Free The Emperor's Woman by I. J. Parker Page B

money do you need?”
    Genba told him. “I know it’s too much. We thought we’d wait and save some more, but now that Tokuzo’s dead, she’ll be sold again.”
    Akitada looked outside at his garden, saw that the sun was already high, and got up. “Find out who the heir is. Then arrange to buy her out. I’ll give you the money. As for Saburo, I’m sure he’ll show up. He knows how to handle himself. Now I must go to work.”
    Genba was on his knees again, knocking his head against the floor. “Thank you, sir. I’ll pay the money back, I promise. If you have extra work, I’ll do it gladly. Or, if you permit it, I could find some work outside after I have done the chores here. And Ohiro is a hard worker, too.”
    Akitada headed out the door. “Nonsense, Genba. You’re family.”
     
    After taking care of some urgent ministry paperwork, Akitada went in search of the minister.
    Fujiwara Kaneie had just arrived and stood at the open door overlooking his private courtyard, hands clasped behind his back. He was watching a pair of swallows building a nest under the eaves.
    When he heard Akitada, he turned. “Oh, there you are. How are things going for your friend Kosehira?”
    “Very kind of you to ask, sir.” Akitada hesitated a moment, then said, “I’m in a quandary. In this situation, taking sides will surely affect a person’s career. I’m not concerned on my own behalf but on yours, sir. Had you not better remain in ignorance of the matter?”
    The minister chuckled. “I’m quite safe, but it’s nice of you to be concerned. No, speak freely … unless you’re afraid I’ll carry tales.”
    There was always that danger, even though Kaneie was not particularly close to the regent and his brothers and was, in any case, an honorable man. “It’s not that, sir, though there are some confidences I cannot divulge. Very well, then. The prince is under house arrest. He will not make any effort to defend himself. He says he doesn’t care and will take the tonsure soon. Surely those words should satisfy his enemies?”
    The minister pursed his lips. “He still has his supporters, and many a retired emperor has ruled from his monastery. No, in Atsuhira’s case I don’t think they’d be satisfied.”
    “Ah. That is difficult indeed.”
    “But you’re only concerned about your friend Kosehira. Can’t you clear him and leave Atsuhira alone?”
    “No, sir. There were letters. They had no relation to the plot, but Kosehira has destroyed them. Since it was known they had corresponded recently and he would not produce them, it looks very suspicious.”
    “But why did he destroy them if they were harmless?”
    Good question. Akitada could not reveal the affair with Lady Masako to Kaneie. He said, “Why keep them? Surely you and I live with too much paperwork all day long to keep our private correspondence also.”
    Kaneie nodded. “Yes, I see. Awkward. What are your plans?”
    “I want to speak to people who can clear either Kosehira or the prince. A large task, but perhaps I’ll find the right person quickly.”
    “If you don’t stay away too long, I can spare you. A few days won’t matter. And, Akitada, keep me informed.”
    “Of course, sir. Thank you.”
    Akitada returned to his office where he took some time to clear pending matters and write out precise instructions for his clerk and those who were working on current cases. Then he left the ministry.
    His next stop was to look in on a friend. Nakatoshi worked in the Ministry of Ceremonial. He had once been Akitada’s clerk and was a most able and loyal young man, who had deservedly risen in the government and now occupied the same position in the Ministry of Ceremonial as the one Akitada held in the Ministry of Justice. They had become friends over the years, and occasionally visited each other.
    Nakatoshi greeted him with a cheerful, “Working on something new?”
    Akitada sat down and accepted a cup of wine. “I suppose I’ve troubled you so