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“You cannot make a crow white even if you wash it for a year.”
But remember, Master Kung Fu says that a man should be distressed by his own lack of ability, not by the failure of others to recognize his merits.”
Though wine was the common drink, he had tasted tea from China and believed in its medicinal powers.
“It was thoughtful of the governor,” Akitada said. He sighed and set down his cup untasted. “I may have been too abrupt. He offered us welcome and hospitality, and I treated him with cold formality—as if he were a proven criminal. Oh, Seimei, I must either clear him or place him under arrest. How am I, a mere junior clerk of the lower eighth rank, to arrest a Fujiwara who is not only older than I, but who far outranks me?” Seimei was unconcerned. “You are sent by the emperor. That gives you the power to act on His Majesty’s behalf. The governor was very properly humble. Besides, you are very
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“Even the strongest ox needs his rest after a long journey.”
“Your master was sent to look into the missing taxes. Don’t look surprised. That mystery is on everyone’s mind. Three times a whole tax convoy disappears—soldiers, bearers, packhorses, bag and baggage. And without a trace, if you can believe official notices.”
“The present administration has been a good one in most respects. People will be sorry to see Lord Fujiwara go. My guess is that someone with the convoy, maybe on instructions from someone else, simply took the goods to the far north. There the bearers and soldiers were paid off and are too afraid of reprisals to come home.”
Tora said, “Those soldiers must be cowards and crooks, in which case the local garrison is to blame. Perhaps the garrison commander is behind it. Yes, that must be it. No wonder rowdy monks run wild in the market.” Higekuro shook his head. “We have a new commander. He is young but efficient from what I hear. Besides, it’s really the prefectural police who are supposed to keep the peace in the city.”
Putting one’s trust in you is like relying on the stars on a rainy night.”
By week’s end, Akitada and Seimei glumly reviewed the facts. “The convoys could have been attacked in Shimosa, sir,” Seimei offered when told of Ikeda’s views. “That would explain why there was no news of them all the way from the capital to Sagami province. It also would solve all our problems and clear the governor.” “Which is what everyone wants,” growled Akitada. “The garrison commander, who is no fool, went himself to search the route through Shimosa without finding a trace of goods or robbers. Yukinari is young but efficient and thorough and, of all the local officials, the only one who
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“A supper invitation from the governor for tonight. The abbot of that large Buddhist temple stopped in for a visit, and Motosuke wants to introduce me. He is also inviting the former governor.” Akitada checked the letter. “A Lord Tachibana. Nobody mentioned him to us. He seems to have stayed on here after his retirement. Curious, that. Yukinari and Prefect Ikeda will also attend.” Akitada jumped up. He waved the governor’s letter about excitedly. “This is fortuitous, indeed. Just think, Seimei, each of these men is in a unique position of control in local affairs. One of them may be our man,
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“It is said that he who hunts two hares leaves one and loses the other.”
Truly, when the moon is full, it begins to wane.
“Never refuse a gift from a grateful man. It diminishes him.
“I didn’t recognize you right away. It was dark last night. Believe me, I’ll pay my dues. You’ve explained the advantages very well. I was going to stop by the Heavenly Abode on my way home.” He reached into his shirt. “See, here it is! Take it! But please tell them that Matahiro paid up.”
“We must die in order to begin another life,”
