A samurai who doesn't want to be a daimyo is not a good onmyoji

Chapter 23 The Unexpected Visitor

Although there were countless related memories in his mind, Shinkuro still looked at Kotani Castle, the most important city of the Asai family, again.

Built by Shinkuro's grandfather Asai Ryomasa, Otani Castle was built along the ridge. It is a typical mountain castle. Before entering the castle, you need to climb a steep staircase. When attacked by foreign enemies, this is very difficult for the defenders. It's a great location.

However, the weaknesses of this city are also obvious. First of all, it is a shortage of materials, especially water. Secondly, most of the buildings in the city are made of wood, and they are very afraid of fire attacks.

If the enemy is willing to give up the wealth in Xiaogu City and is not afraid of leaving a bad reputation, it will not be particularly difficult to capture this city as long as more troops are used.

Unfortunately, as the old enemy of the Asai family, the Rokkaku family although not lacking in courage, are greedy and stingy with their reputation. Even if they really hit Kotani Castle, they would never carry out a fire attack.

As for other buildings in the city, Shinkuro, who has the memory of later generations, looks down upon them.

In this mountain city, only the samurai class and merchants can afford to live in good-quality wooden houses, and those ordinary ashigaru farmers can only live in the simple shacks in the castle town.

Living in this kind of mud house made of mud and grass brings all kinds of troubles whether in winter or in the rainy season.

What is most unacceptable to Shinkuro is that there is no theoretical sewer system there. This means that once you step into it on a rainy day, you will never know whether you are stepping on real mud or some other belt. Something with a peculiar smell, especially now that many Nibon people basically wear straw sandals barefoot
Just as he was thinking about it, Shinkuro saw some familiar symbols that should never appear here - the crest of the Rokkaku family.

In order to compete for the hegemony of the north and south Omi areas, the Rokkaku family and the Asai family have launched a long war. It started with Shinkuro's grandfather and continues to the present. It can be called a blood feud.

However, the Rokkaku family has never invaded Kotani Castle, but now the opponent's samurai openly appeared in Kotani Castle, and they seemed to be accompanied by several Asai family retainers. . .

Is this the moment of truth?This is really God's favor, it seems that my plan is going more smoothly than imagined. . .

He immediately couldn't help but put his hand on the handle of the knife and said coldly: "Uncle, that is the crest of the Rokkaku family? Why do those guys appear in Xiaotani City?!"

Seeing Shinkuro's hostile look, Asai Ryochi couldn't help but sigh secretly. If the head of the family could be as determined as Shinkuro, why would the Asai family have reached this point?
It's a pity that Shinkuro is still a little young. He has not yet become a Yuanfu and has not been able to establish a reputation in his family.

If he can grow up for a few more years, he will definitely become a famous general with both wisdom and courage. Why should the Asai family suffer such humiliation?

After opening his mouth several times, until the eyes of Shinkuro, Miyabe Tsugujun, and the surrounding monk soldiers all gathered, Asai Ryoki finally couldn't help but sigh.

"Young Master, they are indeed the envoys of the Rokkaku family. The head of the family wants to have peace talks with the Rokkaku family."

Shinkuro couldn't help but frown, and his face turned red: "Peace talks? Why peace talks? How many outstanding samurai in our family have died under their swords?"

Although they are fierce rivals, competing for the hegemony of the North and South Omi regions, there is actually a big gap between the two families in terms of background and strength. Especially after Shinkuro's cheap father succeeded to the throne, the Asai family was even more defeated. More wins less.

In terms of background, the founder of the Rokkaku family is Prince Atsushi, the son of Emperor Uta. The Rokkaku family is a samurai family that has been passed down for more than 500 years.In terms of relationship, a certain governor of the Rokkaku family once held a Yuanfu ceremony for the current shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru, and put a black hat on him to represent adulthood. He was his black hat relative.

In terms of history, the Rokkaku family once occupied the Nijo Imperial Palace in Kyoto when they were most powerful. Even now, they are entrenched in Kannonji Castle and they almost enter the capital whenever they want. This is simply unbelievable for other daimyo from other places.

Even the Miyoshi family, which occupies the Kinki area and ranks among the top three in strength in the entire Nippon, is somewhat helpless about this. It is because Kyoto is too close to Kannonji Castle, and they naturally have a geographical advantage.

The entire history of the Asai family only lasts for more than a hundred years. Their ancestor was just a nobleman who was expelled from Kyoto. It was only thanks to the hard work of Shinkuro's grandfather that he became one of the wealthy families in Kitaomi.

Later, by chance, coupled with the joint efforts of many local tycoons, and his own strategy, he successfully defeated the superiors, expelled the Kyogoku clan, the original guardian of Kitaomi, and officially debuted in Nippon as a daimyo.

The current head of the family, Asai Hisamasa, is only the second generation.

But it was not without cost that he became famous by taking advantage of others' tricks.

In order to repay the many wealthy families who supported his rise to power, the Asai family still adopts the collegial system of ministers, which is the most familiar and favorite thing for later generations of British people - a meeting in advance.

They are already at a disadvantage, and their strength is scattered among the rich. They have to hold meetings when there is a war. In addition, when they encounter an incompetent name like Asai Hisamasa, it is strange that the Asai family can win.

Therefore, the Asai family really suffered a lot from the Rokkaku family, and behind every defeat were countless bloody lives.

Ryochika Asai quickly grabbed Shinkuro's right hand to stop him from drawing the sword, as if he was afraid that he would rush over and kill the samurai of the Rokkaku family.

According to his familiarity with Shinkuro, this possibility is really high. Although this young master is still very young, his personal strength and courage are far stronger than those of the family master.

"Young Master, Young Master, this is all for the continuation of our family, please be patient."

But his action was still a little late, probably because of Shinkuro's shouting. Not only did some farmers and women around him start to look around, but even the samurai of the Rokkaku family in the distance also looked over frequently. They all noticed that something was going on here. Things that happened.

At this time, Tsugujun Miyabe, who seemed to be startled next to him, also walked up quickly, and together with Ryoki Asai, grabbed Shinkuro: "Master, anger hurts your body, please take care of yourself!"

Under the dissuasion of the two, Shinkuro managed to calm his breathing and put the long sword back into its sheath.

He walked to the tea shop a few steps away and drank a bowl of crude tea in one gulp before he spoke again: "Uncle, what price do we need to pay for this so-called peace negotiation?"

Looking at Shinkuro's face, Asai Ryouki said cautiously: "Young Master, Rokkaku Yoshiken, the head of the Rokkaku family, sent people here to hold a Yuanfu ceremony for you and give you the word "Xian". For Kenmasa Asai.”

(End of this chapter)