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

Chapter 232
A few days later, in Lushan City.

"Commissioner Ando Mamoru, Inaba Kazutetsu, Aoki Shigemo, Hori Hideshige, I greet my lord!"

Saying this, the four samurai with important positions in Mino bowed deeply and expressed their surrender to Asai Nagamasa.

"Haha, good, get up."

"It is really a blessing for me that you all can join me at this critical moment. Ando Mamoru and Inaba Ittetsu-sama will each receive [-] koku Tomoyuki, and Aoki Shigeki and Hori Hideshige will each receive [-] koku."

The four of them were immediately overjoyed and thanked them profusely. This reward was much more generous than they had expected. After all, they had not shown any strength at all in the previous battle.

Ando Mamoru, who performed best, was just under the persuasion of his son-in-law Takenaka Hanbei. He took the lead in taking thousands of ashigaru to declare his surrender to Saito Roshiharu, the last son of Dosan, and the Asai family behind him. , and Inaba Kaztetsu, who performed the worst, even raised troops to fight the Asai Army led by Shima Sakon.

According to the customary rules of the Warring States Period, they only chose to stand in line when the dust was almost settled. It would be good if they were not punished. How could there be rewards?

So before they actually came here, they were somewhat uneasy, among them Inaba Katsutetsu.

But after they actually arrived, they found that the treatment they received here was completely different from the rules common during the Warring States Period.

Now it seems that the generosity of the "Dragon of Omi" spread among the people is indeed not a lie. They followed Yilong before, and it was just a trivial reward and a verbal promise. How could real land be real?

Thinking of this, Ando Mamoru looked at the handsome young man a few meters away with even gentler eyes. If his son-in-law hadn't reminded him early, how could he have retained so much power and gained so much? The harvest?This daughter really did not marry for nothing!

Inaba Ittetsu secretly made up his mind to make great achievements in order to repay His Highness's respect and trust.

Except for Ando Mamoru, who has been his old enemy for many years, many of the other warriors in Mino are actually not looked down upon by him, and they must show His Highness the martial arts of this stubborn general!

Asai Nagamasa also seemed very happy. Now two of the three people in Mino have joined the Asai family, plus the Akechi family, the Tokuyama family and other small forces, occupying almost three-fifths of the fertile land in Mino. In the West Merino area, the surname has basically been completely changed to Asai.

Roughly calculated, this large piece of fertile land is nearly 30 koku, which is even larger than all the land owned by the Asai family before entering Mino.

Although some of it is occupied by the original Mino retainers, once it is successfully taken over, the Asai family will own more than 50 koku in one fell swoop and become one of the few powerful forces in the entire Nibon. How can he not be happy?
"It's approaching winter now, so it's not appropriate to continue to mobilize troops frequently, but by the time of next spring, I need to help you, my lords, to let the Liujiao family in Nanjinjiang know how powerful our family is."

Yesterday, the Koga ninjas reported back overnight. While he, Shima Sakon and others were busy attacking Mino, the courageous Rokkaku family seemed to think that the strength behind the Asai family would be empty because of this, so they took the initiative The troops were sent out, divided into three groups, trying to regain the territory previously captured by the Asai family, and responded to the Saito family in this way.

But the result is of course needless to say. General Isono Umasa used hundreds of iron cannons recently obtained from Kaizhen and Agote Chamber of Commerce, as well as several large barrels, to directly defeat the Hexagon Army at the gate of Kanzaki County.

The Liujiao family suffered hundreds of casualties and thousands of prisoners. The big name Liujiao Yixian, like a frightened bird, took the lead in escaping again.

On the other side, Kamo Kenhide's army was also defeated by Endo Naotsu in Mikage Teragawa.

Although the Gamo family has generations of samurai, it can be said that it is a family tradition, and Gamo Kenhide and his father and ancestors are also well-known warriors in Minami Omi, and they know some military strategies, but when the Koga ninjas who were originally loyal to the Rokkaku family, They revealed his marching route to Naoksuke Endo one after another, and even when many ninjas turned against him, how could he remain undefeated?

Naotsuke Endo originally had a certain friendship with Iga and Koga. The Rokkaku family was at its peak in spring and autumn and was one of the overlords of Kinki. Naturally, this friendship was not enough for the 53 Koga family to take risks and change their attitude. of.

But when the Asai Army won great victories in the Battle of Norada and the Battle of Nagara River, and even began to set foot in the Mino area, while the Rokkaku family lost three counties in a row and became increasingly weak, naturally some ninjas could not sit still. .

In the past, many Koga ninjas directly moved their families to Asai Nagamasa and served as the vanguard of the Asai family to spy on intelligence. Now some ninjas choose to use this method to show their loyalty and strength to the Asai family in a very intuitive way.

Although ninjas can't make meritorious deeds like samurai, or get land as a salary, they are still willing to stand behind the strong and victors!
As a result, Kenhide Kamamao's army was defeated, and Naomisuke Endo took advantage of the situation and advanced all the way into the territory of Minami Omi of the Rokkaku family. If it weren't for the "Ryoto" of the Rokkaku family who sent troops to reinforce him, Naomisuke Endo would have further expanded his results.

Only the third unit led by Rokkaku Yoshiharu, the young master of the Rokkaku family, performed slightly better.

Due to the defection of many Koga ninjas, the sneak attack that he thought was concealed was undoubtedly a complete failure, and then he launched a head-on battle with the Asai army.

However, in the confrontation with Asai Ryouchi, Asai Masumi, and Ishida Masatsugu, members of the Asai family, although he also fell into an obvious disadvantage, at least he still had a chance to fight back, and he also had a chance to fight back. There is no collapse.

However, facing the situation where two of the three armies have been eliminated, no matter how much he claims to be wise and powerful, he can only sigh and withdraw his troops and return to Guanyin Temple City.

The Rokkaku family thought they were sure of victory, so they launched this war. However, in just a day or two, they were completely defeated by the Asai family. Even the governor of the Asai family, Nagamasa, never showed up.

On the one hand, this allowed everyone to see clearly part of the strength of the Asai family. On the other hand, it also made them truly realize that the Rokkaku family, the original overlord of Kinki, had truly and completely declined, and their glorious history could never be regained. .

For Asai Nagamasa, further invasion of the Rokkaku family would lead to his family directly bordering the Miyoshi family, which would lead to unnecessary disputes.

Especially now that our family has successfully conquered most of Mino, and is about to border the Takeda family, Oda family, Imagawa family and other forces, the need for military strength is further increased. It is really not necessary. It is better to keep the increasingly weak Rokkaku family. as a buffer zone.

But facing the provocation of the Rokkaku family, he could not remain unresponsive. In the chaotic Warring States era, kindness and kindness would not get good results most of the time.

Therefore, he will send many surrendered generals from Meinong to attack the Rokkaku family. On the one hand, he will let them continue to prove their loyalty in this way.

On the other hand, this method can be regarded as a way to eliminate the mediocrity in their two armies. Their ashigaru who were summoned are really unable to compare with the professional infantry of their own family.

In this way, it is more in line with the current Asai family's strategy. Although the Rokkaku family was defeated twice and suffered heavy losses, they should not be defeated by Mino's surrender, right?
Ando Mamoru, Inaba Kazutetsu and others responded loudly, showing their loyalty to the maximum extent.

Not to mention that our family has the absolute upper hand in the confrontation with the Rokkaku family, just to show their loyalty to the lord, they must also actively participate in this war and do their best to achieve merit!

Asai Nagamasa just smiled and nodded, and then asked them to remain seated. Then he called Kato Danzo. Several days had passed since the battle of Inabayama Castle. What kind of reaction would the people in Mino have?

"Your Highness, under your order, our ninjas took the initiative to spread the news about what happened in the city. Now it has spread throughout most of Meino."

"Coupled with the cracks in the air and the little monsters that emerged from time to time, most people have already understood the truth. It was Yilong who transformed into a monster and then killed thousands of residents in the city. It was you, Your Highness, who turned the tide and stopped Inabayama Castle fell to the Underworld Hirazaka."

Hearing this, Shima Sakon, Akechi Mitsuhide and others all straightened their chests in unison, looking proud.

While many famous people in Nibon were fighting for the land and people, His Highness, to whom they were loyal, was fighting endlessly for the safety of the entire Nibon.

If Yoshiryu survived, the entire Inabayama Castle and even the entire Mino would be turned into the domain of monsters. At that time, Ni Peng might be about to bleed. It is really an honor to be able to serve His Royal Highness like this.

At the same time, this also strengthened their inner thoughts. In order to avoid the appearance of cruel people like Yilong in other places, they must do their best to help His Highness unify Nibon. Only Your Highness can achieve a truly peaceful age!

Hearing this, Mamoru Ando, ​​Ittetsu Inaba and others leaned forward more and more respectfully, in order to slightly cover their expressions.Although they had many ideas in mind before, if it hadn't been for such an earth-shattering thing that happened in Inabayama City, they might not have made such a decisive and quick decision.

After all, they are not ordinary samurai, but real superior samurai who hold thousands of ashigaru, and even Dosan or Giryu have to treat them with courtesy.

However, after thoroughly understanding what happened in Inabayama Castle, they had no luck in their hearts. They made the most correct decision at the first time, and the aftermath of that day can already explain the end of the battle that day. How tragic it was.

Not to mention the huge crack that is still hanging in the air until now, constantly spewing out monsters.

What emerged from there was not the thin dogs or wild boars that people in Nibon are standing up to now, but the real ferocious demons and ghosts from the netherworld!

"So, how will Yilong's son and the remaining retainers react?"

Yilong and Axiu are from the same mother. They are about 30 years old this year, but unlike Axiu who has always been alone, Yilong has already married a wife and has children.

The year of birth and biological mother of his son Ryuuki Saito are unknown, but according to Asai Nagamasa's investigation, he is probably a year or two younger than him and has officially entered the Yuan Dynasty.

Moreover, his various abilities are pretty good. Even in Meinong, there have been rumors claiming that Dao San intends to pass over his son Yi Long and directly pass the position of family governor to his grandson Long Xing.

Although this was later confirmed to be a rumor, it was Yoshitsuru who succeeded the throne, but Saito Ryuuki's excellence can also be seen.

Hearing Asai Nagamasa's question, Ando Mamoru and other samurai from the Saito family couldn't help but pricked up their ears, ready to listen.

Although they basically have no negotiations with Saito Ryuuki, and they have now joined the Asai family, they still have to pay more attention to the actions of their old master's son. After all, they are now important to the Saito family. What traitors.

"Returning to Your Highness, although Saito Ryuko succeeded to the throne in a hurry, he showed excellent qualities. He quickly united powerful retainers such as Ujiie Buzen, Hineno Hiroyuki, Inoue Michikatsu and Nagai Michitoshi, and even Even Bupo Guangzhi, who has always been rebellious, has some respect for him."

Hearing this, Ando Mamoru and others were a little surprised. They all knew that although Fuha Koji was very capable, he had always been very ambitious. He had always wanted to compete for the title of the three people of Mino, but they didn't expect it to happen so quickly now. Just surrender to Saito Ryuuki?

At this time, a cold snort came from the bottom: "Huh, they are all treacherous officials and traitors. If it weren't for them, how could my father have suffered such a tragedy?"

"Now they dare to continue to go against my family. Your Highness, when the next war starts, I am willing to be the vanguard and avenge my father!"

Saito Toshiji, the last son of Dao San, said fiercely.

Mamoru Ando and Ittetsu Inaba were both a little embarrassed. Although they had not done anything to Dosan before, in a sense, they were once accomplices of Yoshiryu. If the first battle of Nagara River happened that day, They didn't send troops, and Yilong couldn't defeat Dao San that easily.

Asai Nagamasa sighed softly: "Riji, don't be dazzled by hatred. Calmness is also a character that a good warrior must possess. I believe that Dao San, the spirit of Dao San, does not want to see you become what you are now. You still need to revive the Saito family.”

Saito Roshi's face immediately turned red when he heard this, but he knew that His Highness was doing it all for his own good, so he just lowered his body and whispered yes.

Ando Mamoru couldn't help being even more surprised when he saw this, because he felt that His Highness didn't just use it as an excuse, he seemed to really want Saito Toshiji to revive the Saito family?But what is he planning?

After exchanging a few very covert glances with Inaba Ittetsu next to him, they both knew that the other party was also in the same confusion.

But soon, an idea came to Ando Mamoru's mind. According to Hanbei, there was a woman named Hidechiyo, who was Yoshityu's sister. It was said that he had befriended His Highness when he was traveling. The two have a close relationship and are extremely good friends.

Even now, she has been fighting for the Asai family. Early this morning, she had led her troops to attack the monster Kamamitachi who was causing trouble nearby.

Could it be that besides friends, are there other relationships among them?
This is probably the only way that His Highness can actively support Saito Roshi's actions. After all, the Saito family belongs to him as well as her predecessor.
If this is the case, what can you do?

Well, I have to discuss it with Hanbei after I return. Although it is taboo for foreign ministers to interfere with the lord's family affairs, I am not doing it for my own benefit, but for all the samurai and people of Mino!

Ando Mamoru, who secretly had an idea in his mind, suddenly became confident. This made Inaba Ittetsu next to him suspicious for a while, but soon he no longer had the intention to continue paying attention to his old opponent's expression, because the ninja had already Reported to an extremely critical place.

"After figuring out the current situation of Inabayama Castle, Saito Ryuuki strictly ordered no one to attack His Highness your paper man, and no one was allowed to get close to him. He allowed His Highness your paper man to patrol and attack the occasional enemy. A little demon that came out of the seal."

"At the same time, he seemed to intend to move eastward to keep company with the Heshi family Fuquan."

If Inabayama Castle is located in the central area of ​​Mino, then the castle of the three people in Mino can form a triangle, guarding Inabayama Castle.

The territories of Ando Mamoru and Inaba Ittetsu are both located in Nishi Mino, one to the south and one to the north. When they were first established, they were probably used to defend against the Asai family or the Rokkaku family from the Omi direction, and the Oda family from the Owari direction in the south. Sharp.

Ujie Fuquan's territory is located in Higashi Meino. His territory is relatively remote and more barren.

However, because the territory is surrounded by mountains, it is relatively difficult to pass through. Therefore, although the territory of the Kai Takeda family is further to the west and the Imagawa family occupies the Tokaido to the south, in fact, it may be the place with the least war in Mino.

Many warriors couldn't help but look at each other for a while, and then they couldn't help but started talking in low voices. They all felt very incredible.

Although the current Saito family was indeed severely damaged, but just like that, Saito Longxing actually wanted to move the main city?

This is too childish, and he is too timid!

But Asai Nagamasa couldn't help but narrowed his eyes slightly. Out of some intuition, he felt that this matter might be true, but it still needs to be carefully analyzed.

Saito Ryuuki wanted to move east because the residents of Inabayama Castle suffered heavy casualties, and there were monsters crossing the border from the underworld from time to time, so it seemed extremely dangerous, or was it because he was trying to avoid the military front from his family?

Or does he have other purposes besides this?
According to reports from the Koga ninjas, his father, Yoshitsune, had secretly linked up with the Rokkaku family and tried to attack the Asai family from both sides. The reason why Rokkaku Yoshihide dared to launch a sneak attack so boldly was because Yoshitsune gave him the courage.

If Saito Ryuuki continues to follow his father's example and use external forces to fight against the Asai family, then his efforts to pacify Mino may not be as simple as imagined.

The Kai Takeda family to the east has many talented generals, and they are not the incompetent people like the Rokkaku family who claims to be the overlord of Kinki. The Imagawa family to the south has vast land and is a superpower ranked among the top five or even top three in the entire Nippon.
The Mino Saito family, the Kai Takeda family, the Suruga Imagawa family, the Omi Rokkaku family, the Nagashima City Kanshoji family, plus the Hida country that has not been fully investigated until now, and that ambitious and talented man who can't recognize his own strength The Wakasa Takeda family.
and, more importantly, the Owari Oda family in the south.

If because of a unique opportunity, they join forces to fight against the main family.
No, I absolutely cannot give them this chance!
Thinking of this, he made a decision immediately: "Yumitsu, contact Hosokawa Fujitaka again, give a gift to the general, and urge him to issue a formal order as soon as possible. Even if Mino Guardian still makes him a little embarrassed, I must get the official position of Omi Guardian!" "

Numata Yumitsu immediately responded, while Ando Mamoru and others were very surprised that he was actually connected with the general. So, His Highness had already made plans to conquer the north and south Omi, and even Mino?What a foresight!

After a slight pause, Asai Nagamasa continued: "Sakon, pass the order, my family will immediately raise troops to attack Inabayama Castle. I want to really let the outside world know before winter begins that Mino has changed to a new owner!"

(End of this chapter)