Secretariat of Martial Affairs
Kyoto, JapanAt 42 years of age, Hajiro Reiichirou often wondered where his youth had gone. Not for him, those happy days spent amidst beautiful young women, sake and silk curtains. Not for him the daring exploits of other young men, the customary parties and wild exploits most men indulged in whilst their bodies were still strong and their features still possessed of that handsome youthfulness. It seemed as if he had instead experienced an unnaturally extended childhood, locked within the walls of the sprawling family residence in Taihoku under the supervision of his mother, tutors and his father’s other consorts; only to be prematurely thrust into middle age upon the death of his father. The second son of Hajiro Rikichi, Reiichirou would likely have spent his days living the relaxed life of a spare, had his elder brother not given his life for the Kaikoku in an unfortunate clash with the indigenous barbarians of Kappashima. Now it fell to Reiichirou to manage his father’s company. The Taihoku Sangyo Zaibatsu, or Taisan for short, was one of the Japanese Empire’s most powerful financial conglomerates, with interests in shipping, mining, arms manufacturing, banking and even clothes retail. As head of Taisan, Hajiro was among the most powerful people in Taiwan, and had quickly become accustomed to the respect he was afforded despite his initial feelings of anxiety at exposure to the world outside his family compound.
Here in the Yamatokoku, however, no Kaikoku-born merchant prince could expect the same sort of deference. In the eyes of the military-aristocratic samurai caste, and the ancient court nobility or kuge, he was still essentially just a rich peasant. It took some getting used to, being further down the social hierarchy than many of the high-ranking servants in his clients’ homes. But here, Hajiro Reiichirou, with his natural lack of assertiveness, thought he might for once be better suited to task than his talented but proud late brother. For Reiichirou, it did not chafe so much to be looked down upon. He was not so used to deference that he could not lower himself to being deferential. He had always been third down in his family hierarchy, and, thinking about it, some of his own servants as a child had in all practical terms outranked him- if only because the authority they exercised was derived from his parents, whose power was absolute on their own property.
This evening was his most important audience since he had arrived in Kyoto to seek new contracts. He was meeting with the Kaikoku-seifu Secretary of Martial Affairs, Hoshina Tsuneyoshi, to discuss a contract for the construction of twelve new ironclad steam warships for the Imperial Fleet. Reiichirou sat in a waiting room inside a government building, looking out the window as the sun set bathed the carefully arranged rock garden in the central courtyard in a golden glow. The peaceful sound of rushing water blotted out the sound of hurried steps and low conversations in the surrounding rooms, as civil servants went about their business. Like many of the new civil servants appointed to high office by the new kampaku, Hoshina Tsuneyoshi was a relatively young man to fulfil such a lofty post, only in his mid-thirties. He came, of course, from a prominent samurai clan and had served as an officer in the Imperial Marines for six years before pursuing a political career. Reiichirou had gone to great lengths to prepare himself for this meeting. He had learned from his various sources that Hoshina was a fair-minded but dogmatic man, strongly committed to the bushido code and the Confucian values underlying his society. He was clearly not such a traditionalist that he could not offer his loyalty to a female regent, however, or else he would not be in the position he was now. Reiichirou hoped that his martyred brother would prove an asset here; after all, before getting himself killed he had achieved officer rank in the marines, which nowadays was generally seen as equivalent to entering the samurai class. Though Reiichirou wasn’t sure that Hoshina would necessarily agree with that sentiment he hoped the Secretary would be swayed by his family’s honourable service to the Kaikoku.
After much waiting, the sliding doors of the Secretary’s office parted and a wizened man with a balding head dressed in grey stepped out and bowed to Reiichirou.
“His Excellency instructs me to offer his apologies for your wait, and invite you to join him in his office,” he said.
“His Excellency need offer no apology. No offence was caused. It is to be expected that a government minister be busy,” replied Reiichirou, inclining his head in response to the official’s bow. The secretary’s attendant bowed once again before ushering Reiichirou into the office. In front of him was a raised, foreign-style desk fashioned from red lacquer and engraved with dragons and songbirds- likely an import from China given the style of its decoration. Behind the desk, in a chair of the same material and ornate style, sat a youthful man with thickset eyebrows, high cheekbones and a square jaw. The Secretary of External Relations was not a heavyset man, but his broad shoulders and body shape gave him a sense of wideness. He wore a formal, red kimono decorated with his clan’s insignia. He rose to his feet and gave a small bow, which Reiichirou mirrored with a much deeper one; and then another, and another. Finally, Reiichirou straightened and met Hoshina in the eye. The young secretary gestured to a stool in front of his desk.
“Please, sit,” he enjoined. Reiichirou did as asked, thanking his host for the kindness. Hoshina lowered himself gracefully into the chair. Tea was brought in in silence.
“Welcome to Yamatokoku, Hajiro-san,” said Hoshina, breaking the silence. “You have enjoyed your time in the capital since arriving?”
“Thank you, Lord Hoshina. Yes, it has been most enjoyable.” And profitable, he added mentally.
“Many visiting from the colonies are overwhelmed by the city. But, you are from Taihoku. And, is Taihoku not considered greatest of all the colonial cities? Then, perhaps you will not be so impressed. You are no backwater colonial.”
Reiichirou was caught off-guard by such a blunt term coming from the mouth of a Yamatokoku-born nobleman, and government official to boot, but he shrugged it off. “Taihoku is, indeed, a beautiful city. But surely all cities pale besides Kyoto.”
"I am not well travelled, and would not know. But let us not be distracted by pleasantries. Several companies are competing for the contract you have come to bid for today. Your company’s offer is not the most cost-effective.”
“This is because the designs my company offers are significantly more advanced than those of our rivals. The prototype,
Kochi, carries thirty-six guns and its design is better suited to the open ocean than the Korean turtle ships. Its armour can withstand the new exploding shells developed by the Western barbarians. It represents a revolution in warfare by sea.”
“And it would take six years for your company to complete all twelve ships?”
“With our current production capacity, yes. However, upon discussions with our engineers, it would appear possible to open two new drydocks within two years, which would enable us to complete all twelve ships within three years. But the cost would be significantly greater.”
Hoshina looked thoughtful. Reiichirou felt perspiration dripping from his forehead, resisted the temptation to wipe it away with his hand. This contract was worth hundreds of thousands of yen for his company; not only that, but it would enhance Taisan’s- and the Hajiro clan’s- prestige immensely, likely attracting far more commercial clients, and possibly opening the door to further government contracts in the future. He was confident that his company had developed the most advanced warship in the Japanese Empire, and possibly the world; he was confident, too, that given the intense competition for naval supremacy between the various powers of the world, the Kaikoku-seifu would willingly pay almost any price for the latest developments in armoured ships. Currently, the Imperial Navy was comprised largely of the older, wooden craft, although lightly armoured iron-plated Atakebune had a long history of service in Japan’s fleets. Japan had always lingered behind her Korean rivals in the development of naval armour, whilst maintaining an edge in their ships’ abilities to cross large areas of open ocean; Korea’s heavily armoured turtle ships were not well suited to straying from the shore. Now, however, with the advent of explosive artillery shells and increased competition for control of the Pacific, Japan’s older warships were simply not up to the task and the sheer size of her navy and the skill of her sailors were insufficient to ensure Japanese control of the waves. This contract was thus as important to the Kaikoku-seifu as it was to Taisan. And yet, despite his confidence in the strength of his pitch, nerves continued to eat away at Reiichirou as he essentially asked Hoshina to pay an even higher price than previously arranged.
“We appreciate the resources your company would be expending to fulfil this order, Hajiro-san,” replied Hoshina finally. “However, the economic resources of the Secretariat of Martial Affairs are not infinite. Perhaps if the price was lowered, a way of recognising your service other than financial reimbursement could be found… Bestowal of a court title may be an option.”
Reiichirou froze. A… Court title? Even the lowest title in the hierarchy of the imperial courts was more than most Kaikoku-born commoners could ever dream of. To be a recognised Gentleman of the Court would increase his social position enormously. He would, in effect, have entered into the nobility. It was a tantalising prospect, even if it meant a smaller profit on his first major government contract. How much would he be expected to shave off? As long as he was still making a small profit, it could be a worthwhile investment for his family.
“You honour me with the suggestion, my lord.” He paused for a moment. “Of course, there are still economic constraints to be considered. Such limitations obligate me to require a minimum financial reimbursement for our services…”
“Of course, of course,” replied Hoshina. “It would not, of course, be in line with regulation for a subject to be elevated to the Imperial Court based purely on supplying the Kaikoku-seifu with military equipment. It would be necessary to carry out some additional service to the Kaikoku. You have acquired a reputation for good manners and diplomatic skull during your time in Kyoto. The honourable Secretary of External Affairs has conceived a diplomatic mission to Europe, to observe technological developments amidst the Western barbarians. The delegation is to include individuals from the military, economic and diplomatic spheres. Shall I refer your name to my honourable colleague?”
Ah, so there is more to his suggestion than meets the eye, thought Reiichirou to himself. He wondered why the Kaikoku-seifu would be so interested in having a Kaikoku-jin merchant amongst their delegation to the West. Perhaps because he was more used to dealing with foreigners- or because he would be more accommodating to the diplomatic necessity of pandering to representatives of barbarian states than the highborn Yamatokoku-jin nobles who would likely form the main part of the delegation. Reiichirou was unsure whether this invitation was one he wished to accept; but, he knew that the prize Hoshina had chosen to tempt him with was a desirable one indeed. Noncommittally, he replied, “Of course it would be an honour to so serve the Empire. But, such a service would need to be considered alongside pre-existing obligations…”
“We may discuss such details further at a later time,” responded Hoshina. “If you are interested, however, I may inform my esteemed colleague the Secretary of External Affairs of this meeting?”
“You may,” Reiichirou answered. “May I assume that it is the intention of the Kaikoku to grant my company this contract, then?”
Hoshina looked momentarily uncomfortable. “Of course, we have not fixed a price yet…”
“But in principle,” Reiichirou pushed, “can you confirm for me that it is your department’s intention?”
“Certainly it would be the preference of the Secretariat,” Hoshina agreed reluctantly.
“Thank you, Lord Hoshina.”
“And you also, Hajiro-san. Regrettably other work now requires my attention, but I will command that a second meeting is arranged at which we can finalise the details of the arrangement discussed here. I trust you will be able to offer a reasonable price for your company’s services then.” He rose, prompting Reiichirou to do the same.
“Of course. I look forward to seeing you again, Lord Hoshina.”
He bowed, whilst Hoshina bowed in response. Reiichirou left the office with a sense that he had found himself in the very centre of a large and deep lake, without actually knowing if he was able to swim.
Secretariat of External Affairs
Kyoto, JapanThe sun had already set and the moon’s pale light was lapping into his office when Orihara Masanari, Kaikoku-seifu Secretary of External Relations, was disturbed by a member of his staff.
“Your Excellency,” the official intoned, “a messenger has arrived with an urgent message from the Secretary of Martial Affairs, His Excellency Lord Hoshina Tsuneyoshi. He requests an audience.”
“Is that so? Then, by all means invite him in,” responded Masanari. His underling bowed curtly, backing out of the office. A moment later the screen doors slid apart and a another official- somewhat younger and more plainly dressed, but otherwise remarkably indistinguishable from the first- entered the office. He bowed. Masanari stood and returned the gesture.
“Your Excellency,” the visitor said, extending his hands to offer a sealed document, “I was asked by my lord Hoshina to present to you this document personally…”
“Ah, and so you have done, I see,” responded Masanari, reaching out to take the document himself and admiring it as if it were the first chrysanthemum of spring. The young official sent to deliver Hoshina’s message took the opportunity to inspect the secretary. Orihara Masanari was just under six foot in height, with a smooth, heart-shaped face framed by dark hair. He was pale and slightly built, softly spoken and draped in a formal black-and-grey kimono emblazoned not with the mon of his house but the emblem of his ministry. He was known to be as eccentric and unpredictable as it was possible to be in a society that emphasised stiff formality and not drawing unnecessary attention to oneself without being locked in a room for the rest of one’s days. Barely out of his twenties, he was one of a crop of promising young officials elevated to high office by the kampaku for their talents and progressive leanings; they were less likely to object to the highest office in Japan being occupied by a woman.
“You may leave now, honourable…?”
“Fukuda Tsutomu, Your Excellency.”
“Honourable Fukuda-san. Your diligence is duly noted.”
A satisfied Tsutomu left, and Masanari, now alone in his office, unsealed and unfurled the message. It was hastily written; the script would win no calligraphy prizes. But it was readable.
To Orihara-san… The individual you requested has been secured for the delegation, and the Secretariat has in principle agreed to grant his company the contract he desired… We have received reports that work on the fortifications on Java are paused; the reason for this is unknown… Orders have been given for forces in the South to be increased. We will expand patrols of the coastline of the Great Southern Continent.
It was brief and direct, Hoshina-san through and through. Masanari was elated. Today had indeed been a productive day. He had been able to secure Lady Toyotomi’s permission to hold a conference with the Aztek and Korean representatives, in order to secure the transpacific alliance he had envisioned. Hoshina-san had apparently been able to persuade the head of the Taisan Conglomerate to join Masanari’s planned diplomatic mission to the West, a move that would help to bind the elites of the colonies closer to the Kaikoku’s central government whilst providing Masanari with a different perspective on the West that he felt was so desperately needed. He had finally triumphed over Hoshina-san’s preference for a more immediately aggressive strategy in the South, winning over the Kaikoku-seifu to his view that alliances with other powers had to be secured before any steps were taken against the barbarians intruding upon Japan’s sphere of influence. Masanari understood that Hoshina’s position was based on more than just an aggressive thirst for war. His fears that given more time to build up their settlements, expand their territories and fortify their position, the barbarians would be more difficult to expunge, were quite rational. However, Masanari was more cynical than Hoshina; he preferred to play things safe, and not to enter any conflict without ensuring first that victory was all but certain (nothing was every truly certain, of course). Though Hoshina quite openly disliked Masanari, viewing him as a cowardly, scheming pen-pusher, Masanari liked Hoshina. He was interesting, brighter than many at first assumed, imbued with a heroic quality that seemed to burden him with a heavy sense of duty and a strong faith in the rightness of the system he served, without holding any illusions about its darker side, or the questionable things done to protect that system. Such a paradoxical character appealed to Masanari, who delighted in dissecting people’s psychology.
He was almost done for the evening. He needed only to prepare a report on the day’s events for the regent’s desk, and to place his seal on the documents prepared to be sent to the Most Serene Imperial States of Korea and the Aztek Ascendancy. Tonight, he was to be dining with an imperial counsellor of the third rank within the Yamatokoku-seifu and a prominent leader of Kyoto’s traditionalist faction, Konoe Kyosuke. Lord Konoe was a rigidly conservative champion of propriety and protocol in all things, an opponent of the administration to which Masanari belonged; but Masanari liked him nonetheless, finding him an individual with a far more complex way of seeing things than his apparent commitment to tradition would suggest. What was more interesting still was that unlike Hoshina, Lord Konoe seemed to like Masanari in return. Their private meetings were always welcome insights into the inner workings of one another’s respective camps. Masanari looked forward to a night of friendly sparring between two sharpened minds.
大日本海国外交事務局
Secretariat of External Affairs of the Great Japanese Maritime State
TO: The Aztek Ascendancy
RE: Diplomatic Summit
To the relevant government office of the Aztek Ascendancy,
On behalf of Their Imperial Majesties the Emperors of the Northern and Southern Courts, and Her Excellency the Imperial Regent, greetings. The Kaikoku-seifu has long contemplated upon the expansion and strengthening of our ties to the lands to our east, across the vast Pacific Ocean. It is the belief of the Kaikoku-seifu that our peoples share a common interest in the maintenance of peace and stability in the Pacific, which is regrettably threatened by the encroachment of outside nations into waters long acknowledged as ours, and in expanding trade between our great continents to the enrichment of all. Therefore, to promote harmony and cooperation we cordially invite a delegation of the Aztek Ascendancy to attend a conference in our city of Edo. Details will follow; we await confirmation of your attendance.
Signed and approved,
折 正
原 就
Orihara Masanari, Secretary for External Relations of the Great Japanese Maritime State
大日本海国外交事務局
Secretariat of External Affairs of the Great Japanese Maritime State
TO: Minister Chae Jun-bum, First Seat of Ministry of Rites, Most Serene Imperial States of Korea
RE: Diplomatic Summit
Esteemed and valued ally,
On behalf of Their Imperial Majesties the Emperors of the Northern and Southern Courts and Her Excellency the Imperial Regent, we convey our greetings to His Most Serene Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Korea and to His Majesty's servant, Minister Chae Jun-bum. Your humble servant Orihara Masanari of the Secretariat of External Relations sends also his personal salutations. The Kaikoku-seifu shares His Most Serene Imperial Majesty's concerns regarding the encroachment of barbarians into lands once reserved for civilised peoples, and welcomes the prospect of a unified front against such violations. Your Excellency or another representative of the Most Serene Imperial States is therefore cordially invited to attend a conference in our city Edo, to discuss the matters raised by Your Excellency on His Most Serene Imperial Majesty's behalf. Details will follow; we await confirmation of your attendance.
Signed and approved,
折 正
原 就
Orihara Masanari, Secretary for External Relations of the Great Japanese Maritime State
Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 12:36 pm
