The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 104

It's not surprising that women in samurai families have knives in their boudoirs, but why are you holding one in your hand for no reason?

But he soon realized that it was Adou who had given the instruction.

Ultimately, it is not appropriate to directly interfere in matters concerning the inner quarters of the household.

However, I need to have a serious talk with Adou and strengthen his ideological education.

As for Chizuru, who acted as an accomplice to evil, she was a difficult case. Given her personality, a stern reprimand might actually be a reward she would gladly accept.

196. Advanced tax farming system

For a while afterward, Shinsaburo lived a somewhat absurd life.

Adou's emotions need to be soothed with a carrot and a whip, Qianhe's recklessness must be severely punished, and the newcomers cannot be neglected.

The behavior of the four concubines did not exceed the scope of samurai women of this era, but their personalities were still slightly different. Itsuki Masatsune's younger sister, Nezu, was well-educated and knew how to behave properly, with a temperament somewhat like a dignified and generous female scholar; Nagai Gaiki's older sister, Aru, was understanding, gentle, and considerate, like a childhood sweetheart next door; Matsumiya Uma's daughter, Ishimatsu, was submissive, obedient, and best able to satisfy a man's pride and lust for power; Kumada Hisaemon's daughter, Oju, was innocent and naive, brimming with inexhaustible youthful vitality.

In short, although their looks and figures were not exactly stunning, they still brought Shinzaburo to a state of bliss.

I've been in Wakasa for almost two years now. Basically, I'm either fighting or preparing for war. Plus, I'm constantly on the move, so I haven't had a break except for the Lunar New Year.

After working so hard for so long, can't we at least enjoy ourselves?

Then play music, then dance!

After the autumn harvest was completely over, in September, Matsunaga Nagayori—also known as Naito Munekatsu—planned to continue his campaign in Tango and requested the cooperation of Kubo's army.

However, Shinzaburo only dispatched Itsumi Masatsune, Awaya Katsuhisa, and Nasa Yamatosuke, with a total of 2,400 men by land and sea to participate in the operation. The operation was mainly carried out by the navy and supplemented by the army. They went around to the north of Tango and attacked the Kumano and Takeno districts.

This can hardly be considered passive resistance.

They had already stated that the Tanba army's offensive was progressing smoothly, but they lacked a navy, making it difficult to capture strongholds along the coastline. Therefore, sending the Wakasa navy to participate in the battle would be the greatest help.

Moreover, according to the division between Miyoshi Yoshioki and Ashikaga Yoshiteru, the other three districts were given to Naito Munekatsu, while only Kumano and Takeno districts belonged to Kubo. Isn't it reasonable for each to have its own territory?

Currently, the head of the Tango Isshiki family is Chimatsumaru, who is less than five years old, but the actual person in charge is Isshiki Yoshimichi. The Tanba and Wakasa armies actually launched the war under the pretext of eliminating treacherous officials.

Based on the battle situation of the previous year and six months, Isshiki Yoshimichi was quite brave and skilled in battle. He did not suffer too much loss in a head-on confrontation with Naito Munekatsu. However, his style of doing things was too rough and harsh, and he was not good at uniting the people of the country. As a result, many of his subordinates were poached.

Shinzaburo kept a close eye on the enemy's information and pondered ways to win, but he was in no hurry to deploy his troops.

Both he and the soldiers of Wakasa need rest.

If you have the energy, you should use it for internal governance.

For example, consider the issue of tax collection in Kohama Bay.

……

A year ago, there were three acting officials in Kohama Bay.

The leader was a close friend of Takeda Nobutoyo, an old tea master named Nankawa Isshinzai. Although he understood business, he had no drive and only nominally participated out of friendship.

Now that Takeda Nobutoyo himself has gone into seclusion, Nankawa Isshinzai had no reason to remain in office, so he also fled.

Third on the list is Itsumi Masatsune's younger brother, Itsumi Tsunehisa. He is willing to work hard, but unfortunately his abilities are limited, and he can't get along with the merchants.

Now, Itsuki Masakatsu has given in and instructed his younger brother to resign voluntarily.

Only Hasegawa Munehito, a merchant from Kyoto and an acquaintance of Shinzaburo, was truly in charge of the practical work.

The monthly income of around 100 guan was all thanks to him.

Shinzaburo hadn't taken a single penny of the previous thousand-odd kan of taxes; he'd used it all for military expenses, either purchasing supplies or rewarding meritorious officials. Now, as the deputy governor, he could finally legally possess it.

It's only natural to want to get more.

Then we might not be able to rely on Munehito Hasegawa.

Because his relationship with the Kubo family was not close enough, it was merely based on his personal friendship and mutual admiration with Shinzaburo.

After all, Hasegawa Munehito is a descendant of a prominent Kyoto family, and he could easily spend his life composing poetry and painting on his family's money—his family has indeed produced many famous painters—so he works mainly for a sense of accomplishment. Expecting him to work particularly hard is unrealistic.

Furthermore, from the perspective of class background, they are actually closer to the merchants of Kohama Bay!

Just then, Master Mingzhou resigned from his position in Kyoto and moved to Wakasa. He quickly became a guest of honor among the wealthy people of Obama and learned a lot of inside information.

Originally, most merchants were followers of the Nichiren sect. However, later, wealthy merchants preferred to use methods like the tea ceremony to elevate their social status, which aligned perfectly with the pretentious nature of Zen Buddhism. During the Muromachi period, the Rinzai sect was highly regarded by several Ashikaga shoguns and remained the most prestigious of the Zen schools.

Therefore, when Master Meishu came to Wakasa from Kyoto, the merchants of Obama Bay, knowing that he had close ties with the Kubo family, had no choice but to take the initiative to befriend him.

This is a conspiracy.

Master Meishu, after only a little over a month in Wakasa, told Shinzaburo: "The taxes in Kohama Bay are too numerous and complicated. Although Lord Hasegawa Munehito is exceptionally talented, he cannot manage everything on his own. Moreover, his style is to do things in moderation and leave room for maneuver, and he will not go overboard with the details. Naturally, there are oversights."

Shinzaburo wasn't entirely oblivious to port town affairs before, and immediately began to recall: "The taxes levied in Kohama Bay mainly included mooring fees, customs fees, substitute service fees, building fees, section fees, seat fees... there were indeed many categories."

“Not only are there many categories, but they are also not easy to calculate.” Master Mingzhou added: “The docking fee is charged according to the size of the ship docking, the customs fee requires assessing the value of the unloaded cargo, and the service fee, the building fee, and the section fee involve the troublesome matter of checking the population and measuring the dimensions. Only the seat fee is relatively clear.”

The above are all conventional methods of taxation.

"Naishun liao" (停船料) means paying money when a ship docks, the amount depending on the ship's carrying capacity, usually determined by its length. "Guansuo liao" (关所料) is a percentage of goods passing through the port, commonly one percent. In the past, it was collected in kind, but now it is gradually converted into silver. "Daiyaku sen" (代役钱) is paid by adult male townspeople to the lord per capita to avoid being conscripted as laborers like farmers. "Dongbie sen" (栋别钱) and "Duan sen" (段钱) are property taxes, the price for holding land and buildings. "Za sen" (座钱) is an extra fee paid by merchants to request permission to form a "za" (座) – a trade guild, which is equivalent to a fee for the transfer of a monopoly right.

These are some of the most common categories of this era. Different daimyo may have different requirements, and there is no uniform standard. For example, some merchants may only need to undertake the service of transporting horses and boats without paying money or paying less money.

In fact, a major characteristic of Japanese culture is that it directly learned a relatively mature framework from Tang China, but in practice, it lacked sufficient personnel to implement it, so it often appears to have a complete system, but in reality, it is inefficient.

After Master Mingzhou explained it to him, Shinzaburo immediately understood.

The types of items collected are so numerous and most require careful calculation, but the corresponding staff is very limited, so it is naturally difficult to achieve good results.

Master Mingzhou believes that at the current rate of 100 strings of cash per month, less than 50% of the taxes are actually collected. Increasing it to 150 strings would be perfectly manageable for merchants. 200 strings is not impossible either.

"So, what advice does Uncle have?" Shinzaburo asked humbly.

“We will entrust the collection of various taxes to merchants and only charge them a fixed amount for transporting the goods,” Master Mingzhou said with a smile. “As for the specific amount, we will not say so and let the merchants propose it themselves. It would be even better if several merchants bid against each other.”

"Bidding? I see." Shinzaburo seemed to understand and couldn't help but smile. "Is this the brilliant strategy I learned from Sakai Town?"

To put it simply, this is a tax-inclusive system combined with an auction.

The tax farming system, while certainly outdated from a later perspective, was quite progressive in the 16th century, especially in terms of increasing revenue in the short term. However, some loopholes needed to be addressed.

“Exactly.” Master Mingzhou said confidently, “The merchant with the highest bid will become the ‘official merchant’ and gain the authority to manage the port town together with the magistrate of Obama. This is very attractive to them.”

“But it’s not advisable for someone to make unrealistic promises without considering the actual situation. We need to be wary of the bidding range,” Shinzaburo quickly reminded. “In addition, the selection of the ‘official merchant’ cannot be permanent, otherwise it will be difficult to control.”

"Hmm...that's natural." Master Mingzhou paused for a moment before quickly nodding.

“Uncle has proposed a good strategy, but I would like to make some modifications.” Shinzaburo stroked his chin, lost in thought.

Using the gold transported by imperial merchants to replace various taxes and corvée labor seems to have been quite common in the late Warring States period. This method enhanced the daimyo's efficiency in accumulating wealth and was related to the so-called "pleasure markets and pleasure seats".

However, we still need to think about the specific measures.

197 The Imperial Merchant and the Marketplace

"The chestnuts of Tanba are certainly sweet and delicious, but the shad of Kohama Bay is an absolute delicacy!" Imai Munehisa of Sakai Town looked out the window at the pier not far away and laughed heartily.

"Actually, the shad we're having today comes from San'in. It also requires oil from Kaga, soy sauce from Ishiyama, miso from Omi, and sugar from overseas to create this delicacy. Served with sake from Nara and tea from Sunpu, it's an absolute delight." Shinzaburo pointedly recited the ingredients of one of the dishes, raising his glass to everyone with a smile, "If no one traded goods, even a ruler of a country wouldn't be able to enjoy such delicious fried shad!"

"Lord Kubo Sado, you truly have a profound understanding!" Masajun, the resident of Kohama's kimono, immediately showed a look of gratitude that moved him to tears: "There are always some shallow samurai who portray merchants as parasites that bring disaster to the country. How could their understanding compare to yours?"

The HDB flats are among the most influential businesses in the Kohama Bay area. The previous head of the family, Mr. Cheng Lung, was exceptionally capable and had a keen eye for business, but unfortunately, he passed away last year. Now, his son, Cheng Chun, has taken over. The young man is quite clever, but lacks experience, and his words and actions often seem somewhat unsteady.

That casual compliment just now was an overreaction.

Seeing this, other merchants also began to flatter him, making it difficult for Shinsaburo to respond.

"Ordinary samurai only know how to fight for profit, and the more they fight, the less they have. Lord Kubo Sado is good at distributing profit, and the more he distributes it, the more he gains." It was Imai Munehisa of Sakai who was more experienced and calmly steered the conversation forward: "I wonder what good opportunity will bring us today?"

The group of dozens of people present were mostly merchants from Wakasa, but also included a few from Sakai and Kyoto who had close ties to the Kubo family. Their gathering clearly indicated they were discussing something important.

Therefore, many guests looked somewhat flustered and wary.

Because when lords talk to merchants, it's mostly to ask for money, and more money than the normal tax.

Losing money once is one thing, but if it becomes a habit, and they come to extort money from you every now and then, how can you stand it?

It wasn't until Imai Munehisa spoke that everyone relaxed a little.

After all, being a rising star in the business world and a renowned tea master carries considerable prestige. Since he was willing to say that "Lord Kubo Sado is good at sharing profits," there is some credibility to it.

Next, Hasegawa Munehito, who had been serving as the acting governor of Kohama Bay for a year, stepped forward, looked around, and smiled, saying, "Actually, Lord Kubo Sado believes that Kohama Bay has too many and too complicated taxes, making calculations very cumbersome and detrimental to the prosperity of the port town. Therefore, he plans to implement 'Happy Market,' stopping the collection of docking fees and customs fees, and exempting from 'section fees,' 'building fees,' and various other taxes..."

Is there really such a good thing?

Faced with such a bombshell, the businessmen looked at each other in disbelief, showing no excitement.

After a brief pause, Hasegawa Munehito continued, “It’s not just Obama Bay. Along the entire trade route from Horikoshi Pass into Tanba-Kuwata District, and then along the Ōyū Kaido to Kyoto, the benevolent policy of ‘joyful markets’ will be implemented.”

Kawakatsu immediately stepped forward and stated, "The Kawakatsu family will fully cooperate."

The pirate Nesa Yamato, who had been recruited, chimed in: "I will cease collecting ship levies and police supplies within the coastal area of ​​Wakasa Province."

More and more good news came, but the businessmen still looked bewildered and dared not speak, none of them believing that a windfall would fall from the sky.

Only Imai Munehisa of Sakai-cho seemed thoughtful and asked, "Does this benevolent policy of the market apply to all businesses?"

“That’s impossible,” Shinzaburo finally spoke up. “After all, we live in a chaotic world, and I have many enemies. It’s impossible for me to treat everyone equally. Therefore, for the time being, only the Kubo family’s ‘official merchants’ can enjoy the market.”

Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly realized what was going on.

No one would be foolish enough to ask, "How do I become a government-sponsored merchant?"

Because the answer is obvious—it's definitely about giving away money!

However, doubts still remain.

After exchanging glances, Masajun Kohama, representing the merchants of the village, stepped forward and cautiously posed the next question: "How many 'official merchants' does Lord Sado Kubo intend to take in?"

"The exact number hasn't been determined yet," Shinzaburo said with a smile. "Our initial consideration is at least three, and at most ten. Too many would probably be difficult to manage."

“However, there are more than a hundred shops of all sizes in Kohama Bay.” Junichi, a member of the HDB estate, looked worried. “How can shops other than the government-approved merchants do business? If they still have to pay so many taxes, not to mention operating costs, they will not be able to compete with the government-approved merchants even if they just waste time counting their goods.”

It's interesting.

As the wealthiest businessman in Kohama, Masayuki would almost certainly be selected as one of the "official businessmen." However, he spoke up for smaller businessmen; is this out of consideration for past relationships or for the greater good?

“Well…” Shinzaburo stroked his increasingly thick beard and said slowly, “My suggestion is to have them request authorization from the official merchant, and then, after the Kubo family’s review, operate as a subsidiary of the official merchant. That way, they can operate normally.”

This practice is essentially no different from the model of temples and shrines controlling commerce. In reality, it is about turning one's own official merchants into privileged merchants who then seek personal gain.

“You mean—” Junichi’s eyes lit up, as if he had become interested: “The government-appointed merchant has the right to supervise its subsidiary commercial properties?”

Master Mingzhou was right. Merchants of this era, though wealthy, had unstable social status and a strong desire for power. Many even abandoned their businesses to become samurai after accumulating riches.

“It’s not just about the merchant houses.” Shinzaburo’s words carried a hint of enticement as he smiled, “The official merchants are qualified to assist the magistrate of Obama in governing the port town. They can attend and intervene in all matters related to tax and litigation.”

Upon hearing this, several wealthy businessmen, led by Junichiro, couldn't help but show their delight. However, due to differences in their composure, some were overjoyed, while others merely smiled faintly.

However, the expressions of other businessmen who were not confident in obtaining the "official merchant" qualification were not so pleasant.

However, they didn't dare to raise any questions.

After a period of silent exchange of glances, Masaharu Kubo, speaking on behalf of everyone, asked, "Lord Sado Kubo, what should we do if the government-appointed merchants use their authority to bully the scouts?"

It seems this person really does have the air of a "representative of the people".

“Good question.” Shinzaburo stroked his beard, a satisfied smile on his face. “First, the government merchants are only assistants; the final decision-maker in the port city is still the Deputy Governor of Obama. Second, the government merchants serve a three-year term, after which they will be reassigned, and those with a bad reputation will not be re-elected. Third, if there are any injustices, the Kubo family can accept appeals at any time. If I am too busy with military affairs to handle this, you can ask Master Meishu for help and have him mediate.”

"Why must we trouble the Zen sect with such mundane matters of money?" Master Mingzhou, who had been sitting silently to the side, feigned dissatisfaction. "I thought we were just here to enjoy tea and compose poetry."

"There's really no other way," Shinzaburo flattered. "Who else but you is a highly respected person who can gain the trust of everyone?"

“Alas…” Master Mingzhou put his hands together, recited a Buddhist verse, and reluctantly nodded in agreement: “Since you have said so, this old monk has no choice but to comply.”

Many of the merchants who were initially worried lowered their guard after seeing the old monk's demeanor.

Zen masters from Kyoto generally have a good reputation.

At this moment, Imai Munehisa laughed loudly and said, "In Sakai Town, the thirty-six people form a self-governing community, with the Miyoshi family making the final decisions on behalf of the community, and the Zen master Soto of Nanso-ji Temple mediating in the middle. It is precisely because of this that the prosperity of recent years has been created. Now that Obama has a similar structure, it will surely have smooth sailing in the future."

His words reassured the merchants of Wakasa even more.

What businessperson doesn't admire Sakai-cho?

If we adopt the same system as Sakai, what could be wrong with that?

198. Methods for Supplementing Talent

To be fair, for an island nation surrounded by the sea, the Wakasa coast looks very ordinary and has never been considered a noteworthy tourist attraction throughout history.

However, standing in the Ninomaru of Koseyama Castle, bathed in the sunset, watching the merchants and laborers in the port town gradually finishing their work, Shinzaburo felt very happy.

In his heart, this place was a hundred times more lovely than all the famous scenic spots like Muroto-oki, Amanohashidate, and Matsushima combined.

Because this is my territory!