Original subtitles

Lord Nariakira may be the shogun's father-in-law...

but he still has no right.

This is Ii Naosuke whose domain is Hikone.

For generations, the Ii were military commissioners...

who watched over the Imperial Court in Kyoto.

Actually, they were also ordered to watch...

the powerful western clans, such as the Shimazu and Mori.

Consequently, Ii's revenue of 350,000 koku...

was the largest among the "fudai" (Tokugawa Lords).

As the 14th son, Naosuke spent a youth devoid of any future prospects.

But at the age of 32, he had the good fortune...

of being adopted by his elder brother and made his heir.

As if to vent his past frustrations, he plunged into politics with a fury.

It was inevitable that he would clash with Shimazu Nariakira.

Nariakira stood in focus as Japan to the world.

To Naosuke, he was a very dangerous presence...

who had overstepped his bounds.

With no room for compromise between them,

an all-out confrontation was about to begin.

Tobu ga Gotoku

Episode 9: Ii Naosuke the Regent

Kumamoto November 4, 1857

Thank you very much for everything.

Have a safe journey.

Look after the Seichugumi for me.

Yes.

You've broadened my world by introducing me...

to the Chief Retainer at Kumamoto.

That was due to our lord's influence.

If it's for Japan,

anyone in a responsible position is glad to meet with us.

I was impressed once again by the greatness of Lord Nariakira.

Yes, it won't do to be a frog in the well.

Although you've never been out of our domain,

you were able to grasp the situation in Edo...

just by our correspondences.

Really?

Yes, you really do have a sharp mind.

That's why I asked you to come with me.

You may be going to Edo someday.

This was a trial run.

I'll work as hard as I can when that day comes.

The situation in Edo seems very difficult.

In Edo, after forcing a meeting with the Shogun,

American Consul Harris made repeated demands...

for the signing of the trade treaty.

Without the consensus of the Cabinet,

an immediate response is impossible.

American Consul Harris

If it could be limited to the same terms of friendship...

as it was with Perry...

Instead of unconditional approval, a time limit should be put on trade.

With a time limit, we can always pull out...

if it is not doing our country any good.

Lord Mito is of the opinion...

that we don't need to yield to any of Harris' demands.

If we must have trade, do it out of the country.

Outside the country?

Instead of allowing trading inside Japan,

we can go abroad to conduct trade.

That way, we will be fulfilling...

their demand for trade and amity.

Can that be done?

Yes, as long as we have ships.

Lord Mito even goes to make an astounding request...

for a loan of 1 million ryo to do it.

What rash statements to make when we are trying...

to get the Shogun to name Hitotsubashi the heir.

Oh, 1 million ryo? How exorbitant.

Everyone who read his request was so dumbfounded...

that not even Hotta could explain it away.

I'm glad Lord Nariaki did that, though.

We can always use it to start rumors of a Mito conspiracy.

Conspiracy?

Statements made before such dignitaries become fact.

Since Lord Hitotsubashi is Lord Nariaki's son,

any daimyo supporting his suit will become...

a traitorous party in Mito's treachery.

That will put our candidate, Lord Yoshitomi of Kishu,

in a more favorable position.

That's true.

It has been my lifelong dream to see you placed as regent.

Please leave everything to me.

I just want to see that the line of Tokugawa shoguns continues.

Kyoto

Now I have a trump card to take with me to Kyoto.

Don't overlook that area.

Yah, Mr. Saigo!

I'll be imposing upon you again.

You're such a busy man. Welcome back.

Brother. Brother!

Mr. Saigo has arrived.

You must be tired. Please come in.

Welcome.

How odd.

Odd? I didn't do anything.

No, I'm talking about the man out there.

Man?

I didn't notice him earlier, but he's still there.

It looks as if he's watching this place.

Ignore him.

Welcome.

Do you wish to bathe right away?

Yes, since I must call upon someone.

While I'm washing the grime of the road away,

I'd like a message delivered.

I'll send Osetsu.

Here now, Ofusa! What are you doing?

He's still there.

He left.

He gives me the creeps.

You probably made him feel funny by peeping at him like that.

That's mean!

Yes, that was mean of you.

This is Lord Nariakira's regular inn.

We owe it to him to be on guard for suspicious characters.

Don't worry. I haven't done anything shady.

Now, may I have a cup of tea?

Bring some sweets for him, too.

Thank you.

What is it?

Satsuma's Saigo Kichinosuke just entered the Kagiya.

Lord Nariakira has made a move at last.

Yes.

He'll either go to see the priest at Joju-in...

or Konoe at his mansion.

Don't lose sight of him!

Excuse me.

I'm sorry to bother you like this.

It's no bother.

Do you know Nagano Shuzen, the classical scholar?

Nagano Shuzen?

He's a scholar who frequented the Ii house...

even before Lord Ii became a daimyo.

Yes.

He's been going among the Court nobles...

and urging them to support the Kishu family's...

candidate for the next shogun.

Of course, Minister Konoe is urging Hitotsubashi.

I'm most grateful to him.

Lately, notable scholars such as Umeda Unpin...

have been mixing with the nobles,

urging the rejection of the treaty and the expulsion of foreigners.

And Nagano Shuzen has taken the opportunity...

to drop Kishu's name along with them.

Thank you for calling upon us.

Thank you for everything.

Who are you?

Such well-tened branches... I had to stop to look at them.

You're from Satsuma, I presume.

No, I'm just a temple samurai.

Excuse me. I thought I detected a Satsuma accent.

Did you now?

Well, excuse me.

I would like to see the head priest.

Regrettably, he's not in.

And you...?

I came to deliver an offering for my master.

I see.

There's nothing I can do if he's out.

Shall we walk part of the way together?

Fine. I hear that it has become unsafe around here.

Wait!

Wah, if it isn't Mr. Nagano!

Mr. Nagano.

What's the matter?

Oh, what interesting young ladies.

Excuse me.

Nagano... So that's Nagano Shuzen.

Shall we rest here briefly?

It doesn't seem as if anyone is following us.

This is far enough. Thank you.

It was no trouble at all.

Maybe I'll just go on to Edo with you.

What are you saying?

Welcome. What can I get you?

Nothing for me.

May I have a cup of tea?

Have a safe journey.

Goodbye. Thank you.

Masu! Masu, are you there?

Yes.

Did you call?

Kichinosuke is on his way to Edo from Kyoto.

Yes.

He's very busy, but since he's on personal business...

for our lord, he's full of enthusiasm.

I'm so flattered that he's taken the time...

to write to me despite his being busy.

Yes.

He's filling me in on the details so I'll be ready...

when it's time for me to go to Edo.

Yes.

If I do go to Edo,

I don't know how long I'll have to stay there.

But I'll write regularly.

I'm counting on you to take care of things here.

Yes.

What is it?

What?

What's so funny?

No, you become so cheerful...

whenever you receive a letter from Kichinosuke.

It makes me happy to see you happy.

Don't be silly.

You may go.

Okay.

Excuse me, your guest is here.

Oh, you're here.

I've kept you waiting.

He could hardly wait to see you.

You may leave.

Well then, have a pleasant visit.

I'm the one who could hardly wait to see you.

The trouble I had to go through to slip out of the castle

after I received your letter saying you'd arrived in Edo.

I'm sorry about that.

Is Lady Atsu well?

She is...

What happened?

The Inner Palace is a horrible place.

If it weren't for Lady Atsu, I wouldn't suffer another day there.

Did something happen?

After the great earthquake, Lord Nariakira sent us aid,

so they talked about nothing but him.

Lately, all the fuss is over Lord Yoshitomi.

It's disgusting!

So, the Kishu branch is making overtures?

They've come up with a plan we can't match.

A plan?

They've taken every opportunity to let...

Lord Yoshitomi visit the Inner Palace.

Isn't Lord Yoshitomi the head of the Kishu house?

The Inner Palace is full of childless women.

They are all captivated by his cuteness.

They practically fight over the chance...

to fuss over him like a mother or a big sister.

On top of that, the Shogun's nurse is from Kishu.

The women sidle up to Utahashi, the nurse,

so they may get close to Lord Yoshitomi.

At this rate, Kishu will have all the Inner Palace under their sway.

How disgusting!

Huh, what is?

I don't know who she is, but a teahouse tryst in broad daylight?

I wish I could see the man's face.

What good will that do? Let's go.

Just a minute.

Hey, stop peeking in there. Let's go.

Wait, I say.

Let's go, it's not decent.

So what?!

This is wrong...

Oh, you!

You are...

It's been a while.

Aren't you a sly one, Mr. Saigo.

Ah, is this the Mr. Saigo...

who was in charge of the wedding preparations...

when Her Ladyship married the Shogun?

He's a credit to Lord Nariakira.

What would your lord say if he was told about this?

I was just delivering something to a friend.

Stop it, will you?

How sad for two grown men...

to be drinking with only sweet wine.

I'm sorry, but I have no head for liquor.

I get dizzy drinking the real thing.

That's all right.

It's common knowledge among us that Lord Nariakira arranged...

Lady Atsu's marriage to the Shogun

so she could promote Lord Hitotsubashi as the heir.

How is the situation?

Father...

You get so excited when it comes to Lord Hitotsubashi!

Of course! I'd jump into fire or water for him.

It's a long story, but...

It really will be long if you tell it.

Idiot! Stop interrupting when I'm talking!

Father, I'll never let you tell me what to do!

Whatever are you talking about?

Rumors of Lady Atsu's difficulties at Edo Castle have been going around.

Even if I could marry above my station,

I wouldn't want a marriage where I could never visit my parents.

Listen...

I'm not marrying anyone unless I'm madly in love with him.

Enough! Who'd marry a shrew like you?

A shrew? How could you call your own daughter a shrew?

How am I a shrew?

I called you for what you really are!

You stubborn old man!

Please stop it.

Everyone has been telling me all sorts of things.

My head hurts.

You poor thing.

Shall I get you some medicine or...?

Do what you always do.

Very well.

Excuse me.

You must be tired.

Everyone tells me all sorts of things.

Excuse me, but who is "everyone?"

Matsudaira, Ii, Date, and the rest...

Is it about the succession?

And what did you say?

My head hurts.

I'm sorry to hear that. It worries me to see you so tired.

I wish you would retire soon as the shogun...

so you can spend your days quietly with me.

I'd like that.

You could spend your days spinning threads,

roasting beans, and enjoying the flowers,

living long and well for my sake, as well as for the country's.

That spinning wheel was sent by Lord Hitotsubashi.

Is that right?

He must have heard how much you liked...

to watch Lady Atsu work at her wheel.

He lost no time in presenting you with one.

I could envy him for being so thoughtful.

Isn't Lord Hitotsubashi a kind and loyal person?

Lady Honjuin is here to see His Highness.

Thank you for coming.

Your Highness, I heard that you were unwell again.

I hope it isn't serious.

No.

Did they badger you once again...

about making Hitotsubashi the next shogun?

You mustn't do that.

I want to live a worry-free life with Atsu.

Then say that you'll pick Lord Yoshitomi.

Lady Honjuin...

No matter what anyone says, the final decision is up to you.

Watch this...

If you select Lord Hitotsubashi, I'll slit my throat and die.

Will you still support Lord Hitotsubashi?

That's my son.

You really do care about your mother, don't you?

In the beginning of 1858, Hotta Masayoshi...

took the problem of the pending treaty to Kyoto.

Kichinosuke and Sanai followed to lend assistance.

Mr. Saigo! Welcome.

I'll be staying here again.

Mr. Saigo is here!

Then Lord Hotta hasn't been able to do anything yet?

Due to the retired Imperial Advisor's pleading illness,

he has been unable to see him.

There's nothing to be done.

Is the Imperial Court opposed to the treaty?

I don't know who's been telling him so,

but the Emperor is convinced foreigners are red devils,

and he finds it absolutely abominable...

to associate with such countries.

Perhaps, we should bring up the matter...

of Lord Hitosubashi's recommendation before the treaty?

I agree. The Court can't evade Lord Hotta...

if the subject is about the shogun's heir.

It may be better not to mention the treaty.

Yes.

Okay, I understand.

I have connections in the Imperial household.

I'll see about getting an audience.

I'll go with you.

Perhaps I'll be of use as a bodyguard.

Kichinosuke and Hashimoto Sanai...

have managed well despite the difficulties.

As a result of their efforts,

the Court is recommending that the shogun's heir...

should be someone who is mature, intelligent, and popular.

The only person with these qualifications is Lord Hitotsubashi.

That's very good news.

We've finally come this far.

But, we can't let our guard down.

Kichinosuke probably won't relax until the very end.

He'll surmount any difficulty.

Where is Tetsumaru?

Tetsumaru, Nariakira's eagerly-awaited son,

was born last year.

You're getting heavy.

I hope you'll be a big boy soon.

Then we'll be able to ride all over the domain on our horses.

Councillor Hotta Masayoshi returned to Edo and announced...

the Court's recommendation that Lord Hitotsubashi...

was best suited to be the shogun's heir.

Don't be disillusioned by the Court's recommendation.

Our best recourse is to turn to the Inner Palace...

to have Lady Honjuin apply pressure on the Shogun.

It must be done as quickly as possible.

I understand.

I won't allow the shogunate to be influenced by some 'tozama.'

We cannot let our efforts go to waste.

We must keep our spirits up.

Soon you'll be able to take the foreground.

I'm sure of it!

Please let me do it my way.

Is that what Lord Ii said?

Yes.

Fine...

And after that, Lord Ii promises that...

Lord Yoshitomi will be the shogun's heir.

Won't that be a relief?

Mito is a demon.

Who wants a demon's child for an heir?

Yes.

Pardon me, Lady Atsu is here.

Her Ladyship?

Just the person I wanted to see. Show her in.

Good day.

I wanted to talk to you today.

So do I. I have some good news for you.

Yes?

Utahashi has a wonder- working monk pray for you,

so you should soon be with child.

He predicts that the child will be perfect.

Isn't that right, Utahashi?

Yes, most certainly.

The issue of the shogun's successor has even...

created a stir in these quarters.

But if you were to have a child,

the commotion would cease in an instant.

How wonderful!

Forgive me, but...

Ikushima, please let me know the instant...

that Her Ladyship shows any signs.

After all, it's best to have one's own child as heir.

If you let yourself be occupied with trivia...

and are remiss in your service to the Shogun,

you aren't doing your duty as a woman.

Isn't that so?

Lady Honjuin is too cruel.

She knows that the Shogun can't give you a child,

yet she talks about expecting a child.

How could she say such a thing?

She made it impossible for you to mention Lord Hitotsubashi's name.

Never have I ever loathed anyone so much!

Your Ladyship!

The next day, on April 23, 1858,

Shogun Iesada appointed Ii Naosuke the regent.

It was an unexpected blow to Senior Councillor Hotta.

Ii Naosuke, having been appointed the regent,

you will carry out your duties diligently.

Furthermore, Ii broke precedence by installing himself

in the council room and starting to work that very day.

I'd like to say something at the outset.

Recently, some tozama lords have been meddling...

in the issue of the shogun's heir.

That is exceedingly presumptuous.

Lord Hitotsubashi's intelligence is desirous...

at such a difficult time as this.

There is no need for the shogun to be intelligent.

What?

To put it bluntly, not all of the shoguns...

have been wise rulers, but the Tokugawa line...

has continued for more than 200 years.

That's because the bloodline was protected by the lords and vassals.

Lord Hitotsubashi comes from...

one of Tokugawa's three main branch families.

That makes him a blood relative.

As the shogun's cousin...

Lord Yoshitomi has a greater claim by blood.

Lord Hitotsubashi is but a distant relative.

If you support the more distant claim,

the shogun will lose the daimyo's respect.

For you to take the liberty to choose Hitotsubashi...

just because he would make a good ruler,

will result in disruption of the system.

Though some were relieved of their posts...

or demoted by Lord Ii for merely stating their opinions,

Lord Hitotsubashi, the subject of controversy, still made no move.

I've kept you waiting.

What are the exalted councillors doing?

Lord Ii is but one man.

It's truly frustrating.

I'm from the country;

I hate this scheming and maneuvering.

Isn't there some way to settle this quickly?

Please have some.

It looks delicious.

Is there alcohol in this?

Drink this.

That's good.

How to deal with the foreigners is the root of the problem...

and the support of Hitotsubashi, the attendant question.

We're at a crucial stage which will decide...

whether Japan will be able to override...

the demands of the foreign countries or not.

Truly, my likes and dislikes have no place in this.

However, all this scheming and maneuvering...

seems such a waste of time, that i've come to a decision.

And so?

I'm thinking of finishing up here and going home.

I'll be back after I hear what Lord Nariakira has to say.

I understand.

Lord Nariakira is bound to have a resolution.

Yes.

Let me prepare some messages from my master to yours.

Thank you.

I'll bring back some 'shochu.'

Shochu?

Shochu, it's Satsuma's alcoholic beverage.

It's made from potatoes.

I'll be looking forward to it.

You will be surprised when you drink it!

Thank you for your efforts.

Please scold me as you wish for returning without permission.

According to Echizen's letter,

Ii has already cast his lot with the Kishu party.

As you have said, there is no hope of making any headway.

There seems to be no opening in the situation.

Yes.

Lord Ii's voice in the Cabinet grows stronger by the day.

It's frustrating to watch all the daimyo...

trying to avoid his disfavor.

There's nothing left but to go along with...

your idea to get us out of this bog.

There's no hope of reorganizing the government?

Yes.

It will be quite difficult by ordinary means.

What is the contingency?

Yes.

The government must be reformed completely...

even if it means resorting to arms.

We have some busy days ahead of us.

Lord Ii's administration is only concerned with...

the security of the Tokugawa.

We must force them to realize that the shogunate actually exists...

for the sake of the Emperor and the country.

Yes.

Look! Signs are beginning to rise from the southland.

Yes.