A.D. 1564, said to be the seventh year of Ben Yonglu.

The beginning of the new year.

Takeda Shingen held a grand New Year's banquet at the Kuzugasakikan, inviting hundreds of Takeda retainers and samurai to hold a banquet.

Except for Masanobu Takasaka, who was guarding Kaizu Castle, Naito Masatyo, who was stationed in Nishi-Umino, and Li Xiao, the lord of Kamioka Castle who was far away in Hida Country, could not rush back.

Takeda Shingen invited all the members of the Takeda family, the retainers of the lineage, and the retainers of the outer family, such as Kiso Tani Kiso Yoshiyasu, Kiso Yoshimasa father and son, Matsuo Castle Sanada Yutaka father and son, Tosawa Castle Kohata Kenshige, Kohata Nobutada father and son.

There are also generals such as Hara Huyin, who has been recuperating for a long time, and he followed Takeda Shingen to fight against famous veterans.

In the main hall of the Takesakikan, a series of important ministers of the Takeda family gathered here.

And Sanada Masayuki, who has been promoted to the rank of general, is also qualified to participate in the family's New Year's banquet for the first time.

The scale of this banquet is no less than the banquet when Takeda Shingen married his eldest daughter to the Hojo family nine years ago.

Sitting in the main seat, Takeda Shinxuan's face was slightly flushed, and he had just drunk a glass of wine, his lungs could no longer support it, and he coughed a few times.

At this time, Sanada Masayuki, who sat down under Takeda Katsuyori's head, his eyes twitched, and he secretly thought, could it be that the lung disease of Lord Gokan has been committed again?

This is not the most opportune time right now, Sanada Masayuki thought to himself.

Sanada Masayuki saw that if Takeda Shingen's move was true, many retainers who were concerned about Takeda Shingen's health, including Takeda Shinryobu, Takeda Yoshinobu, and Takeda Katsuyori, were very concerned.

Sanada Masayuki guessed that there must be some of these retainers who are worried, some who are indifferent, and some who are secretly happy.

Takeda Shingen's tuberculosis has been lingering for a long time, and he has not been able to break the root.

It has been rumored several times in the family that the lord of the palace has plans to give up the position of the governor of the family and recuperate with peace of mind.

As we all know, the current Takeda family is like Zhongtian, the world is looking sideways, and everything is created by the Mikan-sama for more than 20 years.

Just like his Wind Forest Volcano Banner, Mikan-sama is like a mountain that supports the Takeda family.

But if the Lord of the Imperial Pavilion is gone, or if he gives up the position of the family governor, then who will continue to hold the Wind Forest Volcano Banner and guide the Takeda family's proud soldiers and warriors to a way forward.

Whether it is the general's family, the Hosokawa family and countless other famous families, they have all declined from prosperity to decline because of the improper disposal of their successions, and the huge power has been torn apart.

Is it His Highness Yoshinobu who holds the title, or His Highness Katsuyori, who has risen strongly recently?

Thinking of this, Sanada Masayuki shook his head.

Now the two highnesses have a group of henchmen under their command, and their fates are closely linked to each other's support, and each is desperate to pull the other off the horse. And the Sanada family is now firmly tied to His Royal Highness Yoshinobu, and his father, Sanada Yutaka, can also be said to have made a heavy bet this time.

Halfway through the banquet, Shingen Takeda left the table and received medical treatment from a physician in the side hall.

In the cold wind, Takeda Yoshinobu, Takeda Katsuyori, and a series of old ministers of the Takeda family all stood outside the courtyard, or crossed their hands on their chests, or looked into the distance, their expressions were all cold.

Sanada Masayuki saw the lights burning in the paper sliding door in the side hall, and several maids went in and out, and it could be seen that they were busy in a hurry.

After a long time, the sliding door was pushed open, and the doctor in charge of Takeda Shingen's condition, the Imperial Prison Supervisor, and the medicine boy carrying the medicine box on the side, slowly walked down the steps.

Sanada Masayuki and all the retainers involuntarily stepped forward together and walked towards the doctor.

Takeda Nobuyoru and Iitomi Toramasa, the two members of the clan and the retainers of the lineage, stepped forward together to inquire about Takeda Shingen's condition with concern.

"The fever persists, which is a symptom of a recurrence of tuberculosis. I think the lord has been working too hard lately, so I suggest that I ask the lord to go back to Shima Hot Springs to recuperate for a few months. The matter at hand, for the time being, let's leave it alone. ”

"What about the attitude of the lord?" Fan Fu Huchang asked one after another.

The Imperial Prison Supervisor shook his head and said, "I don't know, but I advise you to persuade the lord, otherwise the lord's condition may deteriorate further." ”

Rest? How does this work?

Sanada Masayuki frowned when he heard this, the current Takeda family is a critical time, in the general strategy of the Takeda family this year, it is imperative to use troops on a large scale against Ueno Province and Hida Country.

If Takeda Shingen is recuperating at this time, then who should control the decision of the Takeda family's key battles.

Echigo Kamisugi Kenshin is eyeing the tiger.

The Hojo family, an important ally of the Takeda family, had already assembled an army of 20,000 and was preparing for a decisive battle with the combined forces of Ota and Satomi in Kokufutai, and was unable to support the offensive of the Takeda family.

According to the practice of the daimyo family, the military and political power of the Takeda family at this time should be assisted by Takeda Nobuyobu and Iitomi Humasa, who are temporarily in charge.

This is undoubtedly a good opportunity for His Royal Highness Yixin to seize power.

Then the situation is very unfavorable for the Sanada family, who support His Highness Katsuyori's side.

If it is true that Takeda Yoshinobu is now shining brightly, it is obvious that he has grasped such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and perhaps he hopes that Takeda Shingen will take this opportunity to give up the position of monk governor, and even become seriously ill. In this way, His Royal Highness is still in his fledgling, and he can rightfully inherit the position of the governor of the Takeda family.

His Royal Highness can only bow down to his ministers, and if there is any change, he can gather all his retainers in the name of righteousness to crusade against His Royal Highness Shenglai.

"The lord has an order, please come in and discuss."

A member of the crowd came out and spoke.

In the side hall, more than twenty important ministers of the Takeda family sat down calmly with bated breath.

Sanada Masayuki secretly raised his head and looked up, only to see Takeda Shingen sitting cross-legged on his knees, leaning his hand on his ribs, his face was slightly pale, and his breath was a little short.

Despite this, Takeda Shingen's bearing still gives people a sense of calmness, and the three deep wrinkles on his forehead, like the king character on the tiger's forehead, are even more reminiscent of his prestige as a tiger of Kai.

There was silence on the field, and Sanada Masayuki knew that although Takeda Yoshinobu thought that Takeda Shingen could recuperate and release power as soon as possible, but because he was afraid of being suspicious, no one dared to speak out so bluntly.

"Brother, we all know what Doctor Mijuku said, please think about the great cause of the Takeda family and recuperate."

It was Nobuyoshi Takeda who spoke out, and at this time, he was the only one who was selfless in his heart and could speak upright.

After Takeda Nobuyoshi finished speaking, the Takeda family was like Kawachi, Matsuo Shinshi, a Shinlong, Takeda Shintoyo, and Anayama Shinjun bowed down and echoed together.

After everyone expressed their attitude, Takeda Yoshinobu, Takeda Katsuyori, and their cronies and retainers expressed their attitudes and persuaded Takeda Shingen to cultivate.

Takeda Shingen smiled slightly and said, "I understand, it seems that I won't go to Shima Onsen this time, it's not okay." ”

Hearing Takeda Shingen's agreement, all the retainers breathed a sigh of relief.

To them, Takeda Shingen is a mountain that must not fall. Although they are recuperating, the deterrent power is still there, and no one dares to offend the majesty of the Takeda family.

"But please also ask Lord Gokan, in addition to recuperating in peace, you must also abstain from women."

Sanada Masayuki was stunned for a moment, turned his head to look, and it was Ichichi Shinryu, the eighth son of the former lord Takeda Shintora, and the half-brother of the contemporary governor Takeda Shingen.

Sanada Masayuki heard a little about the other party's surname, and this person often spoke straightforwardly, and when he went into battle, he always wore a brand new saddle and armor, so he was often called 'one of the gorgeous' in the army.

Takeda Shingen also trusted him very much, and when Ichijo Shinryu inherited the name of the Ichijo family as the Takeda family, it was because the Ichijo family was the leader of the Takekawa clan, a powerful local samurai group in Kai.

A Xinlong has the combat power of Wuchuan under his command, so his troop mobilization power is at the same level as that of such a lineage of important ministers as Baba Xinfang.

As soon as a letter dragon said this, all the ministers on the field laughed, and Sanada Masayuki couldn't help but laugh.

This can be regarded as a letter dragon's consistent outspoken style, he has been far less respectful and fearful of his brother than Takeda Shinren and Takeda Shinshihiro since he was a child.

His style of acting is to speak straightforwardly, and the problem of Takeda Shingen's lustfulness is known to the important ministers of the Takeda family present, so after a Shinlong said this, the solemn atmosphere in the side hall was swept away.

Takeda Shingen didn't bother at all, he looked at a letter dragon with a smile, and just picked up a folding fan and pointed at a letter dragon.

After all the retainers finished laughing, Takeda Shingen said with a smile: "Since I have decided to recuperate, so the family affairs are up to everyone's heart, and now it is the time when my Takeda family is changing, whether to take advantage of the momentum, or to lie dormant in Kai in the future, to be a mountain monkey, it depends on your efforts." ”

"Oh!"

All the retainers bowed down together, and as a member of the Takeda family, Sanada Masayuki also felt a heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

Next, Takeda Shingen made arrangements for major events at home while he was recuperating.

He said: Since I can't be in charge, then all the military and political affairs in the family will be decided by the two of you, Fanfu Huchang and Machang Xinfang, and take on the responsibilities of the two positions. ”

The two positions, Sanada Masayuki knew in his heart, this was the highest position among the retainers of the Takeda family.

Previously, Itagaki Nobukata and Ganli Hutai held two positions respectively at the beginning of Takeda Shingen's accession to the throne, assisting Takeda Shingen in handling the affairs of the Takeda family, and later the two died in the Battle of Uedawara, and these two positions were also vacant.

At present, Takeda Shingen is forced to consider his own health and reinstate the position of two positions.

It is true that in addition to these two people, there are not too suitable people, and the other important ministers of the spectrum, Naito Masatyo and Takasaka Masanobu are not around.

After arranging for Iitomi to take up two positions, Takeda Shingen continued: "Strategically this year, the family is still going to carry out east-west attacks on Ueno and Hida, and defend on the front line of Kawanakajima.

"Katsuyori Suwa."

"Oh!"

Takeda Katsuyori bowed down, and from Takeda Katsuyori, Sanada Masayuki's father Sanada Yukitaka, the two brothers, as well as Takeda Nobutoyo and Kohata father and son, all turned their knees sideways to face Takeda Shingen, and then fell down.

"You're in charge of Ueno's strategy, Naito is just your lieutenant general, you must capture two or three more cities of the Nagano family, understand?"

"Oh! Please rest assured. Takeda Katsuyori said loudly.

Takeda Shingen nodded and said: "While attacking Ueno, we must also beware of Uesugi Kenshin going out to Kanto again, but according to the news of the ninjas, he should not make much action in the past few months, but he should not take it lightly." ”

After instructing Takeda Katsuyori, Takeda Shingen said again: "As for the direction of Hida Country......

"Father, please allow me to lead the army to attack Hida and make contributions to my Takeda family."

Takeda Yoshinobu who spoke, Sanada Masayuki secretly sneered, His Royal Highness Yoshinobu was finally anxious at this moment, Takeda Shingen only arranged for Iitomi Humasa and Baba Nobuyo to preside over the affairs of the family, but he was excluded.

This obviously frightened him, so he asked Takeda Shingen to fight, so that he could also have a chance to perform, otherwise if he continued to let His Highness Katsuyori continue to make contributions in Ueno, his throne would be really dangerous.

Takeda Shingen shook his head and said, "No, Yoshinobu, you will follow me to Shima Onsen." ”

Takeda Yoshinobu was stunned for a moment, showing an unwilling look, but he could only sigh and show his obedience.

Seeing that Takeda Yoshinobu was rejected, Sanada Masayuki was overjoyed, but he guessed that the general candidate in the direction of the take-off Buta country, the original general of the Hida Expeditionary Army, Baba Nobubo, held two positions, and he would definitely not be able to withdraw, so who would Takeda Shingen replace.

Could it be Li Xiao, who is in the Hida Country, who has expanded 5,000 stones of land for his family with his own strength, and built the city of Shengang under the attack of the sister Xiaolu army, it is enough in terms of ability, but it is far from enough in terms of qualifications.

And several of the important generals of the spectrum who can take on one side alone in the side hall have heavy responsibilities, and the rest of the veterans of the Takeda family have troops in their hands, but they are either not capable enough, or they are not qualified enough, and their prestige is not enough to take on heavy responsibilities.

Takeda Shingen turned his head to look at a short military general in the retainers' regiment, and said to him: "Genshiro, this time the Hida Country Expeditionary Army, you will be the general in chief. ”

The short military general was shocked when he heard this, and immediately turned around and bowed down to worship.

Seeing that this person became the general of the Hida Country Expeditionary Army, Sanada Masayuki saw Takeda Yoshinobu and Iitomi Humasa both had a happy face.

This time it was Iitomi Huchang's younger brother, Iitomi Genshiro.

Iitomi Genshiro's talent has always been overshadowed by his radiant brother Iitomi Huchang, but through Iitomi Genshiro's own efforts, with the accumulation of military exploits, he is already a general of 300 horsemen under Takeda Shingen, and his reputation for being brave and good at fighting is already famous.

During the battle of Kawanakajima, Takeda Shingen handed over the position of the Honjin formation to him and put him in charge of commanding the Honjin Takeda family banner army.

Nevertheless, it was the first time that he had served as the general of the corps in charge of one aspect like Baba Nobubo and Takasaka Masanobu.

This means that in the retainers of the Takeda family, who are full of fierce generals, he is regarded as a general who can take on his own in the eyes of Takeda Shingen.

Therefore, it can be seen that although Inatomi Genshiro tried to maintain his composure, his body was still trembling slightly.

Similarly, because of the relationship between Iitomi Genshiro and Iitomi Toramasa, Takeda Yoshinobu did not regard him as an outsider, so he was very pleased to be the general of the Hida Country Front.

However, Takeda Shingen asked Genshiro Iitomi to be the general of Hida Province, and among the retainers, Sanada Masayuki, as well as the retainers of Takeda Katsuyori, also felt that it was appropriate and had no opinion.

In addition to Genichiro Iitomi, Takeda Shingen said again: "Ichijo Uenosuke, Kiso Iyomori, the two of you and Genshiro together formed the Hida Country Expedition Army to prepare for the Hida Country Expedition. ”

"Oh!"

A letter dragon, Kiso Yoshiyasu and the two agreed in unison.

Ichichi Shinryu has always been in charge of diplomacy between the Takeda family and Honganji, and this attack on Hida and the opening of the passage to Echigo must have been indispensable for diplomatic communication with Honganji.

So this is one of the reasons why Takeda Shingen let a Shinryu go on the expedition.

Needless to say, Kiso Yoshiyasu is adjacent to Hida Province, and the Kiso family is very familiar with the local terrain and the details of the wealthy families of Hida Country.

The Hida Country Expeditionary Army must have Kiso as the leader of its own army, and there is a feud between the Kiso family and the sister Koji family, and they will die in battle.

"Genshiro, in addition to Lord Ueno and Lord Iyomori, the military strength of the Nishina family in Azumi Prefecture, as well as the army of the Baba family, are all transferred under your name."

Iitomi Genshiro agreed, then thought for a while and then asked rhetorically: "Then Lord Li Xiao, who is already in the Hida Kingdom, is it as a reading force military force, or as a general of his subordinates." ”

Takeda Shingen thought for a while and said, "No need, just let Li Xiao be the strength of the reading force, but he will be responsible for the military rations of the Hida Country Expeditionary Force this time, and I will let him ensure the smooth flow of your back road." ”

After a pause, Takeda Shingen said again: "This time, our army was able to attack Hida Country, first of all, Li Xiaoneng was attacked by his sister Xiaolu Army and built Kamioka Castle, which is really indispensable, which few of my Takeda generals can do." Genshiro, Li Xiao is the number one fierce general of my Takeda family, and he is outstandingly resourceful, this time you go to Hida Country, you might as well ask him for his opinion, it should be very helpful to you. ”

Genshiro Iitomi agreed to obey.

Takeda Shingen continued: "The Hida Country Expedition, this strategy, I have been preparing for a year, and it is the key direction of my Takeda family's strategy this year, and it is carried out hand in hand with the Ueno Country strategy. Once this passage is opened, our army will be able to attack Echichung at any time from April to September, and flank the rear of Echigo. ”

"This is related to the suppression of Echigo by my Takeda family in the future, so there is absolutely no room for error. I hope that all of you will work hard. ”

"Oh!"

Iitomi Genshiro, a Shinryu, and Kiso Yoshiyasu agreed in unison.

"My lord, I have a little concern."

Sanada Masayuki saw that it was Iitomi Huchang who said it, and he had something to say at this time.

"Rice Rich Army, what do you have to say?"

Iitomi Tiger said: "I am not against the strategy of attacking on the two wings of the lord, but Uesugi Kenshin took advantage of my Takeda family and sent troops to Hida Province at the same time, and when Ueno Province sent troops to Kawanakajima again. Our army is heavily armed, and how to resist Uesugi Kenshin's offensive on the inside when the time comes, please let the Lord announce this. ”

As soon as Iitomi Huchang's words came out, Sanada Masayuki nodded secretly, this is the general of my Takeda family's deep military strategy, a person with great foresight.

If Uesugi Kenshin ignores it, the Takeda family's strategy of attacking the two wings of Ueno Province and Hida Province will instead send troops to Kawanakajima, and once again seek a strategic decisive battle with the Takeda family to suppress the fortunes of the country, how should the family deal with it at that time.

Takeda Shingen pondered for a while and said, "Iifu, you are right, I don't know what to say. ”

Iitomi Huchang nodded and said, "My lord, in order to deal with the possible offensive of Echigo, in addition to Takasaka of Kaizu Castle, when the family sent troops to Hida and Ueno, I suggested strengthening the defense of Fukashi Castle and Komoro Castle. At the same time, in the small county of Ueda, another new city was built, echoing the above two cities. ”

"If Uesugi Kenshin bypasses Kaizu Castle and directly attacks my Shinano hinterland, then my family also has these three cities to rely on."

As soon as Iitomi Huchang said something, Sanada Masayuki secretly said that it was not good, which was undoubtedly a poisonous ploy for Takeda Katsuyori. Because Ueda and Komoro Castle are the territories of the Sanada family and the Takeda Shintoyo family, respectively.

However, Takeda Shingen had obviously agreed with Iitomi Huchang's opinion, nodded and said: "Iifu, you are right, but in this case, Sanada Dan Zhengzhong, Takeda Warr, you two should not participate in this Ueno Country Raider." Each went back to his home to strengthen his defense. Dan Zhengzhong, the matter of building a castle in Ueda will be left to your Sanada family, and after it is built, it will be named Ueda Castle. ”

As soon as Takeda Shingen's words came out, Sanada Masayuki saw His Royal Highness Katsuyori, and his body was obviously shocked at this moment.

What did this mean for him, Takeda Nobutoyo and the Sanada family were the two pillars of his retainers.

Although he was temporarily withdrawn at the moment, this move undoubtedly meant that his combat power in the Ueno Kingdom was reduced by half, which made him how to attack the Nagano family.

This plan is really vicious, but it is upright, and it is a conspiracy that cannot be refused.

At this moment, Takeda Katsuyori, the father and son of the Sanada family, they also learned the power of this Takeda Yoshinobu Fu and the first important minister of the Takeda family.

In the next military discussion, Sanada Masayuki was a little absent-minded, and he was thinking about how to resolve this passive situation.

But at this time, Takeda Shingen had already made a final decision.

He said in a deep voice: "Gengoro, I'll hand over the Hida Expeditionary Army to you, in April I will have people transport military rations to Kamioka Castle, and in a month, I will see your army appear in Hida Country, and I know that everything is not under the orders of my Takeda family, you know?" ”

"Oh!"

(To be continued)