Samurai's Wife Read Online Free PDF

top. The Great Rampart had been built one hundred years ago, Reiko recalled, by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had fought under General Oda Nobunaga, risen through the ranks of Oda's army, and succeeded to power after his lord's death, reigning supreme over Japan. As governor of Miyako, he'd rebuilt the war-ravaged capital into the city that existed today. Now, as the procession drew closer, Reiko saw the Rashomon Gate, main portal of the Great Rampart. Its red pillars supported gable roofs with gold dolphin finials; a flight of stone steps led into Miyako. Reiko had always wanted to see the site of so many historic events. A shiver of delight rippled through her.

"How wonderful," she murmured.

A quick smile from Sano told her he agreed.

Out the gate came a squadron of soldiers escorting two mounted samurai officials, one old, one young, wearing black ceremonial robes. This welcoming party crossed the arched stone bridge that spanned a wide moat. Sano's procession met the Miyako contingent on an expanse of paved ground at the foot of the bridge, the two sides facing each other in parallel lines.

The banner bearers introduced Sano by calling out his name and rank. Two Miyako guard captains chorused, "The Honorable Lord Matsudaira Moronobu, deputy and cousin of His Excellency the shogun!"

The older local official exchanged bows with Sano. "Greetings," he cried. "Welcome to the imperial capital!"

Shoshidai Matsudaira was an older version of the shogun, Reiko observed, with the same refined features and eager, subservient smile. He said to Sano, "I have heard much about you, and I regret that I've not had the honor of meeting you sooner, because I seldom leave Miyako. Why, it's been-" He turned to the official beside him. "Dear me, how long has it been since I was last in Edo?"

"A year, my lord," said the younger man. In his early thirties, he was tall and broad-shouldered, with an angular face that tapered from a square jaw to a sharply pointed chin. A wide, full mouth and heavy eyelids gave him a sensual masculine beauty. He had the confident poise of a good sword-fighter and a competent man on his way up the bakufu hierarchy.

The shoshidai regarded him with affection. "This is Yoriki Hoshina, senior police commander of Miyako and my chief aide."

Reiko realized that Shoshidai Matsudaira resembled the shogun in more than just appearance: He, too, had a smarter, stronger second-in-command to think and act for him.

"Please allow me to introduce Detectives Marume and Fukida from my staff," Sano said. The two men bowed. Sano didn't introduce the rest of his party, and while Reiko understood that he was only following custom by relegating his wife to the anonymous ranks of his entourage, she hoped this exclusion wasn't a sign of things to come.

"Has there been any change in the status of affairs concerning Left Minister Konoe's death since your envoy delivered the news to Edo?" Sano asked the shoshidai.

"No, I'm afraid the mystery remains."

At least the case hadn't resolved itself already, Reiko thought gratefully.

"Then I should appreciate Yoriki Hoshina's assistance while investigating the matter," Sano said, and Reiko knew he'd guessed which local official would be most able to provide the help he needed.

"Of course, of course." Shoshidai Matsudaira bobbed his head, obviously glad that he wouldn't have to do anything himself. "And I shall host a banquet in your honor tomorrow night." Then, without moving, he faded into the background.

Yoriki Hoshina said, "Ordinarily, we would house an envoy from Edo in Nijo Castle." This was the bakufu's stronghold in Miyako. "But I regret to say that the castle is undergoing major repairs at the moment. Therefore, the best accommodation we can offer is Nijo Manor, a private inn."

"That will be fine, thank you," Sano said.

"Would you like to settle in and rest now?" Hoshina asked.

"I'd rather start working right away," Sano said. "Please have your troops escort my entourage to Nijo