I am practicing in the Nianghua Warring States Period

"?What?"

"She is pregnant too."

"ah!?!?"

Children are like cockroaches. Once you see one, the next ones will appear one after another.

Chapter 195: Mino Strategy (1)

Three full months passed, and by August, the autumn winds were howling, and the crops had been harvested.

My dear brother-in-law, Mr. Saito Yoshitatsu, spent the autumn harvest in fear less than a year after he usurped the throne. During this year, he witnessed how shameless the Oda family members who were able to cheat were, and how they captured the Daiheng Castle in Nishi Mino despite the death of their father.

He also experienced Imagawa Yoshimoto's ascent to Kyoto.

This feeling is similar to watching Godzilla destroy Japan. Although it is cool, the next one might be you.

Then I heard that Imagawa Yoshimoto was stabbed to death in Owari a few days later.

Although this feeling is very cool, it feels like the one who killed Godzilla was Shi Tiankong - he would still die anyway.

My brother-in-law, Beidou Xinwei, is simply an animal! No, even worse than an animal! More than 40,000 people, and you, old man, stabbed Imagawa Yoshimoto in front of so many people?

You really stabbed the other person to death!

Considering the tragedy in Daheng City less than a year ago, it seemed that it was his brother-in-law who led the troops and took down Daheng City in just one day, even though the city had no defenses but should not have fallen in one day.

We will review the existing strategies of competitors and study the potential for diversification and transformation through differentiated channels. We will also conduct a comprehensive commercial analysis of their traffic dividends and categorize their product iterations based on their niche-reduction efforts in the ecological counter-attack.

Saito Yoshitatsu had a clear understanding of one issue: First, if he were to fight Beidou Xinwei, he would either choose a large, intensive battle on the plains, placing extremely high demands on all his subordinates. His headquarters must be located behind at least 10,000 troops, and these 10,000 must be stacked in layers. Beidou Xinwei couldn't be left alone facing 10 to 50 opponents, where the enemy would be most vulnerable! If Beidou Xinwei appeared, the simplest strategy would be a massed charge of spearmen, surrounding and destroying him in waves! He couldn't be allowed to use his invincibility! He had to deliver a hard-hitting performance!

Second, if stacking the plains isn't an option—then defend the city! Defend the city with overwhelming force. At worst, I can plant explosives in the castle tower and set the entire city on fire! I don't want this city anymore. Watch me purify everything with flames! Send one of you to the sky!

There is no other way to deal with it in such an extreme way.

This was the result of a discussion between Saito Yoshitatsu and the Mino Three - if the battle line was not narrowed, everyone would die.

The Saito clan desperately realized a problem: we might be facing the real Overlord of Western Chu from the Book of Han—the kind with brainless power. Waiting for a version nerf would take at least thirty to fifty years, so we'd better wait until the version is over.

One terrifying night after another passed, and in the blink of an eye, three months had passed since the end of Okehazama.

The Oda family did nothing?

--------------

"Well, okay, let's do as you say and resolve all these issues."

Beidou Xinwei has slacked off.

After another monthly routine meeting in Gunye City, some people began to become worried.

Several of Oda Nobuhime's retainers were sent to serve under Hokuto Nobuyasu, and the main family base was the fiefdom of several direct retainers near Nagoya Castle, and other important retainers were exchanged for fiefdoms.

"Okay, that's basically it for now. Nothing else? Let's adjourn the meeting--"

"Hey, lord, don't go."

Suddenly, a voice rang out—a rather abrupt, somewhat cynical voice. Normally, someone would have rebuked them, but now it seemed to be accepted as the truth. It was unclear whether it was because the meeting had ended or something else.

"Hmm? Keiji?" Beidou Xinwei looked at the general kneeling beside him with a grin on his face, and said with a look that looked like he wanted to be beaten: "If you have something to say, say it quickly."

Fart quickly.

"Yes, yes, yes." Seeing that Beidou Xinwei was a little impatient, Maeda Keiji continued to ask with a smile: "My lord, since the bloody battle three months ago, our family seems to have been completely silent. This seems... well, everyone is itching to do something. Do you think we can make any big moves against the Saito family?"

"Yes, my lord—it seems that our family has never rested for such a long time..."

"Yeah, yeah."

Because of their military exploits, these people all rose to higher ranks and became wealthy, especially thanks to the Battle of Okehazama. Hokuto Nobumi had many retainers under his command, and not only did all of them receive promotions, they also discovered the secret to wealth!

Follow the monster-like lord and you can pick up military merits wherever you go!

"...The Book of Han says: Build high walls, store abundant food, and wait to claim the throne—" Beidou Xinwei looked at the warmongers before him and suddenly gave a dismissive sneer. "In the past, Emperor Gaozu secured Guanzhong, and Emperor Guangwu held Henei. Both of them had deep roots and a strong foundation to control the world. They were able to defeat the enemy when advancing and hold their ground when retreating. Therefore, despite setbacks and defeats, they ultimately achieved great success. I'm giving you this time to develop your territory. I have other plans. What's the matter? You don't want to?"

Beidou Xinwei glared.

Everyone below was instantly trembling with fear.

Before Okehazama, Hokuto Nobuya's rule at home was somewhat problematic. While no one explicitly stated it, everyone felt that such a young man had made significant contributions. But Oda Nobuhime actually gave him Furuno Castle. Wasn't that a bit excessive?

The Battle of Okehazama cleared out all dissenting voices from the Hokuto family and even the Oda family.

Beidou Nobuyoshi's influence in all situations was so high that even Oda Nobuhime had to give him some respect, not to mention the rest of the family. As for the Beidou family, especially the Faction of Military Honor, they all followed Beidou Nobuyoshi's lead. He glared, and everyone trembled with fear.

"How dare we, your humble servants..." Even the usually naughty Maeda Keiji lowered his head.

"That's it." Beidou Xinwei nodded, then stood up. "Continue to implement the policies I've given you. Dismiss the meeting."

"Boom!"

Beidou Xinwei's son knocked on the tatami with the handle of his sword, which was a sign to adjourn the meeting.

Beidou Xinwei is floating.

There was no way around it. This was the true portrayal of workers in later generations—even authors who wrote to earn a dollar per word would, when laziness struck, slack off for a long time. And what about hard work with no immediate results? Beidou Xinwei didn't like it, so he simply gave in to his laziness. Because of his high prestige in the family, there was no one to advise him. Oda Nobuhime didn't dare to come over and push too hard.

"My Lord, where are we going next?"

Who are the people around Beidou Xinwei who serve as his juniors?

The Mori sisters.

Miss Mori Ranmaru, Miss Mori Bomaru, and Miss Mori Rikimaru—these three sisters were now the concubines of Hokuto Nobuyoshi, having directly taken their father away from the deadly Oda Nobuhime. Their eldest brother and father were both retainers under Hokuto Nobuyoshi, so it was natural for these girls to be concubines.

"Next... come with me on a business trip. Let's go to Mino quietly!"

Chapter 196: The Third Visit? —Who are you trying to scam?

At dawn, a thin mist lingered as Beidou Xinwei and his group entered a forest outside Daheng City. Sunlight filtered through the lush treetops, casting a dappled pattern of light and shadow. Here and there, traces of the battle from over half a year ago still lingered.

All around, towering ancient trees stood tall, their mottled bark bearing witness to countless years of change, seemingly bearing the marks of various swords and knives. Beidou Xinwei noticed a large stump, likely the remains of a tree felled as a battering ram; he had personally led a team to carry the wood. The air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and green leaves, devoid of the scent of blood, and every breath was refreshing.

"Ah, wonderful." Beidou Xinwei breathed in a few moments outside Daheng City. The mountain scenery was soothing to the birds, like the sound of nature. After Beidou Xinwei walked out of the forest path, he said to his followers with emotion: "Autumn is indeed better than spring."

"My lord, please keep your voice down. It's easy for people to find you like this. Didn't we come out secretly?" A twelve-year-old girl grabbed Beidou Xinwei's arm and said anxiously on tiptoe with tears in her eyes.

"Ranmaru, don't be afraid." Beidou Xinwei patted the other's head. This time he brought three children out for the trip.

This is bullying! The three sisters of the Sen family are so young, but no matter how young they are, they are still over twelve years old! Don't think that 12-year-olds don't know anything. Children aged seven or eight know how to wash clothes, cook, take care of children, and do housework, and even open up wasteland and farm! In ancient times, the age of seven was a threshold for having children. Before the age of seven, they were weak and could easily die in the slightest disturbance. They were considered negative assets. After the age of seven, children were really treated like adults - having one more child meant an additional labor force.

Look, the cute, headless 12-year-old girl in front of you is being patted on the head by Beidou Xinwei. Little does she know that she has been sold by Beidou Xinwei and is helping him count the money.

"Aren't we already in Daheng City?"

"My lord, didn't you say you'd sneak out?" Mori Ranmaru had been riding on the same horse with Beidou Xinwei the entire way. The 12-year-old girl was 5 feet 40 inches tall. This was all thanks to the various protein and calcium supplements Beidou Xinwei had been giving her. But she still stood 30 centimeters taller than Beidou Xinwei. "My lord, if the elders knew about this, I'd be in big trouble! I was so stupid, really. I should have reported it to Madam Guidie right away! Tell her you'd run away..."

"Hahaha, it's too late to regret now—Ranmaru, just take the blame for me from now on. I'll definitely benefit from you. Besides… I sneaked out this time because I had a mission."

The defense of Daheng Castle was entrusted to the Oda clan general, Shibata Katsuie.

After all, before Hokuto Nobuyoshi, Shibata Sr. was considered the Oda Clan's leading force. Since the arrival of Hokuto Nobuyoshi, the second-in-command, who was neither first in literature nor second in martial arts, has been deemphasized. This time, the task of defending Daheng City has been assigned directly to him—though he won't necessarily be there all the time. He still needs to hand over responsibility to the others during the rotation.

For example, Beidou Xinwei is here now.

Shibata Katsuie went out to greet him directly, and when he received the news, Hokuto Nobuo was almost at the palace.

"Your Highness, Settsu no Kami, you're here! Why didn't you tell us?" Shibata Katsuie bowed to Hokuto Nobuyuki with a beaming face, then changed his expression and scolded the young man beside him, "Why didn't you tell us earlier?"

Then, with a smile on his face, he said to Beidou Xinwei, "Don't blame me, Your Highness. Please come in quickly."

"This is my unexpected visit. I'm sorry to trouble you, Lord Xiu Liliang." Beidou Xinwei also smiled and said, "I hope you will forgive me for disturbing you so much."

The two of them excused each other and went inside, with Kitado Nobuyoshi sitting at the guest table. Shibata Katsuie hurriedly ordered the preparation of food and drinks, starting with some chilled radish strips and sake to refresh them, and Shibata Katsuie personally filled Kitado Nobuyoshi's glass.

"I wonder why His Highness Settsu no Kami has come here?"

"I've come to explore Mino." Beidou Xinwei took a sip of tea. After so long in Japan, he'd grown accustomed to serving radish to distinguished guests. Unlike the Taiga dramas, these samurai still prepared radish with care. For example, Shibata Katsuie's ice-cold radish was quite good. It was indeed cool and refreshing, and seemed to have a little sugar sprinkled on it. "I hope Master Xiuliliang can help me."

"Oh?" Shibata Katsuie's eyes lit up when he heard the news. In fact, when Beidou Xinwei suddenly appeared in Daheng City, at the forefront of the battle, he had already had some suspicions. Now this idea was confirmed. Shibata Katsuie was also a military hero. He asked excitedly, "Excuse me, Your Highness, are you going to attack the Saito family..."

"Ah, no hurry, no hurry. I came here this time to do some small things..."

Beidou Xinwei suddenly remembered something and said, "To the northwest of Daheng City, there is a town. The man who enfeoffed him is named Takenaka, is that true?"

"Yes, that is indeed the territory of the Takenaka family." Nodding, Shibata Katsuie said, "The lord of Bodhiyama Castle, Takenaka Shigemoto, passed away not long ago. His son, Takenaka Hanbei Shigeharu, has inherited the business and is quite famous. I wonder if Your Highness...?"

"You and I came together." Beidou Xinwei waved his hand and said something.

You call him over.

In history, at least in the history of the Toyotomi family, the monkey invited Takenaka Hanbei to come out of the mountains with the "three visits", and named Takenaka Hanbei as his Zhuge Kongming.

Zhuge Liang's rise to prominence in history came with Liu Bei, a series of historical events aside. He elevated Liu Bei, a lifelong wanderer, from village chief to provincial governor, managing diplomatic and logistical matters with unimaginable skill. Zhuge's ability to govern Shu was unparalleled, like a true master. Liu Bei's group, relying on a single state, could keep millions of people in the Central Plains from disarming. His military prowess was so impressive that he used a small force to defeat a large one, turning Sima Xuanwang, known for his aggressive nature, into a close-quarters, transvestite.

This is a character who is well-known in Chinese history and even in world history, with almost perfect qualities, character and abilities.

This is purely a scam by Hanbei Takenaka, but since he has done it, it shows that he still has something to scam.

But you want me to invite you with the "three visits" ceremony? ... Show some sincerity.

In history, Takenaka Hanbei was very arrogant.

"Okay, leave it to me." Shibata Katsuie nodded, indicating that it was no problem! I'll call this person for you.

————————————————————

That afternoon.

The dusty Takenaka Hanbei rode at full speed to Daheng City to meet Beidou Xinwei.

He doesn't have the airs of a celebrity, nor does he put on airs. He's a single man, and he knows who he can and can't act cool with.

"Greetings, His Highness Hokuto Settsu-no-mikoto."

What is the "three visits" gift? Shouldn't the "three visits" gift mean that I go to your company three times to apply for an offer?

Chapter 197: Mino Strategy (3) All Tactics Change...?

Takenaka Hanbei looked considerably thinner than he had been six months earlier. Despite his youth, his demeanor resembled that of a college student who spends their days cramming homework until dawn—well-read, easily shattered, yet incredibly difficult to kill.

"Greetings, Your Highness Settsu-no-kami. It is truly an honor to receive your summons."

Don't say anything about everyone serving their own masters.

During the Warring States Period, visiting the homes of rival factions was commonplace. In the feudal era, the concept of nation-states was largely absent, with most cases limited to a "sphere of influence." This was especially true for feudal lords, as the Oda clan's sphere of influence encompassed the Takenaka clan's living space, making their relationship with the Saito clan even more distant.

"I'm also very happy to see you. It's been nearly half a year since we last met." Beidou Xinwei looked at Takenaka Hanbei's expression.

He was so pale, a bit like a man with kidney deficiency.

Zhuge died at 54, having overextended himself and ultimately died of exhaustion. Hanbei Takenaka died at 36, primarily due to lung disease—tuberculosis.

Before the invention of penicillin, there was no cure and 36 years old was considered a long life.

"Judging from your complexion and demeanor, you seem unwell." Beidou Xinwei looked at him and asked with concern, "Do you have something to hide?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I do feel a little unwell," Takenaka Hanbei replied respectfully, "but it's nothing serious."

In Takenaka Hanbei's family, neither his father nor his son had tuberculosis. He was the only one who had tuberculosis, which suggests it was probably an infectious disease, not a hereditary one.

"Everyone knows that my wife, Kikyo, is a skilled doctor, a contemporary miracle healer. But in reality... I'm not bad either." Beidou Xinwei extended his hand and waved it, saying, "There's no point in talking too much. It's better to keep it to yourself. Could you please let me take your pulse?"

"Well... then I'll trouble you, Your Highness." Takenaka Hanbei was stunned for a moment, considering that the other party shouldn't have to go through so much trouble to kill him. He was hiding in his own castle and would be killed in 24 hours. There was no need to be called here to see a doctor before being killed -

"Um... um... what did the previous doctor say?" Beidou Xinwei nodded, and then began to ask what the previous doctor said.

"I asked Mr. Deben, a skilled practitioner from the East, to examine me. He said I was born weak and lacked natural talent. This was compounded by my lack of discipline in martial arts training. Worry, fatigue, and chronic illness weakened my body, leading to a depletion of vital energy. This was an internal cause.

Externally infected by tuberculosis, the pathogenic bacteria take advantage of the opportunity to enter and cause illness. The disease is located in the lungs, which are responsible for breathing and receive air from the sky, inhaling clear air and exhaling turbid air. If the lungs are deficient in qi, the defenses against external diseases are not strong, the water channels are not properly regulated, the clearing and expelling are not normal, and hoarseness and hoarseness occur.

Oh, I see, tuberculosis.

There is no need to be afraid of tuberculosis, as it becomes less contagious after the infectious period.

While there's no historical record of anyone from the Monkey Camp dying from the infection, the Monkey himself was alive and kicking around Takenaka Hanbei for a long time. Even after Takenaka Hanbei's death, he still clung around for decades. But... you still have to stay away. Come back after you're cured!

"To others, my illness is incurable." Takenaka Hanbei smiled calmly and said, "But what does fate have to do with me? I've already let it go."

"Others can't cure it, but I'm absolutely certain of it." Beidou Xinwei said as he took out a...

Isoniazid.