Chapter 6 Part 1 - Since I was reborn as Saito Yoshitatsu, I'm aiming to hand over the territory to Oda Nobunaga and live longer!
1534 (Tenbun era, year 3)
TL: YuinaEditor: Yuina
[1] Herbal medicine, also called "kanpo" - which is the study of traditional Chinese medicine in Japan following its introduction, beginning in the 7th century. It was adapted and modified to suit Japanese culture and traditions. Traditional Japanese medicine uses most of the Chinese methods, including acupuncture, moxibustion, traditional Chinese herbology, and traditional food therapy.
Chapter 6: What Can Be Achieved with Such a Small Body
Nestled on a slightly elevated spot near Inabayama Castle, the mansion overlooks the bustling town below. The rhythmic count of "1, 2, 3, 4" during morning exercises echoes from the castle's vicinity, serving as an alternative wake-up call for late risers. The sight of people gathering in front of their houses to perform these exercises and exchange warm greetings has garnered attention and sparked conversations even in neighboring countries.
In our household too, morning exercises shared with the whole family in the inner courtyard have become a customary scene. Lately, it has transformed into a health check for the entire family. Though it's mostly done out of habit, we do pay attention to each other's complexion. The women, in particular, change into comfortable attire that allows easy movement. Since they typically wear cumbersome clothing throughout the day, they find it liberating and enjoyable to be free and unburdened, even if only for the morning exercise routine.
The news of the possible succession to the Saito name has put my father, Sakon no daibu Norihide, in exceptionally high spirits. I can tell from the lively tone of his voice during the morning exercises. Surely, this will eventually lead to the rise of Saito Dosan.
Having turned eight with the start of the new year, my studies now involve more challenging characters and writing techniques. However, my modern knowledge of Japanese sometimes gets in the way, and I find myself puzzled by the reason certain shapes represent specific kanji characters. Sitting directly on the tatami floor during practice can make my backside ache, but slouching even a little results in messy characters and earns me a scolding.
When it comes to manners and etiquette, the nanny, whom I first saw when I awakened in this body, is the most persistent. I heard that her mother had a connection to my great-grandfather from his days as a samurai in the northern forces, and she had worked under the supervision of Kunaikyo (Minister of the Sovereign's Household) Kitaikoji Toshinaga, who was the same age as my grandfather Masatoshi. She instructs me with unwavering discipline, paying attention to even the smallest details. It reminded me of the strict training sessions I went through with a seasoned senior during my residency.
With the passing of my grandfather, I felt the urgency to take action sooner rather than later, but there is little I can do. The (appointed) next head of the family has to do his best in his studies.
Nevertheless, I have been granted permission to order a few herbal medicine [1] seeds from Ming [2].
Even modern physicians often make use of herbal medicine. Many elderly individuals have a fondness for it, and there are people who appreciate being prescribed herbal remedies.
Therefore, I requested the assistance of my tutor and the honorable priest to arrange the order. However, the most notable items that were obtained are:
"We managed to acquire seeds of Daifushi and Licorice, and also a portion of what appears to be Pepper Mint."
"We found them in limited quantities. For the Camphor trees, Nakajima-dono of Imao [3] provided us with the location where they grow abundantly."
Yes, I got the Daifushi. While I will take care in cultivating Rekai (known as Aloe vera), Pepper Mint, and the other plants, Daifushi holds a special significance and requires extra attention in its cultivation.
Indeed, Daifushi has a proven effect on Hansen's disease. In this era, it's difficult to imagine creating a drug like Rifampicin. However, we can extract oil from the seeds of Daifushi. Since it takes time for the trees to grow into mature plants capable of producing seeds, I have decided to start cultivating them now. From selecting the location to providing the initial care, I intend to handle every step diligently with my own hands. This is my top priority until I can produce advanced medicines. Daifushi is my lifeline.
As a side project, I have decided to create a medicinal herb garden within the castle's walls [4]. This will not only enable me to handle any sort of emergency, but also potentially provide a source of income if I ever decide to sell these herbs. Theft is less likely within the castle grounds, and the layout allows for easy division, which will help prevent Pepper Mint from spreading uncontrollably.
When I become proficient in writing using the Chinese characters, I may consider compiling a book on herbal medicine. But wait, paper is precious, and there's no printing in this era. It might take time even for handwritten copies to reach doctors in Mino Province. How do they do movable type printing? I can only think of woodblock printing.
At any rate, I decided to hire a live-in worker to help with the cultivation. Although my father didn't seem particularly interested, given the timing right after my grandfather's passing, he provided the necessary funds and manpower. It is often said that without life, there is no value in material possessions. Once is enough for experiencing an early death. Now, I am determined to live a long and fulfilling life.
Around the end of summer, rumors spread that a legitimate son was born to the head of the Danjo no jo (Judge of the Ministry of Justice) Oda clan in June. It's now the 3rd year of the Tenbun era (1534)... yes, it must be Nobunaga. I didn't recall it immediately, but it seems I had read about it once. However, the information is rather delayed. It's understandable since there are no telephones or telegraphs in this day and age, and the Oda clan isn't particularly well-known at present. Even the story about him biting off his wet nurse's nipple also took some time to reach us.
Speaking of which, I heard that my father's legal wife, Omi no Kata, is also pregnant. As for my mother, Miyoshino, she was just a concubine, so if Omi no Kata gives birth to a boy, he will become the legitimate heir. Well, even if that child becomes the successor, it's fine by me. I have instructed my tutor to provide advice based on the limited knowledge I had to prevent postpartum fever and miscarriages. Since I am not an obstetrician, my knowledge on the subject is rather limited.
If history is to be changed, so be it. I simply wish to be spared from witnessing the deaths of those close to me.
Author's Note:
Aloe (Cape Aloe), I have adopted the theory that it has been present since the Muromachi period. It is said that Aloe was introduced to Japan for cultivation purposes from China in the late Ming dynasty.
As for Daifushi, considering its introduction to China during the Ming dynasty, I decided that I could also include it.
However, it's frustrating when no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to be able to introduce the Senega into the story...
[1] Herbal medicine, also called "kanpo" - which is the study of traditional Chinese medicine in Japan following its introduction, beginning in the 7th century. It was adapted and modified to suit Japanese culture and traditions. Traditional Japanese medicine uses most of the Chinese methods, including acupuncture, moxibustion, traditional Chinese herbology, and traditional food therapy.
[2] The Ming Dynasty, also Empire of the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China for 276 years (1368–1644) following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. The Ming, described by some as "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history", was the last dynasty in China ruled by ethnic Han Chinese.
[3] Imao Castle is a medieval Japanese castle (Heijo) in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture. It is located on the left bank of Ibi River. Almost no remains are left, and part of the site is now Kaizu City Imao Elementary School. It is said that Nakajima Shigenaga, a vassal of the Saito clan, built the castle during the Bunmei era and made it a residential castle for four generations and over 70 years.
[4] Kuruwais - a Japanese term that refers to the walls of a Japanese castle, and the regions bounded by the arrangement of those walls. The term may also be written as 郭, and the term maru is also used for castles built after the Edo period. The kuruwa serves as a defensive territory, provides space for additional castle facilities, and contains the living quarters for common soldiers, making it an important fixture of all Japanese castles.
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