The first thousand and eighty-three chapters of Hojo's character
At this time, Yoshigami no longer cared about Ashikaga Yoshiji's small thoughts, and he set his sights on Ota Shimasa and Oishi Sadahisa.
The two people had been paying attention to the atmosphere in the palace. When they saw Shiba Yiyin looking at them, they went out to bow together.
Ota Shizheng said.
"Some martial artists are short-sighted and their behavior is shameful, and we do not want to be associated with them.
The Hojo family went against the grain and attacked and destroyed the Uesugi family in Ogidani. As the head of the Iwafu Castle Ota family, I have been blessed by many blessings in my life. I am willing to work for the governor of Kanto and bring order to the chaos, which is also to avenge the master's family."
Oishi Sadajiu bowed.
"As a retainer of the Yamauchi Uesugi family, the Oishi family is willing to fight side by side with the family governor until death."
The two made impassioned speeches, but Yoshigan heard some real meaning from them. They represented the interests of Uesugi's former ministers in the Musashi Kingdom.
The Kanto governor, the Uesugi family, was the husband of Ashikaga Takauji, the first Ashikaga shogun. He was entrusted with the important task of serving as the head of the Kamakura Ashikaga family of Ashikaga Takauji's daughter, the first Kanto shogun.
The Uesugi family has flourished in Kanto for hundreds of years. There are four main branches. Among them, the Yamauchi Uesugi family and the Inukake Uesugi family are the most noble, and they compete with each other for power.
Later, the Inugaku Uesugi family declined, and the Ogidani Uesugi family rose, becoming the new rival of the Yamauchi Uesugi family.
The influence of the Ogitani Uesugi family is mainly in Sagami country, and the family governor is hereditary guardian of Sagami. The Yamauchi Uesugi family has a deeper foundation, with branches all over Echigo, Ueno, and Shimono countries.
The confrontation between the two families mainly took place in the Musashi Kingdom, which was at the forefront of both sides' spheres of influence. The Ota family was the head of the Ogitani Uesugi family, while the Oishi family was the guardian of Musashi of the Yamauchi Uesugi family.
The Ogidani Uesugi family was able to rise, and its head Ota family made a huge contribution.
Important cities such as Matsuyama Castle, Edo Castle, Iwatsuke Castle, and Kawagoe Castle in Musashi are all built by the Ota family.
The influence of the Ota ancestors was very great, and later generations were mainly divided into two families. One was the Ota family of Edo Castle, which was the biological family, and the other was the Ohta family of Iwafusuke Castle, which was the niece family.
With the decline of the two Uesugi families and the annexation of the Musashi Kingdom by the Hojo family, life for the two Uesugi families became increasingly difficult.
The Hojo family uses a two-pronged approach of military and internal affairs. On the one hand, it suppresses the two Uesugi old parties and bows down. On the other hand, it uses the four public officials and the six citizens to win over the hearts and minds of the lower class, and uses tax reform to poach them.
The Ota family of Edo Castle surrendered early. The Ota family of Iwatsuki Castle persisted in fighting to the end, but had to surrender to save the family property.
As for Oishi Sadahisa, she will soon be forced to welcome the heirs of the Hojo family. Marry her son, use her family name, and seize her family property. The Hojo family is also good at playing doves and occupying magpie's nests.
If no accident happened, these two Uesugi remnants of the Musashi Kingdom would sooner or later be killed bit by bit by the Hojo family.
So when Echigo's army came, Ota Shimasa was the first to respond. It was she who came forward to persuade Oishi Sadahisa, Ota Yasushi, Ueda Asanao and other powerful samurai from Musashi country to surrender to Uesugi Teruhora.
This time the coalition forces disbanded, the two Uesugi remnants refused to leave. They were die-hard samurai who opposed the Hojo family and were the staunchest supporters of the Echigo side in the Musashi Kingdom.
This formation not only made Terutora Uesugi very satisfied, but also impressed Yoshihiro Shiba.
The Kanto martial arts family is famous for its Chao Qin and Mu Chu, and it is rare for these people to stand firm. Although they are also motivated by their own interests, the senses are indeed a plus.
However, in the face of the righteous words of these two people, there were still some noises and criticisms in the hall. Nagano Yasumasa thought about it, stepped out of the queue and bowed.
"Your Highnesses, although our army is determined to fight to the death with the rebels, the current situation is indeed not good. Winter is approaching and the army is scattered. It is safer to consider the long term."
Uesugi Teruhu narrowed his eyes and asked rhetorically.
"Oh? How about a long-term plan?"
Nagano Ye was stunned. She actually wanted to retreat. But the words coming out of her mouth were not appropriate, and it seemed that she was as fearful of the enemy as a tiger.
She is the leader of the Minawa clan, and the Nishi Ueno samurai family is far away from Sagami country. She lives and dies to make contributions to others.
There are only 20,000 Kwantung Allied Forces left. The longer they stay in the Hojo family's territory, the less safe they will become. To be on the safe side, retreating is the best policy.
Nagano was afraid that Terutora Uesugi would be aroused by the words of these two people and become arrogant and determined to fight the Hojo family to the bitter end, so he came forward to pour cold water on them.
Unexpectedly, Uesugi Teruhora was in a bad mood, so he blocked the conversation immediately. Only then did Nagano Yasumasa realize that he had made a mistake and was afraid of fighting.
Seeing her silence, Uesugi Teruhora felt even more angry. Nagano Yasumasa used the Kanto Strategy to drive away the pro-Hojo Nobutada Obata, and now he is the only one in Nishi Ueno.
Now, what does she mean by openly emphasizing the difficulties? She just wants to preserve her strength, but she dare not say it clearly due to her position.
Militarily, what Nagano Yamasa said is correct. But politically, we must not be weak now.
The Echigo side competed with the Hojo family and finally won a decisive victory in the Sano Territory. If the Hojo family could not be further forced to make political concessions, the battle would be in vain.
War is a continuation of politics.
Which of the two Kanto governors, Uesugi Teruhora and Hojo Ujiyasu, is the orthodox one is related to which of them can legitimately rule the eight states of Kanto.
If the Echigo army retreats at this time, what will the Kanhachishu samurai family think of Uesugi Teruhora? Her succession ceremony has just passed one day!
For Nagano Yamasa, who has been an ally for many years, Uesugi Terutora is becoming more and more displeased. Thinking of how she has always been a talker in Nishi Ueno, and how much she is behind her, I feel like she is a hidden danger.
Seeing that the two of them were having a tense conversation, Shiba Yiyin had no choice but to soften things up.
"Mr. Nagano is mature and prudent, and what he said does make sense.
Loyalty is helpful to people's actions, if everyone can open their hearts like the elders, be frank and honest, and unite as one.
Why worry about failure?"
Shiba Yoshigan talked a lot, which was all nonsense. But he came forward to smooth things over, and Uesugi Teruhu and Nagano Yamasa looked a little better, and the matter was considered to be over.
Nagano Yasumasa stopped talking, Shiba Yiyin glanced at her, but he was actually alert in his heart.
The greater the crisis, the more you can see the wavering elements in the team. Nagano Yasumasa is getting old after all. This old woman who worries about gains and losses has lost the heroic decisiveness she once had and has become conservative and hesitant.
Her conservatism is a very negative negative emotion for Echigo's Kanto strategy. The value of this ally is declining, but the threat is rising.
Yiyin was wary of her, but it was inconvenient to think about it at this time, so he turned his thoughts back to the predicament at hand.
He said to Ota Zizheng and Oishi Sadahisa with a pleasant look.
"I am very touched by the loyalty of both of you.
Musashi Country is a Musashi Country within the Kanto system, and it is not a playground for anyone to act recklessly. The traditions of the samurai family must be observed, and famous families must be respected."
Yoshigan glanced back at Terutora Uesugi, saw her nodding slightly, and continued.
"Until the Hojo family realizes their mistakes and is willing to repent, His Highness Uesugi and I will never compromise."
Ota Shimasa and Oishi Sadahisa were overjoyed and kowtowed to the ground to thank them. They were a famous traditional Musashi family, and they were also the local samurai family that suffered the most heavy losses after the Hojo family swallowed up the Musashi Kingdom.
Shiba Yiyin made it very clear.
First, the Echigo side respects the interests of the famous Musashi clan. Second, the Echigo side will protect their interests from being infringed upon by the Hojo family.
With the two guarantees of Sibo Yiyin, their decision to take the risk and take a gamble makes sense.
Ota Shigen immediately expressed his stance and bowed.
"The imperial office is wise. The two of us will restrain the military families under our command, serve the public bravely, and work hard for the peace of Guandong."
Oishi Sadahisa also bowed, expressing his determination.
Ota Shimasa represents the Musashi remnants of the destroyed Ogitani Uesugi family, and Oishi Sadahisa represents the remaining forces of the Yamauchi Uesugi family in Musashi. This time they are going to advance and retreat with the Echigo army.
Yiyin asked Ota Shizheng.
"Ueda Asahi left?"
Ota Shizheng said solemnly.
"Ueda Asanao was confused and was afraid for a moment, so she took it back without permission. But please rest assured, she will never dare to do anything unjust. I can guarantee it."
Yiyin nodded and said.
"I trust you."
The logistics line for the Echigo army to enter Sagami Country was the line that passed through Matsuyama Castle and Takiyama Castle in Kitamusashi.
The firm stance of Ota Shimasa and Oishi Sadahisa can at least stabilize half of North Musashi for the Echigo army.
The Lord of Takiyama Castle, Oishi Sadahisa, is here. As long as Ueda Asanao of Matsuyama Castle doesn't cause any trouble, there will be no problems with the logistics of Echigo's army for the time being.
Only when the logistics support was stable, Yoshihiro Shiba had the confidence to negotiate with the Hojo family.
While several people were talking, a palace priest stepped outside the palace and kowtowed to the ground.
"I would like to inform you, Your Highnesses, that Lord Hojo Genan has requested to come to the palace to see you."
Ashikaga Yoshiji, Shiba Yoshigan, and Uesugi Terutora were all stunned. Hojo Genan actually dared to come?
Teruhora Uesugi sneered and said.
"Tell her to come in."
The priest went out for a while, and then Hojo Genan came in. Her expression was normal, and she bowed with all the courtesy.
Seeing her calm face, Teru Uesugi couldn't suppress his anger any longer. The corners of his eyes twitched and he shouted with murderous intent.
"Hojo Genan, you are sowing discord behind my back, and you still dare to come to see me! Do you think that my sword is weak and I can't chop your head off!"
Hojo Genan smiled slightly. For the first time in Uesugi Teru, this old nun straightened his back and sat upright, no longer groveling like he had been doing these days.
She said proudly.
"I am the envoy of the Hojo family, why don't I dare to come to see you? The two armies are fighting and the envoy will not be killed. I must have heard this sentence by Uesugi Teruhora.
This old nun is the sister of His Highness Hojo Utsuna, a member of the Hojo sect, and four generations of important officials in the family. She is unworthy of the responsibility of diplomacy. Although she is very old, she does not dare to disgrace the name of the Hojo family and seek life shamelessly.
If His Highness Uesugi intends to break the relationship, just take the head on your neck!"
Si Bo Yiyin narrowed his eyes slightly.
She is still the same person, an old woman with chicken skin and silver hair.
But at this time, her temperament had completely changed. She was majestic and unyielding, completely different from the flattering appearance in front of Uesugi Teruhora.
Terutora Uesugi was also surprised. He looked at her deeply for a while and then suddenly clapped his hands.
This old nun is a good performer, capable of bending and stretching. She coaxed Uesugi Teruhora into a circle and instigated most of the Kanto samurai family to disperse in one night, which was really a good trick.
Terutora Uesugi deeply hated her for being the one causing trouble behind his back, but as Hojo's envoy, she had indeed done her duty and deserved respect.
"Okay, what a Hojo Genan! Why did you come here this time?"
Hojo Genan said solemnly.
"As entrusted by my lord, please negotiate peace with His Highness Uesugi.
The wars are endless and the people are in poverty. This year, Guanbazhou has been hit by drought and drought again, and people's livelihood has withered.
My Lord is willing to end the war with His Highness Uesugi, restore peace to Kanto for a few days, and give all people a chance to cultivate and live."
Hojo Genan looked compassionate, but Uesugi Terutora laughed angrily. This old nun is really shameless.
Before, the Kwantung Allied Forces were strong and Hojo was weak, so she never mentioned any negotiation for the sake of livelihood. Now that the Kwantung Allied Forces have collapsed and the situation has changed, she immediately jumped out to demand peace.
I dare say that the people in Guanbazhou are just like chamber pots. They can use them when necessary. They don't need to care about her father's life or death.
Terutora Uesugi was so angry that she was trembling all over. She was deceived by this cunning guy, and she really thought that the Hojo family had bowed its head and admitted defeat, and was only waiting for the completion of the succession ceremony before letting Hojo Ujiyasu submit his sword.
Now that only 20% of the Kwantung Allied Forces are left, Hojo Genan plays a compassionate negotiation for the common people.
She said coldly.
"Lord Hojo, you chose a good time."
Hojo Genan bowed and said calmly.
"I don't dare to take it. It's all thanks to His Highness Uesugi's kindness and the good opportunity he gave me."
This sarcasm made Terutora Uesugi blush instantly. If she hadn't gotten carried away and humiliated Narita Choyasu during the ceremony, Hojo Genan would not have been able to expose the conflicts between the Kanto Allied Forces for a while.
Just as she was about to get angry, Yoshigan coughed and cast a caring look at her. Terutora Uesugi realized that Hojo Genan was trying to anger her.
Yoshigine looked at the diplomatic nun of the Hojo family and sighed in his heart, if he is too old to die, he is a thief.
This old guy is very skilled and very difficult to deal with. If Teru Uesugi gets so angry that he kills her with a knife in Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine, it will be really troublesome.
The war between the Uesugi and Hojo families can no longer be fought. Hojo Ujiyasu has lost all his elite troops, Uesugi Teruhu has gone deep behind enemy lines and the army has been scattered, and Yoshihiro Shiba and Kyoto have a mess to clean up.
No one wants to fight, and the fight now is just for an ending that is beneficial to themselves.
The Echigo side wanted to establish an advantage for the next expedition, and Hojo Ujiyasu wanted to minimize losses and preserve the political and military vitality of the Hojo family.
Whether Hojo Genan dies here or not, the negotiation will continue. But if she is hacked to death by Uesugi Teruhora, the Hojo family will get a heavy bargaining chip called morality.
Just as she said, when the two armies are fighting, the envoy will not be killed. Uesugi Teruhora kills people, and Hojo Genan kills people. If one side of Echigo has a loss of etiquette, it must give in, so that the negotiation can continue.
This is the purpose of Hojo Genan. This old nun is indeed loyal to the Hojo family and is dedicated to gaining the diplomatic initiative.
When Hojo Genan saw Shiba Yoshigan looking at her, she bowed slightly to show respect. In fact, she was not worried about her life.
This round of head-to-head confrontation with Teru Uesugi is just to eliminate the negative impact that the previous groveling behavior had on the reputation of the Hojo family.