“The tojin lord comes quickly in response to our summons,” he said in a colorless tone, and he signed to Gengo to withdraw.
“Your Highness would have found me in attendance much sooner, had I not been led astray in the palace gardens,” I replied, keeping a side glance on Midzuano and Keiki. The latter flushed with a momentary outflashing of chagrin; the Chief Counsellor stared at me with his dull unblinking gaze, and gave no sign.
“Led astray in the gardens?” questioned the Shogun.
“At sunset, Your Highness, on my way to Owari Yashiki from the High Court, Gengo overtook me, with word that my presence was required at the palace.”
“At sunset?—Command was not sent until after the arrival of Owari dono.”
“Your Highness,” murmured Midzuano, “foreseeing the need for the presence of the tojin, command was sent by your humble counsellor. The tojin owes the credit of his quick appearance before Your Highness to the forethought of one whom he unjustly considers an enemy. I venture to speak because my sole desire is the safety and honor of the Shogunate. All friends of Nippon must forget past differences and unite in the face of the invading barbarians.”
The man’s adroitness astonished me. In a few words he had claimed credit for foresight, moderation, and patriotism, had accused me of cherishing undeserved enmity against him, and had diverted the attention of all to the burning question of the American expedition in such manner as to rouse suspicion against me and increase their fear and hatred of the supposed invaders. He need have had no apprehension that I would complain of the treacherous attack in the garden. Keiki’s vindictive look had quickened my suspicions to moral certainty; but this was not the time to speak of a matter that involved Azai.
“Your Highness,” I said, deepening my smile, “the wise Chief Counsellor has spoken well according to his limited information. He should not be blamed if, at such a time of panic and confusion, he permits inquietude to so disturb his sound judgment that he states what is not true. It is a false rumor that says the Americans have come to invade Nippon.”
“False?” cried Keiki, “false?—when the black ships have entered Yedo Bay in defiance of the edict!”
“They come in peace. The Dutch told the Shogunate to expect the expedition.”