Ninagawa himself was the leader of the shogunate group and was very well-informed about the upper echelons of the shogunate.
Tamba country has almost become an independent kingdom, and the Kyoto shogunate has declined, and it can no longer affect the samurai families in Tamba country.
Even if the Hatano family was willing to support the shogunate in conquering Settsu Kingdom, it was because of their own interests and they were by no means willing to surrender to the shogunate.
However, the Tamba Highlands located northwest of Kyoto is commanding and always threatens the security of the Kyoto Basin.
Whether it is Ashikaga Yoshiaki or Oda Nobunaga, no matter who wins in the end, they will have to deal with the unruly mountain people of Tanba Kingdom.
Kyoto turned a blind eye to the threats that were just around the corner and allowed the Tanba samurai to remain independent for a long time. This is unacceptable to any ruler of Kyoto.
Tango Kingdom is located to the north of Tamba Kingdom and is the wedge behind Tamba Kingdom. It has been valued by Kyoto since ancient times.
Tango's Isshiki family was one of the four positions in the shogunate, and the service office controlled by her family had long been stripped of most of its power.
The military core of the shogunate that managed the imperial family in the world was gradually reduced to the Kyoto police station. Now, Luozhong's legal system has passed the review, and the imperial police station no longer even has the capacity to be a Kyoto police station.
The Isshiki family obviously no longer cares about whether they can return to the palace, they just hope that the general will give the Isshiki family dignity and retain their status as companions.
The three of them thought about how cowardly and greedy the Isshiki family looked, and couldn't help but look at each other and smile. Ninagawa Himashi mentioned another thing.
"I heard that His Highness Yoshikage, the Governor of the Asakura family, is very dissatisfied with His Highness Oda."
When Mitsuhide Akechi heard this, he immediately became interested and asked.
"Where did the news come from? Did the Asakura family send someone to Kyoto?"
Ninagawa Makoyo shook his head and said.
"Whenever there is trouble in Kyoto, some famous families go to Echizen Province to seek refuge. The Asakura family Ichijodani Castle, also known as Little Kyoto, has many educated people.
Your Highness, Asakura, does not need to send someone specially to Kyoto. What she said in Ichijogani Castle can be spread by word of mouth and ears in a few days, and spread to Kyoto."
Akechi Mitsuhide smiled.
"It seems that His Highness Asakura is very jealous of the Oda family's gains in Kyoto."
Ninagawa Himashi nodded.
"you do not say.
Mr. Kokata personally went to Echizen Country to seek support from the Asakura family in going to Luo. The terms offered by him were quite generous.
It’s a pity that the Asakura family didn’t seize the opportunity and gave it to the Oda family in vain.”
Hatakeyama Takamasa smiled.
"Times have passed and it is too late to regret it."
The three of them made fun of the Asakura family, but Akechi Mitsuhide secretly remembered it in his heart.
It's not that Asakura Yoshikage can't see the situation clearly, it's just that she is powerless.
The two strongest clans of the Echizen Asakura clan, the Tsuruga clan and the Ono clan, each had their own selfish motives and did not listen to the master's instructions and were unwilling to participate in the battle of Kamiro.
Without the help of these two powerful armies, even if Asakura Yoshikage forcibly launched Shangluo, he would not be sure to defeat the Miyoshi family entrenched in Kyoto, so there was no need to humiliate himself.
Ashikaga Yoshiaki came to ask for help. She couldn't seize the opportunity herself. It would be hard to blame the shogunate, let alone expose her own shortcomings.
There was no other way, Asakura Yoshikage had no choice but to scold Oda Nobunaga to relieve his resentment.
Asakura Yoshikage complained a little, and Oda Nobunaga didn't care. The territories of the two sides were separated by the Kitaomi River of the Asai family.
The Asai family and the Asakura family have been allies for many years, and they are related by marriage to the Oda family. Both parties have to give the Asai family face.
Nowadays, the top priority of the Oda family is to cooperate with the shogunate to conquer Settsu Kingdom. I believe that Oda Nobunaga will not take the unpleasant words of Asakura Yoshikage to heart for the time being.
But in the future, that may not be the case.
Oda Nobunaga's ambition was to conquer the world, and the Asakura family of Echizen Province was strong. They occupied the Hokuriku Road and entered the important towns of Konka, peeking at Kyoto.
Between the Oda and Asakura families, there will always be a decision on who is the king and his ministers. The few jokes today may not be an excuse for war in the future, and Mitsuhide Akechi is also looking forward to it.
Akechi Mitsuhide thought for a while and asked.
"I heard that His Highness Oda is leaving Kyoto to return home?"
Ninagawa Himashi nodded.
"Yes, it is said that the army has been away for a long time and is eager to return home. It will set off to return in the next few days.
Except for Hashiba Hideyoshi's troops who were left to defend Kyoto, all Oda troops in Kyoto will withdraw to the Minami Omi line.
Most of the Oda troops in Minami Omi will be mobilized to participate in the busy farming season, and after the summer and autumn harvests, they will be mobilized again to participate in the Settsu expedition."
Akechi Mitsuhide nodded slightly, mentally weighing whether he should meet Oda Nobunaga.
No-kun's cheap cousin is the mistress of the Oda family, and Akechi Mitsuhide has a good chess piece in his hands, Saito Ryuuki, so he might be able to get married to Oda Nobunaga.
It's just that this Oda family governor has a surly temperament, so Akechi Mitsuhide has to think carefully about how to contact him appropriately.
Ashikaga Yoshiaki is immoral and incompetent. Although she is backed by the title of direct descendant of Kawachi Genji, Akechi Mitsuhide feels that she cannot hold on for too long before she will be completely overwhelmed by Oda Nobunaga.
Oda Nobunaga was so ambitious that the shogunate officials did not want him, and the deputy general was not moved. This was obviously his attitude of replacing him.
The Oda family has achieved great success, and Akechi Mitsuhide will naturally not do the stupid thing of trying to use a mantis as a chariot. However, strong fortresses are often breached from the inside, so it is always better to make arrangements earlier.
He was still talking about being married to Ninagawa, Hatakeyama Takamasa was talking about the gossip of the shogunate, and Akechi Mitsuhide's thoughts had already drifted to Tofukuji Temple and to Oda Nobunaga.
———
Nijo Imperial Palace.
Ashikaga Yoshiaki faced Mitsuhide Akechi, who came to see him, and said softly.
"Mingzhi Ji came here today to express her gratitude?"
Akechi Mitsuhide bowed.
"The Lord Gongfang appointed me to guard Kyoto. I was flattered and frightened day and night."
Ashikaga Yoshiaki laughed.
"I succeeded to the throne in Luo, and everyone who followed me would be rewarded. How could I leave out Mingzhi Ji?
If it weren't for your letter of advice, how could I be the general I am today?"
Mingzhi Guangxiu kowtowed and said.
"My lord Gongfang has spoken harshly."
Ashikaga Yoshiaki shook his head and said sincerely.
"I know Akechi-hime's loyalty very well. Only when you are responsible for the defense of Kyoto can I feel relieved and sleep well."
Akechi Mitsuhide smiled bitterly.
"I'm just a retainer of the Shiba family. I'm lucky that the general values me so much, but it's really not convenient for me to take on this position."
Ashikaga Yoshiaki frowned.
"What? Is Tsudo-den not happy?"
Akechi Mitsuhide shook his head and said.
"My Lord has sent a letter, asking me to go back to the mountain city immediately. The Sibo family will review the merits and demerits of the Sibo leader in the past two years, and judge merits, rewards, and crimes..."
Akechi Mitsuhide sighed.
"Three good things went to Luo, my ancestors were murdered, and I am the one awaiting punishment after all.
If I go to Duowen Mountain City, my lord will definitely punish me for my sins and reduce my territory."
Ashikaga Yoshiaki said in a deep voice.
"Akechi Ji didn't do anything wrong.
When Miyoshi went to Luo, so many shogunate samurai stood by and watched, but Akechi-hime not only fought in Kyoto to the end, but also wrote to me to explain her powerful strategy to go to Luo.
Although you are only a servant, your loyalty to the Ashikaga Shogun family far outweighs those people with ulterior motives who only try to deal with me.
With you by my side, I feel at ease."
Ashikaga Yoshiaki had long wanted to win over Akechi Mitsuhide. After the Rakuchu legal system was passed, Wada Weimasa and others wanted to install their own people.
However, after experiencing a political education before and after the Ise Sadakyu case, Ashikaga Yoshiaki had some distrust and resistance towards these ministers who were loyal to the dragon in Kamiro.
Akechi Mitsuhide just arrived in Beijing and helped her untie the knot between the Ashikaga families, which made Ashikaga Yoshiaki very satisfied.
Such a capable and loyal minister should be given the opportunity to serve him, the master of the world, instead of being wasted in the Sibo family.
Ashikaga Yoshiaki couldn't help but extend an olive branch and wanted to recruit Akechi Mitsuhide.
Akechi Mitsuhide heard what she meant and shook his head.
"Your Excellency, the Lisboa family has just restored peace. My master is willing to retire from his residence and become a monk. This is a huge concession.
At this time, if I leave the Shiba family, join the shogunate, and serve under your command, what will the head of my family think?
I have tried my best to bring peace between the two families of Zulisbo. If I leave, the master will definitely suspect my bad intentions, and the discord between the two families of Zulisbo will arise again."
Akechi Mitsuhide looked up at Ashikaga Yoshiaki and said sincerely.
"Forefathers and you, two generations of generals have valued me. It is my honor and my pride. How could I put Ashikaga and your family in trouble for my own selfish interests?
I, Akechi Mitsuhide, live in Shiba and my heart is in Ashikaga. I am willing to dedicate myself to the peace of Ashikaga and Lisbo until my death."
After speaking, Akechi Mitsuhide bowed deeply, Ashikaga Yoshiaki's eyes were reddish, and he nodded frequently.
"I understand your good intentions.
I will not mention the matter of changing my position to the Ashikaga family again. However, you are the one to guard Kyoto, and it must be you.
I am Ashikaga Shogun, and all the samurai families in the world are my subjects. Why do I ask Tsutado-den for an accompanying minister?
I will only recognize you as the Shiba family stationed in Kyoto. If Tsudo-den doesn’t let you come back, there’s no need to send anyone else!”
Ashikaga Yoshiaki was deeply moved by Akechi Mitsuhide's affectionate performance. She thought that Akechi Mitsuhide would be severely punished by Yoshihiro Shiba when he returned, and she was determined to do her best to keep Akechi Mitsuhide.
In fact, how can the words "lord and minister" explain the whole mess between Shiba Yoshigan and Akechi Mitsuhide?
Akechi Mitsuhide was certain that Shiba Yiyin would definitely use him. Even if outsiders looked at him as miserable and deprived of his territory, it didn't matter.
She knew very well that Sibo Yiyin needed her. In any case, her power would be guaranteed. In this case, there was no need to worry about the temporary gains and losses of the territory.
But Ashikaga Yoshiaki values himself so much and does not make good use of her emotions. That would not be Akechi Mitsuhide.
After all the pretentiousness and goodwill of Ashikaga Yoshiaki, Akechi Mitsuhide suddenly changed the subject.
"My blessing is that the public is considerate.
Thunder, rain and dew are all your kindness. No matter what the Lord does to me, I kindly ask you not to interfere.
If I am lucky enough to return to the capital, I will work hard to bring peace between the Lisboa family and repay your kindness, General.
But before I leave Kyoto, I also want to go to Tofukuji Temple to meet His Highness Oda."
Ashikaga Yoshiaki, who had just nodded with satisfaction, froze for a moment. She looked at Akechi Mitsuhide and asked tentatively.
"What? Akechi-hime has something else to ask Her Majesty Oda for advice?"
Akechi Mitsuhide looked uneasy and nodded.
"Actually, it's a private matter.
But since I am in Kyoto and dealing with local powerful feudal lords, I should always get your permission before going to Tofukuji Temple.
Mr. Kokata, I am from the Toki branch family, Oda-sama's husband is a descendant of the Mino Saito family, and we are cousins.
When Mino was in civil strife, Saito Yoshiryu entrusted his only daughter Saito Ryuuki to me. Now, Mino has regained its stability, and the child is growing up year by year.
I thought that I must consider the future of that child and ask to see His Highness Oda."
Ashikaga Yoshiaki nodded and understood.
Oda Nobunaga seized Mino Country in the name of revenge for his husband's mother. His opponent was her husband's sister, Saito Yoshiryu, who committed patricide.
The civil strife in the Wu family has always been a mess, with relatives killing each other, but in the end the survivors are all relatives.
Oda Nobunaga's husband and Saito Yoshiryu's daughter were close relatives, and Mitsuhide Akechi came to mediate. It was not a big problem to leave the child a way of survival, and he could even make a living in the Oda family in the future.
Today is different from the past.
When Oda Nobunaga wanted to kill Saito Ryuuki, it was because the Oda family had not established a stable foothold in Mino and needed to root out the root causes and eliminate future troubles.
Now, Oda Nobunaga controls several countries, has a stone height of two million, the Mino samurai family has been subject to the rule for a long time, and the Mino Saito family has long been a thing of the past.
For the sake of her husband, it shouldn't be difficult to give Saito Ryuuki a way out.
Akechi Mitsuhide's prudence in coming to say hello to him in advance for such a private matter made Ashikaga Yoshiaki very satisfied.
Such cautious and loyal people are good candidates for the garrison of Kyoto.
Ashikaga Yoshiaki waved his hand and said generously.
"I'm not a suspicious person, Akechi Ji is too cautious.
The exchanges between in-laws and in-laws are the normal state of the shogunate, so feel free to go and don't think too much."
Akechi Mitsuhide thanked him with a smile on his face.
With Ashikaga Yoshiaki's doubts gone, she can go back to that person with peace of mind.
That Oda Nobunaga who took away her sweetheart's first time, that careerist who made her sweetheart extremely afraid, that one whose flesh she wished she could eat, sleep on his skin, and drink his blood...Oda Nobunaga...
———
Tofukuji Temple, inside the quiet room.
Oda Nobunaga carefully looked at Mitsuhide Akechi, who was bowing respectfully in front of her. She had long heard that there was such a long-sleeved and good dancer under Yoshigan Shiba.
When I went to Luo, I learned about the relationship between Akechi Mitsuhide and No-kun from Matsunagahide, and wrote a letter to confirm with No-kun.
I thought that I would have the opportunity to deal with this person in the future, but I didn't expect that she would rush to see him first.
Oda Nobunaga, who was busy wrapping up his affairs and leaving Kyoto, finally gave himself a chance and came out to meet Nogun-kun's cheap cousin.
Oda Nobunaga looked at the elegant Akechi Mitsuhide without saying anything, and Akechi Mitsuhide was also secretly observing the beautiful face, heroic and domineering His Highness Oda.
As soon as their eyes met, Akechi Mitsuhide smiled shyly and bowed.
"Your Majesty Oda is well."
Oda Nobunaga played with the paper fan in his hand and said.
"My time is very tight. If you have anything to say, please say it quickly."
Akechi Mitsuhide said with a straight face.
"The foreign minister took the liberty of visiting us for the sake of Saito Ryuuxing."