The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 17

Kubo Shinzaburo readily replied, "Then thank you very much for your generosity!"

With a bitter face, Jin Bingwei's father instructed, "Since we've spent a lot of money to hire such a capable helper, you must make a good impression and not waste his talent. At the very least, you must secure a good position before your savings run out."

"Don't worry." Kubo Shinzaburo put away his playful attitude and nodded seriously, saying, "I've already seen the new structure of Tanba. I also have a plan on how to stand out from the crowd."

As he said this, he exuded a quality that seemed out of place in this era.

“With the protection of the Immovable King, I have no doubt.” Old Man Jinbingwei gave his trust without hesitation, then reached into the bedside cabinet and took out a few sheets of paper, saying in a serious tone, “I have been feeling unwell these days, and my time may be coming soon! So I wrote down all the favors I have accumulated over the past few decades. You might still need them after I’m gone.”

These words weighed heavily on Shinzaburo Kubo's heart, and he could only silently accept the papers.

Although the paper is light, it suddenly becomes very heavy when it is filled with words.

Then, Old Man Kinbei said, "It's a pity that our family's candied chestnut recipe has been lost. But now you should just focus on being a samurai. I'll teach this skill to Shingoro and Oguri before I close my eyes."

After saying this, Old Deng seemed to feel tired, lay back down in the blanket, closed his eyes, and soon began to snore.

Kubo Shinzaburo sighed, added another layer to the bed for his father, Kinbei, stood in front of the bed and looked at it carefully for a while, then quietly left and slowly closed the door.

031 The Anger of an Honest Man

After a short rest, Matsunaga Magoro, as the "Deputy Governor of Noguchi Village," was about to begin his investigation, accompanied by his "fellow traveler" Kubo Shinzaburo and their respective attendants.

It was agreed beforehand that Kubomura would not conduct any investigation and would let Shinzaburo write whatever he wanted.

Matsunaga Magoro was a newcomer to Tanba for the first time and knew nothing about the situation, so he naturally needed an introduction.

So Kubo Shinzaburo told him, "The dozen or so villages nearby each have their own ways of dealing with the samurai lords of the Naito family. Some villages have connections with temples and shrines, and ask monks and priests to stand up for them... For example, our Kubo village is like that."

Upon hearing this, Matsunaga Sonroku joked, "It seems that this method is still the most promising."

With an awkward yet polite smile, Kubo Shinzaburo continued, "Besides that, some villages cultivate hidden fields in remote areas; some use farming as a cover, but actually rely on hunting and logging; and some villages are so ruthless that the Naito family is afraid of a coup and dares not raise taxes..."

"In chaotic times, farmers also show their skills in various ways." Matsunaga Magoroku waved his hand and said, "Let's not talk about that for now. What I want to ask is, are there any villages that had no background or other means, but were severely oppressed by the Naito family in the past?"

“Yes, there are…” Shinzaburo Kubo hesitated, “But these villages have almost been pushed to their limits. You can’t just use them as scapegoats, can you? Even if you continue to squeeze them, you won’t get any money or food out of them. Instead, it will drive those people to the brink of despair and risk triggering a peasant uprising…”

“How could Shinzaburo think like that? Am I that bad?” Matsunaga Sonroku’s dark yet childlike face showed a wronged expression: “For these people who were oppressed by the Naito family in the past, I will not only not increase taxes, but will even try to reduce taxes as much as possible.”

Really? It doesn't seem like it, but then again, there's no reason for the other person to lie.

No matter what, you have to answer your superior's questions. After thinking for a while, Shinzaburo Kubo said, "The village with the heaviest burden of money and food in the vicinity is probably Takeda Village, which is north of Kubo Village."

"Great!" Matsunaga Sonroku clapped his hands and laughed loudly, "Then let's go to this Takeda Village now!"

……

A moment later, the group arrived at the entrance of Zhutian Village.

Although it was the dead of winter and only a few days away from the Lunar New Year, many villagers were still repairing their houses or chopping firewood.

When the villagers saw the warrior-like figure approaching, they all became very nervous, stopped what they were doing, and secretly watched from a distance.

Upon seeing this, Shinzaburo Kubo stepped forward and shouted, "I am Shinzaburo Kubomura, son of Kinbei. I am just taking a casual stroll with a friend. I am not here to collect taxes or conscript laborers!"

Only then did the villagers of Zhutian Village dare to get closer to see, confirm his identity, believe his words, and finally settle down.

Matsunaga Sunroku nodded in satisfaction upon seeing this and said, "The villagers are all pale and thin, their clothes are covered with patches, and many houses have doors and windows damaged by the wind and snow. Very good, this is exactly the kind of village we've found!"

Unable to guess the purpose, Kubo Shinzaburo asked, "Should I go and find Otona from their village?"

“There’s no need for that.” Matsunaga Sunroku shook his head and said, “No matter what kind of village it is, Otsuna will always be a smooth talker. It’s too hard to hear the truth from them.”

Shinzaburo Kubo could only manage an awkward laugh. Wasn't he including his own husband, Noboru, in his comments?

After a pause, Matsunaga Magoro asked again, "Takeda Village is very close to Kubo Village, Shinzaburo must know about that. In Takeda Village, are there any people who feel indignant about the village's situation and are bold enough to complain openly?"

Upon hearing this, Kubo Shinzaburo finally understood what the other party wanted to do. After thinking for a while, he replied, "There is a young man named 'Kozaemon' in Takeda Village who may meet your requirements."

Matsunaga Sonroku then asked, "What kind of behavior has this person exhibited?"

Then, Shinzaburo Kubo explained that many years ago, Takeda Village couldn't pay its annual tribute and borrowed money from Old Man Kinbei. The agreement was that no interest would be charged, but until the debt was repaid, the property on "Nishifune Mountain," located between the two villages, would belong solely to Kubo Village, and Takeda Village residents were forbidden from entering. As for "Kozaemon," when his mother was ill, he disregarded everything and went up the mountain to gather herbs—a behavior completely different from the other timid villagers of Takeda Village.

Matsunaga Sonroku thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Let's go find this person."

So Kubo Shinzaburo took out a bad coin as a reward and had a child lead the way to Kozaemon's house.

There's no need to knock.

Because the latch on his door seemed to be broken, Kozaemon was diligently repairing it.

Shinzaburo Kubo called out, "Kozaemon, it's been a long time! How have you been?"

Kozaemon turned around, his face showing surprise. He stopped what he was doing, nodded as a gesture of respect, and said nonchalantly, "Whether it's good or bad, it's not that great. Anyway, he's not dead yet."

Shinzaburo Kubo didn't find the other person offensive and asked, "Is your mother home? How is her illness?"

“He’s lying in the house, being watched by my wife and children. The old man’s illness is probably incurable.” Kozaemon’s eyes dimmed, and he shook his head, saying, “Thanks to your intercession, Kofukuji Temple sent a doctor to see him and prescribed medicine. But he’s still not getting better after taking it, and now he’s barely clinging to life. He might not make it to spring.”

Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo Kubo felt regretful and helpless.

Given the level of medical technology in this era, it was quite common for illnesses to go untreated; there's nothing to say about it.

After a moment's thought, Shinzaburo Kubo asked again, "Back then, the high priest of Kofuku-ji Temple sentenced you to work at the temple to pay off your debt... What happened then?"

Kozaemon pursed his lips and shook his head, saying, "I helped out for a few days during the Qingliang Festival, and they said I'd have to go back and work for another thirty days next spring to finish."

Shinzaburo Kubo guessed Matsunaga Mauroku's purpose, so he took the initiative to show goodwill, saying, "I can talk to the new abbot of Kofuku-ji Temple now. I'll put in a good word for you when I have time, and you can be exempted from this labor service!"

Upon hearing this, Kozaemon remained silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly and said, "Lord Shinzaburo, you are a good person, and I shouldn't have been so rude. It's just that the world is too unfair, and life is too hard for us in Takeda Village. I have no heart to thank anyone!"

At this point, Matsunaga Sunroku interjected, "As far as I know, you were caught and punished for breaching your contract to go to Nishifune Mountain to collect herbs. That can't be considered unfair, can it? Back then, Kinbei from Kubo Village lent you money without charging interest, and it was agreed that they would have exclusive rights to the products of Nishifune Mountain... That was a voluntary agreement, wasn't it?"

Kozaemon showed none of the fear that ordinary people often have towards unfamiliar samurai. He merely snorted and sneered, "You're absolutely right! I have no complaints about Kinbei and Shinzaburo from Kubo Village. But the Naito family's collection of taxes is completely shoddy. Other villages have their own ways of getting away with it, but we, who honestly farm, are constantly being exploited. Isn't this just bullying honest people?"

Matsunaga Sunroku deliberately frowned and retorted, "How do you know that the other villages were just fooling the Naito family, and that they really couldn't afford to pay more taxes?"

Kozaemon roared, "Is that even a question? Anyone with eyes can see it! I know exactly what tricks every village in the vicinity is using, but the Naito family either doesn't dare to arrest them or can't. A bunch of useless trash!"

"Good!" Matsunaga Sunroku clapped his hands: "As long as you can explain clearly how the surrounding villages have been using tricks, I guarantee that the taxes in your Takeda Village will be reduced next year, and I will also reward you with a sum of money so that your mother can have a dignified funeral!"

Upon hearing this, Kozaemon began to wonder, instinctively taking two steps back and asking warily, "Who...who exactly are you?"

Kubo Shinzaburo said in a low voice, "I can testify that this man can indeed do what he just said."

Matsunaga Sonroku chuckled leisurely, "Kozaemon, you're right. Honest people shouldn't always be bullied."

Kozaemon glanced at Kubo Shinzaburo, then at Matsunaga Magoro, hesitated for a long time, and finally nodded sharply, saying, "They have a way of fooling the Naito family and accumulating money and food, but they never thought of helping their poor neighbors! So why should I help them keep it a secret?"

Matsunaga Sunroku coughed and added, "Kikubo Village's Kinbei Otona is quite charitable, so there's no need to talk about him."

After making his statement clear, Kozaemon began to speak fluently and quickly recounted the situation of the surrounding dozen or so villages.

He claimed to know everything, but that's not necessarily true. He described the situation in some villages vividly, while remaining vague about others.

Matsunaga Magoroku was very satisfied. After listening, he asked with lingering interest, "I think you are a smart and meticulous person, Kozaemon. Would you be interested in doing something else for me?"

Kozaemon nodded without hesitation: "Since things have come to this, of course I'm willing! I heard that the Naito family recently changed heads. You must be one of the new head's people, right? You're completely different from those good-for-nothings before!"

Matsunaga Sonroku smiled without saying a word, looked around, and then asked Kubo Shinzaburo, "There must be more than one person like Kozaemon who harbors resentment!"

Shinzaburo Kubo lowered his head and pondered carefully, slowly finding a few suitable names from his father Kinbei's network of connections.

Matsunaga Sunroku nodded and said with satisfaction, "As long as I visit each person on this list these next few days, I can return to Yagi Castle to celebrate the New Year with peace of mind. After the spring, I will be able to accomplish anything I want to do with much greater efficiency."

At that moment, Shinzaburo Kubo suddenly realized that today was a rare sunny day. The clouds had dispersed, the sun was shining down, and the snow on the ground showed signs of melting.

This may mean that spring is coming soon, but in the short term, it will probably only be colder than the previous few days due to the melting snow.

From Unity to Acting Official

032 The Samurai Career Begins

In the first ten days of January in the 23rd year of Tenbun (1554), Kubo Village was filled with a festive atmosphere.

When the villagers first learned that the Naito family was going to implement the "new law" and send down a deputy official named Matsunaga Magoroku, they were all a little uneasy and worried about being oppressed.

But then everyone discovered that the old village chief's son, Shinzaburo, had become the chief "Doshin" under the magistrate and had received the surname "Kubo," which gradually put their minds at ease.

Although the common people did not know the specific duties of the "acting official" or the meaning of "unity of purpose," they believed that they were protected by someone, and that was enough.

Shinzaburo Kubo also specifically emphasized to the villagers that the matters concerning money, grain, and labor service would remain unchanged.

Then he led the people of Kubo Village, as well as representatives from several surrounding villages, to Kofukuji Temple for a New Year's worship ceremony.

During the event, Abbot Mingzhou took time out of his busy schedule to attend and personally said, "Kubo Village has always been a devout Buddhist and deserves to be blessed."

This is essentially double insurance.

Therefore, after returning to the village, everyone happily celebrated the festival together.

According to the custom at that time, no one worked during the first half of the first month of the lunar calendar, and everyone focused on holding ceremonies and enjoying the festival with their families. Therefore, Matsunaga Magoroku, the new magistrate appointed by Yagi Castle, only showed up on the first day of the new year to preside over a few ceremonies after gathering enough information before returning to the castle.

The new official's three fires have not yet begun to burn.

From October to December last year, the weather was extremely cold, with continuous heavy snow. Although Kubo Village had relatively sufficient supplies and no one froze or starved to death, life was still difficult.

Moreover, everyone couldn't help but worry that if the weather continued to be uncooperative, spring planting would face difficulties. If spring planting didn't go smoothly, there was a risk of starvation next year!

Fortunately, the weather improved after the Lunar New Year, temperatures gradually rose, and the snow began to melt.

On the contrary, it may be an omen of a bountiful harvest.

For this reason, everyone is sincerely celebrating the Lunar New Year and thanking the gods and Buddhas.

Of course, the most lively atmosphere was definitely at the old village chief's house.

Kinbei's father's health was visibly deteriorating, and no amount of care seemed to help. Kubo Shinzaburo had someone buy him the expensive "Manjin Dan," a miraculous medicine from Kyoto, at 100 mon per pill. After taking ten pills, the effects were still not very noticeable.

Then Old Deng refused to spend the money any more, even threatening to kill himself if he bought any more Wan Jin Dan.

But old man Kinbei was in a very good mood. He carefully placed Shinzaburo's letter of appointment and money and provisions in a box, and stared at it every day, laughing heartily.

When he's happy, he wants to drink, and no one can stop him. Even though his leg injury hasn't healed, he'll still wander around with a wine jug in his hand, leaning on a cane.

Several times, after getting drunk, he would chat with people who didn't exist, sometimes for an hour or two. Sometimes the person he chatted with was his father, who had been dead for thirty years, and sometimes his wife, who had been dead for more than five years.

Occasionally, it would also be the eldest and second sons who did not meet a good end.

In addition, from the surrounding villages, "old friends" came one after another to visit with gifts and congratulate Shinsaburo on his "promotion."

At times like these, Kim Bing-eun's father simply couldn't stop drinking.

Shinzaburo thought this wouldn't do, so when he took the villagers to Guangfu Temple for the New Year's worship, he went to Master Mingzhou and said, "My father has always respected eminent monks and virtuous people the most. Please persuade him to stop drinking so much."

Unexpectedly, Master Mingzhou said that reality is illusion, and illusion is reality. Life is like a bubble. Since Jinbingwei has already reached bliss, why should we call him back to the sea of ​​suffering?

Shinzaburo looked completely bewildered and didn't understand.

Ooi Shigeie explained from the side, "You're just worried sick. Otherwise, with your wisdom, how could you not understand? The master is saying that the old man doesn't have many years left. Rather than prolonging his life, he should live it to the fullest."

Hearing this, Shinzaburo felt a little upset, but he also knew that what the other person said made sense.

Ooi Shigeie went on to say that, based on his experience, the arrow that Jinbei's father was shot in the thigh last time may have caused a bone and joint disease, and he would be in pain for the rest of his life. He could only feel a little better by drinking more alcohol.

This reason was even more irrefutable for Shinzaburo.

So I stopped dwelling on it.

Incidentally, the Oi Shigeka family also spent the New Year together in Kubo Village.

Shinzaburo did ask him if he had any other relatives. He said that when he was in Shinano, the city was besieged by the Takeda army. They threw firecrackers outside, which caused a fire that burned his family to death, including his pregnant wife. He himself was on duty on the castle wall and managed to break out of the siege in the chaos.

When he said this, Ooi Shigeie's expression was calm, showing no trace of sorrow, but his pronunciation was a little stiff.

……

Occasionally, when Kinbei was lucid, he would call over his relatives Kumakichi and Hashisuke to talk, telling them about the "protection of Fudo Myo-o" and instructing them to stay close to Shinzaburo and work diligently, so that they might have a chance to become samurai in the future.

Actually, he didn't need to say it; that's what everyone already thought.

Some villagers have already offered to send their sons as attendants or their daughters as maids, but Kubo Shinzaburo has refused them all after considering them.

Now is not the time to indulge in pleasure!

On two separate occasions, when Kinbei wasn't so drunk, he would ask Shinsaburo, "Shingoro, do you still want to become a monk? Or maybe you should just become a samurai like me? Is Oguri of marriageable age? How much dowry can you come up with?"

But every time they discussed something and reached no conclusion, Old Deng would impatiently say, "In short, you're much better than me. You decide what's going on between the two of them, and even the ancestors won't be worried!"

Then he continued to pour alcohol into his mouth.

Shinzaburo Kubo really does have a plan for the young boy Shingoro.

But I'm not going to Guangfu Temple to become a monk; at least not for the time being.

Instead, he stayed in the village and took over the position of "Yi Ming".

Because Kinbei's father is drunk most of the time and completely incompetent, Shinzaburo, as a member of the local magistrate's "Doshinshu," will certainly have a lot of work to do after officially starting work.