Akechi Mitsuhide smiled and looked at Matsunaga who was drinking tea in front of him. It was not Matsunaga who took the initiative to visit today, but Akechi Mitsuhide invited her here.
Feeling frightened by Akechi Mitsuhide's half-smiling eyes, Matsuzaki Nagahide put down his teacup and asked softly.
"What are you laughing at, Akechi Ji?"
Akechi Mitsuhide said.
"I laughed at the fact that Miyoshi Yoshitsugu was as stupid as a pig and a dog. He was persuaded by the general's imperial letter and rushed back to the nearby area in order to make contributions.
She also didn't want to think about whose hands her mother died, and why her adoptive mother died in depression.
People, the easiest thing is to trust others, the hardest thing is to see yourself clearly. "
Matsuzuki Nagahide bowed his head and remained silent.
She followed the Mihaoshi and the four sisters into Jinji. At that time, the Mihaoshi family was so prosperous that it swept Jinji and made the martial arts in the world awe.
It's a pity that it was destroyed in the hands of that man.
Miyoshi Chokei's successor Miyoshi Yoshihiro, Miyoshi Yoshiki's mother Toga Ikumi died. Miyoshi's dream to dominate the shogunate in Luo was severely shattered by Yoshihiro Shiba in the Battle of Yamato.
Time is also fate.
Matsuzuki Nagahide felt a little congested and asked in a low voice.
"Akechi-hime called me here just to ridicule Miyoshi Yoshitsugu?"
Akechi Mitsuhide glanced at Matsu Nagahide in surprise. This world-famous young man was a bit angry. She really had some feelings for Miyoshi Nagakei.
"Matsunaga-hime misunderstood, I just lamented that Miyoshi Yoshitsugi didn't know people well and mistrusted the general.
I just came back from Nijo Castle. Mr. Kokata has changed his mind and admitted that the Gouchishu incident was caused by someone's deception. The moral basis for Miyoshi Yoshi to return to Konki no longer exists. "
Matsunaga was shocked, how could Ashikaga Yoshiaki be so stupid?
She is Ashikaga General, and she said that the imperial letter she sent out was that she was bewitched by others. Isn't this nonsense?
The Imperial Letter is a way for the Ashikaga General to seek help from local samurai families through private letters. It is not an official letter from the shogunate. It represents the Ashikaga General's personal prestige.
If Ashikaga Yoshiaki can even change his private messages, who will dare to help her in the future? If she didn't admit it afterwards, the person who helped her would have died unjustly, just like Miyoshi Yoshitsugu.
Matsunagahide was puzzled. Although Ashikaga Yoshiaki was ridiculed as a poor man, after all, he was a Todo Kōni who was born in Kofukuji Temple and still had a normal brain. How could she be so stupid?
Akechi Mitsuhide saw her thoughtfully and explained with a smile.
"This is not the result of my coercion or inducement, or the result of overstepping and deceiving Lord Gongfang. It is the deep shadow that the Miyoshi family has brought to the shogunate's concubines, which makes them unable to accept the general's behavior.
Even if they know that Miyoshi Yoshitsugu is not Miyoshi Nagakei, and the Miyoshi family today is far inferior to that of back then, everyone in the shogunate is not afraid. Who can guarantee that the Miyoshi family will not revive?
Lord Gongfang actually dared to use the Imperial Letter to contact Mihaoshi's family. It was destined that sooner or later she would not be able to bear the pressure and could only change her words and admit her mistake.
The Hatano family and Ninagawa family of Tanba country finally got rid of the threat of Miyoshi family. The past of Miyoshi Yoshihide's invasion of Tanba country is still vivid in his mind, and he dare not forget it.
The Izumi Hosokawa family, the Kita Kawauchi Mibuchi family, and the Minami Kawauchi Hatakeyama family were under attack by the Miyoshi family at this time.
The leaders of the shogunate, the acting officials of the government offices, the famous shogunate families, and the powerful feudal lords in recent years are all putting pressure on the shogun.
However, Wada Weimasa was dead and Niki Yoshimasa was living in seclusion. Even the shogunate samurai family including the Ashikaga family could not find many talents to help him.
The Ashikama Huizhong's positions and salaries were not secure, military supplies were insufficient, the morale of the public was low, and dissatisfaction with the general was spreading.
At this time, our general even wanted to have an affair with the Miyoshi family. In the name of the righteousness of the imperial family, the Miyoshi family returned to Japan, which finally aroused public outrage.
I didn't do anything, just complained casually to a few colleagues in the shogunate.
Everyone hopes that Tsudodon will come forward to drive away the Miyoshi family again, but the general supports the Miyoshi family with imperial letters. It is difficult for Tsudodon to come out and oppose the general. Please understand Tsudodon's difficulties.
Who would have thought that everyone would be so trusting of my family, Jinduoden, and all the families put pressure on the general, who pinched his nose and denied the existence of the imperial book. "
Matsuki Nagahide snorted secretly and complained casually? I believe you!
Akechi Mitsuhide took advantage of the fear of the Miyoshi family from the samurai inside and outside the shogunate, and launched a large-scale conspiracy, which forced Ashikaga Yoshiaki to give in due to public anger.
Ashikaga Yoshiaki's retreat was a real disaster for the Miyoshi family. Of course, this would also do great harm to Ashikaga Yoshiaki's already depleted prestige, and all three good things about Ashikaga would be lost.
But Akechi Mitsuhide talked for a long time, but Matsunaga still didn't understand the reason why she came to him for an interview.
Matsunaga Hide has clearly stood in the Oda Nobunaga camp and broke with the Miyoshi family. In addition, whether Ashikaga Yoshiaki is miserable or not is none of her business.
Akechi Mitsuhide changed the topic and said again.
“Yodo Castle, Matsunaga-hime’s territory, controls the waterways between the Yodo River and Settsu Mountain Castle.
Now, everyone in the shogunate has the same hatred towards the Miyoshi family for breaking the agreement and invading again. The master of my family is supported by the shogunate concubines and will unite all forces to confront the treacherous Miyoshi family.
This battle involves the five countries of Yamashiro, Settsu, Izumi, Kawachi, and Tamba. Matsunaga Hide was also asked to support the shogunate's decision and stand on the side of justice. "
Akechi Mitsuhide spoke righteously, but Matsunaga Hide sounded particularly twisted.
After Miyoshi surrendered to the shogunate, he indeed fulfilled his original mission and followed Ashikaga Shogun wholeheartedly. But she was so stupid that she failed to see clearly the unreliable Mr. Kimikata Ashikaga Yoshiaki.
In the battle for the Kyoto shogunate, among the three giants Ashikaga Yoshiaki, Shiba Yoshigan, and Oda Nobunaga, Ashikaga Yoshiaki is obviously the worst boss.
Because of his gullible trust in Ashikaga Yoshiaki, Miyoshi Yoshitsugu sent troops to Konkyu, and was blamed for having ulterior motives and breaching the contract to land. He became a traitor to be punished by the samurai family in Konkyō.
He was obviously working for the shogunate, but by doing so he turned himself into a traitor. Isn't it true that the three good righteousness will perpetuate the injustice?
Matsuzaki Nagahide said after considering it.
"Akechi-ji, I naturally responded to the shogunate's call and stood on the side of justice.
It's just that Yodo Castle is not strong enough, and His Highness Oda ordered me to strictly guard the gate, so it's really hard to act rashly. "
Matsunagahide didn't want to fight with the Miyoshi family. She had just connected Araki Murashige and Miyoshi Yoshitsugi to reach their harmony, and she hoped to get more benefits from both sides.
At this time, the end is wet and the feet are wet. It will be difficult to pretend to be neutral in the future.
Akechi Mitsuhide naturally knew that Matsuhisa was slippery, so he invited her here today just to trap her, so he was naturally prepared.
“I understand Matsunaga-hime’s difficulties very well.
However, His Highness Oda personally told Tsuta-dono that he hoped Tsuta-dono could help maintain peace and stability in Western Konki.
The two masters have reached an agreement. As subordinates, we should do our best to serve the emperor. How can we bow our heads in the face of difficulties and embarrass our superiors? "
Akechi Mitsuhide took out a piece of information from his pocket, handed it to Matsunaga Hide, and continued.
"This is the news I just got. I think Matsunaga-hime will be interested in it."
Matsuzuki Nagahide took it suspiciously, read ten lines at a glance, his eyes widened, and he lost his voice.
"how so?"
Akechi Mitsuhide covered his mouth and chuckled, with a gentle tone and cold eyes.
"You can make the people of Higashi Settsu turn against each other and help Araki Murashige kill Wada Weimasa, and Araki Murashige can also reveal this matter to Wada Weinaga.
Wada Weinaga knew the truth about her mother's death, but could not get His Highness Oda's protection. She must be so scared and desperate staying in Takasuki Castle.
Under such circumstances, her idea of tricking Gao Shan's friends into Gao Gui City to ambush him was not inappropriate.
It's just that she didn't do it well enough, so Shigemo Takayama noticed this, and the two sides got into a fight, hurting both sides, and taking advantage of Murashige Araki, who was watching from the other side. "
Sweat broke out on Matsuhisa's head. She held the thin piece of paper, her fingers trembling as if it were as heavy as a thousand pieces, and she whispered.
"Wada Weichang was seriously injured and returned to Minami Omi, and Takayama Shigetomo was seriously injured and surrendered to Araki Murashige.
Takaki Castle has been controlled by Araki Murashige, and now, she is truly the protector of Settsu. "
Akechi Mitsuhide looked at the pale-faced Matsunaga with a smile, but his eyes were so cold that there was no smile at all. She knew very well what Matsunagahide was afraid of.
Oda Nobunaga died in battle because of Mori Katsunari, and Asai Asakura's coalition forces approached Kyoto. They had no choice but to abandon Nishikonji and led their troops back to Kyoto to put out the fire.
But in Settsu Province, there were also powerful local samurai such as Araki Murashige, Wada Taimasa, Matsu Nagahide, and Mibuchi Fujihide who were loyal to Oda Nobunaga.
Araki Murashige was an important minister of the Settsu Ikeda family, Wada Weimasa was an important minister of the Ashikaga Yoshiaki family, and Matsunagahide was an important minister of the Miyoshi family. All three of them deserted their old masters and followed Oda Nobunaga.
Mibuchi Fujihide failed in the internal struggle between the Hosokawa Mibuchi family and had no choice but to seek refuge with Oda Nobunaga, hoping to use the power of the Oda family to retain his power in Kitakawachi.
Speaking of which, these people are not good people, and Oda Nobunaga does not believe them.
But Oda Nobunaga is a utilitarian. As long as they serve the Oda family well, Oda Nobunaga's rewards will be very generous, and both parties will get what they need.
Originally, after Oda Nobunaga retreated, he hoped that these people could block the Miyoshi family's military front, so that the Oda family could be free to deal with the Asai Asakura family first.
Matsunagahide has severely offended Wada Weimasa and Mibuchi Fujihide due to various previous instigations.
Worried that these two people would be detrimental to him, Matsunaga Hide simply took the initiative and contacted Araki Murashige to kill Wada Weimasa, the only remaining guardian of the Settsu Three.
Araki Murashige was determined to monopolize Settsu Country, so he was naturally happy to cooperate with Matsunaga Hide.
Higashisettsuzu was once a subordinate assigned to Matsunagahide by Miyoshi Nagakei, and Takayama Shigetomo was an old subordinate of Matsunagahide. Matsunagahide only made a few moves, causing Wada Weimasa to die inexplicably.
Then, Matsunagahide brought together Araki Murashige and Miyoshi Yoshitsugu to make peace, and asked Miyoshi Yoshitsugu to turn the target of his next attack to Izumi and Hanoi, and lead the troops to Mibuchi Fujihide in Kitakawachi.
Wada Weimasa died unexpectedly, Mibuchi Fujihide was in panic all day long under the attack of Miyoshi's army, and Matsunaga Hide, who was behind all this, also successfully eliminated two mortal enemies.
This good trick made Mitsuhide Akechi couldn't help but applaud her, it was really amazing.
But things in this world are never isolated. Matsushita Nagahide stirred the dominoes, dooming Oda Nobunaga's arrangement in Nishisettsu to completely collapse.
Because of the death of his mother Wada Weimasa, Wada Nobunaga ran to Oda Nobunaga's seat and cried, asking for decision.
But Oda Nobunaga has too much time to take care of himself at this time. She still needs to rely on Araki Murashige for the matter of Settsu Country. How can she help Wada Nobunaga speak for him.
The result was that Wada Nobunaga was repelled by Oda Nobunaga, and Araki Murashige received Oda Nobunaga's promise to become the new guardian of Settsu.
Originally, Oda Nobunaga expected Araki Murashige to continue to cooperate with his strategy to stop the invasion of the Miyoshi family in Settsu Country, so that Oda Nobunaga could return to Kyoto with peace of mind and clean up Asai Asakura.
However, for his own benefit, Kematsu Nagahide helped connect Araki Murashige and Miyoshi Yoshitsugi, allowing the two to reach harmony.
On the other hand, after Wada Nobunaga was reprimanded by Oda Nobunaga, he became more and more frightened and resentful when he returned to Takaki Castle.
When Wada Weimasa was alive and serving Ashikaga Yoshiaki, Wada Nobunaga secretly took refuge with Oda Nobunaga and betrayed the shogunate's intelligence, hoping that the Wada family could ride on the Oda family's chariot and prosper.
Now that Wada Nobunaga died tragically, Oda Nobunaga turned a blind eye to the person who killed Wada Nobunaga, making Wada Nobunaga the laughing stock of the samurai. This ruthlessness chilled Wada Nobunaga.
Under the instigation of Araki Murashige, Wada Weinaga decided to strike first and lure Takayama Shigetomo, a powerful martial artist from the Higashikatsu community, into Takaki Castle and kill him.
As a result, Wada Weichang was seriously injured and fled back to his hometown in Minami Omi. Takayama Shigetomo was seriously injured and surrendered to Araki Murashige. The entire Settsu Kingdom was controlled by Araki Murashige.
Oda Nobunaga could tolerate Araki Murashige killing Wada Weimasa and control the entire Settsu Kingdom.
However, Araki Murashige did not start a war with the Miyoshi family, and even watched with a smile as the Miyoshi family attacked Mibuchi Fujihide, who was affiliated with the Oda family. This completely shattered Oda Nobunaga's layout in Nishisettsu.
And the truth revealed by Araki Murashige to Wada Weinaga also exposed the villainous behavior of Matsunaga Hide in it.
Although Oda Nobunaga did not catch any evidence, everyone knew who caused Oda Nobunaga's strategic deployment in Nishikonge to completely collapse.
The Oda family governor is famous for his vengeance. When she frees up her hands, will Matsunagahide have a good life?
Therefore, when Matsunagahide learned that Wada Nomaga and Takayama Shigeto had merged and Araki Murashige had occupied Takaki Castle, he knew that he was in dire straits.
Oda Nobunaga could not tolerate his over-the-line behavior again and again, especially when it caused such serious consequences and harmed the interests of the Oda family.
Oda Nobunaga's checks and balances on Araki Murashige were destroyed, and he had to tolerate the arrogance of the new Settsu guardian.
All this is because of Matsunagahide's selfishness. Will she be able to live a good life in the future?
Matsunaga glanced at the calm Akechi Mitsuhide and knew that she should be a close friend of this sinister woman again. She kowtowed to the ground and shouted.
"Akechiji, save me!"
Akechi Mitsuhide shook his head and sighed.
"Matsunaga-hime, I really don't know what to say about you. You are too smart to be clever. You have ruined His Highness Oda's plan for the Miyoshi family.
For this plan, you can only cooperate with Tsuta-dono and allow Tsuta-dono to successfully complete His Highness Oda's entrustment, and then I can help you to speak and plead for mercy. "
