The flames crackled and popped.
Maomao
added more straw to the hearth.
(Livestock dung might actually be easier to use.)
They were probably being considerate, using straw instead of livestock dung as fuel. But since it didn't pack together like dung did, it sometimes blew away in the hot updraft. Firewood and charcoal were luxuries, so they were rarely sold in the western capital.
She simmered the medicine in the pot, letting it reduce to form pills, but she kept feeling drowsy.
(I'm tired.)
She had been going about her work as usual, but she could see why she was exhausted.
When you're truly exhausted, you don't even realize it. The fatigue only hits in a rush once you've passed the peak and your body has rested a little.
That was why she was slow to notice when a spark flew and set the reserve straw ablaze. It felt oddly warm, and when she glanced to the side, flames were rising. She hurried to put them out and averted disaster, but the quack doctor fretted over her, and
Tenyū
laughed his head off at her.
(No good, no good.)
Fire grows when your guard is down.
She tightened her focus.
And fire was not the only thing she had to watch out for.
Day seventy-five.
An incident occurred.
In the middle of the night, Maomao was woken by the commotion outside. It was cold beyond the arid landscape, so she threw on an overgarment and looked out the window. There were guards in the courtyard.
Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she quickly changed clothes.
Downstairs,
Li Hakuyaku
was already up and waiting. The quack doctor was still in his nightclothes, clutching a pillow. Li Hakuyaku must have forced him out of bed.
"What's happened?"
Maomao turned to Li Hakuyaku for confirmation.
"I don't know what's going on either, but I've got a few ideas."
"Such as?"
"Phew..."
The quack doctor's sleepy mumbling drifted over, but she ignored it.
"A few days ago, a messenger arrived from the western fortress. Foreign tribes descended on them and raided the grain stores."
"The grain stores...? That's, um..."
Even Maomao, who was clueless about politics, could see where this was heading all too clearly.
"Yeah, the grain reserves they'd barely scraped together. People are going to start clamoring for us to send more support."
If it was the western fortress, it must be somewhere near the border with the Sāō.
"So for the next few days, the higher-ups will be locked in meetings deciding what to do."
"No wonder it felt like things had finally settled down at work."
This was the calm before the storm.
"We're already stretched thin just trying to provide support as it is. And when there's not enough to go around, things start heading in a fishy direction."
"Fishy how?"
Li Hakuyaku seemed to know things Maomao didn't.
"They'll start talking about launching a war."
(Yeah, that tracks.)
When you run out of food, you take it from someone else's land. Since ancient times, that's the path humans—no, animals—have always followed.
"But Lord Jinshi would be against it, wouldn't he?"
"That's right. And right now..."
A clamor of voices could be heard.
"They're staging a protest against the pampered imperial prince who lost his nerve, apparently."
Maomao had known this was inevitable; it was only a matter of time. If anything, it had taken longer than she expected.
(Now then, what should be done about this?)
There was only so much Maomao could do. For the time being, she prepared a farm cart and laid out bedding inside it.
"Sir Doctor, if you're going to sleep, you might as well sleep in here."
"Mm, mmgh..."
The quack doctor climbed into the cart, his limbs hanging out over the sides, and drifted off to sleep.
"Hey, little lady, what's that for?"
"So he doesn't get away too slowly. Even at a run, his legs might be slower than those bound-footed ladies-in-waiting in the rear palace."
"Hmm, I suppose it's fine for you, little lady, but there's no way I can carry the old man bridal-style."
"But protesting against the royal family..."
Maomao spoke as she stuffed wound medicine and gauze into her bag. Li Bai, for his part, was transferring the contents of an oil pot into a leather pouch.
"If anyone tries that sort of thing in the capital, the ringleader gets executed and everyone involved gets whipped."
"That must mean emotions are running that high."
The people had collectively worked themselves into a rage.
"It's a real problem. When it comes down to being killed or doing the killing, I'd rather be on the killing side, but..."
Li Bai gave a wry smile as he tore strips of cloth and wound them around a stick. Since there was no firewood to use as material, he was snapping the legs off chairs. Being a military official, he must have been taught how to prepare for battle.
"Still, when they come at it this brazenly, the real problem lies with whoever's ruling them, doesn't it?"
"I'm not so sure about that."
"They say the people acted on their own, but the one who let things go that far is
Master Gyokuyou.
Hanging a few commoners wouldn't even begin to compensate for the damage done to the royal family's honor."
Even Maomao understood that. The weight of a royal life and a commoner's life were simply not the same.
"She'd been shamelessly currying popularity with the people far too openly. Even if Jinshi is a tolerant man, this was beyond the pale. Even if he kept it in check, the people around him wouldn't let it slide. Word must have already reached the capital by now, shouldn't it?"
"...Most likely, yes."
Besides Jinshi and the eccentric strategist, it seemed a third high-ranking official had arrived. Maomao didn't know who this person was, but she doubted they would have neglected to report back to the capital.
"If I may ask, who is the important person currently visiting the Western Capital?"
"Of all the times to ask that question, you pick now?"
"Even after asking, I didn't trust myself to remember the name."
"Ah."
It was a murmur of understanding that somehow set her teeth on edge.
"Let me think... she was a pretty unremarkable person, wasn't she? What was her name again?"
"Master Li Bai hasn't really changed either, has he?"
"Let me see... I believe she was the one who handled shrine affairs, if I'm not mistaken."
"Shrine affairs don't really have anything to do with this, do they? Why would someone like that be following us?"
An honest assessment, if ever there was one.
"No idea. But shrine affairs are the business of the imperial family, right? Maybe she had nothing to do once Master Jinshi left, so she tagged along just to make up the numbers?"
When put that way, it was entirely possible.
While Maomao and the others were busy with their preparations, a tremendous noise erupted. Had the throngs of commoners stormed the estate?
"What should we do?"
Maomao wanted to tend to any wounded, but her own safety came first. If things went south, all she could do was light an improvised torch and hurl it.
(I'd rather not, but it can't be helped if it means protecting myself.)
Just then, someone pounded on the infirmary door.
Maomao and Li Bai tensed up.
"Maomao-san, are you in there?"
Suzume
it was.
Li Bai opened the door.
"Would you like me to explain the current situation?"
"Please."
Suzume's voice was its usual lackadaisical self. She was holding a flag in her hand.
"The commoners have stormed in. It's exactly as we expected—pent-up frustration that finally exploded. They're screaming at the Lady of the Moon to get out, things like that."
"Yes, I can more or less imagine."
"And also, I think there was a loud noise just a moment ago."
"There was."
"The Lady of the Moon came out to the front, and at the same time, Lady Gyokuou arrived."
Maomao hefted the bag full of medical supplies.
"It's fine. Lady Gyokuou wouldn't lay a hand on royalty, of course, but things are getting interesting out there."
"Suzume-san, when you say 'interesting,' I get the feeling it's anything but."
"Anyway, please go out and see for yourself."
Maomao did as Suzume told her and stepped outside. Rihaku followed along.
"And the physician?"
"Mm, I'll bring him along too, I suppose."
Suzume pushed the cart with a thoroughly annoyed air, glancing repeatedly at Rihaku, so Rihaku offered to take over for her.
Once outside, a man's booming voice carried clearly through the air.
"Do you all understand? Do you realize what the Lady of the Moon here has done for the people of the Western Capital?"
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"The grain being used for the relief kitchens was brought all the way here by the Lady of the Moon! The reason we aren't starving right now is thanks to the Lady of the Moon!"
*(What is this about?)*
If the speaker were still one of Jinshi's people, she could understand. But from what she could hear, it was Gyokuou's voice.
Maomao quickened her pace. The crowd had gathered at the front gate, blocking her view.
"Maomao-san, Maomao-san!"
Suzume had been climbing a tree. Maomao scrambled up after her.
"Don't fall!"
Rihaku stood at the base of the tree, watching to make sure they didn't tumble down.
From the top of the tree, she could see exactly what was going on.
Jinshi, and behind him—
Bassen
He was there. Before him stood Gyokuō. Gyokuō was positioned between Jinshi and the crowd, and the entire scene around them resembled a stage.
"They responded promptly to the locust plague as well. I did everything I could to contain the damage, but that the losses were kept to a minimum is
entirely
thanks to the grace of Lord Tsukigimi. That reinforcements arrived from the capital right away is because Lord Tsukigimi was present. Don't you understand that?"
What was this? Maomao thought. Was this not a spectacular change of tune? The man who had been snatching Jinshi's credit left and right was now here, loudly proclaiming Jinshi's deeds and making sure the people knew about it.
Moreover, this was the first time Jinshi had shown his face to the people of the Western Capital. His dignified bearing and otherworldly appearance—like someone from the heavens above—resonated even with the common folk. Several women could be seen blushing.
(Under normal circumstances, he would humbly deflect here)
Certainly, it was something Jinshi had done. There was no reason to deny it. If anyone had the right to complain, it would be the man who had thrown himself body and soul into the locust extermination journey—the older brother of
Raahan,
I suppose.
Incidentally, Raahan's older brother had become one of the onlookers watching the proceedings from inside the villa. He was so unremarkable that, had it not been for the hoe in his hand, no one would have noticed him. It appeared to be for self-defense in case a riot broke out, but was there really nothing more suitable than a hoe?
Gyokuō's voice carried well. Rather than a speech, it looked more like a theatrical performance. The crowd was completely captivated by the man called Gyokuō.
However, someone raised their hand.
"Uh, Your Imperial Highness, how did you know the locust plague was going to happen? You… you didn't bring them here, did you?"
"Allow me to explain that.
During the
divination, an ominous sign appeared. It foretold disaster in the west. Given that the Western Capital had prospered in recent years thanks to the efforts of the Jade Clan, the most conceivable disaster was a locust plague—that was my reasoning."
The fact that the Imperial Prince addressed the people directly caused a stir in the crowd. His beautiful voice was as splendid as ever, but here, Gyokuō's voice carried further.
(Divination, huh.)
Perhaps that was why he had brought someone from the ritual ceremonies. In any case, no matter how many statistics about crops or recent insect damage he presented, it was unclear how many of the common people would actually understand. Telling them it was revealed through divination would likely be far more convincing to many of them.
"Exactly! Besides, how can you blame Lord Tsukigimi for the locusts coming? Lord Tsukigimi wouldn't have brought them, would he? Where did the locusts come from? From the west—far, far west of here!"
Maomao wasn't sure what was funny about that, but apparently this was the punchline. The people of the Western Capital were snickering.
"If anyone bears fault, it is not Lord Tsukigimi, but me—the one entrusted with the Western Capital. Am I wrong? So I humbly ask for your forgiveness. If any discourtesy was shown to His Celestial Lordship Lord Tsukigimi, it is my responsibility."
With a resounding thud, Gyokuō bowed his head to the ground. Not just his head—both knees struck the earth.
"Oh my."
Suukaku made a troubled face.
"And if you failed to prevent the locust plague, then the responsibility lies with me, who governs this place now. If the people are made to starve, the fault is mine. Everyone, I am truly sorry."
Gyokuō bowed his head to the crowd.
"Lord Gyokuō! Please, raise your head!"
"Yes, this was something we did on our own. You are not to blame."
The people tried to help Gyokuō to his feet. Maomao then saw Gyokuō's mouth move silently, though no sound was heard.
"...Indeed. The Imperial Brother bears no fault whatsoever."
"Those Westerners who brought the insects are to blame!"
"Right, and they even stole our food!"
The crowd roared in agreement.
(What is this...?)
"A different fire has been lit."
Suukaku's eyes turned cold.
"A different fire?"
"It's quite impressive. I wondered if there was some grand plan, and it turns out this whole farce was leading to this."
"What farce?"
Suukaku twirled a finger. A dove emerged from his hand.
"Summoning Lord Moon, summoning the strategist, deliberately giving Lord Moon a rude attitude, giving the people a bad impression—all of that was calculated for this moment."
The dove fluttered away from Suukaku's hand.
"Don't forgive the West!"
"Give back our food!"
"Defeat the foreign tribes!"
The crowd raised their fists. The murderous intent that had been directed moments ago at the imperial family from the center now shifted to a different target.
""
Takeo
"He said Jinshi was aiming for that role, and that he's actually the kind of person who can play the supporting part too. Honestly, wouldn't he be even better at that?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, this is a stage that Consort Gyokuyou constructed. And Jinshi was placed upon it without intending to be, and what's more, was forced into the leading role. He's already offered a flawless apology for his disrespect toward the imperial family and cleared up the misunderstanding with the common people. On top of all that, what's actually standing there is a capable, strikingly handsome man who looks the part of an actor. Anyone would think he's the lead, wouldn't they?"
"What if Jinshi denies it here?"
"Could he? With that massive crowd just moments away from erupting into chaos? And besides, there's a vulnerable person here who'd be easy to twist to their advantage."
Suzaku understood what Maomao was getting at.
"He keeps his own hands clean, avoids any abducting, and yet takes a hostage all the same. That was well thought out."
Suzaku nodded in agreement.
"So then... Consort Gyokuyou's aim is..."
Maomao found herself forgetting to use the honorific without even realizing it.
"If it's true that he's aiming for the military commander position, then perhaps the stage isn't the Western Capital after all."
Suzaku looked further toward the west.
"There must be some reason she's determined to pick a fight with the west, with Sa'ou. Beyond just political advantage."
Maomao gazed at the western sky as well.