Sano Ichiro 6 Black Lotus (2001)

by Laura Joh Rowland

  Straightening, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi looked closely at Sano, then gave a nervous laugh. "Surely you are not serious?"

  "I am," Sano said, though aware that the scenario would have once sounded preposterous to himself. "That's why I must ask you to order all activities at the Black Lotus Temple to cease and the residents arrested while I conduct a thorough investigation of all the sect's followers and properties."

  Worry creased the shogun's forehead. "Ahh…" He signaled to an attendant, who gave him a drink of water. "I cannot believe that a Buddhist order would do such terrible things," he fretted. "Indeed, my honorable mother has developed a great, ahh, enthusiasm for High Priest Anraku. She plans to become his disciple, and I know she would not associate herself with a sect that is as bad as you claim."

  If only Reiko had not taken Lady Keisho-in to the temple. The shogun trusted his mother's judgment; he rarely opposed her, and anyone who did risked offending him.

  "Anraku is a skillful trickster who can take in even the wisest persons," Sano said, recalling how he himself had been fooled by the priest. He should have listened to Reiko, who'd perceived Anraku's true nature. "The Honorable Lady Keisho-in is in grave danger."

  , "Surely my mother would know if she were." Annoyance soured the shogun's expression. "Do you dare challenge her wisdom?"

  "Not at all," Sano said calmly, while panic shot through him. "I just want to protect her and other good, innocent citizens from harm by the sect."

  "She is, ahh, not the only member of my regime who follows the way of the Black Lotus," the shogun retorted, sweaty and flustered with ire now. A nervous attendant blotted his face with a towel. "There are many who accept High Priest Anraku as their, ahh, spiritual guide. They have expressed to me their disapproval of Minister Fugatami. They would not appreciate your continuing his persecution of the sect."

  Sano was alarmed to learn that the Black Lotus had supporters in high positions close to the shogun. "May I ask who these people are?"

  Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's face took on a queasy look, as if he'd said too much for his own good and wanted someone to rescue him. When no one did, he huffed, "You may not ask."

  Yet Sano deduced that the high-ranking Black Lotus supporters had to be members of the Tokugawa branch clans, which controlled large landholdings and wielded much political influence. Some of these Tokugawa daimyo were strong personalities who intimidated the shogun, although he would never admit it. The Black Lotus's power had spread too wide and high, and Sano guessed how this had happened.

  Chamberlain Yanagisawa normally discovered and neutralized such threats to his own power with great efficiency, but he was away on his provincial inspection tour. Perhaps his affair with Yoriki Hoshina had distracted him from politics, and he'd forgotten to watch his back. The old Yanagisawa would never have allowed a religious order to develop so much influence, yet even now, he wouldn't ignore the Black Lotus situation. If he knew about it, he would disband the sect. With a sharp sense of irony, Sano wished his former enemy were here.

  Then a disturbing thought occurred to Sano. Maybe there were secrets that even Yanagisawa with all his spies didn't know, and forces stronger than the powerful chamberlain. Sano realized for the first time how much the stability of the nation depended on Yanagisawa, and fear chilled him. If Yanagisawa couldn't control the Black Lotus, who could?

  "I will not treat the Black Lotus as you advise," said the shogun. "That would be a blasphemy against Buddhism. The temple shall be allowed to continue its business."

  Determined to counteract the influence of the sect's supporters, Sano said, "We must capture the men who murdered Minister Fugatami and his wife. The temple is the obvious place to begin looking for the killers and the missing children. Therefore, I need permission to search it and interrogate everyone there as potential accomplices."

  "Well, ahh…" As the shogun hesitated, his face took on a look of labored concentration. "Probably Minister Fugatami's retainers killed him for, ahh, personal reasons, and afterward, they, ahh, painted Black Lotus symbols on the walls because they knew he was an enemy of the sect and wanted to cast suspicion upon it."

  Sano thought it more likely that the symbols had been left at the murder scene because High Priest Anraku wanted to take credit for the crime and thereby warn his enemies what would happen to anyone who crossed him. And if the sect members' faith in their own power had convinced them that they were above the law, they wouldn't fear the consequences of implicating themselves in a crime.

  "Perhaps they fled to the countryside, planning to ransom the children later," the shogun continued. "You had better, ahh, mount a nationwide manhunt rather than focus on the temple."

  His rejoinder had an artificial tone as well as an uncharacteristic craftiness, and Sano had seen that same look on the faces of Kabuki actors trying to remember their lines. Sano realized that the shogun had already been informed about the murders, by someone who'd coached him on what to think and say. The efficiency with which the Black Lotus had moved to protect itself daunted Sano.

  "There have been poisonings, kidnappings, attacks, and an explosion connected with the Black Lotus," Sano said. He described what Reiko and Hirata had learned. "Sentiment against the Black Lotus is widespread. The public attacked some priests and nuns this morning. To prevent further violence, the sect's activities should be halted and the members confined at least until I can find out what they're planning."

  The shogun waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Enemies of the Black Lotus are spreading false rumors that have, ahh, incited violence." Again he spoke in that artificial tone. Then he gave an irritated sigh and signaled to an attendant, who handed him a sword. "Your persistence in denouncing the Black Lotus grows tiresome. You are spoiling my exercise."

  Aware that he trod a hazardous path between the shogun's esteem and disfavor, Sano said, "My apologies, Your Excellency. I only wish to serve you. And unless I'm granted control over the Black Lotus, I may not be able to solve the mystery of the fire and murders at the temple as you've ordered me to do." Sano saw his path edging the brink of peril. Even a hint that he might fail in his work could turn Tokugawa Tsunayoshi against him, yet he had to demonstrate that what seemed like insubordination was really his commitment to duty. "I believe that a thorough investigation of the Black Lotus will reveal facts that we ignore at the risk of endangering society."

  Holding the sword out before him, the shogun squatted; his knees creaked. "I, ahh, had the impression that you'd already identified the culprit. Haven't you arrested that girl?"

  News had reached him fast; again Sano perceived the hand of the Black Lotus at work. The shogun usually forgot things told him, and the fact that he'd retained this information attested to the sect's ability to plant notions in his weak mind.

  "Yes, I have," Sano admitted.

  "Then your work is done," the shogun said. He performed awkward lunges with his sword. "Arrange the girl's, ahh, trial as soon as possible. Stay away from the temple and its residents."

  Without access to the temple, Sano would never learn the truth about the sect. With the Black Lotus protected from official scrutiny, he feared more murders, worsening unrest. Desperate, Sano sought a way to change the shogun's mind.

  "Some of the sect members are needed to testify at the trial," he said. "Abbess Junketsu-in, Dr. Miwa, and Priest Kumashiro are important character witnesses, and two orphan girls have placed Haru at the crime scene. The law allows Haru the right to face her accusers."

  "Then I revoke her right." Stabbing the air, Tsunayoshi tripped. "You may present the, ahh, testimony yourself. I shall order Magistrate Ueda to convict Haru and condemn her to death. Her execution will silence the, ahh, rumors against the Black Lotus and calm the public."

  "But it won't stop whatever schemes the Black Lotus has set in motion." Throwing aside caution, Sano dropped to his knees before the shogun. If only he'd heeded Reiko's concerns earlier, he might have persuaded Tsunayoshi to act before the sect got to him. "Please,
I beg you to reconsider and shut down the Black Lotus before it's too late!"

  "The only schemes are in your, ahh, imagination," the shogun said peevishly. "I will hear no more of your slander. Stay away from the Black Lotus, or you shall be sorry."

  He slashed a sudden, horizontal cut at Sano. The blade whistled so close over Sano's head that he felt the air current across his scalp. The attendants gasped, and Sano froze. He knew the shogun had meant to miss him, but Tsunayoshi was such an inept swordsman that he might have injured or killed Sano by accident. The tacit threat terrified Sano.

  "Go now," ordered the shogun. "Vex me no more."

  * * *

  25

  If you should be thrown into a pit of fire,

  The Bodhisattva of Infinite Power will change the fire to water.

  If you are pursued by evil men,

  The Bodhisattva will defend you.

  ----FROM THE BLACK LOTUS SUTRA

  Three novice monks knelt in a row in Dr. Miwa's secret underground chamber. "Praise the glory of the Black Lotus," they chanted in rapid, breathless unison. Their young faces wore beatific expressions; their glazed eyes reflected images of High Priest Anraku, who stood before them.

  "Your service shall be rewarded with the enlightenment you crave," Anraku said. With a radiant smile, he laid his hand upon the head of each monk in turn. They gasped in delight and chanted faster.

  Across the room, Dr. Miwa watched from beside the workbench that held the lamps, stove, dishware, utensils, and jars of herbs and potions for his experiments. He could almost feel the spiritually charged touch of Anraku's hand and craved its blessing for himself. Somehow, Anraku always looked more real to Dr. Miwa than did anyone else. His luminosity eclipsed Kumashiro and Junketsu-in, who hovered like dim shadows on either side of him. Now, as Anraku turned toward him, Dr. Miwa trembled with the dread and gladness that his master's attention always inspired.

  "So you have finally developed the right formula?" Anraku asked.

  "Yes, I believe that one of these potions will achieve the effects you desire." Dr. Miwa pointed to three ceramic bottles on the workbench. Sweat broke out on him, and his breath whistled through his teeth. He saw revulsion on Kumashiro's and Junketsu-in's faces, and he despised his uncontrollable nervous tics. His hands fumbled, assembling three cups. "I shall test the potions now."

  "The formula must work," Anraku said, his voice hard with determination. "My vision has shown me that three signs will herald the day of our destiny. Two of the signs have already come to pass. The first was the sacrifice of burnt human offerings --- the fire and deaths at the cottage. The second sign was the onset of persecution against the Black Lotus faith today. The third sign will be the siege of the temple." Anraku extended his arms, welcoming the event. His single eye shone. "Our time draws near."

  The novices chanted louder. Junketsu-in gazed at Anraku with reverent bliss. Kumashiro stood silent and stern, his hand on his sword. Dr. Miwa tried to open his senses to the divine truths that Anraku perceived. He heard pulsing bellows, the ringing axes from tunnels under excavation; he smelled rancid steam from adjoining rooms of his chamber. But supernatural awareness evaded him. He must rely on Anraku for knowledge.

  "We must be ready for battle." Anraku leveled a fierce stare upon Dr. Miwa. "Your success is crucial to our fate."

  Dr. Miwa quaked under the pressure to perform well. Most Black Lotus members believed that Anraku foretold the future, and that what he prophesied would happen as a natural result of cosmic forces in action. But his highest officials knew he didn't trust in the cosmos to do what it should. He depended on the efforts of mortals to ensure the desired outcome of enlightenment, power, and glory for himself and the sect.

  "I promise I won't fail you," Dr. Miwa mumbled.

  With shaking hands he poured a few drops of dark, murky liquid from the first bottle into a cup. He filled the cup with water, stirred the mixture, then carried it to the novice monks. Still chanting, they lifted eager faces to him. Dr. Miwa held the cup to the mouth of a novice, a skinny boy of fourteen whose wide eyes burned with faith. The boy gulped the draft.

  "Praise the glory of the Black Lotus," he said, grimacing at the bitter taste. He and his comrades had been trained to do whatever Anraku expected, at whatever cost to themselves.

  Anraku, Junketsu-in, Kumashiro, and Miwa waited silently for the potion to take effect. Dr. Miwa clenched his fists so hard that his nails dug into his palms. In his mind echoed a desperate prayer: Please let it work this time! He could not survive another failure in a life notable for failure.

  The circumstances of his origin had set the stage for later difficulties. He'd been born the youngest and weakest of four sons, to a grocer in the city of Kamakura. The family business wasn't rich enough to support all the offspring, so Miwa had been apprenticed at age ten to a local physician who treated patients around the city, ran a small pharmacy, and already had other apprentices. Miwa, a sad, homesick outcast from his family, soon found himself an outcast in his new situation.

  His two fellow apprentices were older boys, and not pleased to share the training, meager food, and humble shelter that the physician provided. Saburo and Yoshi immediately ganged up against Miwa. They mocked his homeliness and beat him. They gave him the worst tasks, like cooking the foul-smelling bear bile. Miwa, too weak to fight back, concentrated on learning the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, the medicinal herbs and potions. He showed off his knowledge during the lessons, hoping to impress his master and put his tormenters in a bad light. However, his efforts backfired.

  The physician was a childless widower who aspired to wealth and prestige but achieved neither. He favored Saburo and Yoshi as if they were his sons, and rebuked Miwa constantly.

  "Stop acting as if you're better than everyone else," he said. "It's disgusting, and you look a mess. Clean yourself up."

  Miwa tried, but he had a remarkable affinity for grime. It stained his clothes, blackened his fingernails, and erupted in pimples on his face. Resentment toward his master and the apprentices festered in him. He swore that one day he would be a great doctor, yet his problems worsened. Medical study required treating the sick under a physician's supervision, but patients disliked him, and his master curtailed Miwa's practical training for fear of losing business. Miwa finished his apprenticeship at age twenty, with much theoretical knowledge and a chest of medicines, but little experience. When he set up his practice, only the poorest, sickest people hired him, for a pittance; he sought wealthy patrons, but found none. Lacking money and personal charm, he couldn't attract a wife or even a mistress; his sexual life consisted of encounters with prostitutes who serviced him in exchange for medical treatment. His belief in his brilliance sustained him through lean years. Eventually, he decided to move to Edo, in the hope that his career would flourish in a bigger city.

  Along the way, his baggage and medicine chest were stolen. He arrived in Edo a pauper and wandered the streets seeking work with pharmacists and doctors. No one wanted him. He spent his nights sleeping under bridges and his days begging alms, growing dirtier and uglier as months passed. Then one morning he stopped at a pharmacy and overheard a conversation between a customer and the proprietor. The customer wanted rhinoceros-horn pills --- a powerful, expensive aphrodisiac --- but the proprietor said he had none because supplies from India were low. Desperation inspired Miwa.

  "I can provide some," he said.

  After he and the pharmacist struck a deal, Miwa went off and gathered pebbles, then caught a stray cat and pulled out some of its fur. He mixed the fur with mud, molded it around the pebbles, and coated them with gray paint he stole from an artisan's workshop. The pharmacist paid him a large sum for the fake rhinoceros-horn pills. Soon Miwa had a thriving business selling the aphrodisiac, and enough money to rent lodgings. He planned to quit as soon as he could finance his medical practice.

  However, his customers began complaining that the pills didn't work. When the police came to his lodgings
to arrest him, they found shaved cats in cages, a supply of paint and pebbles, and Miwa assembling more pills. The magistrate convicted Miwa of fraud and ordered him to refund his customers' money, but he'd already spent it on medical equipment, so he was sentenced to three months in jail.

  Now, as Dr. Miwa stood in his underground chamber, the specter of past misfortunes hovered near. If he failed this time, he would suffer worse punishment than jail. He anxiously watched the novice who'd drunk the potion. The novice kept chanting, his voice still strong and his eyes bright; he showed no physical change.

  "Enough time has passed. Your formula is no good," Priest Kumashiro said, sneering at Dr. Miwa.

  "How disappointing," Abbess Junketsu-in murmured with a quick, nasty smile.

  "What seems to be the problem?" Cold fury lurked beneath Anraku's quiet voice.

  "The formula works at full strength," Dr. Miwa said defensively. His hatred of Kumashiro and Junketsu-in almost overwhelmed his fear of Anraku. They were like the two apprentices, always needling him, always savoring his defeats. Junketsu-in was mistress to Anraku, and Kumashiro held the coveted post of second-in-command; thus, they both outranked Dr. Miwa, whose medical skill was his only advantage over them. "The low concentration is the problem. But I'm sure the next formula will work."

  An impatient gesture from Anraku signaled for him to proceed. Dr. Miwa hastily poured liquid from the second bottle, added water, and fed the potion to another novice. He must please Anraku. He must repay the debt he owed the high priest.

  After serving two months in jail, Miwa had begun dreading his release. His fraud had ruined his reputation; he couldn't practice medicine in Edo. How would he earn a living? He mourned the waste of his brilliant talent. Then one day, while he was emptying slop buckets, a guard came to him and said, "Someone has bought your freedom. You can go."