Chapter Five: The Honorable Guest

"Your Excellency!" As soon as he took his seat, the official hurriedly stood up to pay his respects. Perhaps sensing the discontent among some of the retainers of the Oda clan, he positioned himself in a subordinate role from the very beginning. "Oda Nobutomo has caused chaos, and my father unfortunately perished in service to the country. Yet, in this moment, only Your Excellency can uphold justice..." Before he could finish speaking, this guardian was already in tears, his expression filled with sorrow, which truly did not seem feigned.

Yiyin glanced nervously at Nobunaga, who appeared calm, and then surveyed the ministers seated below. "Your Excellency, you are truly too humble! Since my late father suffered misfortune, I have been in turmoil, often unable to sleep at night when I think of the tyranny of treacherous factions. In the face of such dire circumstances, it is only Your Excellency who has taken the lead in defending the realm, and I will never forget the grace of your support during the Jingnan campaign!"

Perhaps in an effort to deliberately maintain the dignity of their guardianship, Nobunaga and Yoshihide walked at a slow pace, allowing the bold vassals to whisper among themselves and offer their opinions. Nobunaga, for reasons unknown, merely smiled faintly and did not intervene. As for Yoshihide, he dared not say anything at all

The retainers seated on both sides, Danba Nagahide lowered his head pretending to drink tea, while Takigawa Ieyasu observed with a calm demeanor, indicating that they had both cultivated considerable composure.

What do you understand? This is called using the emperor to command the feudal lords! On the other side, the warrior also interjected.

It is sometimes a source of amusement, but it can become bothersome if it happens too often. I truly do not understand how those nobles manage to get through it! Nobunaga lay on the tatami mat, reminiscing with great interest about today's words and actions

Why did the lord bring this useless person over? We are working ourselves to the bone, yet we are not as good as this pretty boy

On an autumn afternoon, the sky is overcast and devoid of sunlight. The autumn cicadas in the forest chirp incessantly, adding a touch of melancholy to the atmosphere. Outside the city gate of Qingzhou, the commoners have long been driven away, while the number of stationed foot soldiers has increased threefold. Dozens of warriors stand on either side of the road, their demeanor respectful, yet their expressions reveal no trace of reverence. In the midst of them walks a young man in splendid attire, his face adorned with a smile, yet there is an unconscious tension in his brow. Half a step behind him, a young warrior leader dressed in a blue robe bows slightly to lead the way; although he occupies a subordinate position, he appears at ease, exuding an air of authority. The several guards behind closely follow the young warrior, making the young man in splendid attire seem rather out of place.

As long as there are performances, there will always be an audience for operas; however, even if the nobility come to your door, it does not guarantee that anyone will pay attention! Witnessing Li Jia's favor, a minor figure beside him began to shout indiscriminately, this person's name seems to be Shi Ami

However, Nobunaga did not utter the words that everyone hoped to hear for a long time. On the contrary, he furrowed his brows tightly, revealing a rare hesitation. Yigin could not help but feel anxious, unsure of what he had said wrong. Among the vassals, a sense of confusion also arose.

It seemed that in order to show respect to the esteemed "guest," Nobunaga did not wear any swords today. Although the blue robe and paper fan also exuded an air of nobility, they were evidently slightly inferior to Yiyin's attire, thus giving the other party due face. However, the "enthusiasm" that naturally emerged in the conversation caused the young lord of the martial guards to shudder from time to time

By the way, how is Mr. Wu Wei doing

"Since that is the case, I have come to a clear understanding," Nobunaga made a reluctant expression, "Oda Nobutomo must be punished; even if it means bearing the eternal infamy for this, I am willing to do so!"

... ...

Nobunaga has always enjoyed lively occasions, or one might say he is fond of grand displays, thus he mobilized all the mid-level and upper-level samurai of Kiyosu Castle to set up a grand spectacle. However, the retainers had differing opinions on this matter. After the Onin War, the prestige of the shogunate plummeted, and the various levels of shugo appointed by the shogunate gradually lost their power. Moreover, the Saito family had long been weak, having been distanced from the position of kanrei for many years, and had already become a laughingstock in Owari. Therefore, although the ministers were on high alert, they did not hold this nominal 'master' guest in high regard. Furthermore, the Saito family had long been weak, having been distanced from the position of kanrei for many years, and had already become a laughingstock in Owari. Therefore, although the ministers were on high alert, they did not hold this nominal 'master' guest in high regard.

"This is indeed a fact in pursuing this profession," Nobunaga chuckled a few times, "Then aren't they no different from those performing Noh plays?"

My lord, he understands the rules much better than I do. With him hosting Lord Wu Wei, you can rest assured

Nobunaga and Yigin entered the hall side by side, inviting the other party to take their seat in the chair first before sitting down beside them. The others also arrived at their designated positions.

Hmm..." Nobunaga nodded, "For now, it still has some utility, so let him stay in Gudu City for a few days—now, left! The duties of the guards will be entrusted to you!"

After exchanging a few light-hearted remarks, Nobunaga finally adopted a serious demeanor

Ah? Li Jia immediately changed to a look of distress, "I do not understand the rules, I fear I may offend Lord Wu Wei..."

... ...

Lord Wu Wei's words were heavy. Nobunaga finally replied, "Regarding the matter of vanquishing demons and upholding the way, I naturally have an unshakable duty to fulfill"

This ... this ... "Rika's eyes turned a few times, and suddenly she pushed Fanxiu forward

Of course! They are far inferior to our lord! What was the Saito family back in the day? They were the guardians of four provinces! All four provinces were completely defeated by them! Look at how they have fallen to this day... The tall and slender warrior beside him, dressed merely as a foot soldier, spoke words that even the retainers of the Oda family would not dare to utter.

Since you are aware of your own lack of refinement, why did you not read more books in the past? Nobunaga interrupted him impatiently

The 14th head of the Owari Saito clan, Chief Minister Yoshitomo, was supported by Oda Nobutomo as the protector of Nagoya Castle. However, he was later assassinated by Nobutomo due to his alliance with Nobunaga. His son, Yoshikane, fled in desperation to seek refuge under Nobunaga's wing. This was a gift delivered to Nobunaga for his campaign in Nagoya.

Thus, I can rest assured! Yi Yin wiped away his tears, feigning a sigh, "The rebellion of the Xin You in Qingzhou is not only a personal grievance but also a national enmity. I hope that the higher authorities will soon avenge my father's humiliation!"

"The nobles rely on this for their livelihood; it is not something they can choose to ignore!" Among the guards, only Maeda Toshiie would dare to speak in such a manner.

The master of this place is naturally the lord of Qingzhou City, the supreme general Oda Nobunaga. The young man who has been welcomed in is the even more distinguished guardian of Owari, Shiba Yoshitake

Standing behind Nobunaga, Han Shuxiu smiled faintly, pretending not to hear, and turned to follow him into the city. For Nobunaga, who only controlled a small part of Owari at this time, Saito Yoshiharu could barely be considered an emperor, while Inuyama Nobukiyo and Iwakura Nobuyoshi could indeed be regarded as feudal lords. However, if one were to know that in the future Nobunaga would support Ashikaga Yoshiaki to confront Asakura, Azai, and Honganji, how could the descendant of the lord standing before him be considered a significant figure!

Nobunaga cast a glance at Rikiya, his gaze carrying a hint of affection: "As expected of Akeno... Well, it's not a big deal anyway... Munezo! From today onwards, lead ten foot soldiers to protect Mr. Muneo!"

The discussions among the audience finally came to a halt. Yiyin believed he had articulated what Nobunaga desired, and the retainers all fixed their gaze on Nobunaga. At this moment, by simply going with the flow, the Oda clan, holding the banner of righteousness, could justifiably launch an expedition against this arch-enemy.

Nobunaga was alarmed! First, he squinted and smiled slightly, then finally "remembered" that he needed to bow and return the greeting, "The rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every individual; it is my duty, how could I dare to accept the erroneous praise of the Duke of Military Guard!"

Yes. Fan Xiu stepped forward and performed a bow, then returned to stand expressionlessly.

After a slight pause, before Nobunaga could respond, Yiyin continued: "Although the principal offenders have been punished, the petty criminals still show no signs of repentance. From now on, we can only rely on the protection of the Upper General Hall to safeguard justice here"

Is this the young master of the Spoh family? Not much to speak of..." As the guest walked away, a soft complaint drifted out from the farthest point from the city gate.

Sboyi Yin is of a similar age to Nobunaga, yet appears much more slender when standing together. His fair, beardless face is perpetually adorned with a timid and stiff smile. Although he has not applied powder or painted his teeth, his words and actions already exhibit a certain demeanor of nobility. Whether by coincidence or design, most of the fallen samurai clans tend to focus their interests on the arts rather than military strategy.

Ah... Yiyin was taken aback, and then he composed himself with a serious expression, stating with righteous indignation, "The Lord of the Upper General is indeed the Ishibashi of Owari, and the stability of this place rests solely on him. As the saying goes, if Qingfu does not die, the troubles of Lu will not cease..."

After a moment of silence, Nobunaga bent down and said: "Owari has been in continuous warfare for many years, the people's livelihood is in decline, and there are numerous matters awaiting revival. It is indeed the time for rest and recuperation. Is Lord Buwei being overly hasty?"

"Resting in the castle tower," replied Niwa Nagahide with a bow.

Fan Xiu stood silently to the side, gazing straight ahead, without uttering a word