[Lotto]
by trixie_chick
An Approach to Tsumego, Part 1
ooooo
Tengyou 9, the 28th day of the 4th month 31 may 946
A taste of summer was felt in the wind, lazily stirring. He pushed back his hair, a gesture of annoyance he barely registered. He tipped his head back. He should have gotten properly dressed, and then his hair would be held back, and not all over his face and shoulders, but tonight was a formal evening, and would require extra layers and adornments, so while he could get away with slacking off, he would.
It was going to get hot again soon.
He turned his attention back to his goban, and sank his fingers into the white stones, letting the cool shells tingle his fingertips before he picked up a single stone. He brought it to his lips, just barely pressing it to the underside of his bottom lip as he scanned the field of play.
He took a game as seriously when he played himself as he did when he played anyone else, and often thought these games were the hardest, because he always knew exactly what the other side was thinking. Playing as white or black, he wanted to place strong stones that could capture territory, but it was frustrating that each game ended in both a win and a loss. It was a bitter experience that he secretly felt taught him as much as any other game he played, though indistinctly he was well aware that he needed another player to advance his skills.
Another player as advanced as he was, unfortunately.
He placed the stone with a firm gesture, creating the familiar plunk, and then he folded his arms over his chest, examining the board with a whole new perspective. Ah, he was in a corner now!
"Master!" Jirou sighed, exasperated. His gazed flicked up to the page momentarily, immediately aware that he was about to be lectured, so he petulantly put his fingers into the black stones, ignoring him. "What are you doing?"
Sai's lips quirked momentarily. "That's obvious, isn't it?" He could play there; that wasn't a bad move. But if one played moves that were just... not bad, it was hard to win.
"Master, the new Emperor is being crowned as we speak!" Jirou hissed, looking about. Sai looked up, too, vaguely wondering if the so-called threat was from invaders or pirates or flies or bees. Seeing nothing, though, he blankly looked up at Jirou. Turning his eyes quickly heavenward, Jirou fell quickly to his knees next to Sai. "You can't be seen or heard laying about playing games at such an important time. You should be there, after all!"
Sai just shook his head, looking back to the goban. "No, no," he sighed, restless. He wriggled his bare toes, stretching out his legs. "This is not simply a game, after all. And there will be so many people there, anyway, that I would be far in the back. I'd just be sitting in the sun and heat for hours, not able to see or hear anything, and I'd probably fall asleep and embarrass someone. My brother told me. It's enough if I go to the feast tonight. And tomorrow, right? How long is the celebration?"
"It will last for at least a week," Jirou muttered. "And your brother told you that just to keep you out of the way! You're far more attractive than he is, and he's desperately afraid you'll secure a beneficial marriage before him."
Sai blinked, and looked up at Jirou in shock. "He is? I am?"
"You didn't know? Of course you didn't know," Jirou lowered his head, his shoulders slumping.
"I wonder when study will resume. Will we be able to play during the festivities?" Sai pondered aimlessly. He placed the black stone. Ah... that was a strong move. Now white was in trouble!
"There might be games during the festivities..." Jirou started uncertainly, glancing away at Sai's glare. "Sai-dono... you should think more about your position, though! A new Emperor means... new opportunities. Even with your family name, you must seize the chances you can."
Sai nodded absently, applying Jirou's words to the more concrete example of the shapes before him as he selected a white stone. "Does the new Emperor play? What's his name, again? The former Emperor's... son..."
"The former Emperor had only the Imperial Princess," Jirou replied testily. "The newly crowned - by now - Emperor is his younger brother, and he shall be known as Emperor Murakami."
"Ah... good name," Sai nodded, paying only enough attention to know that it was his turn to speak.
"Master..." Jirou sighed.
Sai opened his fan. It was going to be a hot summer, the court ladies had been saying. He believed it. He didn't like it, but there was nothing to be done about the weather. It looked as if white had nothing it could do, either.
ooooo
Tengyou 9, the 17th day of the 7th month 16 august 946
He started the game as calmly as any other, the only excitement derived from the anticipation of playing someone of his 'rival's' caliber. He was aware, peripherally, that there were more than go at stake. He knew this because his brother came to watch the game, and his brother rarely had the patience for go. Jirou, too, had tried to impress upon him the importance of winning.
As he waited for his opponent's move, he watched the other man. It... irritated him that all of this was going on, after all. Even though he had fully convinced himself that he need not consider anything other than the universe on the goban, as always, still. That a game like the one they were currently engaged in was being watched for something other than the hands making it up was irritating. That his go was being sullied by his family's politics, as if the two were interchangeable, was irritating. That any man, even the Emperor, especially the Emperor, was to be allowed only one Master for something like go... that was irritating. However, focusing on anything other than go would signal his death, and, in the end, he was confident enough in his skills. In fact, though the game was young, he was disappointed. His opponent must have been distracted, but though it all appeared even, he was steadily building a weight to his shapes. His opponent was not making mistakes, but he wasn't making spectacular hands, either. He was leaving openings.
His opponent's hand moved, but at that moment, when his eyes should have been on where the black stone was to be placed, he was distracted by something else. A pearl of white amid a black ocean.
One of his stones, mixed into his opponent's basket.
He could have, at that moment, said something, but it was undignified. He had a hand to plan out. His fingers sank into his own stones, but while he examined the board, he bit his lip, glancing toward the one white stone in the black. If it was going to bother him, he should most definitely speak up, but if it was going to bother him, he wasn't worthy to play before the Emperor. Resolutely, he lifted a stone to place.
His opponent was well skilled, making use of the movements of hands to mask his other movements. Just as Sai raised his stone, his opponent moved the errant stone. Into the ranks of his captured prey. Sai's hands faltered, and he looked, baldly, to be sure. He knew the count of stones that should have been there, and their numbers were increased by exactly one, and the goke's contents were once again purely black. It was shocking; Sai looked up at his opponent, meeting his eyes. His lips were parted, but time felt as if it had stopped. This man... he... cheated!? Sai couldn't comprehend...
He would have to speak up. It was just one stone, but this was unacceptable. Realizing that, Sai blinked. And he opened his mouth to speak...
"You've cheated!"
A finger was pointed in his face. And. Those words were directed... to him? But... Sai's hand trembled, and his white stone fell back into the goke. "What? That's a lie! You...!"
"I saw you! You moved a black stone into your captured bowl!"
Sai's eyes widened and his jaw went slack. This... couldn't be happening! How could he? They were playing before the Emperor! Before the whole of court! And he was lying! He disgraced his own go to lie and cheat! Murmurs were building up all around them. Suddenly, Sai because hyper aware of the eyes on them, that those words were about them, about Sai, that people were talking about him cheating, at go, cheating at go, him!
Sick, he turned his head toward the raised dais separated by a gauzy film of silk. Even during his lessons, Sai didn't pay too much attention to the Emperor. He was there, above them, watching them, separate and distinct. The Emperor took his lessons, generally, by simply watching his Masters at play and demonstrating games and plays of importance, so he was more like a fixture in the room than a person that Sai could interact with, and, anyway, Sai was more interested in people who could challenge him seriously from across the goban. The Emperor had a lazy attitude toward go, though supportive of its presence in court.
Now, however, the Emperor was the absolute law in a specific situation in which Sai was desperately involved, and Sai needed him to understand. He cleared his throat, and put his hands before him, facing the Emperor, and he bowed. "Your Majesty, Emperor! This... I would not do this! I swear to you... I have not cheated!" Sai begged. That his opponent cheated... he should mention it! But then, wouldn't it be just his word against another?
This no longer had anything to do with go. He had to think of his father's and his brother's lessons on court politics. His cousin's lectures, his uncles stern looks... his head swam. He never had any interest and only paid nominal attention. Should he mention it? What would Jirou tell him to do?
A gong rang out, and there was absolute silence. Sai shook, and looked up at the Emperor. "Clear the room," his silky voice rang out. "Everyone, out. Sai-sensei, stay."
His opponent stood up, looking down at him for a moment with a look of complete satisfaction and triumph. What? Did that mean... the Emperor... wanted to speak to him, right? He looked around wildly, trying to find Jirou, or his brother. All he saw were eyes over fans, and every pair of them looked sinister.
Sai went back to bowing, his shoulders shaking. This wasn't right. This wasn't right!
The room was now quiet, but the Emperor spoke again, perturbed. "I said for everyone to leave! There is no need to stay."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The Emperor's Minister of the Left bowed quickly, and took his leave. He did give Sai a significant look before he went. Sai shifted uncomfortably. That man was... a cousin or an uncle of his, but he wasn't sure. He should really pay more attention!
He never thought he'd need to know anything about politics for go, though.
All that remained, then, were himself, the Emperor, and a few guards, their faces shielded. They were essentially nothing, so. This was... being alone with the Emperor. It was scary!
He pressed his face as close to the floor as he could. "Your Majesty the Emperor. I swear to you on all that is holy and good... I did not cheat. In fact... In fact, it's disgraceful to say so, but... but my opponent... he is the one who cheated! I swear to you... I would never cheat at go!"
The Emperor... chuckled. Shivering, Sai tried to look up. Beyond the brim of his tall tate-eboshi cap, he could only see the steps leading up the dais, the silky curtain, the Emperor's hand... near the curtain, as if he were leaning toward Sai. "Would you not? Because your Emperor was watching you?"
"I would not sully my game!" Sai hotly retorted. "How can one achieve the Divine Move with such a stain on his soul? It's repugnant!"
Once again, the Emperor answered him with a low, deep chuckle. More bravely, Sai looked up. The Emperor was indeed on his hands, his body like a cat's, watching Sai with a hidden expression. Sai was grateful, indeed, that he could not see the Emperor's eyes. "I believe you, Sai. I do.
"I believe you. Now. My guard will take you..." His hand motioned to one of the monolithic guards, and he stepped forward immediately. "Go with him."
Sai bowed down, still shaking. The Emperor... believed him. Believed in him? He bowed as he stood. "Thank you. Thank you, Your Majesty. Th-thank you." He bowed as he moved forward. He just kept bowing. The Emperor believed him.
He followed the guard. They didn't go out the way Sai normally entered the court. That really wasn't surprising, of course. Out in the courtyard, all of court would be assembled like vultures, waiting for diseased and cursed fleshed to feast upon gleefully. Sai's stomach churned, and his head swam. This was the worst day of his life! But the Emperor believed him...
The guard led him past the halls and rooms he was most familiar with, drawing him toward the inmost center of the palace, but he was so trapped in his his thoughts he passed by the ornamental gardens without so much as a glance. Only when the guard came to a stop did he look up, and upon looking up, realize that he had no idea where he was. He opened his mouth to inquire to the guard just what was expected of him, but a tiny maid opened a door, and bowed to them.
"This way, sensei."
Sai blinked. The guard stood at attention, and then turned to leave. The tiny maid grinned, and beckoned him closer. Confused and still sick all over, he did as she requested. "I'm not sure I quite understand... just what exactly has happened! I think I should find my brother..."
"Don't worry, sensei. We're here to attend you." The tiny maid closed the door behind him. Sensual perfume wafted up in thick, cloudy streams, hitting him like a physical force. We? He blinked, looking around. He was in... an elaborate staging room. Hands took off his cap, and undid his hair, spreading it over his back, and then hands started to work at his clothes. Blushing, Sai looked down, looked around him. A small contingent of tiny maids were undressing him...!
"Ah..." He fumbled, and stumbled, trying to avoid getting in their way while simultaneously trying not to assist them, either. It was difficult.
"We shall attend you, sensei," he was assured. "Please try only to relax. We shall bring wine, and a small meal, as well." She smiled brightly and confidently at him. He was sure that in some way, refusing would be rude beyond measure, so he only nodded dumbly. It was irrelevant, anyway, because their tiny hands were most effective. His hair was free and his clothes were gone and he was pushed toward a mat.
He went down face down, and then multiple hands were kneading into his flesh, massaging in sweet-smelling oil. Was he being purified for something? He sighed, letting out his frustration and anxiety, and closed his eyes. It was a bizarre ending to a painful and disturbing game. And the worst of it was, thanks to that idiot's cheating, Sai could never be sure he would have won! He had a much stronger position, but his opponent's endgame was heralded, and even Sai appreciated the viciousness with which his stones could tear apart shapes. Yes, he'd been confident, but nothing was as certain as doing.
After about ten minutes, he was guided to sit up, and he was given a light robe, and then wine, and lightly steamed fish with rice. He ate and drank calmly while two maids brushed out his hair, rubbing crushed flowers and light oils into it.
He would have liked to have been able to play the man honestly.
He was taken and given a short white jacket, his hair spread flat on his back. Then he was led to another room. He was a bit dizzy from the heat and the wine, and drained from the day in general. As they walked down the passageway, he watched, idly, as the fish in the pond followed them. White koi?
The tiny maid bowed low, and then back away, closing the door behind her as she went. Sai looked around, confused. He had no clue at all where he was. Was he still in the palace?
"Your hair is at such a nice length."
Sai started a bit, but that silky voice was attached to a hand that was now picking up a section of his hair. Sai's jaw went slack. He'd never been this close, after all, to the Emperor. This Emperor was still young... and as he came around, Sai could see him, he was impressed immediately that he was beautiful, with a strong and manly jaw, and clear eyes.
"Y-our Majesty... m-my Emperor..."
"I like that!" the Emperor declared with delight. "I am your Emperor. Does that mean that you love me, Sai?"
Sai blinked. He'd never been asked such a question, not even from his mother. Did he...? "Of course I do," he replied, at least knowing what the right answer was.
"That makes me happy." The Emperor smiled, and then turned, falling to recline on a low and very wide bed. He smiled lazily up at Sai. "It was something of a gamble to take your word, you know. I am the first Emperor to act without a Regent, but many in court complain of the influence of the Fujiwara."
Sai stared at the Emperor mutely. The Emperor's clothing, or lack thereof, was now apparent to Sai. He could see a sliver of the Emperor's chest...
"I have sent the cheater out of my court, and out of my palace. You shall be my only tutor in go. I've also decided that you shall be my lover." The Emperor's voice was so silky and smooth, as if each word smiled. And he sounded so confident! Sai was impressed.
But. What did he just...?
"How old are you, Sai?"
He blinked, and realized that an answer was required, and this was something he should know easily. "Twenty, my Emperor."
"We're about the same age," the Emperor declared happily. "And you are not married?"
"Ah, no," Sai answered, blushing. He never once thought about marriage, but he was practically an old man, wasn't he? He should be thinking about these things. "My parents have not yet arranged a marriage. My older brother is yet unmarried, so..."
The Emperor laughed. "If they are waiting for a maiden to take him, I suppose they will need to find a blind girl." Sai blinked, completely confused. The Emperor reached out to him, and like he'd been drawn by a magnet, Sai reached back, letting the Emperor pull him down.
Onto the Emperor's bed.
"I've been watching you. Even before I was Emperor... when I was only Nariakira, and it never once occurred to me I would become Murakami. I watched you jealously. I had been set aside. Preserved, certainly, but considered unnecessary. From that shadowy place of waiting, I watched you, also the younger in a line of greater men, but you possessed something I had not."
"Wh-what could I possibly have had that you, my Emperor, could not have had?" Sai asked, confused. Confused by the Emperor's words, and by his actions. Confused by the strange heat under his skin, and by the way his heart started to thud painfully in his chest.
"Passion." The Emperor's hand touched his cheek, his fingers splaying out to caress Sai's lips. "Love. I watched you play go, and I saw something pure and passionate and beautiful, and I envied the stones your hands touched with such grace and power." The Emperor leaned in, and to Sai's shock, he pressed his lips to Sai's. It was uncomfortable and awkward, and then he pulled back again, grinning. "Have you never kissed before, Sai? Have you never lain with a lover?"
Sai shook his head, his movements shaky, embarrassment warring with confusion.
The Emperor's eyes gleamed with pleasure. "Then, my teacher of go, let me teach you." He pushed Sai down onto the bed, and opened Sai's robe. Sai's skin trembled as the Emperor's hands moved over him, claiming him.
He was the Emperor's territory.
"Don't be afraid." Sai nodded, but his heart did not obey, pounding. The Emperor's chin dipped down, his lips curled in a smile. "I will teach you well, my Sai."
Sai's breath became halted and broken, and his eyes eventually closed as his legs parted at his Emperor's insistence.
ooooo
Tengyou 10, the 4th day of the 2nd month 27 february 947
Patiently, he waited while Jirou's quick and clever hands finished clothing him. There was a stark chill in the air, so he almost regretted needing to leave his private chambers, his warm bed, and the fire nearby. Jirou finished securing and smoothing down his obi, so he stepped away, bowing briefly to his Master. Sai lowered his arms, and nodded to his page, and then folded his hands inside his sleeves. At least that was a bit warmer.
The palace had a different light, and a different air in the winter. He had been told, though, that this was the last cold snap, and it wasn't so much how cold it was as that he was ready for spring. As they walked past the courtyards, Sai looked longingly toward the neat rows of cherry trees. When the blossoms were in bloom, it was so much easier to find players willing to spend an hour or more on the veranda, playing a game while enjoying the seasonal breezes!
He stood aside, shielding his face with his fan and Jirou partially with his body, to allow some Ministers to pass. His brother was among them, and he nodded to Sai. Jirou had, it seemed, been right about his brother, since he'd become much more pleasant since his engagement. Or perhaps it was because of Sai's influence on the Emperor, though Sai didn't think he had any. He still couldn't convince the Emperor to avoid his tesuji intoxication.
He went to the study room, pleased to find students at their gobans already. He walked behind them, offering tips and advice, occasionally sitting to go through a lecture or a demonstration. Jirou once again had to remind him of the time so they could break. After tea, Sai sauntered down the meandering path through the trees. He looked up at the skeletal branches criss-crossing the sky, an uncertain shade of greyish blue. There was a feeling similar to the very beginning of a game when he waited for the other player to lay his first stone.
He knew there was a hint of a smile across his lips, and he wondered about it in some recess of his consciousness. He didn't usually feel happy when he wasn't playing, and it had been a bit of a while since he'd felt truly challenged. He needed that. He wasn't any closer to the Divine Move at this moment than he was months ago, so it felt strange to feel content, even excited.
"Sensei!"
He turned, and bowed briefly to the small gathering of court ladies. They hid demurely behind their fans in teasing reply.
"Sensei, might you have time for a game?" the one in purple requested.
"Lady Nariko, a distant cousin by marriage. There is talk of her being married to the Minister of the Center," Jirou muttered behind him.
"It would be my pleasure, my Lady," Sai replied gallantly. The ladies tittered in delight, and made room for him in their salon, the younger of their numbers going bring the goban.
Lady Nariko's eyes shone at Sai from behind her fan. "Sensei is so kind, always willing to take time to play. I hope it doesn't become boring for Sensei, playing at such a handicap?"
Her question was both polite and baiting, in some ways, but these types of conversations required only politeness to navigate, and he could manage. "It is always my pleasure to play. Any game can offer insight to one who is prepared to learn," he advised. That elicited a titter of admiration from the onlookers, but Lady Nariko's gaze just became more pointed.
"It won't be long before we are celebrating Sensei's brother's wedding. That should be delightful; a spring wedding is very promising, I should think. What about Sensei? You must, too, be in need of a wife?" she asked sharply.
Sai smiled, watching her delicately place her handicap stones. "I would neglect my wife for the stones. Nothing would be sadder! I should think that it would be prudent to wait until I was very old. If I was fat and had a long, grey beard, I could get a sweet young wife, and then I'd definitely appreciate her." He winked at the ladies watching, and then placed his first stone.
"Sensei, that's devious," Lady Nariko accused cheerfully. "It is difficult to even imagine Sensei in such a form! Ah, if only I had such delicate skin..." she demurred tauntingly, enjoying the immediate chorus of assurance of the quality of her skin. Her eyes were fixed upon him, though, so she only acknowledged them with a slight waver of her fan. "Our Emperor has a beautiful wife, such a shining example for all handsome men. And quite a lady she is! I understand Sensei had the pleasure of giving her a lesson as well?"
She was playing slowly, as interested in the conversation as anything else. Probably moreso than in the play, but it was a friendly game, so Sai tried to match her pace. It made him a tiny bit impatient, though. "Our Empress is a peerless woman, quite fitting."
"Indeed," Lady Nariko agreed. "A delicate flower, and accomplished as well. I know that she was interested in go before the wedding, even. Does Sensei find that his attention is now divided by his Imperial pupils?" She laughed, a sound that was pleasing and a bit suspicious.
So, she wanted to know about his relationship with the Emperor and his wife? Even Sai could see through that. He broke apart the meager shape she'd been forming. "On the contrary, the other night, I watched as they played each other. It was a most worthy game."
"Did the Empress have a large handicap?" a bystander asked. Sai smiled at her. He knew her... he couldn't place her name, but she was kind, a tiny bit plump... she had her eye on one of the generals.
And this, too, was a trap he could easily avoid. "Theirs was a jovial and enjoyable game, on both sides." He winked and smiled in just the right way, which earned him the appropriate laughter. It was possible, after all, even for him, to play just to have fun.
"Sensei has such a pure heart," Lady Nariko sighed. "Did Sensei play with his mother, as well?"
"Of course!" Sai answered immediately, without politics. "My mother had a deep beauty to her play. She was most poetic on the nature of go. My father was more strategic. I used to enjoy watching them both."
"Ooh, did your mother play evenly with your father?" someone in pink asked.
"She would not have it any other way," Sai replied kindly. "I was very small and in my mother's lap, watching her raise her stones and place them. I believe that was my earliest memory, the beauty of it indelibly marking my very soul." He smiled affectionately, thinking of it. He'd always been rather single-minded, and a bit of an idealist. But if there was honor and goodness to be found anywhere, he knew, it had to be found in even the smallest gestures.
"Sensei... is very pure," Lady Nariko repeated, sighing. She lowered her fan enough to show her smile. "The Emperor... does not lack for good judgment."
There was a round of agreement, but Sai was slightly troubled by her tone, in case she was not speaking of go. However, his troubles passed within a hand or two, and the rest of the game was peaceful, even affording him the opportunity to pass on a lesson to the group as a whole about transitioning to the end game.
Jirou moved forward discreetly, reminding him of his lesson with the Emperor, so Sai took his leave of the ladies, and rose. It was nearly evening, and the night sky, clear and bright, was becoming more and more visible through the hazy layers of twilight. He went to the inner palace, needing to step aside, once again, for some Ministers to pass. The last one, a short, stocky man that Sai did not recognize, paused to greet him.
"Ah... it's time for a lesson again, I see. It should be comforting, no doubt, to know the Emperor is studious in some regards." He smirked, stroking his short and greasy beard.
Sai managed not to make a face, and inclined his head. "Minister." He slipped right past, keeping his tongue and temper in check.
Behind him, Jirou hurried to keep up. "That was the Second Minister of Ceremonies. He's the highest ranking official not of the Fujiwara clan. Undoubtedly, he's suspicious of an intimately placed member of your clan such as yourself. Those who oppose the Fujiwara clan are pining their hopes on him."
Sai's mouth twisted. "I had gathered that much, at least." He sighed. Matters not related to go could be very taxing. "Thank you, Jirou." He hesitated a moment. "You don't need to attend me any further. Go and tell my brother about this encounter."
Jirou bowed quickly, and then turned and went down a side hallway.
The Emperor was in a private chamber, reclining with his flute. The soft, lilting music caused the strain of court to evaporate. Sai sat down in proper seiza, and closed his eyes to listen. When the Emperor finished, he bowed low in respect. "That was beautiful," he said quietly.
"Ah! Sai-sensei recognizes beauty off the goban! It is truly a special day!" the Emperor teased.
Unashamed, Sai smiled brightly at him.
ooooo
Tenryaku 1, the 8th day of the 11th month 22 december 947
He should have been sitting up on the platform, at the seat arranged for him near the Emperor. The entire festival had been so exciting, but now that they were nearing the finale, Sai could barely contain himself. To celebrate the solstice, he'd arranged a go festival, with a tournament that anyone from the capital could enter. For the past few days, as the de facto leader of go studies in the Empire, he'd been overseeing the tournament. There were many other forms of festivities going on to celebrate the solstice, but this was the first time there had ever been a go tournament of this nature, and many complained, quietly behind their fans, that inviting just anyone in from the capital was a mistake, but Sai had ardently argued the point. After all, if there was some go master who was not of noble birth, wouldn't that individual be even more interesting? Wouldn't it be even more important to locate such a talent? And there was a prize to be offered the winner! Surely, that would encourage the lower class even more than the upper class, who would be happy enough to play for the Emperor's enjoyment. And that, in turn, would encourage go throughout the capital!
Sai couldn't see anything at all wrong with that plan!
They were down to eight players, paired off before four gobans. Sai moved discreetly behind them, watching intensely. There was a noble from the Ministry of Treasury who was playing quite well against the only remaining lady. She was an older woman, the mother of the Minister of the Center, and most skilled. It would be a close match, so their endgame skills would determine the winner. There was a lower noble, an apprentice stargazer, who was clearly defeating his opponent, a rotund lower noble from the Treasury department. Sai had given lessons to that stargazer, so he wasn't surprised by the lad's success. There was a man from the taxation department that Sai knew nothing about, but he was losing to a lieutenant in the military. He was a good-looking man who had an impressive uniform, so he'd been getting a great deal of attention from the court ladies.
Sai stood over the fourth and final goban, and closed his fan, pressing the tip to his lips.
This match... the progression of stones wasn't immediately obvious! Sai had agreed that only the final match would be recorded, but he hoped someone had been paying attention to this! A commoner was playing one of Sai's students, a man of the Fujiwara clan who worked under the Minister of the Right. The commoner's manners were certainly less refined than all the others, but Sai only nominally noticed.
He stood over their goban, watching enraptured. It was a deceptive game, appearing close, but the commoner had several points of strength. They'd already entered the endgame, and his student was aggressively seeking to disturb the commoner's shapes, but it was a trap. A well-laid out and carefully executed trap. Sai watched, delighted, as the commoner took advantage of one opening and then another, and then he broke Sai's student's shapes, claiming a large portion of the board's territory... His student stubbornly held on for several hands past the point where he could have hoped to win, but he finally did concede. After winning, the commoner exhaled loudly, leaning back in relief. Realizing that people were watching him, he blushed, and bowed in apology, laughing. He looked up at Sai, and flushed right down to his slightly open robes.
Sai was aware of a shift in the Emperor's stance, and he opened his fan, raising his eyebrows. He looked over the goban once more, and then strolled back to his designated seat. The rest of the games finished in short Order. The Minister of the Center's mother won by two and a half moku, the stargazer won by six, and the lieutenant won by concession. There was some polite applause, and then the Emperor dismissed the assembly. Sai remained, as he had a lesson with the Emperor, but he turned quickly, hiding his mouth behind his fan. He looked Jirou in the eye steadily. "Find out everything you can about that commoner."
The Emperor rose to depart, and Sai moved deftly to take his place behind him. The procession was, as per the usual, fairly large but Ministers and servants dropped off at various points. The Emperor went to a dining chamber with only Sai and two Ministers. The Emperor immediately went to sit before his koto, beginning to play. The room became very quiet, which was a gift, honestly. The only thing that could follow an afternoon of exciting go was good music, after all. With inhuman silence, the maids brought in the dinner quietly, keeping the dishes covered until the Emperor finished. Then, he sat down, his posture relaxed, and breathed in the scent of the simmering stew.
"I do believe this solstice has been most... illuminating. Would you not say?" His voice was serene, but his eyes quickly narrowed, looking at his Minister of the Left.
The man bowed shortly, pouring the Emperor his wine. "I do believe it has been a testament to His Majesty's greatness that such entertainments of the past week have been so invigorating... for the entire Empire."
The Emperor smiled. "Indeed. Can you even recall when a commoner such as that man has been in the palace!" This time, the Emperor turned his gaze to the Minister of the Right.
Sai's back stiffened, and he slowly sipped his wine. He watched the Emperor carefully.
"It would be impossible to guess, Your Majesty. I would assume, however, that such a thing has never happened," the Minister replied evenly, his tone cool.
"Never! You hear that, Sensei? Never!" The Emperor's eyes twinkled. That was... heartening.
"What would you think, Sensei, if that man were to defeat one of your students?" the Minister of the Left asked archly.
Sai bowed briefly, and smiled. "I suppose my first thought would be that I would wish to play him myself, as soon as possible," he answered honestly, keeping his voice light. The Emperor was watching him keenly. "What a splendid people we have for our most highly esteemed Emperor, that such talent can be found in every corner, do you not think?" he asked, emphasizing the innocent tenor to his voice as Jirou had been trying to teach him to do of late.
The Emperor beamed. "It truly does warm our heart. We hope to see Sensei play whoever wins! It should be good, once and a while, to test our tutors, mm? I hope, for the sake of our Minster, however, that it is Lady Tsuyuki you face!"
Sai laughed with appropriately honest mirth. "I think I find such a prospect to be the most daunting of all!"
"The lady does indeed have presence," the Minister of the Right agreed easily.
The rest of dinner passed with conversation regarding the rest of the festivities, and various topics concerning the palace and the nation. As always, Sai maintained an interested countenance, but he made only the most rudimentary comments when called upon, his thoughts wandering far from the topics at hand. After dinner, the Emperor allowed the Minster of the Right to leave, but he played on his koto more for Sai and the Minister of the Left, until the Minister of the Left took his leave. The Emperor's fingers continued to gracefully tickle the strings, so Sai patiently held his position, and listened. The Emperor was more skilled on the flute, but his koto could sound mournful or delighted, depending on his mood.
Tonight, it sounded playful.
"You've enjoyed this week," the Emperor insinuated, as if it were a secret with which he could seduce Sai.
"I have. I hope you have as well, my Emperor," Sai replied, blushing slightly despite himself.
The Emperor's fingers stilled, and his whole body seemed tense for a moment, and then he relaxed. "Go prepare for bed," he ordered, so Sai stood up immediately.
"As you wish," he bowed. The door opened for him, and a maid quickly stood to lead him away. It was a procedure he had gotten used to, so he was prepared to be disrobed, and then, as he'd come to think of it, purified for the Emperor's bedchambers. He didn't waste much time relaxing, though, and slipped on an extra robe, as it was just getting cold.
As always, the Emperor was waiting for him, already undressed. Sai didn't even wait for the Emperor to hold out a hand to move swiftly to the Emperor's side. The Emperor took his hands, and pulled Sai close. "What will you do, my teacher, if that commoner wins?"
"I will want to play him, as soon as possible," he repeated, moving onto the bed as his Emperor directed.
"You get excited thinking about him, don't you?" the Emperor petulantly accused.
Sai laughed. "I get excited thinking about his go, yes. As my Emperor said, it is good to be tested."
The Emperor sighed, pulling at Sai's robes. "These hands were designed to make music. I need to use them to capture this territory..." He spread his hand out over Sai's heart. "This pure and unfettered territory... it's so easy for me to map its boundaries, but I need to possess it to fully understand its riches. I'm clumsy with my shapes, and impatient, and I try to be too clever..." He smiled, pushing Sai down. "But somehow, these musician's fingers must find a way to capture and win."
Boldly, Sai ran his hands up his Emperor's sides. "I'm puzzled. I thought you had already claimed this land."
"Claimed, yes," the Emperor agreed, dipping his lips down to Sai's neck, his collarbone. "But there's a difference between a claim and ownership."
"I concede to my Emperor's greater wisdom," Sai sighed. "But I offer him no resistance."
"Is that so?" the Emperor grinned. "Then do your Emperor a favor. These nights are getting cold. I do not wish to sleep alone. Does that cause you a problem?" he challenged.
Sai merely shook his head. But wait. That wouldn't be misunderstood, right? "I am at my Emperor's service, as always."
"Good. Even if your eager page lectures you tomorrow?" the Emperor teased.
Sai laughed. "Well, he has to, uhn, have something to do..."
The Emperor then fully opened his robes, and made his advance all over Sai's landscape.
He woke the next morning with the Emperor's hair in his mouth. The two of them were despicably tangled, and messy. If they were going to fall asleep like this, Sai lamented in his heart, they should have tied their hair back first! The Emperor rolled over on him, sticking his elbow down on Sai's arm. Sai's protesting cry caused him to open his eyes, and as soon as he did, he smiled. "Ah... it's that time, then, mm?"
Sai was about to say something, but shockingly, the Emperor decided to kiss him! Deeply, too, despite Sai's morning breath! And, though it wasn't proper to even think so, despite the Emperor's morning breath! After the kiss, though, the Emperor pulled back.
"Ah... wait here just a bit, and someone will come for you. We must be careful, after all." He winked at Sai, and then he got out of bed, throwing on a robe before striding off.
Sai felt a bit foolish and a bit feminine, being left behind in bed, but it was fine. The Emperor had been excessively ardent last night as well, leaving Sai in a modicum of discomfort, but he just needed to freshen up. The smell of the Emperor's oil, though, might linger on his skin. For the first time, he was aware of the inconvenience of the role of the Emperor's lover.
He sat up just as the door behind the bed slid open. He turned, and was immediately embarrassed. The Empress just curled one finger at him, and then the door was closed again. He quickly got out of the Emperor's bed, and put on a robe, following... but... when the Emperor said someone, did he really mean...?
He followed the Empress through a maze of narrow, poorly lit halls. Servants halls? He'd never been in this part of the palace, so he couldn't be sure. When he caught up to her, she looked over her shoulder at him. "Did you sleep well, Sensei?"
He flushed deeply. His hair was a mess and he was aware of the perfumed odor surrounding him... an odor the Empress has to be familiar with... "Ah... my apologies... that is, I mean..."
She chuckled lightly. "Do not be so embarrassed. I'm here to help! Trust me, I am quite pleased to be of any service to you that I can be."
He stared at the back of her head, dumbfounded. "Ah? M-Majesty? I... I confess, I do not understand."
"Do you not?" she looked back at him sharply. "Sensei is quite pure, I have heard it said many times. Well.
"Of all that might share that bed, you are the only one who cannot produce an heir to compete with mine." She ran her hand over her slightly bulging belly, and then slipped into a room. It was her own private rooms.
Sai followed, understanding, but not understanding. "I see... well..."
The Empress motioned him toward a screened off section of the room, and then sat down. Sai realized that a goban had been set up here. "It is so kind of Sensei to bring a bit of the festivities to me, at such an early hour, as well! It is difficult to be so... limited. But one can endure anything for the future of the country," she demurred, once again rubbing her belly.
Sai smiled. Ah, it had been a while since he'd seen the Empress in court. He'd heard the court ladies speaking of it. Her... delicate condition, as it were. She didn't seem infirm in any way, though. "It is my deep pleasure, of course, my Empress." He went behind the screen, as directed, and found two maids, armed with clothing and perfumed oil, a musky, fresh scent. It was a cold way to begin the day, but he endured it, reminding himself that it was supposed to be very healthy for one's spirit. "We all pray for you and for your future child."
"That is so kind. Shall we begin? I'll take an extra stone in handicap, if you don't mind. I sometimes have trouble concentrating early in the day of late," she explained.
They played with the screen between them until he was dressed, and then he came out to sit opposite her. The maids brushed out his hair as he played, and by the time she was ready to concede, he was perfectly attired. They shared breakfast, as well, discussing the festivities, which he could only inadequately describe as he only took any interest in the go tournament. Still, he described every game to her so that she was as versed as if she had been there. When it was time to take his leave, she walked him as close to the outer palace as she could, and he kissed her hand upon parting.
The halls around the courtyard were busy, but he managed to find Jirou easily, anyway. The morning semifinal matches were not long off, so he quickly pulled Jirou to a secluded passageway to talk to him.
"It's useless for me to lecture you, isn't it, Master?" Jirou began, sighing.
"Yes, I know..." Sai started impatiently.
"I suppose it's slightly better that there will be rumors that you've spent the night in female quarters, though now there will be speculation about your upcoming wedding," Jirou continued to grouse.
"The go player, Jirou," Sai hastened him impatiently. "What did you learn?"
Jirou gave him a look, and then sighed. "His name is Sanchi. He's a journeyman stonecrafter. In fact, he has spent much of his apprenticeship polishing stones to be used for go."
"Oh!" Sai bounced happily.
"The Emperor's artistic policies have only increased their business further, so all in the capital are prospering. He has a wife, a girl about six, and a newborn boy."
"Ah! Good for him," Sai beamed.
Jirou looked put out. "He learned go from his grandfather, who was the page to a samurai, but the clan fell to disrepair due to some disgrace, and the page, his grandfather, was let go while still young. His Master, though, gave him a goban as a gift, so he made sure to keep playing. It was difficult for Sanchi to get the time to come here, but the promise of prize money made it worthwhile. He's hoping to buy some things for their house, and some better tools, so he can advance in their workshop."
Sai wasn't that interested in all of that, but he was still delighted by the story. The bells rang, so Sai just nodded to Jirou. "Thank you! I appreciate it!" He quickly hurried out to the main hall. For the finals, they would be playing, of course, right in front of the Emperor.
They drew lots for the semifinal lineup. Lady Tsuyuki was pitted against the stargazer, and the lieutenant against the commoner. The crowd was a bit larger than the day before, and Sai felt he should stay in his appointed seat, to insure that he wouldn't obstruct anyone's view.
Lady Tsuyuki played well, but the stargazer was determined and obstinate, and he carefully picked away at her strategy. The lieutenant made the critical error of underestimating his opponent, and he was in far over his head before the game was half over. After a short break, then, it was the commoner Sanchi versus the stargazer.
Sai's hands were wrapped tightly around his fan during the whole game. Sanchi, who won black, made a bold and somewhat shocking first play of mokuhazushi, but he secured it well. Sai's stargazer was cautious, and didn't take anything for granted, but during midgame, he became more and more aggressive. Sanchi liked to make fast plays, which kept the stargazer guessing, and a bit off-balance. The rhythm of the game was unlike anything he'd experienced, and that worked only to his disadvantage. Sanchi's posture was also lacking, so he fidgeted a bit. It was the stargazer's own fault that he allowed himself to get distracted, so that wasn't an excuse, but the effect was the effect.
Once again, Sai saw it. Sanchi set an elaborate trap for the stargazer, using bold stones to entice the stargazer to try to secure large tracks of territory, but Sanchi quickly shut him out. The stargazer was wiser than Sanchi's opponent the day before. He conceded just at the right time. There was a large gasp of shock, but Sanchi just bowed sincerely, and then turned to bow to the Emperor.
Sai's eyes shone as he bowed to the winner. Applause rang out, and Sanchi became quite embarrassed. As the official, it was Sai's pleasure to announce the victory, and offer Sanchi his prize. He also bowed to his student, quickly moving to go over the game.
The assembly broke up, so Sai, unaware of the Emperor's gaze directed at his back, followed Sanchi out. He had to wait until they were in the outer courtyard to even address him, as Sanchi would only understand Japanese, but Sai immediately began by pressing the man to agree to come and play Sai himself.
"Sensei!" Sanchi laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I can feel good about my go, but playing you will make me more nervous than playing before the Emperor!"
"Nonsense," Sai shrugged off, completely ignorant of anything but securing for himself the game he needed. "In the universe on the goban, nothing exists save black and white."
That sobered Sanchi up, and he bowed low to Sai. "Very true, Sensei. Well. Then. I'll see you again, shall I?"
Sai was practically bursting with delight.
ooooo
Tenryaku 1, the 16th day of the 12th month 29 january 948
Pacing back and forth, Sai held on tight to his elbows inside of his sleeves. The sky was bright but the air was still sharp with cold, and there was a lingering frost on the greenery. He walking in front of the main gate, and down the long road leading into the heart of the capital, but then turned again to continue his pacing. He looked up at the sky, measuring the pace of the sun.
Sanchi was definitely late!
Jirou was standing aside, close to the building. Perhaps smarter, but neither one of them was smart, even if it was at least a bit warmer than it had been. He looked down the road again, and saw a lone figure approaching. He froze, staring intently until it was clear that it was, in fact, his opponent. He rushed right out the gate, going to meet him. "You're late!" Sai complained while Sanchi was still far off, but the other man just laughed.
"You're so eager, Sensei! That makes me happy," Sanchi teased him easily. "Calm down, calm down, I came as soon as I could!"
Sai huffed, frustrated. He grabbed Sanchi's sleeve and pulled him along as a child rushing a parent might. "Fine, fine, but come on, let's go!" He marched a laughing Sanchi into the Fujiwara estate and past a darkly glaring Jirou, to whom he paid no attention whatsoever.
In the courtyard of their estate, several of his family members and their servants were busy at the business of their clan, which was, essentially, running the country. Sai was intent only on getting Sanchi to the go salon, but he knew they weren't alone, and that those around them were paying attention to them. Once they were in the salon, though, Jirou closed the door, and Sai brought Sanchi to the goban. Finally! Feeling triumphant, he sat down heavily on his side of the goban and beamed up at Sanchi. "Sit down, sit down! Jirou will bring refreshments." He waved to Jirou quickly. "Let's nigiri."
Sanchi grinned, and sat down, legs folded in front of him. He took a bowl, and set the lid aside. "All right. Let's go." Sai won black, which caused Sanchi to shake his head and moan. "Ah, you're going to win again, Sensei!"
"Good," Sai grinned. "I don't like to lose."
"Ah, but you can learn as much from loss as you can from victory," Sanchi retorted, affecting an older and presumably wiser voice.
Sai responded by sticking his tongue out.
As always, Sanchi played fast, putting his stones down nearly as soon as Sai put his down. As always, Sai complained to him. "Stop rushing the game! Take time to think, think!"
"It's about instinct, isn't it, Sensei? Especially early in the game! C'mon, hurry up!" Sanchi laughed. "Just feel the stones. Don't analyze so much!"
"If you analyzed more, you'd never lose," Sai bemoaned.
"You hate to lose," Sanchi laughed, replying as quickly as he played. "You'd stop inviting me over to play, then."
Sai just shook his head.
They finished their first game quickly, due to Sanchi's breakneck pace. Sai, of course, won, but they took nearly as long discussing the game as they had played it, at times getting quite heated with each other. Then Sai suggested a challenge. They had been playing like this quite frequently since they'd gotten used to each other's game. Making things more and more difficult, just to see if they could. Playing to tie, for example, or playing with only white stones, or playing with no stones at all. Today, Sai had Jirou move over the other goban, and they played two games at once, one game as black and the other as white. They tried to match pace so that they were laying stones constantly. This satisfied both Sanchi's desire to play fast and Sai's desire to play with strength. After that, they pulled in another goban, and for the third, they both played black and white, just playing the color that was next to play at each turn.
Sai brought out a kifu, then, of a match held a few years ago between Sai's teacher and a Chinese champion. They recreated the game, poring over every hand. Once again, their discussion became heated, but in the end, they agreed on the main points as to why the Chinese champion won.
Jirou had to actually pull on Sai's sleeve to get his attention. His eyes were dark and hooded. "Master, it is time to prepare for the recital tonight at the palace."
"Ah, there's another one," Sai sighed, his shoulders slumping.
"Master!" Jirou hissed, reprimanding.
Sai's back stiffened, and he pouted, which caused Sanchi to laugh. "Well, of course I enjoy them... the music is always beautiful. But this is the third time this month!" Sai threw his arms up.
"You pout just exactly like my daughter does!" Sanchi roared with laughter.
Sai flushed, opening his fan to cover his face. He didn't like being compared to a small child! It was a strange thought, though. The way Sanchi spoke of his children... a session never failed to elicit a comment or two. Sai found it, well, fascinating. He wanted to see Sanchi's house. Sanchi had described it rather fully, and to Sai, it was like hearing tales of China or faraway India. To Sanchi, while he loved go, he also loved his work, and he loved his wife, and he loved his children.
That was very interesting to Sai. Honestly, if he could, and he did try, he would convince Sanchi to become a retainer to the Fujiwara clan. In a sense, Sai wanted to be able to observe and study him at all times and in all lights.
Sanchi looked out toward the door, and asked, his voice a bit tense, "I suppose many of your family will be at the palace tonight, too?"
Sai tilted his head to the side, confused by the question. "Well. Most of my family works in the palace. Some will be at the recital. I don't know how many were invited. Sometimes, the Emperor likes large audiences, and sometimes, he likes very small audiences."
"But you're always there? Wah... the Emperor must really like go!" Sanchi marveled.
Sai just smiled. "I'm fortunate that the Emperor is so supportive. Otherwise, the tournament would never have been open to residents of the capital, and we would never had met."
"That would be sad!" Sanchi agreed, pointing at Sai. "But I bet your relatives would have been happier! Anytime I'm here, they're always watching. Must be quite a topic for discussion."
Sai waved his fan dismissively. "Ah, if they outlawed gossip in the capital, no one would be able to think of a thing to say."
"True, true!" Sanchi laughed. "What sort of things do they say about you, though? I feel like I'm tarnishing you! Always so prim and noble and beautiful... honestly, Sensei, it's discouraging for an ordinary man like me! I think, I should be more like him, but there's just no way!"
A blush stole quickly over his cheeks, embarrassingly. Sanchi said the most outrageous things sometimes! "You'd be surprised by the things they say about me. I'm sorry, but it is time to go." He stood, indicating to Sanchi that he should follow Sai out a different door than they had entered. "Let us go out this way. I do believe the kitchen had an excess of fish; I am embarrassed to burden you, but take some for your family. And please give my regards to your wife and children." The fish were already in a basket, covered with a few robes for Sanchi's family.
Sanchi bowed to Sai, laughing. "Of course, of course! You'll be all we'll talk about tonight," he said with a wink, causing Sai to blush again.
Sanchi really had to stop doing that!
He showed Sanchi out, and then quickly followed a grumpy Jirou. Once they were in his private chambers, he let Jirou push and prod him around, getting him ready for the palace recital. Under his breath, Jirou grumbled, "To think, you compensate that man to play you. If anyone knew the Emperor's instructor had to bribe..."
Sai cut him off, sighing. "He has to give up jobs to come here. He's an even player to me, Jirou; you know that, even if no one else does. He's the only even player I know. If only I could get him to play me more seriously..." Sai practically vibrated with anticipation. If he could...! He felt like he was closer to the Divine Move than he'd ever dreamed possible, but unless he could devote his entire being into one game...
Jirou roughly tugged him around, tying off his obi. "Master, do remember that you're going back to the Emperor's realm now. Please try to stay focused."
"Yes, yes," Sai sighed. Honestly, though, there was no winning. If he didn't come home tonight, as was likely since he hadn't after the other two recitals, either, Jirou would lecture him then, too!
Part 2
An Approach to Tsumego, Part 1
ooooo
Tengyou 9, the 28th day of the 4th month 31 may 946
A taste of summer was felt in the wind, lazily stirring. He pushed back his hair, a gesture of annoyance he barely registered. He tipped his head back. He should have gotten properly dressed, and then his hair would be held back, and not all over his face and shoulders, but tonight was a formal evening, and would require extra layers and adornments, so while he could get away with slacking off, he would.
It was going to get hot again soon.
He turned his attention back to his goban, and sank his fingers into the white stones, letting the cool shells tingle his fingertips before he picked up a single stone. He brought it to his lips, just barely pressing it to the underside of his bottom lip as he scanned the field of play.
He took a game as seriously when he played himself as he did when he played anyone else, and often thought these games were the hardest, because he always knew exactly what the other side was thinking. Playing as white or black, he wanted to place strong stones that could capture territory, but it was frustrating that each game ended in both a win and a loss. It was a bitter experience that he secretly felt taught him as much as any other game he played, though indistinctly he was well aware that he needed another player to advance his skills.
Another player as advanced as he was, unfortunately.
He placed the stone with a firm gesture, creating the familiar plunk, and then he folded his arms over his chest, examining the board with a whole new perspective. Ah, he was in a corner now!
"Master!" Jirou sighed, exasperated. His gazed flicked up to the page momentarily, immediately aware that he was about to be lectured, so he petulantly put his fingers into the black stones, ignoring him. "What are you doing?"
Sai's lips quirked momentarily. "That's obvious, isn't it?" He could play there; that wasn't a bad move. But if one played moves that were just... not bad, it was hard to win.
"Master, the new Emperor is being crowned as we speak!" Jirou hissed, looking about. Sai looked up, too, vaguely wondering if the so-called threat was from invaders or pirates or flies or bees. Seeing nothing, though, he blankly looked up at Jirou. Turning his eyes quickly heavenward, Jirou fell quickly to his knees next to Sai. "You can't be seen or heard laying about playing games at such an important time. You should be there, after all!"
Sai just shook his head, looking back to the goban. "No, no," he sighed, restless. He wriggled his bare toes, stretching out his legs. "This is not simply a game, after all. And there will be so many people there, anyway, that I would be far in the back. I'd just be sitting in the sun and heat for hours, not able to see or hear anything, and I'd probably fall asleep and embarrass someone. My brother told me. It's enough if I go to the feast tonight. And tomorrow, right? How long is the celebration?"
"It will last for at least a week," Jirou muttered. "And your brother told you that just to keep you out of the way! You're far more attractive than he is, and he's desperately afraid you'll secure a beneficial marriage before him."
Sai blinked, and looked up at Jirou in shock. "He is? I am?"
"You didn't know? Of course you didn't know," Jirou lowered his head, his shoulders slumping.
"I wonder when study will resume. Will we be able to play during the festivities?" Sai pondered aimlessly. He placed the black stone. Ah... that was a strong move. Now white was in trouble!
"There might be games during the festivities..." Jirou started uncertainly, glancing away at Sai's glare. "Sai-dono... you should think more about your position, though! A new Emperor means... new opportunities. Even with your family name, you must seize the chances you can."
Sai nodded absently, applying Jirou's words to the more concrete example of the shapes before him as he selected a white stone. "Does the new Emperor play? What's his name, again? The former Emperor's... son..."
"The former Emperor had only the Imperial Princess," Jirou replied testily. "The newly crowned - by now - Emperor is his younger brother, and he shall be known as Emperor Murakami."
"Ah... good name," Sai nodded, paying only enough attention to know that it was his turn to speak.
"Master..." Jirou sighed.
Sai opened his fan. It was going to be a hot summer, the court ladies had been saying. He believed it. He didn't like it, but there was nothing to be done about the weather. It looked as if white had nothing it could do, either.
ooooo
Tengyou 9, the 17th day of the 7th month 16 august 946
He started the game as calmly as any other, the only excitement derived from the anticipation of playing someone of his 'rival's' caliber. He was aware, peripherally, that there were more than go at stake. He knew this because his brother came to watch the game, and his brother rarely had the patience for go. Jirou, too, had tried to impress upon him the importance of winning.
As he waited for his opponent's move, he watched the other man. It... irritated him that all of this was going on, after all. Even though he had fully convinced himself that he need not consider anything other than the universe on the goban, as always, still. That a game like the one they were currently engaged in was being watched for something other than the hands making it up was irritating. That his go was being sullied by his family's politics, as if the two were interchangeable, was irritating. That any man, even the Emperor, especially the Emperor, was to be allowed only one Master for something like go... that was irritating. However, focusing on anything other than go would signal his death, and, in the end, he was confident enough in his skills. In fact, though the game was young, he was disappointed. His opponent must have been distracted, but though it all appeared even, he was steadily building a weight to his shapes. His opponent was not making mistakes, but he wasn't making spectacular hands, either. He was leaving openings.
His opponent's hand moved, but at that moment, when his eyes should have been on where the black stone was to be placed, he was distracted by something else. A pearl of white amid a black ocean.
One of his stones, mixed into his opponent's basket.
He could have, at that moment, said something, but it was undignified. He had a hand to plan out. His fingers sank into his own stones, but while he examined the board, he bit his lip, glancing toward the one white stone in the black. If it was going to bother him, he should most definitely speak up, but if it was going to bother him, he wasn't worthy to play before the Emperor. Resolutely, he lifted a stone to place.
His opponent was well skilled, making use of the movements of hands to mask his other movements. Just as Sai raised his stone, his opponent moved the errant stone. Into the ranks of his captured prey. Sai's hands faltered, and he looked, baldly, to be sure. He knew the count of stones that should have been there, and their numbers were increased by exactly one, and the goke's contents were once again purely black. It was shocking; Sai looked up at his opponent, meeting his eyes. His lips were parted, but time felt as if it had stopped. This man... he... cheated!? Sai couldn't comprehend...
He would have to speak up. It was just one stone, but this was unacceptable. Realizing that, Sai blinked. And he opened his mouth to speak...
"You've cheated!"
A finger was pointed in his face. And. Those words were directed... to him? But... Sai's hand trembled, and his white stone fell back into the goke. "What? That's a lie! You...!"
"I saw you! You moved a black stone into your captured bowl!"
Sai's eyes widened and his jaw went slack. This... couldn't be happening! How could he? They were playing before the Emperor! Before the whole of court! And he was lying! He disgraced his own go to lie and cheat! Murmurs were building up all around them. Suddenly, Sai because hyper aware of the eyes on them, that those words were about them, about Sai, that people were talking about him cheating, at go, cheating at go, him!
Sick, he turned his head toward the raised dais separated by a gauzy film of silk. Even during his lessons, Sai didn't pay too much attention to the Emperor. He was there, above them, watching them, separate and distinct. The Emperor took his lessons, generally, by simply watching his Masters at play and demonstrating games and plays of importance, so he was more like a fixture in the room than a person that Sai could interact with, and, anyway, Sai was more interested in people who could challenge him seriously from across the goban. The Emperor had a lazy attitude toward go, though supportive of its presence in court.
Now, however, the Emperor was the absolute law in a specific situation in which Sai was desperately involved, and Sai needed him to understand. He cleared his throat, and put his hands before him, facing the Emperor, and he bowed. "Your Majesty, Emperor! This... I would not do this! I swear to you... I have not cheated!" Sai begged. That his opponent cheated... he should mention it! But then, wouldn't it be just his word against another?
This no longer had anything to do with go. He had to think of his father's and his brother's lessons on court politics. His cousin's lectures, his uncles stern looks... his head swam. He never had any interest and only paid nominal attention. Should he mention it? What would Jirou tell him to do?
A gong rang out, and there was absolute silence. Sai shook, and looked up at the Emperor. "Clear the room," his silky voice rang out. "Everyone, out. Sai-sensei, stay."
His opponent stood up, looking down at him for a moment with a look of complete satisfaction and triumph. What? Did that mean... the Emperor... wanted to speak to him, right? He looked around wildly, trying to find Jirou, or his brother. All he saw were eyes over fans, and every pair of them looked sinister.
Sai went back to bowing, his shoulders shaking. This wasn't right. This wasn't right!
The room was now quiet, but the Emperor spoke again, perturbed. "I said for everyone to leave! There is no need to stay."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The Emperor's Minister of the Left bowed quickly, and took his leave. He did give Sai a significant look before he went. Sai shifted uncomfortably. That man was... a cousin or an uncle of his, but he wasn't sure. He should really pay more attention!
He never thought he'd need to know anything about politics for go, though.
All that remained, then, were himself, the Emperor, and a few guards, their faces shielded. They were essentially nothing, so. This was... being alone with the Emperor. It was scary!
He pressed his face as close to the floor as he could. "Your Majesty the Emperor. I swear to you on all that is holy and good... I did not cheat. In fact... In fact, it's disgraceful to say so, but... but my opponent... he is the one who cheated! I swear to you... I would never cheat at go!"
The Emperor... chuckled. Shivering, Sai tried to look up. Beyond the brim of his tall tate-eboshi cap, he could only see the steps leading up the dais, the silky curtain, the Emperor's hand... near the curtain, as if he were leaning toward Sai. "Would you not? Because your Emperor was watching you?"
"I would not sully my game!" Sai hotly retorted. "How can one achieve the Divine Move with such a stain on his soul? It's repugnant!"
Once again, the Emperor answered him with a low, deep chuckle. More bravely, Sai looked up. The Emperor was indeed on his hands, his body like a cat's, watching Sai with a hidden expression. Sai was grateful, indeed, that he could not see the Emperor's eyes. "I believe you, Sai. I do.
"I believe you. Now. My guard will take you..." His hand motioned to one of the monolithic guards, and he stepped forward immediately. "Go with him."
Sai bowed down, still shaking. The Emperor... believed him. Believed in him? He bowed as he stood. "Thank you. Thank you, Your Majesty. Th-thank you." He bowed as he moved forward. He just kept bowing. The Emperor believed him.
He followed the guard. They didn't go out the way Sai normally entered the court. That really wasn't surprising, of course. Out in the courtyard, all of court would be assembled like vultures, waiting for diseased and cursed fleshed to feast upon gleefully. Sai's stomach churned, and his head swam. This was the worst day of his life! But the Emperor believed him...
The guard led him past the halls and rooms he was most familiar with, drawing him toward the inmost center of the palace, but he was so trapped in his his thoughts he passed by the ornamental gardens without so much as a glance. Only when the guard came to a stop did he look up, and upon looking up, realize that he had no idea where he was. He opened his mouth to inquire to the guard just what was expected of him, but a tiny maid opened a door, and bowed to them.
"This way, sensei."
Sai blinked. The guard stood at attention, and then turned to leave. The tiny maid grinned, and beckoned him closer. Confused and still sick all over, he did as she requested. "I'm not sure I quite understand... just what exactly has happened! I think I should find my brother..."
"Don't worry, sensei. We're here to attend you." The tiny maid closed the door behind him. Sensual perfume wafted up in thick, cloudy streams, hitting him like a physical force. We? He blinked, looking around. He was in... an elaborate staging room. Hands took off his cap, and undid his hair, spreading it over his back, and then hands started to work at his clothes. Blushing, Sai looked down, looked around him. A small contingent of tiny maids were undressing him...!
"Ah..." He fumbled, and stumbled, trying to avoid getting in their way while simultaneously trying not to assist them, either. It was difficult.
"We shall attend you, sensei," he was assured. "Please try only to relax. We shall bring wine, and a small meal, as well." She smiled brightly and confidently at him. He was sure that in some way, refusing would be rude beyond measure, so he only nodded dumbly. It was irrelevant, anyway, because their tiny hands were most effective. His hair was free and his clothes were gone and he was pushed toward a mat.
He went down face down, and then multiple hands were kneading into his flesh, massaging in sweet-smelling oil. Was he being purified for something? He sighed, letting out his frustration and anxiety, and closed his eyes. It was a bizarre ending to a painful and disturbing game. And the worst of it was, thanks to that idiot's cheating, Sai could never be sure he would have won! He had a much stronger position, but his opponent's endgame was heralded, and even Sai appreciated the viciousness with which his stones could tear apart shapes. Yes, he'd been confident, but nothing was as certain as doing.
After about ten minutes, he was guided to sit up, and he was given a light robe, and then wine, and lightly steamed fish with rice. He ate and drank calmly while two maids brushed out his hair, rubbing crushed flowers and light oils into it.
He would have liked to have been able to play the man honestly.
He was taken and given a short white jacket, his hair spread flat on his back. Then he was led to another room. He was a bit dizzy from the heat and the wine, and drained from the day in general. As they walked down the passageway, he watched, idly, as the fish in the pond followed them. White koi?
The tiny maid bowed low, and then back away, closing the door behind her as she went. Sai looked around, confused. He had no clue at all where he was. Was he still in the palace?
"Your hair is at such a nice length."
Sai started a bit, but that silky voice was attached to a hand that was now picking up a section of his hair. Sai's jaw went slack. He'd never been this close, after all, to the Emperor. This Emperor was still young... and as he came around, Sai could see him, he was impressed immediately that he was beautiful, with a strong and manly jaw, and clear eyes.
"Y-our Majesty... m-my Emperor..."
"I like that!" the Emperor declared with delight. "I am your Emperor. Does that mean that you love me, Sai?"
Sai blinked. He'd never been asked such a question, not even from his mother. Did he...? "Of course I do," he replied, at least knowing what the right answer was.
"That makes me happy." The Emperor smiled, and then turned, falling to recline on a low and very wide bed. He smiled lazily up at Sai. "It was something of a gamble to take your word, you know. I am the first Emperor to act without a Regent, but many in court complain of the influence of the Fujiwara."
Sai stared at the Emperor mutely. The Emperor's clothing, or lack thereof, was now apparent to Sai. He could see a sliver of the Emperor's chest...
"I have sent the cheater out of my court, and out of my palace. You shall be my only tutor in go. I've also decided that you shall be my lover." The Emperor's voice was so silky and smooth, as if each word smiled. And he sounded so confident! Sai was impressed.
But. What did he just...?
"How old are you, Sai?"
He blinked, and realized that an answer was required, and this was something he should know easily. "Twenty, my Emperor."
"We're about the same age," the Emperor declared happily. "And you are not married?"
"Ah, no," Sai answered, blushing. He never once thought about marriage, but he was practically an old man, wasn't he? He should be thinking about these things. "My parents have not yet arranged a marriage. My older brother is yet unmarried, so..."
The Emperor laughed. "If they are waiting for a maiden to take him, I suppose they will need to find a blind girl." Sai blinked, completely confused. The Emperor reached out to him, and like he'd been drawn by a magnet, Sai reached back, letting the Emperor pull him down.
Onto the Emperor's bed.
"I've been watching you. Even before I was Emperor... when I was only Nariakira, and it never once occurred to me I would become Murakami. I watched you jealously. I had been set aside. Preserved, certainly, but considered unnecessary. From that shadowy place of waiting, I watched you, also the younger in a line of greater men, but you possessed something I had not."
"Wh-what could I possibly have had that you, my Emperor, could not have had?" Sai asked, confused. Confused by the Emperor's words, and by his actions. Confused by the strange heat under his skin, and by the way his heart started to thud painfully in his chest.
"Passion." The Emperor's hand touched his cheek, his fingers splaying out to caress Sai's lips. "Love. I watched you play go, and I saw something pure and passionate and beautiful, and I envied the stones your hands touched with such grace and power." The Emperor leaned in, and to Sai's shock, he pressed his lips to Sai's. It was uncomfortable and awkward, and then he pulled back again, grinning. "Have you never kissed before, Sai? Have you never lain with a lover?"
Sai shook his head, his movements shaky, embarrassment warring with confusion.
The Emperor's eyes gleamed with pleasure. "Then, my teacher of go, let me teach you." He pushed Sai down onto the bed, and opened Sai's robe. Sai's skin trembled as the Emperor's hands moved over him, claiming him.
He was the Emperor's territory.
"Don't be afraid." Sai nodded, but his heart did not obey, pounding. The Emperor's chin dipped down, his lips curled in a smile. "I will teach you well, my Sai."
Sai's breath became halted and broken, and his eyes eventually closed as his legs parted at his Emperor's insistence.
ooooo
Tengyou 10, the 4th day of the 2nd month 27 february 947
Patiently, he waited while Jirou's quick and clever hands finished clothing him. There was a stark chill in the air, so he almost regretted needing to leave his private chambers, his warm bed, and the fire nearby. Jirou finished securing and smoothing down his obi, so he stepped away, bowing briefly to his Master. Sai lowered his arms, and nodded to his page, and then folded his hands inside his sleeves. At least that was a bit warmer.
The palace had a different light, and a different air in the winter. He had been told, though, that this was the last cold snap, and it wasn't so much how cold it was as that he was ready for spring. As they walked past the courtyards, Sai looked longingly toward the neat rows of cherry trees. When the blossoms were in bloom, it was so much easier to find players willing to spend an hour or more on the veranda, playing a game while enjoying the seasonal breezes!
He stood aside, shielding his face with his fan and Jirou partially with his body, to allow some Ministers to pass. His brother was among them, and he nodded to Sai. Jirou had, it seemed, been right about his brother, since he'd become much more pleasant since his engagement. Or perhaps it was because of Sai's influence on the Emperor, though Sai didn't think he had any. He still couldn't convince the Emperor to avoid his tesuji intoxication.
He went to the study room, pleased to find students at their gobans already. He walked behind them, offering tips and advice, occasionally sitting to go through a lecture or a demonstration. Jirou once again had to remind him of the time so they could break. After tea, Sai sauntered down the meandering path through the trees. He looked up at the skeletal branches criss-crossing the sky, an uncertain shade of greyish blue. There was a feeling similar to the very beginning of a game when he waited for the other player to lay his first stone.
He knew there was a hint of a smile across his lips, and he wondered about it in some recess of his consciousness. He didn't usually feel happy when he wasn't playing, and it had been a bit of a while since he'd felt truly challenged. He needed that. He wasn't any closer to the Divine Move at this moment than he was months ago, so it felt strange to feel content, even excited.
"Sensei!"
He turned, and bowed briefly to the small gathering of court ladies. They hid demurely behind their fans in teasing reply.
"Sensei, might you have time for a game?" the one in purple requested.
"Lady Nariko, a distant cousin by marriage. There is talk of her being married to the Minister of the Center," Jirou muttered behind him.
"It would be my pleasure, my Lady," Sai replied gallantly. The ladies tittered in delight, and made room for him in their salon, the younger of their numbers going bring the goban.
Lady Nariko's eyes shone at Sai from behind her fan. "Sensei is so kind, always willing to take time to play. I hope it doesn't become boring for Sensei, playing at such a handicap?"
Her question was both polite and baiting, in some ways, but these types of conversations required only politeness to navigate, and he could manage. "It is always my pleasure to play. Any game can offer insight to one who is prepared to learn," he advised. That elicited a titter of admiration from the onlookers, but Lady Nariko's gaze just became more pointed.
"It won't be long before we are celebrating Sensei's brother's wedding. That should be delightful; a spring wedding is very promising, I should think. What about Sensei? You must, too, be in need of a wife?" she asked sharply.
Sai smiled, watching her delicately place her handicap stones. "I would neglect my wife for the stones. Nothing would be sadder! I should think that it would be prudent to wait until I was very old. If I was fat and had a long, grey beard, I could get a sweet young wife, and then I'd definitely appreciate her." He winked at the ladies watching, and then placed his first stone.
"Sensei, that's devious," Lady Nariko accused cheerfully. "It is difficult to even imagine Sensei in such a form! Ah, if only I had such delicate skin..." she demurred tauntingly, enjoying the immediate chorus of assurance of the quality of her skin. Her eyes were fixed upon him, though, so she only acknowledged them with a slight waver of her fan. "Our Emperor has a beautiful wife, such a shining example for all handsome men. And quite a lady she is! I understand Sensei had the pleasure of giving her a lesson as well?"
She was playing slowly, as interested in the conversation as anything else. Probably moreso than in the play, but it was a friendly game, so Sai tried to match her pace. It made him a tiny bit impatient, though. "Our Empress is a peerless woman, quite fitting."
"Indeed," Lady Nariko agreed. "A delicate flower, and accomplished as well. I know that she was interested in go before the wedding, even. Does Sensei find that his attention is now divided by his Imperial pupils?" She laughed, a sound that was pleasing and a bit suspicious.
So, she wanted to know about his relationship with the Emperor and his wife? Even Sai could see through that. He broke apart the meager shape she'd been forming. "On the contrary, the other night, I watched as they played each other. It was a most worthy game."
"Did the Empress have a large handicap?" a bystander asked. Sai smiled at her. He knew her... he couldn't place her name, but she was kind, a tiny bit plump... she had her eye on one of the generals.
And this, too, was a trap he could easily avoid. "Theirs was a jovial and enjoyable game, on both sides." He winked and smiled in just the right way, which earned him the appropriate laughter. It was possible, after all, even for him, to play just to have fun.
"Sensei has such a pure heart," Lady Nariko sighed. "Did Sensei play with his mother, as well?"
"Of course!" Sai answered immediately, without politics. "My mother had a deep beauty to her play. She was most poetic on the nature of go. My father was more strategic. I used to enjoy watching them both."
"Ooh, did your mother play evenly with your father?" someone in pink asked.
"She would not have it any other way," Sai replied kindly. "I was very small and in my mother's lap, watching her raise her stones and place them. I believe that was my earliest memory, the beauty of it indelibly marking my very soul." He smiled affectionately, thinking of it. He'd always been rather single-minded, and a bit of an idealist. But if there was honor and goodness to be found anywhere, he knew, it had to be found in even the smallest gestures.
"Sensei... is very pure," Lady Nariko repeated, sighing. She lowered her fan enough to show her smile. "The Emperor... does not lack for good judgment."
There was a round of agreement, but Sai was slightly troubled by her tone, in case she was not speaking of go. However, his troubles passed within a hand or two, and the rest of the game was peaceful, even affording him the opportunity to pass on a lesson to the group as a whole about transitioning to the end game.
Jirou moved forward discreetly, reminding him of his lesson with the Emperor, so Sai took his leave of the ladies, and rose. It was nearly evening, and the night sky, clear and bright, was becoming more and more visible through the hazy layers of twilight. He went to the inner palace, needing to step aside, once again, for some Ministers to pass. The last one, a short, stocky man that Sai did not recognize, paused to greet him.
"Ah... it's time for a lesson again, I see. It should be comforting, no doubt, to know the Emperor is studious in some regards." He smirked, stroking his short and greasy beard.
Sai managed not to make a face, and inclined his head. "Minister." He slipped right past, keeping his tongue and temper in check.
Behind him, Jirou hurried to keep up. "That was the Second Minister of Ceremonies. He's the highest ranking official not of the Fujiwara clan. Undoubtedly, he's suspicious of an intimately placed member of your clan such as yourself. Those who oppose the Fujiwara clan are pining their hopes on him."
Sai's mouth twisted. "I had gathered that much, at least." He sighed. Matters not related to go could be very taxing. "Thank you, Jirou." He hesitated a moment. "You don't need to attend me any further. Go and tell my brother about this encounter."
Jirou bowed quickly, and then turned and went down a side hallway.
The Emperor was in a private chamber, reclining with his flute. The soft, lilting music caused the strain of court to evaporate. Sai sat down in proper seiza, and closed his eyes to listen. When the Emperor finished, he bowed low in respect. "That was beautiful," he said quietly.
"Ah! Sai-sensei recognizes beauty off the goban! It is truly a special day!" the Emperor teased.
Unashamed, Sai smiled brightly at him.
ooooo
Tenryaku 1, the 8th day of the 11th month 22 december 947
He should have been sitting up on the platform, at the seat arranged for him near the Emperor. The entire festival had been so exciting, but now that they were nearing the finale, Sai could barely contain himself. To celebrate the solstice, he'd arranged a go festival, with a tournament that anyone from the capital could enter. For the past few days, as the de facto leader of go studies in the Empire, he'd been overseeing the tournament. There were many other forms of festivities going on to celebrate the solstice, but this was the first time there had ever been a go tournament of this nature, and many complained, quietly behind their fans, that inviting just anyone in from the capital was a mistake, but Sai had ardently argued the point. After all, if there was some go master who was not of noble birth, wouldn't that individual be even more interesting? Wouldn't it be even more important to locate such a talent? And there was a prize to be offered the winner! Surely, that would encourage the lower class even more than the upper class, who would be happy enough to play for the Emperor's enjoyment. And that, in turn, would encourage go throughout the capital!
Sai couldn't see anything at all wrong with that plan!
They were down to eight players, paired off before four gobans. Sai moved discreetly behind them, watching intensely. There was a noble from the Ministry of Treasury who was playing quite well against the only remaining lady. She was an older woman, the mother of the Minister of the Center, and most skilled. It would be a close match, so their endgame skills would determine the winner. There was a lower noble, an apprentice stargazer, who was clearly defeating his opponent, a rotund lower noble from the Treasury department. Sai had given lessons to that stargazer, so he wasn't surprised by the lad's success. There was a man from the taxation department that Sai knew nothing about, but he was losing to a lieutenant in the military. He was a good-looking man who had an impressive uniform, so he'd been getting a great deal of attention from the court ladies.
Sai stood over the fourth and final goban, and closed his fan, pressing the tip to his lips.
This match... the progression of stones wasn't immediately obvious! Sai had agreed that only the final match would be recorded, but he hoped someone had been paying attention to this! A commoner was playing one of Sai's students, a man of the Fujiwara clan who worked under the Minister of the Right. The commoner's manners were certainly less refined than all the others, but Sai only nominally noticed.
He stood over their goban, watching enraptured. It was a deceptive game, appearing close, but the commoner had several points of strength. They'd already entered the endgame, and his student was aggressively seeking to disturb the commoner's shapes, but it was a trap. A well-laid out and carefully executed trap. Sai watched, delighted, as the commoner took advantage of one opening and then another, and then he broke Sai's student's shapes, claiming a large portion of the board's territory... His student stubbornly held on for several hands past the point where he could have hoped to win, but he finally did concede. After winning, the commoner exhaled loudly, leaning back in relief. Realizing that people were watching him, he blushed, and bowed in apology, laughing. He looked up at Sai, and flushed right down to his slightly open robes.
Sai was aware of a shift in the Emperor's stance, and he opened his fan, raising his eyebrows. He looked over the goban once more, and then strolled back to his designated seat. The rest of the games finished in short Order. The Minister of the Center's mother won by two and a half moku, the stargazer won by six, and the lieutenant won by concession. There was some polite applause, and then the Emperor dismissed the assembly. Sai remained, as he had a lesson with the Emperor, but he turned quickly, hiding his mouth behind his fan. He looked Jirou in the eye steadily. "Find out everything you can about that commoner."
The Emperor rose to depart, and Sai moved deftly to take his place behind him. The procession was, as per the usual, fairly large but Ministers and servants dropped off at various points. The Emperor went to a dining chamber with only Sai and two Ministers. The Emperor immediately went to sit before his koto, beginning to play. The room became very quiet, which was a gift, honestly. The only thing that could follow an afternoon of exciting go was good music, after all. With inhuman silence, the maids brought in the dinner quietly, keeping the dishes covered until the Emperor finished. Then, he sat down, his posture relaxed, and breathed in the scent of the simmering stew.
"I do believe this solstice has been most... illuminating. Would you not say?" His voice was serene, but his eyes quickly narrowed, looking at his Minister of the Left.
The man bowed shortly, pouring the Emperor his wine. "I do believe it has been a testament to His Majesty's greatness that such entertainments of the past week have been so invigorating... for the entire Empire."
The Emperor smiled. "Indeed. Can you even recall when a commoner such as that man has been in the palace!" This time, the Emperor turned his gaze to the Minister of the Right.
Sai's back stiffened, and he slowly sipped his wine. He watched the Emperor carefully.
"It would be impossible to guess, Your Majesty. I would assume, however, that such a thing has never happened," the Minister replied evenly, his tone cool.
"Never! You hear that, Sensei? Never!" The Emperor's eyes twinkled. That was... heartening.
"What would you think, Sensei, if that man were to defeat one of your students?" the Minister of the Left asked archly.
Sai bowed briefly, and smiled. "I suppose my first thought would be that I would wish to play him myself, as soon as possible," he answered honestly, keeping his voice light. The Emperor was watching him keenly. "What a splendid people we have for our most highly esteemed Emperor, that such talent can be found in every corner, do you not think?" he asked, emphasizing the innocent tenor to his voice as Jirou had been trying to teach him to do of late.
The Emperor beamed. "It truly does warm our heart. We hope to see Sensei play whoever wins! It should be good, once and a while, to test our tutors, mm? I hope, for the sake of our Minster, however, that it is Lady Tsuyuki you face!"
Sai laughed with appropriately honest mirth. "I think I find such a prospect to be the most daunting of all!"
"The lady does indeed have presence," the Minister of the Right agreed easily.
The rest of dinner passed with conversation regarding the rest of the festivities, and various topics concerning the palace and the nation. As always, Sai maintained an interested countenance, but he made only the most rudimentary comments when called upon, his thoughts wandering far from the topics at hand. After dinner, the Emperor allowed the Minster of the Right to leave, but he played on his koto more for Sai and the Minister of the Left, until the Minister of the Left took his leave. The Emperor's fingers continued to gracefully tickle the strings, so Sai patiently held his position, and listened. The Emperor was more skilled on the flute, but his koto could sound mournful or delighted, depending on his mood.
Tonight, it sounded playful.
"You've enjoyed this week," the Emperor insinuated, as if it were a secret with which he could seduce Sai.
"I have. I hope you have as well, my Emperor," Sai replied, blushing slightly despite himself.
The Emperor's fingers stilled, and his whole body seemed tense for a moment, and then he relaxed. "Go prepare for bed," he ordered, so Sai stood up immediately.
"As you wish," he bowed. The door opened for him, and a maid quickly stood to lead him away. It was a procedure he had gotten used to, so he was prepared to be disrobed, and then, as he'd come to think of it, purified for the Emperor's bedchambers. He didn't waste much time relaxing, though, and slipped on an extra robe, as it was just getting cold.
As always, the Emperor was waiting for him, already undressed. Sai didn't even wait for the Emperor to hold out a hand to move swiftly to the Emperor's side. The Emperor took his hands, and pulled Sai close. "What will you do, my teacher, if that commoner wins?"
"I will want to play him, as soon as possible," he repeated, moving onto the bed as his Emperor directed.
"You get excited thinking about him, don't you?" the Emperor petulantly accused.
Sai laughed. "I get excited thinking about his go, yes. As my Emperor said, it is good to be tested."
The Emperor sighed, pulling at Sai's robes. "These hands were designed to make music. I need to use them to capture this territory..." He spread his hand out over Sai's heart. "This pure and unfettered territory... it's so easy for me to map its boundaries, but I need to possess it to fully understand its riches. I'm clumsy with my shapes, and impatient, and I try to be too clever..." He smiled, pushing Sai down. "But somehow, these musician's fingers must find a way to capture and win."
Boldly, Sai ran his hands up his Emperor's sides. "I'm puzzled. I thought you had already claimed this land."
"Claimed, yes," the Emperor agreed, dipping his lips down to Sai's neck, his collarbone. "But there's a difference between a claim and ownership."
"I concede to my Emperor's greater wisdom," Sai sighed. "But I offer him no resistance."
"Is that so?" the Emperor grinned. "Then do your Emperor a favor. These nights are getting cold. I do not wish to sleep alone. Does that cause you a problem?" he challenged.
Sai merely shook his head. But wait. That wouldn't be misunderstood, right? "I am at my Emperor's service, as always."
"Good. Even if your eager page lectures you tomorrow?" the Emperor teased.
Sai laughed. "Well, he has to, uhn, have something to do..."
The Emperor then fully opened his robes, and made his advance all over Sai's landscape.
He woke the next morning with the Emperor's hair in his mouth. The two of them were despicably tangled, and messy. If they were going to fall asleep like this, Sai lamented in his heart, they should have tied their hair back first! The Emperor rolled over on him, sticking his elbow down on Sai's arm. Sai's protesting cry caused him to open his eyes, and as soon as he did, he smiled. "Ah... it's that time, then, mm?"
Sai was about to say something, but shockingly, the Emperor decided to kiss him! Deeply, too, despite Sai's morning breath! And, though it wasn't proper to even think so, despite the Emperor's morning breath! After the kiss, though, the Emperor pulled back.
"Ah... wait here just a bit, and someone will come for you. We must be careful, after all." He winked at Sai, and then he got out of bed, throwing on a robe before striding off.
Sai felt a bit foolish and a bit feminine, being left behind in bed, but it was fine. The Emperor had been excessively ardent last night as well, leaving Sai in a modicum of discomfort, but he just needed to freshen up. The smell of the Emperor's oil, though, might linger on his skin. For the first time, he was aware of the inconvenience of the role of the Emperor's lover.
He sat up just as the door behind the bed slid open. He turned, and was immediately embarrassed. The Empress just curled one finger at him, and then the door was closed again. He quickly got out of the Emperor's bed, and put on a robe, following... but... when the Emperor said someone, did he really mean...?
He followed the Empress through a maze of narrow, poorly lit halls. Servants halls? He'd never been in this part of the palace, so he couldn't be sure. When he caught up to her, she looked over her shoulder at him. "Did you sleep well, Sensei?"
He flushed deeply. His hair was a mess and he was aware of the perfumed odor surrounding him... an odor the Empress has to be familiar with... "Ah... my apologies... that is, I mean..."
She chuckled lightly. "Do not be so embarrassed. I'm here to help! Trust me, I am quite pleased to be of any service to you that I can be."
He stared at the back of her head, dumbfounded. "Ah? M-Majesty? I... I confess, I do not understand."
"Do you not?" she looked back at him sharply. "Sensei is quite pure, I have heard it said many times. Well.
"Of all that might share that bed, you are the only one who cannot produce an heir to compete with mine." She ran her hand over her slightly bulging belly, and then slipped into a room. It was her own private rooms.
Sai followed, understanding, but not understanding. "I see... well..."
The Empress motioned him toward a screened off section of the room, and then sat down. Sai realized that a goban had been set up here. "It is so kind of Sensei to bring a bit of the festivities to me, at such an early hour, as well! It is difficult to be so... limited. But one can endure anything for the future of the country," she demurred, once again rubbing her belly.
Sai smiled. Ah, it had been a while since he'd seen the Empress in court. He'd heard the court ladies speaking of it. Her... delicate condition, as it were. She didn't seem infirm in any way, though. "It is my deep pleasure, of course, my Empress." He went behind the screen, as directed, and found two maids, armed with clothing and perfumed oil, a musky, fresh scent. It was a cold way to begin the day, but he endured it, reminding himself that it was supposed to be very healthy for one's spirit. "We all pray for you and for your future child."
"That is so kind. Shall we begin? I'll take an extra stone in handicap, if you don't mind. I sometimes have trouble concentrating early in the day of late," she explained.
They played with the screen between them until he was dressed, and then he came out to sit opposite her. The maids brushed out his hair as he played, and by the time she was ready to concede, he was perfectly attired. They shared breakfast, as well, discussing the festivities, which he could only inadequately describe as he only took any interest in the go tournament. Still, he described every game to her so that she was as versed as if she had been there. When it was time to take his leave, she walked him as close to the outer palace as she could, and he kissed her hand upon parting.
The halls around the courtyard were busy, but he managed to find Jirou easily, anyway. The morning semifinal matches were not long off, so he quickly pulled Jirou to a secluded passageway to talk to him.
"It's useless for me to lecture you, isn't it, Master?" Jirou began, sighing.
"Yes, I know..." Sai started impatiently.
"I suppose it's slightly better that there will be rumors that you've spent the night in female quarters, though now there will be speculation about your upcoming wedding," Jirou continued to grouse.
"The go player, Jirou," Sai hastened him impatiently. "What did you learn?"
Jirou gave him a look, and then sighed. "His name is Sanchi. He's a journeyman stonecrafter. In fact, he has spent much of his apprenticeship polishing stones to be used for go."
"Oh!" Sai bounced happily.
"The Emperor's artistic policies have only increased their business further, so all in the capital are prospering. He has a wife, a girl about six, and a newborn boy."
"Ah! Good for him," Sai beamed.
Jirou looked put out. "He learned go from his grandfather, who was the page to a samurai, but the clan fell to disrepair due to some disgrace, and the page, his grandfather, was let go while still young. His Master, though, gave him a goban as a gift, so he made sure to keep playing. It was difficult for Sanchi to get the time to come here, but the promise of prize money made it worthwhile. He's hoping to buy some things for their house, and some better tools, so he can advance in their workshop."
Sai wasn't that interested in all of that, but he was still delighted by the story. The bells rang, so Sai just nodded to Jirou. "Thank you! I appreciate it!" He quickly hurried out to the main hall. For the finals, they would be playing, of course, right in front of the Emperor.
They drew lots for the semifinal lineup. Lady Tsuyuki was pitted against the stargazer, and the lieutenant against the commoner. The crowd was a bit larger than the day before, and Sai felt he should stay in his appointed seat, to insure that he wouldn't obstruct anyone's view.
Lady Tsuyuki played well, but the stargazer was determined and obstinate, and he carefully picked away at her strategy. The lieutenant made the critical error of underestimating his opponent, and he was in far over his head before the game was half over. After a short break, then, it was the commoner Sanchi versus the stargazer.
Sai's hands were wrapped tightly around his fan during the whole game. Sanchi, who won black, made a bold and somewhat shocking first play of mokuhazushi, but he secured it well. Sai's stargazer was cautious, and didn't take anything for granted, but during midgame, he became more and more aggressive. Sanchi liked to make fast plays, which kept the stargazer guessing, and a bit off-balance. The rhythm of the game was unlike anything he'd experienced, and that worked only to his disadvantage. Sanchi's posture was also lacking, so he fidgeted a bit. It was the stargazer's own fault that he allowed himself to get distracted, so that wasn't an excuse, but the effect was the effect.
Once again, Sai saw it. Sanchi set an elaborate trap for the stargazer, using bold stones to entice the stargazer to try to secure large tracks of territory, but Sanchi quickly shut him out. The stargazer was wiser than Sanchi's opponent the day before. He conceded just at the right time. There was a large gasp of shock, but Sanchi just bowed sincerely, and then turned to bow to the Emperor.
Sai's eyes shone as he bowed to the winner. Applause rang out, and Sanchi became quite embarrassed. As the official, it was Sai's pleasure to announce the victory, and offer Sanchi his prize. He also bowed to his student, quickly moving to go over the game.
The assembly broke up, so Sai, unaware of the Emperor's gaze directed at his back, followed Sanchi out. He had to wait until they were in the outer courtyard to even address him, as Sanchi would only understand Japanese, but Sai immediately began by pressing the man to agree to come and play Sai himself.
"Sensei!" Sanchi laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I can feel good about my go, but playing you will make me more nervous than playing before the Emperor!"
"Nonsense," Sai shrugged off, completely ignorant of anything but securing for himself the game he needed. "In the universe on the goban, nothing exists save black and white."
That sobered Sanchi up, and he bowed low to Sai. "Very true, Sensei. Well. Then. I'll see you again, shall I?"
Sai was practically bursting with delight.
ooooo
Tenryaku 1, the 16th day of the 12th month 29 january 948
Pacing back and forth, Sai held on tight to his elbows inside of his sleeves. The sky was bright but the air was still sharp with cold, and there was a lingering frost on the greenery. He walking in front of the main gate, and down the long road leading into the heart of the capital, but then turned again to continue his pacing. He looked up at the sky, measuring the pace of the sun.
Sanchi was definitely late!
Jirou was standing aside, close to the building. Perhaps smarter, but neither one of them was smart, even if it was at least a bit warmer than it had been. He looked down the road again, and saw a lone figure approaching. He froze, staring intently until it was clear that it was, in fact, his opponent. He rushed right out the gate, going to meet him. "You're late!" Sai complained while Sanchi was still far off, but the other man just laughed.
"You're so eager, Sensei! That makes me happy," Sanchi teased him easily. "Calm down, calm down, I came as soon as I could!"
Sai huffed, frustrated. He grabbed Sanchi's sleeve and pulled him along as a child rushing a parent might. "Fine, fine, but come on, let's go!" He marched a laughing Sanchi into the Fujiwara estate and past a darkly glaring Jirou, to whom he paid no attention whatsoever.
In the courtyard of their estate, several of his family members and their servants were busy at the business of their clan, which was, essentially, running the country. Sai was intent only on getting Sanchi to the go salon, but he knew they weren't alone, and that those around them were paying attention to them. Once they were in the salon, though, Jirou closed the door, and Sai brought Sanchi to the goban. Finally! Feeling triumphant, he sat down heavily on his side of the goban and beamed up at Sanchi. "Sit down, sit down! Jirou will bring refreshments." He waved to Jirou quickly. "Let's nigiri."
Sanchi grinned, and sat down, legs folded in front of him. He took a bowl, and set the lid aside. "All right. Let's go." Sai won black, which caused Sanchi to shake his head and moan. "Ah, you're going to win again, Sensei!"
"Good," Sai grinned. "I don't like to lose."
"Ah, but you can learn as much from loss as you can from victory," Sanchi retorted, affecting an older and presumably wiser voice.
Sai responded by sticking his tongue out.
As always, Sanchi played fast, putting his stones down nearly as soon as Sai put his down. As always, Sai complained to him. "Stop rushing the game! Take time to think, think!"
"It's about instinct, isn't it, Sensei? Especially early in the game! C'mon, hurry up!" Sanchi laughed. "Just feel the stones. Don't analyze so much!"
"If you analyzed more, you'd never lose," Sai bemoaned.
"You hate to lose," Sanchi laughed, replying as quickly as he played. "You'd stop inviting me over to play, then."
Sai just shook his head.
They finished their first game quickly, due to Sanchi's breakneck pace. Sai, of course, won, but they took nearly as long discussing the game as they had played it, at times getting quite heated with each other. Then Sai suggested a challenge. They had been playing like this quite frequently since they'd gotten used to each other's game. Making things more and more difficult, just to see if they could. Playing to tie, for example, or playing with only white stones, or playing with no stones at all. Today, Sai had Jirou move over the other goban, and they played two games at once, one game as black and the other as white. They tried to match pace so that they were laying stones constantly. This satisfied both Sanchi's desire to play fast and Sai's desire to play with strength. After that, they pulled in another goban, and for the third, they both played black and white, just playing the color that was next to play at each turn.
Sai brought out a kifu, then, of a match held a few years ago between Sai's teacher and a Chinese champion. They recreated the game, poring over every hand. Once again, their discussion became heated, but in the end, they agreed on the main points as to why the Chinese champion won.
Jirou had to actually pull on Sai's sleeve to get his attention. His eyes were dark and hooded. "Master, it is time to prepare for the recital tonight at the palace."
"Ah, there's another one," Sai sighed, his shoulders slumping.
"Master!" Jirou hissed, reprimanding.
Sai's back stiffened, and he pouted, which caused Sanchi to laugh. "Well, of course I enjoy them... the music is always beautiful. But this is the third time this month!" Sai threw his arms up.
"You pout just exactly like my daughter does!" Sanchi roared with laughter.
Sai flushed, opening his fan to cover his face. He didn't like being compared to a small child! It was a strange thought, though. The way Sanchi spoke of his children... a session never failed to elicit a comment or two. Sai found it, well, fascinating. He wanted to see Sanchi's house. Sanchi had described it rather fully, and to Sai, it was like hearing tales of China or faraway India. To Sanchi, while he loved go, he also loved his work, and he loved his wife, and he loved his children.
That was very interesting to Sai. Honestly, if he could, and he did try, he would convince Sanchi to become a retainer to the Fujiwara clan. In a sense, Sai wanted to be able to observe and study him at all times and in all lights.
Sanchi looked out toward the door, and asked, his voice a bit tense, "I suppose many of your family will be at the palace tonight, too?"
Sai tilted his head to the side, confused by the question. "Well. Most of my family works in the palace. Some will be at the recital. I don't know how many were invited. Sometimes, the Emperor likes large audiences, and sometimes, he likes very small audiences."
"But you're always there? Wah... the Emperor must really like go!" Sanchi marveled.
Sai just smiled. "I'm fortunate that the Emperor is so supportive. Otherwise, the tournament would never have been open to residents of the capital, and we would never had met."
"That would be sad!" Sanchi agreed, pointing at Sai. "But I bet your relatives would have been happier! Anytime I'm here, they're always watching. Must be quite a topic for discussion."
Sai waved his fan dismissively. "Ah, if they outlawed gossip in the capital, no one would be able to think of a thing to say."
"True, true!" Sanchi laughed. "What sort of things do they say about you, though? I feel like I'm tarnishing you! Always so prim and noble and beautiful... honestly, Sensei, it's discouraging for an ordinary man like me! I think, I should be more like him, but there's just no way!"
A blush stole quickly over his cheeks, embarrassingly. Sanchi said the most outrageous things sometimes! "You'd be surprised by the things they say about me. I'm sorry, but it is time to go." He stood, indicating to Sanchi that he should follow Sai out a different door than they had entered. "Let us go out this way. I do believe the kitchen had an excess of fish; I am embarrassed to burden you, but take some for your family. And please give my regards to your wife and children." The fish were already in a basket, covered with a few robes for Sanchi's family.
Sanchi bowed to Sai, laughing. "Of course, of course! You'll be all we'll talk about tonight," he said with a wink, causing Sai to blush again.
Sanchi really had to stop doing that!
He showed Sanchi out, and then quickly followed a grumpy Jirou. Once they were in his private chambers, he let Jirou push and prod him around, getting him ready for the palace recital. Under his breath, Jirou grumbled, "To think, you compensate that man to play you. If anyone knew the Emperor's instructor had to bribe..."
Sai cut him off, sighing. "He has to give up jobs to come here. He's an even player to me, Jirou; you know that, even if no one else does. He's the only even player I know. If only I could get him to play me more seriously..." Sai practically vibrated with anticipation. If he could...! He felt like he was closer to the Divine Move than he'd ever dreamed possible, but unless he could devote his entire being into one game...
Jirou roughly tugged him around, tying off his obi. "Master, do remember that you're going back to the Emperor's realm now. Please try to stay focused."
"Yes, yes," Sai sighed. Honestly, though, there was no winning. If he didn't come home tonight, as was likely since he hadn't after the other two recitals, either, Jirou would lecture him then, too!
Part 2