Chapter 150: The Shimazu Clan

Kyushu Island, Satsuma.

A warm spring breeze wandered through the castle, stirring up petals of pink cherry blossoms.

It was April, the perfect time for cherry blossoms to be in full bloom; they could be seen everywhere along the roads and in the countryside.

In a garden behind the castle lord's residence, thousands of double-flowered cherry trees bloomed together, an even more eye-catching sight.

Under the cherry trees, four men sat cross-legged on a small rug.

Sitting in the northernmost position was the current Clan Head of the Shimazu Clan, Shimazu Yoshihisa; to his left sat his second younger brother, Shimazu Yoshihiro, and to his right sat his third younger brother, Shimazu Toshihisa.

Sitting directly opposite them was the fourth younger brother, Shimazu Iehisa.

In the fifth year of Tensho (1577), the Shimazu Clan, after three generations of effort, expelled the Ito Clan and unified Higo, Satsuma, and Osumi, becoming the true overlords of Kyushu Island.

It was a pity, however, that the good times did not last; another enemy, more terrifying than anyone before, had appeared before their eyes—Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

He had inherited the majority of Oda Nobunaga's legacy and had unified Shikoku last year, showing every intention of bringing the flames of war to Kyushu Island.

With the four brothers gathered together, Shimazu Toshihisa, who had always favored peace, glanced at his brothers and spoke first: "Clan Head, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's military force is currently at its peak, and even Tokugawa Ieyasu has temporarily submitted to him. If we fight him head-on, the losses will outweigh the gains."

Shimazu Yoshihisa did not speak. Beside him, Shimazu Yoshihiro picked up a cup of clear sake, tossed his head back to drink it, and cursed viciously: "Toyotomi Hideyoshi is nothing but a monkey who lucked into the position of Kampaku. Does he actually think he can make our Shimazu Clan submit to him?"

"Second Brother, we would only be submitting in name, honoring him as the Great General on the surface, while in reality, we would still be the ones calling the shots in these three provinces," Shimazu Toshihisa hurriedly explained.

They would only follow orders, not summons.

In this way, the Shimazu Clan would not have to clash head-on with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and their status as the overlords of Kyushu Island would remain as stable as Mount Tai.

Shimazu Yoshihiro curled his lip and shook his head: "This is Kyushu Island, not his Kinai Region. If that Toyotomi Hideyoshi dares to come, this place will be his burial ground."

"Second Brother..."

Shimazu Toshihisa was about to say more, but Shimazu Yoshihiro rudely interrupted: "Third Brother, our ancestors struggled to build this foundation. If we surrender without a fight, what face will we have to see our ancestors? Think back to when our Shimazu Clan was just a small tribe on Satsuma Island; three generations of us wore armor and wielded weapons, casting aside our lives and ignoring death, only then defeating the Ito Clan, the Sashu Clan, and the Kamoike Clan."

"We were able to defeat those three clans back then, so we might not be unable to fight Toyotomi Hideyoshi now!"

"It's different. Second Brother, you underestimate this monkey, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He is far more terrifying than those three clans," Shimazu Toshihisa hurriedly explained.

"Third Brother, you are the one overestimating him!"

Shimazu Yoshihiro's expression darkened, and his voice turned icy.

The Clan Head, Shimazu Yoshihisa, who had been silent, suddenly smiled and changed the subject: "Today is a wonderful time for flower viewing; let's not talk about official business, let's not talk about official business. Jiro, Saburo, you two are bickering—don't let Iehisa laugh at you."

Shimazu Iehisa also grinned, raised his wine cup, and proposed: "Three elder brothers, I, Toshihisa, would like to offer you all a toast."

The other three also raised their cups, clinked them together, and drank them in one gulp.

After drinking, a gust of wind swept through the cherry blossoms, sending them dancing across the sky; the falling petals drifted down, scattering gracefully onto the men.

Shimazu Yoshihisa opened his hands to catch a handful of cherry blossoms, then murmured to himself: "It has been a long, long, long time since we last sat together like this, enjoying wine and conversation while viewing the cherry blossoms here."

"It is only a pity that Father can no longer see this magnificent sight."

In an instant, the atmosphere at the scene became increasingly sorrowful and heavy.

"Clan Head..."

The other three were affected by the atmosphere and could not help but cry out, their eyes becoming moist.

"What are you doing? Being sentimental and acting like women," Shimazu Yoshihisa shook his head, the first to emerge from the grief, and added, "The heroic spirits of Father and Grandfather are watching you from heaven; quickly compose yourselves."

"Yes." The three wiped the corners of their eyes and straightened their postures once more.

The flower-viewing banquet returned to normal, and the four brothers exchanged pleasantries, avoiding official business and speaking only of domestic matters.

How is your health lately? Have you gained weight? Are the children well? They continued until dusk, when the four brothers finally cleared the table and left.

That night, Shimazu Yoshihisa summoned his second brother, Shimazu Yoshihiro, and his fourth brother, Shimazu Iehisa, to his own bedroom.

The three brothers sat down, and Shimazu Yoshihiro complained first: "Toshihisa has grown too accustomed to peaceful days; has he lost the courage to even hold a sword now?"

"Second Brother, you don't need to be so harsh on Toshihisa; after all, he is the only one who has been to the Kinai Region and seen Toyotomi Hideyoshi's army," Shimazu Yoshihisa said in a gentle, soothing tone.

"Then what is the Clan Head's opinion?" Shimazu Yoshihiro asked.

Shimazu Yoshihisa did not answer immediately, but turned to look at his fourth brother, Shimazu Iehisa, and urged: "Iehisa, share your thoughts; you are also a part of this family."

"Yes." Shimazu Iehisa was somewhat reserved; he smiled before meeting their gazes and speaking his mind: "Toyotomi Hideyoshi occupies the most prosperous Kinai Region, and now that he has pacified Shikoku and Kii, his military force is so great that our Shimazu Clan alone cannot withstand it."

"So your meaning is also to surrender?" Shimazu Yoshihiro stood up abruptly and demanded.

"Second Brother, let Fourth Brother finish speaking!" Shimazu Yoshihisa waved his hand to signal Shimazu Yoshihiro to calm down, then pointed at Shimazu Iehisa and urged: "Continue."

"I believe we can have Third Brother send someone to make contact with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, while secretly training soldiers and contacting the daimyo of the Kanto region. As long as Toyotomi Hideyoshi dares to invade Kyushu Island, we will make him reap what he has sown," Shimazu Iehisa smiled, speaking at a rapid pace.

As the two listened, Shimazu Yoshihiro immediately questioned: "Contact whom? We are separated from the Kanto lords by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's territory. Besides, those daimyo are all old foxes who won't move until they see the prey; how could they possibly listen to us?" "Then I do have one more ally," Shimazu Iehisa said with a mysterious smile.

"Speak quickly!" the two brothers urged in unison.

Shimazu Iehisa paused and pointed to the west: "Great Ming."

Hiss... Silence, a deathly silence permeated the small room.

For a moment, a chill radiated through the room, and the previously bright candlelight began to tremble.

The silence lasted for a long time before Shimazu Yoshihisa gritted his teeth and said: "Iehisa, you must know that our war with Toyotomi Hideyoshi is a matter between our own people. If we drag Great Ming into this, we will be making enemies of the whole world."

"Clan Head, compared to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Great Ming is an even greater behemoth. The four islands of Japan are not even as large as one province of Great Ming; just think, how could Toyotomi Hideyoshi possibly contend with Great Ming?" Shimazu Iehisa ignored their predatory glares and continued on his own: "I have been there; the prosperity there is far beyond anything in the Kinai Region."

"If we can borrow the strength of Great Ming, we can sweep away the daimyo and unify the entire island in no time!"

The other two did not speak, but stared straight at him.

Shimazu Iehisa knew their concerns, so he threw them another choice: "Brothers, you must make a choice. Will you submit to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and endure having a monkey defecate on your heads from now on? Or will you endure the infamy, cooperate with Great Ming, and sweep away the daimyo on the island?"

Having said this, he turned around to wait for the two to make their decision.

After a long time, Shimazu Yoshihisa shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Even if we wanted to join forces with Great Ming, their army is too far away; how could they possibly cross the ocean to help us?"

"As long as you brothers nod, Iehisa can bring them here," Shimazu Iehisa turned around abruptly and grinned at the two.

"Really?!" Shimazu Yoshihiro was full of disbelief.

Shimazu Yoshihisa nodded, turned, and walked out of the small room; after a short while, he returned with a tall young man.

Shimazu Yoshihiro and Shimazu Yoshihisa glanced at the young man, then shifted their gaze back to Shimazu Iehisa.

"This is the Great Ming Embroidered Uniform Guard Hundred-Household, Ai Neng," Shimazu Iehisa nodded with a smile and introduced them to each other, "Ai Neng, this is the Clan Head of the Shimazu Clan, and that is my second brother, the elder Shimazu Yoshihiro."

As for why he came here, there was quite a story behind it.

It is said that just after the New Year's Eve this year, Han San called Ai Neng to the small hall in his home.

After the two sat down according to the etiquette of host and guest, Han San turned his body to the side and said with a beaming smile to break the ice: "Yo, this Hundred-Household official uniform looks really not bad on you."

Ai Neng grinned, stood up, cupped his hands, and replied: "This is all thanks to the Thousand-Household's care; otherwise, how could I, a small person, wear these new clothes?"

"It is good that you understand this in your heart." Han San waved a hand at him, signaling him to sit down, and then went straight to the point: "After the Spring Festival, the imperial court will immediately mobilize troops against the Wa islands. My intention is for you to take a few men to the Wa islands first to scout the way."

"If you handle this matter well, you kid will be able to rise to the heavens in a single step."

Upon hearing this, Ai Neng lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up and asked: "Is this the young master's intention?"

Han San nodded with a smile, explaining the logic and appealing to his emotions: "Ai Neng, although this errand is fraught with danger, then again, if you are not willing to risk your life, how can you win glory and wealth? You should understand my expectations for you."

"Many thanks to the Thousand-Household for your high regard; I will take on this errand!"

"Good, I truly did not misjudge you. Rest assured, if you achieve merit in this battle, my position will be yours!" Han San was immediately overjoyed.

After occupying a high position, he also began to cultivate his own confidants. For such extremely dangerous matters, he naturally would not risk himself and would hand them all over to his confidants to handle.

If it succeeded, he would have the merit of recommendation and the wisdom of recognizing talent; this credit would naturally not escape him.

If it failed, at most he would lose a subordinate, and he could just send someone else.

Although Ai Neng knew in his heart that this trip was full of crises, for the sake of wealth, he could only gamble on it.

If he did not gamble, let alone the future Thousand-Household position, he feared that even this Hundred-Household position, which he had not yet sat in long enough to warm the seat, would not be stable.

After hearing the big pie Han San painted for him, Ai Neng immediately smiled and replied, "Many thanks to the Thousand-Household for your cultivation," then rose to take his leave and returned home to say goodbye to his wife and children.

He led his subordinates straight to the Wa islands.

Because he could speak some Wa language, he did not encounter any major problems here on Kyushu Island.

By a stroke of luck, he even got to know the fourth younger brother of the Shimazu Clan head.

This Shimazu Iehisa had been to the Great Ming and spoke fluent Chinese, so after a few meetings, the two became good friends.

After the four of them met, Shimazu Iehisa pulled Ai Neng to take his seat.

Once seated, Ai Neng said first: "As long as you are willing to cooperate with the Great Ming, the Great Ming's army can arrive at Hakata Bay in five days at the latest; by then, the threat of Toyotomi Hideyoshi will not be worth worrying about."

Shimazu Yoshihisa and Shimazu Yoshihiro exchanged a glance, and in the end, they did not agree immediately.

"For such a major matter, I still need to discuss it with the elders."

"Clan Head!"

"Shut up!"

(End of this chapter)