Japan's Sengoku Period: The Sanada Clan's Ambition

Chapter 159 Wife’s Hot Spring Trip

After staying in Ueda Castle for more than ten days, time quickly passed to September of the twelfth year of Tensho.

Because Sanada Masayuki was the head of the family, he was responsible for handling all the affairs of the household, so Sanada Nobuyuki seemed to have nothing to do.

With Hirabayashi Masatsune and Kasuga no Yoshitada at Nakano Castle, Sanada Nobuyuki no longer needed to worry about collecting annual tribute.

Meanwhile, in Ena County, Sato Taketada and Tsumagi Yoritada frequently sent people to report the latest situation within their territory to Sanada Nobuyuki.

The river embankment along the Kiso River is nearing completion, and according to Kenji Sato, the new embankment has cost a considerable amount of money.

In other words, Sato Kentada is out of money.

Sanada Nobuyuki immediately instructed Kasuga Yoshitada to send a sum of money and provisions to Sato Taketada to ensure the construction of the river embankment.

Since there was no immediate requirement for military service, Shinano's military preparations resumed.

In accordance with the new military service system established by the Sanada family, the retainers and local lords within the domain began to drastically improve the composition of their respective troops.

Various weapons and equipment began to circulate within Shinano Province, and Sanada Nobuyuki also sent people to contact the Huimen in Sakai Port to purchase weapons and equipment, especially arquebuses and ammunition.

By November, the weapons and equipment of the military forces in Shinano had been basically upgraded and replaced.

Sanada Masayuki stayed in Ueno, while Kawahara Tsunaie and others went to Ueno to take over the territory.

Obata, Naito, and other members of the Kokushu were very cooperative, so things went very smoothly.

During his free time, Sanada Nobuyuki also rewarded his retainers.

Among them, Kōji Saizō was awarded an additional 1000 koku of salary by Sanada Nobuyuki for his valiant performance in the Battle of Kōsato Castle and the Battle of Torikawa.

Yamagami Michiki, Hatsukano Shoji, and others were also granted additional titles.

As for Sanada Nobushige, Sanada Nobuyuki didn't need to worry about that. His father, Sanada Masayuki, simply bestowed upon Sanada Nobushige the former territory of the Muroga family as his fief.

At the same time, Toyotomi Hideyoshi was also granted the title of Junior Third Rank Grand Councilor by the Imperial Court, thus beginning his official journey toward the throne of the people.

With the arrival of winter, heavy snow began to fall throughout Shinano.

On the Torii Pass, which borders Shinano and Ueno, a group of people are slowly moving forward.

Sanada Nobuyuki rode on horseback, followed by more than ten foot soldiers carrying three small palanquins, while Sanada Nobushige led dozens of cavalrymen at the very back of the procession.

Ueda Castle was too cold, so Nobuyuki Sanada decided to spend the winter in Ueno.

If you're looking for a suitable place to spend the winter within the Sanada family territory, then Kusatsu Onsen in Azuma District, Ueno is the perfect choice.

In the cold winter, there is nothing more comfortable than soaking in a hot spring.

Kusatsu Onsen is located in the mountains of Azuma District in northwestern Ueno, and is also known as "Kōshū Kusatsu-yu".

Legend has it that Kusatsu Onsen was first discovered by Minamoto no Yoritomo, but this is most likely false.

However, according to Sanada Nobuyuki, Uesugi Kenshin and Uesugi Norimasa had once visited Kusatsu Onsen for recuperation. When the Oda clan attacked the Takeda clan, many of the Oda clan's senior retainers also visited Kusatsu Onsen, such as Takigawa Kazumasu and Hori Hidemasa.

"The village of Kusatsu is just ahead. This is the territory of the main family retainer, the Yumoto clan."

“The fees paid by people who come to Kusatsu Onsen every year are collected by Mr. Yumoto and then sent to the main family.”

Upon reaching the village entrance, Sanada Nobushige quickened his horse and caught up with Sanada Nobuyuki. He had once been a hostage under Takigawa Kazumasu, so he was very familiar with these places.

"Should we inform Yumoto Saburoemon?" Sanada Nobushige then asked.

Sanada Nobuyuki glanced behind him, shook his head, and said, "Since there are women here, let's settle them down first."

"You're very familiar with this place, so you arrange a hot spring bath."

Sanada Nobushige thought for a moment, then pointed ahead and said, "There is a Kosen-ji Temple ahead. There are several nice hot springs in the town outside the temple. I stayed there when I came here with Takikawa-sama before."

"Then let's go there."

With that, the two men took the lead, and the group quickly headed towards Guangquan Temple.

Kosen-ji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple that enshrines "Yakushi Nyorai" (Medicine Buddha). In Mahayana Buddhism, Yakushi Nyorai is regarded as a Buddha who can cure diseases and is widely revered in Japan.

Upon exiting the temple, a sizable infront town comes into view.

"As expected, it's all thanks to these rich folks." Looking at the bustling town in front of the temple, Sanada Nobuyuki, riding on his horse, couldn't help but sigh.

How much effort did Nakano Castle put into developing a castle town, yet it's still not as good as the town in front of Kosenji Temple.

At this moment, the sedan chair stopped.

Ikeda Sen and Ayumi stepped out of the sedan chair one after the other, followed by Sanada Nobushige who brought over his concubine, Atori.

The group of five slowly walked to a bathhouse with a sign that read "Yubenya".

"stop!"

Just as Nobuyuki Sanada was about to enter, a man blocked his way.

"This is the property of a Shingon sect temple; women are not allowed to enter."

"Women may continue forward; once they leave the town, they are no longer subject to any restrictions."

Sanada Nobuyuki looked at the other person with surprise, then pointed to the sign "Yumoto-ya" at the entrance and asked, "Isn't this the territory of the Yumoto clan?"

"This is temple property, but it's just rented to Lord Yumoto."

Upon hearing this explanation, Sanada Nobuyuki immediately understood. It seemed that Kosen-ji Temple wielded considerable influence in the area; how much land had they seized?

This entire town in front of the temple is actually owned by Kosen-ji Temple. It seems that my own retainer, Yumoto Saburoemon, has to "work" for Kosen-ji Temple.
"My lord, perhaps we should go somewhere else?" Xiaoxing tugged at Sanada Nobuyuki's sleeve from behind and shook her head in a gesture of respect.

Nobuyuki Sanada reached out and patted Sachi's soft hand. "It's okay, I'm here."

After saying that, Sanada Nobuyuki turned to look at the other person, "Where is Yumoto Saburoemon?"

"Send him to see me!"

Seeing Sanada Nobuyuki's imposing manner, the man became somewhat unsure and quickly asked, "May I ask who you are?"

Sanada Nobuyuki didn't say anything, but simply reached out and pulled at his fur coat, revealing a striking gold-embroidered "Six Coins" on his chest.

The man was immediately shocked and quickly apologized, saying, "So you are the master of the Sanada family. Please wait a moment, no, please come inside and rest."

After saying that, the man quickly ushered Sanada Nobuyuki and the others into the bathhouse, and then hurriedly ran outside.

Before long, a panting samurai in casual clothes jogged into the house.

"Oh my, it's Lord Genjiro!"

"Hey, Lord Hyogo is here too!"

"Why did you two lords not inform me of your upcoming arrival in Kusatsu? It is truly an unwelcome surprise."

When he saw that the visitors were Sanada Nobuyuki and Sanada Nobushige, Yumoto Saburoemon was visibly flustered. Sanada Nobuyuki waved to Yumoto Saburoemon and said, "I've heard that women aren't allowed inside. Is that true?"

"Who said that?" Yumoto Saburoemon immediately straightened his chest. "This area is under the jurisdiction of the Sanada family. Can the families of Hyogo-no-gashira and Genjiro-no-gashira be called women?"

"Quickly, clear the area!"

"Get everyone else out of here!" Saburoemon Yumoto quickly ordered his men to get to work.

Yumoto Saburoemon's rank was only a few hundred koku, making him a typical lower-middle-ranking samurai.

However, because Sanada Masayuki granted him the power to manage Kusatsu Onsen, he could earn several hundred kan every year after handing over the profits of Kusatsu Onsen to the Sanada family.

It can be said that everything he has is given to him by the Sanada family.

Forget about temple property; as long as Sanada Nobuyuki is alive, he would have the guts to burn down Kosen-ji Temple even if you asked him to.

"Be gentle, don't offend the customers. In business, reputation is the most important thing." Sanada Nobuyuki unfastened the sword from his waist and handed it to Kana Saizo.

Yumoto Saburoemon nodded quickly.

Soon, more than ten people soaking in the hot spring were "asked" to leave.

Presumably because the reason was explained, these people did not express any dissatisfaction.

After all, no one dares to offend the Sanada family in this place.

“These are merchants from other places who usually only stop by for a soak in the hot springs when they are passing through,” Saburoemon Yumoto continued to explain.

The northern part of Ueno is adjacent to Echigo. Merchants from the Kanto region who do not want to detour through Shinano usually choose to enter Echigo from here.

Sanada Iemitsu earns a considerable income every year by collecting taxes here.

"Understood, you go down first."

"Take good care of our horses, and make proper arrangements for the accompanying personnel as well."

"Understood, understood!" Saburoemon Yumoto quickly assured him that he would take care of it.

Looking at the now deserted bathhouse, Nobuyuki Sanada smiled and said, "Alright, now it's just us here."

"You must be freezing on the way. Go and warm up first."

Chika Ikeda and Koyuki walked inside excitedly, while Nobushige Sanada led Atsushi to a pond with practiced ease, clearly indicating that the boy had been there quite often.

Nobuyuki Sanada wandered around and found that this Yumotoya was quite large, with more than twenty rooms inside and out, each with its own independent spring.

Moreover, this is just one of the businesses owned by Saburoemon Yumoto; it seems he has made quite a bit of money over the years.

However, as long as everything that needs to be paid is paid, Nobuyuki Sanada won't interfere. If there were any real problems, someone as shrewd as Masayuki Sanada would have already taken action.

After touring all the bathhouses, when they reached the entrance, Ke'er Caizang was guarding the outside with several foot soldiers.

Seeing this, Sanada Nobuyuki felt relieved and began looking for Ikeda Chika and Koyuki.

Soon, Nobuyuki Sanada heard a burst of playful noises, and his heart began to stir with excitement.

Following the sound, he arrived at a house, and upon pushing open the wooden door, the scene inside left Sanada Nobuyuki completely stunned.

"ah!"

"My lord, why have you come in?"

Chika Ikeda and Koyuki panicked when they saw Nobuyuki Sanada enter, and quickly grabbed a towel to cover themselves.

Sanada Nobuyuki stared intently at the cleavage on the two men's chests, then smiled and said, "It's too dangerous for you to bathe in the hot spring alone, so I came here specifically to protect you."

"Liar!"

"It's dangerous now that you've come, my lord." Ikeda Chi's face was flushed, whether from shyness or the heat of the hot spring water, it was hard to tell.

Sanada Nobuyuki ignored this and immediately took off his clothes and went into the water.

Koyuki quickly scooped up the hot soup and splashed it at Sanada Nobuyuki, directly splattering it all over his face.

Water droplets clung to her eyelashes, making her face look blurry.

But the scene before me was becoming more and more captivating.

"Oh no, why can't I see?"

"Hey, what's that glowing thing up ahead?"

Nobuyuki Sanada closed his eyes and groped forward, quickly finding the source of the light.

"Oh, this is Xiaoxing."

He touched the right side again, "This is Qian."

After saying that, Nobuyuki Sanada opened his eyes, and it was exactly as he had described. Indeed, the eyes may lie, but the touch will not.

Chika Ikeda and Koyuki were clearly experiencing this kind of situation for the first time, and were somewhat reserved.

However, Sanada Nobuyuki did not give the two a chance to speak, and directly embraced them on the left and right, retreating to the edge of the hot spring.

"Xiaoxing, why are your eyes closed?"

Xiao Xing's eyelashes trembled, and she said with a blushing face, "This concubine...this concubine is sorry."

"Is it because Qian is here?"

Xiaoxing didn't speak, but nodded gently.

The young girl was a little shy, which is only natural, and Nobuyuki Sanada said he could understand.

After thinking for a moment, Nobuyuki Sanada leaned close to Chiaki Ikeda's ear and whispered something.

Chika Ikeda opened her mouth and looked at Nobuyuki Sanada with a horrified expression. After confirming that Nobuyuki Sanada was not joking, she couldn't help but swallow.

Encouraged by Nobuyuki Sanada's gaze, Chihiro Ikeda took a deep breath and then sank directly into the water.

"Alright, Xiaoxing."

"Qian is gone, you can open your eyes now."

Koyuki opened her eyes with a hint of disbelief, only to find that Ikeda Chi was indeed gone.

"Really? Where did Sister Qian go?"

As soon as they finished speaking, a tiny bubble appeared on the surface of the water in front of them.

Xiaoxing's eyes widened, and just as she was about to speak, Sanada Nobuyuki quickly turned his head and kissed her on the lips.

The main idea is for everyone to do their own thing.
(End of this chapter)