I inspected the stack of scrolls laid out on the low table in front of me without any excitement. The document appeared to be very long, and I had no interest in parsing out the scrolls' fanciful writing.
I rolled my eyes.
For this, I blamed Takumi.
In fairness, I blamed Takumi for most things that took place around me, but this endeavor in particular was all his fault. Sometimes I contributed to my own headaches, but not in this instance. Takumi was the one who bugged me about my wife's concerning behavior.
"She even raised her voice at her chujo," he told me in the morning. "That had never happened before."
I waved my hand. "So what of it?"
The all-knowing chamberlain bowed deeply. "If you pardon me for saying it, master, but Yukiko-sama could cause big issues in the house, if her temper continues to flare. I don't want to think what she might do if she wanted to get revenge at another householder's expense."
That didn't sound like Yukiko. I mean, yes, she seemed upset about my upcoming wedding the other day, but was she going to go off the reservation and start throwing the servants off the cliff? Very unlikely.
I shook my head. "I still don't see it, Takumi," I said. "What are you proposing to do anyway?"
"Your lordship is very thoughtful and kind," he replied, always a flatterer. "I have no doubt that you've already noted that the main concern of your wife is reduction of her influence once the second wife arrives. So it is only natural that you could alleviate that concern by affirming the extent of her control and influence and convey it to her–in writing."
I stared at him, unsure if the man was joking. "In writing?"
"Of course, master," he bowed. Evidently, he was serious about it. "Putting it down in writing will make it official. Very much like your original marriage contract. In fact, you might want to start by inspecting your contract and reiterating to Madam Yukiko what is rightfully hers according to it, and what you're going to give her in addition at your free will to secure her place in the household irrespective of the presence or absence of another wife. I'm sure she'll appreciate it."
I digested. It sounded like it was going to be a lot of tedious math. In any case, would Yukiko be happier if I explicitly gave her most of my estate? Possibly. Would it be fair to Hana? Unclear. Would that cause more problems than it solves? Who knows.
"There is something in what you said," I nodded.
And with that nod, I condemned myself to a meeting with Matsuo that I felt so bad about now. My stoic estate manager handled not only my finances, but also various contracts, including my marriage contract.
The contract was what I was staring at at the moment, reluctant to flip through its endless pages.
"Why is this thing so long, Matsuo?" I asked helplessly.
"Master," he responded, bowing respectfully, "the length of the agreement is not just a formality. A marriage such as yours is a complex arrangement, with many exchanges and responsibilities tied to land, trade, and alliances. It is also written not only for the time of the marriage, but also for the future, so the document must ensure that each possibility is taken into account and provides clear terms for each."
As you can tell, Matsuo is a serious fellow.
"While it makes sense, it also sounds extremely boring," I said. "Could you summarize the most important points for me briefly?" I gazed at him. "And by briefly, I mean very briefly."
Matsuo lowered his head politely. "I'll do my best, master. In brief, due to the merchant ties of your wife's family, the Fujimuras received from you a plot of land located further down the hill from here, close to the main road. They have built on it a warehouse for imported goods. It will allow them to expand their trade in the Shinano province. In return, your lordship received the right to 5 percent of the Fujimura's trade ventures profits as well as very generous dowry."
I raised an eyebrow. "Is the five percent worth it?"
"Undoubtedly, master," nodded Matsuo. "It amounted to around 2000 ryo last year."
I tilted my head. "Hmm, that certainly is not too shabby."
"Very complementary to your budget, master," Matsuo agreed.
"Anything else I need to know about this contract?"
Matsuo pondered for a moment. "There are many other clauses, but to pick a few, your lordship will be included into the daimyo's consultations for provincial taxes on imported goods, your lordship agreed to provide armed guards for the Fujimura's warehouses, and the agreement may be dissolved in three years, if no heirs are produced, though such an option is rarely exercised in practice."
I shook my head. "Three years, you say?"
"Yes, master," Matsuo replied.
"If no son is born?"
"Precisely, master."
"Interesting…"
I chewed my lip, as they'd say. Now the conception ritual last week took on a whole new meaning. I could see why Yukiko and her chujo were so obsessed with it. The preparation, the massages…
I wondered how come she hadn't gotten pregnant until now.
Suddenly, Takumi's head popped into the room. Just the man I really wanted to scold.
"I beg your pardon, master," he said, appearing out of breath. "May I speak with you urgently?"
"Why not," I nodded. At least, that got the manager to wrap up the whole marriage contract discussion.
"I'm always at your service, if you need further clarifications on the matter," Matsuo bowed, gathering the scrolls.
"Thanks, Matsuo."
I looked at my jo expectantly, but he said nothing until Matsuo slid the door shut.
Takumi looked uncharacteristically rattled. "Master, you must do something," he exclaimed.
"Why? What's going on?"
Takumi's eyes flickered.
"It's Madam Yukiko," he said, breathing heavily. "She's going to get one of her servants flogged."