Chapter 123
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Early June, 1573.
“Achoo! Ugh… I wonder if someone is gossiping?”
While Keiji was having a drinking party with Kotaro, he was heading towards Nobunaga’s place with the Jewish girl, Momiji. The purpose of the visit was to present mangoes to Nobunaga, as it was the harvest season. Mangoes are relatively fast-ripening fruits. Even in modern times, they can only maintain their freshness for a few days in refrigeration or about two months when frozen. In the Sengoku period, where refrigeration facilities were not readily available, they had to stagger the planting time and make adjustments to ensure that the harvest time varied. However, this year, Shizuko was too busy preparing for the Battle of Mikatagahara and couldn’t give detailed instructions, so they ended up planting all at once. As a result, a large quantity of mangoes ripened at the same time, causing a phenomenon where the demand exceeded the supply.
Due to the unknown value of mangoes, they couldn’t be easily circulated, but it would be a waste to let them rot. When they thought of a good disposal method, they came up with the idea of serving them to the invited guests under the pretense of a housewarming celebration. In modern times, mangoes can be processed into chutneys or jams for long-term preservation, but these methods require a large amount of sugar, and chutneys also require valuable spices such as pepper. In the Sengoku period, where sugar and spices were still scarce, they had no choice but to give up on the cost and thought that it would be most useful to have people consume them fresh at a housewarming celebration where many people gathered.
“Sorry for asking you to help carry them. Everyone gets intimidated when it comes to dealing with the lord…”
“I-I’m… I’m fine.”
Momiji bravely showed Shizuko a small clenched fist, trying to show her determination. Although she seemed determined, Shizuko couldn’t help but find her more adorable than reliable.
“Oh, that group over there…”
At the corner, Shizuko spotted three familiar people. Tadakatsu, Hanzo, and Yasumasa, retainers of the Tokugawa family. They hadn’t noticed them and were walking while supporting the drunken Tadakatsu.
“This room will do. Let’s go.”
“Yes. On three.”
With a shout, Hanzo and Yasumasa threw the heavily intoxicated Tadakatsu into the room once again. It was a well-practiced action that could be described as throwing him away, lacking consideration for Tadakatsu. After making sure that Tadakatsu was safely asleep, Hanzo sighed, and at that moment, they noticed Shizuko and Momiji watching them.
“Well, well, Shizuko-dono. I apologize for showing you such an unsightly scene. Oh, what a strange thing you have there.”
“What?!”
As soon as Hanzo called out to Shizuko, Tadakatsu suddenly awakened and shouted. The area outside the room where Tadakatsu was thrown was a corridor overlooking the veranda, and the two who had their backs to the room were directly hit by Tadakatsu’s charge. Caught off guard, neither of them could even take a defensive posture, and they were pushed and fell face-first from the veranda into the garden. Not only that, but Tadakatsu’s legs got tangled unexpectedly during the collision, causing him to lick the corridor as he fell forward. Hanzo and Yasumasa fell into the garden with their faces, and Tadakatsu, who had braked with his face, was writhing in pain. It was a moment when a simple conversation in the corridor turned into a hellish scene. Seeing the dishonorable state that was too much for a samurai who valued his dignity, Shizuko gently covered Momiji’s eyes with her hand.
“Everyone is in a position of authority, so let’s forget what we just saw.”
“Y-Yes.”
Momiji obediently accepted Shizuko’s words and covered her own eyes with her hands, not wanting to see the surroundings.
“This… this is a temporary truce…”
“That’s… right…”
By the time their nausea subsided and their senses returned, it was already too late. The three of them, with their faces turning pale from their drunken redness, covered their mouths and rushed out. It was probably towards the toilet, Shizuko understood, and she called out to Momiji, who had been covering her eyes.
“You can open your eyes now. Well then, shall we go, Momiji-chan?”
It would be best for everyone to pretend that they hadn’t seen anything, Shizuko thought. Although it was unclear what Momiji thought, it was unlikely that she would spread the events of today. In this way, their dignity was preserved.
Shizuko, who had been caught up in an unexpected commotion, carried a large quantity of mangoes and headed towards Nobunaga’s place. Just as they were about to arrive, they unexpectedly ran into Nobunaga.
“So, that’s the Nanban girl that I recently hired.”
Nobunaga noticed the unfamiliar girl behind Shizuko and asked, pointing at Momiji. Startled by the sudden call, Momiji prostrated herself while still holding the luggage.
“Yes. She’s a good girl.”
“No need to prostrate. Lift your head. Hm, her hair is black, but her eyes are different from ours. They have a jade-like blue-green color. So, there are Nanban people like this.”
Momiji had slightly wavy black hair and eyes that had a bluish-green tint. Nobunaga observed Momiji closely, whether it was because her appearance was slightly different from that of the missionaries or because he was interested in the Western bone structure. Momiji, who was exposed to his impolite gaze, felt intimidated and lowered her face again.
“My lord, Momiji is scared. Please forgive her for that.”
“I don’t have any ill intentions. I just find her unusual eyes intriguing. They shimmer like jewels.”
With his chin resting on his hand, Nobunaga praised Momiji’s eyes. Momiji, fearing his displeasure, lifted her face again.
“Some may have something to say about accepting foreigners, but I allow it. As long as you work for me, I won’t allow any complaints.”
“I appreciate your consideration.”
“And, Shizuko. What do you have there? Ah, mangoes.”
Nobunaga pointed at the basket Shizuko was carrying and asked. When Shizuko took one out of the basket and showed it to him, he mentioned the nickname for mangoes. It was recently discovered that Nobunaga had a habit of giving nicknames to things he liked. His naming sense was too eccentric and difficult for others to understand, but he succinctly captured their characteristics.
“Yes, we have just harvested them, so I thought it would be a good idea to present them to you as a sweet after the meal.”
“Not bad. I was just thinking of having some sweet fruit. The Nanban cake was sweet, but it was too sweet and felt heavy.”
With that one word, the method of handling the mangoes was decided. Shizuko carried the mangoes to the kitchen and instructed them to quickly put them on plates. When eating mangoes raw, like in modern times, they would cut the fruit into three pieces, avoiding the central seed. They would make small cuts near the skin on both sides of the fruit, leaving out the central part with the seed, and then flip the skin from the back to make it easier to eat. The parts with seeds that were not served to Nobunaga would be divided into fruit flesh and seeds. The fruit flesh would be consumed by the kitchen staff as a bonus, but the seeds would be peeled of their outer shell and astringent skin and used for cultivation.
These mango seeds, separate from grafting, would take at least six years to reach flowering and fruiting. This applied to various varieties that Shizuko had brought from overseas. When grown from seeds, rather than through grafting or division, they could have different characteristics from their parents due to genetics or mutations. In order to improve the varieties to be even sweeter and more succulent, they were cultivating them from seeds.
“Oh, I almost forgot. Make sure to serve them to the ladies as well.”
After instructing Nohime and the others to serve mangoes, Shizuko left the kitchen with Momiji.
The housewarming celebration at Shizuko’s residence ended lively yet without any problems. Despite drinking all the prepared sake, no one ended up in a state of unconsciousness, which made Shizuko impressed by the fact that Echigo people were indeed heavy drinkers. As expected, there was no opportunity for Shizuko to have a proper conversation with Kenshin. However, this was politically natural. Even though they had become vassals, if Kenshin were to casually interact with Nobunaga or Shizuko, it would be perceived as the Uesugi family being subservient to the Oda family. If that were to happen, conflicts between the retainers of the Oda and Uesugi families would inevitably arise. Therefore, Kenshin had to be cautious in his approach when there were people around. Nobunaga also didn’t say anything about Kenshin’s attitude, probably understanding the considerations involved.
(The sorrow of vassals… They may have things they want to talk about openly, but they can’t move so freely. Well, is it safe now?)
When organizations interact, tension inevitably arises. Even among the retainers of the Oda family, they were constantly watching each other. Feeling a slight sense of loneliness about this situation, Shizuko, accompanied by Aya, headed towards the prison. The underground prison in Shizuko’s residence was made using a natural hole formed by cutting through the hard bedrock. The entrance was separated by sturdy iron bars, and once locked inside with just their own bodies, escape was impossible. The occupants of this prison were spies serving the Sanada family.
“I wonder if they’re awake?”,”Yes, I am awake.”
Shizuko lightly tapped on the iron bars of the prison while calling out into the darkness. After a short pause, she could sense movement from inside the cell. Surprisingly, the voice that responded was that of a young woman. However, Shizuko quickly understood. The Takeda family often employed female spies, so it was not uncommon for a spy to be a woman.
“I’m sorry, but please bear with it a little longer. If we don’t do this, there is a possibility of being silenced.”
“I understand my position. If I may be so bold, I would like to have the shackles on my hands and feet removed.”
“Those shackles not only take away your freedom, but also protect you. I can’t remove them now, but can you at least let me hear your story?”
“I have not been informed of anything other than the message I delivered.”
“I have a feeling that there is other information you want to convey besides the message.”
The spy fell silent in response to Shizuko’s question. Shizuko sensed that it was not due to silence, but hesitation, and gave a hint.
“(There’s no point in forcing her to talk now) Well, never mind. Just bear with it a little longer. Oh, it’s better not to try to escape. Even I won’t be able to protect you if you do.”
“I understand. There is one thing I want to convey. The master’s heart has already been decided. Although it may not be immediate, he will definitely come to you.”
“I understand. Please stay quiet so that I can convey what I understand to him. It will only be a few more days of patience. Goodbye then.”
Shizuko had asked what she needed to ask. Understanding this, she left the prison with Aya. As Shizuko had said, a few days later, the Sanada spy was released with a suitable excuse. However, no reply message was left behind. Due to the possibility of being captured along the way, Shizuko decided to convey the reply orally.
“Well, peace should finally be achieved this time.”
Shizuko stretched her body to loosen up, but she was unaware that with each time she spoke those words, peace was slipping further away.
One week had passed since the release of the Sanada spy. As the season transitioned to the rainy season and the days became increasingly hot, Shizuko was heading towards Gifu Castle where Nobunaga was. Her purpose was to report on the progress of the infrastructure development project she was in charge of. Since the peace treaty with the Honganji Temple, Nobunaga had been actively working on infrastructure development. It was a major project to develop the main arteries that led from Kyoto to Omi Province, Ise, and then to Mino and Owari. Although Mikawa and Echigo were not included, they would soon be incorporated into the second phase of the infrastructure development project as Ieyasu was enthusiastic about it.
“Today is a sunny day, isn’t it?”
Although it was a trip during the rainy season, the day Shizuko was heading to Gifu Castle was blessed with clear weather. Since there was no need for rain gear, the journey was easy, but Shizuko worried about when the weather would change. Fortunately, there were no signs of the weather worsening even after arriving in Gifu.
“Please wait here.”
In the room where she was guided by the guide, Shizuko waited for Nobunaga’s summons. The project was going smoothly without any major problems, so she was not worried about the report. Therefore, she estimated a short travel time for this trip and only brought a small number of guards, including Saizo.
“There are no particular concerns in this report. Initially, when I proposed the introduction of a day off system, it took half a day to explain…”
Until the Meiji era, there was no clear concept of a day off in Japan. The majority of people only had days off during special occasions such as the Bon Festival, New Year’s, and public holidays. However, government officials working for the imperial court had a designated day off called “ka.” Shizuko, thinking that it was not healthy for people to work every day without taking care of their bodies, proposed the aforementioned day off system. She explained to Nobunaga that having a day off would allow workers to have a balance, increase efficiency, and ultimately benefit society as a whole. Since the concept of weekdays had only spread to Owari, a trial day off system was introduced for the workers involved in the infrastructure development project.
The system was simple and straightforward. Set a goal for daily work, and if the goal was achieved for six days, the next day would be a full day off. On the other hand, if the goal was not met continuously, there would never be a day off. This day off not only exempted workers from work but also provided them with the equivalent pay for a workday, known as “paid leave.” There were no regulations on how to spend the day off, as long as one did not break the law. As long as it did not affect workdays, workers were free to drink or go on outings. It was an unknown system, but it was advantageous for workers, as they could receive pay even without working. In the traditional way of working, even if there was no work due to weather conditions, no pay would be given, so there was no reason for workers not to strive to earn the benefit of a day off.
“He is late today… I wanted to hear about the results of the day off system, so it should be about time for him to call me…”
Muttering to herself, Shizuko heard a sound of something breaking. After thinking for a moment, she turned to Saizo, who was standing nearby.
“Is it just my imagination?”
“I also heard it. Could it be the sound of a sliding door breaking?”
“Hmm, it’s unlikely that a troublemaker has infiltrated… but let’s go and check just to be sure.”
Thinking that she could always call for help if necessary, Shizuko lightly considered the situation and urged Saizo and the guards to be cautious as they headed towards the source of the noise. They approached carefully, but the noise did not stop. The noise was so loud that it reached the waiting room, and Shizuko realized that it was a serious situation.
“You fools!!”
“F-Father! Please wait… ugh!”
As soon as Shizuko heard Nobunaga’s angry voice, everyone prepared for a fight, but as they understood the content of his anger, they relaxed their bodies. From the overheard conversation, it was clear that Nobunaga was not in a life-threatening situation, but rather he was furious at a family member. Shizuko signaled to the others, and Saizo and all the soldiers bowed their heads and turned away. It was clear that Nobunaga was in a state of uncontrollable anger, and it was best not to get involved.
“This time, I won’t tolerate it anymore! I will personally cut off their heads!!”
Shizuko felt a slight unease as Nobunaga’s anger showed no signs of subsiding. She couldn’t help but think that she had a troublesome personality as she approached the scene to mediate. The room was in a terrible state. Nobunaga had a furious expression as he raised his unsheathed sword, ready to attack the two men who were sitting on the floor. On the other hand, the two men had turned pale, and seeing the blood flowing from their noses and mouths, it was clear that they had been subjected to Nobunaga’s beating. It had been a while since Nobunaga had raised his voice like this, and it was rare to see him so angry. While thinking this, Shizuko approached Nobunaga, who was being desperately calmed down by Hori and Ranmaru.
“Lord, excessive anger will harm your health.”
“Who are you! Ah, Shizuko. Stay there and wait. After I deal with these scum, I will listen to your report.”
“Lord, with all due respect, I will offer a suggestion despite the rudeness. If you kill your vassals in anger, it will be remembered as a shame for generations to come. May I suggest that you put away your sword and let me hear the situation and your intentions?”
Although it was unclear what had caused Nobunaga to become so enraged, if he had killed his vassals, especially his family members, out of anger, it would undoubtedly bring dishonor. Shizuko’s unusual eloquence seemed to have somewhat calmed Nobunaga, and with an annoyed click of his tongue, Nobunaga sheathed his sword and threw it to Ranmaru.
“Half a year! I will give them half a year. If they still cannot change the situation, I will sever the ties between us! Know that this is the last act of mercy!”
After spitting out those words to the two men who were still lying on the floor, Nobunaga stormed off. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief that they had somehow avoided a tragedy.
“Thank you for saving us. To be honest, I didn’t think anyone could stop Lord Nobunaga when he was that angry.”
Hori, whose face had turned pale, expressed his gratitude to Shizuko. The two men who had been called scum were still in a daze and unable to stand up. Hori tapped Ranmaru, who was frozen while still holding Nobunaga’s sword. It seemed that he was instructing Ranmaru to call a doctor to treat the two men. Ranmaru put down the sword and hurriedly ran off.
It was a precarious situation, but there were still more challenges awaiting Shizuko.
“What are you all doing! Shizuko, aren’t you coming with me? The rest of you, step back! Tell that foolish son to get to work!”
“Ah, as I expected, it turned out like this. Well then, everyone, excuse me.”
Angry voices flew from beyond the sliding door that Nobunaga had pushed open. In addition to her progress report, Shizuko now had the added task of listening to Nobunaga’s complaints. She told Saizo and the others to return first and followed after Nobunaga.
“These useless sons of mine!”
Shizuko grabbed a handful of confetti from the jar she had brought and put it in her mouth, chewing it vigorously before spitting it out.
“Is the cause of your anger the delay in the development of Ise?”
“That’s right. Now that we have captured Nagashima, I have control over the sea routes between Owari and Ise. Therefore, the development of the roads from Owari to Ise is crucial. The more active the transportation of goods from the port and the movement of merchants, the more prosperous the Oda territory becomes. Land transportation is all about speed, but those foolish sons don’t understand the situation. Instead, they have been undermined by the Honganji Temple’s agents!”
(I’ve heard from the merchants that the road development hasn’t progressed much after all.),Shizuko made a rough guess about the situation based on Nobunaga’s complaints. Ise is located on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula. Now that Nobunaga has control over Ise Bay, he plans to take on maritime transportation from all over the country and connect it to the land routes. It is desirable to have multiple routes leading to Kyoto. Even if they try to build another Oda blockade and impose a maritime blockade, it will be difficult to contain Nobunaga if the land routes are intact. If they can maintain either one of them, they can transport troops and supplies.
“The region including Ise is a steep mountainous area, so transportation is not ideal. Therefore, the plan was to cut through the mountains and build roads, but is it not progressing?”
“A slight delay is not a problem. We should learn from failures and apply them to the next attempt. The problem is that those idiots are trying to escape responsibility, and not only that, they are being taken advantage of by the followers of Honganji Temple.”
“I understand.”
Unless it is an irreparable failure, Nobunaga punishes failures but also gives opportunities for redemption. If they can redeem themselves, that’s good, but if they fail, that’s the end of it. Nobunaga’s basic attitude towards work can be summed up in this. Of course, if they keep repeating failures, then that’s a different story.
“If it is a path that no one has walked before, I will consider failures. By studying those failures, it can serve as a model for those who follow. However, my foolish sons do not try to learn from failures, they waste time in vain, and not only that, they make the situation worse than before.”
“So, you are giving them another six months as a final chance. Indeed, if they fail even after that, no one will object even if they are beheaded.”
“I feel like beheading them right now. Well, enough of the unpleasant talk. Let’s hear your report.”
Nobunaga cleared his throat and changed the subject. Shizuko also got to the main point and tightened her expression. However, there was hardly any formal reporting to be done. She inwardly chuckled at the thought of being able to go home early.
“Regarding the report, we have smoothly completed up to the second stage, the fifty-fourth process. We are progressing ahead of schedule.”
“Much faster than I expected. The fifty-fourth process was supposed to start next month. It’s wonderful to be ahead of schedule. Keep up the good work.”
“Thank you for your kind words. I have instructed the workers to take a short vacation and reward them to rejuvenate their spirits. As the weather is likely to deteriorate from now on, we must also pay attention to the working and sanitary conditions.”
During the rainy season, if it rains, construction work must be suspended, and if the schedule is delayed, there is a possibility of forcing excessive labor to make up for it. Infrastructure projects will continue to be important, so they don’t want to exhaust the experienced workers who have accumulated know-how.
“By the way, I have noticed something separate from the infrastructure project. May I discuss it now?”
“Go ahead, speak.”
“I feel that the circulation of currency is decreasing. According to my informants, barter markets have been revived in Kyoto and Omi Province. It seems urgent to increase the amount of currency.”
Nobunaga’s expression changed at the mention of increasing currency. From his complexion, it could be inferred that Nobunaga was aware of the decreasing circulation of currency. However, Nobunaga couldn’t come up with an effective solution for it. But that doesn’t mean one can laugh at Nobunaga’s ignorance. It is difficult for even someone as flexible in thinking as Nobunaga to arrive at the idea of increasing currency in a time when there is no such thing as economics.
“…So you think currency is the problem.”
“The authority to issue currency was granted to the Oda family from the imperial court. The best solution would be to control the economy with inconvertible paper money, but there are various constraints to that. For now, it seems urgent to mint silver and gold coins to ensure an appropriate amount of currency for market transactions.”
“If there is a shortage of gold, we should make more. Hmph… It sounds easy when you say it, but no one could come up with that answer. It seems we can’t progress in one leap.”
Nobunaga laughed self-deprecatingly. If there is a shortage of currency, the simple solution is to produce and introduce new currency. But even Nobunaga couldn’t come up with that answer. Shizuko understands that this is why she continues to gather wise people and conduct numerous studies, as she believes that a solid foundation is necessary to start something new.
“The ultimate goal is in sight, but it seems impossible at the moment. First, we must eliminate the inferior coins and ensure the circulation of gold, silver, and copper coins as new currency.”
“But why is the currency decreasing? We cannot proceed without understanding that.”
“Well… Let’s say there are ten million copper coins in all of Japan. At the time of issuance, there are ten million mon of currency in Japan. However, through circulation, the copper coins wear out, and by melting and mixing them, inferior coins are created. The presence of these inferior coins and the regulations on pure coins determine the number of currency that can be used. Let’s say, for simplicity’s sake, that half of them are pure coins and half are inferior coins. If five inferior coins are equivalent to one pure coin, then even though there are ten million coins, only six million mon in total, consisting of five million pure coins and one million inferior coins, can be used. The currency is decreasing compared to the initial number of coins. As a result, the value of the currency increases, and prices decrease.”
The Eiraku-sen coins are imported from Ming. With the current situation of zero currency supply, the amount of currency in the market decreases. Even if they are pure coins now, they will eventually turn into inferior coins, further pushing up the value of currency and causing prices to continue to decline in a deflationary economy. This is exactly the current state of deflation. To resolve this, it is considered good to expand domestic demand. However, to expand domestic demand, an adequate amount of currency suitable for transactions is necessary. That’s why Shizuko suggested introducing not only copper coins but also gold and silver coins, following the existing history.
“The regulations on pure coins set by Your Excellency determine the exchangeable gold coins based on their weight… I believe it is necessary to process gold and silver to circulate them as currency and then aim for the expansion of domestic demand through public investment.”
“Hmm… If there is not enough gold, we should make more. Hmph… It sounds easy when you say it, but no one could come up with that answer. So, we need to gather gold and silver quickly and mint new currency.”
“Do you have a specific form for the new currency?”
“It shouldn’t be too unconventional to be impractical. It should resemble the Eiraku-sen coins but have measures to prevent counterfeiting. Of course, those who counterfeit will face severe punishment.”
“That would be appropriate. Counterfeiting currency has always been a serious crime… Severely punishing them, even to the extent of wiping out their entire clan and followers.”
“The plan is set. Gather the artisans immediately. Ensure strict supervision over the artisans themselves. Create gold coins from gold and silver. There is a possibility of malicious intentions.”
“Understood.”
Those involved in currency production have always been under strict supervision. In the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established currency minting institutions called “kinza” (gold mint), “ginza” (silver mint), and “dōza” (copper mint) and had each mint produce currency. Especially the gold mint, which produced the most valuable gold coins, was closely monitored by the shogunate. Only families with high-ranking positions were allowed, and when hiring employees, they were obligated to sign a pledge, there was a system of mutual surveillance among the workers, and inspections were conducted by the magistrate’s office.
It’s not that the Tokugawa shogunate was particularly strict. Even in modern times, the technology related to banknote production is treated as highly confidential, and employees involved are restricted even in their personal lives, which is only natural.
“We need to have agreements such as a pledge, mutual surveillance among employees, and inspections by third parties. If we tell each of them that they will be rewarded for reporting anyone suspicious, it will be difficult for traitors to emerge.”
“As expected.”
Shizuko finished reading Nobunaga’s order and accepted it with a careless attitude.
Uesugi Kenshin pledged loyalty to Nobunaga, but that alone did not guarantee his loyalty. As proof of his vassalage, Uesugi was to send a hostage to Nobunaga. The selection of who to send did not take much time. Uesugi Kagekatsu was chosen as the hostage. This was influenced by the fact that Uesugi Kagatora was from the Hojo family, while Kagekatsu was from the Ueda Nagao family. The Ueda Nagao family and the Koshi Nagao family had been engaged in a power struggle among the branches for many years. Especially, the Koshi Nagao family and the Ueda Nagao family were currently in a hostile relationship, and for the Koshi Nagao family, the hostage issue was an excellent opportunity to exile Kagekatsu.
Kagekatsu, accompanied by only a few close aides like Kanetsugu, set off from Echigo. They arrived in Gifu without any incidents along the way and finished greeting Nobunaga. Nobunaga accepted Kagekatsu as a hostage without paying much attention to his arrival. Normally, Kagekatsu would live in the castle town of Gifu, but due to the geographical proximity and ease of communication between Mino and Echigo, there were concerns, so Kagekatsu ended up living as a hostage in Owari. And if it’s Owari, there is only one person to take care of Kagekatsu.
“Ah, well, I kind of expected that.”
Shizuko accepted Nobunaga’s order with a nonchalant attitude. If they kept Kagekatsu in Mino, it would be possible for Kenshin to establish contact by any means necessary. However, if it’s Owari, there is a physical distance that separates them. Even if they send spies, there is a high possibility of being discovered, and Kenshin cannot easily establish contact.
“This is Your Excellency’s order. Please execute it diligently.”,”A hostage, huh? So, Ranmaru. Can you answer Shizuko’s question?”
With a dignified expression, Ranmaru spoke, and Nagayoshi chuckled and included Chacha. But Ranmaru ignored Nagayoshi’s words.
“I have no objections to Lord’s orders. Also, my lord, in this situation, I am Lord’s messenger. I think such a rude tone is inappropriate.”
“You’ve become quite confident with your words.”
“Yeah, there’s no need to argue about it. I have no problem accepting it. All the detailed instructions are written here. So, am I correct in assuming that the handling of the Uesugi family hostage is entrusted to us?”
“Yes. I have received a message from Lord to ‘treat them kindly.'”
“Understood. Thank you for your hard work.”
Shizuko, who had no further questions, ended the conversation there. Afterwards, Ranmaru returned to Gifu, and Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu (Naoe Kanetsugu – Yoroku) followed the instructions and entered one of the side chambers. Once that was done, Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu requested an audience with Shizuko. Understanding that it would be a greeting upon their arrival, Shizuko immediately ordered her attendants to call them.
“I am Nagao Kiheiji (Uesugi Kagekatsu). Whether it will be long or short, I look forward to working with you.”
“I am Higuchi Yoroku (Naoe Kanetsugu). Likewise, I will be in your care from now on.”
“I’ve heard the story. I will impose some restrictions on your actions, but you are relatively free to live as you please.”
Shizuko had no intention of imposing strict restrictions on the two. It would be pointless if it resulted in a shortage of surveillance personnel. Also, no matter how much Kenshin had decided to become a vassal of Nobunaga, there would always be people who were dissatisfied. In order to not give those people a chance to cause trouble, Shizuko had no intention of treating the hostages harshly. If those dissatisfied individuals were to turn their gratitude into betrayal, it could become a just cause for Nobunaga or Kenshin to take disciplinary action, which was also a hidden motive.
“Within the house, you are free to move as you please, but when you go out, someone from here will accompany you, so please be aware of that.”
“Thank you for your generous consideration.”
“To keep it brief, is that about it? For any further details, please ask Keiji, who will be in charge of surveillance.”
After that, Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu left with Keiji. Just before they left, Shizuko overheard a conversation between Keiji and Kanetsugu about alcohol, which made her slightly uneasy. She was worried that the alcohol consumption would increase.
As Shizuko was absentmindedly thinking that the attack on Asai and Asakura would be soon, she received a message that Yaichi and Ruri, former slaves who worked in metalworking, had come to visit. Since she didn’t remember summoning them, Shizuko thought they might have something to discuss and decided to meet with them. She was willing to go through the trouble of moving to the audience room. As expected, the two had come not to discuss, but to ask for a favor from Shizuko.
“Do you want to have a house?”
It was a consultation about wanting a house for the two of them to live in. Currently, Yaichi and Ruri were living separately because they had different places of work. They had never experienced living apart before, so it had become a hidden stress for them. They wanted to live together. However, Yaichi thought that changing their treatment without permission would lead to reprimand, so he came to ask for permission from Shizuko.
“Sure, it’s fine. If it improves your work efficiency, there’s no reason for us to refuse.”
Shizuko’s permission relieved Yaichi and Ruri. She thought it wasn’t such a big deal, but because they had been slaves for a long time, they had developed a habit of seeking permission from their employers, which she understood.
“By the way, how is work going?”
“It’s going well. At first, the relationship was awkward, but now everyone treats us very well. However, I still struggle with how serious the craftsmen are. I can’t keep up with them.”
“It’s nice to be called ‘sensei’ or ‘master’ by young and passionate people. But they are all so serious that I feel overwhelmed.”
“I see, that’s good. Well, our craftsmen are competitive. They want to learn from your skills and eventually surpass them.”
From listening to their conversation, it seemed that Yaichi and Ruri had a good relationship with the craftsmen in the artisan district. The products they made were not flying off the shelves, but they were gradually gaining attention. Especially the belt ornaments made with silver and gold wire as thin as 1 millimeter, they had become a secret popular item among the women of the samurai class who usually didn’t wear accessories.
“It’s a grateful story. However, I can’t help but feel unhappy when I think that our fellow Jews are still being treated unfairly.”
Whether it was because of his serious nature or not, Yaichi couldn’t accept the current situation where only he was saved. Ruri tried to comfort Yaichi by patting his back, but it didn’t seem to have much effect.
“Hmph, since when did you become someone who can worry about others?”
As Shizuko was considering what to say, Kotaro suddenly appeared behind Yaichi. Surprised, Yaichi turned around, but seeing him, Kotaro snorted.
“Don’t get conceited just because you have a little more freedom. It’s presumptuous of you to worry about others when even your own situation doesn’t go as you wish.”
“Yes…”
“For now, focus on establishing your own position and becoming independent. Worrying about others can come later.”
Rather than Shizuko saying something, Kotaro’s words, as a fellow Jew, were easier to understand. Yaichi, who had been troubled until a moment ago, now had a clear expression on his face. Satisfied with Yaichi’s expression, Kotaro sat down with a smirk.
“I apologize, my lord. I came today with a favor to ask.”
“It’s a bit late for that. It’s fine this time, but from next time, please follow the proper procedure.”
“I will handle it. So, the request is to create an environment for making wine.”
Shizuko couldn’t help but think that the way Kotaro spoke was overly polite and rude at the same time, but she pondered upon hearing the word “wine.” In Christianity, wine is the “blood of God” and is a very important item. However, in Judaism, wine is also a symbol of joy and is important for offering prayers on the Sabbath. As a side note, Judaism has dietary laws called Kashrut (also known as Kosher) that must be followed.
If one strictly adheres to Kashrut, wine is only allowed if the grapes are grown, the wine is made, and it is bottled following the proper procedures by Jews. Of course, even if a non-Jew touches wine that does not meet the requirements of Kashrut, it is considered impure.
“Do you want to make grape wine in accordance with the religious laws?”
“Huh? Ahahaha, I never even thought about religious laws. I just simply wanted to drink wine. But I can’t gather grapes myself right now, so I’m relying on you, my lord.”
“In a few months, it will be the harvest season for Koshu grapes. At that time, let’s use the ones that are not suitable for eating raw to make wine.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.”
As soon as Kotaro finished speaking, he turned on his heel and left the audience room as if his business was done. While everyone else was surprised by his freedom, only Keiji and Shizuko were laughing.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Early June, 1573.
“Achoo! Ugh… I wonder if someone is gossiping?”
While Keiji was having a drinking party with Kotaro, he was heading towards Nobunaga’s place with the Jewish girl, Momiji. The purpose of the visit was to present mangoes to Nobunaga, as it was the harvest season. Mangoes are relatively fast-ripening fruits. Even in modern times, they can only maintain their freshness for a few days in refrigeration or about two months when frozen. In the Sengoku period, where refrigeration facilities were not readily available, they had to stagger the planting time and make adjustments to ensure that the harvest time varied. However, this year, Shizuko was too busy preparing for the Battle of Mikatagahara and couldn’t give detailed instructions, so they ended up planting all at once. As a result, a large quantity of mangoes ripened at the same time, causing a phenomenon where the demand exceeded the supply.
Due to the unknown value of mangoes, they couldn’t be easily circulated, but it would be a waste to let them rot. When they thought of a good disposal method, they came up with the idea of serving them to the invited guests under the pretense of a housewarming celebration. In modern times, mangoes can be processed into chutneys or jams for long-term preservation, but these methods require a large amount of sugar, and chutneys also require valuable spices such as pepper. In the Sengoku period, where sugar and spices were still scarce, they had no choice but to give up on the cost and thought that it would be most useful to have people consume them fresh at a housewarming celebration where many people gathered.
“Sorry for asking you to help carry them. Everyone gets intimidated when it comes to dealing with the lord…”
“I-I’m… I’m fine.”
Momiji bravely showed Shizuko a small clenched fist, trying to show her determination. Although she seemed determined, Shizuko couldn’t help but find her more adorable than reliable.
“Oh, that group over there…”
At the corner, Shizuko spotted three familiar people. Tadakatsu, Hanzo, and Yasumasa, retainers of the Tokugawa family. They hadn’t noticed them and were walking while supporting the drunken Tadakatsu.
“This room will do. Let’s go.”
“Yes. On three.”
With a shout, Hanzo and Yasumasa threw the heavily intoxicated Tadakatsu into the room once again. It was a well-practiced action that could be described as throwing him away, lacking consideration for Tadakatsu. After making sure that Tadakatsu was safely asleep, Hanzo sighed, and at that moment, they noticed Shizuko and Momiji watching them.
“Well, well, Shizuko-dono. I apologize for showing you such an unsightly scene. Oh, what a strange thing you have there.”
“What?!”
As soon as Hanzo called out to Shizuko, Tadakatsu suddenly awakened and shouted. The area outside the room where Tadakatsu was thrown was a corridor overlooking the veranda, and the two who had their backs to the room were directly hit by Tadakatsu’s charge. Caught off guard, neither of them could even take a defensive posture, and they were pushed and fell face-first from the veranda into the garden. Not only that, but Tadakatsu’s legs got tangled unexpectedly during the collision, causing him to lick the corridor as he fell forward. Hanzo and Yasumasa fell into the garden with their faces, and Tadakatsu, who had braked with his face, was writhing in pain. It was a moment when a simple conversation in the corridor turned into a hellish scene. Seeing the dishonorable state that was too much for a samurai who valued his dignity, Shizuko gently covered Momiji’s eyes with her hand.
“Everyone is in a position of authority, so let’s forget what we just saw.”
“Y-Yes.”
Momiji obediently accepted Shizuko’s words and covered her own eyes with her hands, not wanting to see the surroundings.
“This… this is a temporary truce…”
“That’s… right…”
By the time their nausea subsided and their senses returned, it was already too late. The three of them, with their faces turning pale from their drunken redness, covered their mouths and rushed out. It was probably towards the toilet, Shizuko understood, and she called out to Momiji, who had been covering her eyes.
“You can open your eyes now. Well then, shall we go, Momiji-chan?”
It would be best for everyone to pretend that they hadn’t seen anything, Shizuko thought. Although it was unclear what Momiji thought, it was unlikely that she would spread the events of today. In this way, their dignity was preserved.
Shizuko, who had been caught up in an unexpected commotion, carried a large quantity of mangoes and headed towards Nobunaga’s place. Just as they were about to arrive, they unexpectedly ran into Nobunaga.
“So, that’s the Nanban girl that I recently hired.”
Nobunaga noticed the unfamiliar girl behind Shizuko and asked, pointing at Momiji. Startled by the sudden call, Momiji prostrated herself while still holding the luggage.
“Yes. She’s a good girl.”
“No need to prostrate. Lift your head. Hm, her hair is black, but her eyes are different from ours. They have a jade-like blue-green color. So, there are Nanban people like this.”
Momiji had slightly wavy black hair and eyes that had a bluish-green tint. Nobunaga observed Momiji closely, whether it was because her appearance was slightly different from that of the missionaries or because he was interested in the Western bone structure. Momiji, who was exposed to his impolite gaze, felt intimidated and lowered her face again.
“My lord, Momiji is scared. Please forgive her for that.”
“I don’t have any ill intentions. I just find her unusual eyes intriguing. They shimmer like jewels.”
With his chin resting on his hand, Nobunaga praised Momiji’s eyes. Momiji, fearing his displeasure, lifted her face again.
“Some may have something to say about accepting foreigners, but I allow it. As long as you work for me, I won’t allow any complaints.”
“I appreciate your consideration.”
“And, Shizuko. What do you have there? Ah, mangoes.”
Nobunaga pointed at the basket Shizuko was carrying and asked. When Shizuko took one out of the basket and showed it to him, he mentioned the nickname for mangoes. It was recently discovered that Nobunaga had a habit of giving nicknames to things he liked. His naming sense was too eccentric and difficult for others to understand, but he succinctly captured their characteristics.
“Yes, we have just harvested them, so I thought it would be a good idea to present them to you as a sweet after the meal.”
“Not bad. I was just thinking of having some sweet fruit. The Nanban cake was sweet, but it was too sweet and felt heavy.”
With that one word, the method of handling the mangoes was decided. Shizuko carried the mangoes to the kitchen and instructed them to quickly put them on plates. When eating mangoes raw, like in modern times, they would cut the fruit into three pieces, avoiding the central seed. They would make small cuts near the skin on both sides of the fruit, leaving out the central part with the seed, and then flip the skin from the back to make it easier to eat. The parts with seeds that were not served to Nobunaga would be divided into fruit flesh and seeds. The fruit flesh would be consumed by the kitchen staff as a bonus, but the seeds would be peeled of their outer shell and astringent skin and used for cultivation.
These mango seeds, separate from grafting, would take at least six years to reach flowering and fruiting. This applied to various varieties that Shizuko had brought from overseas. When grown from seeds, rather than through grafting or division, they could have different characteristics from their parents due to genetics or mutations. In order to improve the varieties to be even sweeter and more succulent, they were cultivating them from seeds.
“Oh, I almost forgot. Make sure to serve them to the ladies as well.”
After instructing Nohime and the others to serve mangoes, Shizuko left the kitchen with Momiji.
The housewarming celebration at Shizuko’s residence ended lively yet without any problems. Despite drinking all the prepared sake, no one ended up in a state of unconsciousness, which made Shizuko impressed by the fact that Echigo people were indeed heavy drinkers. As expected, there was no opportunity for Shizuko to have a proper conversation with Kenshin. However, this was politically natural. Even though they had become vassals, if Kenshin were to casually interact with Nobunaga or Shizuko, it would be perceived as the Uesugi family being subservient to the Oda family. If that were to happen, conflicts between the retainers of the Oda and Uesugi families would inevitably arise. Therefore, Kenshin had to be cautious in his approach when there were people around. Nobunaga also didn’t say anything about Kenshin’s attitude, probably understanding the considerations involved.
(The sorrow of vassals… They may have things they want to talk about openly, but they can’t move so freely. Well, is it safe now?)
When organizations interact, tension inevitably arises. Even among the retainers of the Oda family, they were constantly watching each other. Feeling a slight sense of loneliness about this situation, Shizuko, accompanied by Aya, headed towards the prison. The underground prison in Shizuko’s residence was made using a natural hole formed by cutting through the hard bedrock. The entrance was separated by sturdy iron bars, and once locked inside with just their own bodies, escape was impossible. The occupants of this prison were spies serving the Sanada family.
“I wonder if they’re awake?”,”Yes, I am awake.”
Shizuko lightly tapped on the iron bars of the prison while calling out into the darkness. After a short pause, she could sense movement from inside the cell. Surprisingly, the voice that responded was that of a young woman. However, Shizuko quickly understood. The Takeda family often employed female spies, so it was not uncommon for a spy to be a woman.
“I’m sorry, but please bear with it a little longer. If we don’t do this, there is a possibility of being silenced.”
“I understand my position. If I may be so bold, I would like to have the shackles on my hands and feet removed.”
“Those shackles not only take away your freedom, but also protect you. I can’t remove them now, but can you at least let me hear your story?”
“I have not been informed of anything other than the message I delivered.”
“I have a feeling that there is other information you want to convey besides the message.”
The spy fell silent in response to Shizuko’s question. Shizuko sensed that it was not due to silence, but hesitation, and gave a hint.
“(There’s no point in forcing her to talk now) Well, never mind. Just bear with it a little longer. Oh, it’s better not to try to escape. Even I won’t be able to protect you if you do.”
“I understand. There is one thing I want to convey. The master’s heart has already been decided. Although it may not be immediate, he will definitely come to you.”
“I understand. Please stay quiet so that I can convey what I understand to him. It will only be a few more days of patience. Goodbye then.”
Shizuko had asked what she needed to ask. Understanding this, she left the prison with Aya. As Shizuko had said, a few days later, the Sanada spy was released with a suitable excuse. However, no reply message was left behind. Due to the possibility of being captured along the way, Shizuko decided to convey the reply orally.
“Well, peace should finally be achieved this time.”
Shizuko stretched her body to loosen up, but she was unaware that with each time she spoke those words, peace was slipping further away.
One week had passed since the release of the Sanada spy. As the season transitioned to the rainy season and the days became increasingly hot, Shizuko was heading towards Gifu Castle where Nobunaga was. Her purpose was to report on the progress of the infrastructure development project she was in charge of. Since the peace treaty with the Honganji Temple, Nobunaga had been actively working on infrastructure development. It was a major project to develop the main arteries that led from Kyoto to Omi Province, Ise, and then to Mino and Owari. Although Mikawa and Echigo were not included, they would soon be incorporated into the second phase of the infrastructure development project as Ieyasu was enthusiastic about it.
“Today is a sunny day, isn’t it?”
Although it was a trip during the rainy season, the day Shizuko was heading to Gifu Castle was blessed with clear weather. Since there was no need for rain gear, the journey was easy, but Shizuko worried about when the weather would change. Fortunately, there were no signs of the weather worsening even after arriving in Gifu.
“Please wait here.”
In the room where she was guided by the guide, Shizuko waited for Nobunaga’s summons. The project was going smoothly without any major problems, so she was not worried about the report. Therefore, she estimated a short travel time for this trip and only brought a small number of guards, including Saizo.
“There are no particular concerns in this report. Initially, when I proposed the introduction of a day off system, it took half a day to explain…”
Until the Meiji era, there was no clear concept of a day off in Japan. The majority of people only had days off during special occasions such as the Bon Festival, New Year’s, and public holidays. However, government officials working for the imperial court had a designated day off called “ka.” Shizuko, thinking that it was not healthy for people to work every day without taking care of their bodies, proposed the aforementioned day off system. She explained to Nobunaga that having a day off would allow workers to have a balance, increase efficiency, and ultimately benefit society as a whole. Since the concept of weekdays had only spread to Owari, a trial day off system was introduced for the workers involved in the infrastructure development project.
The system was simple and straightforward. Set a goal for daily work, and if the goal was achieved for six days, the next day would be a full day off. On the other hand, if the goal was not met continuously, there would never be a day off. This day off not only exempted workers from work but also provided them with the equivalent pay for a workday, known as “paid leave.” There were no regulations on how to spend the day off, as long as one did not break the law. As long as it did not affect workdays, workers were free to drink or go on outings. It was an unknown system, but it was advantageous for workers, as they could receive pay even without working. In the traditional way of working, even if there was no work due to weather conditions, no pay would be given, so there was no reason for workers not to strive to earn the benefit of a day off.
“He is late today… I wanted to hear about the results of the day off system, so it should be about time for him to call me…”
Muttering to herself, Shizuko heard a sound of something breaking. After thinking for a moment, she turned to Saizo, who was standing nearby.
“Is it just my imagination?”
“I also heard it. Could it be the sound of a sliding door breaking?”
“Hmm, it’s unlikely that a troublemaker has infiltrated… but let’s go and check just to be sure.”
Thinking that she could always call for help if necessary, Shizuko lightly considered the situation and urged Saizo and the guards to be cautious as they headed towards the source of the noise. They approached carefully, but the noise did not stop. The noise was so loud that it reached the waiting room, and Shizuko realized that it was a serious situation.
“You fools!!”
“F-Father! Please wait… ugh!”
As soon as Shizuko heard Nobunaga’s angry voice, everyone prepared for a fight, but as they understood the content of his anger, they relaxed their bodies. From the overheard conversation, it was clear that Nobunaga was not in a life-threatening situation, but rather he was furious at a family member. Shizuko signaled to the others, and Saizo and all the soldiers bowed their heads and turned away. It was clear that Nobunaga was in a state of uncontrollable anger, and it was best not to get involved.
“This time, I won’t tolerate it anymore! I will personally cut off their heads!!”
Shizuko felt a slight unease as Nobunaga’s anger showed no signs of subsiding. She couldn’t help but think that she had a troublesome personality as she approached the scene to mediate. The room was in a terrible state. Nobunaga had a furious expression as he raised his unsheathed sword, ready to attack the two men who were sitting on the floor. On the other hand, the two men had turned pale, and seeing the blood flowing from their noses and mouths, it was clear that they had been subjected to Nobunaga’s beating. It had been a while since Nobunaga had raised his voice like this, and it was rare to see him so angry. While thinking this, Shizuko approached Nobunaga, who was being desperately calmed down by Hori and Ranmaru.
“Lord, excessive anger will harm your health.”
“Who are you! Ah, Shizuko. Stay there and wait. After I deal with these scum, I will listen to your report.”
“Lord, with all due respect, I will offer a suggestion despite the rudeness. If you kill your vassals in anger, it will be remembered as a shame for generations to come. May I suggest that you put away your sword and let me hear the situation and your intentions?”
Although it was unclear what had caused Nobunaga to become so enraged, if he had killed his vassals, especially his family members, out of anger, it would undoubtedly bring dishonor. Shizuko’s unusual eloquence seemed to have somewhat calmed Nobunaga, and with an annoyed click of his tongue, Nobunaga sheathed his sword and threw it to Ranmaru.
“Half a year! I will give them half a year. If they still cannot change the situation, I will sever the ties between us! Know that this is the last act of mercy!”
After spitting out those words to the two men who were still lying on the floor, Nobunaga stormed off. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief that they had somehow avoided a tragedy.
“Thank you for saving us. To be honest, I didn’t think anyone could stop Lord Nobunaga when he was that angry.”
Hori, whose face had turned pale, expressed his gratitude to Shizuko. The two men who had been called scum were still in a daze and unable to stand up. Hori tapped Ranmaru, who was frozen while still holding Nobunaga’s sword. It seemed that he was instructing Ranmaru to call a doctor to treat the two men. Ranmaru put down the sword and hurriedly ran off.
It was a precarious situation, but there were still more challenges awaiting Shizuko.
“What are you all doing! Shizuko, aren’t you coming with me? The rest of you, step back! Tell that foolish son to get to work!”
“Ah, as I expected, it turned out like this. Well then, everyone, excuse me.”
Angry voices flew from beyond the sliding door that Nobunaga had pushed open. In addition to her progress report, Shizuko now had the added task of listening to Nobunaga’s complaints. She told Saizo and the others to return first and followed after Nobunaga.
“These useless sons of mine!”
Shizuko grabbed a handful of confetti from the jar she had brought and put it in her mouth, chewing it vigorously before spitting it out.
“Is the cause of your anger the delay in the development of Ise?”
“That’s right. Now that we have captured Nagashima, I have control over the sea routes between Owari and Ise. Therefore, the development of the roads from Owari to Ise is crucial. The more active the transportation of goods from the port and the movement of merchants, the more prosperous the Oda territory becomes. Land transportation is all about speed, but those foolish sons don’t understand the situation. Instead, they have been undermined by the Honganji Temple’s agents!”
(I’ve heard from the merchants that the road development hasn’t progressed much after all.),Shizuko made a rough guess about the situation based on Nobunaga’s complaints. Ise is located on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula. Now that Nobunaga has control over Ise Bay, he plans to take on maritime transportation from all over the country and connect it to the land routes. It is desirable to have multiple routes leading to Kyoto. Even if they try to build another Oda blockade and impose a maritime blockade, it will be difficult to contain Nobunaga if the land routes are intact. If they can maintain either one of them, they can transport troops and supplies.
“The region including Ise is a steep mountainous area, so transportation is not ideal. Therefore, the plan was to cut through the mountains and build roads, but is it not progressing?”
“A slight delay is not a problem. We should learn from failures and apply them to the next attempt. The problem is that those idiots are trying to escape responsibility, and not only that, they are being taken advantage of by the followers of Honganji Temple.”
“I understand.”
Unless it is an irreparable failure, Nobunaga punishes failures but also gives opportunities for redemption. If they can redeem themselves, that’s good, but if they fail, that’s the end of it. Nobunaga’s basic attitude towards work can be summed up in this. Of course, if they keep repeating failures, then that’s a different story.
“If it is a path that no one has walked before, I will consider failures. By studying those failures, it can serve as a model for those who follow. However, my foolish sons do not try to learn from failures, they waste time in vain, and not only that, they make the situation worse than before.”
“So, you are giving them another six months as a final chance. Indeed, if they fail even after that, no one will object even if they are beheaded.”
“I feel like beheading them right now. Well, enough of the unpleasant talk. Let’s hear your report.”
Nobunaga cleared his throat and changed the subject. Shizuko also got to the main point and tightened her expression. However, there was hardly any formal reporting to be done. She inwardly chuckled at the thought of being able to go home early.
“Regarding the report, we have smoothly completed up to the second stage, the fifty-fourth process. We are progressing ahead of schedule.”
“Much faster than I expected. The fifty-fourth process was supposed to start next month. It’s wonderful to be ahead of schedule. Keep up the good work.”
“Thank you for your kind words. I have instructed the workers to take a short vacation and reward them to rejuvenate their spirits. As the weather is likely to deteriorate from now on, we must also pay attention to the working and sanitary conditions.”
During the rainy season, if it rains, construction work must be suspended, and if the schedule is delayed, there is a possibility of forcing excessive labor to make up for it. Infrastructure projects will continue to be important, so they don’t want to exhaust the experienced workers who have accumulated know-how.
“By the way, I have noticed something separate from the infrastructure project. May I discuss it now?”
“Go ahead, speak.”
“I feel that the circulation of currency is decreasing. According to my informants, barter markets have been revived in Kyoto and Omi Province. It seems urgent to increase the amount of currency.”
Nobunaga’s expression changed at the mention of increasing currency. From his complexion, it could be inferred that Nobunaga was aware of the decreasing circulation of currency. However, Nobunaga couldn’t come up with an effective solution for it. But that doesn’t mean one can laugh at Nobunaga’s ignorance. It is difficult for even someone as flexible in thinking as Nobunaga to arrive at the idea of increasing currency in a time when there is no such thing as economics.
“…So you think currency is the problem.”
“The authority to issue currency was granted to the Oda family from the imperial court. The best solution would be to control the economy with inconvertible paper money, but there are various constraints to that. For now, it seems urgent to mint silver and gold coins to ensure an appropriate amount of currency for market transactions.”
“If there is a shortage of gold, we should make more. Hmph… It sounds easy when you say it, but no one could come up with that answer. It seems we can’t progress in one leap.”
Nobunaga laughed self-deprecatingly. If there is a shortage of currency, the simple solution is to produce and introduce new currency. But even Nobunaga couldn’t come up with that answer. Shizuko understands that this is why she continues to gather wise people and conduct numerous studies, as she believes that a solid foundation is necessary to start something new.
“The ultimate goal is in sight, but it seems impossible at the moment. First, we must eliminate the inferior coins and ensure the circulation of gold, silver, and copper coins as new currency.”
“But why is the currency decreasing? We cannot proceed without understanding that.”
“Well… Let’s say there are ten million copper coins in all of Japan. At the time of issuance, there are ten million mon of currency in Japan. However, through circulation, the copper coins wear out, and by melting and mixing them, inferior coins are created. The presence of these inferior coins and the regulations on pure coins determine the number of currency that can be used. Let’s say, for simplicity’s sake, that half of them are pure coins and half are inferior coins. If five inferior coins are equivalent to one pure coin, then even though there are ten million coins, only six million mon in total, consisting of five million pure coins and one million inferior coins, can be used. The currency is decreasing compared to the initial number of coins. As a result, the value of the currency increases, and prices decrease.”
The Eiraku-sen coins are imported from Ming. With the current situation of zero currency supply, the amount of currency in the market decreases. Even if they are pure coins now, they will eventually turn into inferior coins, further pushing up the value of currency and causing prices to continue to decline in a deflationary economy. This is exactly the current state of deflation. To resolve this, it is considered good to expand domestic demand. However, to expand domestic demand, an adequate amount of currency suitable for transactions is necessary. That’s why Shizuko suggested introducing not only copper coins but also gold and silver coins, following the existing history.
“The regulations on pure coins set by Your Excellency determine the exchangeable gold coins based on their weight… I believe it is necessary to process gold and silver to circulate them as currency and then aim for the expansion of domestic demand through public investment.”
“Hmm… If there is not enough gold, we should make more. Hmph… It sounds easy when you say it, but no one could come up with that answer. So, we need to gather gold and silver quickly and mint new currency.”
“Do you have a specific form for the new currency?”
“It shouldn’t be too unconventional to be impractical. It should resemble the Eiraku-sen coins but have measures to prevent counterfeiting. Of course, those who counterfeit will face severe punishment.”
“That would be appropriate. Counterfeiting currency has always been a serious crime… Severely punishing them, even to the extent of wiping out their entire clan and followers.”
“The plan is set. Gather the artisans immediately. Ensure strict supervision over the artisans themselves. Create gold coins from gold and silver. There is a possibility of malicious intentions.”
“Understood.”
Those involved in currency production have always been under strict supervision. In the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established currency minting institutions called “kinza” (gold mint), “ginza” (silver mint), and “dōza” (copper mint) and had each mint produce currency. Especially the gold mint, which produced the most valuable gold coins, was closely monitored by the shogunate. Only families with high-ranking positions were allowed, and when hiring employees, they were obligated to sign a pledge, there was a system of mutual surveillance among the workers, and inspections were conducted by the magistrate’s office.
It’s not that the Tokugawa shogunate was particularly strict. Even in modern times, the technology related to banknote production is treated as highly confidential, and employees involved are restricted even in their personal lives, which is only natural.
“We need to have agreements such as a pledge, mutual surveillance among employees, and inspections by third parties. If we tell each of them that they will be rewarded for reporting anyone suspicious, it will be difficult for traitors to emerge.”
“As expected.”
Shizuko finished reading Nobunaga’s order and accepted it with a careless attitude.
Uesugi Kenshin pledged loyalty to Nobunaga, but that alone did not guarantee his loyalty. As proof of his vassalage, Uesugi was to send a hostage to Nobunaga. The selection of who to send did not take much time. Uesugi Kagekatsu was chosen as the hostage. This was influenced by the fact that Uesugi Kagatora was from the Hojo family, while Kagekatsu was from the Ueda Nagao family. The Ueda Nagao family and the Koshi Nagao family had been engaged in a power struggle among the branches for many years. Especially, the Koshi Nagao family and the Ueda Nagao family were currently in a hostile relationship, and for the Koshi Nagao family, the hostage issue was an excellent opportunity to exile Kagekatsu.
Kagekatsu, accompanied by only a few close aides like Kanetsugu, set off from Echigo. They arrived in Gifu without any incidents along the way and finished greeting Nobunaga. Nobunaga accepted Kagekatsu as a hostage without paying much attention to his arrival. Normally, Kagekatsu would live in the castle town of Gifu, but due to the geographical proximity and ease of communication between Mino and Echigo, there were concerns, so Kagekatsu ended up living as a hostage in Owari. And if it’s Owari, there is only one person to take care of Kagekatsu.
“Ah, well, I kind of expected that.”
Shizuko accepted Nobunaga’s order with a nonchalant attitude. If they kept Kagekatsu in Mino, it would be possible for Kenshin to establish contact by any means necessary. However, if it’s Owari, there is a physical distance that separates them. Even if they send spies, there is a high possibility of being discovered, and Kenshin cannot easily establish contact.
“This is Your Excellency’s order. Please execute it diligently.”,”A hostage, huh? So, Ranmaru. Can you answer Shizuko’s question?”
With a dignified expression, Ranmaru spoke, and Nagayoshi chuckled and included Chacha. But Ranmaru ignored Nagayoshi’s words.
“I have no objections to Lord’s orders. Also, my lord, in this situation, I am Lord’s messenger. I think such a rude tone is inappropriate.”
“You’ve become quite confident with your words.”
“Yeah, there’s no need to argue about it. I have no problem accepting it. All the detailed instructions are written here. So, am I correct in assuming that the handling of the Uesugi family hostage is entrusted to us?”
“Yes. I have received a message from Lord to ‘treat them kindly.'”
“Understood. Thank you for your hard work.”
Shizuko, who had no further questions, ended the conversation there. Afterwards, Ranmaru returned to Gifu, and Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu (Naoe Kanetsugu – Yoroku) followed the instructions and entered one of the side chambers. Once that was done, Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu requested an audience with Shizuko. Understanding that it would be a greeting upon their arrival, Shizuko immediately ordered her attendants to call them.
“I am Nagao Kiheiji (Uesugi Kagekatsu). Whether it will be long or short, I look forward to working with you.”
“I am Higuchi Yoroku (Naoe Kanetsugu). Likewise, I will be in your care from now on.”
“I’ve heard the story. I will impose some restrictions on your actions, but you are relatively free to live as you please.”
Shizuko had no intention of imposing strict restrictions on the two. It would be pointless if it resulted in a shortage of surveillance personnel. Also, no matter how much Kenshin had decided to become a vassal of Nobunaga, there would always be people who were dissatisfied. In order to not give those people a chance to cause trouble, Shizuko had no intention of treating the hostages harshly. If those dissatisfied individuals were to turn their gratitude into betrayal, it could become a just cause for Nobunaga or Kenshin to take disciplinary action, which was also a hidden motive.
“Within the house, you are free to move as you please, but when you go out, someone from here will accompany you, so please be aware of that.”
“Thank you for your generous consideration.”
“To keep it brief, is that about it? For any further details, please ask Keiji, who will be in charge of surveillance.”
After that, Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu left with Keiji. Just before they left, Shizuko overheard a conversation between Keiji and Kanetsugu about alcohol, which made her slightly uneasy. She was worried that the alcohol consumption would increase.
As Shizuko was absentmindedly thinking that the attack on Asai and Asakura would be soon, she received a message that Yaichi and Ruri, former slaves who worked in metalworking, had come to visit. Since she didn’t remember summoning them, Shizuko thought they might have something to discuss and decided to meet with them. She was willing to go through the trouble of moving to the audience room. As expected, the two had come not to discuss, but to ask for a favor from Shizuko.
“Do you want to have a house?”
It was a consultation about wanting a house for the two of them to live in. Currently, Yaichi and Ruri were living separately because they had different places of work. They had never experienced living apart before, so it had become a hidden stress for them. They wanted to live together. However, Yaichi thought that changing their treatment without permission would lead to reprimand, so he came to ask for permission from Shizuko.
“Sure, it’s fine. If it improves your work efficiency, there’s no reason for us to refuse.”
Shizuko’s permission relieved Yaichi and Ruri. She thought it wasn’t such a big deal, but because they had been slaves for a long time, they had developed a habit of seeking permission from their employers, which she understood.
“By the way, how is work going?”
“It’s going well. At first, the relationship was awkward, but now everyone treats us very well. However, I still struggle with how serious the craftsmen are. I can’t keep up with them.”
“It’s nice to be called ‘sensei’ or ‘master’ by young and passionate people. But they are all so serious that I feel overwhelmed.”
“I see, that’s good. Well, our craftsmen are competitive. They want to learn from your skills and eventually surpass them.”
From listening to their conversation, it seemed that Yaichi and Ruri had a good relationship with the craftsmen in the artisan district. The products they made were not flying off the shelves, but they were gradually gaining attention. Especially the belt ornaments made with silver and gold wire as thin as 1 millimeter, they had become a secret popular item among the women of the samurai class who usually didn’t wear accessories.
“It’s a grateful story. However, I can’t help but feel unhappy when I think that our fellow Jews are still being treated unfairly.”
Whether it was because of his serious nature or not, Yaichi couldn’t accept the current situation where only he was saved. Ruri tried to comfort Yaichi by patting his back, but it didn’t seem to have much effect.
“Hmph, since when did you become someone who can worry about others?”
As Shizuko was considering what to say, Kotaro suddenly appeared behind Yaichi. Surprised, Yaichi turned around, but seeing him, Kotaro snorted.
“Don’t get conceited just because you have a little more freedom. It’s presumptuous of you to worry about others when even your own situation doesn’t go as you wish.”
“Yes…”
“For now, focus on establishing your own position and becoming independent. Worrying about others can come later.”
Rather than Shizuko saying something, Kotaro’s words, as a fellow Jew, were easier to understand. Yaichi, who had been troubled until a moment ago, now had a clear expression on his face. Satisfied with Yaichi’s expression, Kotaro sat down with a smirk.
“I apologize, my lord. I came today with a favor to ask.”
“It’s a bit late for that. It’s fine this time, but from next time, please follow the proper procedure.”
“I will handle it. So, the request is to create an environment for making wine.”
Shizuko couldn’t help but think that the way Kotaro spoke was overly polite and rude at the same time, but she pondered upon hearing the word “wine.” In Christianity, wine is the “blood of God” and is a very important item. However, in Judaism, wine is also a symbol of joy and is important for offering prayers on the Sabbath. As a side note, Judaism has dietary laws called Kashrut (also known as Kosher) that must be followed.
If one strictly adheres to Kashrut, wine is only allowed if the grapes are grown, the wine is made, and it is bottled following the proper procedures by Jews. Of course, even if a non-Jew touches wine that does not meet the requirements of Kashrut, it is considered impure.
“Do you want to make grape wine in accordance with the religious laws?”
“Huh? Ahahaha, I never even thought about religious laws. I just simply wanted to drink wine. But I can’t gather grapes myself right now, so I’m relying on you, my lord.”
“In a few months, it will be the harvest season for Koshu grapes. At that time, let’s use the ones that are not suitable for eating raw to make wine.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.”
As soon as Kotaro finished speaking, he turned on his heel and left the audience room as if his business was done. While everyone else was surprised by his freedom, only Keiji and Shizuko were laughing.
Early June, 1573.Achoo! Ugh I wonder if someone is gossiping?While Keiji was having a drinking party with Kotaro, he was heading towards Nobunaga's place with the Jewish girl, Momiji. The purpose of the visit was to present mangoes to Nobunaga, as it was the harvest season. Mangoes are relatively fast-ripening fruits. Even in modern times, they can only maintain their freshness for a few days in refrigeration or about two months when frozen. In the Sengoku period, where refrigeration facilities were not readily available, they had to stagger the planting time and make adjustments to ensure that the harvest time varied. However, this year, Shizuko was too busy preparing for the Battle of Mikatagahara and couldn't give detailed instructions, so they ended up planting all at once. As a result, a large quantity of mangoes ripened at the same time, causing a phenomenon where the demand exceeded the supply.Due to the unknown value of mangoes, they couldn't be easily circulated, but it would be a waste to let them rot. When they thought of a good disposal method, they came up with the idea of serving them to the invited guests under the pretense of a housewarming celebration. In modern times, mangoes can be processed into chutneys or jams for long-term preservation, but these methods require a large amount of sugar, and chutneys also require valuable spices such as pepper. In the Sengoku period, where sugar and spices were still scarce, they had no choice but to give up on the cost and thought that it would be most useful to have people consume them fresh at a housewarming celebration where many people gathered.Sorry for asking you to help carry them. Everyone gets intimidated when it comes to dealing with the lordI-I'm I'm fine.Momiji bravely showed Shizuko a small clenched fist, trying to show her determination. Although she seemed determined, Shizuko couldn't help but find her more adorable than reliable.Oh, that group over thereAt the corner, Shizuko spotted three familiar people. Tadakatsu, Hanzo, and Yasumasa, retainers of the Tokugawa family. They hadn't noticed them and were walking while supporting the drunken Tadakatsu.This room will do. Let's go.Yes. On three.With a shout, Hanzo and Yasumasa threw the heavily intoxicated Tadakatsu into the room once again. It was a well-practiced action that could be described as throwing him away, lacking consideration for Tadakatsu. After making sure that Tadakatsu was safely asleep, Hanzo sighed, and at that moment, they noticed Shizuko and Momiji watching them.Well, well, Shizuko-dono. I apologize for showing you such an unsightly scene. Oh, what a strange thing you have there.What?!As soon as Hanzo called out to Shizuko, Tadakatsu suddenly awakened and shouted. The area outside the room where Tadakatsu was thrown was a corridor overlooking the veranda, and the two who had their backs to the room were directly hit by Tadakatsu's charge. Caught off guard, neither of them could even take a defensive posture, and they were pushed and fell face-first from the veranda into the garden. Not only that, but Tadakatsu's legs got tangled unexpectedly during the collision, causing him to lick the corridor as he fell forward. Hanzo and Yasumasa fell into the garden with their faces, and Tadakatsu, who had braked with his face, was writhing in pain. It was a moment when a simple conversation in the corridor turned into a hellish scene. Seeing the dishonorable state that was too much for a samurai who valued his dignity, Shizuko gently covered Momiji's eyes with her hand.Everyone is in a position of authority, so let's forget what we just saw.Y-Yes.Momiji obediently accepted Shizuko's words and covered her own eyes with her hands, not wanting to see the surroundings.This this is a temporary truceThat's rightBy the time their nausea subsided and their senses returned, it was already too late. The three of them, with their faces turning pale from their drunken redness, covered their mouths and rushed out. It was probably towards the toilet, Shizuko understood, and she called out to Momiji, who had been covering her eyes.You can open your eyes now. Well then, shall we go, Momiji-chan?It would be best for everyone to pretend that they hadn't seen anything, Shizuko thought. Although it was unclear what Momiji thought, it was unlikely that she would spread the events of today. In this way, their dignity was preserved.Shizuko, who had been caught up in an unexpected commotion, carried a large quantity of mangoes and headed towards Nobunaga's place. Just as they were about to arrive, they unexpectedly ran into Nobunaga.So, that's the Nanban girl that I recently hired.Nobunaga noticed the unfamiliar girl behind Shizuko and asked, pointing at Momiji. Startled by the sudden call, Momiji prostrated herself while still holding the luggage.Yes. She's a good girl.No need to prostrate. Lift your head. Hm, her hair is black, but her eyes are different from ours. They have a jade-like blue-green color. So, there are Nanban people like this.Momiji had slightly wavy black hair and eyes that had a bluish-green tint. Nobunaga observed Momiji closely, whether it was because her appearance was slightly different from that of the missionaries or because he was interested in the Western bone structure. Momiji, who was exposed to his impolite gaze, felt intimidated and lowered her face again.My lord, Momiji is scared. Please forgive her for that.I don't have any ill intentions. I just find her unusual eyes intriguing. They shimmer like jewels.With his chin resting on his hand, Nobunaga praised Momiji's eyes. Momiji, fearing his displeasure, lifted her face again.Some may have something to say about accepting foreigners, but I allow it. As long as you work for me, I won't allow any complaints.I appreciate your consideration.And, Shizuko. What do you have there? Ah, mangoes.Nobunaga pointed at the basket Shizuko was carrying and asked. When Shizuko took one out of the basket and showed it to him, he mentioned the nickname for mangoes. It was recently discovered that Nobunaga had a habit of giving nicknames to things he liked. His naming sense was too eccentric and difficult for others to understand, but he succinctly captured their characteristics.Yes, we have just harvested them, so I thought it would be a good idea to present them to you as a sweet after the meal.Not bad. I was just thinking of having some sweet fruit. The Nanban cake was sweet, but it was too sweet and felt heavy.With that one word, the method of handling the mangoes was decided. Shizuko carried the mangoes to the kitchen and instructed them to quickly put them on plates. When eating mangoes raw, like in modern times, they would cut the fruit into three pieces, avoiding the central seed. They would make small cuts near the skin on both sides of the fruit, leaving out the central part with the seed, and then flip the skin from the back to make it easier to eat. The parts with seeds that were not served to Nobunaga would be divided into fruit flesh and seeds. The fruit flesh would be consumed by the kitchen staff as a bonus, but the seeds would be peeled of their outer shell and astringent skin and used for cultivation.These mango seeds, separate from grafting, would take at least six years to reach flowering and fruiting. This applied to various varieties that Shizuko had brought from overseas. When grown from seeds, rather than through grafting or division, they could have different characteristics from their parents due to genetics or mutations. In order to improve the varieties to be even sweeter and more succulent, they were cultivating them from seeds.Oh, I almost forgot. Make sure to serve them to the ladies as well.After instructing Nohime and the others to serve mangoes, Shizuko left the kitchen with Momiji.The housewarming celebration at Shizuko's residence ended lively yet without any problems. Despite drinking all the prepared sake, no one ended up in a state of unconsciousness, which made Shizuko impressed by the fact that Echigo people were indeed heavy drinkers. As expected, there was no opportunity for Shizuko to have a proper conversation with Kenshin. However, this was politically natural. Even though they had become vassals, if Kenshin were to casually interact with Nobunaga or Shizuko, it would be perceived as the Uesugi family being subservient to the Oda family. If that were to happen, conflicts between the retainers of the Oda and Uesugi families would inevitably arise. Therefore, Kenshin had to be cautious in his approach when there were people around. Nobunaga also didn't say anything about Kenshin's attitude, probably understanding the considerations involved.The sorrow of vassals They may have things they want to talk about openly, but they can't move so freely. Well, is it safe now?When organizations interact, tension inevitably arises. Even among the retainers of the Oda family, they were constantly watching each other. Feeling a slight sense of loneliness about this situation, Shizuko, accompanied by Aya, headed towards the prison. The underground prison in Shizuko's residence was made using a natural hole formed by cutting through the hard bedrock. The entrance was separated by sturdy iron bars, and once locked inside with just their own bodies, escape was impossible. The occupants of this prison were spies serving the Sanada family.I wonder if they're awake?,Yes, I am awake.Shizuko lightly tapped on the iron bars of the prison while calling out into the darkness. After a short pause, she could sense movement from inside the cell. Surprisingly, the voice that responded was that of a young woman. However, Shizuko quickly understood. The Takeda family often employed female spies, so it was not uncommon for a spy to be a woman.I'm sorry, but please bear with it a little longer. If we don't do this, there is a possibility of being silenced.I understand my position. If I may be so bold, I would like to have the shackles on my hands and feet removed.Those shackles not only take away your freedom, but also protect you. I can't remove them now, but can you at least let me hear your story?I have not been informed of anything other than the message I delivered.I have a feeling that there is other information you want to convey besides the message.The spy fell silent in response to Shizuko's question. Shizuko sensed that it was not due to silence, but hesitation, and gave a hint.There's no point in forcing her to talk now Well, never mind. Just bear with it a little longer. Oh, it's better not to try to escape. Even I won't be able to protect you if you do.I understand. There is one thing I want to convey. The master's heart has already been decided. Although it may not be immediate, he will definitely come to you.I understand. Please stay quiet so that I can convey what I understand to him. It will only be a few more days of patience. Goodbye then.Shizuko had asked what she needed to ask. Understanding this, she left the prison with Aya. As Shizuko had said, a few days later, the Sanada spy was released with a suitable excuse. However, no reply message was left behind. Due to the possibility of being captured along the way, Shizuko decided to convey the reply orally.Well, peace should finally be achieved this time.Shizuko stretched her body to loosen up, but she was unaware that with each time she spoke those words, peace was slipping further away.One week had passed since the release of the Sanada spy. As the season transitioned to the rainy season and the days became increasingly hot, Shizuko was heading towards Gifu Castle where Nobunaga was. Her purpose was to report on the progress of the infrastructure development project she was in charge of. Since the peace treaty with the Honganji Temple, Nobunaga had been actively working on infrastructure development. It was a major project to develop the main arteries that led from Kyoto to Omi Province, Ise, and then to Mino and Owari. Although Mikawa and Echigo were not included, they would soon be incorporated into the second phase of the infrastructure development project as Ieyasu was enthusiastic about it.Today is a sunny day, isn't it?Although it was a trip during the rainy season, the day Shizuko was heading to Gifu Castle was blessed with clear weather. Since there was no need for rain gear, the journey was easy, but Shizuko worried about when the weather would change. Fortunately, there were no signs of the weather worsening even after arriving in Gifu.Please wait here.In the room where she was guided by the guide, Shizuko waited for Nobunaga's summons. The project was going smoothly without any major problems, so she was not worried about the report. Therefore, she estimated a short travel time for this trip and only brought a small number of guards, including Saizo.There are no particular concerns in this report. Initially, when I proposed the introduction of a day off system, it took half a day to explainUntil the Meiji era, there was no clear concept of a day off in Japan. The majority of people only had days off during special occasions such as the Bon Festival, New Year's, and public holidays. However, government officials working for the imperial court had a designated day off called ka. Shizuko, thinking that it was not healthy for people to work every day without taking care of their bodies, proposed the aforementioned day off system. She explained to Nobunaga that having a day off would allow workers to have a balance, increase efficiency, and ultimately benefit society as a whole. Since the concept of weekdays had only spread to Owari, a trial day off system was introduced for the workers involved in the infrastructure development project.The system was simple and straightforward. Set a goal for daily work, and if the goal was achieved for six days, the next day would be a full day off. On the other hand, if the goal was not met continuously, there would never be a day off. This day off not only exempted workers from work but also provided them with the equivalent pay for a workday, known as paid leave. There were no regulations on how to spend the day off, as long as one did not break the law. As long as it did not affect workdays, workers were free to drink or go on outings. It was an unknown system, but it was advantageous for workers, as they could receive pay even without working. In the traditional way of working, even if there was no work due to weather conditions, no pay would be given, so there was no reason for workers not to strive to earn the benefit of a day off.He is late today I wanted to hear about the results of the day off system, so it should be about time for him to call meMuttering to herself, Shizuko heard a sound of something breaking. After thinking for a moment, she turned to Saizo, who was standing nearby.Is it just my imagination?I also heard it. Could it be the sound of a sliding door breaking?Hmm, it's unlikely that a troublemaker has infiltrated but let's go and check just to be sure.Thinking that she could always call for help if necessary, Shizuko lightly considered the situation and urged Saizo and the guards to be cautious as they headed towards the source of the noise. They approached carefully, but the noise did not stop. The noise was so loud that it reached the waiting room, and Shizuko realized that it was a serious situation.You fools!!F-Father! Please wait ugh!As soon as Shizuko heard Nobunaga's angry voice, everyone prepared for a fight, but as they understood the content of his anger, they relaxed their bodies. From the overheard conversation, it was clear that Nobunaga was not in a life-threatening situation, but rather he was furious at a family member. Shizuko signaled to the others, and Saizo and all the soldiers bowed their heads and turned away. It was clear that Nobunaga was in a state of uncontrollable anger, and it was best not to get involved.This time, I won't tolerate it anymore! I will personally cut off their heads!!Shizuko felt a slight unease as Nobunaga's anger showed no signs of subsiding. She couldn't help but think that she had a troublesome personality as she approached the scene to mediate. The room was in a terrible state. Nobunaga had a furious expression as he raised his unsheathed sword, ready to attack the two men who were sitting on the floor. On the other hand, the two men had turned pale, and seeing the blood flowing from their noses and mouths, it was clear that they had been subjected to Nobunaga's beating. It had been a while since Nobunaga had raised his voice like this, and it was rare to see him so angry. While thinking this, Shizuko approached Nobunaga, who was being desperately calmed down by Hori and Ranmaru.Lord, excessive anger will harm your health.Who are you! Ah, Shizuko. Stay there and wait. After I deal with these scum, I will listen to your report.Lord, with all due respect, I will offer a suggestion despite the rudeness. If you kill your vassals in anger, it will be remembered as a shame for generations to come. May I suggest that you put away your sword and let me hear the situation and your intentions?Although it was unclear what had caused Nobunaga to become so enraged, if he had killed his vassals, especially his family members, out of anger, it would undoubtedly bring dishonor. Shizuko's unusual eloquence seemed to have somewhat calmed Nobunaga, and with an annoyed click of his tongue, Nobunaga sheathed his sword and threw it to Ranmaru.Half a year! I will give them half a year. If they still cannot change the situation, I will sever the ties between us! Know that this is the last act of mercy!After spitting out those words to the two men who were still lying on the floor, Nobunaga stormed off. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief that they had somehow avoided a tragedy.Thank you for saving us. To be honest, I didn't think anyone could stop Lord Nobunaga when he was that angry.Hori, whose face had turned pale, expressed his gratitude to Shizuko. The two men who had been called scum were still in a daze and unable to stand up. Hori tapped Ranmaru, who was frozen while still holding Nobunaga's sword. It seemed that he was instructing Ranmaru to call a doctor to treat the two men. Ranmaru put down the sword and hurriedly ran off.It was a precarious situation, but there were still more challenges awaiting Shizuko.What are you all doing! Shizuko, aren't you coming with me? The rest of you, step back! Tell that foolish son to get to work!Ah, as I expected, it turned out like this. Well then, everyone, excuse me.Angry voices flew from beyond the sliding door that Nobunaga had pushed open. In addition to her progress report, Shizuko now had the added task of listening to Nobunaga's complaints. She told Saizo and the others to return first and followed after Nobunaga.These useless sons of mine!Shizuko grabbed a handful of confetti from the jar she had brought and put it in her mouth, chewing it vigorously before spitting it out.Is the cause of your anger the delay in the development of Ise?That's right. Now that we have captured Nagashima, I have control over the sea routes between Owari and Ise. Therefore, the development of the roads from Owari to Ise is crucial. The more active the transportation of goods from the port and the movement of merchants, the more prosperous the Oda territory becomes. Land transportation is all about speed, but those foolish sons don't understand the situation. Instead, they have been undermined by the Honganji Temple's agents!I've heard from the merchants that the road development hasn't progressed much after all.,Shizuko made a rough guess about the situation based on Nobunaga's complaints. Ise is located on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula. Now that Nobunaga has control over Ise Bay, he plans to take on maritime transportation from all over the country and connect it to the land routes. It is desirable to have multiple routes leading to Kyoto. Even if they try to build another Oda blockade and impose a maritime blockade, it will be difficult to contain Nobunaga if the land routes are intact. If they can maintain either one of them, they can transport troops and supplies.The region including Ise is a steep mountainous area, so transportation is not ideal. Therefore, the plan was to cut through the mountains and build roads, but is it not progressing?A slight delay is not a problem. We should learn from failures and apply them to the next attempt. The problem is that those idiots are trying to escape responsibility, and not only that, they are being taken advantage of by the followers of Honganji Temple.I understand.Unless it is an irreparable failure, Nobunaga punishes failures but also gives opportunities for redemption. If they can redeem themselves, that's good, but if they fail, that's the end of it. Nobunaga's basic attitude towards work can be summed up in this. Of course, if they keep repeating failures, then that's a different story.If it is a path that no one has walked before, I will consider failures. By studying those failures, it can serve as a model for those who follow. However, my foolish sons do not try to learn from failures, they waste time in vain, and not only that, they make the situation worse than before.So, you are giving them another six months as a final chance. Indeed, if they fail even after that, no one will object even if they are beheaded.I feel like beheading them right now. Well, enough of the unpleasant talk. Let's hear your report.Nobunaga cleared his throat and changed the subject. Shizuko also got to the main point and tightened her expression. However, there was hardly any formal reporting to be done. She inwardly chuckled at the thought of being able to go home early.Regarding the report, we have smoothly completed up to the second stage, the fifty-fourth process. We are progressing ahead of schedule.Much faster than I expected. The fifty-fourth process was supposed to start next month. It's wonderful to be ahead of schedule. Keep up the good work.Thank you for your kind words. I have instructed the workers to take a short vacation and reward them to rejuvenate their spirits. As the weather is likely to deteriorate from now on, we must also pay attention to the working and sanitary conditions.During the rainy season, if it rains, construction work must be suspended, and if the schedule is delayed, there is a possibility of forcing excessive labor to make up for it. Infrastructure projects will continue to be important, so they don't want to exhaust the experienced workers who have accumulated know-how.By the way, I have noticed something separate from the infrastructure project. May I discuss it now?Go ahead, speak.I feel that the circulation of currency is decreasing. According to my informants, barter markets have been revived in Kyoto and Omi Province. It seems urgent to increase the amount of currency.Nobunaga's expression changed at the mention of increasing currency. From his complexion, it could be inferred that Nobunaga was aware of the decreasing circulation of currency. However, Nobunaga couldn't come up with an effective solution for it. But that doesn't mean one can laugh at Nobunaga's ignorance. It is difficult for even someone as flexible in thinking as Nobunaga to arrive at the idea of increasing currency in a time when there is no such thing as economics.So you think currency is the problem.The authority to issue currency was granted to the Oda family from the imperial court. The best solution would be to control the economy with inconvertible paper money, but there are various constraints to that. For now, it seems urgent to mint silver and gold coins to ensure an appropriate amount of currency for market transactions.If there is a shortage of gold, we should make more. Hmph It sounds easy when you say it, but no one could come up with that answer. It seems we can't progress in one leap.Nobunaga laughed self-deprecatingly. If there is a shortage of currency, the simple solution is to produce and introduce new currency. But even Nobunaga couldn't come up with that answer. Shizuko understands that this is why she continues to gather wise people and conduct numerous studies, as she believes that a solid foundation is necessary to start something new.The ultimate goal is in sight, but it seems impossible at the moment. First, we must eliminate the inferior coins and ensure the circulation of gold, silver, and copper coins as new currency.But why is the currency decreasing? We cannot proceed without understanding that.Well Let's say there are ten million copper coins in all of Japan. At the time of issuance, there are ten million mon of currency in Japan. However, through circulation, the copper coins wear out, and by melting and mixing them, inferior coins are created. The presence of these inferior coins and the regulations on pure coins determine the number of currency that can be used. Let's say, for simplicity's sake, that half of them are pure coins and half are inferior coins. If five inferior coins are equivalent to one pure coin, then even though there are ten million coins, only six million mon in total, consisting of five million pure coins and one million inferior coins, can be used. The currency is decreasing compared to the initial number of coins. As a result, the value of the currency increases, and prices decrease.The Eiraku-sen coins are imported from Ming. With the current situation of zero currency supply, the amount of currency in the market decreases. Even if they are pure coins now, they will eventually turn into inferior coins, further pushing up the value of currency and causing prices to continue to decline in a deflationary economy. This is exactly the current state of deflation. To resolve this, it is considered good to expand domestic demand. However, to expand domestic demand, an adequate amount of currency suitable for transactions is necessary. That's why Shizuko suggested introducing not only copper coins but also gold and silver coins, following the existing history.The regulations on pure coins set by Your Excellency determine the exchangeable gold coins based on their weight I believe it is necessary to process gold and silver to circulate them as currency and then aim for the expansion of domestic demand through public investment.Hmm If there is not enough gold, we should make more. Hmph It sounds easy when you say it, but no one could come up with that answer. So, we need to gather gold and silver quickly and mint new currency.Do you have a specific form for the new currency?It shouldn't be too unconventional to be impractical. It should resemble the Eiraku-sen coins but have measures to prevent counterfeiting. Of course, those who counterfeit will face severe punishment.That would be appropriate. Counterfeiting currency has always been a serious crime Severely punishing them, even to the extent of wiping out their entire clan and followers.The plan is set. Gather the artisans immediately. Ensure strict supervision over the artisans themselves. Create gold coins from gold and silver. There is a possibility of malicious intentions.Understood.Those involved in currency production have always been under strict supervision. In the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established currency minting institutions called kinza gold mint, ginza silver mint, and dza copper mint and had each mint produce currency. Especially the gold mint, which produced the most valuable gold coins, was closely monitored by the shogunate. Only families with high-ranking positions were allowed, and when hiring employees, they were obligated to sign a pledge, there was a system of mutual surveillance among the workers, and inspections were conducted by the magistrate's office.It's not that the Tokugawa shogunate was particularly strict. Even in modern times, the technology related to banknote production is treated as highly confidential, and employees involved are restricted even in their personal lives, which is only natural.We need to have agreements such as a pledge, mutual surveillance among employees, and inspections by third parties. If we tell each of them that they will be rewarded for reporting anyone suspicious, it will be difficult for traitors to emerge.As expected.Shizuko finished reading Nobunaga's order and accepted it with a careless attitude.Uesugi Kenshin pledged loyalty to Nobunaga, but that alone did not guarantee his loyalty. As proof of his vassalage, Uesugi was to send a hostage to Nobunaga. The selection of who to send did not take much time. Uesugi Kagekatsu was chosen as the hostage. This was influenced by the fact that Uesugi Kagatora was from the Hojo family, while Kagekatsu was from the Ueda Nagao family. The Ueda Nagao family and the Koshi Nagao family had been engaged in a power struggle among the branches for many years. Especially, the Koshi Nagao family and the Ueda Nagao family were currently in a hostile relationship, and for the Koshi Nagao family, the hostage issue was an excellent opportunity to exile Kagekatsu.Kagekatsu, accompanied by only a few close aides like Kanetsugu, set off from Echigo. They arrived in Gifu without any incidents along the way and finished greeting Nobunaga. Nobunaga accepted Kagekatsu as a hostage without paying much attention to his arrival. Normally, Kagekatsu would live in the castle town of Gifu, but due to the geographical proximity and ease of communication between Mino and Echigo, there were concerns, so Kagekatsu ended up living as a hostage in Owari. And if it's Owari, there is only one person to take care of Kagekatsu.Ah, well, I kind of expected that.Shizuko accepted Nobunaga's order with a nonchalant attitude. If they kept Kagekatsu in Mino, it would be possible for Kenshin to establish contact by any means necessary. However, if it's Owari, there is a physical distance that separates them. Even if they send spies, there is a high possibility of being discovered, and Kenshin cannot easily establish contact.This is Your Excellency's order. Please execute it diligently.,A hostage, huh? So, Ranmaru. Can you answer Shizuko's question?With a dignified expression, Ranmaru spoke, and Nagayoshi chuckled and included Chacha. But Ranmaru ignored Nagayoshi's words.I have no objections to Lord's orders. Also, my lord, in this situation, I am Lord's messenger. I think such a rude tone is inappropriate.You've become quite confident with your words.Yeah, there's no need to argue about it. I have no problem accepting it. All the detailed instructions are written here. So, am I correct in assuming that the handling of the Uesugi family hostage is entrusted to us?Yes. I have received a message from Lord to treat them kindly.'Understood. Thank you for your hard work.Shizuko, who had no further questions, ended the conversation there. Afterwards, Ranmaru returned to Gifu, and Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu Naoe Kanetsugu Yoroku followed the instructions and entered one of the side chambers. Once that was done, Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu requested an audience with Shizuko. Understanding that it would be a greeting upon their arrival, Shizuko immediately ordered her attendants to call them.I am Nagao Kiheiji Uesugi Kagekatsu. Whether it will be long or short, I look forward to working with you.I am Higuchi Yoroku Naoe Kanetsugu. Likewise, I will be in your care from now on.I've heard the story. I will impose some restrictions on your actions, but you are relatively free to live as you please.Shizuko had no intention of imposing strict restrictions on the two. It would be pointless if it resulted in a shortage of surveillance personnel. Also, no matter how much Kenshin had decided to become a vassal of Nobunaga, there would always be people who were dissatisfied. In order to not give those people a chance to cause trouble, Shizuko had no intention of treating the hostages harshly. If those dissatisfied individuals were to turn their gratitude into betrayal, it could become a just cause for Nobunaga or Kenshin to take disciplinary action, which was also a hidden motive.Within the house, you are free to move as you please, but when you go out, someone from here will accompany you, so please be aware of that.Thank you for your generous consideration.To keep it brief, is that about it? For any further details, please ask Keiji, who will be in charge of surveillance.After that, Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu left with Keiji. Just before they left, Shizuko overheard a conversation between Keiji and Kanetsugu about alcohol, which made her slightly uneasy. She was worried that the alcohol consumption would increase.As Shizuko was absentmindedly thinking that the attack on Asai and Asakura would be soon, she received a message that Yaichi and Ruri, former slaves who worked in metalworking, had come to visit. Since she didn't remember summoning them, Shizuko thought they might have something to discuss and decided to meet with them. She was willing to go through the trouble of moving to the audience room. As expected, the two had come not to discuss, but to ask for a favor from Shizuko.Do you want to have a house?It was a consultation about wanting a house for the two of them to live in. Currently, Yaichi and Ruri were living separately because they had different places of work. They had never experienced living apart before, so it had become a hidden stress for them. They wanted to live together. However, Yaichi thought that changing their treatment without permission would lead to reprimand, so he came to ask for permission from Shizuko.Sure, it's fine. If it improves your work efficiency, there's no reason for us to refuse.Shizuko's permission relieved Yaichi and Ruri. She thought it wasn't such a big deal, but because they had been slaves for a long time, they had developed a habit of seeking permission from their employers, which she understood.By the way, how is work going?It's going well. At first, the relationship was awkward, but now everyone treats us very well. However, I still struggle with how serious the craftsmen are. I can't keep up with them.It's nice to be called sensei' or master' by young and passionate people. But they are all so serious that I feel overwhelmed.I see, that's good. Well, our craftsmen are competitive. They want to learn from your skills and eventually surpass them.From listening to their conversation, it seemed that Yaichi and Ruri had a good relationship with the craftsmen in the artisan district. The products they made were not flying off the shelves, but they were gradually gaining attention. Especially the belt ornaments made with silver and gold wire as thin as 1 millimeter, they had become a secret popular item among the women of the samurai class who usually didn't wear accessories.It's a grateful story. However, I can't help but feel unhappy when I think that our fellow Jews are still being treated unfairly.Whether it was because of his serious nature or not, Yaichi couldn't accept the current situation where only he was saved. Ruri tried to comfort Yaichi by patting his back, but it didn't seem to have much effect.Hmph, since when did you become someone who can worry about others?As Shizuko was considering what to say, Kotaro suddenly appeared behind Yaichi. Surprised, Yaichi turned around, but seeing him, Kotaro snorted.Don't get conceited just because you have a little more freedom. It's presumptuous of you to worry about others when even your own situation doesn't go as you wish.YesFor now, focus on establishing your own position and becoming independent. Worrying about others can come later.Rather than Shizuko saying something, Kotaro's words, as a fellow Jew, were easier to understand. Yaichi, who had been troubled until a moment ago, now had a clear expression on his face. Satisfied with Yaichi's expression, Kotaro sat down with a smirk.I apologize, my lord. I came today with a favor to ask.It's a bit late for that. It's fine this time, but from next time, please follow the proper procedure.I will handle it. So, the request is to create an environment for making wine.Shizuko couldn't help but think that the way Kotaro spoke was overly polite and rude at the same time, but she pondered upon hearing the word wine. In Christianity, wine is the blood of God and is a very important item. However, in Judaism, wine is also a symbol of joy and is important for offering prayers on the Sabbath. As a side note, Judaism has dietary laws called Kashrut also known as Kosher that must be followed.If one strictly adheres to Kashrut, wine is only allowed if the grapes are grown, the wine is made, and it is bottled following the proper procedures by Jews. Of course, even if a non-Jew touches wine that does not meet the requirements of Kashrut, it is considered impure.Do you want to make grape wine in accordance with the religious laws?Huh? Ahahaha, I never even thought about religious laws. I just simply wanted to drink wine. But I can't gather grapes myself right now, so I'm relying on you, my lord.In a few months, it will be the harvest season for Koshu grapes. At that time, let's use the ones that are not suitable for eating raw to make wine.Thank you, I appreciate it.As soon as Kotaro finished speaking, he turned on his heel and left the audience room as if his business was done. While everyone else was surprised by his freedom, only Keiji and Shizuko were laughing.
