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Tokugawa Ieyasu

Episode 31: Not a Wife But a Mother

August, 1587.

Once Hideyoshi conquered the Kyushu Island,

Ieyasu visited him to congratulate him on his victory.

That Shimazu fought a stupid war, didn't he?

He didn't expect me to fight, and rejected my messages.

I went out with my grand army; his was so small!

- Right, Ieaysu? - Yes.

Lord Shimazu wasn't aware of your earnest wishes.

Indeed!

My wish is the development of the entire country.

I was generous to Shimazu Yoshihisa who became a monk

and assured him of his territories.

Now he will serve you faithfully, I'm struck with awe.

I'm so glad you came all the way to celebrate with me.

I'm afraid to say...

What Mitsunari?

There were many lords large and small,

who wish to join our forces after our victory at Kyushu.

However, the Hojo's of Odawara have not come to you yet.

I presume, Lord Tokugawa, you know their situation well

since you control their neighboring territories.

sub duration: 0, 00:04:28,833 Please tell us what you know, so we can make future plans.

I am the Imperial Adviser.

Those who disobey me will suffer the same fate as Shimazu.

Right, Ieyasu?

Just as you say...

If the Hojo's submit to you,

would you let them keep their fief?

If they drag this on, it's as if they are rebelling against me.

They'll be punished accordingly.

Now, I am satisfied.

Please excuse me for worrying about this, Lord Tokugawa.

Right, pour him a drink, Mitsunari.

Though in appearance he was criticizing the Hojo's,

Mitsunari was, in fact, criticizing Ieyasu,

wo had an alliance with the Hojo's.

This was a display of the rivalry he felt against Ieyasu.

But, Ieyasu...

I am now laying the foundation for peace in the country

so that wars will never occur again.

What could this great plan be?

The cause of wars has always been land.

Low-priced lands with high yields were fought over.

Therefore, I shall survey the lands and confiscate them.

Fights over land will be seen as disobedience towards me.

If that's the case, they can't start wars easily... Brilliant!

Then, in order to prevent riots, I shall confiscate swords.

But unless I can reassure my people, I can't do that.

I'll hold a grand tea ceremony

when the Jurakudai mansion is complete.

There's no class distinction for tea-lovers.

What do you think?

I'm filled with awe...

You and Asahi may come, too.

I'm sure your mother and my wife will be pleased.

That's right.

After conquering the Shimazu clan,

it was clear the Hideyoshi's next aim was the Hojo clan.

Ieyasu was prepared to follow Hideyoshi's orders.

He was granted the title of the country's Chief Councilor.

He thanked Hideyoshi for the title, and returned to Sumpu.

Asahi, Ieyasu's wife only in name,

was restless unless she saw Chomatsumaru.

I'm so worried about my son who went hunting...

What'll he do if a wild boar attacks him?

I hope he's safe.

Yes.

My lady, I received a message from His Excellency.

His Excellence?

The Jurakudai mansion in Kyoto is almost complete.

If you wish to live in Kyoto,

it's best to move when everyone else is.

No, I've finally gotten used to Sumpu.

My son is here, too.

You won't move to Kyoto because of Chomatsumaru?

Right, he doesn't have a natural mother.

Therefore, I must be with him,

so he won't feel inferior to boys with mothers.

But what if his excellency orders you to?

I'm not my brother's puppet!

My Lady!

The young lord is here.

Is he?

Bring a cushion.

Open a window for some fresh air!

Human being cannot live without loving another...

For Asahi, Chomatsumaru alone was the object of her love.

I'm back, Mother!

Were you all right while I was away?

How can I be all right while you're away?

I stare at the carp, and listen to the wind.

Were there any boars?

I heard they were ruining the crops, but

I didn't see any.

I'm glad! They must have been afraid of your power.

- Isn't that so, Tango? - Yes.

Tango was telling me to move to Kyoto.

To Kyoto?

I don't want to be separated from you.

For me, happiness is living here with you.

Yes.

Tell me what you think.

Need I go to Kyoto?

Forgive me. If that's the Advisor's order... I can't say...

Don't you like me?

Of course I do!

Then you'd rather I stayed in Sumpu?

Yes, naturally!

That's all.

I'm so happy!

Mother!

Matsu!

In September, the gorgeous Jurakudai was complete.

Hideyoshi sent his mother and Nene to live there first,

and prepared for the grand tea ceremony.

...No, I don't want to go there!

My concubines have been ordered to live there by my wife...

That's what I don't want!

Chacha...

You said that you'll treat me well since I am related to your late lord.

You said I don't have to obey your wife. Did you forget that?

I said that, but...

Then keep your promise!

Or I will never believe you!

You're so much trouble...

I'd like you to build me a fine castle.

A castle!?

I won't be satisfied unless I'm treated the best

by the most powerful man in the country!

All right.

I'll discuss it with my wife.

At Jurakudai, Nene was deeply concerned about Chacha's selfishness,

for she was the only one who refused to move there.

Nene!

Are you pleased with its construction?

There's something I'd like to ask.

Ask whatever it is.

The artist who did these screens is the best in Japan, it's Kano Eitoku!

Don't you like them?

What will you do with Lady Chacha?

Tell me honestly.

Nene...

What's so funny?

You were always kind enough to leave room for me to apologize!

Not any more!

Cold logic alone isn't logic between husband and wife!

If kindness to you is not asking, I won't ask.

As my wife, I will never stop loving you and respecting you.

And Chacha?

You're still pressuring me?

Please treat her according to her status.

According to her status... What'll that be?

You think of that.

She's very strong-minded, but she's also intelligent.

Next to you, she's my favorite.

It's good for men or women to be intelligent.

But she's not as smart as you are.

Therefore, I'd like you to take good care of her.

Please...

This is the best time of my life.

Mine was a long, hard life...

What's wrong, Nene?

Nene...

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Imperial Adviser...

I am such a lucky woman

to be treated so well by such a great man.

What a thing to say...

Forgive my selfishness...

I have a favor to ask.

Please allow me to live in Osaka Castle.

What is it that you dislike here?

Osaka Castle is your resident Castle.

I am your wife. I'd like to live in the main castle.

You'll take care of it in my absence?

When I was young and you went off to war,

I felt I was being torn apart with worry:

I worried about you, and about protecting the castle well...

But I'd like to always live with those worries.

So, please let me stay in your castle.

All right.

You're not one to give in easily.

It's logical, too...

Will you allow me to?

Wait.

I have a favor, too.

Can you please move in after the tea ceremony is over?

Please, Nene.

But Nene didn't change her mind.

Her husband, who started out as a foot soldier,

had become the Imperial Adviser and reached the heights.

No matter how powerful one may be, he was in danger

when nobody could admonish him and stop him...

That's what Nene wanted to tell her husband...

Meanwhile at Sumpu, Asahi was concerned about

the invitation to the tea ceremony.

...You don't want to be separated from Matsu?

This is my once-in-a- lifetime request!

All right.

But you've misunderstood, my lady.

Misunderstood?

You don't want to 'go back' to Kyoto?

You're only going there to visit.

Your mother will be happy to see you.

After the tea ceremony, you can return to Sumpu.

Then...I can return to Sumpu and live with Matsu?

However, once she arrived in Kyoto, Asahi fell ill,

and she was to stay in Jurakudai.

Here is your rice gruel, Asahi.

My lady, your mother made the gruel herself.

There is nobody who is as lucky as you are!

Don't think of it as gruel,

but think of it as a cure to help you see Matsu again.

Mother...

All that was left in Asahi was her love for Chomatsumaru.

On October 1st, Hideyoshi used the pine forest in Kitano

as the setting for a grand ceremony.

Ieyasu and various other lords were in attendance,

and Hideyoshi displayed his power to the country.

...I'm exhausted.

The biggest tea ceremony of Japan is finally over.

Please relax here.

I heard the Adviser wants his nephew to succeed him.

I've heard that, too.

I think you'd make fewer mistakes

if you'd talk politics with the people here in Kyoto.

We'll have to ask you to do that.

This is Koetsu, son of sword connoisseur, Hon'ami Koji.

I see.

My father and I are followers of the Nichiren sect.

Our prayers are for a country with peace and justice.

Your wish is for peace, too.

What do you make of this grand tea ceremony?

I'd like to hear your opinion first.

There are many who are in no position to enjoy tea.

Such ceremonies which ignore these people, are pointless.

But the Imperial Adviser held this ceremony

as proof that the country is now enjoying peace.

Then have a gruel service.

He should have let everyone, merchants, farmers, warriors,

have some rice gruel to celebrate a new beginning.

You are straightforward.

Warriors don't till the soil themselves.

So I always tell my men that

they shouldn't take the farmers for granted.

I'm filled with awe...

Monk Zuifu was caught by Hideyoshi's enemies at Odawara.

What? Unreliable defenses?

Information on your men, and your supplies

have all been leaked to Osaka.

That wouldn't affect us.

What is a stupid monk telling us?

In case of an emergency,

the Tokugawa's and Date's will come to our aid.

Wishful thinking...

What?!

Don't you know that Ieyasu is trying to stop you

since he's unable to assist you in that war?

Father! I'll take care of him.

Make him talk and kill him!

You may release him now.

You couldn't kill me, could you.

You knew that I'll spare you?

In gratitude, let me tell you one thing.

A messenger will come from Osaka again; this will be the last.

Whether Odawara will be conquered or peace will follow...

that depends on your answer to this messenger.

Ask Lord Tokugawa to arrange a visit to Hideyoshi, or

accepts the messenger's demands...

Remember that there are many who pray for peace

for the sake of your clan and Lord Tokugawa's clan...

I appreciate that... take care of yourself.

I offer the same words to your future...

Chacha! Chacha!

Well done, Chacha!

Now I can finally become a father.

That's right.

Bear me a son, now!

I'm rejuvenated! I'll have to do something big for Japan!

A boy, now!

May, 1589.

An heir was born to Hideyoshi and was named 'Tsurumatsumaru'.

Hideyoshi was 53.

Chacha moved into the Yodo Castle built for her,

and came to be called, 'Yodo-gimi'.

Hideyoshi set out to conquer the Hojo clan.

Because of Ieyasu's influence,

Ujinao agreed to negotiate peace, but was too late...

Hideyoshi's messenger came to Ieyasu in November.

Chief Councilor, His Excellency has decided to conquer Odawara.

That's unavoidable...

He wishes that you stop going to their territory

and wants you to come immediately.

It's only natural.

He'd like Chomatsumaru to accompany you.

If that's what he wants...

No, this is a message from your wife in Jurakudai.

Then, I can't.

You can't?

No, father and son can't leave the castle.

As soon as our military conference is finished,

I'll send Chomatsumaru.

Please explain to my wife

that war is pending and we must be cautious.

I'll relay that message.

I appreciate that.

The Advisor is considering a gift for you

in the event of the victory over the Hojo clan.

What could that be?

In the event of a victory,

he shall grant you the 8 Kanto provinces!

Would you accept?

That's a surprise, I can't believe it.

Can't you?

I have Mikawa, Totomi, Suruga and Kai, and Shinano provinces.

If he gives me the Kanto areas, I'll control half the country.

Please tell His Excellency that

I don't need such generous rewards.

Frugality is the biggest virtue of my clan.

We can manage with what we have, I don't want more.

That was close...

You rejected the offer beautifully, lord.

The Advisor intended to confiscate your present provinces!

He claims to fight the Hojo's, but his real aim is elsewhere.

You know Hideyoshi's intentions, yet you obey him.

You can't disobey him, just go serve him all you want!

Sakuza!

He's right.

I've decided to go as the country's overseer.

I have a favor to ask.

Please let me retire.

No!

I have gravely accepted your sharp tongue

because I know it was for the sake of our clan.

How can you be so selfish before this important event?

Are you senile?

I am senile!

If an old man like myself sticks to Hideyoshi like a leech

when he wins the Okazaki, Hamamatsu and Sumpu castles...

Sakuza!

Masanobu can give you advice on domestic matters.

I'll continue to use my sharp tongue on you.

Or we can't control those who distrust the Adviser.

All right.

I'll let you retire.

Upon receiving word that Chomatsumaru need not come,

Ieyasu went to visit him in December.

I'm so glad you came.

My sister, Asahi didn't want to see her son as a hostage.

So, I canceled that request.

I appreciate that.

How is Tsurumatsu doing?

I didn't know children were that adorable.

I've gone as high as anybody could go,

but there was a strange loneliness.

That's strange...

Then, an unexpected child was born to me!

I've been thrown into a brighter, happier world!

The gods have not forsaken me yet, brother.

Someone bring some food!

Snow?

Ieyasu felt that Hideyoshi had aged,

and that he was dangerously elated...

Ieyasu visited Asahi that night.

My lady?

My lord!

Don't get up.

Why didn't you tell me?

If I knew, I'd have brought Chomatsumaru.

Don't bring him here.

I don't want him to become a hostage.

Don't worry, due to your health,

His excellency said he won't require him to be a hostage.

Is that true?

I'll let him come around New Years.

He'll extend his greetings to His Excellency, and come to visit you.

I can see him...

You must recover, and greet him with a smile.

My lord.

Though he doesn't say so, I know he wants to see you.

I'm so happy...

I'll live until I see Matsu.

What's wrong?

No...

There're 20 days until New Years.

I wonder if I'll live...

What're you saying?

You must recover!

Tango? Where are you?

Why're you getting up?

I have to see him... I have to stay alive.

My lady!

Bring me the gruel, I'll eat for his sake!

I must!

Though she was his wife only in name,

she was a kind mother for Chomatsumaru.

After he returned to Sumpu,

Ieyasu sent Chomatsumaru to Kyoto after New Years.

I'm so glad you came!

Hurry! Asahi's waiting!

Asahi, Matsu is here!

Matsu!

Mother, I have come to visit you.

I'm so glad you came. I was waiting.

How are you?

Come closer... and hold my hand...

Yes.

You're lucky to have such a fine son.

Matsu...

I have made sure that His Excellency

will never be too demanding to you or your father.

Yes.

I made His Excellency swear that he'll never torment you.

Yes.

Bring it here, Tango.

Yes.

Here, Matsu, this is a gift from me to you.

Don this best kimono in Kyoto!

Asahi?

That must have been the most extravagant and expensive gift

Asahi had given in her life...

It was also the farewell gift to her son...

Asahi!

Mother!

How handsome he looks, doesn't he?

Asahi!

Mother!

Asahi!

Mother!

Asahi had lived only to see her son; her life had burned out...

News of Asahi's death reached Ieyasu 3 days later.