Pillars of the Wu family

In the winter of this year, many things happened. First of all, there was a severe drought affecting the Kantohoku region. The severity of the drought was unexpected. The area of ​​Shinano, Echigo, Etchu, and Hida was hit by the drought demon, and many farmers cried with their dead rice.

Kanto was lucky enough to suffer continuous rainfall after autumn to alleviate the drought. The countries that were severely affected were not so lucky, except that Echigo had a solid foundation to withstand the drought, and after paying the heavy price of reducing grain production by one-third Afterwards, Echuchu and Hida, which are the fewest in other countries, are also major disasters in which grain production has been halved.

Shinano and Ueno have been hit hard, with an average production reduction of [-]%. A small number of counties are facing a desperate situation. The outbreak of large-scale refugees is inevitable. Regardless of management or not, blind refugees flock to the Echigo and Kanto regions. However, although Echigo was seriously affected by the disaster, the total amount of agriculture and the developed agricultural foundation can still support the system from collapsing.

The disaster situation in Kanto is better. Relying on its good agricultural foundation and unique geographical environment, it survived easily. The total number of refugees who fled this time exceeded 10, of which nearly [-]% flooded into Echigo, and the remaining [-]% In the various territories of the South Kanto.

In the Musashi country in Kanto, after several years of recuperation, the Hojo family's economy and reputation have been greatly restored. The Kanto civil affairs officials are not just talking, in order to retain the hearts of the people, the Hojo family sacrificed the public four people six, and various tax-free and tax-free plans were obtained. Resolutely, the "big devil" Hojo Ujiyasu often appeared in the countryside, and gradually farmers were no longer afraid of this middle-aged man with a kind smile. [

In addition to recuperating, the Hojo family has also made progress in diplomacy and military affairs. After several years of difficult contacts, the Furukawa government is finally willing to sit down with the Hojo family to discuss peace issues.Although Harusuke Koda hated the Hojo family who killed his father and nephew, his reason told him that he had to learn to be patient and compromise.

Now Furukawa is the third child and the only descendant of the Ashikaga Fujimasa. If he offends the Hojo family and puts this only seedling in, the Furukawa family will be finished.Harusuke Yoda and a group of retainers will also perish. Without the banner of the Furukawa government, they don't even count as farts.

Regardless of the ideas of those with vested interests, or the fact that the Furukawa government is really powerful, Harusuke Koda has to consider making a false appointment with the Hojo family, the cross-river dragon in Kanto. Only by saving the life of the government can he keep his own power and position.Especially in the past few years, Mr. Furukawa's Fang family has lost the family governor one after another, and their prestige has been hit to the point where it is almost unsustainable.

At the Ashikaga Fujimasa succession ceremony, the Kanto samurai basically chose to send envoys to watch the ceremony on their behalf. This arrogant attitude expressed the contempt and disapproval of the Kanto people for the Furukawa government. Zheng met a friendly hand extended at this time, would they refuse?Won't.

The price offered by Hojo Shikang is very favorable.Marrying his prostitute daughter to Ashikaga Fujimasa as the main wife, Hojo Ujiyasu and Furukawa became husband-in-law. This is a continuation of his father Hojo Utsuna's strategy. With his guarantee of force, the price Ashikaga Fujimasa has to pay is to cooperate with the Hojo family to wave the flag or show his righteous name when the Hojo family goes out.

Under such favorable conditions, Mr. Furukawa Ashikaga Fujimasa agreed with almost no thought.He is only 12 years old this year, and he is still a few years away from becoming an adult. Before that, he needs to accumulate popularity to gain support. In his opinion, Hojo Ujiyasu, who dominates Izu, Sagami, and Musashi, is currently the best choice.

As for revenge, revenge can be postponed for the time being. Revenge will not be more important than surviving. It is his responsibility to inherit the family business. He will not forget that he has two underage younger brothers. To die with hatred, and then give the position to the concubine born to two lowly maids, not only can't take advantage of them, but also find ways to execute them.

Yoshida Harusuke knew very well that this nephew had murderous intentions.So after reaching an agreement with Hojo Shiyasu, the two concubines and their mother were immediately placed under house arrest. One month after Ashikaga Fujimasa got married, the two innocent children and their mother were reduced to ashes in a fire.

The people of Kanto were both angry and regretful about Furukawa's move to hold hands with the Hojo family.Thinking about the arrogance and stupidity of the earlier days, they insisted on linking up to give Ashikaga Fujimasa a disqualification, thus giving up the only chance to get close to the Furukawa government. Now there is no other way but to swear to boycott the Furukawa government. , And threatened that Ashikaga Fujimasa and Hojo Ujiyasu conspired to kill Furukawa's two generations of family governors.

This kind of rumor is unfounded and untenable, but the furious Kanto people are still very influential, and the reputation of the Hojo family was quickly tricked to the point of negative points, but this will only push Ashikaga Fujimasa even more. To the Hojo family, the Kanto samurai family who had lost their righteous status could only focus on the interests of each family's territory. They fought twice in three days for their own family, and their level was no better than that of the Ueno family. , Xiapingji Changzheng, how much stronger is that bit of land.

To solve the problem that has been troubled for many years, the Hojo family quickly made a decision to attack the Ueno country, especially this year's drought hit all the samurai families in the Ueno country, and brought great opportunities to the Hojo family. In September 23, the Hojo family launched the Hirai Castle attack. At that time, people in Ueno were in panic.

It is rare in Kinai for a whole year of peace and good weather. The Miyoshi family has a good harvest throughout the year. When the Miyoshi family regained its vitality, it did not forget the war. The Hatakeyama family and the Rokkaku family expressed their disdain.

The imperial court and the shogunate don’t care if you fight outside, as long as you don’t hit Kinai, the few years of good life have given Kinai a sense of prosperity and peace, but soon new problems appear. His apprentice and son Tan suddenly passed out while practicing Buddhism, and passed away a few days later at the age of 39.

It is said that before his death, he never forgot Ishiyama Honganji Temple, pointing to the direction of Ishiyama Honganji Temple in the north, and died with hatred, so Hino Qingguang performed a bitter drama in the court to fight for more benefits for his own family.

The imperial court also didn't understand why Honganji Temple Zhengru had been in a coma all this time, why he couldn't forget it, and how he opened his eyes and pointed at the north and passed away with hatred. Temple to discuss a day.Finally, it was agreed that Yixiangzong would return to Ishiyama Honganji Temple to rebuild the Garan, but it was necessary to restrict activities in Kinai.

At the same time, in compliance with Honganji Temple's "before death" decree, after the return of Ichimuzong to Ishiyama Honganji, the Ichikozong temples in Echizen, Kaga, and Etchu were allowed to rebuild Garan.Three years of lessons have taught this group of arrogant Yikui soldiers to restrain themselves, at least not daring to show their fangs in front of outsiders. As for how Hokuriku plays... who cares?

God seemed to be moved by Ichikui's struggle, so in the late autumn when Hokuriku Ichikui was celebrating, the famous Hakusan Volcano in Kaga erupted again, which was the third eruption in five years.It was also the largest eruption in the past century, with billowing lava and volcanic ash covering the sky in several counties.

The believers of Yixiangzong jumped, shouted, and fled in all directions in the floating sparks and volcanic ash. At this moment, the gods and Buddhas were as far away as the world from them.

In early October, Echigo Naoetsu ushered in a small fleet.A huge sailing ship, which is very different from Japanese ships, entered the port. The strange flags and a group of red-haired and green-eyed Nanban people shocked the townspeople of Echigo. This is not Sakai-cho or Kyushu. No one has ever seen Nanban people. When the public heard the news, they came to solve the problem of the southern barbarians and informed Ji Liangyi in time. [

"Frank, I haven't seen you for two years, and I'm getting richer!"

"Joseph is getting taller and taller! In a few years, he will surpass old Frank." Old Frank compared the heights of the two.Smiling and praising his height is definitely a tall man beyond the standard.

"Who is this?" I saw a young man behind Old Frank, whose appearance was six to seven points similar to him, about 1.8 meters tall, in his early teens, and looked very energetic.

Old Frank patted the young man on the shoulder, "This is my son, Ronald Argot, who is 17 years old this year. Before that, he studied in Florence for five years. You should know that it is a beautiful place full of artistic atmosphere, and Stunning wealth is always fascinating, isn't it?"

Kirayoshi was not interested in discussing with him how wonderful Florence really is.I looked around but didn't see the blonde loli, and asked suspiciously: "Where's Claudia? Why didn't I see her? Could it be that she..."

"Claudia went to London, which is his hometown. It is always exciting to go home. She will follow Princess Elizabeth to learn etiquette in the church. I don't know the details." Frank called Princess Elizabeth, It is the future Queen Elizabeth. Of course, her princess position is deprived at this time.

"...So that's how it is!"

Frank Argot said to him solemnly: "Although Claudia didn't come, she still asked me to bring you a message, which probably means that she is fine and her own fleet is developing very well in the North Sea." Hurry up, and thank you for your generous support...not to mention, this time I brought sixteen more horses, still Trakehner and Holstein horses, and the price is the same as last time."

"I can't trade with you here." Yoshiki Kira smiled wryly. He actually forgot about the arrival of the Argot fleet, and he couldn't get so many trade items if he wasn't in Kinai. He accumulated a lot of silver in the casting of Yongle money, but he still thinks it is better to keep it, and it is also good to import it into Daming as a hard currency for trade.

Frank Argot didn't seem surprised at all, and said with a smile: "It's okay, we're just here to get our way and pick up our employees. The transaction will still be at the original port."

"That's good!"

In the next few days, Kira Yoshitoshi accompanied them all the way around Naoetsu, and took time to take a bath in the nearby Yakiyama Hot Spring. During the chat, Frank Argot said that he was getting old and wanted to go back to Amsterdam to spend his life. The future business will be In the care of his son Ronald Argot.

Yoshiki Kira cooperated with him knowingly, saying that Ronald is a very upright gentleman, and the future cooperation must be very pleasant.

Hans in Nassau, the Rupert Five, the horse trainer Karl, and the interpreter made it clear that they wanted to go back to their hometown. This two-year trip made them a lot of money, and at the same time, they also experienced the beauty of a foreign country. A wonderful life, and finally Hans said that he could have his cousin come over as an instructor in two years.

The watchmaker Kronberg is still struggling with his flintlock gun, and has not considered going back for the time being. Anyway, the life here is superior, the food and clothing are the same as his hometown, and the good scientific research environment is perfect. Of course, Yoshitomo Kira also expressed his welcome. The watchmaker stayed on, and the annual salary remained the same as when he was employed.

The reason why Karl left readily was because another colleague came, John the horse trainer who transported [-] horses. The two seemed to be good friends. After a cordial exchange, Karl told him all the problems he encountered. John, at the same time, introduced to sign a two-year agreement with the same annual salary for John. In Carl's words: "This is my good friend. His level of training horses is perfect, just like me!"

When John discussed with Karl and found Kirayoshi, he said that if the employer was willing, the two of them would take turns to train these horses for the employer. Kirayoshi was happy to accept their suggestion. The life span of a horse is 35 years, and the life span of three years is only Just a foal, far from being an adult,

How to breed and reproduce horses, treat diseases and domesticate them to become a qualified war horse requires technology, and it will take at least ten years to breed these horses, and it will not be counted as Kira until the second generation of horses are born. The family's horse trainer apprentices train teachers.

Frank's fleet sailed back to Ding after completing the supply loading. As soon as they left, Ding's information was transmitted simultaneously, mentioning the intention of the Argot fleet to make a deal.

The Piwa House in the town has already conducted a chamber of commerce transaction with Agot according to the original plan. Porcelain, silk, and raw silk were exchanged for similar trade items last time. The only difference is that the scale has more than doubled. It can be seen that Agot’s fleet is in It has doubled in the past two years.

Looking at this information, Yoshihiro Kira thought: "He only came here with ten ships this time. This is the same as the fleet we met for the first time. Does that mean that most of the fleet is still in the town? Not only do we need to know the route, He even arranged for his son to be in the position... Forget it, this has nothing to do with me, as long as I can earn this business!"

This time, the amount of special products of the Ming Dynasty allocated was huge. All the stocks of the Pipa House in Kyoto, Sakaicho, and Sakamoto were emptied out, and the hole was closed by buying Ming Dynasty special products worth 30 guan with Yongle money. The total transaction volume exceeded The [-] taels of silver was the largest order in Kinai in recent years, making the rich merchants in Sakaimachi very jealous. [

How to divert the specific goods does not belong to him. He has a headache. The terrible thing is that the joint trade between the Ming Dynasty and Japan has not resumed normalization. It has not resumed since the joint trade was interrupted in 1549. The Kira family obtained the special products of the Ming Dynasty from North Korea. Transshipment is even directly smuggled by sea. This kind of transshipment has lost a lot of profit, and the supply of goods is very unstable.