CHAPTER FIFTY NINE

"Your Majesty, as a citizen of this country and as a pillar to it, I do not wish the same misfortune that befell Emperor Senka to be before us again." He added as he went down onto his knees.

"Are you trying to imply that his Late Majesty was unqualified to run the state, need we remind you he ushered in an age in which Was fluorished?" Soga no Umako asked.

"No Your Majesty." Mononobe no Moriya replied, "Rather where his bloodline was discontinued we can't be sure that your brothers aren't as ambitious and to guard against that ambition of theirs the first way that we can curb the possibility of a succession dispute is by feeling the void and naming a Crown Prince to calm the hearts of the people and the Court." He added.

"Neither of you is wrong and from your points of view I see that amongst you what is common is the worry for the state and the Imperial family.

But as you have seen it for yourself this is an issue that requires further deliberation and it is not something that I can just decide without very deep thought and consideration as it is that I cannot ask for the names of those Princes you wish to bring forward I shall think about it but for the time being let's not worry for whether fate decides that the mandate of heaven shall go to the eldest or the youngest then who would oppose to this as a man?" Emperor Bidatsu said in reply.

"Yes Your Majesty." The Courtiers said in unison as they all bowed their heads while to him.

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

"Not at all Your Majesty." Mononobe no Moriya replied along with all the other Courtiers in unison.

"I have nothing to say to you as well." Emperor Bidatsu said, "This Assembly is hereby dismissed." He added as he stood up from the throne and descended the stairs that led from it.

"Long live His Majesty, Long Live our Emperor." They all said as they bowed their heads while Emperor Bidatsu while being followed by Sato walked out of the throne room.

The Courtiers slowly followed him out afterwards while they all started to murmur amongst themselves.

"For the time being let's not worry for whether fate decides that the mandate of heaven shall go to the eldest or the youngest then who would oppose to this as a man?" Mononobe no Suke re echoed out the words of the Emperor, "He is such a fine young man and a very devoted husband." He added.

"Be careful with your tongue, he is out Emperor after all." Moriya said.

"How can you show your sense of reserve right now when it is clear that if it is choosing someone to invest as the Crown Prince he is willing to forego the alternative he has with his Empress and elevate the son of a Consort." Mononobe no Suke said.

"It is his decision after all since the enchantment if the Imperial Consort Toyomike runs very deep he is more than willing to do whatever he must." Mononobe no Moriya replied.

"But if he can not acquiesce to placing his son as the Crown Prince and the son of that Imperial Consort Toyomike becomes his heir, it shall be a very big blow to us." Mononobe no Suke said.

"This game was already determined and if peace must fail then we need to prepare ourselves for the very worst.

Additionally, I don't think that other aristocrats shall settle with the fact of having that boy named as his father's successor as not many of them are Sogas anyway naturally their support is supposed to shift to us." Mononobe no Moriya replied.

"That is not something that you can guarantee your Excellency, the Otomos are already on their way and marching to a total coalition with our foes and that's one of the things that it'll take for them to amount to our power and influence.

If they choose to stand with the Emperor then his power shall rival with ours in the Imperial Court and should he name the young Prince Takeda as his successor then a victory on Imperial Consort Toyomike's side shall have been consolidated either way." Mononobe no Suke said.

"I understand your caution very well and you and I are no different, however we must keep our cool at this time because if we put pressure on the Emperor then I am afraid that it'll only arouse his suspicions which will make him more and more hesitant to yield to our cause." Mononobe no Moriya replied.

"If it wasn't something that we intended to enforce right away then why did you have to bring it up and follow Her Highness the Empress' demand?" Mononobe no Suke asked.

"This is a battle that we needed to be best prepared for and on top of that if we had done it no other way then it wouldn't have caused the Emperor to think critically.

Initially if he hopes to taste the Patience of his eldest son this would also be the best time that we have to at least see if her Highness the Imperial Consort Toyomike can expose her greed.

If she is wise by half then she will fall into the Emperor's doubts and if he is just too charmed by her then there is nothing that he'll find debatable.

One way or another if we are to draw up a conclusion depending on both ambition and slyness, we must show our utmost hesitation to persuade the Emperor much more than Her Highness." Mononobe no Moriya replied.

"I understand but what if things go South?" Mononobe no Suke asked.

"Then we can just play the same card that my predecessor played before his demise and ensure that the eldest Prince feels our utmost sincerity to serve him." Mononobe no Moriya replied.

"You really are enlighened." Mononobe no Suke said.

"It is high time that the Emperor noticed just how much of the public Finances that he trusts are in the right hand keep on drifting away and finally we can also falsify a letter like they did all those years ago when they got rid of Morae." Mononobe no Moriya said.

"You waited all this time for this opportunity?" Mononobe no Suke asked.

"If the person faulted is someone that is close to Umako then I believe that it shall serve best in raising His Majesty's suspicion and if Her Highness' greed is evident then I believe willingly, the Emperor shall have to choose Prince Oshisako no Hikohito no Ōe as his heir apparent." Mononobe no Moriya replied.

"His Majesty investing a Crown Prince?" Dowager Empress Ishi Hime asked.

"Yes Your Highness." Sakae replied.

"And what did he say about it?" Dowager Empress Ishi Hime asked.

"For the time being let's not worry for whether fate decides that the mandate of heaven shall go to the eldest or the youngest then who would oppose to this as a man?" Mononobe no Suke re echoed out the words of the Emperor, " Sakae replied.

"I believe that it is quite clear what his final decision is." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"Your Highness, if this was because her High Highness the Empress provoked him then I believe that she should be held accountable for everything that has happened." Sakae said.

"She needn't consult me and I am much more proud of her because I thought of it as a way of me retaliating ever since Imperial Consort Toyomike spearheaded the very loss of my power and talk from my regency.

It is just that Her Highness was much bolder to react out to it she has now matured into the most formidable contender of Her Highness." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"Your Highness, it is clear that His Majesty is considering his son Prince Takeda for the job." Sakae said.

"There is nothing that is supposed to be very obvious." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"Why Your Highness?" Sakae asked.

"If the Courtiers brought it up then His Majesty is much aware of the situation and perhaps he wishes to use this as a way of determining what it is that each and everyone of his Officials is after?" Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"Your Highness, do you mean to say that he us reluctant on purpose?" Sakae asked.

"We might be smart but even my son is not foolish, I am also rather cautious that there is the possibility that Imperial Consort Toyomike has thought about it as well and she is even aware that it is a move that we were bound to make and tipped his Majesty off." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"When I think about it Your Highness, Her Highness given everything that has happened is that capable." Sakae said.

"We must make it seem to be an issue that was just brought up coincidentally and we mustn't show our desperation as well, if we are hesitant at this point it can only clear any suspicions that he habors towards us." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"Yes Your Highness." Sakae replied.

Imperial Consort Toyomike was seated in her Chambers and looking through a couple of memorials when Emperor Bidatsu walked in with Sato.

Noticing his presence she stood up and walked around the table as she bowed her head.

"Your Majesty." She said.

"At ease." Emperor Bidatsu replied as he walked up to the mirror while she followed.

"May I take off your robes?" Imperial Consort Toyomike requested.

"You know it better than anyone else that it is a job I totally designated to you." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"Thank you Your Majesty." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"Any good news for me?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"I am expecting again." Imperial Consort Toyomike replied.

"You always light up my most boring days." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"I am most grateful to Your Majesty." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"As you review the Memorials make sure that you have adequate rest, when I am free we shall enjoy some of the fine ginseng tea from Sui together and we can enjoy the view of the moonlight to keep you cheerful." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Thank you so much Your Majesty but just having you by my side is all that I could ever need." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"There is no need to thank me, I feel more than obliged considering the fact that I love you." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"How was the Morning Assembly today?" Imperial Consort Toyomike asked.

"It was quite dramatic." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"How dramatic Your Majesty?" Imperial Consort Toyomike asked.

"The Imperial Chieftain urged me to invest one of the Princes as the Crown Prince so that I can identify an heir apparent to the Chrysanthemum throne." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"What's the hurry?" Imperial Consort Toyomike asked, "It's not like you are dying tomorrow and the state is still fluorishing." Imperial Consort Toyomike remarked.

"Do you have any thoughts on this?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"It's your decision because as always the final say rests with Your Majesty but if you are hasty in choosing an heir apparent then I am afraid that those greedy Courtiers are only looking for a way to establish their own connections.

As it is that most of the Princes are still young and they have barely gotten used to Court life at all I fear for all of them that they might rather be manipulated which would endanger the stability of the Monarchy." Imperial Consort Toyomike replied.

"I considered that as well." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"I also think that such a move could create Generations of brotherhood rivalry before all the Royal Princes have enough time to foster a good brotherly bond.

This is a decision at the moment which could do us more harm than good." Imperial Consort Toyomike added.

"You are very right." Emperor Bidatsu remarked.

"You know that I always am but one thing that leaves me puzzled at the moment is the thought that we might have heard it from the Courtiers today but they might most likely turn it into a most pressing matter." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"That would be a good thing either way." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Enlighten me Your Majesty." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"If I can abide by my own rules then if I have assumed it very well, this could be the very trap that they themselves have laid which could help us see through all of them." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"I see Your Majesty." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"But let's put it all aside, I do not wish to talk about any politics with you today since you are with child." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"It doesn't really matter Your Majesty because either way that I can I wish to be the very best person that can help you regardless of the situation that you yourself are in." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"I understand and I can't be too hard on you either." Emperor Bidatsu said as his clothes were entirely replaced that he moved with his wife and they both sat down at the table.

"Imperial Consort Toyomike?" Emperor Bidatsu called while she grinded for him some ink so gently.

"Yes Your Majesty?" Imperial Consort Toyomike replied.

"What do you think about my mother?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Why this question Your Majesty?" Imperial Consort Toyomike asked as she continued to grind the ink.

"When I think about all the bad things that my mother has done to you, my heart bleeds bitterly and I am filled with remorse, to suspect you of a rebellion or treason is a charge that I find rather absurd and it makes her in a way sound a bit too crazy." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"Don't say that Your Majesty." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"I was hurt those days ago." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Your Majesty, you have such a wonderful and caring mother that had I been in your shoes then I would have been the proudest son." Imperial Consort Toyomike remarked.

"What makes you say that?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"I would risk do much for my children as well and you as my husband, if she is cautious then it is not a crime the only crime that you can charge a parent with and find them guilty of is having to abandon their children and pursue selfish desires." Imperial Consort Toyomike replied.

"Why must you be patient especially now, I can take any form of blame even on my mother's behalf because she has never treated you fairly and I know I am not the only one in the whole Palace that sees that." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"I don't have to hate your mother because she is my mother as well not do I have the time to bear any form of grudge or resentment towards her actions.

Can you put yourself in her shoes at such an old age you'll never stop worrying for your children and I understand that mood swings also come so naturally in those years.

If you are rather curious shouldn't your Majesty consider what Her Highness has wanted all these years?" Imperial Consort Toyomike asked, "Was it power, wealth, might, your health, family, tradition, your prosperity?" she added.

"I don't know what my mother wants." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"Then be patient with her and allow her to open up her heart to you because that way I can give you this promise and this assurance there is no intention that is evil that your mother could ever hide from you." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"Thank you my dear." Emperor Bidatsu remarked.

"I should be the grateful one." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"Why?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"She raised such a Caring and loving husband for me." Imperial Consort Toyomike replied.

"You flatter me so much my dear that you make me feel so proud of my perfect self." Emperor Bidatsu said as he held his wife and sat her down on his lap.

"Because I understand you much more than anyone else your Majesty, it isn't your perfections that I like because they aren't many, rather if I am so in love with you then from the day that we made I chose to see that your imperfections that made you human were the reason I could see myself in you and I grew to adore every bit of yourself not just because it reminded me of myself but because it was the very point on which I could found my trust in you." Imperial Consort Toyomike replied as she smiled at him.

"Thank you." The Emperor said as he leaned his head ok his wife's chest.

"There never has to be another man for me in the world and I don't have to hate your people because they are yours, as long as I can not love them like I love you and as long as I can never feel hurt when they abandon me like I would if you did that too then there is nothing for me to lose against them because only through you can I lose most of everything that I ever loved and cherished." Imperial Consort Toyomike replied as she tightened her hands around her husband.

A couple of months had passed and Emperor Bidatsu was seated inside his Imperial study alone while looking through some of the books that his wife had chosen for him.

It was a drizzly morning and it was cold outside while everyone else wore thick clothes to ward off the excruciating discomfort and shivering, the Emperor had a light cloth that had been made by his favorite on him and it was more than enough for him to beat the harsh weather.

As time passes slowly within the Chambers uninterrupted, Sato suddenly rushed in and halted in front of his master while he was sweating profusely and breathing heavily

"Your Majesty." He said as he bowed his head to him.

"What's the matter?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Her Imperial Highness Consort Toyomike." Sato replied and hearing the name was more than enough for him to surrender every last bit of attention towards his Eunuch.

"What's wrong with her?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Her Highness is in labour." Sato replied.

"Labour?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Yes." Sato replied and without wasting time the Emperor dropping the book that he had in his possession onto the table right in front of him strode out of the Library immediately where he was joined by Miwa no Sakau and his other ladies in waiting with a few Imperial guards.

Swiftly, they started to march across the Courtyard and as they approached the Eastern Palace, the Emperor halted when he caught sight of his mother and his Empress.

"Your Majesty." They said as they bowed their heads to her.

"Mother." Emperor Bidatsu said as he greeted the Dowager Empress Ishi Hime with the rest of his retinue.

"I don't need to guess, you are here to see Imperial Consort Toyomike?" Dowager Empress Ishi Hime asked.

"Yes Mother." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"Your Majesty." Empress Hirohime said as she bowed her head.

"What is it?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Is it alright if we can accompany you to see Her Highness as well?" Empress Hirohime asked.

Emperor Bidatsu looked at the two of them hesitantly.

"You haven't been so kind to her ever since she set foot in this Palace." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Your Majesty, we are all your wives after all and if we can not bear your burdens now more than ever then when shall we have the opportunity of doing so?" Empress Hirohime asked.

"Alright, you can come with me." Emperor Bidatsu said as he led the way to the doors which marked the entrance into the delivery Chambers and there he found Kabane standing while the mild cries of Imperial Consort Toyomike escaped the room.

"Your Majesty." Kabane said as he halted Emperor Bidatsu halfway.

"What's the problem Kabane?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Her Highness' condition isn't that favourable right now Your Majesty as it is she has only just started." Kabane replied.

"I wasn't going inside just yet." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Pardon me Your Majesty." Kabane said.

"It's alright." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

It was a short while later when the doors were opened and following the silence that was inside they were all surprised when the High Priestess showed up.

"Your Majesty." She said in a lowly tone.

"What's the matter with Her Highness?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Congratulations." The midwife said, "You have another son." she added and Emperor Bidatsu's face lit up with so much joy while Dowager Empress Ishi Hime looking at her Daughter in law Empress Hirohime they were both frightened.

"Is my wife alright?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"There is no need for you to panic Your Majesty, Her Highness is in a very good mood and she too is excited though she needs some rest." The midwife replied.

"Can we go in to see her?" Emperor Bidatsu asked.

"Yes Your Majesty." The midwife permitted and stepping aside Emperor Bidatsu strode inside while the Dowager Empress Ishi Hime and Empress Hirohime followed.

"There they found Consort Toyomike lying on the bed while she carried her newborn child in her arms with a smile on her face.

Her two contenders verifying for themselves that there wasn't any harm that had befallen the two, they were devastated while Imperial Consort Toyomike was delighted to see her husband.

"Your Majesty." She said.

"I laud your efforts my dear." Emperor Bidatsu remarked.

"Heaven has in deed been to good to me." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"Another son though I couldn't feel more proud." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"I just hard to hold on and think of you this fourth child then came with so much ease." Imperial Consort Toyomike said.

"This time I wish you were the one to name him." Emperor Bidatsu said.

"Can we call him Prince Wohari?" Imperial Consort Toyomike asked.

"Yes." Emperor Bidatsu acquiesced.

"He is young virtuos and strong." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime remarked.

"Yes mother." Imperial Consort Toyomike replied.

"Your Majesty, congratulations." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"Thank you so much mother." Emperor Bidatsu replied.

"Her Highness really needs you most at this hour so I'll be leaving with Her Highness as well." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"Yes mother." Emperor Bidatsu replied as the two quickly walked out of the room leaving the Imperial couple and their new born child together.

They barged into the Dowager Empress' Chambers.

"Your Highness." Empress Hirohime called.

"So fierce we have undermined Her Highness' ambition for so long." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"Prince Takeda has also grown into another favourite child of the Emperor while another Prince Wohari has graced those Sogas." Empress Hirohime said.

"This has been one fatal mark on our pride I am afraid that we don't have that much time left to be sitting ducks in the political arena because right now I trust the Sogas coalition with the Otomos over the past year has gained them the power and the strength that they need." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"You said that we needn't have dwelled on the issue of urging the Emperor to name my son Prince Oshisako no Hikohito no Ōe as his heir apparent but now if we are more and more reluctant then I am afraid that either way we are going to end up losing to Imperial Consort Toyomike." Empress Hirohime said.

"I believe that the issue should be brought up now." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said.

"Your Highness, what if his Majesty is still reluctant like he was nine months ago and he still refuses to name an heir?" Empress Hirohime asked.

"That won't happen this time round." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"How confident can you be mother, if we are going to force it upon him then I am afraid that he might start to see us in a whole new different light." Empress Hirohime said.

"I understand your worry but now we have the twins Naniwa and Kasuga who are also of age to favourably compete for the Crown." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"We won't be successful Your Highness unless we could ignite some form of suspicion between the Emperor and his second favourite." Empress Hirohime said.

"I already took care of that and you don't need to worry that much about it because much as we were caught up in a very huge fight with Imperial Consort Toyomike, I noticed that Consort Kasuga has also been too ambitious behind our back and as rumours have it, she has cultivated her sons well enough to be skilled with both the sword and the pen.

While Prince Naniwa might show some sense of reserve Prince Kasuga takes after his mother and father to be outgoing and Consort Kasuga can not be underestimated either because she has been building her own circle of influence amongst some lesser Officials in the Court." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"You mean that Her Highness isn't the only ambitious woman that we have on the show?" Empress Hirohime asked.

"Consort Kasuga is rather careful but if there is one thing that we can succeed in doing that she can't is her clout is far too powerless and insignificant that I doubt that the very people following her are just as cautious as we are." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

"We could use her as a scapegoat and if His Majesty started to resent her for being so power hungry then automatically he'd have to acquisce to the thought of installing Imperial Prince Oshisako no Hikohito no Ōe as the Crown Prince." Empress Hirohime said.

"Yes." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied.

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

"In my understanding Consort Kasuga is Honourable Kasuga no Nakakimi no Omi's daughter." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime said, "It won't be that difficult to charge him with a crime or two as long as it can involve in a way the participation of his daughter then it shall be good enough." Dowager Empress Ishi Hime replied as she smiled ghastly.

"Yes Your Highness." Empress Hirohime said, "I believe that I have the right crime in mind." She added as she smiled ghastly as well.

Soga no Umako was seated and admiring his late father's garden at the time when Shizu walked up to him.

"Your Excellency." He said as he bowed his head and greeted him.

"Such a drizzly morning but nevertheless the sight of the chrysanthemums is still more brilliant than ever." Umako said.

"Yes Your Excellency." Shizu replied.

"You seem to be at ease this morning Your Excellency." Shizu Said.

"A politicians life is nothing more than a busy Spectre every now and then, however if I can posses any chance even if one like this to be so fee then I couldn't be more thankful." Umako replied.

"I bring with myself good news that shall only work best to make your day even much more livelier than it already is." Shizu said.

"Is Her Highness the Dowager Empress dead?" Umako asked.

"No Your Excellency." Shizu replied.

"Then there is no news that is good news." Umako said.

"But I believe it's worth your applause Your Excellency and I'm right." Shizu said.

"I understand that but if your initiative is to hunt a lion and you returned with a deer the hunt is not as successful because one way or another you did not get what you were after." Umako said.

"Your Excellency, I am curious, if you caught the deer instead tjrn can't you use it to lure the lion into your trap?" Shizu asked.

"You need to be more careful because a lion doesn't scavenge it makes it hard for it to fall prey to your bait." Umako replied.

"Nevertheless Your Excellency, I believe that you'll be very happy to hear that Her Highness Imperial Consort Toyomike has given birth to another son." Shizu said.

"Good enough." Umako remarked as he stood up from where he was seated and he walked over to Shizu.

"Shizu?" He called.

"Yes Your Excellency?" Shizu replied.

"Have you ever heard of giving up your skin to break the enemy's back?" Umako asked.

"I have read many books from the Western mainland." Shizu replied.

"Initially there was war between both our people and the Western Kingdoms of Paekche and Shilla and this is becoming a more pressing matter that is weighing heavily on me." Umako said.

"Share your burdens with me Your Excellency." Shizu said

"A couple of years ago I thought that His Majesty's affection towards Imperial Consort Toyomike was something that could be the best tool for our use but I noticed now more than ever it nearly jeopardized our every plan." Umako said.

"I don't understand your Excellency." Shizu said.

"He still has an undying loyalty towards his mother which makes him a Filial son and at times like that his love towards Imperial Consort Toyomike only seems to be the very hamper that is constantly dragging him down." Umako replied.

"What do you intend to do Your Excellency?" Shizu asked.

"We need to get rid of that Filial piety once and for all." Umako replied.

"How are we going to do that Your Excellency?" Shizu asked.

"As it is right now that Her Highness Imperial Consort Toyomike has given birth to another son this is the best opportunity that we have to strike the iron when it is still hot and I believe that even the Dowager Empress Ishi Hime won't see it coming." Umako replied.

"What should I do Your Excellency?" Shizu asked.

"Rumour is a great Traveller and that being the case I want you to help me spread a certain rumour." Umako replied.

"Tell me Your Excellency." Shizu said.

"THE CHILD OF A SOGA MOTHER SHALL SIT ON THE CHRYSANTHEMUM THRONE AND GRACE THE ANNALS OF HISTORY IN TIME BRINGING THE LIGHT OF THE WEST TO THE VERY LAND OF THE RISING SUN." Umako replied.