LRAB Page 137
Page 137
The next day, I heard rumors that Isshiki Sakyo, the lord of Mino Province, had passed away.
The so-called Isshiki Sakyo is Saito Yoshitatsu.
He was previously the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and he had just secured the position of Left Capital Attendant two months ago. I never expected him to pass away so soon.
The successor, Saito Tatsuoki, was only fourteen years old and had not even been married for a year.
Needless to say, Oda Nobunaga is about to launch a major offensive against Mino!
As a key figure who had previously participated in the Saito family's diplomacy, Shinzaburo received extra attention. While he was currently at Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto, some monks and cultural figures came to seek his opinions.
No matter who asked, Shinzaburo would repeatedly emphasize that the Saito family was recognized by the shogunate as the lord of Mino, and that even though the head of the family had changed, the title of "Isshiki Sakyo" should be passed down.
These words might slightly enhance Saito Tatsuoki's prestige, but they probably won't be enough to cause trouble for the Oda clan.
Fortunately, thanks to previous efforts in persuasion, Mino Saito's diplomatic stance changed somewhat, and he did not abandon Asai and side with Rokkaku as in the original historical account. This can be considered somewhat positive.
Shinzaburo thought to himself, since both Ashikaga Yoshiteru and Miyoshi Yoshioki wanted him to increase his presence in the central government, there was no need to deliberately refuse. He might as well use the Kubo family's influence to change the political landscape and profit from it.
Excessively generous and undeserved favors should not be accepted lightly. However, reasonable attempts to win someone over within reasonable bounds should not be avoided excessively.
In any case, over the past few years, from Wakasa to Tango, and then from Tango to Tajima, they have always upheld the banner of "the superior official," which has certainly brought a lot of honor to the Ashikaga shogunate and the Miyoshi regime. Isn't it only natural that they should enjoy appropriate rewards?
The Tang Dynasty text "Lüshi Chunqiu" mentions "righteous rewards," meaning that it is problematic not to accept legitimate compensation.
Of course, the premise is to understand the relationship between the ruler and his ministers, and between the primary and secondary roles.
Whether we are working for the shogunate or for the Miyoshi family, we cannot be ambiguous about it.
I'll eventually have to explain the previous communication with Ashikaga Yoshiteru to Miyoshi Yoshioki.
261 The General visits the Miyoshi Residence
A few days later, Shinzaburo met Miyoshi Yoshioki, who had returned to Kyoto.
I was thinking about how to cleverly explain my relationship with Ashikaga Yoshiteru and try to distance myself from it as much as possible.
Unexpectedly, Yoshioki Miyoshi said right away, "Recently, there have been rumors that Kubo Sado has gained the trust of the Lord of the Shogunate and is now more like a pillar of the Shogunate than a branch of the Miyoshi family. I have also heard about this."
Shinzaburo was shocked and felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles, his back pierced with unease. He was speechless for a moment, unsure how to answer. After a long pause, he stammered, "This is just baseless speculation among the common people..."
Yoshiaki Miyoshi's expression was serious as he shook his head vigorously: "Now that these words have reached the ears of Matsunaga Shimodai (Matsunaga Hisahide) and Miyoshi Hinata (Miyoshi Nagayoshi), they are no longer just ordinary rumors and must be taken seriously."
Shinzaburo is finding it difficult to cope.
The current situation in the Kinai region is a joint government of the Ashikaga and Miyoshi factions. How to view the Shogun is a very sensitive issue for everyone.
Disrespecting the shogunate is absolutely unacceptable; however, showing too much respect for the shogunate is also problematic.
Shinzaburo, in particular, was born in Tanba and was originally a subject of the Hosokawa Kanrei family. His sudden transformation from a commoner to a local lord, lacking close ties with the Miyoshi family, made his identity exceptionally delicate. Moreover, during this period, he did indeed receive attempts to win him over from Ashikaga Yoshiteru.
By using the names of Matsunaga Hisahide and Miyoshi Nagayasu, Miyoshi Yoshioki openly brought up the matter, as if he were intentionally giving them a warning.
Therefore, even if one is not truly panicked inside, one must still adopt an attitude of being fearful and restless in order to appear loyal and reliable.
Shinzaburo quickly recalled various anxiety-inducing and stressful events in his life, immersing himself in the scenarios and reliving them. In an instant, he became trembling with fear and sweating profusely.
Seeing this, Yoshioki Miyoshi composed himself and smiled slightly. He then comforted them, saying, "Although Matsunaga Shimodai and Miyoshi Hinata have heard similar rumors, they have not been easily swayed. They both said that Kubo Sado is the most sensible and righteous man in the world, who knows when to advance and retreat, and can definitely distinguish between what is important and what is urgent."
Shinzaburo finally breathed a sigh of relief.
First a blow, then a sweet treat—the leader was clearly giving him a warning on purpose; a textbook example of manipulative tactics.
There was nothing I could do; I was under their roof and could only play along.
After gathering his emotions for a short while, he revealed a slightly aggrieved and somewhat impatient demeanor, and resolutely defended himself, saying, "I come from a humble background and have only a rudimentary understanding of literature and martial arts. How could I possibly know any profound principles? I am afraid I am unworthy of the high praise from Lords Matsunaga Shimodai and Miyoshi Hyuga. I am merely a country person who knows how to repay kindness."
“You are too modest.” As he said this, Yoshiyuki Miyoshi’s expression became even more gentle and friendly. “In my opinion, their assessment is correct. Kubo Sado is an absolutely trustworthy person, and there is no need to doubt him at all.”
Following this atmosphere, Shinzaburo first feigned surprise, then revealed a gesture of deep gratitude, and couldn't help but say, "To receive such words from you, Lord Chikuzen, I would have no regrets even if I were to die."
Seeing this, Yoshiaki Miyoshi was also slightly moved and said with emotion, "Although I have not known Sado Kubo since childhood, I have always felt like we have known each other for a long time. I suppose it was the same when Lord Tojiin met Judge Sado back then!"
Shinzaburo was taken aback.
"Dōjūin-dono" refers to Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate; "Sado-hankan" refers to Sasaki Dōyō, who assisted in overthrowing the Hōjō clan and establishing a new regime.
Is Miyoshi Yoshiaki's self-comparison to this a slip of the tongue, or a deliberate display of ambition?
Unable to figure it out for a moment, Shinzaburo quickly replied, "I dare not compare myself to the sages of the past, I only know to do my best, and I only wish to follow Lord Chikuzen to create a great cause together."
Yoshio Miyoshi nodded, paused for a moment, and then said, "Lord Kobo has learned that I have already renovated my residence in Kyoto and said that he will choose an auspicious day to visit me. He will be making his trip soon. At that time, I would also like to invite Kubo Sado to my humble abode for a gathering to welcome our distinguished guest."
Is Yoshiteru Ashikaga making an official visit to Miyoshi Mansion?
This is indeed a major event with significant political implications.
Shinzaburo had no reason to refuse and nodded in agreement without hesitation.
Yoshio Miyoshi smiled with delight and then instructed, "Don't forget to prepare a fine sword as a gift for Lord Kubo."
……
It is said that when the imperial court still held power, there were more than 100,000 townspeople living in Heian-kyo. Every street was bustling with activity, and some people were even squeezed to settle on the east bank of the Kamo River.
However, by the Yonglu era, after being ravaged by numerous wars, its former prosperity had long since vanished. Currently, only the "Upper Capital" and "Lower Capital" in Luoyang remain in a civilized state, with the city's built-up area less than 30% of what it used to be.
Other streets resembled wilderness, often frequented by thieves and even wild animals, and it was not uncommon to see fresh corpses and filth along the roadside.
Even within the two imperial palaces, "Upper Capital" and "Lower Capital," the earthen walls and militia provided a degree of security, preserving only a semblance of human life, but failing to inherit the grandeur of the capital.
However, things are different today.
The area two intersections north of the Imperial Guard had been cleaned up early, the damaged buildings on both sides had been patched up, and all sorts of irrelevant people had been driven away to a distance of 500 paces. Only a large group of solemn and dignified guards stood tall.
Judging from this scene alone, Kyoto seems to have experienced a resurgence of its peak.
This is because in the late afternoon (between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.), Ashikaga Yoshiteru, the 13th Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, will personally visit the Miyoshi family's residence.
During the century of chaos, the power of the shogunate had long since declined. But no matter what the reality was, as long as the title of "Shogun" remained, it still symbolized the public order of the land.
Although the Miyoshi family held a large military force and controlled several provinces in the Kinai region, they lacked the necessary legitimacy to govern and have not yet been able to completely shake off their status as "the Hosokawa family under official control".
In principle, only close retainers of the shogunate, and especially high-ranking ones, were qualified to invite the shogun to be their guest. The formal name for this kind of thing is "Gosei" (御成).
Therefore, Ashikaga Yoshiteru's visit to the Miyoshi residence this time is of extraordinary significance.
Those attending were all carefully selected, and were all winners in the current regime.
Shinzaburo was fortunate to be able to participate in this grand event.
Ashikaga Yoshiteru was dressed in a light yellow hunting robe, wearing a tall eboshi hat, with a sword at his waist and a fine horse on his hind legs. He was calm and composed, and his demeanor exuded an air of authority without anger.
Wherever the horse's hooves went, numerous soldiers and servants along the roadside prostrated themselves in worship, not daring to look up. Several young and handsome retainers led the way, serving as the general's "charioteers."
Among them were Anwei Tengbi, Ando Yasushi, Ishitani Mitsumasa, Kobayashi Tengzong, and Jinshi Tengyan, all dressed in fine clothes and riding spirited horses, showing off their military might and doing their best to display the shogunate's regalia.
Unfortunately, judging from the sheer numbers alone, it's clear that the Ashikaga clan was outwardly strong but inwardly weak, unable to maintain a sufficiently large military force.
The Miyoshi-ya-shiki occupies an area of about 100 paces in diameter and is a typical Heian period Shinden-zukuri structure, with a gate built to the specifications reserved for high-ranking samurai.
Since it was the Shogun visiting, the host naturally could not stay indoors and wait, but came to the courtyard early.
A group of elegantly dressed nobles lined up to greet him.
The leader was not a member of the Miyoshi family, but Hosokawa Ujitsuna, who still held the title of Kanrei (regent). Their old residence in Kyoto was abandoned, yet they came to the newly built residence of the Miyoshi family to welcome the shogun, clearly showing they had no political ambitions and were content to play a supporting role.
Secondly, there was Miyoshi Nagayoshi, a fourth-rank official and attendant to the emperor. This "vice-king of Japan" had been intentionally distancing himself from the central government in recent years for reasons unknown, but he was still present today.
Thirdly, it was finally the turn of the actual owner of the mansion, Miyoshi Yoshioki, who held the rank of Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade, and was the governor of Chikuzen Province. He had recently been residing in Kyoto, actively participating in the affairs of the shogunate, showing a tendency to build a coalition government, a stance that was exactly the opposite of his father's.
The two people next in rank after the Miyoshi father and son are Matsunaga Hisahide and Miyoshi Nagayoshi.
They were the two most powerful retainers of the Miyoshi family, both holding the rank of Junior Fourth Rank, but Matsunaga Hisahide also held an important position in the shogunate, while Miyoshi Nagayoshi was not close to Ashikaga Yoshiteru, thus subtly distinguishing them in rank.
Next are the three main members of the Miyoshi family: Miyoshi Masayasu, Miyoshi Nagatora, and Miyoshi Yushinaga.
Among them, Miyoshi Masayasu was originally Hosokawa Harumoto's right-hand man, and only returned to the fold a few years ago; Miyoshi Nagatora is the eldest son of Miyoshi Nagayoshi, with a powerful background; Miyoshi Yushinaga is the most senior uncle, who has faded out of practical affairs, but still holds a position.
Yoshikazu Miyoshi, Fuyuyasu Ataka, and Kazumi Sogawa, who died a few months ago, are Miyoshi Nagayoshi's younger brothers, but they have never appeared in important central occasions. Are they intentionally being excluded?
The brothers guard a vast and important territory, but far from the capital; conversely, other members of the clan participate in governance, but their involvement is relatively limited. An interesting arrangement.
In contrast, it was Shinzaburo, as a distant lord, who was able to make an appearance. Today, he also stood on the Miyoshi side to welcome Ashikaga Yoshiteru, which implicitly indicated a certain stance.
The governor of Danzhou, Naito Munekatsu, was also in this line, but for some unknown reason, he was placed right behind Shinzaburo.
At the very end of the procession stood figures such as Katsumasa Ikeda, Chikaoki Itami, and Tsunatomo Tarao. They could be considered powerful retainers in the Kinai region.
When the general travels, there are always solemn ceremonies and rituals. Today, Miyoshi Nagayoshi serves as the chief administrator, overseeing the entire process and ensuring that everything is in good order; while Teramachi Michiaki and Waku Koretoku, two senior advisors to Miyoshi Nagayoshi, serve as the presenting officials, in charge of the receipt and display of all the gifts.
After exchanging greetings and performing the proper courtesies, and welcoming Ashikaga Yoshiteru inside, Miyoshi Yoshioki presented him with a sword, a set of kimonos, a lacquered bow, a quiver of arrows, and a warhorse.
(The term "conquest arrows" refers to arrows used in actual combat, while "hunting arrows" are used for hunting, and "practice arrows" are used for practice and etiquette.)
Without a doubt, what Sanhao offers is top-notch.
As for the others, as previously arranged, each offered a fine sword.
In accordance with Ashikaga Yoshiteru's request, all the gifts were typical samurai items, and even all of them were practical.
For many years, the Shogun's image to outsiders was that of a ruler who was both a leader of the warriors and a court noble.
However, Ashikaga Yoshiteru always considered himself a ruthless warrior.
For more than a decade, he maintained the rank of "Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Councilor and Left Imperial Guard Lieutenant General," refusing to be promoted to "Junior Third Rank, Acting Grand Councilor." Some say it was because reaching that position would require changing his signature from the samurai style to the court style.
So the atmosphere today is somewhat delicate.
On one hand, everyone present respected the nominal authority and was willing to submit to the shogunate, while Ashikaga Yoshiteru also tried his best to demonstrate his courage and fortitude. On the other hand, the fact that the Miyoshi family took the initiative to invite the shogun to the capital, rather than going to the palace for an audience, also revealed the actual control the Miyoshi family had over the political order in the Kinai region.
As the ceremony concluded, the courtyard of the residence was already filled with the smoke of incense and the sounds of drums and music. Led by Hosokawa Ujitsuna and his son Miyoshi, the crowd, some sitting upright and others standing solemnly, surrounded the esteemed Lord Kubo, chatting and laughing, discussing the past and present, as if they had returned to the glorious days of guarding the capital a hundred years ago.
The summer breeze was still, and the blazing sunlight shone on the ruins of the old city, creating a golden glow that seemed somewhat illusory and unclear, like a mirage or a dreamlike bubble.