The Samurai's Wife Read Online Free Page A

had been a spy, couldn't miss the implications of this possible murder.
     
     
"Fifteen years ago, Left Minister Konoe killed a man," Captain Mori said. "He would have been tried, convicted, and executed, but we had a better use for him." Sano interpreted this to mean that the bakufu had hushed up the murder and recruited Konoe to inform on his associates. "Perhaps his death is related to that crime, or troubles within the Imperial Court."
     
     
"Or maybe it had to do with his secret life as a spy," Sano said, wondering how to protect his family and his interests during an absence from Edo. "Left Minister Konoe might have discovered something worth killing him to hide." History had shown that the Imperial Court, even when powerless, was a constant potential source of trouble, which the bakufu monitored for reasons inherent in the nature of Japanese government. "This is a serious matter. However, Your Excellency..."
     
     
"Yes, it is indeed serious," the shogun interrupted. "My regime may be in great danger. That is why I am sending you to uncover the, ahh, truth about Left Minister Konoe's death. You must solve the mystery and, ahh, neutralize any potential threats."
     
     
Sano glanced at Yanagisawa. The chamberlain's eyes had acquired a familiar opaque look that struck a chord of dread in Sano. Surely Yanagisawa was planning a new scheme against him.
     
     
"A thousand thanks for your generosity," Sano said to the shogun. "My only concern is about what might happen here while I'm gone."
     
     
While Sano sought words to explain his situation, the shogun said, "Much as I hate to see you go, I'm afraid I must make the, ahh, sacrifice. If a, ahh, problem arises while you're away, your chief retainer shall handle any necessary investigation."
     
     
Sano was ready to spill the whole story of his relationship with Chamberlain Yanagisawa and beg the shogun for mercy. Then Yanagisawa said, "Your Excellency, I commend the brilliance of your idea." He projected the whole force of his personality into his warm, sincere voice. "I predict that we shall all be glad you decided to send Sosakan Sano to Miyako."
     
     
Tsunayoshi beamed, but when he turned back to Sano, distrust shaded his eyes. A smile hovered upon Yanagisawa's lips. Now Sano lost his meager hope of persuading the shogun to curb Yanagisawa's destructive machinations. Tonight's events had strengthened the bond between the shogun and Yanagisawa too much. The only way for Sano to regain the shogun's favor-or survive to defeat Yanagisawa-was to carry out the assignment with unstinting obedience and great success.
     
     
"I've already sent a messenger ahead to inform the Miyako authorities that you are coming," the shogun told Sano. "Now go and, ahh, prepare for a quick departure."
     
     
"Yes, Your Excellency," Sano said, bowing.
     
     
As he walked homeward down the castle's winding passages, ahead of him stretched the fifteen days to Miyako and fifteen back, plus however long the investigation took. How he would miss Reiko's company and advice! To leave her in Edo, at the mercy of Chamberlain Yanagisawa, was unthinkable, even though she would have the protection of Sano's troops and her powerful father. Then, as Sano entered the Official Quarter, a sudden idea elated him. It posed inherent difficulties, but it seemed a blessed solution.
     
     
In the bathchamber, Reiko scrubbed her body with rice-bran soap while two maids washed her hair. Then she sat in the deep, sunken tub, waiting for the warm water to rinse her clean, melt the tension from her muscles, and soothe her thoughts. But worry prevented relaxation. The smoke bomb had terrified her, and why had the shogun summoned Sano?
     
     
In working together on investigations, Reiko and her husband had become closer than traditional samurai couples in which the man handled business affairs and the woman tended the home. Even when apart, Reiko and Sano had a special sense of each other. Now this sense warned