Tokugawa Ieyasu
Episode 36: The First Signs of a Breakup
You have an unexpected visitor this morning.
From Edo?
No, it's Lord Ishida Jibu.
He has come unattended with a secret personal message.
News of Hideyoshi's death reached Ieyasu in two hours.
On the morning of August 18th, 1593.
Ishida Mitsunari has always been competitive.
Therefore, Ieyasu was surprised to see him come with the news.
Please excuse me for coming without an appointment.
And? When did it happen?
At dawn around four.
It was a quiet death.
It's a relief to hear that he died peacefully.
And? Did he give you instructions?
Yes. Until the entire army retreats from Korea,
we are to keep his death a secret.
We have dispensed his corpse at Amida ga mine.
However, his will forbids us
from disclosing his death to anyone except the 5 magistrates.
Lord Jibu.
You mean you have disobeyed his will by coming to me?
There's a reason for this.
I'd like to know what it is.
His wife instructed me to.
She instructed you to disobey his will...?
Our efforts to hide his death would've been in vain
had his wife entered the life of religion.
So, I went to ask her to wait a while...
...the magistrates alone cannot be trusted with his orders.
Report this to the Minister and ask for his help.
Or else I shall become a nun right now.
...that's what she said.
I see.
Then I will have to help you.
As soon as you've finished with the secret funeral,
we'll ask Councilor Maeda to ask for the lord's help.
Get the summons ready for the lords
and head out to Hakata.
Must I go to Hakata?
Who else can do it!
Needless to say, you must watch the Mori and Shimazu clans.
The Mori controls Chuugoku, while Shimazu controls Kyushu.
I'll send Hidetada back to Edo to guard our eastern border.
The country will be secure.
The Regent's one wish throughout his life
was to unify Japan and bring peace.
This is our first priority.
I understand.
Take care of the secret funeral.
Minister?
Is there anything else?
No.
What you said is exactly what his wife said.
What?
Excuse me.
He's become a mysterious, frightening man
who only relies on his mind.
You must think that the head of this clan ruled the country,
and now that he's dead, the next head of the clan
will naturally be the next ruler of the country.
That's just our idea.
I see.
Those who are not loyal to our clan,
may want to distinguish between the two.
Right. The Minister, Ieyasu in Edo, for example.
Don't mention his name.
He's not the only one who is not indebted to us.
They may say that Hideyori is the clan's rightful successor
but that doesn't make him the ruler of the country.
Could we face our late lord if we succumb to them?
Well...
Therefore, now is the time
to destroy those who try to make that distinction.
I see.
There is someone who has fallen into the enemy trap
and is a disadvantage to us...
His wife.
What? His wife?
That's not possible. She isn't that insensitive.
She has repeatedly told me that
the late Regent's wish was to bring peace upon the land.
That means she thinks the best man for the job should take over
and she isn't supporting our heir, Hideyori.
She wants us to support the man who is capable.
That's going too far.
How frustrating!
As soon as we separate the ruler of the country from our clan,
it's obvious who the next ruler will be!
Is there a strategy to prevent
Lord Tokugawa from rising into power?
There is.
We'll let him handle political affairs for a while.
But that's only while our heir is young.
As soon as he matures, he must return the power to us.
In order to preserve our clan,
we will accept Ieyasu only as Hideyori's substitute.
Have a drink to our unity!
Though Hideyoshi's will clearly stated that
Ieyasu will govern the country next,
nobody dared to speak up for fear of being suspected as a traitor.
Hideyoshi's body was cremated 7 days after his death.
Hideyori?
Your father has left you and me
and is about to become ashes.
I don't blame you...
Your mother doesn't know what'll happen.
How can you know about ruling the country...
How pitiful...
Ieyasu was trying to bring the army back from Korea
just as Hideyoshi had wished him to.
One mistake could mean the death of thousands of men overseas.
Minister...
The Regent went before me.
I wish I could take his place.
It must have been his fate, but I truly pity him.
According to the magistrates, the Regent's will state that
we are to jointly sign the letter recalling our men
which is to be delivered by an emissary.
I thought it was proper to discuss this with you first.
Lord Uesugi Kagekatsu, one of the 5 magistrates,
has gone to Aizu with only 4 remaining. All right?
If you both approve, I shall get approval from
Mori and Ukita to confirm this.
That's fine.
Whom shall we send to Hakata?
Lord Jibu, of course.
I see.
I'd like all the soldiers back by the end of November.
I'd like to let them celebrate the New Year at home.
After they return,
Lord Jibu should disclose the news of his death to them.
Councilor?
I think that's fine.
Next, in regards to his wife's return to Osaka Castle...
she is independent, and we should allow her freedom.
Can you ask her real intentions?
I will, right away.
...You're leaving for Hakata?
Yes. This is a big job.
Many stupid warriors such as Kato, Fukushima, Kuroda,
all hold a grudge against me.
Their hatred may be a cloud upon our heir's future.
That worries me...
The Regent's wife is behind them.
That would be a disaster.
I intend to ask them to be loyal to our heir.
But there are silly rumors.
- Rumors? - Yes.
Like what'll happen to you, my lady.
To me?
It seems people are wondering if you would remain here
as the mother of our heir, or remarry.
That's interesting. Whom will I remarry?
Lord Tokugawa does not have a legal wife.
Marry the Minister?
Then he'll become our heir's father,
and the country's most beautiful woman will be his.
The Regent's wife will be happy.
This was just a precaution that Mitsunari exercised
to prevent Yodo and Ieyasu from collaborating in his absence.
The weather will be getting cold.
Please take care of the young heir.
Lady Mother?
Fool! Jibu is a conceited fool!
He tries to order the young heir and me.
He's trying to make me believe that
the Minister and the Regent's wife are my enemies.
Why not show the Minister and the Regent's wife
in a subtle way that you have no hard feelings toward them.
That's a good idea.
I can't leave this to others.
This will effect my son's future.
Well, well.
As soon as Mitsunari left,
Lady Yodo sent a messenger to the Regent's wife
and asked for her advice in the future.
Lord Jibu will faint with shock when he hears that.
He behaves as if he's the only one perpetuating their clan.
It's obvious he'll clash with the warriors who returned.
Should the tension between them mount, it will be a crisis.
Therefore, it would be helpful
to let someone spy on Lord Jibu's true intentions.
I believe Lord Koetsu may have something to say.
I do.
If the merchants of Sakai support the Minister,
it would follow our religious beliefs.
I'm ready to go to Hakata anytime.
I see.
There is nothing suspicious about you're going to Hakata.
Ieyasu smiled only when he saw his granddaughter, Sen.
What a good girl...
Grandfather?
Can we go to Edo with my lord?
You want to go?
Yes.
It's inconvenient for him without me.
I see.
My husband said to ask your permission.
This trip has a special purpose.
If you go with Hidetada to Edo,
people may think I'm sending back the hostages
so I can make a move.
We mustn't make them believe that.
All right?
I'll tell him not to flirt in Edo.
Don't tease me, grandfather.
Koetsu arrived in Hakata.
With the help of Shimaya Soshitsu,
he was searching for someone who would spy on Mitsunari.
They found a prostitute who was famous in Hakata.
...Ishida Jibu?
No way. I refuse.
Don't be stubborn.
You must give us a reason.
Why do you hate him so?
We may learn from that.
The population of my hometown, Satsuma,
is only 1/5 of what it used to be.
They lost their land and homes to the government.
I don't hold a grudge.
This is due to the Regent's gamble.
The Regent wanted more prosperity, but it didn't work.
When the officials of the Shimazu clan visited Lord Jibu
to report the farmers' suffering,
I was entertaining him.
He responded that they should collect rice from the farmers
because they can't escape if they don't have food.
Sir?
I'm a prostitute.
I'm prepared to entertain men.
But, I'm not prepared to deal with an ogre.
I'm ashamed to have even asked you
when we didn't know how you felt.
Sir?
We'll have to be honest.
You can help us prevent future wars.
Future wars?
We wanted you to find out
whether he intends to fight the Minister in Edo.
So?
If Jibu cooperates with him, there will be no wars.
But, if he wants to take his place, we will revert to war.
I'd like you to help us out.
Please.
I understand.
A woman can ask for nothing more than to work to prevent war.
I appreciate it.
The Japanese ship arrived at Hakata on November 26th.
Many missed the ship and were left in Korea.
The harvest in Korea was poor and yielded very little rice.
Many suffered beyond recognition.
As you have heard, the Regent's sudden death
has forced us to recall our army.
It hurts me deeply to think how mortified you may be.
He passed away on August 18th.
According to his will...
And? I hope the young heir is well.
He is fine.
The Minister will carry on the affairs until our heir turns 15.
We'll cooperate in...
I hope the Regent's wife is well.
I'm sure your father will tell you the details,
but the funeral will be at the end of February.
You may go home and rest.
You may come here another day when I can entertain you fully.
We're still in mourning so our meal is simple.
Lord Jibu.
We fought abroad for 7 years.
Your treat cannot pay us for that.
Pay?
Our men and soldiers are dead tired.
We have no tea or sake.
All I can serve you is rice gruel.
This is good. We ate dirt during the war.
Anything tastes good to me now.
Watch your words!
If you're dissatisfied that
I refrained from serving sake and fresh produce today,
go to some woman's house later on.
I sure will!
I don't need you to order me to!
Since when are you in charge of the country?
What?
We know you're only second from the bottom
in the ranking of the 5 magistrates.
Since when are you in the position to welcome us
in place of Lords Maeda and Asano?
Lord Yukinaga!
Are you drunk?
I told you we ate dirt in battle!
I'm asking if the late Regent entrusted you to take his place!
I can't take any more!
The 5 lords and magistrates are taking care of the country.
I am here today as their representative.
I see.
Then you'll greet us in Kyoto with the lords and magistrates?
Why don't you answer?!
He is thinking of the suffering we endured.
But many ships will follow ours so let's excuse ourselves.
It burns me up to see him act so arrogantly
using our late lord's powerful position.
We must control him and push him down to his status.
Indeed.
Mitsunari wanted to convince them to join together
in supporting their young heir.
The prostitute, who renamed herself, Osode,
saw how lonely Mitsunari was.
We have to watch out for this Jibu for he is crafty.
Why is that?
On the morning of the Regent's death,
he came to me and said I was the only one who knew.
You're displeased with that?
Fool!
I found out from the Minister that
he went to him and told him the same thing.
He uses such tricks?
Reporting!
Ishida Jibu wishes to see you.
All right.
It might be about the heir's move to Osaka.
I passed him in the castle so I rushed over.
You may know, but the Minister did it.
Did what?
He has shown disrespect to the late Regent's will.
What?
The Regent's will?
The Regent's first rule
was any alliance between the lords must be approved first.
Yet Mitsunari claimed that
Ieyasu is allied with the Date, Fukushima, and Hachisuka clans.
I have no desire to cause trouble,
but if we let this go, our lords will would be meaningless.
Lord Jibu.
We must think this over carefully.
But!
Wait.
The alliance with the Date's
is to control the Uesugi clan.
The Minister may be trying to protect our heir
by approaching the Fukushima and Hachisuka clans.
But still...
If they say that since the Regent is dead,
the Minister must approve, what would you do?
I...
I hope you understand that you mustn't inconvenience him.
It's time for you to seek out the controversial lords.
Once we know how everyone feels, I have a strategy.
If you are truly concerned about the Toyotomi clan,
this is what you must do.
Mitsunari had already made a mistake.
Thinking that Toshiie would act upon his report,
he had already interrogated the Date clans.
Hideyoshi's death was disclosed to the public,
and Hideyori moved into Osaka Castle at New Years, 1597.
Hideyori, age 7, and his mother became lords of the castle.
Maeda Toshiie, as his attendant, moved to Osaka Castle.
Ieyasu returned to Fushimi after the move.
Nene, who lived in the main wing moved to the castle's west wing.
Though it seemed peaceful,
The moves divided the clan in two:
one faction supported Ieyasu,
while the other supported Mitsunari and the magistrates.
The confrontation between Ieyasu and Mitsunari seemed to be imminent.
Maeda Toshiie prepared for the worst with an army of 5,000.
Ieyasu called his army from Edo and made his preparations.
It was around then that Toshiie investigated Ieyasu.
...this is totally unexpected.
It is inexcusable that my alliances weren't reported.
What do you mean?
I just assumed that the mediator reported this to you.
This is inexcusable on my part.
I shall report that immediately.
We may have to interrogate the mediator.
Please do that.
It's Sir Sukon in Sakai.
Thank you for coming.
The funeral is approaching, and I hear disturbing rumors.
I shall protect Fushimi,
so please Lord Maeda to take care of Osaka for me.
Is the arrangement for 5,000 men in progress?
So I've heard...
What a relief.
You've come a long way. I'd like to offer you some food.
Someone!
Sire!
Sorry to interrupt. This is urgent.
What is it?
Sakakibara Yasumasa entered Omi with an army of 40,000.
- 40,000? - Yes.
They heard disturbing news along the way,
and are quite agitated.
Let them stop at Omi.
The Maeda army will arrive in Osaka, so don't worry.
- Tell them not to rush. - Yes, sir.
As you heard, please tell Lord Maeda not to worry about Fushimi.
We'll report that immediately.
Excuse me.
Sire!
Sir Kato Kiyomasa is in the garden waiting to meet you secretly.
Alright.
There's quite a commotion in the country.
Did Lord Sakakibara really arrive in Omi?
Masanobu did some quick-thinking. They're still in Owari.
We will protect this mansion starting tonight.
I have come for your approval.
You? Protect me?
I may earn the magistrates grudge.
Therefore, Fukushima, Todo, and Kuroda have joined me.
The Todo clan had secretly asked Ieyasu for approval,
but he didn't expect Kato Kiyomasa to come.
Lord Kato?
Have you met the late Regent's wife in Osaka?
I went to visit her yesterday.
Did she secretly order you to protect me?
I can't object to that...
I can't face her if things have come to this
even before the funeral.
Lord Otani is also deeply troubled.
He has ordered his men to bear arms
and is ready to protect you, Minister.
Even Otani Gyobu?
He isn't as small-minded as Jibu.
He can distinguish between those who will support our heir
and those who won't.
The heir...
For the sake of our heir,
we must prevent conflicts between you and the Councilor.
Please don't aggravate the situation.
Why should I!
I didn't take his messenger seriously.
I'm relieved to hear that.
We'll protect your castle.
Excuse me.
I appreciate your concern.
Masanobu, I'll have nothing to do with Mitsunari.
The late Regent was a skilled tamer of wild beasts.
But before his death, he has partly broken their cages.
Now the beasts have divided into two factions
and are fighting over limited feed.
It can be expected that wild beasts such as
Date, Uesugi, Mori, and Shimazu will once again go wild.
But some of them are still tired.
Meanwhile, we must repair their cage
and create an era in which they cannot go wild.
Otherwise, our unified country,
our goal since the late Nobunaga's era, may fall to pieces.
Ieyasu wanted to praise Nene and Kiyomasa
who were fully aware of the situation.
Yet he also felt their deep concern
as they loved Hideyori and worried about their clan's future.