Beneath the seemingly humble appearance of Daidaiji Morimasa, there are strong demands made by the Hojo retainers group on the new governor of the Hojo Ujimasa.
This was a request, not a plea. Under the strong power of the retainers, the Hojo clan could only passively accept their suggestions.
Even though this request actually pricked Hojo Ushimasa's inner desire and allowed her to have sex with the man she liked, Hojo Umasa still couldn't be happy because she was the master.
After Daidaiji Temple bid farewell, the Hojo clan's face turned pale, and a person appeared from behind the screen. It was the leader of the Hojo clan, Hojo Genan.
"Master Huan'an, you heard it all.
They dare to make such a request to me. It is too much. Am I still considered the governor of the Hojo family?
What do they think I am!"
Hojo Genan remained silent.
In terms of seniority, Hojo Genan is the second generation of Hojo. When Hojo Ujiyasu was still alive, she was also addressed as aunt.
When the Hojo family was defeated in the Sano Territory, Hojo Genan tried his best to join forces on the diplomatic front, almost disintegrating the Kanto Allied Forces, and even brought the Hojo clan politics with him, hoping to help her clear away the stain.
But all these diplomatic efforts collapsed in the face of the miracle of Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine.
In full view of everyone, Yoshigan turned the blizzard into a scorching sun, summoned Hachiman Taimu's imperial white flag, and used extraordinary miracles to defeat the Hojo family's last efforts.
From that day on, everyone in the Hojo family suffered from Yoshigan's fear. Even Hojo Ujiyasu, the Sagami lioness, couldn't muster the courage to fight against Shiba Yoshigan.
Hojo Genan's efforts to help the Hojo clansama clear away his stains also failed. The Hojo clansama could only carry the past and become a weak family governor.
The retainers group did not believe in the ability of the new governor. Although Hojo Genan had been using her prestige to assist the Hojo Ujimasa, she also had different ideas from the Hojo Ushimasa.
In the past, Hojo Ujimasa loved Shiba Yoshigan, but Hojo Genan could not accept it.
As an old man who assisted the first-generation family governor and watched the Hojo family struggle and grow stronger, in Hojo Genan's heart, there is nothing more important than family property. As for love, what is that?
Yoshigan Shiba is the widow of Shogun Ashikaga, and his marriage is a serious political issue. The Hojo family should not get involved in this trouble, so Hojo Genan is not happy to see Hojo Ushimasa's secret love.
But today, the situation is different.
Shiba Yiyin takes up the Shinto path, and his descendants will become the most noble people in the island country as descendants of gods. This is likely to completely change the political ecology of the entire island country.
Whoever can get on this express train will be a new generation of Tianhuang nobles. This is a great opportunity that only happens once in 500 years!
The thoughts of Hojo Genan are actually the same as Daidaiji Temple's prosperity. The older generation licks blood and doesn't care about chastity or love. In their hearts, they only have the stubbornness to protect the Hojo family business.
Seeing Hojo Genan's silence, Hojo Umasa seemed to understand something, and she sighed.
"You also agree with the retainers group's idea and think I should seduce the saint, right?"
Hojo Genan said.
"The Hojo family pioneered Kanto for four generations, and it was not easy for them to gain a firm foothold.
A saint was born, and a century of troubled times has finally come to an end. Whoever can be closer to a saint than others at this time will be more noble than others in the future.
The rules and regulations in peaceful times are both honey and poison. When everyone chooses to put down their swords, the competition will be about family property, family status, and bloodline.
Your Highness, please don’t forget that the Hojo family bears original sin.
My family was originally a branch of Ise. The first generation of the family governor pretended to be the Hojo Miao family and worked hard to govern for four generations. Only then did the Hojo family have the foundation of the three countries of Izu, Sagami and Musashi, and the powerful Kanto.
We once overthrew the Kanto governor Uesugi family, forced the Kanto general to death, and imprisoned the Kamakura Ashikaga family as puppets.
In troubled times, no one cares about these things, but in peaceful times, they are likely to be liquidated.
We can't escape the crime of pretending to be Miao, subduing the superior, and harming the nobles. What's even more frightening is that we once made enemies of the saints and fought against the heavenly army.
The Kanto strategy launched by the Saint and His Highness Uesugi was blocked and sabotaged by His Highness Ujiyasu. When the world of Shiba is stabilized in the future, the Shiba family will look back on the past. How can the Hojo family protect themselves?
Merely integrating into the Kanto Shrine cannot guarantee the security of the family business. The best way is to make the Hojo family a member of the Shiba Goddess.
Your Highness, the Hojo family property is in danger. As the governor of the family, you have the responsibility to devote everything you have to the family property. What's more, this matter is not a bad thing for you.
The saint's magnificence is unparalleled, and His Highness Shiyasu and I have noticed the admiration in your heart.
At that time, I did not support you and hoped that you would give up your thoughts as soon as possible, get married, have a daughter, and continue the family business. I was short-sighted.
Fortunately, Your Highness, you persisted in your love for the saint, and finally waited until the retainers begged you to be happy with the saint. Why are you dissatisfied?
I implore you to let go of those useless twists and turns in your heart, become a family, and be successful yourself.
Don't you want to have a good time with the saint over wine and talk, and make things change?"
Hojo Ushimasa sighed.
"I...of course am willing."
Awakened by Hojo Genan's words, Hojo Ushimasa had no choice but to face his true feelings.
Ginger is still old, and my great-aunt is right. The Hojo family is an outsider in the eyes of the Kanto people, a representative figure of the lower class and the upper class.
In today's troubled times, the Hojo family has guns and food, and no one can do anything to the Hojo family. But in peaceful times, when the world returns to order, it will be hard to say.
Logically speaking, if we trace back to the source, there is nothing reasonable about the Hojo family. They are full of flaws and targets, and can easily be attacked and persecuted.
The best way is to become a member of the Goddess. The Hojo retainers will feel at ease, and the Hojo clan will get what they want, killing two birds with one stone. To be pretentious at this time is to be extremely irresponsible to yourself and the family business.
But there is a problem. The Hojo clan wants to use mugwort, but the saint may not be willing to use mugwort.
Everyone can understand the benefits of being a descendant of the gods. Not everyone is qualified to climb onto the saint's bed. Ji warriors who have already climbed onto the bed will try their best to kick others off and prevent others from climbing onto the bed.
Hojo Ushimasa frowned.
"Mr. Genan is right, if I can get the saint's favor and be lucky enough to sleep with the saint, it will naturally be beneficial to the Hojo family.
But why should a saint give me a chance? A saint is extremely noble, generous and rich, so what should I do to make him tempted in exchange for this opportunity?"
Hojo Genan said solemnly.
"Of course you have the capital. The Higashi Musashi, Edogawa, and Hojo families are willing to offer them with both hands as gods to worship the saint."
Hojo Umasa stared blankly at the old woman in front of him, speechless for a moment.
The Hojo family is indeed one of the most powerful daimyo clans in the world, but after being devastated by Yoshigan Shiba's Kanto strategy, the momentum of development has been blocked.
The Hojo family now controls the Three Kingdoms.
Izu Country is mountainous, the land is barren, and the rocks are not high, but fortunately there are gold mines.
There are natural dangers in the west of Sagami Province, Mount Ashigara and Mount Hakone are difficult to cross, and the Miura Peninsula in the east is a strategic location in Kanto, as well as Kamakura, the origin of the samurai family.
A large part of the reason why the Hojo family is obsessed with conquering the Boso Peninsula is because the Hojo family already has the Izu Peninsula and the Miura Peninsula in their hands.
Once the Boso Peninsula is captured, the entire Sagami Bay and Edo Bay will become the inland sea under the control of the Hojo family, with huge interests in fishery and maritime trade.
Compared to the two countries of Izu and Sagami, the Hojo family's rule in Musashi country is the weakest, especially in Higashi Musashi. The local powerful samurai family repeatedly jumped between the Uesugi and Hojo families, which was very annoying.
But even so, the Hojo family was unwilling to give up Musashi Country, because Musashi Country had more land than the two countries of Izu and Sagami combined.
Moreover, after Yoshihiro Shiba proposed the diversion project for the middle and lower reaches of the Tone River, and the Bushe Giri Promotion Association advanced the water control plan.
Flooding in the Higashimusashi and Edogawa rivers downstream of the Tone River has improved significantly, and the local swamps and reed swamps are slowly turning into good farmland that can be cultivated.
Hojo Genan was so willing to give up. She was actually willing to convince the retainers to give this piece of land to the saint in exchange for the chance to become the Hojo clan Masakusa saint.
The Edogawa River, in particular, is not only fertile, but also the outlet of the Tone River. It participates in the Hojo family's Gulf trade network, and its location is important.
If this matter really comes to pass, other samurai lords will also lament that the Hojo family really spends a lot of money to win over men in politics. The Hojo family almost gave up a quarter of their family property in exchange for it.
Hojo Ushimasa thought about it and thought it was feasible.
Higashi Musashi and Edogawa are such a large strategic area. Even a saint would be tempted and be moved by the sincerity of the Hojo family.
She was a little worried again and asked.
"Sage, can you take it?"
It is not that simple to change the name of the Wu family. Without the recognition and cooperation of the grassroots, the new lord may not get benefits, but may also get a hot potato.
The Hojo family is full of sincerity, but if the saint is not sure about it at once, local troubles will arise, good things will turn into bad things, and everyone will be embarrassed.
Hojo Genan didn't take it seriously as she was concerned about the Hojo clan politics, she said with a smile.
"Your Highness, don't worry.
At that time, the sage personally went to the countryside to investigate and observe the people's sentiments. He visited the villages in the middle and lower reaches of the Tone River. He was deeply aware of the hardships in the villages, so he established the Samurai Giri Promotion Association to provide relief to the villagers.
The Samurai Giri Promotion Association focuses on fundraising, studying abroad, and water conservancy projects, benefiting countless samurai warriors in the lower reaches of the Negawa River. The local samurai family is extremely grateful to the saint.
If they knew that their village was assigned to the saint and god's territory, the local martial arts family would be too late to be happy. How could they cause trouble?
Even if there are a few or two high-level figures who are dissatisfied, the saint's prestige among the middle and lower classes is enough to make those outsiders dare not act rashly and seek death."
Hojo Ushimasa said with relief.
"The sage's initiative to divert the Tone River is indeed a great deed that will benefit the present and the future.
In particular, funds from Kanto temples are used to borrow money, and land expansion is used as interest, creating a virtuous cycle to drive local production.
In recent years, Higashi Musashi has indeed been getting better visibly, and the lives of local samurai families have become much easier."
Hojo Genan smiled.
"So, you don't have to worry about whether the saint can successfully take over Edogawa. Just ask yourself, are you willing to sleep with the saint and give birth to a descendant of the saint?"
Hojo Genan's words were naked and he pressed forward step by step. The Hojo clan lost its room for maneuver in an instant and had no choice but to follow its heart.
Hojo Ushimasa blushed and nodded, saying.
"I...I do."
Hojo Genan smiled and said nothing. This little governor, who was so honest in his speech, finally told the truth that made everyone feel comfortable.
———
The fourth generation of Hojo built Odawara Castle, especially Hojo Ujiyasu, who had great internal political management. Not only did he have good political control and people, he also guided various temples to settle around Odawara Castle to appease the people.
Hojo Umasa and Hojo Genan were discussing state affairs in the castle tower. At the castle town, in Myoanji Temple, the four abbots Kōni were also discussing in a secret room.
Master Yu Xin, the host of Miao'an Temple, looked pale, hesitant and speechless. Hui from Sanguang Temple, Zhehuang from Wuliang Temple, and Kaixin from Yanglin Temple surrounded her in the middle.
Sanguang Temple Shang Hui said impatiently.
"Master Yu Xin, you are talking."
Miao'an Temple Yu Xin grimaced.
"Can I not take it?"
Sanguang Temple Shang Hui sneered.
"If you don't take it, how will the three of us take it? If the three of us don't take it, how will the adults of the Wu Family Ethics Promotion Association get it?
No one takes it, but just watch the gold and silver slipping from their hands. How can we happily cooperate and make progress together in the future?
Yu Xin of Miao'an Temple, don't be ignorant of praise. You have taken it before, but you refuse to take it this time. What does this mean?"
Yu Xin from Miao'an Temple sighed.
"Before, it was just to earn some more interest money, so even if something happened, it would be justifiable.
But this time, you have to use the money in the account to invest in Sibo deposits, food stamps, and real estate. If something goes wrong and the account is not balanced, how will we explain to the local servants who borrowed the money?
At that time, the saint established the Samurai Giri Promotion Association, allowing our temples to participate in shares and borrow money, earn interest, and provide water conservancy construction funds for villages in the middle and lower reaches of the Tone River.
Those people from Kamakura Gozan wanted to save face and hid behind the scenes to provide money, pushing the four of us to the front and taking over the accounts with the Wu Family Giri Promotion Association.
Over the years, we have made a lot of money relying on the power we have, but the more we make, the more scared I become.
This time, I really don’t want to do it.”
Hui sighed at Sanguang Temple.
"I really don't know what you are afraid of.
The money and food we have withdrawn will not be used for the time being, and it is a waste to keep it in the warehouse. It is better to invest it in Mr. Takada Haruno's newly opened Shibo Bank and earn more interest.
Since Takada Haruno-sama debuted, she has been a master at turning stones into gold. She is regarded as the Goddess of Wealth by merchants. When have you ever seen her doing business at a loss?
Food stamps, stocks, real estate, which one is not rising steadily, how could something go wrong?
We are just moving the money and food temporarily, then sending it back without anyone noticing, and then sharing the extra money ourselves.
Wasn't this the case before? What's the difference? This is the Spo family's bank, what could happen?
The adults of the Wu Family Ethics Promotion Association are waiting for our reply. As long as you nod, today next year, we will all make a fortune together."
Miao'an Temple Yu Xin hesitated.
"But this is against the rules. You are getting bolder and bolder. The numbers are shocking to me. I am really scared."
Sanguang Temple Shang Hui sneered.
“The bigger the capital, the more you earn, don’t you understand this truth?
I really don’t understand what you are afraid of. Over at Sakai Port, Master Takada Haruno is a close confidant of the saint. Who else dares to check her accounts?
On our side, the four of us in Tucang will work together, and the adults from the Wu Family Giri Promotion Association will also help us cover it.
Everyone is of one heart and one mind, no one can escape if something happens, and no one will betray his own people.
As for the imbalance in the account, that is a temporary minor problem. It will be made up for when the money and food return in the future. Who dares to talk too much? Those rural servants who borrowed money? Do they have the guts to come and check the accounts?
The masters of the Wu Family Ethics Promotion Association are under the command of the saint, and they represent the saint! Give those country bumpkins a hundred courages, and they will not dare to doubt the saint's accounts!
I've taken care of this up and down, and I've explained the principles clearly to you. Now you can give me an accurate answer, whether you should take it or not!"
Hui from Sanguang Temple stared at Yu Xin from Miao'an Temple with a fierce look, and the other two nuns also turned their gazes coldly.
Miao'an Temple Yuxin's tongue felt bitter. She knew that she had boarded this black ship and there was no way out for a long time.
The interests of so many people are tied to the same chain. If you dare to let go of the chain, can others let you go? Now you shake your head, you can't tell, you will accidentally fall into the water and die tonight.
Miao'an Temple Yu Xin nodded, reluctant to squeeze out two words.