Chapter Nine
"The moon sinks behind the mountain peaks just before the sun rises
A beautiful, lonely time passes by
There's a country I want to protect and people I want to support."
(Message)
A treaty has been signed with the marriage of the emperor and the teiki of Kutou. However, no one really believed that it would result in everlasting peace. At the very best, it should buy a generation of peace.
Even that might be a bit too optimistic.
Upon examining the situation of their neighbour, there was no obvious indication of the other attacking. However, there were still minor skirmishes elsewhere.
The truth is that the marriage merely brought them some time.
The issue of Konan's military has been a problem that Hotohori has been thinking about for a long time. In order to have a deeper knowledge, he has actually started to study many of the old histories.
It seemed that Kounan has never been a country that has a very heavy focus on military. Even during periods of peace, where the rulers did not need to feel threatened, the military was still very small.
After all, it was more profitable to make use of the fertile land that they were blessed with.
This then resulted in a very bad cycle, as Kounan could easily become a target. Even if the current ruler was good, there was always a chance of there being a bad ruler in the future.
It was too easy to just say that they have to get a strange military, as there were too many problems that prevented this from being formed.
For a start, this would cause a severe disruption to Kounan's governing system.
"Kounan already has an army, your majesty." His chancellor said firmly. "An army is very expensive."
This was true, as those who were in the army would be paid by the state and their training meant that they would not be contributing to the economy of the country.
"Forgive me for saying this, your majesty, but a young emperor who tries to build a very large army would only cause great alarm." Another of his officials said.
This was not unfair, as their history showed them this example many times. If the said emperor and his people were lucky, nothing of lasting consequences would happen.
"I am not building an army for the sake of invading others. It is for the sake of preventing Kounan from being attacked." He argued.
"I agree." One of his generals immediately said and this naturally caused the officials to argue, with the majority disagreeing with the idea of giving the military more power. Even though their reason was reasonable, those in the military still accused the bureaucratic officials of trying to hoard all power.
In turn, this caused the other side to accurse the military of being the one who desired more power.
"Enough." He said angrily, slamming his hand down. "This is not the light issue of whether we should put a few more people in the army due to a trivial reason, but the severe problem of our country's lack of defence. No matter what, we need to increase the size of the army. At the very least, we need to show Kutou that taking over Kounan would not be effortless."
It was not that his bureaucratic officials did not believe the threat from Kutou, but to make the army powerful was regarded as an equally dangerous threat. To them, it was the solution of one problem by creating another problem.
They could not forget how a man with a capable military managed to destroy the old dynasty. It was true that the old regime was already in a state of chaos, but there was still a very strong enough army then.
If it was not for the threat of Kutou, he would probably never think about this either.
This issue was most likely going to be dragged out for a very long time and he only hoped that there would be some change in the end.
Whenever Hotohori stepped pass the gate that symbolised the door to the empress' quarter, he would feel a deep sense of relief. Here, he could allow himself to rest.
Upon walking closer to her room, he could hear the sound of her qin.
"Hotohori!" she immediately stopped her playing and went to embrace him. Instead of letting her go soon after, he actually tightened his hold.
"Is something wrong?" Yuri asked worriedly when he finally let her go.
"Nothing," he assured her even though he continued to keep a tight hold on her hand. "I am just rather tired."
"Then come and sit by me."
The garden in her quarters was merely one of the many gardens in the place, but it was this garden's flower that could make him feel better when he looked at them. For a long time, he just sat right beside her, their hands intertwined.
She did not ask him anything or withdraw her hand, as she could tell that this was what he needed at this very moment.
As for him, the fact that he had someone who was there was enough, but to do more would be too much. The meeting made his thoughts filled with so many negative possibilities that he just wanted to escape from them for a while.
However, he knew better then anyone about escaping from reality. Eventually, he nodded to her, but he did not let her hand go.
"The meeting did not go well." he began. "The bureaucrats refuse to consider increasing the army and ended up accusing the generals of wanting more power."
He has begun to talk to Yuri of the matters of the state and it was natural to them both. After all, they were married with the desire of achieving a happy marriage together. In addition, they were both trying to make sense of all the politics that they were born into. The two of them were at the age where they were shifting from being dependent to independent.
Yuri would actually use her spare time to read in the hope of being able to help him. Therefore, her room actually consisted of many books and scrolls on military matters. They would often discuss various issues. Even though he was the emperor, many, if not most of the decisions in his reign has been made by his advisors.
"Yuri, what do you remember of the army in Kutou? How does the emperor of Kutou manage to fund this?"
It was at such times that she would be upset at her own ignorance, as this meant that she was not able to help him.
"I do not think that the payments for the soldiers are very high. I think their wages might actually be lower then the soldiers here, and many of the other trades. However, our armies fight very often. Therefore, a soldier can have a chance of making great fortune during raids. Therefore, this is probably why the soldiers of Kutou are often…barbaric."
"But eve with only the most basic and low wage, this would still be a great burden on the royal treasury."
"Yes, and so a large amount of the tax goes toward this. The reason that Kutou has such a high tax is not just due to the way that the royal family and high ranked officials live, but due to the necessity of funding this army. Despite what my family might appear like," she said bitterly. "They are well aware of the importance of the army. If the need come, they would sacrifice their own luxury. After all, the army is their security in more ways then one."
"But wouldn't the people's resentment be very dangerous?" he reasoned.
"Yes, so the army of Kutou became an escape for those not born into wealth. An ironic thing as the army has a part in causing their problem in the first place. People are drawn to the army despite the low wages as they know that this is their best chance of being rich due to raid. In addition, those who performed especially well could have a chance to be a General, who would then have both power and luxury."
"Like Nakago?"
The mentioning of this man actually made her body tremble slightly, causing him to fold her into his arms.
"Why do you fear him so much? Will you tell me?" he asked gently.
"…he hasn't done anything to me. He has never done anything to me. However, I know that he hates me. Nor do I believe that he would fail to resent my father after what my father did to him." at this, she actually began to shake even more. "For years I tried to forget what I saw but I never can. As a result, I tried to pretend that I never saw it."
He only rocked the body in his arms knowing that it was this that she needed.
"He was…he first came to the palace of Kutou after my father conquered the last of the Hin tribe. Rather, the last that was discovered. He was a captive and my father kept him as a slave." She continued, her voice very soft. "One day…I saw things that no one should see."
Nakago saw her too and the despair in his eyes turned to that of rage. Not only was she the daughter of the man that did this to him, she was also at fault for seeing him when he was in such a state.
Then there was the issue of her title.
The Hin was the name of the Hin tribe. The title given upon the destruction of his tribe- a reminder of what he lost and what caused him to be there.
"My father believes that Nakago is loyal despite what he once did, but I do not believe it. Is any power and luxury enough to erase what he did? However, it is true that he would not be able to do anything to my father the emperor, but me…if I had married him then…"
"That would never happen. You are my wife, my empress." He said firmly. "But Yuri…I want you to tell me the truth. Has your father…has your father ever do such a thing with…"
Not only was he barely able to speak, she notice that his voice was barely controlled. There was…rage.
"My father could not stand the sight of me and I stayed out of his way. In that aspect," she said with a mirthless chuckle. "I was lucky."
"…I am glad of this." Hotohori said, letting out a sigh of relief and his voice was now calmer. "If your father actually hurt you…I would…I would…"
"What would you do?" she whispered, too curious at the answer.
"I do not know what I would do. No, that is not true. I know what I want to do but I would not be able to do it. I actually want to attack Kutou even though to even think about it is foolish as that would only result in Kounan being destroyed."
At this, his wife turned so that she had her arms around him, as well as burying her face into his chest.
"You would do that for me?"
"I would like to punish your father for what he did to you, but I am happier that you were never hurt in such a way." He assured her as he gently stroked her back and hair.
"But Hotohori, would you find me disgusting if I was – " she began, but could not even finish.
"I would never think that." He said firmly. "You will still remain the most important person to me although I might really end up doing something like declaring war.
This made them both chuckle and eventually they resumed their original conversation. However, instead of talking to one another by sitting together, they did so with her being held by him, while she leant right against him.
Neither wanted to move.
The issue of the army continued and there were times when Hotohori was seriously considering just ignoring both sides and issuing his decision as a royal command. It was not unreasonable, but it was very risky, as he was still finding the balance with his authority. If he was being tyrannical, they might actually declare another to be a regent and he would be a puppet emperor again. In a way, the emperor's unlimited power was actually limited.
Today, however, the meeting was different as his empress was beside him.
After some consideration, they decided that they would not emphasise one country over another in the way that she dressed. Therefore, she wore a green gown with a blue hem and pattern, a contrast to his red robes. Yet on her head was the phoenix crown of Kounan's empress.
The silver was heavy but she actually felt relieved at the weight. Despite being the empress, she felt that the others looked at her as if she was just a little girl. But then, perhaps that was what she was.
An ignorant little girl that should not be here.
They did not walk hand-in-hand, as she needed to appear as someone with her own position, not just as the wife that stood beside the emperor. Her words needed to have weight in their own right.
"Hourengou, please tell us what you know of the military matters in Kutou." The chancellor began very politely, but the implications of his words were clear- she should not be here.
Luckily, she and Hotohori had thought about this already. She simply reminded them that this was not why she was here. It was to offer, not to provide advice.
The few generals there were glad to see her, as they believed that she was here to aid their cause since the emperor was certainly all that he could to improve the army.
"Hourengou, you are from Kutou." One of the generals began. "What would the chance of an offense from Kutou be?"
"That is foolish." Another immediately yelled out. "Why else did we sign this treaty and have Hotohori-sama marry Horengou?"
"Right now, Kutou should be safe." She began steadily. "However, Kutou is an aggressive state. Soon, it would look for new targets. It is true that for now, my father is satisfied with what Kounan gives, but it cannot last forever."
"Therefore, it would be wise if we can have a powerful army to defend ourselves." The general who asked the question concluded.
As predicted, this end up triggering a new argument. It was not that the bureaucratic completely opposed this in an unreasonable way as the issue of the cost and funding and maintaining of the army was very realistic.
"Hourengou, you must know that it is also the funding of the army that causes many of Kutou's unrest." One of the officials said and she could only nod at the truth.
"It is true that my father is not as aggressive in his ruling as he once was." She began, "But this is merely because he no longer conducts the actions himself. He would still order such a thing with soldiers. Most of all, even if my father would not do such a thing, my brothers might."
"But your brothers do not have the control of the army. Not even the crown prince."
"Crown prince becomes emperor. It might even be like father like son." She said bitterly. "What would they do with their new toy? My father, for all his fault, was once a good warrior and general. Is it not unlikely that my brother would seek to prove himself by doing something drastic like this upon his ascendency?"
Hotohori would like to comfort her but he knew that he must not do so. By doing that, he would be making light of her words and efforts.
"Kutou's army is more then Kounan's, much more." Yuri continued, hoping that she sounded more regal then the others then she did to herself. "To make it worse, those who invade would have the advantage of being able to gain something at another's expense."
'But Hourengou, even though Kounan's army is limited, it is strong too. Is that not so, General?"
This then led to a debate on the size of the army and the skills. At the very least, Hotohori decided optimistically, there would probably be some improvement in the very end, although he was not sure when it would be. But the good thing about Yuri's appearance was that she did help to convince them of the danger of Kutou."
"Wait, I would like to inspect the troops." He suddenly said, as he realised that he has yet to see the army himself, this army that they have been talking about for quite a while.
Just what are the skills of his own people?
A few days later, he was looking at his army at the military headquarter. At a glance, the army was pretty impressive. Their uniform and equipment were all at a very good condition. After all, Kounan provided for it, unlike Kutou. Yet at the same time, he felt that these troops looked a bit too clean.
Boys with weapons they have never used before. They were just like him. He was skilled in his lessons but he was not sure whether he could regard himself as a swordsman, because he has never been in a real fight.
But he was the emperor, he was not a soldier.
It was not as if he came with the intention of criticising what was here, because he actually wanted the very opposite.
"Kounan has been in peace for a very long time, your majesty." The general said as they walked pass some more soldiers training. "However, your soldiers are all training hard everyday."
He always wears a sword and he would constantly practise with it. However, what was his skill really like? In that way, these soldiers were just like him.
"I will have a match with them." He suddenly announced. "I have some understanding of swordsmanship, so I would like to see my soldiers' skills."
As he expected, this naturally caused a large amount of protest.
"What other way is there for me to test their skills?" he pointed out before adding the following softly. "No, that is not true. It is for myself."
He needed to know whether he really had these abilities that he regarded as his or were they merely what came with his position.
"I shall find an opponent for your majesty." The speaker actually made him smile as it was one of his old teachers, one that constantly pushed him to the limits.
One that would not lie to him.
"I will get my best student- one that would soon teach others." That captain said. "And I would make sure that he fights with all his skills."
Wooden swords were found but the opponent was still worried. After all, wooden swords could still cause a wound that would offend.
Initially, Hotohori was relieved at discovering that his fighting skills were alright. However, this relief did not last long. At first, he did suspect that his opponent was holding back as he was the emperor. However, the sweat of the other and his panting indicated that this was not so.
The other's wooden sword was knocked out and there were even cracks.
It should be the opposite.
"Reward him." Hotohori said to the general before he turned away to hide the expression that appeared.
Nor did he allow it to show until he was alone with the few generals and captains that he was certain that he can trust.
"This should not have happened." He said slowly. "I should not have been able to beat your best man so easily."
"Your majesty, I do not think that the fault should all be given to my man." His old teacher said. "You have, after all, always been very talented and skilled in the way of swordsmanship."
"But even then, I am the emperor, not a soldier. I should not be able to beat a person who has been devoting his life to training." He continued. "Our army is not strong enough."
"But your majesty, the problem lies with the fact that the army is usually one of the least preferable career opportunities."
He then spent a long time discussing various plans with them but he knew that many of their ideas would only be possible in their discussion. Kounan's prejudice and favouritism of the army and bureaucratic would not shift overnight.
Right now, the first step was for him to favour the military without openly angering the bureaucratic, as well as being more prominent in the army to show his support and appreciation of their job.
"Changes will come because you are working so hard." His wife assured him as he lay beside her, comforted by her warmth. "And we will see it together."
"Yes, we will build a better Kounan together." He whispered. "I know it is possible if you are beside me. Being an emperor would not be so hard as long as you are right there beside me."
Author's Note: First of all, for those who are kind enough to read this and leave me review, yes, I know that it has been quite a while since I wrote this story, but I have been stuck on this story for a while and I am focusing on my Final Fantasy XII story more, as I did start that earlier. However, I will try to work on this story when I can.
This chapter is my attempt of dealing with the political situation of Kounan, as well as showing how Hotohori and Yuri are supporting one another.
I was watching this Chinese drama about one of the emperor in the Han Dynasty, The Emperor Han Wu, who is probably one of the most famous emperors of the dynasty and just one of the really famous emperors in Chinese history. Watching that drama is quite helpful because he is actually a very young emperor. However, it shows that the emperor's power can be limited by those around him. It seems that it is especially alarming if the emperor is young, as advisors might often find a way to stop him from doing something. Of course, Hotohori's task is easier as he is not limited by any mother or grandmother, but I feel that he is still very limited due to many of his advisors.
As mentioned earlier, I do feel that Kounan is quite like the Song Dynasty, this then allow me to work with the idea of how the army is undervalued, which I think make sense given that Kounan's army is quite small.
In regard to Hotohori having a practice match, the idea is that no matter how skilled he is, his soldiers should naturally be more skilled then him, because their job is to fight. However, there is the case of Hotohori not being a good example of this case because he does seem unusually skilled in sword fighting. At the same time, I do think that he would be hesitant about his own skills, because he has never really been in a proper fight before. Because he is the emperor, he knows that people would often not tell him the truth. Therefore, I feel that his vanity is actually because his appearance is something that he can be certain of.
With Kutou's army, I was inspired by the army of the Roman empire. The army of the Roman empire did have to pay for their own equipment (it would be deducted from their wages) and their salary is quite low, and many would make their fortune by looting.