Unforeseen Choices

As the family gathered around the irori, the traditional sunken hearth in the center of our home, Taro carefully poured hot water into bamboo cups, a gesture of hospitality. He handed one to Hana, and we settled around the warm fire pit, passing the cups around the circle. Yuki energetically climbed over Daisuke, and Nen was restless, fidgeting next to Fudo. Fudo struggled to keep Nen seated, the child's excitement tangible. Yuko and Annashia emerged from the kitchen, drawn by the gathering. Mother and Father assumed their places, signaling the importance of the moment.

"Is everyone here?" Mother inquired, her eyes scanning the room to ensure every family member was present.

"Yes, Mother, everyone is here," Taro responded as he continued to pour hot water into the cups, each sip promising warmth and solace on this frigid winter day.

Families might convene for tea in neighboring households, but our circumstances did not allow such luxuries. Yet, the simple warmth of hot water still provided comfort. It seemed to seep into not only our chilled bodies but also into our spirits. As I sipped the hot water, I couldn't help but hope that it would bring some tranquility to Hana's restless heart.

"Father, Mother, is there something amiss? Why have you gathered us all at this late hour?" Yuko inquired as she sipped her hot water.

Father exchanged a concerned look with Mother, silently seeking her permission to disclose the news. After a brief contemplation, he decided to share it with us.

"What's troubling you, Mother?" Fudo asked, his gaze alternating between Mother's disquieted expression and his efforts to keep Nen from squirming. Concern rippled through the room, and it was clear that something weighed heavily on Mother's heart.

Father sighed and, in Mother's stead, proceeded to share the news, his voice heavy with the sadness mirrored in Mother's eyes. "We have both good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?"

"Don't tease them, dear. Just tell them," Mother interjected, her voice quivering with melancholy.

In response, Yuki and Nen chimed in with "Haha," meaning mother, as they offered comfort to their beloved matriarch. Tears welled in their eyes, and they left Daisuke and Fudo's side to embrace Mother tightly. Mother smiled softly as she held her youngest children, patting their heads tenderly. In this poignant moment, Yuki began to cry, and Nen whined in their mother's embrace.

"Haha," Yuki said, "Don't cry, please. We're all here," I reassured Mother.

Mother nodded, wiping away her tears, while Father looked at her with evident concern.

"Okusan," Father began to say, using the term for wife, "please don't shed your tears; there's nothing we can do but share the news with the children."

Mother nodded gratefully as Yuko handed her a cloth to wipe away her tears. Witnessing her in such a state was a rarity in our household and deeply affected us all.

"Children, excuse my behavior," Mother apologized with a hint of vulnerability as she composed herself.

"Otōsan, please tell us the news. What is going on?" Taro impatiently requested, using the term for father in Japanese.

Father cleared his throat, acknowledging Taro's impatience. "Well, you all know that once spring comes, Taro will be joining the army," he began, and the family nodded in acknowledgment. "Harvesting this year will be tough on us with Taro gone."

Daisuke's determination shone through as he said, "Yes, but you will have us, Father," he gave a meaningful glance at Fudo. The two shared a moment of understanding and a bit of an awkward smile, which sparked some light laughter in the room. We knew what that look meant: Fudo, known for his mischief, would have to curb his antics once Taro joined the military.

"Y-yes, Father," Fudo agreed, his voice uncertain. It seemed like he was trying to persuade both Father and him. Despite his hesitance, he offered us a genuine smile, and we could see he was making an effort.

Father continued with the grave news, with a touch of humor now easing the room. "The Chief received news today that Akio Daimyo has raised taxes. We were paying 2 Silver Sakka per household, but it has been increased to 5 Silver Sakka," he announced, leaving us all in shock. We knew that we could barely yield 3 Silver Sakka even in a good harvest. The prospect of paying 5 Silver Sakka seemed to stretch the boundaries of our luck.

Note: Daimyo means lord.

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The base currency is Yen.

1 Copper Yen is the lowest currency.

100 Copper Yens make 1 Silver Sakka.

1 Silver Sakka is the second currency, which is hard to obtain for hard labor workers.

100 Silver Sakkas make 1 Silver Bar.

1,000 Silver Sakkas make 1 Gold Ryo.

1 Gold Ryo is one of the highest currencies citizens can attain, but only nobles can possess Gold Ryos.

100 Gold Ryo make 1 Gold bar.

The highest denomination is Koban, equivalent to millions of Yens, and only the Emperor has this.

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"Father, how much do we have on hand?" Hana asked, her voice quivering with concern as she clenched her fists tightly.

Father sighed, and there was a heaviness in the air as he replied, "We only have 2 Silver Sakka." The weight of their financial reality bore down on his shoulders.

Annashia, her brows knitted with worry, voiced the question that lingered like a specter, "What will happen if we don't have enough for taxes?"

"All the available maiden who has yet to marry and have come of age, ages 14-16, will go serve the Daimyo," Mother answered, her words laden with sorrow. The room fell into a heavy silence as the gravity of the situation settled upon them.

Hana's face paled, her eyes wide with fear. The future seemed uncertain and daunting. Sensing the distress, Yuki croaked in his tiny voice, "Ha-na, go? Ha-na no stay?" Fresh streams of tears rolled down his cheeks. He let go of Mother and shuffled over to Hana. "Ha-na, stay with Yu-ki. No, go." His voice wavered with grief, and he clung to her as if she were his lifeline.

"Hana won't go, Yuki. Hana will stay with you," Hana reassured him, her voice gentle, attempting to coax Yuki into a sense of security. Yuki looked at Hana, his eyes filled with tears and traces of mucus. Hana, always prepared, wiped his tears and cleaned him up with a cloth she had tucked in her sleeve. "Blow," she instructed softly, and Yuki obediently blew his nose into the fabric.

Taro, silent for a moment, finally spoke up, "Father, would the army provide any salary for my service?" The family had almost forgotten this aspect. When someone joined the military, the family received a monthly allowance. It might not be much, but it would offer relief during these trying times.