to reach a compromise.
The coalition composed of the Kanto generals and the two Uesugi families was defeated by the Hojo family in the night battle of Kawagoe, and the original Kanto system was defeated and disintegrated.
The Kanto general Ashikaga Haruji was taken back to Odawara Castle by the Hojo family and died in mysterious circumstances. Uesugi Kenmasa, the leader of the Kanto governor, fled all the way to the north, and Kaicheng surrendered at Hirai Castle, and his whole family was massacred by the Hojo family.
The Hojo family supported the daughter of Ashikaga Haruji, and Ashikaga Yoshiji became the new Kanto shogun. Then, she appointed Hojo Ujiyasu as the new Kanto leader, forming a new Kanto system.
The old Kanto system headed by Ashikaga Haruji and Uesugi Kenmasa did not completely die.
Uesugi Kenmasa went to Echigo Kingdom to find Uesugi Terutora with a handwritten letter from the Ashikaga Haru clan requesting Echigo to send troops to quell the rebellion.
By this time, the Ashikaga Haru clan had died, and the Yamauchi Uesugi family had been exterminated by the Hojo family.
Kenmasa Uesugi simply accepted Terutora Uesugi as his adopted daughter, and packaged the name of the Yamauchi Uesugi family and the title of Kanto Governor as a gift to her. He only asked her to go south to attack the Hojo family and avenge the deaths of her clan members.
After that, Uesugi Teru went to Kyoto to find Ashikaga Yoshiteru and got her recognition, officially inheriting the old Kanto system headed by Ashikaga Haru and Uesugi Kenmasa.
Originally, the old and new Kanto systems had an incompatible relationship. However, the political situation in Kanto became more complicated because of the surrender of Ashikaga Yoshiji.
Under the persuasion of Yoshigan Shiba, Ashikaga Yoshiji turned to Uesugi Teruhora. Uesugi Teruhu accepted Ashikaga Yoshiji, which confirmed her status as the new Kanto general.
Uesugi Teruhora completed the ceremony at Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine and became the new Kanto leader recognized by Ashikaga Yoshiji.
Now the problem arises. Ashikaga Yoshiji successively recognized two Kanto governors at Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hojo Ujiyasu and Uesugi Terutora.
Who is orthodox?
Because he had taken refuge in the Hojo family and the Uesugi family, the Ashikaga Yoshi clan had become the laughing stock of the Sekihachishu samurai family, and the Kamakura Ashikaga family was in disgrace.
But also because both Kanto systems recognized Ashikaga Yoshiji, the Kanto general, there were signs of integration.
The sharp conflict that cannot be reconciled between Hojo Ujiyasu and Uesugi Terutora lies in who is the real leader of Kanto, the nominal second person in Kanto.
The Hojo family was defeated in the Sano Territory, and all their elite members were lost. Hojo Ujiyasu was in a weak position, and her appeal was just not to recognize Terutora Uesugi, the Kanto leader.
Uesugi Teruhora is a little more powerful.
She had besieged Odawara Castle before, even if she couldn't defeat it. Under the watchful eye of a hundred thousand troops, Hojo Ujiyasu must be forced to bow his head and surrender his sword, acknowledging his position as the leader of Kanto.
But now, there are only 20,000 of the 100,000 Kanto Allied Forces left. Although Uesugi Teruhu is as tough as before, he lacks the confidence to crush the Hojo family.
Hojo Genan's headache is here, how to make Uesugi Terutora, a proud samurai family, accept the reality and be willing to make concessions.
Hojo Umasa also figured it out, she sneered.
"The Kwantung Allied Forces have fallen apart. The 20,000 men and horses are afraid that they will not even dare to cross the Katase River, and even Yusheng City will not be trapped.
What qualifications does she have for Uesugi Teruhu to be tough? It's simply wishful thinking to expect to get it at the negotiation table if you can't get it on the battlefield! "
Compared to Hojo Ujimasa's excitement, Hojo Genan was very calm and said.
"Echigo's 8,000 soldiers defeated our 20,000 troops in Sano Territory.
Maybe 20,000 people can't surround Odawara Castle and Tamana Castle, but it's enough to wreak havoc on our territory and make us unable to breathe. "
Now the Hojo family and the Echigo army are fighting from two ends.
The Hojo family was afraid that the 20,000-strong army would destroy their territory, and the Echigo family was afraid that the backyard they had just conquered would be unstable, and the army would be trapped and die on the front line.
In fact, both sides are willing to cease the war, but they can't agree on the conditions.
Hojo Ushimasa frowned.
“Before coming here, Mother drew the bottom line.
As a last resort, you can recognize Uesugi Teruhu's Kanto leadership, but it would be best if you can win over each of the two families. "
Hojo Genan thought deeply, she understood what Hojo Ujiyasu meant.
After all, the Hojo family lost the battle and were relatively weak at the negotiating table. There are 20,000 enemies walking back and forth in my own territory, and I feel numb.
It seems that the situation has been reversed and the situation has turned a corner. But if the Echigo army does not withdraw, the Hojo family will not be able to rest at ease.
But if feasible, it would be best to stick to two Kantos, each representing its own side. Both sides are in charge of Guandong, each occupying one side and speaking his own words.
Hojo Genan said.
“This is not easy.
The Odaisho planned to march to Kamakura and take over the throne to present the sword, just to get my family to recognize His Highness Uesugi as the governor of Kanto.
At least he hadn't given up on the idea when I left Hachimangu. As long as he supports His Highness Uesugi, Echigo's internal affairs are quite stable and difficult to shake. "
Of course, Shiba Yiyin and Uesugi Teruhu couldn't accept the two Kanto proposed by the Hojo family.
As the orthodox heir to the old system, and the stronger side that won the Sano-led battle, the Echigo side's demand is for the Hojo family to become vassal.
The Kanto Commander is the second-ranking figure in the Kanto system. Ashikaga Yoshiji, the Kanto general, is weak, heartbroken, and almost a puppet.
Whoever becomes the leader of Kanto will be the central head and supreme leader of the ten countries in Kanto. This is very beneficial to the layout after the Kanto Raiders. This political status must be secured.
What does it mean for Hojo Ujiyasu to create two Kantos? Is it to split the Kanto system?
The Echigo side can temporarily tolerate the Hojo family occupying the corner of Sagami Musashi, but the political status of both parties must be within a Kanto system, which is the relationship between the central and local governments.
Terutora Uesugi is the king, and Ujiyasu Hojo is the minister. The relationship between the two parties is that of the central and local governments. Terutora Uesugi's future military actions were to send troops from the central government to quell the rebellion of local rebel parties, taking full moral advantage.
This is of great benefit to Echigo's Kanto strategy, and they will not give up easily, which makes Hojo Genan feel a little headache.
But she was unwilling to retreat to Hojo Ujiyasu's bottom line. The Hojo family gave up their independence and surrendered to Uesugi Teruhu.
Although doing so can quickly untie the knot in front of you. But if the Hojo family fights against the Echigo army in the future, they will fall into moral passivity.
Seeing her distress, Hojo Umasa smiled.
"Auntie, I have an idea."
"Your Majesty Ujimasa, please speak."
Hojo Ushimasa took out a white flag and stretched it from side to side with both hands.
Hojo Genan asked as he unexpectedly looked at this unique Ashikaga Futiki family flag.
"This is... the Ashikaga white flag, the royal flag?"
Hojo Umasa nodded with a complicated expression, couldn't help but tighten his hand holding the corner of the flag, and said.
"Yes, it is Yuqi.
This is the imperial flag of Shiba Yoshigan that Master Hojo Tsunari fought desperately to bring back on the battlefield of Sano Territory. "
Hojo Umasa gritted his teeth and even omitted the honorific.
The sitting Yasunari Hojo's body was shaken, his eyes turned to the battle-scarred imperial flag, mist appeared in his mouth, and he murmured.
"Mother.."
During Hojo Tsusunari's tenure as Kagotsu Castle Dai, Hojo Yasunari actually took over the defense of Tamana Castle.
Sano led the battle, and his mother died in the battle. She also showed her ability by defending Tamana Castle and lived up to Hojo Ujiyasu's expectations.
Hojo Umasa bowed to the ground and spoke sincerely to Hojo Yasunari.
"I'm very sorry! Lord Tsunari Hojo died in battle because of my wrong decision-making. All this is my responsibility!"
Hojo Yasunari avoided her front and bowed in return.
“Your Majesty Ujimasa, please don’t say that.
It is the fate of the Wu family to die in battle and be wrapped in horse leather. My mother died gloriously on the battlefield, and I am proud of her. "
Hojo Umasa shook his head and said firmly.
"No, this is my fault. I will never forget the help given to me by Lord Tsunari Hojo and the Hojo family of Tamana Castle.
Kangcheng, please forgive me, continue to assist me, and lend me your strength. "
Hojo Yasunari's eyes filled with tears, he kowtowed to the ground and said.
"Hi!"
Hojo Genan looked on with pleasure and nodded secretly. The Hojo clan did a very good job.
She decisively used the imperial flag incident to draw closer to Hojo Yasunari and empathize with him. Promise not to forget the kindness and put the other party in good stead, which will reassure people's hearts.
The Hojo family of Yusou City is an important branch of the Hojo family and an important family.
Hojo Tsusunari married Hojo Ujiyasu's brother, was given the Miao name Hojo, entered the Hojo clan, and served as the Tamana Castle Dai. Her branch of the Hojo branch was called the Tamawa Hojo family.
Tamana Castle can be said to be the most important territory of the Hojo family besides Odawara Castle. The Tamana Hojo family, which leads the Tamana clan, has a very high status.
Before Hojo Ushimasa led the battle in Sano, he distanced himself from Hojo Tsunari. She mercilessly handed Kawagoe Castle to Daidaiji Morimasa, and finally caused Hojo Tsunari to fight to the death and lose the Sano leader.
If she can't win over Yasunari Hojo, the Yushengzhong, an important force in the Hojo family, will have problems sooner or later.
Now it seems that whether it was Hojo Ujiyasu's instructions or Hojo Ushimasa's own enlightenment, the result is still quite good.
In fact, Hojo Yasunari also has his own difficulties. Hojo Tsunari died in the battle, and she was unsure about the future of the Jade Ropes. The house supervisor came to admit his mistake in person, and she had no reason not to accept this kindness.
The Hojo clan will definitely give sufficient compensation to the Hojo family in Tamana City and help Hojo Yasunari secure the power of Tamana City.
Although the death of his mother was tragic, the family business was not shaken and it was possible to move to a higher level. Hojo Yasunari certainly knew how to choose the most advantageous option.
Seeing that the two of them were treating each other well, Hojo Genan smiled while stroking his hands. Then, the three of them got back to the topic.
Hojo Genan asked.
"Your Majesty Ushimasa, do you want to use this Ashikaga white flag to force the Imperial Palace to make concessions?"
Hojo Umasa nodded.
"exactly.
I heard that this imperial flag was given to me by General Ashikaga when Yoshigan Shiba entered the capital for the first time, and this started his invincible journey to conquer the north and south.
Thinking about it, he must be willing to pay some price to get this royal flag back. As long as he is willing to let go, no matter whether Uesugi Teruhu wants it or not, this opportunity is open. "
Hojo Genan was thoughtful.
Yoshihiro Shiba and Terutora Uesugi are in step with each other. This is the biggest headache for the Hojo family. Ujiyasu Hojo tries every means to expand the differences between the two and create a rift between them.
We can indeed work hard on the return of this royal flag. Even if it can't open up the situation, it will be a good thing for the Hojo family if the two people's steps are no longer coordinated.
Hojo Genan looked at the white flag covered with smoke, fire, and arrow marks with respect.
No matter how they calculated Shiba Yoshigoshi behind their backs, this man who did not show mercy to women still gained the respect of all the Kanto samurai families, and the Hojo family was no exception.
As he quelled the rebellion in Echigo, joined forces at Kawanakajima, went into battle at Echichu, and led Sano to perform heroic feats time after time.
The Kanto samurai had to admit that this Ashikaga military god from Kingo was indeed a strong man worthy of the name.
There is a strong admiration for the strong in the samurai society. This handsome young man really makes the Hojo family both respected and afraid, with mixed emotions.
Hojo Ushimasa was also looking at the imperial flag, and his mind had already flown to Kamakura Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine.
The Plate Armor Princess Knights arranged by Yoshigan Shiba in the Sano Territory were the main culprits that led to the collapse of the Hojo army.
Although the two fought a fierce battle at Sano leader, Hojo Ushimasa had never seen the famous Odaishou, Ken Nobukoshi Shiba, with his own eyes.
Ever since Sano was defeated and returned to Odawara Castle, she had never had a good night's sleep. In her nightmares every night, Shiba Yiyin, whose face is blurred, always stabs her chest with a gun, waking her up.
Squeezing the imperial flag in his hand, Hojo Ushimasa came to negotiate this time not only to clear the stain on Sano's leadership, but also to overcome his own inner demons.
She secretly thought, Sibo Yiyin, no matter what kind of beast you are, I will never be defeated by you again, I am not afraid of you.
In this negotiation, she was aggressive and determined to win.
The three of them discussed some more details. Seeing that Hojo Umasa was exhausted, Hojo Genan bowed and knew that she was traveling hard.
“Your Majesty Ujimasa, it’s getting late, please have a good rest tonight.
Tomorrow, we will cross the river to Kamakura, go to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and have a good talk with the Odaisho, His Highness Uesugi. "
Hojo Umasa nodded in agreement, and the three of them bowed and dismissed the meeting, each taking a rest.
That night, there was heavy snow and a freezing wind. In the early morning of the next day, heavy snow had already covered the plains, and the silver-covered scenery was particularly inspiring in the eyes of Hojo Ushimasa.
She wished that the wind and snow these days and nights would make it more difficult for the Echigo army stationed in the camp during the expedition.
A group of people rode horses to the Katase River, where the river had been frozen. A Hatamoto stepped onto the ice first, walked back and forth, and reported that the ice was thick enough to move forward.
Hojo Umasa pointed at the ice and said to Hojo Genan.
"Auntie, God is really helping me. Such is God's will, and it is hard to disobey the destiny."
She couldn't help but smile up at the sky, feeling more confident about the upcoming negotiations.
Winter has arrived and water transport is frozen.
The logistics line of the Echigo army mainly relied on the Tone River, Tama River, Sagami River, etc., the river water transportation of the Ueno Musashi Sagami Three Kingdoms, and was supplemented by the transportation of farmers and soldiers from the local samurai.
Now that the river is frozen, the Kanto warriors have gone home, and the local peasants and soldiers don't know if they can still be used. The logistical support of the Echigo army must be under great pressure.
This pressure is placed on the negotiation table, which adds another bargaining chip to the Hojo family.
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