Although Shiba Yiyin tried his best to remedy the situation, this grand succession ceremony still became anticlimactic.
Even Terutora Uesugi could sense the fear and uneasiness of His Highness the Kanto Warrior Family, and the thoughtful people inside and outside the palace were secretly pleased with themselves.
Ashikaga Yoshiji pretended not to know anything inside the palace, and Hojo Genan bowed politely outside the palace. However, the atmosphere in the room became increasingly cold and desolate, and Haden Harusuke finished the rest of the process sweating.
The main part of Hachimangu Shrine is divided into upper palace, lower palace, dance hall, and Shiroha Shrine.
The upper palace is dedicated to the three gods of Hachiman. The dance hall is in front of the upper palace and is a place for worshiping and watching dances. The lower palace is a side hall to the upper palace and is dedicated to the three pillar gods including the daughter of the main god Hachiman.
The White Flag Shrine is on the innermost side, enshrining the most important white flag of Kawachi Genji. The main hall is painted black and solemn, and is a place to pray for victory.
The beginning of the development of the Kawachi Minamoto clan was when Hachiman Tai Ni Minamoto no Yoshi's family fought fiercely in Kantō and rewarded the Bando samurai family on their own, and obtained their oath to be loyal to the descendants of the Minamoto no Yoshi family from generation to generation.
Today, a total of three imperial white flags are enshrined by future generations.
One is the imperial white flag of the Hachiman Tainyoyoshi family, the second is the imperial white flag of the first Kamakura shogunate Minamoto Yoritomo, and the third is the imperial white flag of the first Ashikaga shogunate Ashikaga Takauji.
Two of the three imperial white flags are enshrined in the White Flag Shrine of Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Ashikaga Takauji's imperial white flag was enshrined in the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Now that the Imperial Palace has been burned, most of the imperial white flag was also destroyed by the fire.
After the whole ceremony, it was already getting late. A few distinguished guests stayed at the Hachimangu Shrine Dance Hall, and the rest of the samurai family returned to the Yuigahama coast along Wakamiya Avenue to rest after paying homage.
After the ceremony was over and everyone left, Yoshigine angrily came to Teru Uesugi's residence and explained to her the royal immunity privileges of the Narita family in Ninja Castle.
Teruhora Uesugi's eyes widened when he heard this, and he murmured.
"The Narita family is so small, but they didn't expect to have such an origin and such privileges."
Yiyin said angrily.
"The descendants of many famous Wu families in Guanbazhou have been intertwined for hundreds of years. There are many stories in the past. This time you were too complacent.
How brave does Narita Chotae have to act recklessly during a visit to the shrine? As long as you endure for a moment and listen to her explanation, you won't make a big deal out of this matter."
Although Uesugi Teruhu had realized the seriousness of the matter, she still said stubbornly.
"It's just a misunderstanding. At worst, I will give the Hanyu collar to Narita Chotai as compensation.
A little humiliation in exchange for a fertile territory, how dare she not be grateful?"
Sibo Yiyin shook his head and said.
"I always feel that things are not that simple, and trouble is still to come. The Kanto warrior family is arrogant, claims to be a descendant of a famous family, and is very concerned about face.
The accident of this ceremony may have aroused their resentment."
After the collapse of the Kamakura shogunate, the importance of the Kanhachishu samurai family also shrank.
Since the central political power was no longer in Kanto, the Kanto warrior family had lost the privileged shadow under the ruler's feet. They could only recall the glory of their ancestors and remember their original power.
This was also the confidence that the Kwantung generals dared to use the territory of the eight states to fight against the recent shogunate and raise troops to rebel.
The Kanto samurai family really wants to go back to the Kamakura shogunate era, the time when the Kanto eight states samurai family were superior to others.
The accident of this visit to the shrine will seriously bruise their sensitive self-esteem. Uesugi Teruhora's disrespect for the Kanto tradition, how will the Kanhachishu samurai family, who only have tradition to be proud of, think of her?
Yoshigine felt uneasy, Uesugi Teruhora said irritably.
"Things are already like this, what else can I do? Is it possible that I should apologize to Narita Nagata?
Impossible! She doesn’t deserve it!”
Yiyin sighed and said.
"You are the governor of Guandong and have a noble status. Of course you cannot apologize to a minister.
Just do what you said and give Hanyu to Narita Chotae as compensation for her. I hope she can understand the truth and stop making trouble."
The two looked at each other, then subconsciously looked away.
After that night, both sides tried their best to compromise and heal their differences. But like a broken mirror, even if it is put back together as before, the existing cracks cannot be eliminated.
Two hedgehogs want to get closer, but they dare not get too close. They are afraid of hurting each other with their own thorns, and they are even more afraid of being hurt by the other's thorns.
———
Narita Nagayasu returned to his temporary residence not far from the coast. Before his long-suppressed anger could break out, he received a visitor.
Hojo Genan came in a hurry, and both parties sat down in greeting.
Narita Chota was unhappy. She was full of grievances and had no way to vent her grievances. She also knew that Hojo Genan had ulterior motives for coming. So she said firmly.
"Lord Hojo, if you want to say something to sow discord, please don't say it.
Although I am angry, I have not lost my mind. The situation of the Hojo family is pitiful, but I will not take chestnuts from the fire for the Hojo family."
Faced with Narita Chota's vigilance, Hojo Genan smiled slightly, bowed and said.
"Sir Narita misunderstood. I came here just to express my happiness."
Narita Chota's face twitched, just like Uesugi Teruatora's slap that still had lingering energy. She looked at Hojo Genan coldly, not knowing what was hidden in this guy's words, and asked.
“Where does joy come from?”
Hojo Genan's true color path.
"Today, Terutora Uesugi was extremely happy and was a little rude to Lord Narita. But since the Odaisho came forward to make peace, there will be compensation in the future.
I think that the dispute over the Hanyu Territory will be settled. Terutora Uesugi will definitely give this wealthy land to the Narita family.
Isn’t this a great joy?”
Narita Chotai was stunned and started to think.
Hojo Genan was right. Uesugi Terutora would definitely learn about the Narita family's imperial privileges afterwards, and compensation would be given for this accident.
For Uesugi Terutora, the simplest and crudest solution is to give the Hanyu collar to Narita Choyasu to settle the previous dispute between the two parties.
Narita Chotai felt a surge of sadness and grief rushing straight to his forehead. The indignation he had held back for a long time finally poured out, and he couldn't help but shed two lines of hot tears.
She wiped away her tears and laughed wildly.
"Well, what a fair and strict Kanto leader! I defeated the Hanyu leader, and the ones standing on Hanyu Castle are still the Narita family warriors!
Why did she, Teru Uesugi, give me my things? She, Teru Uesugi, wantonly humiliated me, Narita Choyasu, and humiliated the famous Narita family, a descendant of Fujiwara Shisuke, and that’s the end of it?”
Hojo Genan was overjoyed when he saw Narita Chotae's mood collapsed and he was no longer as alert as before.
She said neither yin nor yang.
"When people are under the eaves, they have to bow their heads. The word "nin" is a knife. In order to continue the family business, Mr. Narita still has to take care of the overall situation.
In any case, His Highness Uesugi relented to Hanyu, and the Narita family still benefited."
Narita Chotai glared and said angrily.
"Back then, the Hojo family took away the Hanyu collar from the Hirota family. Today, I took away the Hanyu collar from the Hojo family. She, Uesugi Teruhora, came to rob her if she had the ability. How can she pretend to be righteous? Damn!"
Narita Choyasu's words made Hojo Genan feel a little embarrassed.
The strength of the Hojo family was greatly weakened, and the Narita family took the opportunity to launch an army to attack. The Hojo family had to withdraw from the Hanyu territory, which was also a shame.
Narita Chotasu was in an excited mood and spoke without losing face, in order to embarrass the Hojo family. But Hojo Genan has been engaged in diplomacy for many years, and he only tells lies with open eyes and a thick skin.
She pretended to be concerned.
"Narita-sama, be careful. The Kwantung Allied Forces are flanked by 100,000 men. Your Highness, Uesugi, holds great power. You should be more cautious in what you say and do."
Narita Nagata took two deep breaths and exhaled slowly. This time to vent her emotions made her finally calm down a little.
Looking at Hojo Genan pretending to be a good guy, Narita Chotasu still felt a little off-putting.
When Hojo Ujiyasu implemented a new tax system in the Hojo Territory, Hiraki had to secretly dig up the foundations of various famous families, but at least she knew how to show hypocrisy and respect for the local famous families.
Now, it has only been a few days since Teruhora Uesugi gained power? He has already slapped a famous family member directly in Hachimangu Shrine!
Narita Chotae licked the inside of her mouth with her tongue. The slap really hurt from the outside to the inside. The anger in her heart gradually subsided and she calmly spoke to Hojo Genan.
"Lord Hojo, no matter how you try to provoke him, it's useless. As you said, Uesugi Teruhora has an army of 100,000, and I, the Narita family, can't afford to offend him.
I must swallow this breath today. It is never too late for a woman to take revenge, and the time is long.
I have already betrayed the Hojo family. If I betray Uesugi Teruhora again today, it will be difficult for the two powers to be at odds. Will there still be a place for the Narita family to establish itself in the Kansai Province in the future?"
Hojo Genan looked at her calmly and said sincerely.
"Before I came out this time, Her Highness Ujiyasu said frankly that she did not blame anyone.
The Kanto samurai family succumbed to Uesugi Teruhora's power because of the Hojo family's defeat of the Sano leader.
The Wu family attaches great importance to family business, and she can understand the difficulty of each family choosing to protect themselves wisely and submit to His Highness Uesugi."
Narita Chotai's eyes flickered, he didn't believe such high-sounding words at all, and said.
"Your Highness Ueyasu is so tolerant, and the Narita family is deeply grateful. Then why did Hojo-sama come here today?"
Hojo Genan's true color path.
"I came here today just because I can't bear what happened to Mr. Narita. I have a little suggestion for you to read in detail."
"Please say."
"There is a cloud in the sky: if you use a small stick, you will receive it; if you use a big stick, you will move away; you will not be trapped in the mother and unrighteousness.
I think this principle is somewhat similar to Narita-sama’s predicament today.”
Narita Chotai was thoughtful and gestured for her to continue, and Hojo Genan continued.
“Since ancient times, it has been difficult to have both loyalty and filial piety.
The Narita family has been humiliated today. If Narita-sama submits, he will be unfilial to his ancestors. If he raises his troops in anger, he will be disloyal to his Majesty.
His Highness Uesugi has completed the succession ceremony and has become the leader of Kanto recognized by the Kanto samurai family. She is already your king."
Narita Chotai groaned.
"This king, who does not know the teachings of his ancestors and does not respect tradition, is also a strange person that has never been seen in the ages."
Hojo Genan shook his head.
"Your Majesty is your Majesty. Even if you make mistakes, you, as a subordinate, can only stay away from him and not confront him head-on."
Narita Chota's eyes lit up, Hojo Genan was a good idea.
If she passively accepts Uesugi Teruhora's gift and gives the Hanyu territory already occupied by the Narita family to Narita Choyasu, she will be laughed to death by the Kanto samurai family, and even the retainers will not be able to accept it.
But what if she leaves?
Narita Chotasu recognized Uesugi Terutora as the Kanto governor and recognized this king. However, she could not bear the humiliation of the Narita family by this king, so she stayed away from him.
By doing this, he recognized Terutora Uesugi's respect and would not fall into the dilemma of destroying his own brand.
Terutora Uesugi himself made a mistake about the situation and started this farce. Narita Nagata left angrily. There is no way she could lead an army to attack the Narita family in Ninja City, right? Is she embarrassed?
Face, Narita Chotasu gave it to him. If he continues to care about the Narita family's retreat, Uesugi Teruhora, the Kanto leader, should be scolded for his narrow-mindedness.
Narita Chotai lowered his head and thought, unable to make up his mind for a moment.
Terutora Uesugi is very concerned about face. What if she feels that her face is too shameful and she really leads an army to attack Ninja Castle? The Narita family does not have the wealth of the Hojo family and cannot resist it.
Hojo Genan observed the words and expressions and said thoughtfully.
"It's not like the Narita family doesn't recognize His Highness Uesugi's leadership. If a hundred thousand troops come to attack, Lord Narita can just open the door and ask for surrender.
Even if the family property suffers some losses, it is better than accepting compensation here and becoming a laughing stock."
When Narita Nagatai thought about it, it was true.
If she doesn't leave, Teruhora Uesugi will give Hanyu to her tomorrow in public as compensation. Should she accept it or not?
Terutora Uesugi gave an explanation to the Kanto samurai family and admitted his mistake in disguise, but Nagayasu Narita became the clown in everyone's hearts.
Narita Chotasu received a slap in the face during his visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. He lost his temper at all. Will anyone respect the Narita family in the future?
After much deliberation, the only option was to take action. Narita Chotasu looked at the benevolent Hojo diplomat and was unsure of her intention in doing so.
"Hojo-sama, I have gone out of the Hojo family, and you are still willing to consider me like this. It really makes me feel ashamed."
Faced with Narita Chota's subtle temptation, Hojo Genan smiled openly.
"Sir Narita, public is public and private is private. We have known each other for many years and have a good friendship. How can I bear to see you in embarrassment.
The changes in Kanto are yet to be decided, and who knows what the future will be like? Forging more good ties with others also leaves a way out.
A good bird chooses trees to roost in, and a wise minister chooses his master to serve. I think His Highness Uesugi's temper may not be the wise master in your heart.
Who can say clearly what will happen in the future? Do you think this is the truth? "
Hojo Genan hinted that he had nothing else to seek but to form a good relationship, and Narita Choyasu reluctantly accepted this explanation.
Although the Hojo family is a phoenix that is not as good as a chicken, Narita Chotasu is still willing to give face and accept this kindness.
Many friends mean many roads, few enemies mean few walls. The Hojo family has been driven out of North Musashi and cannot cause harm to the Narita family's territory. Of course, the two sides can make friends.
The knot in Narita Chota's heart went away, and his face suddenly looked much better. The two chatted happily for a while, and then they said goodbye to Hojo Genan.
As soon as she left, Narita Chotasu ordered the few retainers who followed him to pack their bags, and the group returned to the Katase River overnight.
One hundred thousand troops were stationed in the Katase River, and only less than a thousand middle- and high-level samurai who were qualified to worship came to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Narita Chotae returned to her base in the dusk. As soon as she left, the people following her sent the news back to Hojo Genan's residence.
Hojo Genan laughed loudly, and she immediately took action, visiting every house overnight. Let all the dissatisfied Kanto samurai know that Narita Chotasu could not bear the humiliation and returned to the army.
