CHAPTER FIFTY ONE

Consort Toyomike's eyes were perusing through the scroll that was in her possession.

"Please reconsider Your Majesty." The Courtiers said as they bowed their heads while the Young Emperor Bidatsu looked at them who overwhelmed the Sogas in a very large number.

"Please name the Crown Princess as your Empress." Mononobe no Suke and Mononobe no Moriya said.

"This is up to you Your Majesty." Umako pleaded.

"Do not disgrace her Highness and let the masses find fault in you." Mononobe no Suke opposed.

"You are the Emperor Your Majesty." Umako said.

"Heed the Dowager Empress' advice and do not disgrace Her." Mononobe no Moriya said.

"Alright, I have made up my mind." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Tell us Your Majesty." The Courtiers said in Unison as they bowed their heads.

"In respect to the law of seniority and the vote of popularity from this day forward Her Highness the Crown Princess shall be crowned with me tomorrow as my new Empress." Emperor Bidatsu said hesitantly.

"Thank You Your Majesty." The Courtiers said in unison, "Long Live Our Emperor." They added while the New Emperor felt so disappointed in himself.

Consort Toyomike folded the scroll and she smiled at herself a part of her still in shock.

"You haven't won Your Highness, no not yet." she thought to herself, "Thank you Your Majesty. Thank you Father." She added.

Emperor Bidatsu walked through the doors of his room as he was drinking liquor heavily.

He staggered across the whole place with a small liquor pot in his hands and Consort Toyomike noticing her husband's presence she hurried over to his side.

"Your Majesty." She said.

"Toyomike." He replied.

"What are doing to yourself?" She asked.

"Let me be free." Emperor Bidatsu replied as he leaned onto her for support while she tightened her grip on him.

"You don't have to go this far my dear." Consort Toyomike said as she helped him up to the chair in his room that faced the open window.

There was a very remarkable view of the night sky and they could both both see the stars and the moon.

Emperor Bidatsu replied while Consort Toyomike hugged her husband.

"My dear, you can not always drown your sorrows in drinking." Consort Toyomike said.

"What more can I do, today I am the Emperor and I am supposed to be happy but my heart is heavy with sorrow that I feel no more than a Crown Prince." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"Why?" Consort Toyomike asked.

"You are kind enough to ask why?" Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Your ailings are my own and so are your every sorrows." Consort Toyomike said.

"I thought that as the Emperor I'd cause the world to bow down to me and worship me.

I expected that they would give me grace and perhaps they would recognize my wishes but even the first task that should have been the simplest I have failed." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Don't be overwhelmed by grief." Consort Toyomike said.

"Why shouldn't I?" Emperor Bidatsu asked, "I have failed in my duty as your husband I believe, I have failed in my duty as the man you love with all your heart.

Together we had decided that we'd face the world but now I am starting to feel inadequate and unseen having tried every way that I could possibly find but I couldn't make you my Empress." He added.

"Is that why you are destitute?" Consort Toyomike said as she sighed disappointedly.

Emperor Bidatsu felt it where he was seated and he raised his head and looked at her underneath the moonlight.

"Oh my love, Oh my dearest." He said, "Do you not realize that to not be by my side is the biggest crime that you could ever commit?" He asked as he lifted his right hand and caressed her cheek.

"I love you so much that it hurts me even if I can not do one small thing for me, what hurts me most is that compared to all those selfish people you are selfless and while they seek pride and prestige you have a pure love and desire for the greatness of this nation.

You my dear above all of them are brave, Devotion, love, they know not these qualities, only to live lavish without having to be confined by the commands of other people and walking on top of other's heads is their greatest motive." Emperor Bidatsu said.

Consort Toyomike took his hand from her cheek and he held it in her own with the left as well as she stared at her husband in his eyes.

"Wealth, titles, I do not need these to change my country, perhaps if I could rule the hearts of the people then all creation would bow down to me.

Everything in life has a time and a season, you might fail at some point in life as my husband but you remain the man that I love my duty us to get you onto your feet again so that you aquire the confidence that you need and learn that failure isn't something permanent unless you keep trying harder.

They could do whatever they can to push you and me away but I promise you this that I shall never abandon you for as long as I live.

I chose to give you my heart and I chose to make you another Nippon for me, not because you are brave or strong, not because you are the most handsome or the smartest.

I chose you because even in you small or big flaws it was you that gave me comfort and warmth when the nights were cold and it was also you who taught this heart of mine how to love.

Wear the Crown and posses it because you have my assurance I shall give up all my energy and fight right by your side as the woman that you love for all the days of your life." Consort Toyomike said.

"Thank you so much dear." Emperor Bidatsu said as he leaned over and their faces only inches out, he passed out because he was drunk.

"Milady." Hotaru said.

"I have won." The Crown Princess said.

"With you as the Empress Princess Toyomike stands no chance." Hotaru remarked.

"In deed she doesn't stand a chance at all." The Crown Princess said as she looked at herself in the mirror.

"Tomorrow is a very big day for you Milady." Hotaru said.

"And I can not wait to see Consort Toyomike and the look that shall be on her face when I am crowned the Empress of Wa alongside my husband." The Crown Princess said as she smiled ghastly.

"She'll be disappointed." Hotaru said.

"It was the same way that I felt when she shattered every last hope of my husband ever doting on me.

I never asked for a marriage of respect but if there was someone that couldn't move his heart then I would still hope that one day amongst all his wives he'd start to notice me." The Crown Princess said as she smiled.

"Nunakakura." She called his name, "For him I became a villainess and for him alone I have many times become an attempting murderer while some I have succeeded." She added.

"You have been through a lot Your Highness, perhaps heaven chose this opportunity to strike a fair chance for you as well." Hotaru said.

"There is no heaven unless I make it and there is no peace in this heart of mine which has long been corrupted, until I can gaze at the cold corpse of Consort Toyomike and all those that are against me, I won't stop and I won't relinquish this power until I meet defeat." The Crown Princess said.

"You have me Your Highness, there is no need for you to worry, I have served you all my life and I shall stain these hands with the blood of others if I have to." Hotaru said.

"When It comes to Consort Toyomike I shall be satisfied when I have covered my hands in her own blood and tomorrow's Victory shall be the first in a series of weapons that I shall use against her." The Crown Princess said.

"Yes Your Highness." Hotaru said.

The Sun rose over Nara and The young Emperor stood in his dressing room as the palace maids were tending to him.

He was being dressed in a golden Montsuki and outside Sato marched onto the raised end of the staircase while the drums were sounded and a very good group of dancers entertained the Courtiers.

The Army Commanders and Generals were all present and the Imperial Princesses and Princes with their spouses as well graced the occasion.

Sato opened the Golden scroll that was in his possession and facing the world he started to announce the presence of Emperor Bidatsu.

"WITH THE MANDATE OF HEAVEN, THE YAMATO DYNASTY SHALL RESUME UNDER HIS MAJESTY, THE STATE SHALL HENCEFORTH BE BLESSED, WE HEREBY SEEK BLESSINGS FROM HEAVEN AND EARTH AND HEREBY WORSHIP EMPEROR BIDATSU, THE GREAT KING WHO RULES ALL UNDER HEAVEN AND HIS EMPRESS HIROHIME." He said.

The doors of the Throne room were opened and Emperor Bidatsu walked out of it with his first wife following him closely behind.

He stopped at the edge where the throne had been positioned for him and he moved on and stood right in front of it as he stared at the rest of Nara in it's glory and the people looking at him were amazed by how regal he looked with the Beaded Crown on his head.

He let go of his hands and he raised them both into the sky.

"Long Live His Majesty, Long Live our Emperor." Everyone that was present said as they went on their knees and the whole of creation was bowing down before him.

He looked strong as he looked at the clear sky and his wife stared down amazed by the glory with which she was presented.

The Dowager Empress Ishi Hime right opposite Consort Toyomike Consort Toyomike raised her eyes up to the Empress.

"All rise up before His Majesty." Sato announced and everyone stood up while the Emperor slowly lowered himself down and sat on the Chrysanthemum throne and his Empress Hirohime sat down on hers.

"I am victorious." Empress Hirohime said inwardly as she looked down upon Consort Toyomike.

"Don't worry Your Highness, enjoy everything that you have for now, one by one I am going to take them all and I shall spare nothing for you in return." She also thought to herself.

"I am Emperor, I am the new Ruler of Wa." Emperor Bidatsu said to himself inwardly as he tightened his grip around the arms of his throne feeling so absolute at that moment he couldn't wait to start ruling.

The Courtiers gathered into the Throne room and Emperor Bidatsu walked through the aisle as he mounted the stairs that led to his throne.

"Your Majesty." Everyone said as they bowed their heads to him.

"At ease." Emperor Bidatsu said as he sat down onto his Throne.

Sato presented a golden scroll to him and he took it as he unfolded it.

"Upon my ascension I wish to redefine some of the positions in court and I shall hope yo cooperate with you as my new Cabinet."

"General Fujiyaro shall be the Commander in Chief of all the Armed forces and Ōmuraji Soga no Umako shall retain his position.

I promote Honourable Fujiwara no Shige to Grand Chancellor and I put Honourable Soga no Yuri to the position of Minister in charge of the state Tribunal.

Mononobe no Mori shall become the Vice in charge of the Imperial Inspectorate and Investigation Bureau while lastly Jinnō shall be the Commandant of Emishi Province." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Thank you so much Your Majesty." Those who had been rewarded said in unison as they bowed their heads to the Emperor.

"Is there any other issue that you wish to discuss with me?" The Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"No Your Majesty." Everyone said in Unison.

"This Assembly is hereby dismissed." Emperor Bidatsu said as he stood up and walked out.

The Dowager Empress Ishi Hime was seated in her Chambers with her daughter in law Empress Hirohime and the two were drinking some tea.

"Mother." Empress Hirohime called when she noticed that she was lost in a series of thoughts.

"Yes?" Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"You seem a little bit distracted." Empress Hirohime replied.

"I am thinking." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"Is there anything that I should help you with?" Empress Hirohime asked.

"If we become sitting ducks then our victory shall be temporary because I could be close to a regent for the Emperor but if Consort Toyomike has his heart then I am very much afraid that she is the real ruler of Wa." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"But I have Known his Majesty for a long time, he isn't the type of person to play second fiddle to his wives." Empress Hirohime remarked.

"Nevertheless if someone is in love then they are willing to do anything and infatuation itself once a master no human being can resist to see to it's cause." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"My intention at the moment is not my Marriage." Empress Hirohime said.

"Be it power the real holder shall forever be the one that has charmed the Emperor's heart." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"Mother, is there something else that you are after?" Empress Hirohime asked.

"Everything that we hold dear in our hands is perishable once we have a contender, Consort Toyomike showed us very well that regardless of the circumstances she is here to stay and it makes me believe that there is not too much we have done." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"I see." Empress Hirohime said.

"The reason why most of the Courtiers are allying themselves with Consort Toyomike is because she is still the Emperor's favorite so she can equally put in a word for them.

I can only advise the Emperor but I can not dictate the actions of the Imperial seal because there once I use my will it ceases to be his and it becomes treason.

In a way much as we uprooted Consort Toyomike's influence in the Inner Court the advantage that she still has over us is that she still has the grace of the Emperor and with that she could still influence many Courtiers to follow her." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"I was thinking that we aren't cautious as it is." Empress Hirohime said.

"Why?" Dowager Empress Ishi Hime asked.

"Shouldn't we first start by rifting the Emperor and his beloved." Empress Hirohime asked.

The Dowager Empress smiled.

"Up to now you are still as ambitious as ever." She said.

"Am I wrong to be so Your Highness?" Empress Hirohime asked.

"Have we not tried before?" Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"What is it that you are proposing mother?" Empress Hirohime asked.

"His Majesty loves Consort Toyomike so instead of doing so I'd prefer it that we made him afraid of her." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"I'm listening mother." Empress Hirohime said.

"If he couldn't feel betrayed by her then it is necessary that we pushed him to fear her and we people resent the most something that we fear." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"How are we going to do that mother?" Empress Hirohime asked.

"We need the perfect timing but everything should start with a very small and simple spark." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

Consort Toyomike looked at the scroll that Sato had given to her and she was lost in her thoughts when she read through the words that were inside.

The door was opened and Emperor Bidatsu walked in with Miwa no Sakau right when Consort Toyomike folded the scroll and put it away before standing up.

"Your Majesty." She said as she bowed her head to him.

"How are the memorials coming?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Everything is going on very well." Consort Toyomike replied while she followed her husband towards his mirror and started to undress his Imperial robes.

"How was the assembly?" Consort Toyomike asked.

"I must thank you, none of the Courtiers were opposed to the rearrangements." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"Each one of them is loyal and it is one of your first official engagements, if there is a mastermind in the court then you need to at least cause the aristocrats in your favour to match up to their might." Consort Toyomike said.

"But you are the one who gave me the recommendations." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"I promised that I would help you and I took my time to study the backgrounds of nearly all of them, if you give the rich and the wealthy more power they take advantage of it however when you get the poor and elevate them, they remain loyal to you and unlike the privileged they remain humble because they know theirs is something that can vanish overnight." Consort Toyomike said.

"I need to know though." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"What is it Your Majesty?" Consort Toyomike asked.

"Is there something that you are not telling me?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Yes Your Majesty." Consort Toyomike replied in a very lowly manner.

"What is it?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"I'll tell you when the time is right Your Majesty but I am concerned about the Princesses Uji and Oharita along with the Prince Takeda." Consort Toyomike replied.

"What about them?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"It wasn't easy to protect those children the past three years and I fear for them constantly that I think the best person who can help watch them for us is Dowager Empress Ishi Hime." Consort Toyomike replied.

"There is nothing that you do couldn't you be with them?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Compared to me who is intelligent in the Inner Court the Dowager Empress us the Eldest and the most supreme authority.

Naturally she is to be feared by all other Imperial wives and Concubines and I trust that that way she could be the best when it comes to morally upbringing all the children.

You have been through her hands since young and you'd know that she is good and I can regularly visit her and see to it that we are on good terms.

I am afraid that singlehandedly I can not protect my children from the cruel schemes of the Inner Palace and after very many attempts on my life when I was carrying Princess Uji in my womb I can't help but feel uneasy at the thought of our children." Consort Toyomike said.

"I understand." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"I am also regularly caught up going through some of the memorials that I don't wish to also leave you to suffer with the burden of the Crown alone when I know that with the Dowager Empress, the children shall be in very good hands." Consort Toyomike said.

"Very fine then." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Thank you Your Majesty." Consort Toyomike said.

"Don't worry about it." Emperor Bidatsu said while his wife smiled at him.

Dowager Empress Hirohime was seated in her room when Sakae walked in with an envelope in her hands.

"Your Highness." She said as she bowed her head while offering the envelope to her Mistress.

"What is it?" Dowager Empress Ishi Hime asked as she wrote a series of things within the scrolls that were around her.

"This letter just came in from his Majesty." Sakae replied.

Dowager Empress Ishi Hime halted with what she was doing and she took the envelope into her hands and she opened it.

She pulled out the piece of paper that was inside and unfolded if so that she could read it's contents.

She smiled.

"Your Highness, is it something so good?" Sakae asked.

"Her Highness is just like her mother." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"Why do you say so Your Highness?" Sakae asked.

"I'd never expected that she'd also entrust me with the responsibility of raising her son and daughters." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"You were so fond of Princess Oharita when she was born and you even visited her at Osada no Miya Palace." Sakae remarked.

"I had to act out anyway as a way of preparing for the worst that would have happened and I needed to create the impression of a good mother in law to Consort Toyomike so that at least I could retain some bit of endearment from my beloved son." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"I understand Your Highness but does Consort Toyomike expect you to raise this child the very way that you raised her?" Sakae asked.

"You don't understand the primary motive that is behind this action of hers."Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"Enlighten me Your Highness." Sakae said.

"Right now Her Highness is worried and as she did put in a great effort in giving birth to these children except for Princess Oharita who hasn't yet even weaned her primary aim is to protect the older two." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"She believes that if the children are in your care then you couldn't let any harm to come upon them." Sakae said.

"Yes." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime affirmed.

"Can't you say no Your Highness?" Sakae asked.

"As the Head of the Inner court it is necessary that I put all such matters into consideration." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"Hmmm, I shall prepare the best nannies for those children." Sakae said.

"Yes." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"I'll take my leave right now." Sakae said as she withdrew from the Chambers.

Dowager Empress Ishi Hime looked at what she had written so far and she admired it.

There was a knock at the door of the abandoned cottage and it was opened while a veiled woman walked into the courtyard.

She was led to a room where Otomo Kanamura Maro was seated while looking at a Chess game which was nearly half done.

Noticing the presence of the woman in front of him, he stood up at once.

"Your Highness." he said as he bowed his head.

The woman removed the hood that covered her face and it was Lady Otomo.

"I see that it has been a while Your Excellency." Koteko said as she bowed her head.

"In deed it has been so, could we continue with our game." Otomo Kanamura Maro requested.

"Yes." Koteko replied as she sat down across from him and picked up the white pieces.

"How's everything of late?" Otomo Kanamura Maro asked.

"As usual it seems that there are still some minor setbacks but no worry at Least everything is still going according to plan." Koteko said.

"Good, very good." Otomo Kanamura Maro said as he picked up a black piece and he placed it in the centre of the board between the two others of the same colour.

"I was quite amazed that it seems that Consort Toyomike herself has suffered a very big defeat this time around." Koteko said.

"She couldn't become the Empress as proposed or perhaps as she would have wanted but at least she still has the Emperor's grace to lean on for survival at the moment." Otomo Kanamura Maro said.

"She is persistent and no matter what, she hasn't lost her will to fight just yet." Koteko said.

"To think that she is quite the most remarkable when it comes to the Imperial women that I have seen throughout the years is something that I can concurr with." Koteko said.

"Do you perhaps underestimate yourself Your Highness?" Otomo Kanamura Maro asked.

"No." Koteko replied, "It's natural that I praise talent when I see it though it is but a pity that there can only be one Empress." She added.

"If you are neither a friend nor a foe of Consort Toyomike then why do you choose to help her behind the scenes?" Otomo Kanamura Maro asked.

"Why I help Consort Toyomike?" She asked as she picked up her white piece and then she placed it on the board.

"Yes." Otomo Kanamura Maro replied.

"She is the borrowed knife that I need to kill and also for me to achieve my dream then I supposedly have no other choice left except to go through her." Koteko replied.

"Is it worth the heads of the members of your clan?" Otomo Kanamura Maro asked.

"You'll thank me soon as well." Koteko replied.

"Perhaps I will and perhaps I won't, you are so devoted but I see that there is so much more to your desires deep down in your soul." Otomo Kanamura Maro said.

"There is in deed so much more but I am afraid that I can only tell you in detail when the time is right." Koteko replied as she played her piece.

"The Dowager Empress Ishi Hime is a nominal regent and bearer of the Imperial seal, the Emperor's first wife and her closest ally is the Empress so she is just so powerful in the Inner Court.

The Courtiers in her favour are many to begin with as Consort Toyomike has only started to identify her influence and mould it so I can't help but think of it as one entirely disorganized stage which pushes me to ask you this question." Otomo Kanamura Maro said.

"What is it Your Excellency?" Koteko asked.

"What is your plan right now?" Otomo Kanamura Maro said.

"Understanding the personality of Her Highness Consort Toyomike we shouldn't underestimate her." Koteko replied, "Besides I heard that her children are now in the care of Her Highness the Dowager Empress." She added.

"Are you implying that.....?" Otomo Kanamura Maro asked.

"Yes." Koteko replied.

"The Dowager Empress would do nothing to those children now that they are in her care." Otomo Kanamura Maro.

"She doesn't need to do anything but I shall." Koteko replied as she smiled ghastly as she played her move on the chessboard.

Consort Toyomike was looking through some of the memorials when Sina walked in.

"Your Highness." She said as she bowed her head.

"Tell Me." Consort Toyomike said.

"His Excellency your Uncle is right here to see you." Sina replied.

"Let him in." Consort Toyomike said.

"Yes." Sina replied as Umako walked right through the doors and halted in front of his niece.

"Your Highness." He said as he bowed his head.

"Have a seat uncle." Consort Toyomike said as Umako sat down in front of her.

"Are they all pleased." Consort Toyomike asked.

"Yes Your Highness." Umako replied.

"That's good." Consort Toyomike remarked.

"We are sorry that we couldn't do much." Umako said.

"Don't feel remorseful that you didn't make me the Empress this time around, I am still young and I have enough time to live to see that day." Consort Toyomike replied.

"What is it that you wished to tell me Your Highness?" Umako asked.

"You must have noticed right now that the Dowager Empress and the Empress Consort are very powerful." Consort Toyomike said.

"Frankly, we are all worried and much as we have elevated some of our people the Mononobes still outnumber us and there influence has made them more arrogant than ever." Umako said.

"We must topple their most powerful piece in the Imperial Court." Consort Toyomike replied.

"Your Highness." Umako asked, "The past couple of years that I have served in the office where the late Emperor appointed me I cleaned out all Moriya's men.

I even went ahead to consolidate each and everything that he possesed and restricted him to a nominal position as the Imperial Chieftain." Umako said.

"And I want you now to do much more than that." Consort Toyomike replied.

"What more do you want me to do Your Highness?" Umako asked.

"We are going to declare an open war." Consort Toyomike replied.

Umako was startled.

"The Mononobes are arrogant but other than them we have the Otomos who rather seem to be just as persecuted as we are.

If we share a common enemy then let us start out by establishing an alliance." Consort Toyomike added.

"Right now nearly each and everyone of our moves is bring monitored by the Dowager Empress and her people, to organize a coalition especially in secret is something that shall be very difficult for us to do." Umako said.

"I know that you are worried and I know that the Dowager Empress has eyes nearly everywhere so I am going to use that to my advantage." Consort Toyomike said, "In fact, this is the very opportunity that we have to rift a mother and son." She added.

"Of you say so Your Highness." Umako replied.

"Find me a small and isolated cottage on Kagu Hill and it should have a very splendid view if the city.

There should be trees around so if should look a little bit hidden and on top of that it should be spacious enough.

Around this cottage get for me people to plant their cherry blossoms and when the time is right I shall send out two letters that shall all contain two different things.

If I send a third and it doesn't match the contents of your letter then don't right back a reply and don't do anything rash or even try to follow me." Consort Toyomike said.

"Yes Your Excellency." Umako replied.

"You were here to submit a memorial to His Majesty but you did not find him." Consort Toyomike said.

"Yes Your Highness." Umako replied as he stood up and bowed his head.

The sooner that he walked out of the room Sina walked back to her.

"Did you find out who have been in contact with Sakae frequently ever since we returned to the Palace?" Consort Toyomike asked.

"You are right Your Highness, in deed, the Dowager Empress' moles are everywhere ever since we left there are only a few loyal people that are in your service." Sina replied.

"Good." Consort Toyomike replied. "How is Concubine Unako no Otoshi?" She asked.

"She is fine Your Highness." Sina replied.

"I want you to give her this message." Consort Toyomike said as she got an envelope and handed it over to her.