The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 57

107 Return Trip

The Mori family spent six or seven days conducting a thorough search of Itsukushima, leaving no grove or cave unchecked.

The final tally of results is quite astonishing.

Four thousand eight hundred were beheaded and three thousand were captured!

The figures may be somewhat inflated, but the difference shouldn't be too significant.

Because the enemy soldiers had no way out except to jump into the water to survive.

Moreover, the closest point on Itsukushima Island to the coast is two or three kilometers away, and there is a possibility of encountering the Mori or Murakami navy along the way. The possibility of swimming to safety by manpower is really not high.

The Ōuchi family may have truly lost eight thousand men.

Even considering "statistical principles," there are at least five thousand.

Such a high figure was extremely rare throughout the entire Warring States period.

After all, the consensus among peasants and soldiers regarding war in those days was nothing more than plundering when the wind was favorable and exploiting when it was unfavorable. Generally speaking, victory or defeat had more to do with changes in morale than with directly altering the balance of power between the two sides.

The Battle of Itsukushima will become an exception.

The Ōuchi clan physically lost hundreds of samurai and thousands of soldiers, jeopardizing the very foundation of their rule.

Several years ago, Tao Qingxian, citing the head of his household, Yoshitaka Ouchi, as "incompetent and corrupt, employing treacherous officials," launched a coup to seize power. Now, as the one in charge, he has lost so thoroughly that he is destined to be infamous for eternity.

This man committed suicide on the night of his defeat and ordered his followers to hide his head.

However, his head was still found by the Mori family.

After the war ended, Mori Motonari ordered all the corpses to be transported to the other side of the sea for a "head search" on land. He also donated a large sum of money to Itsukushima Shrine to hold an exorcism ceremony to purify the "filthy things" from the desecration.

Itsukushima was considered a sacred site by the locals in ancient times, a place where they could communicate with the gods. Theoretically, even women who were menstruating had to temporarily leave.

Not to mention the outbreak of such a large-scale bloody battle.

Therefore, the local priest angrily commented: "Tao Qingxian, such a traitor, committed the sin of murdering his lord in the past, and now he has offended the gods. His current fate is too good for him!"

To appease the religious personnel, Mori Motonari allowed them to take whips and beat Tao Qingxian's corpse.

After all this is done, it's time to reward those who have made contributions.

The Mishima navy were not retainers of the Mori clan, but allies. The main reason they were persuaded by Kobayakawa Takakage to join the war was that there were credible indications that Tao Qingxian wanted to try to abolish the "toll" in the Seto Inland Sea.

In return for their gratitude, Motohiro Mori promised that they could retain the right to collect tolls within the Mori family's control.

The issue of gift money wasn't mentioned.

It seems that the Mori clan has not yet been able to control the Iwami Silver Mine, and compared to the Mishima Navy which collects tolls, it's hard to say who is richer and who is poorer.

Next was the former Ōuchi clan's naval commander, the Mōji, who led dozens of warships in a defection. They received the "new favor" of 1,000 kan of taka.

This figure of one thousand kan was derived from a very crude land survey method used by the Ouchi family in the past. Shinzaburo didn't really know the exact amount of land or the yield.

The various members of the Mori clan, led by Naoyuki Kibi, who defended Itsukushima Palace, were each rewarded according to their achievements.

Originally, Nomi Munekatsu should have been credited for persuading the Mishima navy to join the fight, but since he was a retainer of the Kobayakawa family, strictly speaking, Mori Motonari had no right to reward or punish him.

Then, as is customary, an indispensable banquet was held.

Shinzaburo was also invited to participate.

This joyous gathering was hosted by Takamoto Mori. Everyone was very happy, and after toasting each other, they danced traditional Western folk dances or played sumo wrestling.

Well, no one seems to be trying to organize a song festival or a Chinese poetry writing event.

However, amidst the pleasant atmosphere, Mori Moto remained alone in an inconspicuous corner, his expression calm, hardly drinking any alcohol, and quietly eating his food in small bites.

When retainers went to apologize for pre-war misunderstandings or offer congratulations and compliments, they received rather cold responses.

Shinzaburo went up to him to offer a toast, explaining that he was leaving the next day and hoped to have a drink with him.

Mori Moto then picked up the wine dish.

Slightly tipsy, Shinzaburo bluntly stated, "I have never seen a commander-in-chief who has defeated a powerful enemy be so gloomy at a victory celebration banquet. Lord Mori Norimayaku is indeed different from ordinary people."

Mori Motonari frowned and remained silent for a moment, then sighed and said, "Lord Kubo Genban is an outsider who is about to leave, so there are some things we can say. The Ōuchi Army Vice-General Hironaka Mikawa-no-kami who died in this battle was a loyal and upright man, and also an old friend of mine, yet we had to plot his murder. On the contrary, Sugimori Ukyo-suke, who turned against us, this greedy and despicable man, must be treated with favor. This is really nothing to be happy about."

Shinzaburo paused for a moment, then laughed and said, "If I were to spread these words, wouldn't that be disastrous? Especially what would that villain, Sugimichi Ukyo Akira, think?"

"It's alright." Mori Motonari said calmly, "I don't say this in front of my retainers not because I care about anyone's opinion, but simply to avoid making them panic. The Mori family has always only feared me, not respected me."

Shinzaburo thought to himself, "Then you should at least act like a normal person!"

But I was afraid he would turn on me, so I had no way out.

I just want to turn back as soon as possible and don't want any more trouble to happen.

……

Fortunately, there were no further setbacks.

The next day, as previously stated, Mori Takamoto personally escorted Shinzaburo off the coast of Kusatsu Castle, where he boarded a spacious large ship and was escorted by twenty elite sailors.

At the same time, letters and gifts were delivered to Hosokawa Ujitsuna and Miyoshi Nagayoshi.

And a small cloth bag, which he said was an apology.

Shinzaburo reached out and took the bag, only to find that although it was small in size, it was quite heavy.

I opened it and took a peek inside; it was full of silver.

Mori Takamoto smiled wryly and said, "My father's behavior the other day was truly too offensive. Here are a hundred silver coins as a token of my apology."

Shinzaburo estimated that the bag of silver was worth about 120 to 130 kan.

He casually remarked, "The Mori family is quite generous."

Mori Takamoto shook his head and said, "The family accounts have always been clear, but this expenditure is a bit embarrassing to mention and cannot be included. The hundred silver coins came from my private treasury, so please don't mention it to the rest of the Mori family, Lord Kubo Genban."

Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Lord Bitchu...you are truly a benevolent man."

Mori Takamoto bowed and said, "I don't know if we will have the chance to meet again in the future. If Lord Kubo Genban thinks that I have any merit, please be kind to the Mori family in the future."

Shinzaburo said in surprise, "The Mori clan is a daimyo who has occupied Aki and Bingo provinces, and now they have defeated the Ōuchi clan. They are on a roll. I am just a messenger. To say that you would 'show mercy' is truly frightening."

Mori Takamoto smiled frankly and said respectfully, "When my grandfather passed away years ago, it was said that the Mori family was on the verge of collapse and was just one step away from being wiped out. Who could have predicted that things would turn around like this? Fortune is so mysterious. I only regard the current family business as a gift from the gods and Buddhas, and it may be taken back at any time."

Shinzaburo finally said calmly, "Then may we all be blessed by the gods and Buddhas, and may our martial arts prosper forever!"

108 No one understands the West better than me.

Shinzaburo, aboard the Mori family's ship, continued sailing along the Seto Inland Sea and soon arrived at Watanabe-tsu in the Kinai region.

It was mid-October, about ten days after the Battle of Itsukushima.

Upon disembarking, Shinzaburo noticed that many soldiers from the Miyoshi family were stationed on the dock, and some samurai were looking around, seemingly searching for someone.

He thought they were probably chasing some notorious bandit, so he didn't pay much attention.

Unexpectedly, a moment later, a middle-aged male voice was heard asking from nearby: "That tall guy over there, isn't that Lord Kubo Genban?"

Then a young boy immediately replied, "That's right, that's exactly it!"

Shinzaburo was immediately taken aback.

Why is someone looking for me?

Looking in the direction of the sound, one saw a middle-aged samurai and a young samurai, both dressed in light blue Wu clothing, their faces seemingly familiar.

Upon closer reflection, I remembered.

These are Noma Nagahisa, a highly trusted magistrate of Miyoshi Nagayoshi, and his son, Noma Yasuhisa.

During the last expedition to Harima, these two were responsible for issuing "prohibition orders" and "safety certificates" to temples and shrines in the newly conquered territories. Shinzaburo had encountered them before, so he had some recollection of them.

The father and son quickly approached.

Noma Hisahisa bowed and said, "Lord Kubo Genban, you must be tired from your journey! Was it a pleasant one?"

Shinzaburo smiled and said, "Thanks to your blessing, everything is peaceful and safe."

After exchanging only a few pleasantries, Noma Hisahisa nodded and eagerly got to the point, saying, "During the Battle of Itsukushima, Lord Kubo Genban must have been a guest at the Mori family's residence, right? I heard you went with the army?"

Shinzaburo sighed, "This is a long story... Is this why Lord Noma came?"

“Indeed.” Noma Hisahisa said very solemnly, “Both Hosokawa Ukyo and Miyoshi Chikuzen are very concerned about the changes in the western provinces. Although they have sent scouts to investigate, I think no one has more information than Lord Kubo Genban.”

Now I understand.

It turns out that so many people were waiting at the dock because they wanted to find the person in question as soon as possible and bring them to the two important figures for questioning.

Considering the matter of etiquette, Shinzaburo hesitated somewhat: "I have just disembarked, I am travel-worn and my clothes are disheveled, I am afraid it is not appropriate for me to meet with you two sirs."

Noma Hisahisa was taken aback upon hearing this, but immediately shook his head and smiled, "No need to worry about such trivial matters! Both of you are eager to obtain the information as soon as possible, so please, Kubo Genban, accompany me on my journey immediately."

Shinzaburo then asked, "Where are those two gentlemen now?"

Noma Hisahisa replied, “Both of you are at Akutagawa Castle, which is two days’ journey from here. But I have prepared enough horses and carriages, and we will arrive in a few hours.”

Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo realized that Hosokawa Ujitsuna and Miyoshi Nagayoshi were genuinely anxious.

It seems that the news of the Battle of Itsukushima has indeed attracted a lot of attention.

……

Akutagawa Castle is located in the eastern part of Settsu Province, not far from Kyoto.

Theoretically speaking, this place is Miyoshi Nagayoshi's current residence, which is equivalent to the Miyoshi family's current main city.

However, its scale is not particularly outstanding; it is just an ordinary mountain town with a radius of several hundred meters.

This is because Miyoshi Nagayoshi frequently changed his residence, so there was no need to expend too much energy on construction. Initially, when he inherited the family business, his residence was in Katsuzui Castle in Awa Province; then, after obtaining the authority of the governor of Nishi-Settsu Province, he moved to Koshimizu Castle in western Settsu Province; later, after further expanding his power and controlling Kyoto, he moved to Akutagawa Castle.

Aside from him, other daimyo who were particularly keen on changing the location of their castles included Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

From this perspective, it seems that constantly changing one's base according to actual needs is a common trait among successful people.

Accompanied by Noma Hisashi and his son Yasuhisa, Shinzaburo arrived at the Honmaru of Akutagawa Castle for the first time. It seemed unremarkable, on par with Yagi Castle, the residence of the Naito family, the guardians of Tanba.

However, as the saying goes, "A mountain is not famous because of its height, but because of the immortals who dwell there. Water is not sacred because of its depth, but because of the dragons that inhabit it."

The thought of being able to have a close chat with "Japan's Vice-King" Miyoshi Nagayoshi makes me feel that Akutagawa Yamashiro is better than Yagishiro.

Although Noma Hisahisa said that the two lords were eager to know the information, when they arrived at the gate of the palace, they were told by a close attendant: "Don't panic, it's not too late to take a bath and change your clothes first."

So, with the attentive service of the two servants, he went to the bathhouse and enjoyed a relaxing massage.

After washing and changing his clothes, he went to pay his respects feeling refreshed.

As they entered the hall, they saw not only Hosokawa Ujitsuna and Miyoshi Nagayoshi, but also the second-generation Miyoshi Yoshioki, Matsunaga Hisahide, Miyoshi Nagayasu, and other important retainers, as well as a dozen or so samurai of slightly lower rank.

Koizumi, Fujioka, and Tsuda, whom I had seen before at Yodoko Castle, were also there.

The senior leadership of the Samho regime has been largely assembled.

Upon arrival, he first bowed and greeted them, then handed over the letters from the Mori family to Hosokawa Ujitsuna and Miyoshi Nagayoshi.

Hosokawa Ujitsuna, however, did not rush to read it, but spoke first: "There are rumors all over the place that I helped the Mori clan defeat the Ōuchi clan. This is somewhat unexpected."

Shinzaburo quickly bowed and apologized, saying, "It was all my oversight; I didn't expect to be taken advantage of by the Mori family."

Hosokawa Ujitsuna shook his head and smiled, "It's alright, it's alright. This is not bad news for me."

At this moment, Miyoshi Nagayoshi calmly asked, "I heard that during the Battle of Itsukushima, Kubo Genban was stationed at the Mori army's main camp the whole time?"

Shinzaburo lay prostrate on the ground, saying in a terrified tone, "That's true. But actually... it was forced upon him by the Mori family."

“Just as I thought.” Miyoshi Nagayoshi said calmly, “Mori Noriyuki is very good at using external things.”

Then, the youngest, Yoshihiko Miyoshi, couldn't help but lean forward and eagerly ask, "If that's the case, then Genban Kubo must know the details of the Battle of Itsukushima very well?"

Shinzaburo pondered for a moment before cautiously replying, "I was not on the front lines and did not witness it firsthand. However, I was near the Mori no Kōshū's stables, so I heard all the reports from the envoys."

"Excellent! That's even more suitable than the front lines!" Yoshiaki Miyoshi exclaimed, then immediately pressed, "Did the Mori clan really defeat tens of thousands of Ōuchi troops with only four or five thousand men? And even take the head of Suzuo no Hari?"

“Uh… Tao Weizhang’s head was indeed taken. But the actual situation of the battle…” Shinzaburo sorted out his thoughts and slowly explained: “The Ouchi army should only have been less than 20,000, and part of them went to Itsukushima to attack the Mori clan’s Miyano Castle, while the other part remained on the shore. Although the Mori clan only mobilized more than 5,000 people, they did not conscript any untrustworthy local lords, and they assembled only elite soldiers and generals.”

"So the gap between the two sides wasn't that big after all." Yoshiyuki Miyoshi's expression relaxed a little.

At this moment, Matsunaga Hisahide spoke up: "Even so, the fighting strength of the Mori army should not be underestimated!"

Miyoshi Nagayoshi nodded and said, "Indeed. Perhaps we need to change our view of the Western Country in the future."

These two political rivals didn't engage in any covert competition today. It seems they know what's important and are mindful of the occasion.

Miyoshi Nagayoshi immediately grasped the core information and asked, "Since the Ouchi Army is stationed on both sides of the strait, the key to this battle is probably not the infantry, but the navy."