Sowing Discord

After rescuing Hatsue, the group was going through some well-earned down-time, resting up for their trip to the Imperial Shrine. As they drank tea with Isao, Bella spoke up. “I’ve been thinking about all those things Sandoval learned with that magic banjo he got from O-Sayumi”

“It’s called a ‘samisen’,” Sandoval said wearily, “and it’s an incredibly powerful …”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Bella continued, interrupting the bard’s attempt to educate her. “My point is, Isao said that the Jade Regent’s closest allies don’t necessarily like each other all that much. You said it might be helpful to ‘sow discord’ among them, right?” Isao nodded. “Well, now we know a bunch of secrets about them – I think we should use them to stir up some trouble!”

Seeing she had everyone’s attention, Bella got more excited. “Like, we know that Aananamanamururmomomom – whatever his name is – he tortured the Jade Regent’s mother to death. I’m guessing JR might no-likey that. If we could let JR know that somehow, that might cause them to have a few harsh words.”

“We can’t just stroll in and ask to have a private chat with the Jade Regent,” Sandru snorted, but Sandoval looked thoughtful. “No, we can’t. But there are people who have private ‘chats’ with the Jade Regent pretty regularly.” Everyone looked at him with puzzled expressions. “All his women,” Sandoval explained. “He’s bringing geishas into the Palace all the time to have his way with them, not to mention all the serving women already in the Palace. If we could convince one of the geishas to whisper a ‘rumor’ she heard passed along from a ‘gifted seer geisha in the north’ it would at least plant the seed. He might or might not believe it, but it might make him start questioning.”

Isao nodded. “I know the heads of all the geisha houses well. I can ask them to ask their girls to do this. Although it could be very dangerous. The Jade Regent could well fly into a rage at any hint that his grandfather isn’t what he’s always thought. Not all of his guests survive his 'affection'.”

“Speaking of his girls,” Bella piped up again, “his main squeeze, this Meida chick, doesn’t know about them. How can we fix that?”

Isao looked thoughtful. “The Jade Regent’s appetites are well known among certain tight circles – like the geishas, or the noble families – but not among the common folk. If rumors were to start to spread publicly, they would certainly be heard by Renshii Meida’s handmaidens, who are said to be extremely loyal to their mistress. They would be likely to tell her immediately if they thought her lover were being unfaithful. Our friends among the ninjas can easily start to spread those rumors where will be passed along quickly.”

“Boy, I’d love to be a fly on the wall when she hears about that!” Bella said gleefully, “Especially with her being preggers and all!”

Isao’s mouth dropped open. “Renshii Meida is pregnant? Are you sure?” Sandoval nodded.  “Not only is she pregnant,” the bard confirmed, “but neither the Jade Regent nor Anamurumon know about it.”

“This is big news indeed,” the old merchant said, sinking back on his cushion. “Anamurumon has already been discretely putting out feelers to the best old families, trying to make a match for his grandson that will bring both the most political advantage and the largest dowry. If Takahiro were to father a child, even an illegitimate one, it could prove problematic, both in terms of succession to the throne but also in arranging a marriage.”

The old man suddenly got a mischievous grin. “I have many friends who are trading partners from other lands in Tian Xia. They are all unhappy with the Jade Regent, because of how his policies have all but put a stop to foreign trade. One is a cousin of the emperor of Tianjing, across the Xidao Sea. I could have him send a diplomatic message to the Palace, offering the services of Tianjing’s Imperial midwives upon that happy occasion of Renshii Meida’s delivery. That should get Anamurumon’s attention!” he chuckled.

Bella was happy that everyone was actually taking her advice for a change. “That should all make for some tense dinners for JR’s little family. But what about this Raven Prince guy? How can we piss him off, too? Would he be angry that JR sent that super-ninja after us instead of him? Is that some kind of breach of contract for a ninja?”

Isao shook his head. “I don’t think a ninja would be bothered over such a detail, especial one of the Raven Prince’s experience. It’s business, not personal.”

Sandoval spoke up again. “But the Raven Prince trained with all the major ninja clans. Even though he never became a full member of any of them, they must have drilled their code of duty and honor into him. It’s a long shot, but if our ninja allies could pass word to the Raven Prince that they’ve sworn themselves to Ameiko’s cause … well, it might make him question his loyalties.”

As Isao left to make arrangements to put their ideas into action, Bella sank back onto her cushions, a big smile on her face. There was nothing quite as satisfying as kicking a hornets’ nest, just to see who would get stung.