Burden of the Emerald Empire (A Legend of the Five Rings Tale)

Month of the Ox, 11th Day (Midwinter)

Etsuko frowns as you read over the sentence carried out. One Kitsuki Suijin, a graduate of the Kitsuki Method had undertaken of her own accord the murder of Shosoru Jimen due to his debauching of her sister years ago. Apparently she had seduced him, the dumb bastard hadn't even remembered who she was. Suijin had then used his apparent opium addiction to get him into place and then hung from the neck. Waiting until the opium wore off to kick out the stand that Jimen had been resting on. She had wanted him to suffer, which is why she just hadn't killed him painless with the Opium.

So just the next morning she would commit seppuku in front of the court to atone for her crime, shaming the Dragon greatly.

"Problem Tsuruchi-san?" you ask. Your hand just above sealing the order and condemning Suijin to her death.

The Wasp looks around your office and fold her arms. "No, I guess not, Kitsuki-san and myself both agree that she had means, motive and opportunity to commit this murder. I'm not sure I would have waited as long as she did to commit the act, but it all fits...however, I can't help but feel like I missed something."

From across the office Kotaro smokes on a pipe, a new hobby he had taken up after spending time with the Kaeru family this court, you couldn't say you liked it.

"I know too well that feeling Tsuruchi-san, our Emperor's rule has seen a fair number of conspiracies and the use of cut outs to obscure the true culprit. Sometimes though, the simplest answer is correct. Its not like Shosuro-san didn't have a habit of making enemies for the fun of it." Kotaro says.

"I understand that Otomo-san." Etsuko says. "But it feels, incomplete somehow."

"Because its mundane." You opine. "We are used to political assassinations on this scale having a greater purpose than family honour being satisfied. While I can't say that I disapprove of Kitsuki Suijin's motivations, its unfortunate that she simply couldn't duel him to the death."

"Much like the Imperial Council, the Imperial Chancellor enjoys the sacrosanct protection of the Emerald Champion. Any duel would have to go through Tsuruchi-san." Kotaro points out.

Etsuko makes a face. "Like I would duel for that cowardly little worm..."

"It's bad karma to speak ill of the dead. So let us not speak of him, unless you have another suspect Tsuruchi-san. I am going to approve this seppuku." You say.

Etsuko frowns again.
"No I don't, but it seems wrong that someone avenging her family should suffer."

"The Scorpion are understandably upset that one of their own was murdered in the Dragon's hospitality. Regardless of the strange quasi friendly rivalry they have with one another. The Dragon must show to the Scorpion that they will avenge them, and so someone must die. Its unfortunate, but at least she will be with her sister in the next life." You say bringing the stamp down.

"I don't have to like it." Etsuko says.

"No one should like it. But it is however, how the world is sometimes." Kotaro says.

"Quite, now I'm told that the Lion are holding a story telling competition in the Garden of Memory, and I intend to listen in." You say rising.

"Spend some more time with Kitsu Yoshihiro-san, you've spent too much time with Akodo Nanase-san and Ikoma Hideki-san." Kotaro says not rising from his position.

You wave it off. "I'm spending time with all of the Lion delegate leads in these things, I can hardly be blamed that Kitsu-san got sick."

"No, but people are already saying you favour the latter two, for subtlety, you will want to spread it out." Kotaro says.

"I still don't understand why the Lion." Etsuko mutters.

"A few reasons." You say as you check yourself over, straightening your obi. "But the biggest one is simply to ensure that even if my daughter and my wife are completely at odds, the Lion still have someone she listens too."

"Wouldn't that also apply for the Scorpion though?" Etsuko asks.

"Scorpion are planning to make a play for the Jade Championship when Horiuchi-san finally steps down, and to take over my role when I step down." Kotaro says.

"So if you know that...then the only role for the Lion would be the Shogunate or the Chancellorship?" Etsuko says. "I say it shouldn't even be a clan samurai but a ronin anyways, that way they can represent all the clans."

"Not the worst idea, but the Clans will never except that baring some sort of insane mind control." You say. "A ronin speaking for them would be too insulting to their pride."

Etsuko rolls her eyes, showing exactly what she thinks of that.

"How do I look?" You ask.

"Dignified and handsome as ever." Kotaro says wryly.

"Better a Silver Fox than Silver Boar as the sages say." You say.

"Wisdom in truth." Kotaro says.

"Shall I escort you my Emperor?" Etsuko asks.

"Sure you and Seppun-san need to work better together anyways." You answer.

Etsuko moves to stand slightly behind you as you leave the office, making the long winding journey to the Garden of Memory. Shiro Kitsuki is still mostly snowed in but the long winter months have at last let up on the snow, and the Tamori are almost completely certain they will not need to invoke the kami to let you leave in the spring.

All the same, your mind naturally flickers back to the names you and Kotaro spoke of. The Lion had not sent a large delegation despite the distance, largely because of the need to deal with the Dragonfly. Over three hundred years and the humiliation of the Tonbo still burned the Lion soul. Although on the balance, given the reputed beauty and ability of Tonbo Maroko, you wouldn't have given up on her easily in Akodo Yokatsu's place. Nor would you have taken the insults the Dragon and Phoenix gave without reply.

Still, that meant the Lion delegation was led primarily by Kitsu Yoshihiro, a gifted courtier who had plied his trade far and wide. Unfortunately he had caught some illness over the last few weeks, and had isolated himself to avoid harming others. What little time you had been able to spend with him showed a keen mind and a dry sense of humor.

You had however spent much more time with Akodo Nanase and Ikoma Hideki. The pair were almost inseparable. Born twins, with Hideki being slightly older and thus his family heir, they had gone to the Open Hand of the Lion dojo to learn how to be bards and excelled. Rapidly reaching positions of assistant delegation leaders for the Lion despite Nanase having to marry into the Akodo.

They worked well as a unit, Nanase serving as the calm, collected voice of reason to the hot blooded passionate Hideki. Together the pair managed to keep people off balance and bring people around to the Lion point of view on things.

Alone they were still good, the Lion didn't have the near fetishistic obsession of keeping twins together the way the Scorpion did. They would not abide them being unable to work together. However, the sum was very much more than their parts.

There had however, been one member of the Lion delegation that had somehow managed to evade you in all of your exploration of your Lion roots in the light of a tragic death of a civil servant.

Matsu Suki, a one armed woman who had transferred over to the way of the Courtier after losing her position in the Lion's Pride over the lack of an arm. It didn't seem to be malicious on her part, simply put she was the one doing the rest of the work while the Lion entertained you.

You could continue to simply spend time with the three available Lion courtiers, or maybe you should try to spend time with Suki properly...decisions, decisions...

[] Spend time with Kitsu Yoshihiro, the razor witted and tongued leader.
[] Spend time with Akodo Nanase, the cool elegant rationalist
[] Spend time with Ikoma Hideki, the hotblooded passionate idealist
[] Spend time with Matsu Suki, the dependable distant administrator

17th year of Toturi IV's Reign, Month of the Serpent 3rd day (Late Spring)

You weren't going back to the Dragon lands anytime soon. It wasn't that they hadn't been hospitable or anything. You had spend a lot of time enjoying yourself, and while you didn't think it would be a sure thing, your efforts with Matsu Suki should lead to you receiving a Chancellor who while motivated and efficient lacks the...charm to unite the Clans against you in another remonstrance. No the problem was the damnable snow hadn't let up until half way through the spring. It was only now that you had been able to come home to Toshi Ranbo. You were tired, and somewhat annoyed at the delay. However, you couldn't delay a council meeting any longer. The year wasn't that long that you could waste effort like it.

You look towards you two travelling companions, Etsuko and Yuriko. Both didn't look like they had spent a week and a half of hard riding to get here, nor like they had barely slept. Desire was a sin to be sure, but you miss your old vigor sometimes.

Yuriko clasps her hands and looks around the council.

"It is unfortunate that we had to delay so long, so we shall be about it. Hida-san I understand your preparations are going well?"

Ginchiyo doesn't flinch, a Hida never flinches, but there is a measure of...you don't want to call it fear, but healthy respect in her eyes as Yuriko looks at her. You had heard the two had a confrontation before you left for Shiro Kitsuki. Kotaro had said it was nothing to worry about, but you were curious.

"Ah right we've been drilling the army hard. In keeping with Otomo Kaneka-sensei's directives, we've avoided expanding the legions back out the way that some of the traditionalists wanted. The Ten Legions that form the core of our force have been recalled and are preparing for war in that benighted desert. The other legions we've formed up have taken on the patrol oversight duties that they had. There are some teething problems, but nothing that can't be over come with more effort."

You weren't sure you totally agreed with your uncles vision of the Imperial Legions. A dedicated core of 10 Legions that rotated out duties to make sure they drilled relentlessly wasn't a bad idea in principle. However, the secondary purpose of the Imperial Legion as a second home for samurai from lineages to proud to beg and too poor to to provide was completely absent. It made things difficult for a few of the clans. Which was part of the point, but Clans that were unhappy made you unhappy if only for the effort of calming them down.

"Sounds like the matter is well in hand do you intend to launch any further initiatives?" You ask.

"Honestly no, almost anything else I would want comes under Yasuki-san's purview over mine. " Ginchiyo says. "Some of my generals are advocating that we build new siege platforms outside of the Jewelled City, but in truth I've spent the last half decade or so turning our part of the city into a death trap, more siege engines will just hurt our logistics."

Shiko nods and reaches into her loose robe and pulls out a small pillowbook.
"Well then I suppose I will provide something then. At Imperial behest I focused my time ensuring that the Pact's bonds were still quite strong. The Senpet have seen fit to grace us with the Yodotai's newest military manual. They call it 'Tacita' "

Ginchiyo seemed about to propose to the Togashi on the spot over it.

"Is it translated?" you ask.

"As much as we can, I only received it last month. This is the first full copy we've made, but we have scribes producing more for Hida-san's generals." Shiko answers.

"With this in mind my Emperor, I would like permission to secure land to conduct a full war game using the information in this manual, it will allow us to understand the b---" A look towards Yuriko. "asics of their military strategy" Ginchiyo finishes

Yuriko just smiles. "Sounds promising, for my own part, the Clans are somewhat in flux, with the appointment of a new Chancellor in the current mix, we will have to take a light hand in the courts this year, lest we scare them into a hardline stance. That said in discussion with Togashi-san, I do have another project while we wait. A joint summit between the members of the pact. I am given to understand that working with your allies is much easier if you talk to them first." Yuriko says.

"A joint summit? What kind were you thinking?" Shem-Zhe asks.

"Military in nature, we were thinking of convincing them to send military representatives to the Jeweled City while we sent our own. Together they could work out a plan of action and the return it to us. Such an effort would take at least a year of preparation but once they're made, we can let it operate without great effort on our part. The key issue is ensuring that we do not appear weak." Yuriko answers.

"Send Otomo-sensei, then" Ginchiyo speaks up. "No one would think Otomo Kaneka-sensei was weak."

Yuriko shares a look with you, and you decide to answer instead of making Yuriko the villain of the piece. She's a Crane not a Scorpion after all.

"It would look like I was preparing to have my uncle return to the position of Shogun, a proven reliable hand, showing my lack of confidence in you." You say. "As such a grave insult to you Hida-san and the Crab clan."

Ginchiyo blinks, having clearly never considered that possibility at all. You suppose she knows your uncle well enough to know that he would never take it back. That doesn't mean people who don't won't think otherwise though.
"I still say he's best. Doji-san can manage that sort of thing can't she?"

Yuriko nods slowly. "I can try at least. Otomo-sama has maintained his popularity in the Empire mostly through his wandering with his lovely wife. Most clans can say they hosted him for a winter now, and he's charming when he wants to be. So it will be difficult to manage the calls for it, but I could manage it I think."

The summit is a good idea, your uncle is perfect for it too, but still, that's a lot of work. You put the decision aside for the moment and look towards Etsuko.

"Tsuruchi-san, you've been quiet, what do you have for me?" you ask.

"Ah, Kakita-san's prior suggestion was a good one I think, but I was planning to implement training reforms. Yasuki Michii the Ruby Champion has decided to retire with Kakita-san's departure. I intend to appoint Asako Zenkyo to the position and there focus on retraining our Magistrates. We're using the same curriculum that was put down after the Articles of Heaven were implemented. A lot of more sophisticated criminals know our ways. I intend to change that, however I won't say that the Imperial gaze won't help push things forward. Etsuko says.

"Really that long?" Shem-zhe muses. "Asahina Sekawa-san and Kuni Utagu-shiryo both revised the training for the Jade Champions. The first because of Toturi III's insistence after that near miss with Shinsei's Heir, the second because well... Okura."

Kitsu Okura, one of the few legendary villains of the Lion Clan, who in his desire for power had nearly corrupted a third of the Clan to the worship of Akuma no Oni the Great Demon Lord said to be equal to the First Oni. Yes it would make sense to change procedures after that.

"Hai, it will be hard effort, but worth it I think" Etsuko says.

"Normally I'd call on Yasuki-san, but since we're on the matter of the Jade Champion, Horiuchi-san, are you still working on the Icons?"

"As much as I can my lord, we're making some headway, but to be honest without more support we can only do so much with our other duties. We've still not fully recovered from the Scouring of Otosan Uchi to my shame" Shem-Zhe says.

"The Jade Legion proved its worth there and made certain that it would never be disbanded in favour of the Phoenix, there is no shame in taking time to recover from such an effort." You say gently.

Shem-Zhe nods taking the compliment.

"Which then brings us to Yasuki-san." You say looking at the smaller woman.

"Ah, well its uh too late now for us implement my supply city concept. However, with the probable deployment of our forces to the Jewelled City, I intend to try and expand the sand road. Both in actual road and oases. It will require a lot of work but logistics are very important, we Yasuki know this intimately." Chitose says.

Instead of breaking out into an argument the council waits for you to weigh the options in mind. So the question then was what you were going to pick before going to collapse in a futon with your concubine and wife.

[] "We will arrange for a joint military summit with Kaneka as a representative. Putting all that work into maintaining our allies is pointless if we can't work with them" {DC 20 Air Check} (+5 Unicorn/Lion) (Failure is -10 to Crab)

[] "Given how difficult crime fighting seems to be in this Empire I will support the reforms you intend to make. Better to have that set now then after come what may" {DC 25 Earth Check} (-5 Scorpion, Crane,) (+5 Dragon/Crab)

[] "Know thy enemy is a maxim from the ronin Sun Tao. I happen to think it's a good one, prepare these war games, We will ensure the Clans do not find anything too difficult with it. {DC 25 Fire Check} (+5 Scorpion, Dragon) (-5 Lion, Crane)

[] "We think that setting up a supply chain for the Jeweled City is a good idea. While the effort may be expensive, the more work here, the less work our armies need to do {Variable check} (No penalties)

[] "These Icons are still the key to the Yodotai's magic, now that the army is settled I think we can focus on this more effectively. You will have Our support in the matter. {DC 25 Void Check} (+10 Phoenix (-5 Crab/ Lion)