Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Page 1420

"Is it because you feel lonely? I'll stay with you, Yaobikuni." Kagura also spoke, looking at Yaobikuni with concern.

Yaobikuni smiled wryly: "It won't be that lonely... I was just thinking about the future."

Seeing Yaobikuni's complicated expression, Kousaka Kyosuke unconsciously raised his leg to stand up.

"Then I'll excuse myself for a moment, so you can confide all your worries to Kagura."

Although Yaobikuni lived a long life and had a lot of experience, it doesn't mean that her will was really strong. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been bewitched by the Yamata no Orochi, even if it was a fake Yamata no Orochi!

Anyone with a modicum of intelligence should be immune to this, but that's not the case.

This shows that Yaobikuni is still easily swayed when it comes to her own desires—she wanted to die before, but now that the so-called curse has been lifted, what troubles does this woman have left?

Do they think they have too much time on their hands? If that's the case, they're really too idle.

How about we go hungry for a bit?

"Kyosuke, you should leave now," Kagura said.

Yaobikuni chuckled: "Mr. Kyosuke, that's really hurtful. I almost thought you were going to say I ate too much..."

“No, I didn’t say that.” Kousaka Kyosuke immediately retorted, then looked at Kagura and found that she seemed to be looking at him with a speechless expression. He couldn’t help but chuckle dryly, “Okay, I’ll take my leave now.”

It seems like her facial expression management is a bit lacking.

That's perfect, let's find someone to practice with first.

No, the power of Orochi is already enough to affect Kyoto. Even if it's related to Yaobikuni, that's still quite significant. We need to contact the others quickly and explain the situation! They might strengthen the barrier...

410. Sei Shonagon's Admonition / Psychological Counseling / Komachi /

The mansion, north wing.

Tennoji Miri, who was led to the location by her maid, had already met with several of Kosaka Kyosuke's wives.

Yukako, Fujishikibu, and Sei Shonagon, among whom Tennoji Miri had known Sei Shonagon for a long time.

After exchanging polite greetings and taking their seats, the group began chatting and got to the topic at hand.

"So, Miss Yaobikuni brought you here because she was worried that you would continue to be bewitched?"

Finally, the key to understanding the arrival of Tennoji Mirei was revealed, and Sei Shonagon's expression was quite inexplicable.

"Yes, that's what happened. I'm really sorry to say this." Tennoji Miri looked apologetic.

She felt ashamed that her mind was not firm and that she had been misled.

If something goes wrong, it could cause a lot of trouble, right?

This is inevitable.

Therefore, after Yaobikuni resolved the matter of the sacred vein, Tennoji Miri immediately came here to seek help.

"If it's convenient, why don't you tell me about some of your previous concerns? That way, we can find the right solution," Xiangzi suggested sincerely.

She wasn't worried at all about the possibility of them being misled.

A long time ago, my husband briefly mentioned when the Yamata no Orochi appeared that as long as one is not hesitant and does not have too much desire, the Yamata no Orochi will almost never take the initiative to make contact.

In fact, through Kousaka Kyosuke's many accounts, Xiangzi had already gained a general understanding of some of the characteristics of Yamata no Orochi.

He is roughly a high-level observer, a naturally high-dimensional being.

He considers himself, and truly is, superior to all life, and can never resonate with humanity, and it is best not to try to understand him.

Let's use the most vivid metaphor to describe the Yamata no Orochi.

Xiangzi's thoughts immediately came to mind as a conditioned reflex to the scene of humans observing microorganisms in petri dishes.

“Actually,” Tennoji Miri paused for a second or two before finally making up her mind, “I was regretting His Majesty’s decision before.”

Upon hearing this, Fujishikibu, whose expression had remained unchanged, showed a rare hint of astonishment and surprise in his eyes.

Could this be referring to... previous taxes?

At this moment, Kyoko was also thinking about something similar to Fujishikibu.

"Oh!" Sei Shonagon covered her eyes with her hands without any regard for her image, not wanting to look at Tennoji Miyako, and immediately said, "I think you shouldn't think about these things anymore, it's not a good topic."

"Besides, His Majesty is now wholeheartedly devoted to Buddhism. Hindering His Majesty's understanding of Buddhism would make many people unhappy. Although I may sound a bit pessimistic, this is the most appropriate course of action."

Tennoji Miri immediately nodded in agreement.

"I understand, I understand everything! Stability is more important than anything else right now, and I won't overthink things anymore."

Sei Shonagon keenly sensed the subtle emotions in Tennoji Miri's words: "Stability is more important than anything else right now"—was she implying that she would think about it again later?

It seems that inner desires are not so easily eliminated, and the chances of being bewitched are still very high, especially when the evil god is interested... This can be considered very dangerous.

“His Majesty has been influenced by the Minister of the Hōkōin, who is also the father of the Master of the Way, since childhood. He has a lot of understanding of Buddhism, so it is difficult to get him to be too interested in politics.”

Sei Shonagon offered a concise reminder.

Although she had never met the Taoist priest's deceased father, Fujiwara no Kenie, she had naturally learned about the situation through her interactions with others during her long time living in the palace.

"Modern Buddhism emphasizes transcending the world, and content related to 'worldly practices' has gradually disappeared."

Fujishikibu spoke after Sei Shonagon finished speaking.

She felt that Tennoji's beautiful thoughts were a bit... dangerous, or rather, not really dangerous.

If Tennoji Miri's idea were to be followed, the currently relatively stable political situation would inevitably be thrown into turmoil!

In fact, if Emperor Ichijo is willing to make up his mind, now is truly the best opportunity.

The Genji clan, who were originally absolutely loyal to the imperial family, were a huge force, and at this time they united and dominated the largest military force in Kyoto and even the whole country.

If Emperor Ichijo were willing to intervene now and support another court noble to counterbalance Michinaga, it would certainly give him a stronger voice. If this continued, the reforms of more than a year ago could probably be continued.

However, now is definitely the least suitable time for reform.

"Does Lady Horie, like her father, strongly support His Majesty reclaiming power...?"

Fujishikibu could understand this.

Ultimately, they are all members of the royal family, so it's perfectly normal for them to hope that Emperor Ichijo, who represents all members of the royal family, can reclaim the power that has been usurped.

In fact, the Imperial Family had been paying attention to this issue for a long time. For example, the Minister of the Central Affairs Department, the most important department that manages all official affairs of the court and imperial edicts, has always been headed by a prince.

“I really understand!” Tennoji Miri exclaimed anxiously, raising her voice to express her opinion, “I have absolutely no expectations for this.”

Xiangzi smiled bitterly: "The issue is no longer this, but rather that Lord Horie still harbors this expectation. It is precisely because of this expectation that there is still a risk of being misled."

Orochi is probably the most bewitching being in the world.

As long as there are still flaws in one's mind, being bewitched is an easy thing to do.

Although Xiangzi didn't think that the Yamata no Orochi, who seemed to be about to destroy the world, had the leisure to play with people's hearts, it wasn't impossible for this unpredictable evil god to suddenly do something.

Since such a possibility exists, it certainly cannot be ignored, no matter how small the possibility may be!

Fortunately, they are both available, so there's no reason not to resolve this properly.

"Clear your mind, that should solve the problem," Sei Shonagon offered what he considered to be the best suggestion.

"Eh?"

Tennoji Miri was stunned when she heard this.

She never expected that Sei Shonagon, whom she hadn't seen for quite some time and who was now married, would be so much more lively and frank than she had been in the palace.

"Lord Kyosuke is truly an incredible man. She clearly spoils Shonagon a lot, otherwise this scene wouldn't have happened."

"Lord Horie, may I ask you another question?" Xiangzi said.

"Of course, I'm willing to answer."

Tennoji Miri answered without hesitation.

She had heard of Xiangzi.

The fact that an ordinary Imperial Calendar Doctor who was originally unknown or had hidden abilities only stopped showing his talent after marrying Xiangzi already speaks volumes.

"Well, if you feel you've overstepped your bounds, you don't have to answer."

"No, I understand you really want to help me, so please speak."

"Okay... So, what aspects of your father's reforms do you support?"

Xiangzi asked the question rather cautiously.

This already involves a significant amount of privacy.

However, upon discovering that Tennoji Meiri's personality was indeed as upright as Sei Shonagon had described, she felt that perhaps she could reduce her restraint and act more boldly.

“So that’s what it is,” Tennoji Miri said with a frank smile. “There’s nothing to hide—I’ve always hoped that the court could collect some of the taxes that are due. After all, the imperial family is already running a deficit, and the disasters among the people are getting worse every day. If there’s no extra money or food, things will get very complicated.”

"Just like last winter, the supplies provided by the court were far from enough. It was only because the Taoist priest took the lead and other officials joined forces that the supplies were not insufficient. But this kind of thing cannot continue indefinitely. Ultimately, it would be better if the court itself took on the responsibility..."

Tennoji Temple was described in a beautiful and orderly manner.

To put it simply, the imperial court is almost out of money, and if this continues, it is highly likely that various disaster relief and public construction projects will be unable to be properly handled.

Xiangzi was stunned.

Why would the princess care about these things?