As Yoshigan Shiba issued orders one after another, Kyoto garrison Otani Yoshitsugi had already entered Fushimi Castle and secretly began preparations for war.
At this time, Maeda also came to Fushimi Castle to visit his old sisters.
Outside Fushimi Castle, at the entrance of the school field.
Otani Yoshitsugi's head was wrapped in a white scarf. In the middle of summer, only his eyes were exposed, looking into the distance.
In the past few years, she has been serving as a garrison in Kyoto and shouldering important responsibilities. She has become busier and busier, and her skin disease has become more and more serious. No matter how hot it is, she can only wrap herself up.
Fortunately, because of her high position, the saint gave her a small hot spring near Kyoto to treat her. Her daily life in Kyoto was pampered, and her body was not as uncomfortable as it was in the mountains of Minami Iga.
At this time, bursts of dust were already rising in the distance, and the faint sound of horses neighing could be heard. The black spots gradually enlarged, and a group of Ji Warriors rushed in front of them in a blink of an eye.
When the leader, Maeda Yoshitsugi, saw Otani Yoshitsugi coming to greet her in person, he jumped off his horse with a smile, stepped forward to hold her arm, and said affectionately.
"I heard that you are so busy these days that you don't even touch the ground. Why did you come to greet me in person?"
Otani Yoshitsugi bowed slightly and smiled.
"His Majesty Maeda is here, how dare I not come to greet him?"
Maeda laughed, punched Otani Yoshitsugi on the shoulder, and walked in side by side with her.
The two have known each other for 18 years and have an irreversible relationship, so they naturally have no inhibitions when joking.
When they arrived at the formation, the idlers on the left and right were removed, and only the two of them were left alone, Otani Yoshitsugi asked in a low voice.
"Why are you here?"
Maeda said solemnly.
"The situation seems to have changed."
Otani Yoshitsugi narrowed his eyes.
"No matter how things change, Kyoto will never retreat without a fight. You don't have to persuade me anymore."
Otani Yoshitsugi had long been prepared to die in battle. Ichijo Hideyoshi made a desperate move and transferred back the peninsula's elite regiment. Coupled with the full support of the Mori family, there were not only 100,000 but 80,000 soldiers.
There are only a thousand men under the Kyoto garrison, and with the hundreds of Shiba personnel converted from the old shogunate, the total number of soldiers does not exceed 1,500. No matter how you look at it, it is just a mantis trying to pull a chariot.
But Kyoto is the most benign place in the world and has extraordinary political significance. It is impossible for the Shiba family to abandon Kyoto without firing a shot.
Therefore, Otani Yoshitsugi, the Kyoto garrison, was already mentally prepared to die in repayment of the saint's kindness.
Fortunately, the saint was kind and Maeda's interests were close friends. Even if Otani Yoshitsugi died in battle, the Otani family would continue to prosper because of her sacrifice, which was not a loss.
I knew that Otani Yoshitsugi had a death wish, but Maeda did not want this powerful ally to die in a losing battle.
You must know that Otani Yoshitsugu was a member of the first generation of saints. He had outstanding achievements and was successful in admonishing him several times. The saint valued him very much.
Although Otani Yoshitsugi is not a member of the Shiba Goddess group, apart from the Shiba Goddess, among the descendants of Shiba Mirai, Otani Yoshitsugi can be regarded as one of the top family elders.
Putting aside the deep personal relationship between the two, such a political ally is far more valuable alive than dead.
Maeda Yoshitsugi persuaded Otani Yoshitsugi several times that if the situation goes bad, we can judge the situation and assess the situation. There are many enemies and we are outnumbered, and it is not impossible to lose territory and save people.
However, Otani Yoshitsugi was so stubborn that he believed that with the fall of Kyoto, the Shiba family had to die an important minister. She was deeply favored by the saint and she should die to repay the saint's kindness.
Otani Yoshitsugi spoke with kindness, but Maeda could not refute it and could only give up in frustration.
But today, the situation has changed so much that Maeda couldn't help but come to Kyoto in person to tell the old sisters the good news.
Maeda shook his head and said.
"It's not about retreating without a fight, it's about fighting here."
Otani Yoshitsugi said in surprise.
"The saint wants to have a decisive battle with the Ichijo family in Kyoto?
The Kanto vassals have not yet mobilized, and the Kinki force does not seem to be enough to suppress an army."
Maeda sighed.
"Akechi Mitsuhide and Hosokawa Fujitaka secretly sent someone to inform me that they had sold me a large favor.
The Hosokawa family will defend the port area of Sakai Port, and the Tamba samurai family will also set out from the Tamba Highlands to harass the Settsu line in due course."
Otani Yoshitsugi shook his head.
"When Hideyoshi's army attacks, she will naturally think of the harassment of the Yodogawa River in Sakai Port. Even if it blocks her concentration, there are at least 70,000 to 80,000 troops. A little harassment cannot stop the trend."
Maeda smiled and said.
"Don't worry, I haven't said the most important thing yet.
Just two days ago, the saint held a Yuanfu ceremony for Uesugi Miyuki at Tamonyama Castle, and the Yuanfu was named Uesugi Yoshikage."
Otani Yoshitsugi was stunned for a moment.
"Your Highness, Second Highness, has taken the Yuan Dynasty? She should be only eleven years old this year, right?"
The Yuanfu of the island country originated from the crown ceremony of the Celestial Dynasty, usually at the age of twenty. Due to the troubled times in the Wu family, Ji warriors generally wear Yuanfu earlier, but usually it is not until the age of fifteen.
Of course, there are examples of children being given Yuanfu in advance because of politics. For example, Takeda Shingen's daughter Takeda Yoshinobu was given Yuanfu at the age of three and went to Luo to seek asylum from saints.
But Uesugi Miyuki, no, now she should be called Uesugi Yoshikage, her situation is different.
The Sibo family's political power is now stable, the prestige of the saint is increasing day by day, and half of the island country has surrendered. It seems that there is no need for the heir to submit to the throne in advance, unless there are special political demands.
Seeing Otani Yoshitsugi's eyes widening, as if he had reacted, he asked with a smile the day before yesterday.
"Do you understand?"
Otani Yoshitsugi said.
"The saint wants His Highness to participate in the final battle to unify the world and establish her political prestige with military exploits?"
Maeda nodded. "Not bad.
Military merit is the most important thing for the Wu family, and the unification of the world is already the last battle. As the heir to Shiba Tianxia, of course, he must get enough political chips in this battle to stabilize the position of the heir.
After the sage has ordered Uesugi Yoshikagemoto to serve, he will lead some of his fellow soldiers to Luo Kyoto to help defend Fushimi Castle, and Takeda Yoshinobu will also join the team in the battle."
Otani Yoshitsugi took a breath.
"Your Highness, your two highnesses are coming to Fushimi Castle? Is the saint announcing to the world that he will have a decisive battle with Ichijo Hideyoshi in Kyoto?"
Maeda sighed.
"Half a year to mobilize troops is enough to expose all of Ichijo Hideyoshi's strategic plans.
The Ichijo Legion is not monolithic. There is a mountain of information from the Maeda Toshi family. Maybe Ichijo Hideyoshi knows what her legion generals are doing better than he himself.
Go up to Kyoto, get through Yodo Castle and Fushimi Castle, then take advantage of Sakamoto Castle, occupy Azuchi Castle, capture Sawayama Castle, pass through the pass without breaking through, and conquer Mino Gifu Castle.
Ichijo Hideyoshi had a good plan, which was to take advantage of the time gap between the mobilization of the Eastern Army to quickly get through Omi Mino and shake the hearts of the world.
Since the saint has seen through this, he will naturally not let her succeed.
It was not an easy matter for Takeda Yoshinobu and Uesugi Yoshikage to defend Fushimi Castle. After discussion with Maeda Toshiie, the sage must have really wanted to deal with Ichijo Hideyoshi in Kyoto.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to send his two daughters to Fushimi Castle to participate in a losing battle.
In addition, Nizi Yukimori of Koriyama Castle reacted very quickly this time. Thousands of members of Nizi's family have already sent blood letters to Tawenshan Castle. This time, Nizi's family will fight to the death with the Mori family until the end.
Mitsuhide Akechi, Fujitaka Hosokawa, Yukimori Niko, plus Maeda Toshiie and I, and the Kinki Shinto families have reached an agreement to support the saint in the decisive battle in Kyoto.
As for the Eastern Army... Well, the Kanto divine families were strictly ordered by the saint not to mobilize in advance. They had to wait for Ichijo Hideyoshi to start a provocation first. This is the bottom line of righteousness to occupy the moral high ground.
Waiting for a legion to attack and mobilizing again in Kanto, they will definitely not be able to catch up with the war in Kyoto. They will probably have to watch our performance in this decisive battle. "
Otani Yoshitsugi frowned.
"Ichijo Hideyoshi is coming with great force this time. The total strength will not be less than 80,000. It is a good thing that all the Kinki clans are united, but the strength does not seem to be enough."
Maeda Yoshitake said.
"Akechi Hosokawa and his two men are determined to put pressure on the logistics line of a corps in the Sakai Port area and both sides of the Yodogawa River.
Before the nails of Sakai Port are pulled out, at least one-third of a legion cannot be mobilized at will, and the number of Sanluo troops limited by logistics will not exceed 60,000.
Coupled with the division of troops to guard various important towns and prevent harassment from both directions of Hanoi and Tamba, the number of legions that can actually pass through Yodo Castle and reach the front line of Kyoto may only be thirty or forty thousand.
The princes of Kyushu each have their own evil intentions, and the Shimazu family only sent a thousand men to participate in the war this time.
The Maori family is attentive, but the Owari faction and the Mino faction within the army are hesitant. They have a lot of wealth invested in Shiba territory. What good will it do to them if the Shiba family is finished?
Furthermore, Oda Nobunaga could not defeat the saint back then, so why should they believe that Ichijo Hideyoshi can defeat the saint?
As long as Owari Mino's army generals dare to revolt and surrender, our military strength may not be at a disadvantage.
The Kinki Shibagami families are united as one this time, and this battle is not impossible.
Our army has insufficient strength, so Yodo City must be abandoned, but here Fushimi cannot give in anymore.
I estimate that at the latest tonight, the saint's imperial order will be sent to you, explaining that we will go to Luo to help defend. I just let you know half a day in advance.
So, how is your defense arrangement here?"
The large amount of information impact made Otani Yoshitsugi's brain work excessively, and she felt a slight burning sensation. She shook her head and answered seriously.
"To protect Kyoto, you must guard Toba Fushimi.
Shimo-Toba is the confluence of the Katsura River and Kamogawa River. The river bed between Upper and Lower Toba is wide, the water flow is slow, it is easy to ford, and there is also a bridge to pass through.
The ferry south of Fushimi Castle is close to the confluence of the Uji River and the Takase River. It is surrounded by mountains to the north, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack.
My original defense strategy was to rely on the river to prevent a legion from crossing the river, and try to delay the Sibo family's mobilization as much time as possible.
Now it seems that if there is really going to be a decisive battle at Toba Fushimi, the layout will have to change."
Maeda touched his chin and murmured.
"Toba...Fushimi..."
Seeing Maeda pondering, Otani Yoshitsugi suddenly sighed and said.
"Todo Takatora's place... should we try..."
Maeda sighed.
"You think I haven't sent someone to contact her?
But she is stubborn as hell, saying that she has changed her owner four times, which is rare since ancient times. She has a beautiful man who needs her kindness to rebuild, and she does not want to be a treacherous villain."
Otani Yoshitsugi shook his head and had nothing to say.
At first, Maeda Yoshitsugi, Ohtani Yoshitsugi, and Toudo Takatora were following Yoshigan Shiba. They were the first followers of the revival of the Shiba family, and they had a bright future.
It's a pity that Todo Takatora was young, failed to appreciate his talent, and thought he was talented, so he left the Shiba family after the death of his mother, Todo Takataka.
Later, Takatora Toudo followed Asai, Isono and other masters successively, but they all did nothing. Moreover, because of his behavior of breaking away from the Shiba family, as the Shiba family became more and more prosperous, he gradually became the laughing stock of the samurai family.
Regardless of the ridicule from the outside world, Ichijo Hidecho accepted the notorious Todo Takatora as his retainer and entrusted him with important responsibilities. It was indeed a great kindness.
Takatora Toudo was so grateful that he was willing to die for Ichihide.
Ichijo Hidecho is the biological sister of Ichijo Hideyoshi and the general of the Ichijo Regiment. This time he will inevitably participate in the Battle of Kamiro. Todo Takatora, as a general under Ichijo Hideyoshi, will also lead the troops into battle.
When Maeda Yoshitsugi and Otani Yoshitsugu saw their good sister embark on this dead end, both publicly and privately they hoped to help her out and save her.
It was too late for Otani Yoshitsugi now. Maeda had already used his connections to find someone to unblock Takatora Toudo.
She did not expect that Todo Takatora, who had a notorious reputation among the samurai family and was known as the Wrapper, would be more loyal than most of the generals of a legion, which was also deplorable.
Both Maeda Yoshi and Otani Yoshitsugi looked helpless, sighing for their former good sisters.