The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 94

After a moment's thought, Shinzaburo began writing a reply.

First, they wrote some official platitudes, saying that although Takeda Nobutoyo, as the governor of Wakasa, had done many absurd things, he had reformed, and that Takeda Yoshitomo, as his son, deposing him was still a rebellion. They also argued that not all retainers unanimously agreed to change the head of the clan at the time; most were simply deceived or coerced, and that they should see that the retainers had now abandoned their evil ways!

These verbal battles are just a formality.

What really matters is what I'm saying below—

"The Tsuruga District Commander's family is a pillar of Echizen. Asakura Saemon-no-jo (Commander-in-Chief of the Asakura Army), inheriting the title of 'God of the Northern Army,' is both wise and brave, and invincible in battle. It is only natural that he would inherit the position of Military Commissioner and become the Commander-in-Chief. Asakura Uemon-no-jo (Commander-in-Chief of the Asakura District), having worked tirelessly and diligently, is also fit to serve as his second-in-command. However, this is the first time I have encountered the name Asakura Uemon-no-jo (Grand Master of the Asakura Army). This is probably due to my ignorance, living in the remote and impoverished region of Tanba. If it is convenient, could you please introduce the achievements of this Uemon-no-jo (Grand Master of the Asakura Army)?"

The text directly assumes that Asakura Kagehisa, who succeeded Tsuruga District Commander, is the Commander-in-Chief, while the other two are merely co-signers.

I had originally planned to praise Asakura Sōteki again and take the opportunity to satirize the other members of the Asakura family for indulging in romance and forgetting their samurai duties, but I thought it would seem too deliberate and the effect might not be good, so I gave up on that idea.

He just casually mentioned that his wife's "uncle," Master Mingzhou, had a past friendship with Asakura Sōteki, and hoped that the battle would not affect their gentlemanly friendship, and that they could chat and laugh together again in the future...

That's about enough.

All that's left is to deploy troops and arrange formations to meet the enemy.

Even after receiving reinforcements from Settsu, they were still outnumbered, so Shinzaburo concentrated most of his troops at Koseyama Castle, ready to besiege it at any time.

However, if there is an opportunity to win in open field battles, they are naturally willing to take some risks.

177. Enraged, he divided his forces.

"There are two routes from the shores of Lake Sankata to Koseyama Castle. How should we proceed? I've heard that Tanba Zhongkui is a brave general. He probably won't be captured easily. He might set up an ambush along the way. We must not be careless."

Tsuruga District Commander Asakura Kagehisa was deep in thought, looking at the map in his barracks.

Although he was hot-tempered and easily angered, he wasn't particularly cunning. Since Asakura Yoshikage had mediated and both sides had signed a pledge at the temple to forgive and forget, they temporarily suppressed their emotions and focused on the war.

The arrangement of having three members of the same sect lead the team together, without any distinction of rank or priority, did not satisfy Asakura Kagehisa, but he could barely accept it.

He believed he could reclaim his status and honor through merit in this battle.

Therefore, they have long since devoted all their energy to military affairs.

From Echizen to Wakasa, there is only one narrow passage, the Tsubaki Pass, guarded by Kuniyoshi Castle Lord Awaya Katsuhisa.

Takeda Yoshitomo is currently still in the hands of the Asakura family and is behaving very amicably towards them. The Higashi-Wakasa rebels, led by Awaya Katsuhisa, still respect Takeda Yoshitomo, and despite their grim expressions, they allowed the Asakura army to enter Wakasa.

But then, there are two routes from the Mikatako area to Koseyama Castle.

One option is to head north, advancing along the coastline. This route would be safer if we control the initiative at sea, although the coastline is winding and the road conditions are unstable, which would make the journey very long, possibly taking three days or more.

For the attacking side, going the long way around is not necessarily a good thing.

Another concern is that the Asakura family's naval advantage is not stable enough. If they lose the naval battle, a large number of their land forces will be cut off from supplies if they are stranded on the shore.

The second option is to head south, traversing the mountains and valleys. This is the end of the ancient northern route, developed by the imperial court along the river valley several hundred years ago, and the transportation conditions are still quite good.

This looks like the right way.

However, Asakura Kagehisa was very experienced in battle and had personally visited Wakasa before. He knew that there were actually several dangerous bends in this seemingly flat and wide road, which would be difficult to deal with once attacked.

Moreover, mountains are not like oceans; they are not absolutely safe barriers and can be crossed. We need to consider the possibility that the enemy might use the terrain to take shortcuts and flank us.

The Higashiwakasa samurai were certainly familiar with the terrain of their hometown, but they were in a bad mood because of the temple burning incident, and most of them would not actively cooperate in the defense.

In truth, this was a mess that Asakura Kagehiko himself had created, but he did not feel any regret.

To reiterate, the Asakura family rarely grants fiefdoms to retainers outside their own household. If they don't allow their troops to plunder, how can they maintain morale?

Before this expedition, as was customary, a promise was made that if victory was achieved, they would be allowed to take whatever they wanted from Kohama Bay. This successfully mobilized 3,800 fierce and powerful Tsuruga soldiers.

After much deliberation, Asakura Kagehira decided that it would be more appropriate for the main force to take the northern route and advance along the coastline. He also suggested sending some troops along the southern river valleys, advancing with lighter troops first and heavier ones later, to probe for enemy ambushes and then deal with them gradually.

While pondering how to make his two colleagues—especially Asakura Kagekage, who knew nothing about military affairs—understand, he suddenly received a notification that Kubo Genban's reply had arrived and that the three commanders needed to read it together.

……

A moment later, Asakura Kagehiko arrived at the main tent and read Kubo Genban's reply.

When he read that "Lord Asakura Uemon (Kagehira) inherited the name of the Northern Army God, and was both wise and brave and invincible in battle," he was overjoyed and muttered to himself, "I thought the people of Tanba were all country bumpkins, but I didn't expect them to be so knowledgeable."

Upon seeing the words, "I have never heard of the name Asakura Uemon-daifu (Kagekage)," I couldn't help but chuckle. Then, feigning composure, I shook my head and said, "It seems that Tanba Zhongkui, like myself, lacks tact and only knows how to speak bluntly. He is truly a vulgar and rude country bumpkin. Uemon-daifu, please do not bother with such a country samurai."

What he said can be translated as, "Even if it's true, you can't say it."

At this moment, the redness and swelling on Asakura Kagekyo's forehead had not completely subsided; it was caused by someone hitting him on the head with a club in Ichijodani Castle not long ago. Although the culprit could not be found, everyone had a feeling that someone was responsible.

After all, anyone who can move freely in such a place without arousing the guards' suspicion must be one of their own, and must be a high-ranking official.

Therefore, even Asakura Kagekage, who was usually quite shrewd, couldn't contain his emotions and sneered, "If Lord Sotoku knew in the afterlife, and saw that his grandson had become a reckless warrior who couldn't even see through such a simple scheme to sow discord, I wonder what he would think? Perhaps he should say that he was not his own flesh and blood after all, and that the great bloodline had not been continued?"

Upon reflection, there is some truth to what he said.

But those words were too harsh.

Asakura Kagehisa's biological father, Kageki, was not the biological son of the Hokuriku Army God Asakura Sōteki, but rather his adopted son. Moreover, his achievements and prestige were indeed inferior to his predecessor, inevitably leading to criticism.

The Tsuruga family's status is clearly declining, which is a deep thorn in their side. If you point it out, you can't be friends anymore.

"I am indeed a reckless warrior. I have failed to inherit my grandfather's literary talent." Asakura Kagehiko said with a stern look, "But my grandfather repeatedly reminded me that tea parties and poetry gatherings are merely ways to enjoy oneself, and that the foundation of a samurai family lies in swords and spears. I still remember this very clearly!"

Seeing that the other party was angry, Asakura Kagekyo calmed down and shook his head leisurely, sighing, "It has been almost four hundred years, and there are still people who have failed to understand the lesson of General Asahi. It is truly sad."

The term "Rising Sun General" refers to Yoshinaka Kiso, a military leader who was highly capable in battle but lacked the ability to cultivate relationships with the imperial court and nobles, ultimately leading to his isolation and betrayal. He was also accused of allowing his troops to engage in plunder.

Asakura Kageka claimed to be a brute, but in fact he had received a good family education from a young age, and his eloquence and knowledge were not bad. He immediately retorted, "General Asahi may have failed in his mission, but isn't it even more pathetic and laughable that the Taira clan is so immersed in the frivolity of Kyoto, only knowing how to use intrigue and trickery and forgetting the duty of a warrior?"

Now that things had come to this, the third person present, the elderly and prudent Asakura Kagetaka, the governor of Ashiba District, had to step in to smooth things over: "Lord Uemon-no-daifu, Lord Saemon-no-daifu, please calm down! Before we set out for this battle, our lord specifically told me that you two are the pillars of Echizen Asakura, and neither of you can be missing."

Upon hearing this, Asakura Kagekage, whose official title was "Uemon-daifu," smiled and bowed, saying, "I have been impolite."

But Asakura Kagehisa, whose official title was "Zoemon-no-jo," rolled his eyes, seemingly holding a grudge against Asakura Kagetaka as well.

Asakura Kagetaka was completely baffled. After thinking about it carefully, he realized that he had probably offended someone by saying "Lord Uemon-no-daifu" first and then "Lord Saemon-no-daifu" when he spoke.

These two official titles, one from "Left Guard Commander" and the other from "Right Guard Commander," were originally of the same rank. However, "Right Guard Commander" originally referred to someone holding the rank of Right Guard Commander with the fifth rank, carrying higher prestige. Even though these were privately bestowed titles rather than official court positions, it shows that within the Echizen Asakura family, the position of Ōno District Commander originally had higher priority than that of Tsuruga District Commander. Unfortunately, Asakura Sōteki's personal abilities over the past few decades have been so outstanding that they have reversed the initial setting.

This is also where the conflict originates.

Incidentally, the official title passed down through generations of the Asaba District Commander is "Uemon-no-jo," which is the same rank as the Tsuruga District Commander.

Asakura Kagetaka pondered for a moment, then rearranged the order of address, saying, "Lord Saemon, Lord Uemon, let's return to the matter of military formations. What do you two think is the best course of action?"

Asakura Kagehiko's expression softened slightly, and he pointed northwest: "Coordinating with the navy and attacking Koseyama Castle along the coast is undoubtedly the safest route. We'll make further plans after observing the enemy's movements."

When it was Asakura Kagekage's turn to be displeased, he said sarcastically, "The Tsuruga District Governor's family is indeed unique in its approach to military strategy. Please forgive my ignorance, but I cannot see any reason for going the long way around."

Asakura Kagehisa had originally intended to explain in detail, but he was in a bad mood and too lazy to go into details. He simply said sarcastically, "Lord Uemon is most skilled at mediation and collusion. How could you be so dull? It's just that you have little experience on the battlefield, so there are some things you probably won't understand no matter how you explain them."

Asakura Kagekage remained calm and said indifferently, "If Lord Saemon's strength were as sharp as your words, perhaps we could easily defeat the enemy no matter which route we take."

Upon hearing this, Asakura Kagehisa became angry again and sneered, "Anyway, the Tsuruga troops will definitely attack along the northern coastline. As for Lord Uemon's troops, please do as you please."

“Since that’s the case, why force me to stay?” Asakura Kagekage immediately retorted, “Then I will take the southern valley road. If I am fortunate enough to achieve merit before Lord Saemon, then thank you for your consideration!”

Seeing his two colleagues about to leave, Asakura Kagetaka quickly reached out to stop them, saying, "Why bother! For a little..."

But before he could finish speaking, Asakura Kagekage added, "Before we set off, my lord instructed me to command the Ichijotani troops, so they naturally also traveled the southern route. After all, we cannot entrust our precious troops to unreliable people."

The term "Ichijō-gaku-shū" refers to the direct military force of the head of the Asakura family.

The governors of Ōno, Tsuruga, and Ashiba counties were originally just governing their respective counties, but over several generations they accumulated considerable influence beyond their own counties, effectively making them legion commanders in various directions. Together, these three groups controlled nearly 60% of Echizen's territory. The head of the clan's direct forces, on the other hand, were not as strong.

In this operation, the Tsuruga troops, who were closest to Wakasa, mobilized 3,800 men, followed by the Ōno troops with 3,000 men, the Ashibane troops with 2,300 men, and the Ichijōdani troops with 3,500 men.

The three were outwardly of equal rank, but Asakura Yoshikage's decision to have Ōno District Chief Asakura Kagekage command the Ichijōdani troops clearly indicated a bias.

Upon hearing Asakura Kagekage's words, Asakura Kagetaka frowned deeply, too lazy to say anything more. He lowered his eyes, sighed softly, and said in a low voice, "Then let this old man stay here to secure the supply lines. I wish both of you good fortune in battle."

178 Personally Launched a Surprise Attack

"They split their forces? And in such a strange way..."

Thanks to his personal reconnaissance at the front lines, he located a crucial hub along the marching route and specifically ordered people to garrison it. Shinzaburo quickly learned the general movements of the Asakura army.

But after receiving the news, he couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

According to scouts, the Asakura clan has three to five thousand men, who are under the banner of the Tsuruga District Commander-in-Chief of the Left Guard Commander. They are advancing towards Koseyama Castle along the northern coastline. Their formation is compact and their movement is fast. This may be the maximum force that the Tsuruga clan has mobilized.

Another five to seven thousand men, under the banner of the Ōno County Shiemon Daifu, marched through the southern valley. Their formation was long and their speed was slow. Judging from their numbers, they were probably not just the Ōno troops from Ōno County, but also included troops from other regions.

The remaining men, under the banner of the Right Guard Commander of the Ashiwa District, joined forces with one or two thousand members of the Higashiwakasa Rebellion to guard the supply line around Mikatako.

The north and south are separated by mountains, with no roads connecting them. At most, one or two envoys skilled in climbing could be sent to deliver messages, but it was impossible for them to coordinate with each other.

Generally speaking, unless limited by supply conditions, the military avoids a sprawling, uncontrolled expansion.

If forces are to be divided, the priorities should be more clearly defined, with some carrying out attack missions and others playing a supporting and restraining role.

The Asakura family's north wing has fewer members, but they are the most elite Tsuruga troops; the south wing has slightly more, but their quality doesn't seem high. Furthermore, there are far too many people left behind.

It doesn't feel like a tactic that was chosen in a normal way.

Could it be understood that, under repeated provocations, the factional conflicts within the Asakura family finally erupted, and the three generals, who were not under each other's command, argued endlessly and eventually split up their forces in anger?

In that case, wouldn't we have encountered a perfect opportunity to concentrate superior forces to attack a local area?

On the other hand, it's also possible that the enemy deliberately set a trap, just waiting for Kubo Jun to fall into it.

However, as a time traveler, Shinzaburo has some innate advantages.

He knew very well that in the original history, the Asakura family experienced widespread rebellion and infighting, and quickly collapsed in the face of the Oda family, demonstrating a fighting strength that was completely disproportionate to its size.

Based on this, it is highly likely that the discord among the opposing generals led to them acting separately.

A deeper question remains: if the opposing clan leader, Asakura Yoshikage, knew there was internal strife, why did he still insist that both sides act together? Was it truly unavoidable, or was there some other reason?

If you keep getting to the bottom of things, new mysteries will always emerge.

Speed ​​is of the essence in war. Now that we have the intelligence, the only issue that must be decided is—

To fight or not to fight?

It's impossible to make a decision with 100% certainty, and there's not much past experience to refer to. In addition to rational analysis and thinking, we also have to resort to intuition.

Shinzaburo's instinct was to fight.

His target was the Southern Route Ōno County Commander, who had a larger number of soldiers but appeared to be weaker in combat.

Based on the results of the reconnaissance in the previous period and on the memories of later generations, the combat effectiveness of this unit was relatively low, and its commander was far from being outstanding.

The long marching column and slow pace could be due to poor organization or it could be a deliberate precaution against an ambush.

However, Shinzaburo's plan was not to ambush along the way, but to go around the mountains to the rear.

After analyzing the information obtained previously and calculating the enemy's marching speed, a plan quickly came to mind.

……

"Wakasa Fourth Division, Lord Ichikawa, and Hatada, Nagai, Hisamura, and the rest of you! Advancing along the coast on the northern route are the villains who destroyed the temple, the Echizen Asakura Tsuruga gang. If we can delay their movements as much as possible and ensure the safety of Koseyama Castle, that will be a great achievement!"

While the strategy is to concentrate forces to attack a localized area, we cannot completely leave one route undefended; at least we must exert some pressure and containment. Otherwise, even if we win a hard-fought victory, we might return to find that Koseyama Castle has fallen, rendering all our efforts futile.

Or if the enemy doesn't attack the city but instead goes to join another force, that would also be troublesome.

Ichikawa Sadaharu and the others knelt down and roared, "Unless we are completely annihilated, we will never allow the enemy to break through our lines!"

The choice of candidates is obvious; those who have a deep-seated grudge against the Tsuruga clan are definitely the most motivated. It's just that their numbers aren't enough.

Shinzaburo decided to send the Wakasa Third Division, recruited from the Takeda clan's directly controlled territory, as a supplement. This unit had neither a tradition of fighting nor a good commander, but the two commanders selected, the commander and the deputy commander, seemed to be relatively reliable people. Moreover, more than ten members of the Shingu faction, led by Takemura Hidetoshi, were sent there to assist, and they had spent more than two months strengthening their ties with the peasant soldiers. They should be able to do something.

The Third and Fourth Divisions combined only number around a thousand men, certainly not enough to fight against the three to five thousand of the Tsuruga clan. However, the coastal road is not wide, and if the two divisions can maintain their morale and take turns providing cover, they should not be defeated so quickly.

Next…

"Lord Chikugo-no-kami, I request that you lead the Settsu troops from the south and set up a battle formation near Tenjin Valley to meet the enemy."

Shinzaburo was referring to a bend in the road not far from Koseyama Castle. There, a small hill divided the once wide valley into two narrower passages.

Ikeda Nagamasa looked at the map and laughed, "You didn't send us to fight against the Tsuruga clan, and you even chose such a dangerous place. Lord Kubo Genban has really taken good care of the Settsu people."

Katsumasa Ikeda expressed some regret: "Actually, we could have been given a more important task."

The other generals of Settsu reacted differently.

Anwei Shengzong was very confident, believing that the Asakura family, apart from the Tsuruga clan, was not a threat. He thought that if they dared to charge head-on, even five or seven thousand men would be repelled. Irie Motohide asked seriously about the width of the crossroads, the shape of the mountains on both sides, and the condition of the river in the valley (maps of this era could not show this). Walin Yukitsuna said with a smile that since Kubo Genban had personally chosen the location, there must be no problem. Miyake Kuninobu frowned and muttered that it was not easy to get heads in a blocking battle, and he hoped to switch to a counterattack and pursuit as soon as possible.

Shinzaburo answered the questions from several guest generals from Settsu one by one, and then continued to make arrangements:

"Lord Nasa Yamato's Wakasa Fifth Division will continue to maintain maritime vigilance; no further explanation needed. Lord Kawakatsu Bigo no Kami will remain at Koseyama Castle to command all soldiers who have not yet received orders. Whatever news you receive, please remain calm and do not leave the castle unless you receive my orders."

Nasa Yamato nodded confidently: "Although the Asakura Navy has a lot of ships and men, after these two days of probing, it is clear that they have only helped with transportation in the past and have very little experience in naval warfare. They are not difficult to deal with."

Kawakatsu Tsuguchi simply replied, "Understood."