Stories of the Japanese 01043 [Mid-Nanboku-cho Period] Yoshiakira's Carelessness
When I proofread this series, after drafting it, I make it a rule to read through it seven times in the following manner:
1. Check if it is historically accurate in the first place
2. Check if the flow connects with the previous and next episodes
3. Check if the connection between subjects and predicates is correct and if there are any parts that are difficult to read
4. Add explanations for names of people and places that appear for the first time
5. Check for errors in the notation of dates, especially era names
6. Check for mistakes in kanji conversion or okurigana
7. Finally, read through the entire chapter one more time to see if there is anything that feels off
However, as I am gradually running out of time, I might reduce this to about three times in the future.
Yoshiakira, who was left in charge of Kyoto, was proceeding with peace negotiations with the Southern Court as ordered by Takauji, but there were two things that worried him.
The first was that on the 6th day of the intercalary 2nd month of Shohei 7 (1352), Prince Munenaga of the Southern Court, who was in Shinano, was appointed as Seii Taishogun. This was by the order of Emperor Go-Murakami, but it effectively meant that Takauji's status as the incumbent Seii Taishogun was being denied.
"Please recognize the continued existence of the Shogunate."
For Yoshiakira, who was conducting peace negotiations under this condition, this incident became a source of anxiety.
By the way, it is said that Prince Munenaga in Shinano had been away from Kyoto for so long that he had forgotten how to behave like a court noble and had been solely polishing his skills in archery and horsemanship. Having received the appointment as Seii Taishogun there, he composed a poem about his complex feelings:
"Did I ever think that I would become so accustomed to the catalpa bow, which I had never even touched before, that it would never leave my side, day or night?"
(Meaning: I never imagined that I would become so familiar with the bow, which I once never even touched, that it would be with me day and night.)
The second was that the army of Kitabatake Akinobu had come from Oshu and joined Emperor Go-Murakami. If they were entering Kyoto peacefully, there would be no need for such a large army, so it is natural that he felt anxious, wondering, "Could they be planning to clash with the Shogunate army..."
On the 12th day of the intercalary 2nd month, Yoshiakira sent his close aide, the monk Enkan, to ask the Southern Court. (By the way, Enkan was one of the participants when Emperor Go-Daigo first planned to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate, but after the failure of the Kenmu Restoration, he sided with the Northern Court and became a close aide to Takauji and Yoshiakira.)
"I once committed the crime of disloyalty, but I apologized for it and received the Emperor's forgiveness. The Emperor understood my heart, and we decided on peace, but I hear that Wada, Kusunoki, and others (of the Southern Court) are planning a battle. What is the situation?"
Emperor Go-Murakami met with Enkan in person and replied, "Although we have decided on peace, the people of the world are still anxious. We have brought troops as a precaution for emergencies, but since we have already made peace, no untoward incidents will occur." Hearing this answer, Yoshiakira let his guard down completely.
However, one cannot blame Yoshiakira for being naive. No one would expect that the Emperor himself would deceive people and carry out a surprise attack.