I turned a small canister in my hands.
There was nothing remarkable about it. It was quite plain, and it seemed to contain a strange-smelling tea-like powder.
"And why are you giving it to me?" I asked Takumi.
"It was among your father's effects that he intended for you to have," the honorable jo replied.
After our conversation about my mother and the Shiroyamas, Takumi had been displaying an unusual amount of care. He first brought me my father's ceremonial kimono, and now these few things.
"But what is it?" I insisted.
"It's a special concoction that lifts spirits," Takumi said in a low voice. "His lordship used it very rarely. But now, in the time of great strain, you might find it helpful."
"And he used it that way?"
"Yes, master. Mostly for himself. Although he used it a few times with his wives." Takumi gazed at me with an odd expression. "One time he mentioned that it was the only way to sneak a peek into your mother's soul. Did he not talk to you about it at all?"
Well, he got me again – how would I know, if I only got here after father had a stroke?
"Not that I recall," I mumbled.
"He certainly mentioned preparing relevant instructions for you," Takumi bowed. "He said it once talking to me after consuming the herbs."
I raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how to prepare them?"
"Your father would usually take them brewed, like tea," Takumi said. "I would prepare the drink for him. But I'm not familiar with the process of making the powder."
I sighed. "I see."
Takumi bowed deeply. "On another topic, if you permit me to mention it, your lordship, Madam Yukiko and Madam Hana have both been looking for an audience with you. Your wives are worried about you, and each of them spoke with me about how powerless they feel unable to spend time with you and support you during this difficult period."
A strange thought came to my mind.
"Did you say that my father shared the herb drink with his wives?"
"Only a couple of times," Takumi replied slowly. "As far as I know."
"Well, then, why don't you make the herbs the way you used to make them for him and invite both Madam Yukiko and Madam Hana here this afternoon," I said. "If spiritual healing is called for, we might as well get it over with in one shot."
I thought Takumi looked at me funny, but he said nothing and left.
My father was preparing instructions for me, he said…
I pulled out the encrusted box and sifted through the papers again. Knowing what I was looking for, I was able to locate the following note quite quickly.
"My Son,
There is knowledge I want to pass to you that is not meant for all eyes. The herbs I speak of are valuable, and their use demands respect and caution. These herbs, when properly prepared, will offer you strength of mind and peace of spirit. Use them wisely, as I have instructed.
First, you must gather the buds when the time is right—late in the summer, when the flowers are fully ripe but still damp. Only use the yellowish-green flowers that don't look familiar to you and grow about 20 paces to the right of the grave of your honorable grandfather. Dry the flowers in a cool, shaded place until they are crisp but not brittle. The smell of the herb will be strong—earthy, with a hint of pine. Only then is it ready.
Then, take a small portion of the dried flowers and grind them gently, not too finely. Brew the herbs in hot water to create a magical tea, adding honey to sweeten the taste.
Remember, less is more. The herbs should bring calm and clarity. Don't fall into the trap of vain people who mix these herbs with high mountain tea in order to lose themselves in reverie and achieve carnal pleasures.
Follow only my instructions, and achieve the elevated state of mind and soul of a true samurai."
I didn't have much time to ponder, except noting that "20 paces to the right" was highlighted in the same red ink as the phrase "Put this one in her grave" on the letter I read the other night.
Just then I heard Takumi's quiet footsteps approaching and rushed to hide the box back under the low table.
"Madam Yukiko and Madam Hana will arrive here soon, master," he said, entering and setting down the teapot. "I hope I didn't overstep my boundaries when I mentioned your father talking about your mother's soul…"
"No, no," I interrupted him, good-naturedly. "You're always the most penetrating, considerate, and loyal confidant, Takumi," I said.
"Thank you, master," he bowed.
"Could you bring me a small pot of hot water as well?" I had a box of the high mountain tea in my room.
"Of course, master."
And so, by the time Yukiko entered my room, I had two teapots ready for a special tea party. I thought I'd also sneak a peek into my wives' souls. It'd be nice to know that deep inside they think what I think they think…
"It is a relief to see you, husband," Yukiko murmured, bowing. "I know the weight of your burden has been heavy, and I am here to share your grief and struggles with you. I want you to know that you don't have to face this sorrow alone."
I nodded. "Thank you, Yukiko-dono," I replied. "Take a seat, it's comforting to see you here."
She knelt next to me. "Takumi gave me to understand," she said slowly, looking down, "that you invited Hana-dono to join as well?"
I poured some tea.
"Yes," I said, "it's only fair. I wanted to discuss with both of you some of my father's wishes."
"Of course," I saw her expression immediately soften. "That's very thoughtful. She's part of the family now."
"Just so," I said, handing her a cup. "Have a drink."
The door slid open, and Hana appeared on the threshold, pausing hesitantly. "My sincerest apologies," she said quietly, bowing. "I didn't mean to disturb…"
"You're not disturbing us, Hana," I said, gesturing to her to join us. "We've been expecting you."
Yukiko bowed to Hana with a welcoming smile, and Hana finally settled on closing the door and approaching us.
"Good evening, Yukiko-sama," she uttered. "Good evening, husband."
I handed her a cup as well and raised mine in a toast. "Let's drink this tea that my father had passed to me to thank him for his sacrifices and discuss some of his dying wishes."