Japan's Warring States Period: The Rise of the Wakasa Tiger

Sitting behind Ouchi Yoshitaka were two fair-skinned and handsome young men. They served Ouchi Yoshitaka meticulously, and this scene also made Takeda Motomitsu "look at him with new eyes".

Perhaps seeing Takeda Motomitsu's curious look, Ouchi Yoshitaka hurriedly introduced: "Hoshinji-dono, you may not know that these two are the eldest and third sons of Mori Umato. The one on the left is the eldest son, Shosuketaro, and the one on the right is the third son, Matashiro. The two of you, why don't you bow to Hoshinji-dono."

"I am Mori Shosuke Taro Ryumoto, and I am here to greet the Hall of Hoshinji."

"I am Maori Matashiro Takakage, and I pay my respects to the Lord of Hoshinji Temple."

Seeing two handsome and fair-skinned young men saluting him, Takeda Motomitsu was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly bowed to return the greeting.

"So your two princes are from the Mori family. I'm so sorry for the disrespect." Takeda Motomitsu said politely.

At this moment, he suddenly remembered what Kagawa Mitsuki said to him on the way to Ouchi-kan:
"Ouchisuke is usually polite, modest and kind, and is famous for his good temper. But there is one thing that your highness must pay attention to, that is, the Ouchi family likes 'Zhu Dao'. You must not show any strangeness or disgust about this, otherwise he will get angry."

During the turbulent times of the Warring States Period, it was not difficult to talk about the love of "shudo", but Ouchi Yoshitaka was different from other daimyo. His obsession with "shudo" was so profound that it made others feel ashamed of themselves.

To put it simply, he was like the famous "half-shogun" Hosokawa Masamoto (the "nominal" grandfather of Hosokawa Harumoto) in history. He did not have children with his wife, and even divorced his wife, Marikoji Sadako (daughter of the Minister of the Interior Marikoji Hidefusa), and directly welcomed an adopted son from the Ichijo family in Tosa as his heir. This person was the fourth son of the Ichijo family - Ouchi Harumichi.

However, Ouchi Yoshitaka did not take a liking to the two sons sent by Mori Motonari from the beginning. Before them, Ouchi Yoshitaka's favorite was Tao Takafusa, who served as the guardian of the Shugo.

Tao Takafusa, commonly known as Tao Goro, was named Tao Takafusa after he received the taboo character "Taka" from Ouchi Yoshitaka when he came of age, and the common character "Fang" from Tao's family name. In April of the eighth year of Tenbun (1539), his father Tao Xingfang died of illness, and his elder brother Tao Xingchang also died in battle at an early age. Tao Takafusa succeeded to the position of head of the family and took over the duties of the governor of the Shu-no-kami.

Like the Mori brothers, Tao Longfu was sent by his father to serve as a close attendant to Ouchi Yoshitaka when he was young, and soon gained the latter's extreme favor.

It is said that the envoys sent by the retainers of the Ouchi clan, including the Imon and the close attendants, could only pay respect to Ouchi Yoshitaka outside his residence, but the envoys of Tao Takafusa were allowed to enter the residence to pay respect. Moreover, whenever Ouchi Yoshitaka met Tao Takafusa, he would always stand up and see the guest off until Tao Takafusa was sent to the next room.

This shows the status of Tao Longfang in Ouchi Yoshitaka's heart.

However, as Tao Takafusa succeeded as the head of the family and became busy with government affairs, he spent less time with Ouchi Yoshitaka. Ouchi Yoshitaka was not idle either, and soon found new lovers, first the Mori brothers and then Reizei Takatoyo, who was also a retainer.

It can be said that Ouchi Yoshitaka has a long-standing "hobby" and is obsessed with it and does not allow others to interfere.

Takeda Motomitsu was quite flexible and avoided the topic by asking about Mori Motonari's recent situation.

"Reporting to Hoshinji-dono, my father is in good health and thank you for your concern." Mori Takamoto, who was sitting on the left side of Ouchi Yoshitaka, replied respectfully.

"That's good," Takeda Motomitsu nodded, "I heard that some time ago, the Shingu Party of the Amago family attempted to attack Aki from Bingo, but was defeated by your family. It was really not easy."

"Your Highness, thank you for the compliment. My father said that this is the result of the solidarity of the people of Aki, not the credit of any one family," said Mori Takamoto humbly.

Ouchi Yoshitaka, who was sitting nearby, was very satisfied with Mori Takamoto's performance. He said to Takeda Motomitsu with a smile, "How is this kid from the Mori family? Isn't he okay?"

"More than capable, you have a handsome appearance, are gentle and polite. You will definitely bring honor to the Ouchi family in the future." Takeda Motomitsu bowed politely.

Ouchi Yoshitaka was very pleased with the flattering words from Takeda Motomitsu. After all, the Mori brothers were sent to his side since they were young, and he was the one who "cultivated" them. When they were praised, he also felt proud.

"To be honest, I didn't expect that without the help of the main family, the Aki people such as Mori and Shishido could actually repel the Shingu Party of the Amago family. It can be seen that the ability of the Umato is definitely not comparable to ordinary people." Ouchi Yoshitaka sighed, and then did not forget to tease the Amago family: "Then the Kii no Kami (Amago Kunihisa) will go back in disgrace, I'm afraid he will be scolded."

Having said that, Ouchi Yoshitaka naturally turned the topic to the Amago family.

"Your Highness traveled westward from Wakasa and finally arrived in Aki. On the way, he must have passed through the territory of the Amago family. How did the Amago family feel about the failure of the invasion of Aki? Did they reveal anything to you?"

Takeda Motomitsu knew that Ouchi Yoshitaka was trying to test his attitude towards the Amago clan. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "I did visit Lord Tsunehisa and His Highness Akihisa of Tsukiyama Tomita Castle. It can be said that this defeat was a big blow to them. After Kii-no-kami returned, he was scolded by His Highness Akihisa, and his retainers were also sighing and listless."

"Haha, after all, they are regarded as the elite of the Shingu Party. We can't beat them, let alone other military forces." Ouchi Yoshitaka smiled proudly.

"Your Highness is right. With the current strength of the Amago family, they can't even defeat the people of Aki, let alone compete with the Ouchi family." Takeda Motomitsu continued to flatter.

"May I ask, is it because of the decline of the Amago clan that Hoshinji-den wants to make peace with the main family?" Ouchi Yoshitaka suddenly said this, catching Takeda Motomitsu off guard.

"Your Highness, the matter of reconciliation with your family was decided long before I set out. Besides, I am a retired person, how can I make such a decision? All this was the idea of ​​the Wuwei Palace, and I was just following orders."

After hearing Takeda Motomitsu's words, Ouchi Yoshitaka did not comment, but asked: "Then your highness, are you here to make peace with the Wakasa Takeda family and the main family?"

Takeda Motomitsu shook his head and said, "I represent not only the Wakasa Takeda Clan, but also the Aki Takeda Clan. You should know that the new head of the Aki Takeda Clan is from me, Wakasa. Now the Takeda Clan of the two places are of the same blood and the same fate."

"What a 'same blood, same branches'!" Ouchi Yoshitaka smiled, then his face changed and he reminded Takeda Motomitsu in a serious tone:
"I have no objection to the alliance with the Wakasa Takeda clan, and I admire that Takeedon made such a wise decision. However, the Aki Takeda clan has a long-standing grudge against the main family, and has been dependent on the Amago clan for many years, causing a lot of trouble. Rather than making peace... I need to think about it again."

After hearing Ouchi Yoshitaka's answer, before Takeda Motomitsu could speak, Kagawa Mitsuki beside him became a little restless.

"Your Highness, our family sincerely wants to reconcile with you. Please understand!" Kagawa Mitsukage pleaded excitedly.

"Lord Mitsukage, let me be frank. If it weren't for the defeat of the Shingu faction at the hands of Inukaihira, would you have taken the initiative to visit our family? I'm afraid you would have joined the Amago army in besieging Yoshida-gunyama Castle long ago?" Ouchi Yoshitaka's sharp words made Kagawa Mitsukage sweat profusely. He didn't expect that he, who was a pro-Ouchi faction after all, would be criticized like this. He wanted to say something in his defense, but he couldn't say it. The atmosphere on the scene became depressing.

But Takeda Motomitsu, who was sitting next to him, saw something was going on:
The trip to Ouchi-kan was made on the basis of prior communication with Kagawa Mitsuki. Logically, the two sides should have been able to make peace with each other, and only needed to go through the procedures on site. However, Ouchi Yoshitaka acted contrary to his usual behavior and raised objections to the previously discussed matters. The reason for this could not be explained by the so-called "long-standing grudges and dependence on Nishiko".

Thinking of this, Takeda Motomitsu tugged at Kagawa Mitsuki's collar, signaling him to be patient, and then politely said to Ouchi Yoshitaka:

"I have already made it clear to Your Highness that the decision to form an alliance with the Ouchi clan was made long before we set out. Now that the leaders of the two Takeda clans are both from the Wakasa Takeda clan, they will naturally work together and advance and retreat together. Since Your Highness believes in the sincerity of Mue-dono and is willing to form an alliance with the Wakasa Takeda clan, you should accept the request of the Aki Takeda clan to restore peace."

"As Your Highness said, I believe in Wu Weidian's sincerity and am willing to form an alliance with him. But this is not the only reason," Ouchi Yoshitaka responded:

"Sincerity comes from strength. Today, the Wakasa Takeda clan's power spans across four countries, with a wealthy population and strong military forces. They are an existence that cannot be underestimated in the process of the Niwako clan's eastward expansion. On the other hand, the Niwako clan is also a huge risk faced by the Wakasa Takeda clan on the western front.

It is precisely because I and Wu Weidian have the same enemy, and Wu Weidian is indeed capable of curbing the expansion of the Nizi clan, that I agreed to form an alliance with them to fight against the powerful enemy together. "

"But how can the Takeda clan prove their sincerity?" Ouchi Yoshitaka changed the subject, and his tone suddenly became serious from the casual one when he talked about the alliance with Yoshishige:

"After two major defeats in recent years, most of your people have changed their flags. Even those who finally stayed have set up their own camps and hindered each other. Although it is unpleasant to say, the fact is that His Highness Xinshi, who succeeded the head of the family, is afraid that his orders will not leave Yinshan City. In this case, what qualifications do you have to form an alliance with the main family?
Besides, what good would it do to the main family if I kept the Takeda clan? I don't think so. As the saying goes, 'I can't let others sleep beside my bed.' Rather than risk being betrayed and leaving the Takeda clan behind, why don't I get rid of the trouble once and for all?"

"I understand what your highness means." Takeda Motomitsu thought to himself. With the current strength of the Takeda clan in Aki, he really couldn't come up with sufficient reasons to convince Ouchi Yoshitaka. He had no other choice. For the sake of the family's survival, he could only give it one last try.

"What Ouchisuke said does make sense." Takeda Motomitsu ignored Kagawa Mitsuki's surprised look and responded neither servilely nor arrogantly:
"But you just said that keeping the Aki Takeda clan would be of no benefit to the Ouchi clan? I don't agree with this."

"I'm all ears." After hearing Takeda Motomitsu's rebuttal, Ouchi Yoshitaka became interested and motioned for him to continue.

"Your Highness, are you and the Amago family old enemies?" asked Takeda Motomitsu.

"Of course." Ouchi Yoshitaka replied.

"Then Ginzan Castle is located in the western part of Aki, close to Suo. Is it important to the Amago family?" Takeda Motomitsu continued to ask.

"Of course, if this nail is not removed, there will be no peace between the two countries of Fangyi."

"If so, can you say that without the support of the Takeda clan in Aki, the southward expansion of the Amago clan will suffer a severe setback, and your rule over Hoi and even western Iwami will be more stable?"

Hearing this, Ouchi Yoshitaka understood Takeda Motomitsu's intention: "Are you trying to say that if I accept the Aki Takeda clan, I can severely defeat the Amago clan?"

"That's right," Takeda Motomitsu replied, "Isn't it enough to show the value of the Takeda clan in Aki by defeating their old enemy?"

"But Hoshinji-dono, you have to understand that I am fully capable of taking down Ginzan Castle. This is more reassuring than keeping the Takeda clan in Aki." Ouchi Yoshitaka questioned.

"If it was possible, Your Highness would have already done it." Takeda Motomitsu responded, "With the current fortifications of Ginzan Castle and the 500 troops I brought with me, how long will it take you to take it? In other words, do you think it will be your turn to take Ginzan Castle first, or will the Amago army arrive to support you first?"

"Are you threatening me?!" Ouchi Yoshitaka asked coldly with his face as dark as ink.

"I dare not, but I think more friends mean fewer enemies. The Takeda clan of Aki is still useful to you. Just imagine, if even the Takeda clan of Aki, which has long followed the Amago clan and has a long-standing feud with you, is willing to make peace with you, will those people who are wavering and indecisive still follow the Amago clan?"

At this point, Ouchi Yoshitaka felt that there was some truth in this, and thought:

"Indeed, with the current strength of the Aki Takeda Clan, they can only pose a threat to the main family as a subsidiary of the Amago Clan. Without the Amago Clan, they will be useless.

What the old man said is true. Now that the Amago clan has just suffered a defeat, if I keep this Ginzan Castle, not only will I have a good reputation, but the people of Aki, Iwami, and Bingo will also consider carefully whether to continue to follow the Amago clan or switch to the main family. "

Thinking of this, Ouchi Yoshitaka's stern expression suddenly relaxed, and his words were no longer aggressive: "Hoshinji-dono has traveled all the way from Wakasa to Suo, I must give you a favor. How about this, I promise you that I am willing to reconcile with the Takeda clan in Aki, but you also have to promise me to completely cut off contact with the Amago family."

"Of course." Takeda Motomitsu responded politely, "I will discuss this matter with my family when I return, but..."

"But what?" Ouchi Yoshitaka asked back.

"Please forgive my words, but now is not the time to completely break off relations with the Amago clan," Takeda Motomitsu replied.

"What do you mean? You still can't make up your mind?" Ouchi Yoshitaka was a little impatient.

"That's not the case. It's just that there are still some retainers in the family who are very close to the Amago family. Acting rashly may backfire." Takeda Motomitsu replied.

"You mean Shinagawa Sakyosuke?" Ouchi Yoshitaka asked, "Indeed, this person has great prestige within the Takeda clan, and must be handled with caution."

"So please give me some time, Your Highness. Once the family affairs are resolved, I will cut off all ties with the Niwa family." Takeda Motomitsu said this, but he had other plans in his mind. He had deeper considerations for not cutting off ties with the Niwa family immediately. (End of this chapter)