Chapter 110 - 5: Thieves Are Punished, Kings Are Crowned (Part 2)
"How much profit can one make from farming?"
"If the fields are tended with care, the weather is favorable, the seasons are not missed, and the market is right, you can earn tenfold within a few years."
"And from running a shop, trading goods?"
"With sharp judgment, seizing opportunities, buying low and selling high, and monopolizing rare goods, you could earn a hundredfold within a few years."
"Then what about controlling the military and political power of an entire nation? How much profit could that yield?"
"This..."
Hirata Kōzaburō was momentarily at a loss for words. He wasn't entirely surprised by Jinghang's line of thinking; after all, he too had entertained thoughts of replacing the Mid-Mountain Green Palace's master. But that was just idle fantasy. The difficulty was simply too great. Domestic issues, international concerns, the ninja class, the samurai class, the civilian population—any one of these could spiral into disaster. Why bother with such a convoluted plan when he could simply enjoy his wealth in peace?
"Dear brother, while you have soldiers and I have money, rebellion is the greatest trouble of all. It involves every facet of domestic and international politics, and pulling on one thread could unravel the entire fabric.
"Moreover, disrupting the current political balance of the ninja world would undoubtedly alarm the Daimyōs of the other four great nations, triggering a powerful backlash. We would become the target of all, besieged from every side. No matter how skilled you are, even a tiger cannot withstand a pack of wolves. My advice: let this idea go and never bring it up again."
Jinghang smirked playfully, picked up a slice of lamb, swirled it in the hotpot, and placed it into Kōzaburō's dipping sauce.
"When did I ever say I wanted to rebel? That old cushion in the main hall of the Mid-Mountain Green Palace looks uncomfortable to sit on. I have no interest in it."