Yoshigan doesn't understand why Terutora Uesugi would make such a big mistake that harms his own fundamental interests.
He must go to Kanto quickly to minimize this negative impact. The Kanto strategy may not be successful, but Teruhora Uesugi cannot be excluded by the Kanhachishu samurai family.
Yiyin didn't know where the bottom line of the system's mission was because the mission goal was too vague. He didn't dare to risk betting on the threshold range for mission failure, so he could only try his best to save the situation.
Yoshigami looked back at the room where Yukino was. He couldn't wait for Yukino to wake up, so he had to say sorry.
"Yano, help me prepare the clipper. I want to take the Hokuriku Road trade route and must reach Kanto before autumn!"
Takada Yono's face changed drastically when he saw Yoshigage reading the letter, and he nodded obediently.
"I'll get ready immediately."
The latest news from Kanto put Yiyin in a bad mood. At this time, he could no longer care about the follow-up of the golden, red, and white hair.
He must return to Kanto as soon as possible to suppress Uesugi Teruhu's misbehavior and preserve his handsome face.
———
Surprised by the Kanto dispatch sent by Shima Katsuo, Yoshihiro had no choice but to change his plan, board the ship from Sakai Port, and travel day and night across the Hokurikudo trade route.
It starts from the Yodogawa River in Sakai Port, crosses the Kyoto Basin, and enters Lake Biwa. After landing in Kitaomi River, it goes north to Tsuruga Port to board the ship and goes straight to Echigo Naoetsu.
This trade route is already very mature, and with Takada Yono's business system supporting it along the way, Yiyin can go to Echigo Country as quickly as possible.
Yiyin was in a hurry to leave and had no time to arrange many things slowly.
He left Yuigahama Yui under Ishida Mitsunari and was temporarily incorporated into the Shibachu Foundation.
He wrote a letter to Yamanaka Yukimori, asking the Kanto Hime Warriors to complete the follow-up work in Nankawachi and return to Kanto via the Hokuriku Road before the autumn harvest.
Nizi Katsuhisa, as the top person in charge of the Spo Territory in recent times, is temporarily in charge of the overall situation.
After arranging these things, Yoshigan set off on the journey with his colleagues. He didn't even bother with Ashikaga Yoshiaki and Oda Nobunaga's Settsu strategy.
Ships flying his flag sailed unimpeded all the way to the north shore of Lake Biwa.
He didn't go to Kotani Castle to talk nonsense with Asai Nagamasa anymore. The last time Ichigo was in Kodani Castle, he had a very bad impression.
In addition, Toudo Toraka's accidental death also left an unexplainable rift between him and Asai Nagamasa.
———
Nagamasa Asai looked at the northbound direction of the Bank of Japan in the distance at Odani Castle, and watched the Bank of Japan leave Konki for the second time, heading for Kanto.
Following the sudden death of Todo Toradaka, the Asai family's army, with the support of the Oda family, marched into the three counties of Kitaomi to collect this year's summer harvest.
The samurai family of the three counties were sandwiched between the north and south of Asai and Oda's two armies, and they were threatened by Todo Tora's corpse, which was still cold, and they bowed their heads and began to pay military rations.
Three years after the battle in Noragada, Asai Nagamasa finally took complete control of the North Omi area, destroyed his old enemy the Rokkaku family, and his reputation grew day by day.
But she was not happy at all.
Todo Takatora's daughter, Toudo Takatora, also donated money and food to the samurai family of Inugami County.
Asai Nagamasa wrote to ask Isono Danmasa who was in charge of Saga Mountain Castle, but he got the answer that Todo leader had voluntarily enlisted in the military food service.
Takatora Toudo did not follow her mother's lead and secretly opposed the Asai family under the banner of the Shiba family, but showed her obedience. To outsiders, she was frightened because of her mother's death.
Todo received the voluntary donation, and the Asai family, as the lords of Kita-Omi, did not allow Asai Nagamasa to refuse local contributions.
But in this way, the Toudo leader has become an unavoidable knot for the Shiba Asai family, and the death of Toudo Toraka can no longer be explained clearly.
As the outside domain of the Shiba family and as the common people in the Asai family's domain, the Toudo family has a sensitive dual identity.
Asai Nagamasa was thinking melancholy. When Yoshihiro Shiba comes back, he will ask about Toudo collar. How should he answer? Is Todo collar an enclave of the Shiba family or a tributary of the Asai family?
Because of the interests of the Hokuriku Road trade route, the Shiba Asai family will inevitably continue to cooperate.
However, the life-and-death friendship formed by the two sides in the Battle of Norada was gone with the death of Todo Torakaka.
Yoshigan didn't know Asai Nagamasa's guilt and entanglement. He followed the path he had taken before and came to Tsuruga County again.
The Tsuruga County Sheriff, Asakura Kageki, who already knew his itinerary, respectfully introduced him to Tsuruga Castle and received him ceremoniously.
———
Tsuruga Castle, residence hall.
Yoshigan looked at the harbor in the distance. The hot summer could not stop the enthusiasm of the caravans coming and going. Tsuruga County was much more prosperous than when he first passed by.
Tsuruga Port is the starting point of the Houriku Road trade route, a key area connecting the Hokuriku Road and Konki. Tsuruga Castle is the Tsuruga County Siju Castle built on the basis of Tsuruga Port.
During the Tang Dynasty, Tsuruga Port was an important shipping port.
The Sea of Japan area on the western coastline of the island country is far calmer than the Pacific Ocean on the east coast of Japan.
The ocean currents in the outer northeast rotate and connect the Bohai Sea, the Korean Peninsula, and the west coast of Japan, forming an effective trade network.
With the demise of the Bohai State and the depression of the outer Northeastern route, Japan's foreign trade gradually relied on the Seto Inland Sea, and the seaports along the Hokurikudo line were marginalized.
Yiyin opened up the Houriku Expressway trade route, with Tsuruga Port, Nanao Port, Naoetsu, and Sanko Shipping as the core transportation nodes of the Houriku Expressway trade route.
The cost of sea transportation is lower than that of land transportation, and it successfully bypasses the areas on the road where the Kaga Ichigo clan conflicts with local samurai families, making it a safe route favored by Kanto and Kansai caravans.
Coupled with the great turmoil on the Tokaido Road, the Imagawa family lost the Tokaido Three Kingdoms territory, and the three Takeda Tokugawa and Hojo families faced off, completely blocking the Tokaido trade route that caravans often used.
In the past two years, logistics in Kanto and Kansai have become increasingly dependent on sea transportation on the Hokurikudo trade route, making Tsuruga Port revitalized again.
Yoshigan looked towards the harbor and thought about something, and the reminder from Kamao Clan came behind him. He turned around and saw Asakura Kageki walking over, and said with a smile.
"I took the liberty of coming this time and caused you trouble."
Asakura Kageki bowed and said.
"Tsudaden is so polite, it really makes me feel ashamed. Thank you for your care over the past two years, which has allowed Tsurugazu to make a lot of profits on the Hokuriku Road trade route.
Mr. Takada Haruno has already sent someone to contact you about the ship you need, and it will be in place tomorrow and set sail."
Yiyin smiled slightly.
"That's great. I'll stay here all night and I'll set off tomorrow morning.
You don't have to worry too much about the huge business profits. As the old saying goes, friendship is priceless. I made a promise to Zongdi Gong. She sacrificed her life to help me back then, so I will naturally take care of you.
Besides, in the past two years, the Shiba family and Tsuruga Port have cooperated happily on the Hokurikudo trade route. You have done a good job, so there is no need to be too humble."
When Asakura Sotechi sent troops to attack the Kaga Ichiko clan for Shiba Yoshigan, Asakura Kageki had not complained about it. But now it seems that the adoptive mother still has a good sense of people.
Shiba Yigen is a man of his word. He has prospered over the years and has never forgotten his promise to Asakura Sotetsu. Asakura Sotetsu entrusted his adopted daughter to him. He really found the right person.
Asakura Keiki was able to quickly stabilize Tsuruga County after the death of Asakura Sotetsu and gain the support of the Tsuruga people, which was inseparable from the support of Yoshigan.
As an important node on the Houriku Road trade route, Tsuruga Port has originally made a lot of money from commercial port tariffs.
In addition, Yiyin deliberately asked Takada Yono to take care of Asakura Kageki and give him a higher share of the trade route, and the annual dividends were another large amount of income.
These money and grains were used by Asakura Kageki to feed the Tsuruga people. Everyone ate well and naturally supported her sincerely.
In fact, everyone knows that Tsuruga Port can get an extra share of the Hokurikudo trade route, and it is Yoshigan who gave Asakura Kageki a favor for the sake of Asakura Sodai.
If Asakura Yoshikage were to take down Asakura Kageki, the extra benefits for Tsuruga would be gone, and everyone would naturally know what to do.
Asakura Yoshikage of Ichijodani Castle tried several times, but was rejected by the Tsuruga people. The Sou family's conspiracy to get involved in Tsuruga Port ended without any problem.
Looking at Yoshigan's hearty smile, Asakura Kageki was a little lost. After not seeing him for more than two years, he seemed to be more handsome.
It was just the short, lean hair that revealed his status as a monk, making Asakura Kageki feel sorry for him.
Yoshigan Shiba was unparalleled, but he became a widow at a young age. He was forced by the new shogunate to become a monk and practice Buddhism. He was so jealous of the beauty.
Seeing that she looked a little confused, Yiyin asked curiously.
"What's wrong?"
Asakura Kageki came back to his senses, shook his head and said.
"nothing."
Echizen Country is not far from Kyoto, and news exchanges between the two sides are rapid. Ashikaga Yoshiaki's ungratefulness made the world's samurai secretly ashamed, and Asakura Kageki also felt unworthy of Yoshihiro Shiba.
But she didn't say much, so she simply changed the subject.
"Tsudaden, I heard a disturbing rumor.
Over at Ichijodani Castle, it was said that His Highness Asakura Yoshikage was very dissatisfied with His Highness Oda Nobunaga's success in going to Luo and gaining both fame and fortune.
I am a little worried, if the Oda Asakura family conflicts because of this, will it affect the stability of the Hokuriku Road trade route?"
Yoshigan was stunned and looked at Asakura Kageki. Seeing that her face was solemn, she didn't seem to be faking it, so she was really worried.
Asakura Kageki's talents were far inferior to those of her adoptive mother Asakura Sotetsu, so the Tsuruga people were obedient to her, firstly because of Asakura Sotetsu's sake, and secondly because they were bribed by the huge benefits of Tsuruga Port.
If problems arise on the Hokuriku Road trade route due to the conflict between the Asakura and Oda families, Asakura Kageki will be in trouble. No wonder she is worried.
Yoshigan burst out laughing and Asakura Kageki asked.
"Why is Tsutaden laughing?"
Yiyin said.
"I laugh at His Highness Asakura Yoshikage for being a bit too stingy. She was the one who refused the general's request and refused to go to Luo.
What? She doesn’t want to go, but she doesn’t allow others to try to get rich?
His Highness Oda Nobunaga went to Luoyu to serve the Duke, and he has made great contributions to the shogunate. Naturally, the shogunate will reward him, so that the martial arts in the world will know that loyal people will be rewarded."
Asakura Kageki smiled bitterly.
"His Royal Highness Asakura Yoshikage doesn't want to go to Luo, but he is unable to do so.
On the Ono side, the Tsuruga clan was fighting fiercely with the Kaga Ichimei clan. On my side, the Tsuruga clan was worried that participating in Kamikawa would offend the Miyoshi family and cut off the Hokuriku Road trade route.
Unable to get the support of the Ono people and the Tsuruga people, His Highness Asakura Yoshikage finally gave up his desire to go to Luo. But this resentment is probably not only towards His Highness Oda Nobunaga, but also towards me."
Yiyin shook his head.
The Asakura family, a powerful vassal that has dominated the Echizen Kingdom for five generations, seems to be still strong, but in fact, it is in a mess internally.
In order to help Yoshiyin get out of his trap, Asakura Sotechi launched a forceful offensive and captured the Daishoji River of the Kaga Ichikou sect and gave it to the Ono people.
In the past two years, the Ono people have been attacking continuously for the fertile land on both sides of the Daishoji River and the Kaga Ichikazu clan who vowed to take back the holy land of the Daishoji River.
Asakura Yoshikage had been worried about this for a long time, and felt that Asakura Sotechi deliberately caused trouble for her before his death. Therefore, she turned her anger on Asakura Sotechi's adopted daughter Asakura Keiki, and she has always been very dissatisfied with her.
During the Kyoto Incident, the Ono people were unwilling to leave the Daishoji River, and the Tsuruga people were unwilling to antagonize the Miyoshi family, so they boycotted Shangluo.
Asakura Yoshikage was forced to give up Shangluo, losing the face of his master's family. Under the new and old grudges, he hated Asakura Kageki even more.
Asakura Kageki was also worried that one day a conflict would arise between the Asakura family and the Oda family. As the protruding part of the Echizen Kingdom, Tsuruga County would be the first to bear the brunt and would definitely be in trouble.
Yiyin thought she was too worried and said.
"There is no possibility of conflict between His Highness Asakura Yoshikage and His Highness Oda Nobunaga.
Even though His Highness Asakura Yoshikage said some angry words, she would not use weapons rashly for three reasons.
First, the Ono family and the Kaga Ichimu clan have been hostile for a long time, and the Asakura family cannot help but be on guard against the Kaga country behind them. His highness, Asakura Yoshikage, cannot concentrate all his efforts on Konki, and is in trouble with the Oda family."
Asakura Keiki thought for a while and nodded.
"What Tsutaden said is true. Unless the Asakura family and the Ichikou clan are in alliance, the Asakura family will soon fall into the unfavorable situation of fighting on two fronts. A wise man will not take this."
Asakura Kageki's words made Yoshigage laugh, and he said.
"The Asakura family and the Ichikou clan are in alliance? For what? To deal with the Oda family?
How is this possible? You are thinking too much."
Asakura Kageki laughed and nodded.
"It was my temporary nonsense that made Jindo Palace laugh."
Ono and Kaga Ichikou are almost losing their minds because of the Daishoji Temple. How is it possible for them to shake hands and make peace with the Oda family? This idea is indeed too ridiculous.
Yiyin continued.
"The two, the Asakura family and the Asai family have been allies for many years and have a deep relationship. The Oda family and the Asai family are also in-laws, and they are fighting fiercely.
With the Asai family mediating, the Asakura and Oda families will not be in conflict to the point of fighting each other."
Asakura Kageki nodded repeatedly.
"Thank you, Tsuta-dono."
Yiyin said again.
"Three of them, the Kyoto shogunate has joined forces with the Oda family to avenge their ancestors and attack the Miyoshi family's Settsu country.
After all, the Miyoshi family was the overlord in the past, and the family wealth is still there, so the Oda family has no time to care about Echizen Kingdom. His highness, Asakura Yoshikage, complained a few words, and his highness, Oda Nobunaga, had no time to listen, let alone pay attention."
Asakura Kageki felt that what Yoshihiro said was very reasonable, and he was indeed thinking wildly.
The conflict between the Asakura family and the Ichigo clan in Hokuriku Road is fierce and it is impossible to reconcile. The Asai family is sandwiched between the Asakura and Oda families. For the sake of their own interests, they will try their best to ease both parties.
In addition, the Shiba family had huge interests in the Hokurikudo trade route. The Oda family was busy conquering the Settsu Kingdom, and the Ichigo clan focused on fighting with the Nanman Cult.
Everyone is busy and has no time to make trouble. Asakura Yoshikage's casual complaints will not cause any trouble.
The three reasons given by Yoshihiro were all reasonable and well-founded, which immediately gave Asakura Kageki some reassurance. In retrospect, his worries were indeed a bit unfounded.
Seeing the relief on her face, Yiyin couldn't help but feel a little funny.
Even though Asakura Kage is over 20 years old, she is already a graceful adult warrior princess. However, under the care of Asakura Sotechi and Shiba Yoshigan, she has not experienced any major storms.
The slightly immature Asakura Kageki also smiled sheepishly, and finally put his heart back in his stomach, and continued to make a fortune by guarding Tsuruga Port with peace of mind.