Category: General
Rated: T (may go up)
Warnings: Yaoi
Summary: [AU] Historical fiction of high officials in the Tang dynasty vying for the throne
Pairings: Atoji, Dirty, MaruHara, SanaYuki, FujiTez, implied Tensai, Golden, Silver, implied Data, Platinum, HiyoTaki, RyoSaku, etc … others haven't been decided yet. Requests accepted.
Note: this is a work of Historical Fiction, all events are fake and made-up, also most OC characters are completely made up save for a few which I will specify.
Disclaimer: PoT is not mine
Yukimura bent over the table, clutching his chest in pain. He held a handkerchief to his lips as the coughs racked his body. The metallic tastes of blood passed through his mouth as he felt the warm liquid seep between his fingers and drop onto yet another painting that he was never going to finish. He slowly got up and dragged himself over to the water basin, his bloody hands clutching the wall, leaving sinister red marks. He grasped the basin and washed his face and hands, half-closing his eyes to stop himself from seeing the scented perfume water foul red with his blood.
He stood for a while, steadying himself, and walked back to the painting. He took the delicate paper and shook his head, trying to decide what to do about it.
"Master Yukimura, Imperial Magician Niou Masaharu, General Kirihara Akaya and Physician Yanagi Renji requests an audience." A maid had stepped in the room.
"Send them in." Yukimura replied, "And take that basin away."
The maid took the basin and left, leaving Yukimura to compose himself as he waited for Niou, Kirihara and Yanagi. He quickly lit the painting with a candle and let it burn out on the ground, hoping Niou would take his time chatting with the maids whilst the smoke dispersed and the saddening black pieces get carried away with the wind.
He reached for the bottle of scented oils and dispersed small drops over the desk, hiding the scent of burnt paper. The smell was a bit strong for his liking and wafted out of the large room, probably reaching the three visitors before they even neared the room.
After a while, Niou, Kirihara and Yanagi entered the room and greetings were exchanged between them. Yukimura realized in horror that the bloody red marks on the walls were still there and silently prayed that Yanagi would not see them.
"What an honour to receive such visitors."
Niou, as usual, got straight to the point, "My spies are dead, and it seems I underestimated Tezuka and Atobe."
Yukimura smiled kindly, "We've more to fear from Fuji and Oshitari than Tezuka and Atobe. Tezuka is too stern and Atobe too proud."
"But," Interjected Yanagi, "we are now faced with the problem of them knowing it was us."
"Which, more likely, they have already deduced."
"They still might think the spies were placed there by each other, with any luck, they may ruin each other first before we go in." Kirihara said.
"They're not stupid, General Kirihara," Niou laughed, "However; we may be able to pit them against each other."
"Excellent suggestion," Yanagi nodded to the young pouting general.
"How did your spies die, Niou?" Yukimura inquired.
"Well, the one placed with Tezuka, I'm uncertain about, I suspect poison. The Atobe one definitely drowned, in front of a whole boat of people too." Niou frowned, "I fail to see the relevance."
"Then the first murder was conducted by Fuji and the second by Atobe." Yukimura said certainly.
"You're sure?" Kirihara asked.
"I can't see Tezuka trying to poison people; he'd choose a more honourable way and Atobe, of course, did it in his usual flamboyant style, Oshitari would not be so obvious." Yanagi replied, making a connection.
"Atobe knows that he can bribe himself out of any complications, if anything, he did so noticeably just to demonstrate his power." Yukimura said wisely.
"The important thing now is replacing them." Yanagi frowned, "Suggestions?"
Kirihara scrambled forward, "I suggest we consult High Official Sanada first."
"You're right," Yukimura said, "We really mustn't make any more decisions without Genichirou."
As they continued talking, a maid stepped in "High official lord Sanada Genichirou requests entrance." And before Yukimura had a chance to reply, a stately Sanada stepped into the room, his head held high and his expression even. His very presence was enough to instil a feeling of mixed awe and fear. Eyes sharp as a tiger searched the room, resting for a moment on Yukimura and then flashed to Yanagi.
"Renji, I received an urgent message informing me that Seiichi has just been kidnapped by rowdy Mongols," Sanada glared at Yanagi, "By the looks of it, you lied."
Yanagi shrugged, apparently unfazed by the glare of Sanada. "Be that as it may, I still got you here."
"Can you not use a less alarming method?"
"It would take away the fun," Yanagi glanced at Yukimura who rewarded him with a smile.
Sanada took a seat beside Yukimura, his head never dropping or looking down as he held his regal position. He settled his robes in a plain manner around him and folded his hands in the designated way for military officials. The crouching tiger on his robe signified his rank in the military, adding to his mask of severity. He demanded an explanation with a single word, "Well?"
"I'm sure you know that Niou's spies are dead."
Sanada's head turned, like that of a statue, away from Yukimura to Niou with an unyielding and fatal expression, "I do not tolerate failure."
"I merely underestimated them, that's all," Niou replied shrugging his shoulders, determinedly unaffected.
"I expect a report on this by tomorrow, delivered before the end of morning court."
"Of course," Niou replied, hiding his outrage.
Yukimura reached towards Sanada and gingerly grasped Sanada's hand, "You really shouldn't make Niou do such things right before Hiroshi comes back. You know how eagerly he is awaiting him."
"Then who will do the report?" Sanada asked, a tone milder than usual.
"Why, I will, of course." Yukimura stated, as if it was obvious.
"You will tire your delicate body."
Yukimura shook a reproaching finger at Sanada, "You mustn't show favouritism like that."
Niou snorted, "As if we don't know."
Sanada turned to glare at Niou, his stern eyes matching the tiger on his robe, "I would ask you to keep your thoughts to yourself."
Niou turned away, fighting down the urge for a sharp retort while Yanagi thought it tactful to switch topics, "Have you heard from Yagyuu lately? He's to reach Chang'an(1) soon, is he not?"
"He will be here within the week," Niou replied confidently, "I have it on good authority."
"So he'll be here before the Cold Food Festival!" Kirihara clasped his hands together happily.
They didn't notice the meek maid stepping into the room, her face beet red until she quickly bowed to the lords and said, "Lord Oshitari Yuushi requests an audience with Yukimura Seiichi."
"Tell him-" Sanada was cut off by Yukimura.
"Tell him to enter." Yukimura smiled, ignoring the cutting look from Sanada. He settled down and straightened his already straight clothing. His signature white silk contrasted the dark red furniture, reflecting the alluring light from the many candles. There was a moment of awkward silence before the blushing maid stepped into the room, almost tripping over the door block. The scent of white musk preceded the follower.
Oshitari entered, obviously the cause of the maid's discomfort. He was romantically handsome with messy dark hair that hung down past his shoulder and deep eyes showing his scholarly nature. The burgundy (2) brocade he was wearing with light patterns of vines accentuated his dark skin and straight nose. His lips were curved in a smile, though some would describe it as a smirk. His movements were elegant and his manners fluid, belonging to that of a southerner (3). His sharp eyes betrayed his easy countenance as he surveyed the room of undesirable company. Those eyes set him apart from other officials for they were filled with cynicism and craftiness; a combination that had bestowed upon him the many talents and skills worthy of a relative of the great Atobe. He was beautiful in every respect and many in the room were amazed at the carelessness of his beauty.
"Greetings Yukimura," Oshitari nodded in his husky deep voice, "How are you today?"
"Very well, thank you, come and sit." Yukimura replied motioning a seat between Yanagi and himself.
Oshitari graciously sat down, his eyes inconspicuously roamed around, resting, to Yukimura's horror, on the bloody red marks. However, Oshitari pretended he noticed nothing as he settled himself down, "You're garden is very striking, I could not help but admire it."
"Why thank you. It is nothing compared to that of yours."
Oshitari smirked, "Your praises are undeserved."
"To what to I owe the honour of such a visit?" Yukimura asked, smiling genially.
"Is it such a crime to want to behold your beautiful countenance?" Oshitari challenged.
"You flatter me."
Sanada made a slight motion, as if wondering whether to interrupt the banter. At last, he spoke, "How is Duke Atobe?"
Oshitari mentally noted that in the presence of Yukimura, Sanada was displaying telltale signs of insecurity. They were so diminutive that only under Oshitari's careful scrutiny did he see Sanada falter. Oshitari almost laughed at the prospect; it seemed that Sanada was torn between upholding his honour and pleasing Yukimura, a feat that seemed to contradict itself too much for Sanada's ease. However, Sanada, under his training as an aristocrat, was pulling it off remarkably well.
"Atobe is doing very well; he bade me to ask after you." Oshitari replied, lowering his head in reverence, "He asks after your health."
"He can be assured that Sanada is doing very well." Yukimura smiled.
Niou leaned over and mumbled something to Kirihara, which earned him a harsh look from both Yukimura and Sanada but Niou had acquired that devil-may-care look in his eyes and ignored the glares.
"Come," Yukimura bid, "Drink some tea." He motioned the blushing maid over to pour some tea.
Oshitari was visually seducing the young maid. It proved to be no challenge to Oshitari, openly displaying his charms to all around him. His eyes traced the opening of her gown (4), up her neck, across her lips to her eyes. The girl dared not look at Oshitari in the eye and blushing madly; she fumbled the teacup and quickly tried to right her mistake. Oshitari reached out a hand to help her, carelessly yet precisely brushing along her wrist to her palm. The maid snatched her hand away as if Oshitari's hands were hot iron and withdrew.
Niou rolled his eyes and looked to see Yukimura's reaction before commenting carelessly, "Oshitari of the thousand skills." It earned him a nudge from Yanagi.
Oshitari merely smirked in Niou's direction before turning back to Yukimura, "Anyways, I came here to ask you two things."
"Yes?" Yukimura sipped his tea, settling himself comfortably on the cushions.
"I wish to commission a painting of a particular person." Oshitari smiled, "Can you do that?"
"Why, this is surprising," Yukimura was taken aback, "You know that I specialize in mountain and water paintings."
"I think your skills in capturing the human physique are impeccable. You would be most suitable for this commission."
"You are generous in your compliments." Yukimura allowed, "May I know who I will have the pleasure in capturing?"
Oshitari inclined his head, "Mukahi Gakuto, the dancer."
"That could be arranged, provided I see this Gakuto soon."
"You can take your time, the last thing I would want is for you to tire yourself, but you will be thoroughly compensated for your efforts." Oshitari took out his pouch and began to count an impressive amount of coins.
"No, no," Yukimura pushed the pouch away, "I will only accept payment after I finish the painting to your satisfaction."
Oshitari smiled and pocketed the pouch.
Kirihara anxiously leaned forward, letting his robe fall carelessly around him, "You mentioned a second reason for visiting?"
"Yes, it's just a quick question and I'll be on my way."
"Continue?" Yukimura bade.
"Do you happen to know a man by the name of Sakurai Masaya?" Oshitari asked mildly.
There was a moment of hesitation before Yukimura answered levelly, "We've heard of him, yes."
"It is unfortunate accident, what happened to him. We wanted to contact his family about his passing; do you know any of them?" Oshitari betrayed no emotion at his words. It was easy for Oshitari to note the hesitation. He had gotten what he wanted. Lying, to him, was a part of daily life.
"No, I can't say we do." Yukimura replied.
"What happened to him?" Kirihara enquired.
"He drowned in a boating accident, it is very ill-fated but it won't happen again."
"I agree, it is terribly unlucky."
Oshitari smiled, "Well, I won't stay any longer; I still have a report to finish." He got up to go, eyeing the maid intensely before he started walking.
"Can you not stay a while longer?" Yukimura asked, getting up to walk with Oshitari.
"I would like nothing better, but I cannot." Oshitari replied.
"Then I won't walk you," Yukimura nodded towards the maid who quickly followed Oshitari.
As soon as Oshitari was out of earshot, Niou snorted, "Unfortunate accident, my ass."
"He knows." Yanagi pointed out.
Sanada bristled, "Of course he does."
"With his tone, he was accusing us the whole time," Niou tossed his head, "I didn't think he'd have the courage."
"Are you really going to paint for him?" Kirihara asked.
"Of course, why wouldn't I?"
"He has no pity or second thoughts about killing you." Sanada commented.
"Straightforward as always," Yukimura laughed, leaning forward to touch Sanada's hand. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."
Sanada quickly withdrew his hand and turned to Niou, "And he can turn our entire household into spies without even opening his purse."
"Atobe chooses his men carefully."
Finding the subject unpleasant to dwell upon, Yanagi turned to other matters, "How to you propose we recruit spies again?"
"It won't be so easy, after they've already discovered us." Sanada replied.
"Still, it is doable?" Kirihara inquired.
"Anything is doable if you've got the power," Niou pronounced. "I will set about to hiring new spies, better ones." He looked at Sanada for confirmation.
Sanada nodded.
"The Cold Food Festival (5) is coming up soon, that will be a perfect time to place those spies."
"Are we going to the Serpentine River Park for the festival?" Kirihara asked. "I heard there will be a polo tournament set up there."
Yukimura smiled indulgently, "of course, I have yet to see Sanada's archery skills in the contests, I do hope Sanada will excel." He gazed inquisitively at the stern Lord.
Sanada didn't reply but shifted his position and returned to the topic of business. "Does the Empress Dowager favour Tezuka still?"
A nod assured Sanada of the affirmative. He paused, his eyes gazing around the room, racking up schemes for favour. He knew that Atobe was not in favour, in fact, his arrogance, seen as many to be charming, was a flaw in the eyes of the Empress Dowager. However, Atobe had the sufficient funds necessary to enter Imperial favour and the power to back it up. Sanada however, had less monetary capital to spend on such trivialities; it was hard enough keeping his household as it is, without the buying of Imperial Bureaucrats. He knew he would have to earn the favour of the Empress, instead of buying it.
"He is summoned almost daily to her palace." Niou said, shaking his head.
Yanagi turned, "Perhaps you should visit." He lifted a cautious hand to drink a sip of the exquisite tea. At once, he wondered how Sanada was able to keep the lavish household. His taste for quality and rarity would have ruined most palace officials by now.
Sanada shook his head, "I have neither the time nor the talent for such frivolity."
"Even when frivolity will win you the world?" Yukimura probed gently.
"A world won by frivolity is not one in which I would want to reside."
The one line told all more about Sanada's philosophy than anyone who knew him for years could have pieced together. Chuckling, Yukimura changed the topic to lighter affairs and the day passed in peace.
(1) Chang'an is the ancient capital of China and remained so for thirteen dynasties until the Tang, present day Xi'an, Shaanxi. There is the Daming Palace Park there, which is just on top of the Daming Palace foundations.
(2) Burgundy is the colour designated for officials of Oshitari's rank
(3) Southerners are stereotypically more elegant, with smaller more subtle movements. Since Yuushi in universe is from the Kansai district, I thought it'd make sense to make him a Southerner.
(4) Only in the Tang dynasty are women's clothes low cut, a symbol of the openness of the time
(5) A solar festival occuring on April 5. It lasts for three days and nobody is allowed to light fires, hence all the food will be cold. It is also a chance for fun and games, with many traditions associated with it.
A/N: This is one of the original. This chapter was written before my 3 year hiatus on the story. This is the only one left, because the other ones have been lost in the great computer fail of 2009. The last chapter and the ones from now on will be written now.
Before I forget to mention, because I know I will. I've decided to make Ohtori nobility, because it suits him and his personality. It'll also serve to balance out the power a bit between the three factions. He'll be the son of the governor of Hangzhou, but brought into court at a young age because of his talent in playing. When he becomes of age to marry, he'll leave court. Since he only has an older sister, he is also the family heir. He's kinda like Fuji in a way.
Yeah, I will mention it the next time Hyotei comes up. I was supposed to in the last chapter but completely forgot. I'm writing it in my A/N just because I'll forget it otherwise. (You guys need to remind me too!)
HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE! THIS IS MY CANADA DAY GIFT TO YOU! (Also, happy 90th anniversary of China's communist party)
Also, tell me what you think of this chapter. I love hearing from you guys.
