“This old woman, Nobutsuna Kamiizumi, wants water and a mat, is she testing the changes in our place?
No! Prepare to attack immediately, bypass this old woman, and climb over the wall from the backyard!
I want to see Nagano Yamori before dark! No matter life or death!"
"Hit a p!"
When Sanada Nobushige heard this shouting, he turned back to look at the panting Sarutobi Sasuke, touched his head, and already felt something was wrong.
Sarutobi Sasuke waved to Yuri Kamanosuke beside him and said.
"Can you please go down and get me a bottle of water? I'm so thirsty from traveling all the way."
Yuri Kamanosuke glanced at her and didn't move, then Sanada Nobunaga stepped forward and kicked her.
"Go quickly!"
Yuri Kamanosuke muttered and reluctantly walked on.
"I am now Lord Ji Samurai, and I am not the little bandit I was. Please be polite."
Many of Sanada Nobunaga's subordinates were rough people from the mountains, and usually they were not very polite. No one paid any attention to Yuri Kamanosuke's complaints.
Everyone looked at Sasuke Sarutobi to see what she would say.
Sarutobi Sasuke's throat was filled with smoke, he licked his dry lips and said to Sanada Nobushige.
"You are ruthless enough. You took advantage of the fact that Nagano Yamasa had just died and the news had not yet been revealed to raid Nishi Ueno and directly surrounded Minawa Castle.
It's a pity that Sword Master Kamizumi is an old fox. She already knew that Nagano Yamori couldn't handle the situation, so she sent people to Kasugayama Castle and Dahu Castle in advance.
It is said that before Nagano Ye was dying, he vomited blood and kowtowed to his old friend, so that she could save her daughter's life at the critical moment.
The old sword master was also worthy of his friends. He blocked the door with a letter of thanks from Da Yu Tai Suo on one end, and a letter asking for help on the other end had already arrived in Dahu City.
Lord Shimatsu Takeo went directly to Kirigakure Saizo and asked me to come back by name so that I could warn you.
She has already written back to Jin, asking the Great Odaisho to come to Kanto to take charge of the overall situation.
The Oitaisuo may return at any time. If you kill the old swordsman Kamiizumi and the Oitaisuo starts a fire, no one can protect you.
You have to take it easy and don't get confused."
At this time, Yuri Kamanosuke had already brought the water bag, and Sarutobi Sasuke nodded his thanks and drank it down.
In order to take advantage of the Shiba family's Kanto information, Sanada Nobushige sent Sarutobi Sasuke to Kirigakure's subordinates to help.
This time, Shima Katsuo used this relationship to warn Sanada Nobushige. He was already showing mercy and did not explicitly warn her.
Logically speaking, Shimakatsu Takeshi was the general guarding Shiba Yoshigan who stayed in Kanto. Sanada Nobushige acted without permission, and Shimakatsu Takeru's killing of her would not be considered unjust.
It was just that now was the critical moment for the Hojo family to counterattack, and Shima Katsuo was unwilling to cause civil strife, so he used the news of Shiba Yoshigan's return to scare Sanada Nobushige to make the wild monkey calm down.
Hearing that his master might return at any time, Sanada Nobushige's expression froze and he turned to look at his military advisor, Umino Riichi.
This Nishi-Ueno raid was planned by Umino Riichi, who made full use of Obata Nobusada's influence in Nishi-Ueno, and even secretly tipped the Hojo family about the death of Nagano Yamasa.
Yoshigan Shiba really wants to be investigated when she comes back, but Nobushige Sanada can't withstand a strict investigation. She has indeed gone too far and committed too many taboos.
Originally, he wanted to directly eradicate the Nagano family lineage of Minawa Castle, but without the bitter master, Yoshigan Shiba could only hold his nose and acquiesce to Sanada Nobunshige's actions.
Unexpectedly, Nobutsuna Kamiizumi was a mature man and had already predicted Nagano Yamasa's death. Nagano Yasumai could not control the situation and arranged backup plans early.
This swordsman really fought tooth and nail for her friend. The ball was kicked back to Nobushige Sanada's feet. She was so anxious that she didn't know what to do.
Facing her questioning eyes, Umino Toshio shook his head and said.
"We can't attack by force."
Sanada Nobushige looked in the direction of the residence, a little unconvinced.
"It's just the last step. I won't hurt the sword master. Let's attack once and see."
Umino Li shook his head and said.
"Sarutobi Sasuke entered Minawa Castle. This matter cannot be hidden from anyone. If something happens to the residence at this time, how can we explain it to the Odai Office?
The raid on Nishi Ueno can be said to be a case of special circumstances and adaptability.
Now that Lord Shima Shengmeng has given clear instructions, if you take action again, you will be disobeying the Constitution and ignoring military orders.
The expansion of the Sanada clan is too fast, and it has long attracted the attention of His Highness Uesugi. If you offend your colleagues in the Kanto Imperial Palace again and attack your old friends in the Odai Imperial Palace, how will you make things right in the future?
Now we have taken over most of Nishi Ueno, and the territory of 100,000 koku has been cut off. Compared with our 10,000 koku in Azuma County, it is a huge profit.
But if we offend the Odaisho, His Highness Uesugi, and our colleagues in the Kanto Imperial Service and prevent us from obtaining the status after the war, we will not be able to swallow this piece of meat, and we will bear the infamy in vain.
Don't take any more unnecessary risks, just hold on to your current gains and wait for the judgment of the Great Odai.
The Hojo family's counterattack was fierce, and everyone in Nishi Ueno Kingdom was panicked. Neither the Odaisho nor His Highness Uesugi wanted this place to fall into the hands of the Hojo family.
As long as we maintain the status quo, we will most likely be able to obtain a security clearance for Nishi Ueno afterwards. Even if we give up some territory to give in, it will still be worth it."
Sanada Nobushige nodded, looked at Kamiizumi Nobutsuna at the door of the residence, and said bitterly.
"This annoying old woman, let her be proud just once.
I ordered the troops besieging the residence to retreat thirty steps, and sent people to negotiate with the Sword Master Kamiizumi. I am willing to send Nagano Yami out of the country with great gifts, and let her protect me to Dahu City.
Let’s start our lawsuit after Odaisho returns to Kanto and ask her if she is willing.”
Sanada Nobunaga knew in her heart that Kamiizumi Nobutsuna would definitely agree. She had been an old man for three days and had already run out of gas.
Under heavy siege, who knew what new changes would happen? She took Nagano Yasumai to Dahu City, asked Dao Shengmeng to comment, and waited for Shiba Yiyin to come back to make a decision. This was the best outcome.
Nagano Yasumasa has a great reputation for generations, Shiba Yiyin will also respect him a little, and Nagano Yasumai can make a living no matter what he does.
As long as Shiba Yoshigan makes the decision for Nagano Yasumasa and retains the territory of three melons and two dates to continue the family name, Kamizumi Nobutsuna will be worthy of Nagano Yasumasa, an old friend.
Sanada Nobushige stomped his feet in displeasure. This was the only way this matter could go. If I failed to eradicate the Nagano lineage, I wonder if there would be trouble in the future.
Behind her, Miyoshi Isan was also worried, thinking about his own concerns.
Just a few days ago, she received news from Shinano. A nun named Miyoshi Seikai came to Shinano to look for her as promised.
She was excited and worried at the same time.
The fact that Miyoshi and the three men killed the general has been spread all over the world. She never expected that Miyoshi Masayasu could escape the disaster, change his appearance, and come to find her as promised.
Miyoshi Izo wanted to introduce her to Sanada Nobushige, but he didn't know whether Miyoshi Masayasu would be willing to come and whether Sanada Nobushige would accept her.
Should we tell Nobushige Sanada about Miyoshi Kiyomi? Should we conceal the truth and tolerate it, or should we be frank?
This incident really made Mihaoshi and Yisan worry about turning their hair gray.
———
Gu Lei
Nishi Ueno was in chaos, but at this time, Kanhachishu was not conspicuous. Because of Uesugi Teruhora's defeat, the original strategic balance was broken, and turmoil occurred everywhere.
The two powerful forces of Uesugi and Hojo stood side by side, and the Kanbaju samurai families were swaying from side to side, hoping to make profits from it.
Of course Uesugi Teruhora was unwilling to accept the reality of failure, silently licking her wounds and gathering strength to prepare for a counterattack. However, the constraints of the Kanto Service Office put a ray of light on her back, and her thoughts gradually changed.
In Odawara Castle in Sagami Province to the south, the Hojo family was also discussing the next move.
In the residence, Hojo Ujiyasu, Hojo Umasa's mother and daughter, and Hojo Genan were talking.
The Hojo clan was surprised.
"Mother, do you want to negotiate peace with the Uesugi family?"
Hojo Ujiyasu nodded and said to Hojo Genan.
"I need to trouble my aunt to come forward in this matter. Do you think there is anyone suitable to contact Uesugi Teruhu and convey my goodwill."
Before Hojo Genan could speak, Hojo Ushimasa couldn't help but speak first.
"Mother, the situation is so good now, why don't we take advantage of the victory and pursue it, but take the initiative to make peace with Uesugi Teruhu?
Even if it’s a negotiation, she should be the one begging us so that we can set conditions that are beneficial to us!”
Hojo Ujiyasu glanced at his excited daughter and said.
"Oh? We have the advantage? Why didn't I see it?"
Hojo Ushimasa said with his fingers.
"There was civil strife in Nishijono, and we took Hirai Castle.
In Minami Musashi, the forces close to Uesugi Teruhora were basically eliminated. In North Musashi, Narita Nagayasu was neutral, and Ota Shimasa was close to Uesugi, but they were unable to support themselves and were powerless.
Ueno Abashi's leader, Mouri Kagehiro, defected to us, and Shimono Sano's leader, Sano Masatsuna, rebelled against Uesugi Terutora.
Uesugi Teruhora's defeat in the war against the Sovereign made the Ashikaga Yoshi clan panic-stricken and already intended to turn to us again.
As long as we work harder, Terutora Uesugi will be driven out of Kanhachishu. Ashikaga Yoshiji, a weakling, will definitely ask you to serve as the leader of Kanto again."
Hojo Umasa spoke passionately about his beautiful vision, but the two elders looked at each other helplessly.
Hojo Ujiyasu shook his head, interrupted Hojo Ushimasa's words, and asked.
"Really? What if Odaisho comes back?"
Hojo Umasa's voice stopped suddenly, and the young man's handsome face appeared in her mind, and her eyes were a little blurry.
"Odaisho...can't be so fast, right?"
Hojo Ujiyasu sighed and said.
"I originally thought I still had time, but unfortunately, our Odaisuo is too powerful.
He arrived in Owari Province from Tokaido in early spring, united with the three families of Oda, Tokugawa Asai, and supported Ashikaga Yoshiaki in Kamiro.
The Allied Forces of Upper Luo swept across Minami Omi in the first battle, and the Rokkaku family fell apart. In the second battle, they killed three people, Miyoshi, and captured Kyoto!
Now, Ashikaga Yoshiaki has succeeded to the shogunate, and the Godaisho, which has made outstanding achievements, has been promoted to the Grand Gosho.
Once things are settled with the shogunate, he may return to Kanto at any time to deal with us!"
Hojo Ujiyasu is far away from Kyoto, and the relationship between the Hojo family and the Ise family has become farther and farther over the years, and they have gradually lost the first-hand news of recent times.
Ise Sadakyo was in dire straits in Kyoto. He was just trying to continue his family business. How could he have any spare time to send news to his distant relatives in Kanto?
At this time, everyone in the Ise family was dead, and the Hojo family had no source of information within the shogunate.
Hojo Ujiyasu didn't know about the quarrels between the various families in Luo this time. He only saw how powerful the coalition forces were sweeping through the area, and he felt extremely fearful in his heart.
Seeing that Shiba Yoshigan has freed his hands, if the Hojo family continues to run rampant in Kanpachi, they will be in serious trouble.
In this case, it is better to take advantage of the opportunity and reach a compromise with Uesugi Terutora before the newly promoted Dai Odai has his hands free.
Hojo Umasa was silenced by a few words from his mother. His mind was filled with the heroic appearance of the young man sweeping through thousands of armies, and he felt all kinds of emotions in his heart.
Hojo Genan smiled kindly. Both mother and daughter were her juniors. The atmosphere was tense at this moment. Of course she wanted to come out to smooth things over.
"Uesugi Teruhora's defeat of the Sovereign was an opportunity given to us by God's favor on the Hojo family.
But everything is too much, and the current situation seems to be beneficial to my family, but it is also full of dangers.
The Satomi family of the Boso Peninsula is still against our family, Umiyadu of Shimono Province, and Satake of Hitachi Province are also eyeing my family.
Ueno, Shimono, Musashi, and Shimoso's bosses came to join us, but they only wanted to take advantage and would never sacrifice their lives for the Hojo family.
Ashikaga Yoshiji seems to be submissive, but does she have the courage to overthrow the current Kanto system and re-recognize His Highness Ujiyasu as the leader of Kanto?
Don’t forget, the current Kanto system was established at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, where Odai is located. How many people saw the miracle that day?
If Ashikaga Yoshiji dares to overthrow the new Kanto system established by Odai, she will not be able to protect her position as Kanto Shogun.
In the current situation, as long as Odaisho really comes back, he will hold up the white flag of Hachiman Taimu and walk around in front of the formation one person at a time.
I can’t even imagine how many people would turn their backs on the spot and abandon my family immediately.”
Hojo Umasa nodded silently.
The Hojo family may not be convinced by Terutora Uesugi, but they are truly convinced by Yoshigoshi Shiba.
This young man’s political skills, military ability, and his divine favor are favored by God.
With the Sekishu Samurai's admiration for Hachiman Tai Ni and their stubbornness to tradition, the Hojo family really didn't dare to fight against him again.
Hojo Ujiyasu continued.
"Ashikaga Yoshiji is just perfunctory, and I know she is perfunctory. She doesn't dare to deny the current Kanto system, and even if she dares to give me the title of leader of Kanto, I don't dare to accept it.
In this case, is there any unbreakable knot between me and Uesugi Teruhu?
I recognize the current Kanto system and recognize her as the leader of Kanto. The Hojo family is willing to become a vassal. All the Hojo family needs is living space.
We were severely oppressed before, and our family business could be destroyed at any time, so of course we had to fight back vigorously.
But now, Uesugi Teruhora's power has faded, and the internal Kanto service office no longer listens to greetings.
Shimonoseki was defeated in the war, and the victory over the island came belatedly. Nishi Ueno was in turmoil, and Sanada Nobushige dared to tip us off.
Uesugi Teruhu can't solve his own troubles, so how can he have time to be my enemy?
The title of Commander in Chief of Kanto belongs to her, and I will not take it away from her. The Hojo family is willing to be a loyal and good minister. As long as she, the Commander in Chief of Kanto, tolerates the Hojo family, she will stop harboring delusions of destroying the Hojo family.
Ujisei, if the Uesugi family and the Hojo family are harmonious, or even form an alliance, who do you think is the most afraid?"
Hojo Ushimasa thought for a while, suddenly had a hint of enlightenment, and said.
"You mean...we can use this peace negotiation to drive a wedge between Uesugi Teruhora and the Kanhachishu samurai family."