The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

After all, all he needed to do was act as a witness, sit upright, watch both sides sign the oath together, pledge allegiance, and then drink the wine that had been "blessed by the gods and Buddhas."

Afterwards, Mimura Iechi laughed heartily without restraint, his joy overflowing. Although his power base was still very unstable, he could barely be considered a daimyo who had unified Japan.

Zhuang Weizi gave a bitter smile, a mixture of emotions. It was certainly painful to submit to the enemy, but by welcoming in their illegitimate son to inherit the family business, they had ultimately preserved the lineage passed down from their ancestors.

Besides, with the "envoy from the upper echelon" sent by the Hosokawa family, the shogunate's regent, as a witness, it was passable on the surface.

Kobayakawa Takakage, representing the Mori family, also attended the ceremony. After the proceedings concluded, he congratulated the Mimura family while comforting Sho Wei-tsuke, managing to keep both sides comfortable and quickly liven up the atmosphere—a testament to his tact and social skills.

Shinzaburo put on a solemn and dignified appearance, seemingly oblivious to the rise and fall of others.

Then Zhuang Weizi came over and asked a question: "Please forgive my ignorance, but I have never heard of the name 'Kubo' before. May I ask which country's 'inner servant' Lord Kubo Genban belongs to?"

That's a rather unwise question.

Deep down, Shinzaburo firmly believed that "heroes are not judged by their origins" and did not shy away from the fact that he came from an underground background.

However, the old man in front of me, named Zhuang Weizi, seemed to be a remnant of the old era. He was very proud of his family's hereditary status as the head of the household and kept reminiscing about the glorious days when he was highly valued by the Hosokawa family as a "Kanrei Naishu".

If we choose to tell the truth, it might not be a good idea; it might upset the old man who is already panting as he walks.

Shinzaburo then vaguely replied, "My great-great-grandfather was a wanderer who ended up in Kubo Village, Noguchi Township, Funai District, Tanba Province during the Onin War, so my family name is now Kubo."

This is certainly not a lie.

After all, it was Hosokawa Ujitsuna who personally told him this before they set off.

The Lord Commander's words are law, of course they are true!

Zhuang Weizi nodded in sudden realization, then wanted to ask further, "May I ask what your great-grandfather's name was? And where he came from...?"

But before he could finish speaking, Kobayakawa Takakage suddenly raised his voice and said loudly, "Gentlemen! Now that the matter is over, I propose that we all go to the nearby famous 'Myo-in Temple' to visit the widely praised 'Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva Statue' and 'Five-Storied Pagoda,' what do you say?"

Shinzaburo immediately responded with a smile, "That's exactly what I was thinking! Please lead the way, Lord Kobayakawa Nakatsu!"

This interruption prevented Zhuang Weizi from pursuing the matter further.

Looking up someone's family tree when you have nothing better to do is ultimately quite impolite.

Shinzaburo thought to himself, "This Kobayakawa Takakage is truly a diplomatic expert. He looks to be only in his early twenties, yet he is already worldly-wise and adept at navigating human relationships."

……

After the event ended, the business was over.

In principle, Shinzaburo could have already gone home to report.

However, Kobayakawa Takakage spoke up again, saying, "My father and two elder brothers are too busy with worldly affairs to come to Tomonoura in Bingo Province to welcome the envoy from above, which is a great pity. If Lord Kubo Genban would condescend to take the time to stay in Aki Province, the entire Mori family would surely feel honored."

In this era, there were no telephones, telegrams, or faxes, so diplomatic envoys could not report to their superiors in a timely manner when they went out. They could simply act according to the situation and arrange their itineraries at will.

Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo thought that being able to meet the "God of Schemes of the West" and the "Mori Brothers" as an "envoy from the capital" seemed like a very good experience. Besides, he needed to gather some intelligence about the West to brag about back home, and the Mori family's intelligence was obviously more valuable than that of the Mitsumura family of Bitchu or the Sho family.

He readily nodded in agreement.

Takakage Kobayakawa looked overjoyed and immediately made arrangements.

102 The Mori Brothers

Logically speaking, the Mori family's territory isn't very large at the moment.

The Sanyang Road is very long and narrow, and only the southern coastal area is relatively flat; the rest is deep mountains and forests, making transportation very difficult.

In order to visit Yoshida-Koriyama Castle, Shinzaburo first boarded a ship at Tomonoura and traveled about fifty kilometers by sea to reach Takehara Bay.

This is the old stronghold of the Kobayakawa family in Aki Province, currently controlled by Kobayakawa Takakage as his adopted son. The surrounding land is very barren, and commerce and fishing are not very developed, but many salt fields have been cultivated, and it is said that thousands of households make a living by boiling seawater and drying salt.

Therefore, the local residents seem to have a good standard of living and a good mental outlook.

After resting here for a day, we turned north by land, but the situation changed instantly.

Kobayakawa Takakage certainly wouldn't have deliberately caused trouble; he probably chose the widest mountain street, but it still felt like driving in circles deep in the mountains.

They stayed overnight at a small temple called "Mingshan Temple" and continued their journey the next day, but the situation was even worse.

We had now reached the heart of the Kibi Plateau. The terrain was undulating, and the area was sparsely populated. As far as the eye could see, there were only traces of wild animals. The calls of birds and beasts echoed through the valleys and hills, creating a unique atmosphere.

If you're looking for a relaxing trip, this might be a good option.

But Shinsaburo needed to get going.

As a monkey from Tanba Mountain, he thought he was used to towering mountains, but when he came to the west, he realized how difficult the truly rugged and steep mountain paths were.

The attendants were also panting heavily, exhausted and weary.

Kobayakawa Takakage appears gentle and refined, but he possesses remarkable stamina. Even on the mountain path, he still had the energy to repeatedly apologize, saying things like, "My humble abode is located in a remote and impoverished area, which is quite embarrassing. I am sorry to trouble the envoy from above!"

Shinzaburo was exhausted and couldn't complain to his face, so he forced a smile and said, "The Mori family built their castle in this strategically important place, so it must be impossible for one man to break through ten thousand. No wonder their business is so prosperous."

In response, Kobayakawa Takakage humbly replied, "The western region is barren and impoverished. Even if one could occupy a province, it would not be comparable to a single county in the Kinai region. The strife here is like the barking of dogs and the crowing of roosters; how can it be compared to the powerful states above?"

Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo couldn't help but laugh and say, "Kobayakawa Nakatsugu, why are you being so modest? In the northern part of your Aki Province, there is a man named Amago Shuri who has repeatedly claimed that he will lead the Western Provinces' gentry to Kyoto! Moreover, decades ago, the Ōuchi family did indeed rule Kyoto."

Kobayakawa Takakage maintained a very low profile, saying, "The Ōuchi and Amago families are both noble clans, and naturally possess extraordinary magnanimity. The Mōri family is merely a rural samurai, and even if they have achieved some success by chance, they dare not be arrogant."

To Shinzaburo, these words were merely an excessive self-deprecation.

He still felt that the Mori family held a significant place in his heart.

However, Kobayakawa Takakage's manner of speaking appeared very sincere, and if someone who did not know the situation saw it, they might actually develop a sense of contempt because of it.

……

After climbing mountains for two days, we finally arrived at the Mori family's stronghold, Yoshida-Koriyama Castle in Aki Province.

This is a city with a very strange appearance.

Since the Mori family was originally just a local rabble, their residence was merely a small mountain stronghold. Later, as their power expanded, they did not relocate, but instead continued to patch up and repair their old house.

What Shinzaburo saw was an irregular cluster of buildings pieced together from many courtyards of varying sizes and shapes. Some were made of earth and wood, others of stone, clearly products of several different eras, and the decorative styles of the roofs and walls were completely inconsistent.

What's most puzzling is that on two small hills, 500 meters apart to the north and south, there is a high point on each side, surrounded by many curved wheels, with large houses resembling palaces set up, making it difficult to tell which side is the main citadel.

Kobayakawa Takakage explained, "The south was my father's 'secluded residence,' while the north was my elder brother's 'family head's residence.'"

That's what happened.

Before arriving, Shinzaburo knew that Mori Motonari had already announced his retirement, handing over the reins to his eldest son, Mori Takamoto. However, it was actually a two-man government; routine military and political affairs were handled by Mori Takamoto, while major matters were still personally managed by Mori Motonari.

This was a common strategy adopted by powerful warlords during the Warring States period to ensure a smooth transition.

However, in many cases, the handover did not go smoothly and instead caused conflict between father and son.

Despite being exhausted, Shinzaburo followed etiquette and climbed the steps leading into the city to meet the person.

The Mori family members were already waiting in what was equivalent to the Ninomaru.

The unassuming middle-aged man with a small mustache at the head of the group is "Mori Takamoto, Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade, Commander of the Central Army," while the sprightly old man with sharp features next to him is "Mori Motonari, Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade, Right Horse Head."

These two men were legitimate officials appointed by the imperial court.

In addition, the stern and somewhat fierce-looking "Yoshikawa Jibu" is probably Yoshikawa Motoharu. Then there are "Fukuhara Sakon," "Shido Daizo," "Saka Shikibu," and others, all of whom are elderly senior retainers.

Hosokawa Ujitsuna had two handwritten letters, which Shinzaburo had originally given to Kobayakawa Takakage. Later, when he decided to visit Yoshida-Koriyama Castle, Kobayakawa Takakage returned them unopened. Now, it was only natural for Shinzaburo, as an "envoy from above," to deliver them to Mori Motonari and Mori Takamoto.

A round of pleasantries and formalities followed, of course.

It was already close to sunset, so a banquet was immediately held.

The atmosphere was initially harmonious, and both hosts and guests enjoyed themselves.

But after a few drinks, something unexpected happened.

Mori Motonari kept chatting with Shinzaburo, casually discussing important matters of the world. At the same time, he repeatedly emphasized that his family was located on the western border and was just an insignificant rural force, with absolutely no ambition to compete with the "nobles above."

The rhetoric was basically the same as what Takakage Kobayakawa had said.

Shinzaburo simply smiled and remained noncommittal.

Unexpectedly, Yoshikawa Motoharu across from him looked rather displeased. He picked up his cup and drank it all in one gulp. Suddenly, he stood up and said in a loud voice, "Please rest assured, Lord Hermit! Although the western country is barren and impoverished, unlike the Kinai and Kanto regions, the courage of our Aki-ro party will not be inferior to anyone else's."

Upon hearing this, Mori Motonari did not respond, but simply shook his head and said to Shinzaburo, "This young man is ignorant and arrogant, and has made the envoy from above laugh at him."

The atmosphere suddenly turned cold.

Then, Mori Takamoto, who had an unassuming appearance, stroked his mustache and coughed.

Seeing this, Yoshikawa Motoharu sat back down expressionlessly, bowed, and said coldly, "The sake today is unusually strong, and I have unknowingly become a little drunk. Please forgive me."

Mori Moto narrowed his eyes and said calmly, "Alcohol is indeed harmful; it's best to be moderate."

Previously, Kobayakawa Takakage, who had always appeared to be very adept at social interaction, was now eating with his head down, seemingly engrossed in his food and oblivious to everything else.

Then Mori Takamoto smiled, looked around, and said in a gentle voice, "Father was always wary of the slightest risk, and devoted himself to ensuring the family's continued prosperity; Junior Master Jiro was always tenacious and never lost his fighting spirit, no matter what disadvantage he was in. Both of these are the Mori family. Because of this, although we dare not attempt to compete with other powerful figures, we are still striving to survive in the western provinces."

"Shofujiro" is a common name for Yoshikawa Motoharu, a title used only by close friends and family.

Yoshikawa Motoharu remained silent for a moment, then knelt down and said sincerely, "Please forgive my rudeness!"

Mori Motonari also lowered his head and said softly, "What Bichu (Mori Takamoto) said is very true. Jibu (Kichikawa Motoharu)'s courage is the treasure of the Mori family."

At this moment, Shinzaburo finally found an opportunity to smooth things over, and said with a smile, "I have long heard of the reputation of the three Mori brothers. The eldest son wins people's hearts with benevolence, the second son has the courage of ten thousand men, and the youngest son is good at strategizing and winning battles from afar. The family has good successors, which is truly enviable."

As soon as he finished speaking, Mori Takamoto sighed, "Both of my younger brothers possess talents bestowed by heaven, while I, their elder brother, am just an ordinary person. Apart from constantly remembering the ancestral teachings and reminding everyone to unite, there's nothing else I can do."

Then Yoshikawa Motoharu and Kobayakawa Takakage both knelt on the ground, saying "I am terrified."

Shinzaburo then opportunely remarked, "Yoshikawa Jibu and Kobayakawa Nakatsugu are indeed outstanding individuals. However, the saying 'the best warriors achieve no great feats' probably refers to Lord Mori Bitchu!"

After some lighthearted banter, the atmosphere at the banquet returned to its lively state.

However, Shinzaburo couldn't forget that little incident.

The political landscape of the Mori family is quite different from what I imagined.

For someone like Mori Motonari, who built his fortune single-handedly, to be openly contradicted by his second son suggests that his prestige isn't as unshakeable as it seems. Meanwhile, Mori Takamoto, a figure largely forgotten in later generations, is surprisingly important.

Based on his knowledge from his previous life, Mori Motonari seemed to regard "Don't aspire to conquer the world" as a mantra, and even wrote it in his will, instructing his grandson Terumoto not to forget it.

This matches what I've seen and heard today.

103 Long Yuan of Earth Seat

That night, in the luxurious bathroom of the Mori family, Shinzaburo was served by two servants who scrubbed his back, washing away his fatigue and feeling refreshed and comfortable before going to the guest room for a good night's sleep.

The next day, he was taken to the "secluded residence" in Yoshida-Koriyama Castle and talked with the old man.

Mori Motohiro immediately said, "The younger generation are all doing their jobs, while I am just an idle man. It has been many years since I have seen an envoy from above. Today I only wish to have a long talk with you all day long. I hope you will not take offense."

Shinzaburo, of course, had no objections. He actually quite wanted to have a chat with this elderly "God of Schemes of the West".

This can be considered convenient for both public and private purposes.

Mōri Motonari seemed very interested in the situation in the Kinai region, and inquired in detail about recent events.

Shinzaburo was also eager to learn about the specific situation in the western country.

Both of them adopted an attitude of being open and honest with each other.

Of course, they wouldn't actually tell the truth; they would only deliberately interpret it in a way that benefits themselves.

Shinzaburo introduced the recent battle situation in various provinces of the Kinai region, highlighting three points: the Miyoshi family's invincibility, Hosokawa Ujitsuna's popular support, and Ashikaga Yoshiteru's stubbornness.

Mori Motonari gave a general account of the war history of the western region over the past two or three decades, and always referred to himself as the leader of the "Kokujin Ikki" (National Uprising).

In essence, he meant that he had little ambition and did not believe he had the legal right to rule a region. It was only because the powerful families of the Imperial Household and Amago had committed so many evil deeds, causing unwarranted damage to the interests of the people in various regions, that he, as an elder, felt compelled to step forward and help everyone seek justice.

When Shinzaburo first heard Kobayakawa Takakage say such things, he just scoffed at it, thinking it was nothing more than a hypocritical statement about wanting to maintain a virtuous image while being a hypocrite.

However, at the banquet yesterday evening, Yoshikawa Motoharu, under the influence of alcohol, expressed his dissatisfaction and was then ridiculed by Mori Motonari, forcing Mori Takamoto to smooth things over. The whole process was baffling.

The incident occurred in front of a group of retainers, so it cannot be simply interpreted as "a performance for outsiders."

Even if it's just acting, acting to this extent will inevitably have a negative impact on internal morale.

After much thought, the only explanation is that Mori Motonari's excessive displays of pettiness in public did indeed provoke discontent among many of his radical retainers. And Yoshikawa Motoharu, as the leader of the "hawks," would occasionally express these sentiments on behalf of his subordinates.

Sometimes, having an outlet for venting can actually prevent resentment from building up.

Whether Yoshikawa Motoharu himself really had such a big problem with his father is not important.

So, when Mori Motonari began to say, "I'm truly sorry for the accident last night. It's all because I failed to raise my son properly,"...

Shinzaburo replied with a smile, "I once heard a doctor say that if a disease is on the skin, although it may look very obvious, it is not actually serious. What is truly frightening is when the hidden danger is deep inside, but on the surface it appears calm and normal."

Upon hearing this, Mori Motonari glanced at him and smiled, subtly changing the subject and asking a new question: "Lord Kubo Genban, as an envoy from the capital, you must have discovered many differences from the Kinai region during your stay in the western country."

Shinzaburo nodded, expressing his genuine feelings: "I come from Tanba and thought I was used to rugged mountain roads. I didn't expect that the continuous mountain ranges in the western country are even more difficult to pass than Tanba. In addition, the San'yō and San'in regions are both long and narrow, making it a truly unique environment."