Shogun_ A Novel of Japan - James Clavell [592]
“Oh, thank you, Sire,” she said at the honor he did to her, her tears streaming from the complete happiness that possessed her, knowing this simple gesture cleansed the stigma from the only husband she would have in this life.
“Listen, Fujiko, twenty days before the last day you are to leave for Yedo—whatever happens to me. Your death may take place during the journey and must appear to be accidental. Neh?”
“Yes, yes, Sire.”
“This will be our secret. Yours and mine only.”
“Yes, Sire.”
“Until that time you will remain head of his household.”
“Yes, Sire.”
“Now, please tell Gyoko to come here. I’ll send for you again before I go. I have some other things to discuss with you.”
“Yes, Sire.” Fujiko bowed deeply and said, “I bless you for releasing me from life.” She went away.
Curious, Toranaga thought, how women can change like chameleons—one moment ugly, the next attractive, sometimes even beautiful, though in reality they’re not.
“You sent for me, Sire?”
“Yes, Gyoko-san. What news have you for me?”
“All sorts of things, Sire,” Gyoko said, her well-made-up face unafraid, a glint in her eyes, but her bowels in upheaval. She knew it was no coincidence that this meeting was taking place and her instinct told her Toranaga was more dangerous than usual. “Arrangements for the Guild of Courtesans progress satisfactorily and rules and regulations are being drawn up for your approval. There is a fine area to the north of the city that would—”
“The area I’ve already chosen is nearer the coast. The Yoshiwara.”
She complimented him on his choice, groaning inwardly. The Yoshiwara—Reed Moor—was presently a bog and mosquitoed and would have to be drained and reclaimed before it could be fenced and built on. “Excellent, Sire. Next: Rules and regulations for the gei-sha are also being prepared for your perusal.”
“Good. Make them short and to the point. What sign are you going to put over the gateway to the Yoshiwara?”
“‘Lust will not keep—something must be done about it.’”
He laughed, and she smiled but did not relax her guard, though she added seriously, “Again may I thank you on behalf of future generations, Sire.”
“It’s not for you or them I agreed,” Toranaga told her, and quoted one of his comments in the Legacy: “Virtuous men throughout history have always decried bawdy houses and Pillow Places, but men aren’t virtuous and if a leader outlaws houses and pillowing he’s a fool because greater evils will soon erupt like a plague of boils.”
“How wise you are.”
“And as to putting all the Pillow Places in one area, that means all the unvirtuous may be watched, taxed, and serviced, all at the same time. You’re right again, Gyoko-san, ‘Lust will not keep.’ It soon gets addled. Next?”
“Kiku-san has regained her health, Sire. Perfectly.”
“Yes, I saw. How delightful she is! I’m sorry—Yedo’s certainly hot and unkind in the summer. You’re sure she’s fine now?”
“Yes, oh yes, but she has missed you, Sire. We are to accompany you to Mishima?”
“What other rumors have you heard?”
“Only that Ishido’s left Osaka Castle. The Regents have formally declared you outlaw—what impertinence, Sire.”
“Which way’s he planning to attack me?”
“I don’t know, Sire,” she said cautiously. “But I imagine a two-forked attack, along the Tokaidō with Ikawa Hikoju now that his father, Lord Jikkyu, is dead, and along the Koshu-kaidō, from Shinano, as Lord Zataki has foolishly sided with Lord Ishido against you. But behind your mountains you’re safe. Oh, yes, I’m sure you’ll live to a ripe old age. With your permission, I’m shifting all my affairs to Yedo.”
“Certainly. Meanwhile see if you can find out where the main thrust will be.”
“I’ll try, oh yes, Sire. These are terrible times, Sire, when brother will go against brother, son against father.”
Toranaga’s eyes were veiled and he made a note to increase vigilance on Noboru, his eldest son, whose final allegiance was with the Taikō. “Yes,” he