Original subtitles

Here I am once again.

In July 1609, a shameful scandal was uncovered...

among the nobles in the Imperial Palace.

Shameless courtiers had trysts with the Emperor's favorites!

Among those immediately dismissed were...

Councilor Karasumaru Mitsuhiro,

Left Vice-Middle Captain, Oimikado Yorikuni.

Left Vice-Minor Captain, Kazannoin Tadanaga,

also with the same title, Asukai Masakata and Namba Munekatsu.

Right Vice-Minor Captain, Tokudaiji Sanehisa...

and Nakamikado Munenobu who also held that title.

Engaged in adultery with these lords were...

Naishi-no-suke, Lady Hirohashi,

Gon-no-suke, Nakanoin, and Naishi-no-jo, Minase.

Also Naishi-no-jo, Karahashi and Myobu Sanuki.

Sukesaburo...

Who exposed this scandal?

It was Kyoto Deputy Itakura Katsushige, Sire.

Why did he expose it?

Perhaps as a warning against the loose morals of the Court.

Kakubei...

What is your opinion?

I believe the Ogosho did it to put pressure on the Court.

You must not say that!

I am only speaking the truth.

It is a serious crime to criticize your lord!

"Make clear what passed; think on what will be."

This is the essence of learning!

What is more important?

Learning or your house?!

Both!

Be quiet!

- Excuse me. - Who are you?

Please tell us how you feel about the Court scandal!

Please, sir! Please, sir!

Quiet!

AOI Tokugawa Three Generations

Episode 24: "Outline of Ambition"

Original Story and Screenplay: James Miki

Music: Iwashiro Taro

Original Subtitles JN Productions, Inc

Transcribed and Edited Subtitles Kame Fansubs

CAST

Tokugawa Hidetada NISHIDA TOSHIYUKI

Acha MITSUBAYASHI KYOKO

Aoyama Tadatoshi ISHIURA SABURO

Okubo Tadachika ISHIDA TARO

Honda Masazumi WATANABE IKKEI

Itakura Katsushige SUZUKI MIZUHO

Ochaa GODAI MICHIKO

Okame MASHIMA KEIKO

Honda Masanobu KOYAMA SHIGERU

Tokugawa Ieyasu TSUGAWA MASAHIKO

Mito Mitsukuni/Narrator NAKAMURA BAIJAKU

Kodai-in KUSABUE MITSUKO

Doi Toshikatsu HAYASHI YOICHI

Katagiri Katsumoto KOBAYASHI NENJI

Ogou IWASHITA SHIMA

Producer: Kawaii Junshi

Director: Shigemitsu Yukihiko

Edo Castle, 1609

What became of the nobles in question?

One was executed.

Executed?

The guardian of the gate to the Ladies' Chambers.

The others were exiled to other islands.

Kazan-on-in to Tsugaru, Asukai to Okinoshima.

Oimikado and Nakamikado were exiled to...

Iogashima, Sire.

Oh, that's right, Iogashima.

A major purge of the Court.

But Father was furious.

The ladies were only confined to their homes.

Father says it's outrageous.

He insists on a more severe punishment.

Wasn't it the lords that stole into the ladies' rooms?

But, didn't the ladies give them amorous glances?

No, men are always the ones who initiate seduction.

It's because women tempt them.

- You dropped your potato. - I know.

My lord...

It was the Go-sekke's wish not to punish the ladies.

Though guilty, they are much beloved.

Lady Hirohashi, in particular, is the daughter...

of Hirohashi Kanekatsu, the Samurai Intermediary.

The Court dislikes interference by the shogunate.

That is what displeases Father.

He demands that the ladies be dragged out and taken to Sunpu.

I can well understand.

Huh?

The Ogosho is old.

He worries about the conduct of his own concubines.

A severe punishment of the ladies...

will serve as a good example.

Ogou, your theory is too farfetched.

How very fortunate that you don't have any concubines, My Lord.

Kunichiyo (Hidetada's 2nd son)

Father! Good Morning!

That was a fine greeting. Come here.

Your Excellency...

You will catch a cold.

You're drooling.

For your drool.

Tadachika. Your paper stinks.

Of sweat.

Lady Ogou has given birth to two sons and five daughters.

Now she is 37.

From now on, you must freely take young concubines.

To sire more children?

The Ogosho had 11 sons and 5 daughters.

I'm not a stud horse, Tadachika.

It's shameful for the Shogun not to have one concubine.

Everyone will think there is something wrong with you!

Nevertheless...

Even Her Ladyship should understand this.

Ogou is no ordinary horse.

Huh?

I said Ogou is no ordinary woman.

Just leave everything to me, Sire.

I will make arrangements at once!

Ah... What became of that girl?

That girl?

What was her name...?

The one who serves Lady Ouba.

Do you mean Oshizu?

Oh yeah, Oshizu.

Yeah, but for childbearing, a slightly younger girl is better...

Tadachika...

Don't tell me whom to like.

Yes, Sire!

Oshizu was the daughter of Kan'o Iyo,

former vassal to Hojo Ujinao.

She was 26 years old.

According to His Excellency's wishes,

you will be given a lady's room.

Give your thanks.

I am most grateful, My Lord.

Clear the room.

There is no one here.

You are here.

Oh, pardon my rudeness!

Wait...

You must never tell Ogou about this.

I understand, My Lord.

I had a dream about you.

It was a nice dream.

Forgive me.

Is there anything you would like?

No, My Lord.

Don't be shy.

For distinction in battle,

the Ogosho gives Ryukyu to Shimazu Iehisa of Kagoshima.

Fine.

The Ogosho gives the vermilion seal to the King of Holland,

allowing him to open a trading house in Hirado.

Fine.

Moreover, Miura Anjin (pilot), otherwise known as William Adams,

and Jan Yosten are ordered to live in Hirado.

Fine.

Lord of Hiroshima Castle, Fukushima Masanori,

displeased the Ogosho and thus destroyed his renovated castle.

That hothead.

Not only are castle renovations banned,

West daimyo are also forbidden to build large ships.

All ships over 500-koku capacity must be destroyed.

Oh?

The Ogosho orders Kinoshita Iesada's land be confiscated.

What?

Let me explain, Sire.

Proceed.

When Kinoshita Iesada died,

the Ogosho returned his lands to Lady Kodai-in...

to be divided among Iesada's children.

Yes, indeed.

But, Kodai-in gave everything to Kinoshita Katsutoshi...

and nothing to his younger brother Toshifusa.

The Ogosho was furious and thus ordered the confiscation.

Wait!

Lady Kodai-in is the Taiko's widow.

It is a serious matter to take her lands away!

Lady Kodai-in has broken her promise to the Ogosho.

The lands belong to the Kinoshita.

Shogunate authority extends over all lands.

Iesada was brother-in-law to the Taiko.

The Toyotomi no longer rule.

Your Excellency!

Please remonstrate with the Ogosho!

Lady Kodai-in is benefactress to the Tokugawa!

You are being rude, sir!

That's nonsense! A loyal vassal corrects his master's errors!

This is the basis of all loyalty!

The Ogosho never makes an error!

The Shogun is Lord Hidetada!

I know that!

Sire!

Agreeing with the Ogosho in all things...

diminishes the authority of the shogunate!

Disagree when you must and gain the respect of even the Ogosho!

Very well!

Please send me, Kozosu, to Sunpu.

It won't do any good.

You are their great benefactress.

The decree is unacceptable.

Lord Ieyasu hoped to break up the Kinoshita lands.

But...

Lord Ieyasu now rules the country.

He has shut Hideyori up in Osaka,

rendered the daimyo helpless,

and now makes the Court do his bidding.

Now that your usefulness to him has ended,

is he abandoning you?

This is the way of the world.

On October 1, the Court finally sent the guilty ladies to Sunpu.

They had succumbed to Ieyasu's coercion.

Angels in countenance, but devils at heart!

Sunpu Castle

Look, Masazumi.

How frightening women are!

With innocent faces, they deceived the Emperor!

They are sinful and treacherous!

Nothing is as incorrigible as high-born women!

They grow impudent because of their status!

Shigemasa!

Unmask their evil selves!

Yes, Sire!

Angels in countenance, devils at heart!

Angels in countenance, devils at heart!

Lady Hirohashi and you four others,

for your immoral conduct at Court,

you are exiled to a prison island!

The five ladies were exiled to Niijima Island in Izu.

Distressed by the entire affair,

Emperor Goyozei retreated to his palace,

and sent his intent of abdication to Sunpu.

By "abdication,"

does he mean he wishes to step down from the throne?

Yes, My Lord.

Who will be the 108th Emperor?

I believe it will be the third prince,

His Highness, Prince Kotohito.

Did the Chancellor say so?

No, he did not...

How strange.

To abdicate and not name a successor?

If I might say...

The omission was probably an expression of his anger.

In that case, it's not necessary to reply to the Throne.

Ignore it until the successor is named.

Yes, My Lord.

Strife existed between Court and shogunate...

over the selection of Crown Prince.

The Court supported Prince Hachijo Toshihito,

who was Emperor Goyozei's 31 year old younger brother.

He was already married.

Ieyasu supported Prince Kotohito,

third son of emperor Goyozei who was 14 years old.

Taro, whither art thou?

Right here, Sire.

That was quick.

Why does the Court support Prince Hachijo?

I don't know for certain,

but Prince Hachijo's mother, Shinjo Tomon-in Haruko,

is also the mother of Emperor Goyozei.

No one wields more power than she in the Palace.

Prince Kotohito's mother is Chuwamon-in Sakiko.

She is a Konoe, the leading family of the Go-sekke.

She is daughter-in-law to Shinjo Tomon-in.

You talk too much.

However, your point is well taken.

Thank you, Sire.

Kakubei!

Why did Ieyasu object to Prince Hachijo's succession?

It was because the prince was once adopted by the Toyotomi,

and established the Hachijo house thereafter.

Is that the only reason?

Ieyasu's true motive...

was to wed his daughter Ichi to Prince Kotohito...

after his succession.

Fool!

Don't make false assumptions!

If a natural heir exists,

he must be made successor!

That is the custom of the family!

Where is Oshizu?

I granted her a short leave from service.

A short leave?

She has conceived.

Conceived?

She carries my child?

Yes, My Lord.

However, I took it upon myself...

to order that the child be aborted.

Aborted?

Oshizu is a lowly ronin's daughter.

What of it?

If Lady Ogou should hear about it,

it could cause a crisis for the Tokugawa.

Her senior attendants are always watching.

I am Shogun.

Why can't I have a child by a concubine?

It is still too soon.

What?

Lord Takechiyo and Lord Kunichiyo and Princess Kazu are little.

You must wait three more years.

Don't order me about!

If it displeases you, please kill me.

I don't wish to strike your wrinkled neck!

Be patient, My Lord.

There is no hurry. You are still young.

Where is Oshizu?

She is with her older brother, Kan'o Kaemon.

Bring her back.

She could lose her life.

You are well aware of Her Ladyship's temper.

Parents and children often don't understand each other.

If discontent because he is not the heir,

a son can sometimes rebel.

I am overjoyed to see you looking so well, Father.

I am most upset...

that groundless charges by my vassals...

have incurred your displeasure, Father!

You unfilial son.

My Lord! This is a conspiracy...

by traitorous vassal, Minagawa Hiroteru!

Tadateru has done nothing wrong!

It is serious when his major vassals submit complaints!

Is it not their lord who has failed?

The Minagawa faction does not respect their lord!

Their conduct is most tyrannical!

Tadateru!

With no regard for order, you swill sake!

You swing your sword about and even kill pages!

They say you constantly engage in immoral behavior.

By no means, Sire!

Complaints of your wild actions...

have been relayed both in spoken and written word!

It's true, I did kill an insolent page!

What do you mean by "insolent?"

Tell me!

Let me say, My Lord,

Tadateru is an excellent warrior and fierce by nature!

At times, he does lose his temper!

But I swear by the gods, he has never committed a crime!

Silence!

Tadateru's crimes need not be reported.

I have heard of them in the past.

They are not crimes!

If Tadateru has erred,

is it not a vassal's duty to correct him?!

Instead, they offended your ears...

by complaining about their lord.

Shameless and wretched!

What is it that displeases you?

I'm speaking to Tadateru!

Are you displeased with your fief of Kawanakajima?

By no means...

If you don't like being Date Masamune's son-in-law,

you may divorce your wife.

He has no wish...

Silence, silence! Woman, be silent!

My Lord...

Never...

anger me again.

Here! Here!

Minagawa Hiroteru and you four others...

You have slandered your lord,

banding against him to criticize his rule.

You even imposed upon the government by written protest!

This is unforgivable insolence.

Therefore receive now your sentence...

Minagawa Hiroteru, abolishment.

Son Takatsune, abolishment.

Matsudaira Kiyonao, abolishment.

Yamada Shigetatsu, seppuku.

Son Inaba, seppuku.

The internal turmoil in Kawanakajima was handled by Ieyasu,

resulting in the defeat of the Minagawa faction.

But his anger at sixth son Tadateru...

would not soon pass.

Oda Nobunaga died at 49.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi died at 62.

Death will be coming for me as well.

You said the same thing last year.

Next year I will be 69.

And the year after, 70.

Stop interrupting me.

Forgive me, Sire.

You are very dear to me. I could not love you more.

Thank you, My Lord.

Not you women. I'm speaking to the children.

Oh My!

Now...

When I die, Sunpu Castle will be without a lord.

So...

Yorimasa will move from Mito to Sunpu.

Tsuruchiyo will go to Mito.

Mito?

Yes.

Yoshitoshi will rule Owari, 650,000 koku!

Yorimasa will rule Sunpu, 500,000 koku!

Tsuruchiyo will rule Mito, 250,000 koku!

Thank you, Father!

My Lord, Tsuruchiyo is only seven years old.

I won't die so soon!

At any rate, live in Sunpu until their manhood rites.

Thank you, My Lord.

Oichi, come here.

Good girl. Good girl.

And for Princess Ichi here,

I'll arrange a marriage beyond your wildest dreams.

Beyond my wildest dreams?

I can't tell you the details, but look forward to it.

Thank you, My Lord.

February 12, 1610...

Ieyasu sent Itakura Katsushige to the Court...

to accept Emperor Goyozei's wish to abdicate...

and to urge His Majesty to make Prince Kotohito his heir.

That month, Ieyasu ordered West and North daimyo...

to build Nagoya Castle.

Thank you for your letter, but my lord bids me to ask...

that the Toyotomi be excused from this task.

Does Lady Yodo not wish to aid in building Nagoya Castle?

That's not so!

As you have ordered,

the Toyotomi are contributing to shrines and castles.

Our expenses have mounted.

Then I won't ask for money.

Send workers.

It requires money to send workers.

Lord Katsumoto...

Are you saying the Toyotomi have no resources?

That is correct!

Do you think we know nothing?!

- In your coffers... - Masazumi...

Other daimyo, for the government's sake,

withhold stipends to assume the duties of construction.

Excuse me, My Lord, the Toyotomi are not daimyo.

If they are not daimyo, what are they?

Lord Hideyori is Taiko Hideyoshi's heir.

What of it?

Now he is only a daimyo of 650,000 koku.

Forgive me, but I beg to differ, My Lord.

Katsumoto!

It must be really difficult for you.

Nothing is more painful for a vassal...

than to serve an unreasonable master.

Fine!

Because of your loyalty, I grant your request.

The Toyotomi don't need to assist in building Nagoya Castle.

I am sincerely grateful for your generosity, My Lord.

However...

I insist on a meeting with Lord Hideyori.

At month's end,

Shogun Hidetada came to Sunpu as ordered by Ieyasu.

What can depraved nobles do?

What can individual daimyo do?

Only when the shogunate holds absolute power...

will this country be secure.

I'll crush all who interfere.

Not even the Toyotomi will be spared.

Do you understand?

I shall remember, Father.

How will you control the daimyo...

without the use of force?

Tell me.

By abolishing fiefs, demotions, taking hostages.

What else?

By strengthening ties through marriage.

Good.

Consider my next words...

as my last will and testament.

In March, along with the crowning of Prince Kotohito,

I shall send Princess Ichi to be his bride.

My 9th son Yoshitoshi will marry Asano Yoshinaga's daughter.

Tenth son Yorimasa will marry Kato Kiyomasa's daughter.

Yoshitoshi will wed Asano Yoshinaga's daughter...

and Yorimasa will wed Kato Kiyomasa's daughter?

Hey, the tea will get cold.

Eleventh son Tsuruchiyo will marry a suitable daimyo daughter.

What do you think?

And, since Takechiyo is the Shogun's successor,

he shall take a bride from the nobility.

Nobility?!

No ordinary noble, mind you, but a Go-sekke daughter.

But, would the proud Go-sekke give one of their daughters?

Force them!

Hurry, drink!

In my old age, I have sired three sons.

What concerns me is their future.

Despite my concern, I won't live to see what happens.

Father, please live a long life.

Don't try to console me.

Father, allow me to massage you.

Thank you! The Shogun massaging my shoulders!

Nonsense. I am your son, too.

Well...

Will you watch over my three youngest sons?

You need never fear about that.

Will you love them as your own children?

Of course, Father.

Now here is a proposition.

I'll have Yoshitoshi, Yorimasa, and Tsuruchiyo...

keep the Tokugawa surname for life. What do you think?

As Tokugawa, they will be respected by other daimyo.

If disaster should fall on the Shogun's house,

though only branch families, there will be Tokugawa...

in Owari, Suruga, and Mito! What do you think?

Father, what do you mean by "disaster?"

Someday there may be war and Edo Castle could be taken.

Or, someday we may have no heir.

Are you finished?

What about Tadateru?

Let him remain Matsudaira!

Summon a physician!

Physician!

Shortly after construction began on Nagoya Castle,

tragedy struck at Sunpu Castle.

Physician!

While picking wild parsley,

Princess Ichi was stung by a poisonous insect and died.

It was the 12th of the second lunar month.

How tragic!

Ieyasu's 5th daughter Ichi was buried at Keiyoin.

She was four years old.

Her Buddhist name, Isshoinden Empokoshin Daishinnyo.

Grief-stricken, Ieyasu sent a messenger to the Court,

asking to postpone the Emperor's abdication.

This is most strange!

The abdication was set for March 21.

It had just been decided!

Due to various circumstances,

we request a year's postponement.

One year?

That is impossible.

Preparations are already underway!

The Ogosho is in mourning.

Princess Ichi's death is for the Tokugawa to mourn,

not the Court.

Then neither the Shogun nor the Ogosho...

will attend the new Emperor's accession ceremony.

That will never do!

Be aware that even daimyo will be absent.

Nor can we assume the staggering cost of the ceremony.

Please wait.

The date of the abdication and accession...

was requested by the shogunate!

If we change the date,

won't the Court be disgraced?

It is not for the samurai intermediary to ask questions!

This is outrageous.

If the Emperor should hear of this, he will be furious!

Then let him abdicate when he wishes.

Lord Deputy!

I say once more...

The Emperor's abdication must be postponed for one year.

Pardon.

After staying in Sunpu for a month and a half,

Shogun Hidetada returned to Edo Castle on March 11.

How the Ogosho must be grieving.

He was terribly haggard.

Are Takechiyo and Kunichiyo well?

Extremely well.

Excellent.

About Kunichiyo, My Lord...

I hear the Ogosho will give Nagoya Castle to Yoshitoshi,

Sunpu Castle to Yorimasa,

and Mito Castle to Tsuruchiyo.

And even Fukushima Castle to Lord Tadateru.

I recommended that.

Date Masamune insisted.

Father finally gave in and forgave Tadateru.

What will become of Kunichiyo?

The Shogun's second son must have his own castle.

Word will probably come from the Ogosho.

Your Excellency?!

Doesn't the Shogun assign fiefs?!

I'll think about it.

There are no more large castles left.

There is Osaka Castle.

Osaka Castle?!

Is that what the Ogosho says?!

No...

Your Excellency?!

This is not the time to discuss it...

Osaka Castle belongs to the Toyotomi!

Listen to me!

Kazu, how old are you?

I am four years old.

And Princess Ichi?

She was the same age.

That's right. Though our daughter Kazu was the niece...

of the Ogosho's 5th daughter Princess Ichi,

they were both four years old.

What of it?

The Ogosho means to let Kazu take the place of Princess Ichi.

Take her place?

Don't you see?

The Ogosho says he wishes to wed Kazu to the next Emperor.

To be continued

To be continued