Part 24: The Imagawa Unite Honshu and Shikoku, The Muromachi Conference
February 12th, 1570
Shizuki Castle, Nagato Province
Sue Harukata had gathered his remaining allies, to discuss their plans, as it appeared victory in any sense of the word would be unlikely.
"Lord Okimori, Lord Fujikane, I am thankful for you sticking by me all these years. I feel it would only be appropriate that I support you. As it stands to continue to fight with Yoshinaga is pointless, we are better off trying to secure our own futures with the Imagawa."
"You want us to surrender to the Imagawa?" Fujikane had asked.
"Yes, if anything it would us a chance to retain our power outside of the Ouchi."
"What of your lands in Suo."
"If Yoshinaga offers it back after the war, I will accept, but with an army at my back,"
June 25th, 1570
Muromachi Palace, Kyoto Province
'It had come to this,' Yoshinaga had thought. Harukata and his allies had surrendered to the Imagawa along with, the Mori, while his brother Sorin and the Otomo had submitted to Imagawa rule. The Shogun had requested his presence at the Capital, as the Imgawa's authority comprised all of Honshu and Shikoku, and with the submission of his brother, the Imagawa's rule looked to be absolute.
Yoshinaga had made his way towards the main chamber, where various lords were in attendance, divided into seven regions. Yoshinaga had sat near his fellow lords of the Chugoku regions as Shogun Yoshimoto, sat in front of them.
“I am pleased you all could attend, we have much to discuss with the future of the country. Regardless of the fact, there a few areas not under our control, the age of conflict between clans is over, and a new age of peace will be upon us. However, we have remained too isolated and divided, for far too long. There is a larger world that we must be aware of, and ready for, these foreigners from the far west describe their lands as torn apart by religious violence and competition from other states." Yoshimoto stated
"The One Castle, One Province system is to remain law. All temples are to have registries of their members, and the people who pray at them, their defenses are to be provided for by the feudal lord," I also want more than just your individual loyalty. Each of the seven regions of this land will hold rotating councils every three years and shall be hosted in a different province each time." Murmurs had come from the crowd, but none dared to voice discontent.[1]
"The other pressing need at home is that of a unified currency system. From now on, all mints are to be under control of the state, and a triple monetary standard of coins, with gold, silver, and copper denominations." [2]
"While I have a firm vision of what I wish to see happen with this land, I want your opinions on what should be done with these foreigners." Yoshimoto had asked the delegation of lord present.
"My Lord, my clan has dealt with these foreigners for quite some time, I would advise keeping them isolated to certain areas." Yoshinaga said, deciding to speak up.
"I've heard rumors that they take slaves, not just from other lands but from our people as well." Mimura Iechika, the Lord of Bitchu said in response,"
Murmurs of disbelief and anger began to break out among the assembled lords.
"I have heard their priests all report back to some higher authority. I say we expel them. we have their weapons and ships, they serve no purpose here." Matsunaga Hisahide had said to approval
"If that is so, we will investigate this matter. Until then a proclamation shall be made, those who trade in slaves from our people or otherwise are to be executed. These foreigners and their places of worship are to also be registered with the state, and their places of worship must be approved as well. If this slave trade is widespread, or they prove troublesome then they are to be expelled." [3]
"My lord if I may bring a suggestion?" The speaker was Mori Takamoto.
"You may Lord Takamoto." Yoshimoto had replied.
"The ship designs of the foreigners are quite promising. I would like us to invest in using them more frequently. Our current naval forces and tactics are only good for local waters and against each other if we are looking more into the outside world."
"An interesting proposal, but who is going to ensure, that this extends to more than just the Western clans?" Yoshimoto asked?
"The Ouchi and Mori clans, are to share their naval secrets with several other clans. Perhaps it is time we start the process of creating an Imperial Navy?" Ujizane had suggested.
"This proposal has merit. However, I want all lords present to realize that aside from the One Castle system, I want surveys conducted of your provinces populace, any peasants or civilians who are in a militia or guard are the only ones allowed to carry arms. To help remedy this situation people may not leave their villages until five years after their coming of age." [4]
"Lord Yoshimoto I have an idea, I would like to suggest." This speak was Miyoshi Yoshitoki, of Settsu.
"Very well, let us hear it."
I would like to suggest the formation of these mercenary companies, that the foreigners have talked about. Our skills should not dull because we are not fighting each other. Each Province can contribute its own force."
Whispering began to break out among the assembled lords until one voice spoke.
"Lord Yoshitoki, Do you wish to turn us into honorless sellswords?" The speaker was the Uesugi Kenshin himself.
"Lord Kenshin, If that is your concern we will create standards for recruitment, any peasants who are surveyed and belong to large households could join as well as Samurai. Their conduct would be that of any respectful army worth its skill," Yoshitoki said.
Anegakoji Yoshiyori then stood up to make his voice heard. "What of the smaller or poorer provinces, are we simply supposed be marginalized if this new system is created?
"No, if this system is more than just a dream, all provinces are to be a part of it. Provinces with limited resources can work with each other. Contracts are to be managed by each lord, or group of lords as necessary." Yoshimoto had said trying to settle this debate, the idea was unusual but it had its uses.
The Muromachi Conference had ended a few days later, and the laws passed were to be known as the Tensho Laws, as the era of Tensho was proclaimed. [5]
[1] This a modification of the regular attendance system of the Tokugawa which saw each lord have them and their families spend time in the capital at their own expense. Temple registration was another Tokugawa law as well.
[2] Another Tokugawa law, as prior to it Japan's currency largely varied by lord as several lords could mint their own currency, namely the ones with gold and silver mines.
[3] There was a slave trade but it's extent was unknown, and this is before the port of Nagasaki was established, and lent to the Portuguese.
[4] This is a mix of Hideyoshi's land surveys and sword hunts that are slightly restrictive here the peasantry is not baring from carrying weapons entirely. While the idea of Japanese Condotta or contracted troops is an original idea, the Japanese did have a few instances of being mercenaries OTL.
[5] The Era name after the Eiroku period in OTL.
Map of Japan by the Muromachi Conference.
Next update, which is going to be brief I'll provide a more detailed list of who governs what province.
Shizuki Castle, Nagato Province
Sue Harukata had gathered his remaining allies, to discuss their plans, as it appeared victory in any sense of the word would be unlikely.
"Lord Okimori, Lord Fujikane, I am thankful for you sticking by me all these years. I feel it would only be appropriate that I support you. As it stands to continue to fight with Yoshinaga is pointless, we are better off trying to secure our own futures with the Imagawa."
"You want us to surrender to the Imagawa?" Fujikane had asked.
"Yes, if anything it would us a chance to retain our power outside of the Ouchi."
"What of your lands in Suo."
"If Yoshinaga offers it back after the war, I will accept, but with an army at my back,"
June 25th, 1570
Muromachi Palace, Kyoto Province
'It had come to this,' Yoshinaga had thought. Harukata and his allies had surrendered to the Imagawa along with, the Mori, while his brother Sorin and the Otomo had submitted to Imagawa rule. The Shogun had requested his presence at the Capital, as the Imgawa's authority comprised all of Honshu and Shikoku, and with the submission of his brother, the Imagawa's rule looked to be absolute.
Yoshinaga had made his way towards the main chamber, where various lords were in attendance, divided into seven regions. Yoshinaga had sat near his fellow lords of the Chugoku regions as Shogun Yoshimoto, sat in front of them.
“I am pleased you all could attend, we have much to discuss with the future of the country. Regardless of the fact, there a few areas not under our control, the age of conflict between clans is over, and a new age of peace will be upon us. However, we have remained too isolated and divided, for far too long. There is a larger world that we must be aware of, and ready for, these foreigners from the far west describe their lands as torn apart by religious violence and competition from other states." Yoshimoto stated
"The One Castle, One Province system is to remain law. All temples are to have registries of their members, and the people who pray at them, their defenses are to be provided for by the feudal lord," I also want more than just your individual loyalty. Each of the seven regions of this land will hold rotating councils every three years and shall be hosted in a different province each time." Murmurs had come from the crowd, but none dared to voice discontent.[1]
"The other pressing need at home is that of a unified currency system. From now on, all mints are to be under control of the state, and a triple monetary standard of coins, with gold, silver, and copper denominations." [2]
"While I have a firm vision of what I wish to see happen with this land, I want your opinions on what should be done with these foreigners." Yoshimoto had asked the delegation of lord present.
"My Lord, my clan has dealt with these foreigners for quite some time, I would advise keeping them isolated to certain areas." Yoshinaga said, deciding to speak up.
"I've heard rumors that they take slaves, not just from other lands but from our people as well." Mimura Iechika, the Lord of Bitchu said in response,"
Murmurs of disbelief and anger began to break out among the assembled lords.
"I have heard their priests all report back to some higher authority. I say we expel them. we have their weapons and ships, they serve no purpose here." Matsunaga Hisahide had said to approval
"If that is so, we will investigate this matter. Until then a proclamation shall be made, those who trade in slaves from our people or otherwise are to be executed. These foreigners and their places of worship are to also be registered with the state, and their places of worship must be approved as well. If this slave trade is widespread, or they prove troublesome then they are to be expelled." [3]
"My lord if I may bring a suggestion?" The speaker was Mori Takamoto.
"You may Lord Takamoto." Yoshimoto had replied.
"The ship designs of the foreigners are quite promising. I would like us to invest in using them more frequently. Our current naval forces and tactics are only good for local waters and against each other if we are looking more into the outside world."
"An interesting proposal, but who is going to ensure, that this extends to more than just the Western clans?" Yoshimoto asked?
"The Ouchi and Mori clans, are to share their naval secrets with several other clans. Perhaps it is time we start the process of creating an Imperial Navy?" Ujizane had suggested.
"This proposal has merit. However, I want all lords present to realize that aside from the One Castle system, I want surveys conducted of your provinces populace, any peasants or civilians who are in a militia or guard are the only ones allowed to carry arms. To help remedy this situation people may not leave their villages until five years after their coming of age." [4]
"Lord Yoshimoto I have an idea, I would like to suggest." This speak was Miyoshi Yoshitoki, of Settsu.
"Very well, let us hear it."
I would like to suggest the formation of these mercenary companies, that the foreigners have talked about. Our skills should not dull because we are not fighting each other. Each Province can contribute its own force."
Whispering began to break out among the assembled lords until one voice spoke.
"Lord Yoshitoki, Do you wish to turn us into honorless sellswords?" The speaker was the Uesugi Kenshin himself.
"Lord Kenshin, If that is your concern we will create standards for recruitment, any peasants who are surveyed and belong to large households could join as well as Samurai. Their conduct would be that of any respectful army worth its skill," Yoshitoki said.
Anegakoji Yoshiyori then stood up to make his voice heard. "What of the smaller or poorer provinces, are we simply supposed be marginalized if this new system is created?
"No, if this system is more than just a dream, all provinces are to be a part of it. Provinces with limited resources can work with each other. Contracts are to be managed by each lord, or group of lords as necessary." Yoshimoto had said trying to settle this debate, the idea was unusual but it had its uses.
The Muromachi Conference had ended a few days later, and the laws passed were to be known as the Tensho Laws, as the era of Tensho was proclaimed. [5]
[1] This a modification of the regular attendance system of the Tokugawa which saw each lord have them and their families spend time in the capital at their own expense. Temple registration was another Tokugawa law as well.
[2] Another Tokugawa law, as prior to it Japan's currency largely varied by lord as several lords could mint their own currency, namely the ones with gold and silver mines.
[3] There was a slave trade but it's extent was unknown, and this is before the port of Nagasaki was established, and lent to the Portuguese.
[4] This is a mix of Hideyoshi's land surveys and sword hunts that are slightly restrictive here the peasantry is not baring from carrying weapons entirely. While the idea of Japanese Condotta or contracted troops is an original idea, the Japanese did have a few instances of being mercenaries OTL.
[5] The Era name after the Eiroku period in OTL.
Map of Japan by the Muromachi Conference.
Next update, which is going to be brief I'll provide a more detailed list of who governs what province.
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