Let go of the mother-daughter dispute in the Hojo family and turn your attention back to nearby places.
After the autumn harvest, Terutora Uesugi's Sano expedition temporarily calmed down the war due to the intervention of Shiba Yoshigan.
In recent years, the Settsu strategy jointly launched by Ashikaga Yoshiaki and Oda Nobunaga has been overwhelming.
The rate of decline of the Sanhao family is beyond everyone's imagination. As the saying goes, when a tree falls and the animals scatter, they all go their separate ways.
Originally, Miyoshi Yoshitsugu's rule in Settsu Kingdom was very unstable.
In the early days, the Hosokawa clan was the guardian of Settsu and controlled the area. The Miyoshi family rose to power as the head of the Hosokawa clan and gradually became a threat to the Hosokawa clan.
The Hosokawa clan did not sit still and waited for death. They also worked hard to suppress the Miyoshi family and provoked civil strife between Miyoshi Chokei of Awa Kingdom and Miyoshi Prime Minister of Settsu Kingdom.
After Miyoshi Nagakei killed the Prime Minister Miyoshi, he massacred the Hosokawa clan. The four Miyoshi sisters determined to go to Luo to achieve hegemony, and the Settsu Kingdom was transformed into the rule of the Shikoku Miyoshi family.
Miyoshi Changqing's road to Luo was blocked by Shiba Yiyin. Miyoshi and the four sisters died suddenly one by one, and Settsu Kingdom fell into the hands of Miyoshi and the trio.
The trio of Miyoshi tried to establish their own business, but they were in trouble. They had no choice but to bow to Miyoshi Yoshitsugu of Shikoku. They were kidnapped to Luo, and were charged with the crime of murdering Ashikaga Yoshiteru.
In the eyes of the world, all three good people and three people have been killed. The Settsu people who followed Miyoshi's three men also suffered heavy casualties in Miyoshi's Shangluozhong.
Miyoshi Yoshitsugu took the troops of the Miyoshi family of Shikoku and retreated to their home base, leaving only Yasunaga Miyoshi to guard Settsu Country. Miyoshi Yasunaga is not bad at all, but she cannot suppress the dissatisfied Settsu people at all.
In this Settsu strategy, Ashikaga Yoshiaki took the moral advantage in the name of revenge for his ancestors.
Oda Nobunaga had many soldiers, and formed a coalition with the shogunate to attack Settsu Province along the Yodo River. How could the Settsu people be willing to fight for the defeated Miyoshi family?
Matsu Nagahide, who was familiar with the domestic situation in Settsu, stood in front of him and smoothed the relationship. Local samurai families changed their banners and fell into the arms of the shogunate.
The shogunate army had just entered Higashi Settsu, and the Itami family of West Settsu, and the Ikeda family of North Settsu, and all the powerful local people from the Hosokawa clan to the Miyoshi family had defected.
The people from the shogunate's army have not yet arrived, and the plans for West Settsu and North Settsu have already been decided. Now that the situation has reached this point, we should start a p-war. Miyoshi Yasuo was huddled in Sakai Port, ready to take a boat back to Shikoku at any time.
At this time in Sakai Port, Tsuda Muneki also welcomed an unexpected guest.
———
Sakai Nanzhuang, Tennoji Temple House.
Tsuda of Tennoji-ya is the home of a famous wealthy merchant in Sakai Port. After the Tsuda clan inherited the property, they also gained connections with the Miyoshi family, making the Tennoji house more prosperous.
The merchants of Sakai Port have a tradition of autonomy. Although the samurai family will set up a card here to collect taxes, the real management of Sakai Port is the Sakai Association of the ten most powerful merchants in the area.
Among the ten powerful businessmen, Sen Rikyu is the leader. Senke comes from Kyoto and has a background as a shogunate minister.
Under Sen no Rikyu, the two people who have the most say are, one is Imai Munehisa, and the other is Tsuda Muneki. The two wealthy merchants back then were equal opponents, but today it is different.
Imai Munehisa followed the right master. Not only did he have the status of a samurai family, he also helped the Shiba family build the Houriku Road trade route, and his business became more and more prosperous.
Tsuda Muneki followed the path of Miyoshi Masayasu, one of the three good people. The three good people were executed for regicide, and she was already a bereaved dog.
In the circle of businessmen, the most important thing is to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages, to promote the superior and to suppress the inferior. Naturally, Tsuda Muneji's life is getting worse day by day.
Just when she was in dire straits, someone suddenly came to visit her. The visitor was Hideyoshi Hashiba, who had a transaction that year.
The two of them sat in the tea room. Hashiba Hideyoshi imitated the gestures of the tea master professor in Beijing, carefully raised his cup to drink tea, and sighed.
"Good tea! Tsuda-hime, long time no see. Your craftsmanship has improved again."
Seeing Hashiba Hideyoshi pretending not to understand, Tsuda Muneki smiled reservedly and continued to demonstrate the tea ceremony.
The three major merchants in Sakai Port are all masters of tea art. There is no way, the status of businessmen is low, not to mention the Panzhi Wu family, even the intellectuals speak harder than them.
Therefore, the descendants of wealthy merchants studied tea ceremony one after another. On the one hand, they whitewashed themselves as intellectuals, and on the other hand, they also made it easier to contact the martial arts family and climb high branches in the future.
After all, the Wu family is hypocritical and greedy. Not only does it want money, but it also requires dignity.
Every time Miyoshi Masayasu participated in a tea party, Tsuda Muneki would give away hundreds or thousands of guan to gain both face and money. This was the traditional model for businessmen to flatter the samurai family.
Seeing Hashiba Hideyoshi spending a lot of money to buy a few iron cannons and having to argue with him for a long time, Tsuda Muneki also sighed.
Kinoshita Hideyoshi, who was inconspicuous at the beginning, has become Hashiba Hideyoshi, the garrison of Kyoto today, and a powerful retainer of the Oda family. But what about yourself? He's not as good as he used to be!
Tsuda Soji calmed down his thoughts and smiled politely.
"Master Yu Chai is here, so I naturally want to show off my skills. I can't treat this distinguished guest lightly."
Hashiba Hideyoshi was very impressed by Tsuda Muneki's compliment. Of course she knew that she had only scratched the surface of tea ceremony culture, but the tea master in front of her could only praise herself respectfully.
What's this? This is the dignity and glory that Hideyoshi Hashiba has been searching for!
Back then, she was sent by Oda Nobunaga to Kongo to buy iron cannons. In order to save money, she bought a few more iron cannons. She ran from Kyoto to Sakai Port and met Tsuda Muneji.
It's just that the status of the two people back then was not as disparate as it is today.
Hashiba Hideyoshi was just a little country warrior at that time. Although Tsuda Soji was engaged in business and lowly business, he did not take her seriously.
There was a transaction between the two parties. Hashiba Hideyoshi bought a batch of iron cannons and left. He paid the money and delivered the goods. There was no emotion at all.
But just because of this experience, Hashiba Hideyoshi was able to boast in front of Oda Nobunaga and recommend himself. No one understands Sakai Port businessmen better than me.
Therefore, she was authorized by Oda Nobunaga and became the representative of the Oda family involved in Sakai Port affairs.
At this time, Tsuda Soji was in the embarrassing situation of having no backer and being squeezed out by the snobs in Sakai Port.
Hashiba Hideyoshi saw this clearly and came to visit, hoping to win over this wealthy businessman in Sakai Port to make new contributions to Oda Nobunaga and improve his status in the Oda family.
After all, it was the first time that the two met, and they were wary of each other and wondering about each other's details. After a few polite greetings, they were speechless, and the scene suddenly turned cold.
Tsuda Muneji was indeed in a difficult situation, but at this time, he dared not place a bet easily to avoid making the situation worse.
Hashiba Hideyoshi was actually more anxious than she was, because he patted his chest in front of Oda Nobunaga and assured him that if he couldn't achieve results, he would definitely not get any good results when he returned.
While the two were sipping tea in silence, a few dogs barked suddenly from outside. Hashiba Hideyoshi's heart moved and he looked out the window and said.
"Tsuda-hime also has dogs here?"
Tsuda Muneki replied.
"Behind the Tennoji Temple is the warehouse. I always keep some to look after my family and protect the courtyard to guard against thieves."
Hashiba Hideyoshi smiled.
"Dogs are great, I really like dogs now.
In fact, when I was young, I admired the cats most in the village. They lazily basked in the sun every day, ignored people, and lived free, independent, and equal lives. "
Tsuda Soji nodded.
"Cats are self-centered, and they only have a cooperative relationship with people. People feed the cat, and the cat catches the mouse. Each gets what it needs, and does not owe each other anything. It is truly free and at ease."
Hashiba Hideyoshi pointed out the window and said.
"But when I grow up, I no longer envy cats. I prefer dogs. Do you know why?"
Tsuda Soji's eyes flickered and he said respectfully.
"Appreciate further details."
Hideyoshi Hashiba said slowly.
"As you said, humans and cats are equals.
Cats can be very annoying sometimes, always refusing human orders, being neurotic, impulsive, and solitary, just like young people who have not been beaten up by society.
The relationship between humans and dogs is that of master and servant. Dogs cannot do without people's care, rely on people, and obey orders more.
When I was young, I was fearless. I liked cooperation and disliked being dominated. I always sympathized with cats and hated lackeys who waggled their tails and begged for mercy.
But now, I hope to become the most favored loyal dog of my master. "
Tsuda Soji was silent for a while and said.
"Although loyal dogs are useful, if they are abandoned by their owners, their fate will be even more miserable, far worse than that of a solitary cat."
Hideyoshi Hashiba chuckled.
"Desolate? The reason why cats can maintain themselves is because they have no worries. But people are different. People live in groups, and dogs also live in groups.
A free girl will eventually be shackled. Maybe it's your aging parents, maybe it's the heavy mortgage, maybe it's your husband and children who are waiting to be fed.
After being away for half your life, you are still a young girl when you return? Stop dreaming, young people all want to be cats, but in the end they all end up like dogs.
As long as the girl is alive, society has a hundred ways to turn her into a cute dog that sticks out its tongue and begs for food.
Since you are going to be a dog after all, why not find a good master for yourself? Are you afraid of being abandoned in the future, so you have to be a helpless cat? What about your family? What to do with Tennojiya’s property?
What's wrong with being a dog? "
Hashiba Hideyoshi went from speaking softly to speaking fiercely, and finally hit the case with his palm.
Tea splashed everywhere, and Tsuda Soji's body trembled. She looked up at the opposite side. In front of her was Hideyoshi Hashiba, who was as handsome as a boy, with wildfire rolling in his eyes.
“The Miyoshi family is finished, and the shogunate’s army will soon take control of Settsu Country.
Sen no Rikyu is the shogunate's dog, and Imai Munehisa is the Shiba family's dog. Is it possible that you are the only one who still wants to be a free cat?
The Oda family needs Sakai Port. I have brought the grace of the Oda Grand Hall. I will only ask you once, are you willing to become the Oda family's dog? "
Tsuda Soji did not expect that Hashiba Hideyoshi would be so straightforward.
Her lips trembled, and she felt humiliated in her heart. Even though Miyoshi Masayasu was greedy for her offerings and begged for a large amount of money, he at least left a layer of dignity for her.
However, Hideyoshi Hashiba, who was born into a humble family, violently tore off her dignity as a tea ceremony master and slapped her on the face, destroying all her illusions.
You are just a businessman running a lowly business. What kind of dignity and dignity do you want?
Tsuda Soji wanted to get angry and drive Hideyoshi out, but she didn't dare.
Because the Oda family's army is coming soon, how many people in Sakai Port are thinking about finding a way around, but they can't find it by being like dogs.
In a sense, Hideyoshi Hashiba really valued her and gave her the opportunity to be a dog first.
Thinking of his family and the industry he worked so hard to manage, Tsuda Soji's inner anger gradually subsided, and a smile appeared on his face.
From this moment on, she completed the transformation from cat to dog, carrying a lot.
The moment Tsuda Muneki changed his attitude and fell to the ground to recognize his master, Hashiba Hideyoshi blocked her humiliating kowtow with his hand, and she looked up at him in confusion.
At this time, Hashiba Hideyoshi changed his previous toughness and said with sincerity.
"From now on, you are no longer alone, but my partner. We are all members of Oda Hall.
I am very grateful for your trust and willingness to serve the Oda family with me. Let us work together to create a better future.
Please take good care of me, Tsuda-hime. "
Tsuda Soji looked at her sincere eyes and was speechless for a moment.
Takenaka Shigeharu often said that Hashiba Hideyoshi had a unique kind of leader who was passionate and sincere, a force that could unite everyone to forge ahead together.
Under her repeated reminders, Hashiba Hideyoshi's way of life became more and more candid and eager, subtly strengthening this personality charm.
Tsuda Souji was obviously confused by her arrogant and respectful attitude, but his fists subconsciously tightened.
Partner? Facing Hashiba Hideyoshi's enthusiastic invitation, she nodded slightly.
———
Sakai Port, port area.
Floyce was praying in the church when a preacher hurriedly walked in outside the door and whispered something in her ear.
She opened her eyes, turned to look out the door, and murmured to herself.
"Tsuda Soji, it turns out that the Oda family chose her."
———
Sakai Port, the headquarters of the Shinsengumi.
In the atrium, a white-haired exotic girl dressed in a Ji Samurai costume was holding a wooden sword and practicing the art of drawing it. Her expression was indifferent, as if she didn't care about anything.
Takada Yukino was so sick that she was leaning against the pillar of the porch, seemingly dozing off.
The white-haired girl suddenly stopped what she was doing and looked blankly at the sky outside the wall. Yukino's voice came from behind her.
"Xiao Zuo, we still have a hundred strokes to go."
Tachibana Kanade turned around and spoke in Japanese with a somewhat strange pronunciation.
"My name is William."
Yukino's big eyes were dull and she said.
"Xiao Xiu, you can't eat until you finish practicing."
Tachibana Kanade repeated.
"I said, my name is William."
The two girls with indifferent faces looked at each other mercilessly, and there seemed to be lightning where their eyes met.
After a while, Yukino said.
"My lord has said, your name is Lihua Zuo, and you are Lihua Zuo. This is an order that cannot be broken.
You are very smart and can learn Japanese very quickly. You can use it for daily communication in three months.
But your grasp of martial arts etiquette is very poor. The master's orders are absolute and must be obeyed. Haven't you understood this truth? "
Tachibana Kanade said calmly.
"I promised to serve the Great Lord as the price to pay for my life. But I did not say that I wanted to become a Ji warrior.
Why am I forced to stay in this small courtyard and be forced by you to learn some strange kendo? "
.
