‰©¨‚ΜŠέ@‹Ε‚Μ“V

Tasogare no Kishi, Akatsuki no Sora
<The Shore in Twilight, the Sky in Daybreak>

Copyright Fuyumi Ono, Koudansya, 2001
(C)¬–μ•s—R”όEu’kŽΠ@‚Q‚O‚O‚P

 


~ Chapter Three ~

 

Hakuchi's foot is the Imperial Seal after the emperor's demise. It must be kept secure at any time. However, Saiho (Ι•γ) was originally responsible for this task, and now he was missing. The backup for Saiho were the Three Advisors (ŽOŒφ, Sankou) and their assistants (ŽOŒΗ, Sanko), but all of them were absent. Tyousai (™nΙ) was injured and had to stay in bed. Without saying, it was complete chaos within the palace. To deal with the dramatic changes, innumerable documents had to be approved. The approval requires Hakuchi's foot, and someone has to keep the foot secure, and uses it to stamp on all the documents.

Asen was the one who brought Hakuchi's foot back, so it was just natural to everyone that he took up the post. Nobody objected. The general did what should be done while the other officers were in confusion themselves. Therefore he was considered capable to lead the military and the clergy during such difficult times in the kingdom. In the first place, this government was dominated by militarymen and was adhersive towards militarymen, and Asen was regarded the same as Gyousou (邏@) as the outstanding notch. Asen had been highly regarded as the next emperor in the first place. Even after Gyousou was enthroned, he respected Asen highly and welcomed him with wide open arms. -- Everyone remembered these.

Gyousou followed the path of swift decisions, and it would be impossible for Tyousai or any other clergymen to stand in Gyousou's post now. The only three militarymen remaining in the palace were Gantyou (›άζβ) , Gashin (‰ηM) and Risai (—›Φ). Gantyou and Gashin were self-made soliders, and would never be thought of as administrators. Risai was originally merely a general from a provincial army. In comparison, Asen was the Imperial Army General even at Kyou-ou (遉€)'s reign, and was deeply involved in administration. Considering all the above, there was nobody more suitable than Asen to substitute Gyousou for the time being. For the time being, put Asen on the job, and after the difficult time passes and the situation is settled, establish a new administration and open a substitute government (‰Ό’©, katyou) -- Everyone seemed to hold no second opinion to this.

Nobody agreed silently that Asen would be keeping Hakuchi's foot. Documents awaiting approval was shoved in heaps to Asen, and Asen was naturally admitted into the Inner Hall (“ΰ“a, naiden) to process the documents. Nobody felt a scent of disharmony towards any of these.

Gashin was sent to Bun Province (•ΆB) to search for Gyousou and restore Bun Province's order. Asen's troops, which lost their substitute commander, was summoned back. Then, probably catching the scent of dramatic change in the palace, rebellion broke out in Risai's home province Jyou Province (³B). Risai was immediately sent towards Jyou Province.

***

<< PREV :: INDEX :: Page 26 :: NEXT >>