Free The Dragon Scroll by I. J. Parker Page B

who was said to be about forty, looked strained and older tonight.
     
    The food, served by maidservants on red lacquer tray tables, was astonishing. Even in the capital Akitada had rarely been treated so well. Fish, shrimp, and abalone appeared, cooked in soups and stews, fried and raw. Fresh, salted, and pickled vegetables and fruits followed, and rice was presented in every conceivable form: hot and cold, dry and moist, ground or whole, boiled in gruels, baked in cakes or buns, and steamed in dumplings. Their cups were filled with a delicious warm rice wine.
     
    Joto, obeying his religious vows, was served fruit juice and vegetarian dishes.
     
    Akitada ate and drank sparingly. He watched and waited for wine and food to warm the blood of the others, then he entered the general conversation with a courteous question to Yukinari about his recent transfer to Kazusa.
     
    “A good province and I am learning my way about, Excellency,” said Yukinari. “But I am sure we are all very anxious to hear what’s been happening in the capital.”
     
    Akitada responded with news about promotions, re-assignments, contests, and marriages, adding the recent gossip about the disappearance of one of the imperial ladies for good measure.
     
    Motosuke looked uncomfortable and said, “Of course, compared to the magnificence of the capital, Kisarazu is only a humble place, but perhaps our guest may not feel completely cheated when he visits the Temple of Fourfold Wisdom. I think it rivals even the great Pure Water Temple in the capital.”
     
    “So I have heard,” Akitada said, turning to Joto. “And it is quite new. No doubt due to your brilliant leadership, Abbot?”
     
    Joto raised a graceful hand. “Not at all. The temple was founded under our august Emperor Shomu as the guardian temple of the province, but it fell on evil times. Few subsequent emperors have been as devout as that holy man. Only recently, with the kind support of Governor Fujiwara here, has it been my privilege to revitalize the faith.”
     
    Motosuke looked pleased and said, “Oh, my dear Joto, you are far too modest. Why, the crowds that come to your readings and sermons made the building of the great hall a necessity. And now that you are attracting so many young acolytes who wish to study under you, the monastery buildings will soon become inadequate also. You have made the temple a great attraction for pilgrims from near and far.”
     
    Joto smiled.
     
    Akitada noted the relationship between Joto and Motosuke and decided to look into the source of the funds for the temple expansion. “How many monks live in the monastery now?” he asked Joto.
     
    The remarkable hooded eyes fixed themselves on him. “The number is about two hundred. Your Excellency takes an interest in our faith?”
     
    “I am astonished at your great success such a distance from court,” Akitada said truthfully “And I hear that many of the monks are young, surely a comment on your persuasiveness as a teacher. Tell me, are you a follower of the Tendai or Shingon philosophy?”
     
    A fleeting irritation passed across Joto’s handsome features. “There is too much dissension in the world,” he said severely. “Though the way to the Buddha is only a single way, yet all paths lead to him. I follow no way and yet I follow all ways.”
     
    A reverent silence followed that pronouncement. Akitada considered it. Clever, he decided. If the man had rejected Shingon with its emphasis on aesthetics, he would have offended the imperial court. Yet Tendai was a far more spiritual practice.
     
    “I shall give myself the pleasure of visiting the temple in the very near future,” he announced. “In fact, far from thinking Kisarazu a dull town, Governor, I find it very lively. The market is large and busy, and there were many people about. Surely all these visitors create security problems and increase crime?”
     
    With a sharp glance in Ikeda’s direction, Yukinari said quickly,