Ever since Naohide and others arrived in the Northland in November two years ago, troubles between the Shiro Lord Administrative Office and the Matsumae family have continued to occur. On the surface, it seems that the reasons are more from the Administrative Office - because of secret trade and other privacy, the Advocate's

He tried his best to prevent the Matsumae family samurai from reaching the White Lord, so he took many measures.

In this regard, there have been discussions within the shrine. In the long run, how to deal with the relationship with the Matsumae family, should confrontation or alliance be the priority?

The conditions in the North Ezo Territory are very poor, the strength of the practice is weak, and even the evaluation of its initial scale is somewhat exaggerated, so it seems to be a wiser choice to win over the Matsumae family.

This view is not unfounded. After all, the attitude of the Matsumae family head Chongguang and his family is not completely hostile. In the past, Naohide had made arrangements to borrow money from the Matsumae family and seek help. Although it was discounted, it was still very different after all.

If you give it, everyone will be able to live a good life.

But when it came to further talking about how to win over, no one could come up with a solution.

Seal Island is currently the largest source of income for the practice, and this must not be given up. Not only does the Matsumae family take advantage of it, but even if the Matsumae family leaks the news, the practice cannot bear it——

More than 30,000 seal skins are sold every year, and nearly 100,000 small fines are obtained. The shogunate will go crazy if he knows about it. Although only a few important people in Bai Zhu know the specific number, there are rumors among the people in the market.

Moreover, Qi Dafei, Matsumae Town is said to have 8,000 households and 30,000 people. Of course, the water content is a bit high, but the permanent population of Matsumae Town exceeds 10,000, and there is no doubt that the Matsumae family has more than 40,000 residents. Lord Shiro and Mooka are still together.

How could there be less than 500 people being treated equally?

Especially since this year's southward strategy has been decided, Soya and Higashi-Ezo are both pursuing the goals they want to pursue. These two tigers are competing for food, and the tone of confrontation has been set.

In the end, Naohide convinced everyone: After all, there is no ownerless interest in the world. There are even Ainu and Feyaka people in the Northern Ezo Land, and in such a bitter and cold land, Lucia and Fuso are not

They are all thinking about each other, so fights are inevitable.

But there are degrees of fighting. After all, Matsumae is different from the Lucians, and it is not impossible for Shiro and Matsumae to cooperate.

Okubo, who is the White Lord's envoy, is currently discussing this matter with the elders of the Matsumae family.

"The local area is bitterly cold, but the soil is good, so there is a lot of potential for planting and animal husbandry."

The person who received Okubo was Matsumae Hirotada, the elder of the Matsumae family. He was noncommittal about this. The Matsumae family was indeed organizing land reclamation, but climate, roads, water power, livestock, tools, seeds, etc. all restricted attempts in this area, which is still important.

What's more, isn't it nice to just sit and divide money? The Matsumae family is called the Mushi Taka no Daimyo because the entire domain is focused on commerce. At first, retainers were stationed in various places to carry out fishing, hunting and trade. Now it is a place to invite people.

With a negative system, you only need to watch the merchants work and then you can sit on the ground and collect money. If you farm the land, that kind of hard work will kill the samurai master.

In later generations, Ezochi was the first grain-producing area of ​​Fuso. The output of rice, potatoes, wheat, and beans was quite high. Sugar beets and flax were also produced in large quantities. The perfume extracted from the plants was very famous. At the same time, animal husbandry was also very important.

developed.

Last year, the Shirozhu Sanctuary hired some Ainu people to farm. Although the manpower was insufficient and the yield was not high, some planting experience was still accumulated.

Matsumae Hirotada is a knowledgeable samurai of the Matsumae family and a confidant of the current head of the family, Takahiro. Although he agrees that Okubo's suggestion is important to the Matsumae family's foundation and prosperity, unfortunately, the Matsumae family currently does not have the conditions to implement it, so he can only remain noncommittal.

.

"However, Fushan City costs a lot of money. Although this is a good thing, I'm afraid we can only do it reluctantly."

It turns out that the head of the Matsumae family, Takahiro, received an order from the shogunate shortly after he succeeded to the throne in 1849, requesting that the original residence, Fukuyamakan, be expanded into Fukuyama Castle.

Although the newly built fortress is helpful to the stability of the Matsumae family's long-term rule and is also conducive to the resistance to the Lucians required by the shogunate, it is very expensive to build the city now. Fukuyama Castle consumes a lot of manpower and material resources from the Matsumae family. This is why the White Lord

The reason why no greater friction occurred was that the Matsumae family was trying its best to build the city, and some things could not be taken care of for the time being.

In fact, the Matsumae family was originally going to treat Okubo's visit indifferently, "We have supported them with so many supplies, but the Shirozu Sanctuary is not friendly to us." - He said it as if Shirozu did not give him any money.

However, after reading the gift list, the head of the Matsumae family insisted that the family elder Hirohito meet Okubo in person, because he saw from the gift list that Shiro was quite sincere, and the hostility of the retainers below towards Shiro was not entirely out of loyalty.

During the Momoyama period, there were twelve Donan houses in Ezo, and the Matsumae family was just one of them. Later, the Ainu rebelled and destroyed ten of the twelve houses, and the surviving Matsumae family took advantage of the situation to become Ezo.

Although they have been married to each other for many years, the Matsumae family's authority is not as stable as that of other feudal lords. This is why the Matsumae family has always been respectful to the shogunate - it is the family's consistent strategy to use the power of the shogunate to stabilize the territory.

Sure enough, as soon as Okubo and Matsumae Hirotada met, they apologized for their previous nastiness, "When you are weak, you are always on guard, and your men were too reckless."

Matsumae Hirotada was heartbroken to hear this. It is not easy for our Matsumae family in Ezo. The retainers are unruly, the Ainu people are unwilling to work honestly, the merchants are treacherous, and your shogunate still interferes from time to time.

, it is indeed inevitable for two families to get into trouble, but although what you say makes sense, why don't you evacuate the Baizhu practice? You are a liar.

Okubo said that for the sake of peace between the two places, the White Lord would compensate for some of the benefits - of course, this cannot be said clearly. Okubo's original words were "mutual support", but after reading the gift list and other suggestions, Guangzhong also understood in his heart that the White Lord wanted to improve

relation.

In addition to agricultural books, Okubo also brought some improved seeds and indicated where they could be obtained, indicating that Master Bai had no intention of threatening him.

And the most important thing is that Master Bai provided the method of making volcanic ash cement and masonry. He also said that if necessary, he could also introduce the Matsumae family to Nirayama to buy cement. As long as the amount was not too large, there would be no problem.

According to the original construction plan, the biggest expense of Fushan Castle came from the mining and transportation of large amounts of stone. However, with cement and bricks, many places do not need to be built with huge stones. Although the overall defense power is reduced, it saves money, and the defense power is also low.

No matter how much the descent is, boulders must be used on the sea side, so using boulders on the mountain side is indeed a waste.

Although the Matsumae family is located in a remote northern land, the family heads of the past generations have always been very open-minded. In recent generations, the heads of the family are also supporters of orchid studies. They have some understanding of the shogunate's vigorous development of orchid studies in recent years. The cement and bricks have indeed been greatly developed in recent years.

It is very popular, especially when many families build forts and platforms.

But although it is easy to use, the shogunate strictly adheres to the formula. The Matsumae family asked several times, but the shogunate only promised to supply it at a low price, but has never sent anyone to guide how to make it. This time Okubo provided the manufacturing method. If it is true, then the sincerity is indeed satisfactory.

Full.

In addition to these benefits, Okubo also hinted to the Matsumae family that the Kita Ezo Territory is extremely remote. The Shiro Lord's work cannot be separated from the support of the Matsumae family. However, due to the scope of their responsibilities, the Matsumae family will definitely not be able to implement a site-responsibility system in the Kita Ezo Territory.

, but in business, everyone can jointly control prices to avoid being taken advantage of by outsiders.

Matsumae Hirotada also heard about the large amount of pelts gained by the White Master. This was the reason why he personally came to meet Okubo. Since he could no longer hold back, he naturally wanted to discuss cooperation.

"Can Seal Island be shared?" Matsumae Hirotada didn't know how much profit the White Master Sanctuary made from furs, but it was undoubtedly a lot, so he tried to see if he could get a share of the pie.

"Why limit yourself to one place? There are many places where seals gather in the northeast of Kita Ezo. White Lord welcomes all businessmen to develop them." Seal Island is the lifeblood of the current shrine and cannot be given away at all, but other seal gathering places

, Zhixiu also knows a few people who can jointly operate this.

In 1635, the shogunate issued the "Long Ship Building Prohibition Order", prohibiting all princes from building large ships exceeding 500 koku, not for naval, military and civilian use. The subsequent Senshi Benzai Ship was the result of the joint efforts of merchants and princes from all over the country.

Therefore, although the Matsumae family's territory is close to the sea, the warships are only small boats, and the navy's strength is just that. Moreover, it cannot really destroy the shogunate's administrative office. At this time, after hearing Okubo's consent for merchants to develop it, he could only agree.

, better than nothing.

When Naohide first arrived in the Northland, the Matsumae family reached several verbal agreements, including:

A. If the Shiro Lord Agency needs support, the Matsumae family will expend manpower and material resources. Naohide must jointly report to the shogunate together with the Matsumae family;

B. Both parties notify each other of major events;

C. If a foreign enemy invades, both sides will join forces to attack the enemy.

The last one is: For the merchants' transportation, the Matsumae family and the Shirozu Agency each collect the gold according to their ability.

Now that Okubo has clearly let go, Hirotada needs to implement this matter on behalf of the Matsumae family.

"How much money does it bring?"

"Baizhu draws 10% of the business tax, and there are no other requirements." This is a policy set by Zhixiu to attract businessmen, but it has never been of much use. Until now, only close businessmen come to Baizhu to do business.

Guang Zhong heard it, okay, this is better than myself

The family wants much less. In addition to transporting gold, merchants in Ezo land also have to pay various taxes such as gold pawns. If the white master draws one out of ten, then the Matsumae family can completely stop going to North Ezo land.

The businessman scraped a layer of oil off his body. As for the comments and complaints, could the thing be eaten or exchanged for money? How could the samurai master care about it?

After some hooking up, Guangzhong felt that the White Lord was not completely loyal to the shogunate, and also had his own little plans. In this case, everyone's cooperation had a solid foundation, but he could not make independent decisions. After meeting Okubo, he quickly found him.

The head of the family, Chongguang, reported.

Guang Zhong thought Bai Zhu's business tax of 1 out of 10 was a bit silly, but the head of the family, Chong Guang, didn't think so.

"If you want to take something, you must give it first. Edo's plan is far-reaching." Takahiro always believed that Naohide was a chess piece thrown by the shogunate. There must be another conspiracy in the north, either against the Lucians or against his own family.

But the benefits obtained cannot be pushed out, and he is also very curious about what the white master has become now, so he goes along with the situation and agrees to the result of the discussion between Hirohada and Okubo - it is nothing more than the white master buying goods from Matsumae, and the Matsumae family performs certain actions on the white master.

Military support and the like, originally the shogunate's official script also asked the Matsumae family to do this. It was just that Lord Shiro was worried and went out of his way to make good friends, so as to prevent the Matsumae family from not working hard. It is understandable.

Okubo successfully eased the relationship between Shiro and Matsumae, and then took a boat to Edo. However, Chojiro, who came with him, continued to stay in Matsumae and started jumping up and down.

At this time, the big merchants needed to open up their joints, so it was reasonable for Chojiro to frequently visit the important ministers of the Matsumae family. However, each family did not give him a good look, and even Tomitaro, the leader of Katsurahama House, the royal merchant of Tosa, was also ignored.

Chojiro of Carakuya and Tomitaro of Katsurahama entered the port together with Okubo's ship. Who would believe it if they said they had nothing to do with Lord Shiro.

Originally, these two people should not be allowed to enter, but the Matsumae family is proud of doing business, which is inconsistent with the family tradition. Therefore, for the sake of gifts, most of the important ministers received Chojiro and the two, but their expressions were not worried.

It is common. A few irritable retainers kicked them out of the door in the middle of the reception, "This business in the North is something you can worry about!"

Tomitaro was carefully trained by Yoshida Toyo. The castle is very deep. Seeing that Chojiro is not in a hurry, he is also calm. Anyway, Tosa means to advance and retreat with Horinao Hide. The purchase business of Shiro has been negotiated and can be transported to the house.

It would be easier to open one in Matsumae. If you can get benefits, you can accept it, and if you don't, you can accept it. Besides, if you don't have a harmonious relationship with the local samurai master, getting the opportunity to do business may not be a good thing.

Originally, according to the unified thinking of the Matsumae family, the sooner these two businessmen who were related to Master Bai left the house, the better. But in mid-May, the trend in the family changed. Although some people still insisted not to do business with these two companies, the situation

It's not allowed.

There are dozens of merchants, large and small, who cooperate with the Matsumae family. Among them, the Ryohama-gumi of Omi merchants and the Kaga Senya are the most powerful. But for some reason, this year Hanbei, the northern leader of the Senya, is still missing.

Didn't show up.

In previous years, April in the Western calendar was the busiest time in Matsumae Town, with businessmen coming and going constantly, all coming to visit the Matsumae family to determine the situation for this year.

Under the site contract system, merchants who paid for gold transportation contracted areas where the Matsumae family had less control. Although they usually paid for gold transportation in the twelfth month, the Matsumae family also had a deposit to purchase in March or April of the Japanese calendar.

, otherwise, what should we do if the businessman suddenly runs away at the end of the year?

But this year has been dragging on until now, and the person in charge of the money house has not shown up, and the boy who stayed behind didn't know anything. The businessman of the Ryohama Group had previously reported to the Matsumae family, "The owner of the money house, Gobei, has been arrested.

I think Qianwu is going to be finished." At that time, the Matsumae family was still half-convinced. After all, they were enemies and could not be deceived by cunning businessmen. But until now, it is estimated that this matter is true. Not to mention that Qianwu's first batch of cargo ships has not arrived yet.

After inspection, all the capable people in the money house had fled in advance, leaving only a few boys and a large number of guards who were kept in the dark.

Although the accounts of Zeniya and the Matsumae family are clear, and there is no talk of running away with the money, this is not possible. Generally, the contract of the contract is for three or five years, and both Zeniya and Ryohama-gumi are

After a ten-year contract, it would be too deceptive to suddenly say goodbye without saying goodbye. If nothing else, if the money house really runs away, then this year's luck and gold will definitely drop a lot.

Although the merchants of the Ryohama-gumi expressed their willingness to take over all of Zeniya's shares, the Matsumae family refused to let the Ryohama-gumi become the dominant family, so it became urgent to introduce new businessmen, so Carakuya and Katsurahamaya
Chapter completed!