When we look at the history of the northern regions of Japan, the areas known as Mutsu before the Edo period can be said to have been under the "Kamakura system." Politically, after Emperor Go-Daigo overthrew the Kamakura Shogunate, the "Mutsu Shogunate" was established. During the Muromachi Shogunate, the Mutsu Shogunate was countered by the establishment of the Mutsu Governor. Although there was a connection with the central government, the prestigious families that had continued from the Kamakura Shogunate remained until the end of the Sengoku period. In this sense, while there were minor conflicts in Mutsu, it can be said that the Sengoku period did not truly arrive.
From a commercial and industrial perspective, Mutsu remained isolated until the Edo period. In particular, the Nambu domain raised the "Nambu cow," the original breed of the Japanese Shorthorn, and the "Nambu horse," a wild horse at the northernmost tip of Honshu, but both were only known within the region. While Mutsu and Ezo were known in the central regions for "kelp," "salmon," and "furs," it can be said that they lacked the artistic specialties like "Mino washi" and "Hida woodworking."
With the end of the Sengoku period, a new economic center, "Edo," was born in Japan, and the various domains in Mutsu began to focus on trade. This was also true for the Nambu family, and the "Nambu ironware," which became a specialty in the early Edo period, continues to this day as a traditional craft.
"Yoshimatsu, I understand buying horses and cows, but why are you buying roosters (chickens)?"
"Of course, to raise and eat them."
In response to the question from his mentor, Shintaro Masaharu, Yoshimatsu answered as if it were nothing. However, in this era, the custom of eating chickens did not exist. In fact, the five animals—cows, horses, dogs, monkeys, and chickens—were prohibited from being eaten.
"Ignoring the edict of 675 (the 4th year of Emperor Tenmu's reign), the people of Japan are too honest. If you understand the background of why the prohibition was issued, the aversion to meat will disappear."
The "Edict Prohibiting the Killing of Living Beings" issued by Emperor Tenmu had a historical context, aiming to increase rice production by prohibiting the slaughter of livestock suitable for farming. However, as rice began to play a monetary role, and similar edicts and prohibitions were issued multiple times, the Japanese developed an aversion to meat.
"Along with the improvement of roads, we will improve transportation methods. The basic method will be horse-drawn transport, with oxen used for farming. Chickens will be for food. Chicken eggs are highly nutritious and are commonly eaten in Ming China."
However, the problem was where to raise the livestock. If they were raised near the mountains, they might be attacked by bears or wolves. They decided to clear a hill upstream of the Tanabu River and build a fence made of wood and bamboo to raise them.
"I've never even tasted the original breed of Hina chickens. Should I really fry them?"
While Yoshimatsu was casually thinking about new ingredients, in the distant southern land of Mutsu, at the Sanho Castle, during the monthly council meeting in March, there was talk about the Nambu family recently gathering people. This was not unusual. The Nambu family had split, and the current head, Nambu Masaharu, had placed his eldest son in Hachinohe, naming him Hachinohe Hisamatsu. People from Tanabu were also being brought along. It was not strange that he was gathering people to fill the gaps.
"But why is he gathering people to reduce the number of mouths to feed?"
Kuji Castle's lord, Kuji Ukyo Nobunaka, looked at Nambu Masaharu with a stern gaze. The only people who would be reduced in number were the elderly or children, who could not be used for agriculture or warfare.
"According to my son, there is a purpose. My son Yoshimatsu seems to be focusing on the internal affairs of Tanabu recently..."
"Wait a moment. You mean Hisamatsu's younger brother? How old is he, if I may ask?"
A young man, who appeared to be in his mid-20s, spoke. However, no one underestimated him. He was the lord of Kenkichi Castle, Hokuzaemon-no-suke Nobuyasu, known for his wisdom. Masaharu, who lacked the courage of his father, wiped the sweat from his forehead but answered honestly.
"He is three years old this year."
"Ridiculous... What is Masaharu doing? A three-year-old child cannot handle political affairs. Tanabu is on the other side of the Mutsu Sea, but it is a 3,000-koku domain. It cannot be toyed with like a child's play!"
Kuji Bizen-no-kami Haruyoshi, representing Oshu Masanori, frowned. Ishigame Kii-no-kami Nobumasa nodded in agreement. Although the Nambu domain was separated from the main Nambu family, trade across Mutsu Bay was conducted. Moreover, Tanabu Castle was a symbol of the "Kashizaki Kozan's Rebellion," which led to the rise of the Sanho Nambu. It was impossible to ignore the land becoming desolate.
"No, wait. Tanabu is indeed gathering people, but it is not in chaos. According to my investigation..."
Interrupting everyone, it was Ishikawa Jiroemon-no-jo Takahide, a senior retainer of the Nambu family and the younger brother of the current head, Nambu Harumasa. Known as a wise and brave general, he controlled the politics and military of Tsugaru. His influence within the Nambu family was unparalleled.
"Brother, according to my investigation, Tanabu has become vibrant in a short period, and new industries are emerging. It is said that a person named Yoshimatsu is giving instructions. It is probably due to his wisdom."
"Hmm. There are wise people like Jiroemon-no-jo... Impressive."
"Nambu is quite capable."
Mutsu did not have specialized intelligence groups like Iga or Koga. However, Nambu Harumasa and Ishikawa Takahide had their own information networks, which were built by the previous head, Nambu Yasunobu, to monitor the fragmented Nambu families. Naturally, Tanabu Castle was included in this network. It was unimaginable that a mere three-year-old child could be directing everything. The on-site supervisor, Yoshimatsu, was likely the one with the wisdom, as suggested by the information.
However, someone had doubts. None other than the 24th head of the Nambu family, Nambu Harumasa, who was in his prime at 31, with a stern, masculine face, nodded with a smile.
"Yes. Jiroemon-no-jo's words are reasonable. However, my view is slightly different. If he is such a wise person, why place him in Tanabu? Normally, he should be placed in the stronghold and given a more important role."
The retainers looked at each other. Some murmured, "Now that you mention it..." while others thought, "But surely not..." Ishikawa Takahide continued to look at his brother with respect. He had been thinking the same thing. However, he deliberately expressed a conventional opinion to give his brother the credit. His role was to support his brother as a senior retainer of the Nambu family and to unite the Nambu family.
Harumasa narrowed his eyes and spoke in a half-joking tone.
"Perhaps, it really is the child doing it? The Shogun of the Chinzei Province (Kitabatake Akiie) became a court noble at the age of four. It's not strange if a three-year-old child could govern Tanabu."
"Brother, should we investigate this matter further?"
While other retainers laughed, "That would be impressive," Ishikawa Takahide confirmed his lord's intentions. To Harumasa, it didn't matter either way. The key was that he would make the final decision. The Nambu and Hachinohe domains had not yet fully submitted to the Sanho Nambu. Therefore, some tightening was necessary, but over-tightening would be unwise.
For a moment, there was a tense atmosphere where everyone seemed to blame Nambu Masaharu, but it was now completely dispelled. Masaharu would have understood who his master was.
After confirming that everyone's attention was on him, Harumasa snorted.
"I will leave it to Jiroemon-no-jo. Although it may seem a bit arbitrary, if Tanabu can settle and flourish, it will serve as a good check on the 13 Antoku and Kashizaki. Masaharu, you have a good son. I would like to meet him someday."
Nambu Masaharu bowed in gratitude. He was not scolded or threatened, but the conversation with Nambu Harumasa was nerve-wracking.
Unaware of the tension at Sanho Castle, Yoshimatsu was already planning his next move. He was building a 500-koku ship using wood tar obtained from drying wood and wood vinegar.
"By using hemp from Echigo for the sails, the ship will be faster. I will lend this to Zenemon to increase trade."
"Are you going to lend such a valuable ship?"
"Grandfather, does the current Nambu family have anyone who can operate this ship? I will lend the ship and people to Zenemon. I will teach them trade and ship operation. In about ten years, the Nambu navy will be complete."
During the Kashizaki Kozan's Rebellion, ships from Nobeoka attacked Tanabu, leading to the Nambu victory. If Nobeoka were controlled by the Nambu, it could divide the Nambu family between Tsugaru and Mutsu. Nobeoka was a strategic location, but strangely, no castle was built there. It was only fortified after the rebellion of Tsugaru Masahiro.
(It's too early for now. I want to grow the Nambu family to at least 50,000 koku. Only then can I raise 1,000 soldiers. But even then, it's far from enough to challenge the Nambu. I need Kashizaki and Ezo...)
"Grandfather, I will start building the second ship immediately. I want to allocate one for trade with Echizen and one for trade with Ezo."
Thinking that the peace treaty between Kashizaki and the Ainu would be signed next year, Yoshimatsu gazed at the path of his ambition.
(´・∀・`)：Finally, I can introduce a famous historical figure!
(=゜ω゜=）：I'm a bit concerned that Masaharu is treated like a minor character?
(´・∀・`)：He is actually a minor character. While Shintaro Masaharu, Hachinohe Masahiro, and Nambu Masaharu are listed on Wikipedia, Masaharu is not. This means he is treated as a minor character.
(=゜ω゜=）：Poor dad...(/□≦、)
(´・∀・`)：He doesn't appear much in the Nambu family documents either. So, please bear with the creative liberties.
(=゜ω゜=）：You're already setting up a flag to avoid historical accuracy!
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※The third volume of my modern fantasy "Dungeon Busters" will be released in June.
I would be grateful if you could read it.
The first volume of this work, "Until the Crescent Moon Becomes My Land!" is published by Earth Star Novel. Please consider picking it up!