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

Chapter 28 A true man is born between heaven and earth; how can he remain subservient to others for long?

Sanada Nobuyuki would never say such a thing aloud.

Sanada Nobuyuki then said, "Does Lord Uesugi worry that the Sanada clan is not trustworthy, or does Lord Uesugi believe that the Sanada clan will surrender once the Hojo and Tokugawa launch an attack?"

Sanada Nobuyuki's words were so direct that Uesugi Kagekatsu was somewhat at a loss for words.

I can't exactly say, "That's what I think," can I?
Uesugi Kagekatsu certainly didn't dare to gamble; the location of northern Shinano was far too important, and he dared not entrust the safety of the Uesugi clan to the loyalty of the Sanada clan.

Moreover, the two families were completely unfamiliar with each other before this.

"Gensaburo, you've misunderstood." Uesugi Kagekatsu wanted to explain further.

But Nobuyuki Sanada took a few steps back and shook his head vigorously, saying, "I won't listen, I won't listen."

Then, Sanada Nobuyuki, looking heartbroken, pointed at Uesugi Kagekatsu and said loudly, "In the past, the Oda clan attacked Uesugi, Shibata Katsuie besieged Uozu Castle, and Mori Nagayoshi's army advanced on Kasugayama."

"The Uesugi family was already showing signs of defeat at that time."

"My Sanada family, admiring the demeanor of Lord Kenshin, has decided to fight alongside the Uesugi family, and has even gone so far as to secretly inform them of the Oda family's marching route and deployment time."

"Because of what?"

"Because Lord Uesugi is the son of Lord Kenshin, and the heir to the banner of righteousness of Echigo!"

"My Sanada family has been completely loyal to the Uesugi family, but I never imagined that in the end we would only be met with suspicion and insults from Lord Uesugi!"

"Today, before all the deities of Zenko-ji Temple, I swear by Suwa Daimyojin, that the Sanada family will never betray the Uesugi family."

"Sanada Genzaburo Nobuyuki is willing to die to prove his innocence, and hopes that my death will completely dispel Lord Uesugi's suspicions about the main family."

After saying this, Nobuyuki Sanada forced out two tears, and then drew his wakizashi from his waist.

I'm Chinese, and the gods can't control my daily life. So I made this vow, and Sanada Nobuyuki didn't care at all.

Seeing Sanada Nobuyuki's sincere words and feeling the deep grievances and indignation in them, Uesugi Kagekatsu was moved.

Uesugi Kagekatsu's hesitation spurred Sanada Nobuyuki to add fuel to the fire. He drew his wakizashi and pressed it against his lower abdomen, making a move to thrust it inside.

At the same time, Sanada Nobuyuki's face showed a sense of farewell, as if he were about to die on the spot.

But what Nobuyuki Sanada was thinking was, "Stop it now!"

If you don't stop now, this knife will only be able to stab you. You can't really commit suicide, can you?

"Genzaburo."

"Wait a minute!" Uesugi Kagekatsu finally couldn't hold back.

Uesugi Kagekatsu grabbed Sanada Nobuyuki and pressed down hard on his shoulder, saying, "It was my oversight; the Uesugi family has been impolite in this matter."

"Please forgive me, Genzaburo," Uesugi Kagekatsu said in an almost pleading tone.

Sanada Nobuyuki wiped away his tears and looked at Uesugi Kagekatsu with suspicion. "Lord Uesugi, you're willing to trust the main family now?"

“Yes!” Uesugi Kagekatsu nodded affirmatively. “We have already felt the sincerity of the Sanada family. Let’s pretend that we never mentioned what we said before.”

"Kaizu Castle will remain under the control of the Sanada family." Uesugi Kagekatsu made up his mind.

When a samurai swears an oath to the gods and is willing to die to prove his loyalty, Uesugi Kagekatsu could not think of any reason to continue to doubt him.

Now, Sanada Nobuyuki finally smiled. This tactic really works on an honest man like Uesugi Kagekatsu.

Under the banner of "righteousness" fluttering in the wind, Sanada Nobuyuki and Uesugi Kagekatsu exchanged a smile, then clasped their hands tightly together.

Genzaburo, I never expected that there would be such a loyal and righteous man as you in Shinano. I am not alone in my path.

At that moment, Uesugi Kagekatsu looked at Sanada Nobuyuki with eyes full of admiration and trust.

"My lord, shouldn't we reconsider this matter?"

"The words of the Sanada family should never be easily believed."

Inside Kaizu Castle, Naoe Kanetsugu became anxious upon hearing Uesugi Kagekatsu's decision.

What kind of spell did Nobuyuki Sanada cast on Kagekatsu Uesugi?

How come Uesugi Kagekatsu's attitude changed so drastically after only a short time?
"Alright, my mind is made up about this matter, you don't need to say anything more."

"The Sanada family is a trustworthy family. They have treated me with sincerity, and I should return that sincerity. Only in this way can I uphold the great principles of my Uesugi family." Uesugi Kagekatsu said solemnly as he knelt before Uesugi Kenshin's memorial tablet.

Naoe Kanetsugu was speechless. He knew his lord too well; he was good in every way, except that he was too stubborn.

Times have changed, my lord. Who the hell still talks about righteousness these days?

The Uesugi family was too kind; even when faced with the rebellion of their retainers, they never investigated the matter deeply and always chose to forgive them.

The rebellion of the Yangbei people has never stopped. Back then, Duke Qianxin suffered the same loss and was tricked in this way. Why are you jumping into this pit too?

"My lord."

Naoe Kanetsugu wanted to persuade him further, but Uesugi Kagekatsu waved his hand to interrupt him, saying, "Get out!"

With no other choice, Naoe Kanetsugu, despite his reluctance and unwillingness, had to take his leave.

Walking into the courtyard and gazing at the bright moon, Naoe Kanetsugu was utterly perplexed. He'd only met Uesugi Kagekatsu and Sanada Nobuyuki twice, yet he trusted them so much that he wouldn't even listen to him.

"Sanada Genzaburo is not someone to be underestimated."

Peishi City.

After Sanada Nobuyuki returned from Kaizu Castle, Sanada Masayuki also returned from Iwato Castle.

Sanada Masayuki returned with Sanada Nobutsuna's daughter, Sachi.

“Gensaburo, you’ve come back just in time. This is Koyuki, she will be your wife from now on.” Sanada Masayuki pointed to a petite and timid girl standing to the side.

Nobuyuki Sanada was born in Tsutsuzaki-kan, Kai Province, and lived in Kai Province as a hostage from a young age, so he never met Yuki.

Nobuyuki Sanada forced a smile and nodded at Sachi.

Xiaoxing quickly returned the greeting, then secretly glanced at Sanada Nobuyuki. Upon seeing Sanada Nobuyuki's imposing figure and handsome face, Xiaoxing couldn't help but feel shy, and her face turned bright red.

Then it got awkward.

The room fell silent instantly; none of them spoke, and they began to stare at each other.

“Father, there is something I must say. May we discuss it in the courtyard?” In the end, it was Sanada Nobuyuki who broke the silence first.

Seeing that Nobuyuki Sanada looked solemn, Masayuki Sanada nodded as well.

After the father and son arrived in the courtyard and sat down casually, Sanada Nobuyuki told Sanada Masayuki the whole story of what happened at Kaizu Castle.

“You did a great job. You not only saved Kaizu Castle, but also dispelled the Uesugi family’s doubts about the main family.”

“Sometimes, I think to myself, Genzaburo, you truly are a worthy descendant of the Sanada family. If your grandfather were still alive, how happy he would be right now.” Sanada Masayuki also looked up at the moon in the sky, seemingly thinking of Sanada Yukitaka again.

Indeed, the moon always evokes a sense of longing in people.

Sanada Nobuyuki then said, "Should we reconsider Koyuki's matter?"

"how?"

"Do you think Xiaoxing is not good enough for you?" Sanada Masayuki looked back into the room to make sure that Xiaoxing hadn't heard their conversation.

Nobuyuki Sanada quickly shook his head.

"it's not true."

After a moment's thought, Sanada Nobuyuki suddenly said, "Father, is your ambition to conquer these few counties in Shinano?"

"What do you mean by that?" Sanada Masayuki looked puzzled.

Sanada Nobuyuki quickly continued, "I know that if I marry Koyuki, not only can I stabilize my family, but I can also win over the Takanashi clan and bring Takai County under our control."

"But what about outside of Takai County and Koki County?"

"I once heard a saying: A great man is born between heaven and earth; how can he live a life of mediocrity and subservience to others for long!"

“Father, the world is vast, and it is not just Shinano Province. A few counties, or even Shinano, are not the end for my Sanada family, but rather the beginning of our main family.”

Sanada Masayuki was truly shocked this time. Did his son have such great ambitions?
From that moment on, he finally got to know his son for the first time.

"Gensaburo, you..."

Sanada Masayuki was somewhat reluctant to dampen Sanada Nobuyuki's ambitions. "My Sanada family only has a few tens of thousands of koku of land right now. Do you really want to follow Oda Nobunaga's example and unify the country?"

Do we, the Sanada family, even deserve it?

(End of this chapter)