Black Lotus

14

The shogun’s mother, his two hundred concubines, and their attendants lived in a secluded area of the palace known as the Large Interior. Reiko entered by its private gate. Walking through a garden green and fresh from the rain, she came upon a group of young women dressed in bright kimonos, gathering asters and reeds in the late-afternoon sunshine. Among the women Reiko spied Midori, who smiled and hurried to greet her.

“Hello, Reiko-san,” Midori said. “What brings you here?”

“I need to see His Excellency’s mother,” Reiko said.

“Then I must warn you that Lady Keisho-in is in one of her moods. We’ve had a terrible time keeping her entertained. Now she’s sent us out to pick flowers for her to arrange.” Midori sighed at the plight of herself and the other ladies-in-waiting. “Maybe a visit from you will improve her temper.”

Reiko and Midori walked toward the building, a wing of the palace with a gabled tile roof over plaster and timber walls. Midori said hesitantly, “Have you seen Hirata-san today?”

“Yes, as I was leaving the house this morning,” Reiko said.

“Did he…” Midori looked down at the flower basket in her hands. “Did he say anything about me?”

“We didn’t speak at all,” Reiko said, sparing her friend the knowledge that Hirata never mentioned Midori anymore. Reiko had noticed Hirata’s lack of attention to her friend, and Midori’s growing despondency. She knew Midori was in love with Hirata, but although she and Sano had cherished hopes of a match between them, social considerations and Hirata’s indifference made the possibility of their marriage remote.

“I don’t know what to do!” Midori cried. Tears spilled down her cheeks. “How can I make him like me again?”

Reiko privately thought Hirata had turned into a conceited boor who wasn’t worth such anguish, but she wanted to help her friend. “Maybe you should show special interest in his life.”

“I’ve already tried that. “ Midori sniffled. “I offered to help him solve a case, but he just laughed.”

“Well, maybe that’s not such a good idea,” Reiko said, quailing at the thought of delicate, innocent Midori involved in dangerous detective work.

“You mean you don’t think I’m capable either?” Midori said, pouting.

“It’s not that,” Reiko said hastily. “But most men don’t admire cleverness in a woman or want her meddling in their business, and I doubt if Hirata-san does, either. Maybe you should just look as pretty as possible and be cold and aloof toward him. That should spark his interest in you.”

Comprehension shone in Midori’s eyes. “Of course! He’ll want me because he thinks I don’t want him. Oh, thank you,” she exclaimed, hugging Reiko. “I can’t wait to see Hirata-san and show him how little he means to me!”

Inside the Large Interior, rooms were crammed with pretty young women playing cards, combing their hair, and chattering among themselves. Their shrill voices deafened Reiko as she walked through the narrow, winding corridors with Midori. A cypress door, resplendent with carved dragons, marked the entrance to Lady Keisho-in’s private chambers. Two sentries-among the few men allowed in the Large Interior-stood outside. From inside came gay samisen music. Keisho-in’s crusty old voice yelled, “I’m sick of that song. Play something else,” then subsided into phlegmy coughing.

Another tune began. The sentries admitted Midori and Reiko to a room filled with tobacco smoke. Through its haze Reiko saw the samisen player seated amid other ladies-in-waiting. Around them lay cards, tea bowls, and plates of food. Lady Keisho-in lolled upon cushions. She was a small, squat woman clad in a cobalt silk kimono; a silver tobacco pipe protruded from her mouth. Puffing, she squinted at the doorway.

“Midori-san? Don’t just stand there, come over here.” Ill temper coarsened her voice. “Who is that with you?”

Reiko and Midori knelt before the shogun’s mother and bowed. “I present the Honorable Lady Reiko,” Midori said.

“Splendid!” With a grunt, Lady Keisho-in pushed herself upright. Her dyed black hair, thick white face powder, and crimson rouge gave her a guise of youth, but her sixty-seven years showed in her sagging bosom and double chin. She smiled, revealing gaps between her cosmetically blackened teeth; her rheumy eyes sparkled.

“Life is so melancholy these days, and it cheers me to see you,” she said to Reiko. She signaled the attendants, who poured tea for Reiko. “Have some refreshments.”

“Thank you,” Reiko said, glad of Lady Keisho-in’s welcome. She’d visited Keisho-in before, but never without invitation, and she’d feared offending the mother of her husband’s lord.

“My, it’s been ages since we last met.” Keisho-in shifted to a more comfortable position for a good chat. The samisen music continued; Midori and the other attendants sat in polite silence. “What have you been doing?”

“Taking care of my son,” Reiko said. “He’s eighteen months old now, and he keeps me quite busy.”

“I recall my own dear boy at that age,” Keisho-in said with fond nostalgia. “He loved his mama so much that he couldn’t bear to be separated from her. He was so obedient and docile.”

He hasn’t changed much, Reiko thought. The shogun depended on his mother for advice on how to rule Japan, and Lady Keisho-in was one of his most influential companions. Her word could elevate or destroy the careers of bakufu officials. Fortunately, Sano had earned her goodwill, and it was this goodwill that Reiko hoped to benefit from today.

“How is your health?” Keisho-in asked. “Do your breasts give plenty of milk? Hmm, your figure looks fine.” With a lewd cackle, she added, “I bet you and your husband have resumed marital relations.”

Blushing in embarrassment, Reiko nodded. The woman had such a vulgar habit of discussing intimate subjects!

“Move closer so I can get a better look at you,” Keisho-in said. Reiko obeyed. Keisho-in scrutinized her, then declared, “Motherhood becomes you.” Heightened interest lit her gaze. “In fact, it has increased your beauty.”

“Many thanks for the undeserved praise,” Reiko said politely. “I know I look terrible.”

“Oh, you’re too modest.” Lady Keisho-in dimpled. “Now tell me, what news is there of the sōsakan-sama?”

“He’s investigating the fire and murders at the Black Lotus Temple,” Reiko said, leading the conversation to the topic of importance to her.

“Men,” scoffed Keisho-in. She inhaled on her pipe, exhaled smoke, and coughed, shaking her head. “Always so absorbed in business. Do you know that Priest Ryuko has gone off somewhere and left me by myself all day?”

Ryuko was Keisho-in’s spiritual adviser and lover. Evidently, his abandonment had caused her bad mood. Now she fluttered a silk fan in front of her face. Above it, her eyes twinkled at Reiko. “I bet your man has left you to your own devices, too.”

“Actually, he’s asked me to help with the case,” Reiko said.

She explained about Haru, and her belief that the Black Lotus sect was involved in the crimes. Lady Keisho-in listened eagerly, uttering exclamations: “Shocking!” “Remarkable!” Her attention encouraged Reiko to hope that Keisho-in would grant the favor she wanted.

“I need to speak with High Priest Anraku, the leader of the sect,” Reiko said, “but his subordinates wouldn’t let me.”

“Disgusting!” Keisho-in grimaced. “Those people take too much authority upon themselves.”

“Perhaps if I had assistance from a person of influence…?” Reiko hinted.

“I suppose that might help,” Keisho-in agreed cheerfully.

“Someone to whom the high priest owes a duty could convince him to grant me an audience,” Reiko said.

Smiling, Keisho-in nodded, but it was obvious that she had no idea what Reiko meant. Mirth shimmered behind the stoic faces of the ladies-in-waiting. Reiko gave up on subtlety. “The high priest would see me if you ordered him to,” she said.

“Of course he would. “ Comprehension brightened Keisho-in’s face. “He has to do what I say. All of his kind must.”

Lady Keisho-in was an avid Buddhist who had taken a religious name; she’d also directed the shogun to build temples and give generous endowments to religious orders. The clergy didn’t dare disobey her, lest they lose Tokugawa patronage.

“Just leave that priest to me,” Keisho-in said, “and you shall have whatever you want.” She fixed an insinuating, covetous gaze on Reiko.

Keisho-in was flirting with her! The belated realization flabbergasted Reiko. Everyone knew that the shogun’s mother liked women as well as men, but Reiko had never imagined herself as an object of Keisho-in’s romantic interest. The dowager had always treated her with maternal kindness, yet now it seemed that Keisho-in had taken a fancy to her.

“A thousand thanks,” Reiko stammered in dismay. Keisho-in often had affairs with her attendants, the wives of bakufu officials, and even her son’s concubines. No lover could give her as much affection as she needed, and she punished them harshly for their failure. Everyone had heard tales of maids and concubines thrown out on the streets; ladies-in-waiting dismissed and doomed to spinsterhood because Keisho-in forbade anyone to marry them; officials demoted because their wives had displeased her. Reiko wasn’t physically attracted to women, and she found the shogun’s mother repugnant. She was horrified to discover that she’d put herself and Sano in peril.

The only solution was to get away as quickly and gracefully as possible. Reiko said, “Your help will surely benefit the investigation, and I truly appreciate it, but I must-”

“We shall go to the Black Lotus Temple tomorrow,” Keisho-in announced. “I’ll order the sect to let you see the high priest, and we’ll both visit him.”

“What?” Reiko hoped she’d misheard the shogun’s mother.

“A little trip is just the diversion I need,” Keisho-in said. Giggling, she leaned closer to Reiko as she whispered, “Traveling together will give us time to get better acquainted.”

Reiko stared at her, dumbstruck. She didn’t want to spend any more time with Lady Keisho-in. Nor did she want Keisho-in around to meddle in the investigation.

“But you don’t have to go to the temple,” Reiko said, fighting anxiety. “It’s such a long way, and a message from you to High Priest Anraku would do just as well as a personal visit. Please don’t trouble yourself.”

“A favor for you is no trouble. “ Some of the happiness faded from Lady Keisho-in’s face. “Don’t you want my company?”

“Of course I do,” Reiko said quickly, because she dared not offend Keisho-in. “I’m just so overwhelmed by your generosity.”

“Then it’s all settled. We’ll leave at the hour of the dragon.” Her good humor restored, Keisho-in extended her hands to the ladies-in-waiting. “Help me up so I can choose my costume for the occasion.” As the women pulled her to her feet, Keisho-in simpered at Reiko. “I want to look nice.”

Riding in her palanquin through the streets of Edo Castle ’s official district, Reiko gazed absently out the window at the walled estates and mounted samurai. She tried to think how to avoid taking Lady Keisho-in along to the Black Lotus Temple, and failed. Unless she honored Keisho-in’s wishes, she wouldn’t get an interview with High Priest Anraku. She dreaded tomorrow and wondered how to discourage Keisho-in’s attentions. What would she tell Sano? Maybe she shouldn’t have approached the shogun’s mother.

Then Reiko shook her head. It was too late for regrets and self-recrimination. She would just have to think of a way to handle Lady Keisho-in. Meanwhile she had another favor to ask of someone else.

Outside an estate near Sano’s and similar in design, but grander, the captain of her military escort announced her arrival to the sentry stationed at the gate: “The wife of the sōsakan-sama wishes to visit the wife of the Honorable Minister of Temples and Shrines.” Soon Reiko was seated in a cozy chamber with her friend Hiroko, daughter of Magistrate Ueda’s chief retainer and now wife of the official in charge of monitoring the clergy.

“It’s good to see you again,” Hiroko said, pouring tea. She was two years Reiko’s senior and had rounded features that reflected her tranquil disposition. Maids brought her two little boys, aged one and three years, for Reiko to admire. Hiroko inquired about Masahiro, then said with a gentle, knowing smile, “Somehow I doubt that you’ve come here for the mere pleasure of passing the time with me.”

A fond, sisterly understanding had existed between them since their childhood, when Reiko had taken the lead in games while Hiroko tried to curb Reiko’s willfulness and often shared the consequences of it.

“I need information about the Black Lotus sect,” Reiko said. “I was hoping that the honorable minister might have some knowledge that would help solve the mystery of the fire and murders at the temple. May I speak to him?”

A frown marred Hiroko’s smooth forehead. “You know I would give you anything you wanted of me, Reiko-san, but… ” She paused, seeking words to refuse a favor to the daughter of her father’s master. “My husband is very busy, and women shouldn’t meddle in men’s affairs.”

“I understand,” Reiko said, “and I don’t like asking you to do something that might cause trouble in your marriage, but a life may depend on what I can learn about the Black Lotus.” Reiko described Haru’s plight and her own suspicions about the sect. “Unless I can find out who committed the crimes, a person who may be innocent will be executed.”

Hiroko glanced at her children playing in the next room, her gaze clouded with indecision.

“Will you at least ask your husband if he’ll spare me a moment?” Reiko asked, though she hated to pressure her friend.

Fortunately for Reiko, obedience was ingrained in Hiroko. A sigh issued from her, and she conceded, “I’ll ask him.”

She left the room, but soon returned. “He agreed to see you,” she said, her relief clear in her voice. “Come with me.”

Reiko accompanied her friend to the mansion’s private office and knelt before the man seated behind a desk in the raised study niche. Twenty years older than his wife, he had a lean, rigid figure clad in a gray kimono. The swarthy skin of his face stretched taut over high cheekbones. His eyes, deeply set beneath his shaved crown and heavy brows, had a hard intelligence.

“Honorable Husband, I present Lady Reiko, daughter of Magistrate Ueda and wife of the shogun’s sōsakan-sama. “ Hiroko bowed. She said to Reiko, “Please allow me to introduce the Honorable Minister of Temples and Shrines,” then rose and left the room.

Reiko stifled an urge to call her back. Minister Fugatami’s formidable appearance alarmed her. He must think her a presumptuous little fool.

“I am honored to make your acquaintance,” she said, bowing. Nervousness quavered her words; her heart pounded.

Minister Fugatami also bowed, regarding her with stern disapproval. Reiko guessed that he’d agreed to see her only because her father was a respected colleague and her husband a member of the shogun’s inner circle. “I understand that you have an interest in the Black Lotus sect,” he said. His voice was quiet, cold. “Please explain why.”

When Reiko began faltering through a recitation about Haru, he raised a hand, stopping her. “My wife has already told me about this girl,” he said. “That does not concern me. What I wish to know is why you think the Black Lotus is capable of murder.” With a touch of scorn, he added, “The law requires evidence to support such a presumption, but I wouldn’t expect a woman to understand that. Are you slandering the sect just to remove the blame from your little friend?”

That he should judge her so prematurely and underestimate her knowledge of the law! Indignation gave Reiko courage. She said politely but firmly, “No, Honorable Minister, I am not. “ Surprise raised his thick brows: She was probably the first woman who’d ever stood up to him. “I have reason to believe that the Black Lotus is evil.”

As she described her encounter with the novice monk, and his tales of imprisonment, torture, and murder, Minister Fugatami leaned forward, listening intently, until she finished her account with Pious Truth’s claim that the sect was engaged in a dangerous secret project.

“You heard this from a source inside the sect,” he said. A strange elation inflected his voice. Now he regarded her with a warmth akin to affection. “Please forgive my initial doubt, and allow me to thank you for coming to me.”

His sudden transformation aroused in Reiko a distrust that must have shown on her face, because Minister Fugatami said, “I owe you an explanation. My own interest in the Black Lotus dates back to a time six years ago, when the sect began its rapid expansion.” He seemed to have forgotten her inferior status; in his enthusiasm for his subject, he spoke as if addressing an equal. “Like yourself, I believe the Black Lotus is involved in bad business.”

He turned to the shelves behind him and lifted down four thick ledgers. “These are the records of my research on the sect, but alas, my information comes from sources outside the temple. Your story about the novice monk is the first I’ve heard of any member speaking out against the Black Lotus. It is a welcome sign that the wall of silence surrounding the sect is beginning to crumble, and I shall finally obtain the evidence I need to shut down the temple.”

Reiko felt a thrill of excitement that this powerful official shared her suspicion about the Black Lotus. Perhaps Sano would finally take the allegations against the sect seriously. “May I ask what you know about High Priest Anraku?” she said.

The room was growing dim as the day faded into evening. Fugatami lit lanterns, then opened a ledger.

“This is my dossier on Anraku, whose original name was Yoshi, born thirty-seven years ago to the unmarried daughter of a laborer in Bizen Province,” he said. “At age fourteen he became a novice at the local monastery, where he got a rudimentary education and exercised such strong control over the other novices that they considered him their spiritual leader and refused to obey the priests. Anraku beat any novices who resisted his authority. He was expelled after a year, without taking religious vows.

“Next he set himself up as an itinerant priest, wandering through the countryside, begging alms and cheating peasants at card games. Then came a period of eight years during which Anraku seems to have disappeared. He eventually resurfaced in Edo and began selling charms that would supposedly bring prosperity, but actually did nothing.

“Anraku roamed through town for the next several years, attracting many followers. He established the Black Lotus sect in a makeshift temple in a Nihonbashi storefront. His followers distributed his writings, begged alms, and sold his dirty bathwater, advertised as ‘Miracle Juice’ that could cure diseases. Anraku also charged money for transferring his divine energy to his followers via secret rituals.”

“Didn’t the authorities care?” Reiko said, recalling Dr. Miwa’s arrest for fraud.

Shaking his head in regret, the minister said, “Anraku was good at controlling people and influencing them to believe they’d benefited from his rituals and remedies. Since no one complained about him, there was no reason to censure Anraku. Eventually he raised a fortune. He also forged connections with Zōjō priests. In exchange for a share of his wealth, they adopted the Black Lotus sect as a subsidiary and allowed Anraku to build his temple in their district. But I believe he’s still pursuing his criminal ways, on a larger scale.”

“Why is that?” Reiko asked eagerly.

Minister Fugatami laid his hand on another ledger. “These are complaints about the Black Lotus, filed with my office, from citizens and neighborhood headmen. According to them, the sect kidnaps children, extorts donations, and imprisons followers. Its neighborhood shrines are allegedly fronts for gambling dens and brothels. I am convinced that so many independent accounts tell the truth.”

Here was confirmation of Pious Truth’s tale, yet disbelief undercut Reiko’s gladness. “How can this have been going on for years?” she said. “Why has no one stopped it?”

“Because these reports are all hearsay.” With a gesture of repudiation, Fugatami shoved the ledgers aside. “I have not been able to obtain solid evidence to justify censuring the sect. I’ve interviewed the nuns and priests, who claim that all is well. I’ve inspected the temple and found nothing objectionable. I’m sure Anraku has spies who warn him that I’m coming, so that he can hide anything he doesn’t want me to see.”

Perhaps the cover-up also hid evidence pertaining to the fire and murders, Reiko speculated, and explained why Sano hadn’t found any suspects except Haru. “Can’t you ban the sect anyway?” she said, because she’d thought that the minister of temples had authority to act on his own judgment.

“Unfortunately, Anraku has loyal followers among my superiors,” said Fugatami. “They’ve persuaded the shogun to require material proof of my suspicions and testimony from sect members-exactly the things I’ve failed to get-before he’ll approve a ban on the Black Lotus.”

Reiko hadn’t realized that the Black Lotus had such strong influence within the bakufu. “Can Anraku’s spurious cures and teachings really have won the favor of so many high officials?” she said, disturbed by the thought of their power opposing her effort to clear Haru and expose the sect’s misdeeds.

“Oh, yes.” Irony twisted Fugatami’s mouth. “Some of my colleagues are as credulous as peasants. Besides, I suspect they’ve accepted monetary gifts from Anraku.”

Corruption was rampant, and criminals often bribed officials to sanction their illegal activities, Reiko knew. “What’s to be done?” she asked.

“It is my duty to protect the public from physical and spiritual harm by evil religious frauds.” The cold fire of dedication burned in Minister Fugatami’s eyes. “With your help, maybe I can at last shut down the Black Lotus Temple, dissolve the sect, and punish the leaders. I must definitely see your novice monk.”

“My husband promised to find Pious Truth.” Reiko wondered whether Sano had succeeded.

“Good. Still, an inside witness represents only half the proof I need.” Fugatami stroked his chin thoughtfully, then said, “Many new complaints have come from Shinagawa.” This was a village near Edo. “I plan to investigate them tomorrow. I shall ask the sōsakan-sama to accompany me so I can gain his support for my cause.” He took up a writing brush. “Will you convey my letter of invitation to him?”

“Gladly.” Reiko hoped Minister Fugatami could convince Sano that the Black Lotus was worth investigating, yet she doubted that her husband would agree to spend hours on a trip. “But he may not have time to go.”

“He can send one of his retainers,” Fugatami said, writing characters on paper.

A sudden inspiration quickened Reiko’s heartbeat. She and Lady Keisho-in were going to see High Priest Anraku tomorrow morning, but she had nothing to do afterward, and Shinagawa wasn’t far from the Zōjō district. “I could go as my husband’s representative,” she suggested.

“You?” Surprise lifted Minister Fugatami’s voice; he stopped writing and stared at Reiko with the same disapproval as when they’d first met. “That would be most inappropriate.”

“We wouldn’t have to travel together,” Reiko said, understanding that a woman couldn’t join an official procession. “Nor would I interfere with your business.” That would be an even worse breach of social custom. “I propose simply to watch and report back to my husband.”

The minister hesitated, studying her in the flickering lantern light. Reiko could see him estimating how much influence she had over Sano and weighing his desire for his mission’s success against the impropriety of honoring her request. At last he nodded.

“Very well,” he said reluctantly. He wrote the letter and handed it to Reiko. “If the sōsakan-sama cannot go to Shinagawa, and you happen to be there, I won’t prevent you from observing my investigation.”