"My lord, do you know about the iron cannon workshop established by the Nichiren sect disciples in the main hall?"
Hideyoshi Hashiba nodded.
"of course I know."
Takenaka Shigeharu said again.
"Then do you know which supplies are most important for equipping a large number of iron cannons?"
Hideyoshi Hashiba was stunned.
"That's not clear."
Takenaka Shigeharu said with his fingers.
"Gunpowder and projectiles for iron cannons are the biggest consumables. The gunpowder is mainly charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter, and the projectiles are mainly lead.
The island country has many forests, so there is no need to worry about charcoal. There are volcanoes all over the place, and it is not troublesome to obtain sulfur. The production of nitrate produced by local methods is very small, and it is mainly imported from Nanman. Lead is also imported from Nanman.
Therefore, if the Oda family wanted to use iron cannons on a large scale, the most troublesome thing was saltpeter and lead. For these two items, they could only rely on Nanman trade.
Nanman trade entered the island country from Kyushu Island, traveled through the Seto Inland Sea to Sakai Port, and then entered Konku and Kanto.
If you want to equip iron cannons on a large scale, you must not only rely on the iron cannon workshop to manufacture iron cannons, but also need to obtain a large amount of saltpeter and lead to make gunpowder and projectiles to meet consumption.
Yamashina Katsunari used this to convince the main hall to pay attention to the role of Sakai Port."
Hashiba Hideyoshi frowned.
"Yamako Shengcheng is a southern barbarian, so why is he so concerned about the affairs of the Oda family?
It is the tradition of the Wu family to serve the public and be loyal to the master. This southern barbarian seems to be more dedicated to his work than Warrior Ji, which is a bit weird."
Takenaka Shigeharu laughed.
"You don't know something.
The Nanman religion followed the Nanman trade and has established a firm foothold in Kyushu. However, in recent years, the foreign religion has been unable to gain momentum.
The reason lies in Ishiyama Honganji Temple.
Ishiyama Honganji Temple is located near Sakai Port. The Ichigo sect is also famous among Buddhist sects for its extreme fanaticism and never shows mercy in eradicating heretics.
The Nanman Sect was in confrontation with the Ichigo Sect in the Settsu Kingdom, but they never gained the upper hand. Believers on both sides had caused bloody massacres many times, and their hatred was as deep as the sea, and they had long vowed to be at odds with each other."
Hashiba Hideyoshi suddenly understood.
"So, Shanke Shengcheng seems to be doing her best to help the main hall form an iron artillery group, but in fact she is seeking foreign aid for the Nanman Cult?"
Takenaka Shigeharu nodded.
"Priest of the Southern Barbarians, Bautista donated Yamako Katsunari and Yasuke, gained the friendship of the main hall, and was protected by the Oda family.
Master Xianru of Ishiyama Honganji Temple sent the Zahe people to Beijing to massacre the Nanman Sect members in Beijing.
All the Nanman people, including Bautista himself, have been killed, and these people were operating in the area around Tofuku Temple."
Hideyoshi Hashiba narrowed his eyes and said.
"You mean, Bautista did it on purpose?"
Takenaka Shigeharu said.
"For these religious lunatics, opening up the situation for the sect they believe in is far more important than saving their own lives."
Hashiba Hideyoshi suddenly felt a little disgusted with the Nanman Sect, which he didn't understand, and shook his head.
"These lunatics."
Takenaka Shigeharu continued.
"Yamashina Katsunari persuaded the main hall, and the Oda family must fight for control of Sakai Port. And this attack on Ishiyama Honganji Temple has made the main hall lose face and feel dissatisfied.
If the power of the Oda family enters Settsu Country, the conflict between the Ichiko Sect and the Nanman Sect will inevitably be involved.
The main hall will most likely favor the Nanman Cult, because it needs the materials and technology of the Nanman trade, which is beneficial to the Nanman Cult's trade with the Oda family.
However, Ishiyama Honganji Temple has been expanding continuously and is arrogant and domineering. It can be called a famous religious name, and even the shogunate is unwilling to offend it.
The main hall needs Sakai Port, but is unwilling to consume the strength of the Oda family and enters Settsu country to fight against the two major forces of the Miyoshi family and the Ichigo clan."
Hashiba Hideyoshi understood and said.
"So, the main hall must be closed to the shogunate.
In the name of the great cause of avenging our ancestors, we coerced the shogunate to invade Settsu Kingdom, planned to plot the Sakai Port, and used the shogunate to share the pressure."
Oda Nobunaga is not completely ignorant of what Yamashina Katsunari and the Nanman Cult behind her want. Both sides get what they want, but Oda Nobunaga will not let others be used as weapons for nothing.
By roping in Ashikaga Yoshiaki and entering the Settsu Kingdom in the name of great justice, he could make the most of the shogunate, ease the hostility between the Ichibuki clan and the local samurai family, and facilitate the Oda family's plan to capture Sakai Port.
Takenaka Shigeharu said.
"Just after the shogunate was established, the general drove away the Odaisho in a dishonorable way. All the samurai families in Kyoto saw it, and there were countless slanderers.
The general has a reputation of being mean and ungrateful, so she must perform something to reunite the shogunate. External expansion is the best way for her to ease internal conflicts and gain control of the military.
If the main hall proposes to avenge the ancestors and conquer the Kingdom of Setjin, the general will definitely be tempted."
Hideyoshi Hashiba asked.
"Then what should I do?"
Takenaka Shigeharu said.
"The main palace is unwilling to join the shogunate, even if it is for a bigger plot in the future, but at this time, it is indeed a concession to the general. The Oda family has no intention of getting involved in the shogunate, which is enough to reassure the general.
In addition, the main hall proposed to attack Settsu Province, and the shogunate was not strong enough to overwhelm the Miyoshi family, so it had to rely on the power of the Oda family.
Therefore, when it comes to Luozhong's legal system, the general will most likely compromise and show some goodwill to the Oda family.
News has leaked out before that the shogunate will set up two guards in Kyoto, one of whom will be arranged by the Oda family."
Hashiba Hideyoshi nodded, feeling a little relieved.
Takenaka Shigeharu continued.
"In addition, the policy of raising bandits to respect themselves has not been abandoned by the main hall.
The attack on Settsu Kingdom is not to destroy the Mihaoshi family. With the foundation of the Mihaoshi family, even if they lose Settsu Kingdom, they will not be destroyed immediately.
The wealth that Miyoshi Changqing left behind is too strong, and even if Miyoshi Yoshitsugi loses his family, it will be enough to ruin him for a few more years."
Hideyoshi Hashiba said.
"After listening to Ji's words, I feel relieved."
Takenaka Shigeharu shook his head and said.
"Lord, you can't just feel at ease, you have to be more active.
It was you who went to Luo to buy iron cannons for the main hall. No one in the Oda family is more familiar with the situation in Kyoto and Sakai Port than you.
For Kyoto defense, the main hall will most likely give it to you, but you still need to try your best to gain the authority to manage the affairs of Sakai Port.
Establishing military exploits in Omi, establishing connections in Kyoto, and obtaining money and food in Sakai Port are the foundation for your settlement and life.
Gutai
You must be at the forefront of the Oda family's development, so that the palace will continue to reuse you, and the retainers will not criticize your origin."
Hideyoshi Hashiba nodded.
"I see."
———
A gust of wind blew up on the bank of Kamogawa River, and the smell of blood made the crowd watching the beheading display in the distance couldn't help but cover their mouths and noses.
Hashiba Hideyoshi and Takenaka Shigeharu lowered their heads and talked, while in the distance, Kondo Isamu and several others looked at the execution place.
Hijikata Toshizo next to her said regretfully.
"It's still a step too late."
Kondo Isamu glanced at her and said.
"Don't be too greedy, we have already caught a living person, and it is clear that the mastermind behind it is Ise Sadakyo, which is enough to satisfy the Odaisho.
His Majesty Oda used the heads of the Ise Sadato family to intimidate the shogunate. We cannot afford to interfere with this matter, so let's end it here.
I will take a few people with me alive and go to Tamonyama Castle on a mission to ask the Odai Office to allow us to go to Sakai Port to serve the sick Takada Yukino-sama.
You and Okita-hime restrain the people left behind and wait for my return."
Hijikata Toisho nodded, and the two of them looked at the blood-stained river bank and stopped talking.
———
When Shiba Yiyin retired from his residence and took over the throne, the situation in Kyoto not only did not ease, but became more intense.
Ashikaga Yoshiaki had just driven away Yoshigan Shiba, and he was so satisfied that he was ready to fulfill her dream of becoming the master of the world.
However, Oda Nobunaga raised his butcher knife at this moment, and the shogunate was shocked to find that this powerful foreign vassal who had been lurking at Tofuku Temple was not as easy to get rid of as they imagined.
On the one hand, Ashikaga Yoshiaki resented Oda Nobunaga's violent behavior, but on the other hand, he was moved by the three good crusade she outlined.
The mutual testing, friction and cooperation between Ashikaga Yoshiaki and Oda Nobunaga will continue.
At this time, Shiba Yiyin, who had just returned to Duwenshan City, welcomed his first visitor.
To his surprise, the first people to arrive were not the two concubines of Nizi Mountain, nor the three concubines of the Konki military commander faction headed by Maeda's interests, but Master Nagakaku of Kofukuji Temple.
In the tea room, Yiyin received Master Changjue, whom he had not seen for several years. He couldn't laugh or cry when he saw this Buddhist-like Taoist monk with a dusty body.
he joked.
"Master Changjue, I just want to become a monk and practice Buddhism. I don't want to die forever. You don't have to rush."
Changjue smiled slightly and looked at the handsome young man in front of him. After two years of not seeing him, he became more and more handsome and had an extraordinary temperament.
Changjue, who had been amazed by Yiyin's appearance back then, couldn't help but secretly regret it.
The peerless beauty has become a widow, and now she will become a monk and worship the Buddha. She is so jealous of the beauty. Even her Buddhist heart, which she has held for many years, is somewhat uncontrollable, and she sighs for Yiyin.
Of course, Nagakaku dared to come here in a hurry, not because he was seduced by Yoshigan's beauty, but for the benefit of Kofukuji Temple and the Shingon Sect.
The two made a pact to join the Tao, and Nagakaku emptied Kofukuji's family fortune, provided supplies, and helped Yoshigan win the Battle of Yamato.
Yoshigan sold his faith to the Shingon Sect and promised to join the Shingon Sect and protect Kofukuji Temple.
Now it seems that both parties have kept their promises, which makes Master Changjue feel very gratified. Trading with Yiyin is the most successful choice in her life.
Now, Sibo Yiyin is determined to become a monk, and he chooses her to preside over the ceremony, which gives Master Changjue face.
Master Changjue didn't dare to neglect. He just received the news and hurried over to Duowen Shancheng.
Kofukuji Temple is not far from Tamonyama Castle, so she became the first visitor to Yoshigan after returning.
At this time, after hearing Yiyin's ridicule, Master Changjue looked solemn, bowed and said.
"The wind and dust in spring and summer are a bit heavy, which makes the poor nun feel miserable."
Yiyin smiled.
"Is it the wind on the road that is moving, or is it your clothes that are moving, or is it your heart that is moving?"
Glancing at Yiyin who was leisurely and contented, Changjue knew that Yiyin didn't mean it, but it didn't matter whether she accepted the words or not.
Yiyin thought he was educated and changed a famous saying of the Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng to think of his heart as a Buddha.
But the problem is, Shingon Sect is a Tantric sect, and Yoshigan is talking about famous quotes from Zen Buddhism, which is really embarrassing.
Zen Tantric Buddhism, is that a thing? If someone were so confused, Changjue would have straightened his face and walked away.
But facing Yiyin, it was hard for her to refute.
Yiyin held a high position and was an active religious figure. How could she refute this lord's ignorance of the teachings and his nonsense?
If Yi Gin's desire to seek enlightenment from the Buddha was lost, wouldn't it be a loss to the Shingon sect? The Buddha also had to consider the influence of the world, and he naturally had to be more tolerant towards important people.
Changjue laughed twice and said nothing.
Yiyin somewhat realized that he was probably uneducated and talking nonsense, which made Master Changjue laugh, so he had to shut up in embarrassment.
The eight sects of Chinese Buddhism that formed a system in the Sui and Tang Dynasties are classified into Zen, Jiao, Law, and Pure Secret. The four sects of Tiantai, Sanlun, Huayan, and Consciousness-only are all called Buddha's language, also known as Zen.
Japanese Esoteric Buddhism was introduced to Han Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. It was brought back to Japan by Master Kukai who traveled to the Tang Dynasty to study. It is called Eastern Esoteric Buddhism, also known as Mantra.
Tang Tantric Buddhism in the Celestial Dynasty went extinct after Sanwu destroyed Buddhism. On the contrary, Tantric Buddhism in Japan flourished and was called Lamaism, also known as Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.
Yiyin used the words of Hui Neng, the sixth founder of Zen Buddhism, to show it in front of Master Changakue of Shingon Sect. This is enough to prove that he is a false believer and knows nothing about Buddhism.
Nagakaku doesn't care whether Yoshigage understands it or not, as long as he is willing to continue to protect Kofukuji, the Shingon Sect will recognize him as a devout believer.
The King of Chu had such a thin waist that many people died of starvation in the palace. When Yiyin officially became a monk and practiced Buddhism, there would be a large number of Shiba Family Princess warriors who believed in Shingon Buddhism to express their loyalty to the family governor.
The Shiba family's business is booming, the Shingon sect is able to attract a number of powerful warriors to become believers, and Master Changjue's skills are so great that she is even qualified to compete for the position of the leader of Mount Koya.
In the face of such a huge benefit, Master Changjue will not care about Yiyin's small mistakes. The most important thing now is to take the matter of becoming a monk as quickly as possible and not let the cooked duck go.
Yiyin was still a little embarrassed, but Master Changjue had already changed the topic and asked.
"Da Yutai intends to become a monk and practice Buddhism. May I ask if there is a family temple in Dawen Mountain City?"
Yiyin nodded.
Niko Katsuhisa was a fastidious person. When building Tamonzan Castle, she took into account the fact that Nara was a Buddhist country and the special relationship between Kofukuji Temple and the recent Shiba region was why she built a family temple in the city.
Master Changjue wished that Yiyin would become a monk immediately, cook raw rice into cooked rice, and make a great contribution to the Shingon Sect. But if you should ask clearly, you should ask carefully to avoid future troubles.
she asked.
"Odaigosho, I, the Shingon sect, are not those deviants from the Yixiang sect who will cut off worldly marriages as soon as they enter our sect.
You are young and have no heirs. Do you still need to think carefully about becoming a monk and cultivating yourself?"
After Master Changjue finished speaking, he looked at Yiyin eagerly, fearing that he had really changed his mind.
In fact, there is no problem in becoming a monk and returning to secular life, as long as Yiyin is willing to go through the process. Master Changjue just wants to confirm the reality of his faith.
The Shingon sect does not want him to devote himself to worshiping the Buddha, but it wants his family to be big enough to protect Kofukuji Temple. Koyasan can also borrow the east wind of the Shiba family and not fall behind in the sectarian disputes.
Yiyin smiled, looked at Master Changjue, and said.
"Who said I have no heirs? Mother Hachiman gave me a royal white flag, and I am the husband of Ashikaga Yoshiteru, the father of the world.
As an elder of the Genji family, all the martial arts families in the world are my children, right?"