"The Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu, highly esteed by the ’Hitotsubashi Faction’ for his virtuous reputation, is the biological son of Tokugawa Yoshiaki and was adopted by the heirless Hitotsubashi family in Kōka 4 (1847)."
"Whether for the future of his own son or the benefit of his family, Tokugawa Yoshiaki naturally hopes that his own son becos the new General."
"Thus, in the succession dispute two years ago, Ii Dairou was the staunchest supporter of the Nanki Faction, while Tokugawa Yoshiaki was the first advocate for the Hitotsubashi Faction."
"After Ii Dairou successfully ascended to the position of ’Tairō’ and the ’Nanki Faction’ erged victorious, Ii Dairou began to vigorously suppress all political opponents, led by the ’Hitotsubashi Faction’."
"Tokugawa Yoshiaki, who had constantly opposed him, naturally beca a target of Ii Dairou’s strict asures."
"Ii Dairou issued a ’permanent house arrest’ punishnt to Tokugawa Yoshiaki, preventing him from leaving his residence as long as the punishnt remained in effect."
"So, Mr. Chokata, do you understand why the Mito Domain is considered Ii Dairou’s major threat?"
"In the eyes of the vassals of the Mito Domain, Ii Dairou is a traitor who disrespects the Emperor, sells the country for personal gain, and falsely accuses their lord."
Chokata listened intently.
After Yamanaka finished speaking, he imdiately let out a low exclamation: "So that’s how it is... Mr. Yamanaka, your explanation was so good that even soone like with a slow mind could understand!"
Aoto, who had also been listening attentively, followed Chokata in praising Yamanaka’s eloquence.
Aoto asked himself—he couldn’t summarize the grievance between Ii Naosuke and the Mito Domain as concisely as Yamanaka did.
"You’re too kind." Yamanaka modestly smiled at Aoto and Chokata with great composure.
"No wonder that person said he wouldn’t be surprised if so day in the future, he heard that Ii Dairou was hacked to death in the street by vassals of the Mito Domain."
Chokata reached out his right hand, tugging at the ponytail at the back of his head, lightly playing with its ends between his index and middle fingers.
"Given what Ii Dairou has done to the Mito Domain so far... it wouldn’t be surprising for the vassals of the Mito Domain to do anything to Ii Dairou..."
...
...
The next day, early morning—
Year 7 of Ansei (1860), March 2—
Within the courtyard adjacent to the main gate of the Ii Residence, attended by a retinue of companions and bodyguards of Ii Naosuke, they surrounded a finely crafted palanquin like stars adorning the moon.
Beside the palanquin door, neatly grood and impeccably dressed, stood Ii Naosuke and his wife: Ajiuu, face to face.
"Take care on the road." With a gentle and warm smile on her face, Ajiuu slightly bowed to Ii Naosuke.
Every morning, as Ii Naosuke went to Edo Castle to manage state affairs, Ajiuu would see him off, uttering "Take care on the road"—this had been a longstanding habit of Ajiuu.
Also wearing a gentle smile, Ii Naosuke raised his hand to smooth a crease on Ajiuu’s collar, "The weather has been a bit cold these past few days; rember to keep warm."
Their farewell was simple and straightforward, untouched by embellishnt or affectation.
It was only through decades of deep companionship and intimate cohabitation that they had cultivated such a "returning to the essence" simplicity in farewell.
After telling Ajiuu to "rember to keep warm," Ii Naosuke bent down, ducking into his palanquin.
Just as Ii Naosuke’s retainers were about to lift the palanquin, an elderly samurai suddenly rushed through the open main gate of the Ii family, into the small courtyard adjacent to the gate.
Catching sight of Ii Naosuke seated inside the yet unraised palanquin, he swiftly ran towards him.
The attendants and guards of Ii Naosuke made no move to stop the middle-aged samurai, allowing him to approach Ii Naosuke closely.
"Lord Tairō." The middle-aged samurai said in a low voice, "I have sothing to report."
Raising his eyelids, Ii Naosuke glanced at the middle-aged samurai and leaned forward towards him.
The middle-aged samurai then bent down, pressing his lips close to Ii Naosuke’s ear.
Ii Naosuke listened silently, his gaze fixed in the distance, calm and inscrutable.
Standing beside the palanquin door, Ajiuu sensed the need for discretion and walked backward three steps, providing space for her husband, now montarily engaged with another.
The posture of "you speak, I listen" between Ii Naosuke and the middle-aged man was maintained for quite so ti until the man finished his whispers and straightened his back.
anwhile, Ii Naosuke continued gazing into the distance, his thoughts unreadable.
"...Ajiuu." Monts later, Ii Naosuke turned his head slightly, smiling at Ajiuu as if nothing had occurred, "I shall be on my way then."
"Mhm." Ajiuu nodded vigorously, the gentle smile never leaving her face.
Waving his large hand, Ii Naosuke signaled his attendants, who swiftly closed the palanquin door.
The procession, with Ii Naosuke’s palanquin at its center, moved unhurriedly out of the Ii Residence, heading towards the distant Edo Castle.
...
...
About half an hour later—
In a lavish room within Edo Castle—
Ii Naosuke sat upright near the western side of the central area of the lavish room.
With his back extrely straight, he lowered his head slightly, closing his eyes as if resting.
Suddenly—a "clattering" sound was heard as a side sliding door in front of Ii Naosuke was gradually opened.
At the first sound of the door, Ii Naosuke imdiately opened his eyes, swiftly bending his back and bowing his head, pressing his hands against the tatami mat in respectful obeisance.
Pa... pa... pa... pa...
The sound in front of Ii Naosuke... was akin to the delicate fall of feathers.
As the soft sound of soone sitting down settled—
"Lord Tairō... lift your head, please."
Upon receiving the ethereal feminine voice’s permission, Ii Naosuke slowly raised his head.
Seated before him was a very young and beautiful woman draped in a purple overshirt, her short ponytail neatly tied.
"...Her Highness Tenshōin, seeing you in good health, gives peace of mind."
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