Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Page 1049

Therefore, they are very busy.

He is at least stronger than everyone in the imperial court.

Frankly speaking, they're all just indulging in romance and power struggles; they haven't done a single real job.

Compared to them, the husband was absolutely superior.

To be even more disrespectful, let's compare him to a Taoist priest. In reality, he's just a politician who wants to seize power and profit, and he doesn't care about anything concerning ordinary people.

It seems that even now, the Taoist priest is still thinking about how to make his eldest daughter, Akiko, gain the favor of Emperor Ichijō.

Since Dingzi was already pregnant, she was definitely not allowed to serve him in sexual intercourse.

This naturally gave Akiko an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

Kako guessed that Akiko probably hadn't even started her period yet, so getting pregnant was probably out of the question.

In the modern world, with ample nutrition, women are more likely to experience their first menstruation earlier.

In ancient times, it was generally later.

Ultimately, the aristocratic cuisine of this era was nutritionally unbalanced...

Putting all that aside, Xiangzi started thinking about Chika's matter again.

She wasn't sure if Chika's question to Shizuko would put Shizuko in a difficult position. If that happened, her husband might think she was "using her status to pressure Shizuko."

That would be very troublesome.

After taking everything into consideration, after taking a shower, Xiangzi decided to invite Fengshi and Chika to the room for a get-together.

Moe is still young, so let her play carefree with Kagura, Sagiri, Komachi, Megumi, and the others.

in the room.

Xiangzi slowly poured warm water into Fengshi and Mengye.

Tea is traditionally served, but since it's evening and there's not much time before bed, we'll skip it.

"Speak, Chika, what do you want to ask of Shizuko?"

"It's nothing... I just wanted to learn more about the manor."

Chika shrank her head and said in a low voice.

She was well aware that she and her mother, Wan Sui, had wronged this distant cousin, so she naturally felt guilty when facing her.

It's similar to a situation where a child who has made a mistake faces an adult.

"Qianhua, are you going to the manor? If you want to travel around like Su Chang, it will be very difficult. You should give up on that idea."

Feng Shi spoke up out of desperation.

For women of the middle nobility to make a public appearance, they would need to hold a position in the household of a nobleman or in the imperial palace.

Even so, they would still be disliked.

Otherwise, Sei Shonagon's "The Pillow Book" wouldn't have repeatedly emphasized the principle that "women in the court will not become frivolous."

On the contrary, those from lower social classes have more freedom.

If the husband helps her find an excuse, she can always act freely outside.

Of course, Toyoshi believed that Chika wouldn't have such thoughts, as it was quite unrealistic.

Putting aside whether her father and mother would object, Toyoshi was certain that her uncle, Fujiwara Masataka, who was currently in charge of the household, would absolutely not allow it.

She didn't think Chika would be unaware.

So, this is a hint to Qianhua to explain in more detail, so that everyone doesn't have to ask.

"...Hey, I heard that quite a few people I know are in Kyoto Port." Chika didn't hold back any longer and had no choice but to speak her mind.

Upon hearing the reply, Xiangzi understood what was going on in less than a moment.

"The people from Kyoto Port were escorted back again. The conditions there are actually quite harsh because it's still under reconstruction. And it's located near the sea. Judging from the letter that Kyosuke-sama just sent, it's fraught with danger there."

So, Chika wants to find out the specific details of the manor from Shizuko?

See if we can get someone we know to join the manor?

Xiangzi deduced this, and without testing the waters, she asked directly.

"You want those people you know to become Kyosuke-sama's vassals?"

"...Yes, there are some very good friends who might be in there. I want to do my best to help, but I also understand that we should act realistically in this matter, at the very least in line with Kyosuke-sama's interests."

Qianhua said sadly.

She had not received any news about her best friend.

She doesn't force it either.

But she still wanted to try to win over her other friends.

Because if I don't help, these friends might die.

"Chihua."

Fengshi has a slight headache.

I want to condemn my younger sister, but I also know very well that her behavior is not exactly wrong, but it is definitely not right either.

But how do I say it?

Xiangzi rested her chin on her hand and pondered:

"Hmm... I think the probability is frighteningly low. Don't think that it was so easy for Kyosuke to ask for Makoto before. The relationship here is very complicated. Think about Mikado's wife, but let's not talk about that for now."

"They ultimately belong to Kyoto Port. Recruiting them in the past would be interfering with local power, which is very inappropriate. Besides, if there are truly capable people, Lord Kyosuke would inevitably incur a favor by asking for them..."

Let's think about this more rationally.

Relationships and connections should not be wasted.

"...I understand." Chika finally realized that this was wrong, so she gave up the idea without hesitation.

Seeing Chika looking so pitiful, Xiangzi remained unmoved and suggested, "Nothing is absolute. You should ask around to see if you have any better friends. I think saving one or two shouldn't be a problem."

"But that would only create more resentment and hatred. There's a saying from the Tang Dynasty that's always been relevant: 'It's not scarcity that's worrisome, but inequality.' Sometimes, what people fear isn't having nothing at all, but rather that those around them have more than they do."

Save one but not the other.

Isn't this just making things difficult for yourself?

But Xiangzi also understood that there were some things that really had to be done.

For example, if she saw Kirisu Mafuyu at Kyoto Port, she would indeed seek help from her husband.

Fortunately, she has a unique personality and hardly knows anyone.

Kirisu Mafuyu is now my only friend.

"Let me see, let me see... I actually just want to find out about everyone's situation first." Chika looked troubled and was completely lost.

It's wrong to cause trouble for your husband.

It's not really a mistake not to help some friends who might be in trouble...

What should she do?

Qianhua wasn't the only one feeling lost.

Princess Maki was equally conflicted upon learning from her husband's letter that the situation in Kyoto Port was dire.

I have three best friends over at Kyoto Port.

Even if there are no problems for now because her husband is helping out there, what about in the future?

"Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah--"

Zhenfei clutched her head and banged it hard against the straw mat, making a "thump thump thump" sound.

Day 373 of crossing

The sky remained overcast.

Feeling that leaving would be inappropriate, Kyosuke Kousaka was prepared to remain there.

At the same time, we are hoping that the elite Onmyoji who are coming from Kyoto to help can arrive as soon as possible.

Looking around at the people lying or sprawled out around him, Kyosuke Kousaka felt a strong sense of déjà vu, like a lone swordsman seeking an undefeated master.

"What are you trying to do, drink me to death? You think you can get me drunk?"

Kousaka Kyosuke secretly thought.

He strolled leisurely toward the door, pondering how much the weather and environment in Kyoto would change in the coming days.

As the story of Yamata no Orochi absorbing spiritual energy using the Cloud Mirror continued, the situation became increasingly chaotic.

Moreover, if the weather continues to be so unpredictable, crops will not grow well, and the harvest will be poor.

Well, thankfully I introduced her to the monsters and the widows' village.

This one is easy to raise.

Thinking while walking.