Original subtitles

Familiar faces are before you again.

When Ieyasu died, he had eleven concubines.

Let's see what happened to these eleven.

Oman, the mother of 2nd son Yuki Hideyasu,

became a nun, Choshoin, and remained in Kitanosho Castle.

Ochaa, mother of 6th son Tadateru, became Chokakuin...

and lived in the city of Edo.

Okame, mother of 9th son Yoshinao, became Shooin...

and lived in Nagoya Castle.

Oman, mother of 10th and 11th sons Yorinobu and Yorifusa,

became Yojuin and lived in Sunpu Castle.

Okaji, foster mother of 11th son Yorifusa, became Eishoin...

and lived in Edo Castle's 3rd Compound.

Childless Acha became Unkoin and lived in the Inner Chambers of Edo Castle.

Osen became Taiei-in and lived in Sunpu Castle.

Otake became Ryoun-in and lived in Bikuni Mansion in Edo Castle.

Oroku became Yogen-in and also lived in Bikuni Mansion.

Onatsu became Seiun-in...

and lived on the side of the 3rd Compound in Edo Castle.

Eh? What about Oume?

She lived in Honda Masazumi's mansion.

Huh? What?

The Ogosho had given Oume to Masazumi for his wife.

What a shock.

Shogun Hidetada is to be pitied.

He even inherited the Ogosho's concubines.

He now had eleven more dependents to support.

But he himself had zero concubines.

AOI Tokugawa Three Generations

Episode 35 "Takechiyo's Lesson"

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 ISHIKURA SABURO

Honda Masazumi WATANABE IKKEI

Date Masamune SUMA KEI

Nijo Akizane TERADA MINORI

Itakura Katsushige SUZUKI MIZUHO

Tenkai KANEDA RYUNOSUKE

Mito Mitsukuni/Narrator NAKAMURA BAIJAKU

Ofuku KIKI KIRIN

Fukushima Masanori KANIE KEIZO

Doi Toshikatsu HAYASHI RYUZO

Ogou IWASHITA SHIMA

Producer: Kawaii Junshi

Director: Sato Jo

I am glad to see you in good health, Your Ladyship.

Come forward.

Excuse me.

You were summoned here because...

Kogo here was attacked by an intruder in the Inner Chambers...

and is now pregnant.

The intruder wore the mask of a demon.

You know who it is, don't you?

I do not know, My Lady.

You must know. Speak truthfully.

I do not know.

Then I shall ask Kogo.

You recognized the intruder, didn't you?

Yes.

Who was he?

Speak.

It was Lord Takechiyo.

Well, Ofuku?

Takechiyo's excesses are the fault of his wetnurse.

There is something I do not understand.

What do you mean?

May I ask Kogo a few questions?

You may.

Kogo, who is the father of the child you carry?

It is as I said, my lady.

You must be mistaken.

Wasn't it too dark to see clearly?

- No, I'm certain... - You must not lie.

The Shogun's heir would never force himself on a maid.

He did!

Weren't you dreaming?

- I was not! - Be still!

You probably became pregnant after secret trysts with a young retainer.

So you concocted this story to conceal your guilt.

Never!

Or, were you asked by someone to entrap Lord Takechiyo?!

That's an insult!

- Your Ladyship... - You go too far!

Lord Takechiyo is the Shogun's heir.

Though rather hot-tempered because of his youth,

he is not capable of any wrong doing!

If he desires a woman,

he would come out and ask for one.

Why would he steal into a maid's room and attack her?

We have the witness right here!

She cannot be believed.

Then summon Takechiyo here and interrogate him.

Your Ladyship...

don't you trust Lord Takechiyo, your own son?

With false suspicions cast upon him,

he will grow even more unruly.

Do not evade the question!

I do not...

You are bending the truth to protect Lord Takechiyo!

Rather than admitting your failure as his instructor,

you attempt to protect your own self!

No matter what you say...

the Young Lord is innocent.

What will you do if he is guilty?

I, Ofuku, will apologize with my life.

Do not forget those words.

This is serious.

Despite all our efforts, the truth will surely be discovered.

We will be punished as well.

We could easily accept the blame for this,

but if Lord Takechiyo should be found guilty and disinherited,

it would be disastrous for the Tokugawa!

That's true!

We must find a way out and obey the Ogosho's will.

But...

a maid truly does carry the Young Lord's child.

We must find a substitute at once.

A substitute?

For the father of the maid's child.

What?

Please allow me to do it.

I shall be substitute for the Young Lord.

You will be sentenced to die.

I am aware of that.

A vassal must give his life for his lord.

I could know no greater honor.

Well said!

Intruder!

After him!

Submit quietly!

Don't move!

Itami Gonroku pretended to be Lord Takechiyo...

and made Her Ladyship's maid pregnant! It's outrageous!

He must be executed at once.

Very well.

Also Kogo, who lied to hide her guilt, must die as well.

Is the child truly Gonroku's?

It is.

Has he confessed?

Her Ladyship has asked that there be no investigation.

No investigation? Why?

Corruption in the Inner Chambers is rampant.

In order to correct it, it must be dealt with severely.

It'll serve as an example.

I've heard that maids often become pregnant.

And abortions are common.

Toshikatsu...

Proclaim the Inner Chambers forbidden to men.

Very well.

Any who break the rule, be they men or women,

will be executed.

Kogo was arrested?

Ofuku has bested us.

Outrageous!

Since the guilty one has confessed, it cannot be helped.

The truth cannot be bent!

Kogo was also to blame.

Takechiyo was the one who made her pregnant!

Calm yourself.

Do you wish for Lord Takechiyo to be disinherited?

If you insist on pursuing this matter,

you will invite scrutiny and harm your own reputation.

Wretched Ofuku!

Please exercise caution, Your Ladyship.

Gonroku did nothing wrong!

I'm the one who made Kogo pregnant!

Please be silent!

It's a disgrace for a lord to let his vassal take the blame!

No!

That is the duty of a vassal.

No!

Sit down!

No! I'm going to tell Father everything!

No!

Let go!

Remain calm, Sire!

Insolent wretch!

Would you let Gonroku's loyalty go to waste?

I want to save him!

You are mistaken, My Lord!

You must never tell anyone you made the maid pregnant!

Unhand me!

You are the Shogun's heir!

What of it?!

If you pity your vassals,

why don't you curb your outrageous behavior?

I don't want to be Shogun!

What are you saying?!

What are you doing?!

Please listen to me.

If you feel at all sorry for this incident,

please correct your behavior.

Please make amends for your vassal's suffering.

Faithful Itami Gonroku was executed on the cross.

Even pregnant Kogo was beheaded.

On November 21,

Shogun heir Takechiyo was moved into the West Compound.

Thus, he grew even more estranged from Lady Ogou.

On New Year's Day 1618, at Edo Castle...

a wall writing was submitted to the Inner Chambers.

A wall writing was a notice to be posted on the wall.

I will briefly relate its contents.

To be summoned to the Inner Chambers for all business,

including construction and cleaning,

is Amano Magobei, Naruse Kizaemon, or Matsuda Rokuzaemon.

Designation of personnel.

From the ladies' quarters inward, no men are allowed.

Forbidding access to men.

After 6:00 in the evening, no one is allowed in or out.

Curfew is established.

Any who violate the rules must be reported immediately.

Whistle-blowing mandate.

All the above were included in the wall writing.

From that day on, the Inner Chambers were strictly controlled.

The roles of the women and its organization were gradually determined.

They say the Inner Chambers are full of beautiful women.

Wipe your drool.

On March 22, Hidetada visited Date Masamune's Edo mansion.

Masamune's heir Tadamune had recently married...

Ieyasu's granddaughter, Princess Furi.

Is your daughter Iroha well?

Yes, thank you.

Tadateru has moved from Asama in Ise to Hida...

in the custody of the lord of Takayama Castle.

I have heard of it.

However, Lord Tadamune is a Tokugawa son-in-law.

I pray that our houses will long be close.

I am honored by your kind words, Your Excellency.

Lord Masamune...

now that the Ogosho is gone,

do you have anything to say to me?

What more could I say?

You are the 2nd Shogun. Full in greatness.

Held in esteem by daimyo, to rival even the Ogosho.

But the Court is rather cold to your 2nd Shogun.

They have put off my repeated requests for a firm date...

for Princess Kazu's wedding to the Emperor.

Could they be loath to accept a samurai's daughter into the Court?

Your Excellency...

I've heard that a prince was born to the Emperor.

A prince?

Haven't you heard about it?

No, this is the first I've heard of it.

Oh, my word!

Are you certain of this?

Ugh, someone in our Fushimi mansion...

heard it from an acquaintance among the nobles.

Who is the prince's mother?

A Court lady?

I do not know the details.

Masanari...

Have the Koto Deputy investigate the matter.

Yes, Your Excellency.

The Deputy reports...

the prince's name is Kamo-no-miya. (Prince Kamo)

Kamo-no-miya?

His date of birth is not clear,

but his mother is called Oyotsu.

She is the daughter of Yotsutsuji Kinto.

Yotsutsuji Kinto?

A noble.

If true, it is very serious.

His Majesty is 23 years old.

It shouldn't be strange that he has had a few women.

That's absurd.

If a prince is born before Princess Kazu becomes Consort,

the Shogun's house will be embarrassed.

It's only the child of a Court lady.

No, the child's name shows that he is greatly loved.

But, the Consort's child must inherit the Throne.

For example, Date Masamune's first son was by his concubine,

but his successor Tadamune is his son by his wife.

Don't you pity Princess Kazu?

Why should I pity her?

Kazu will be Imperial Consort to the Emperor!

She is not welcomed by the Court.

If the Emperor does not like samurai and shuns Princess Kazu,

his successor will be Kamo-no-miya.

Please cancel Princess Kazu's marriage to the Emperor.

I can't do that.

Then, tell them to remove Kamo-no-miya.

Remove him?

I'm not suggesting that they kill him.

Have him adopted by others as you did with Komatsu.

Komatsu?

He is the child you had by Oshizu, isn't he?

I know everything, My Lord.

I don't know what you mean...

April 26 Edo Castle

In April, the Toshosha at Edo Castle's Momijiyama was completed,

and an enshrinement ceremony was conducted.

The Emperor's younger brother, Konoe Nobuhiro,

came to Edo as Imperial Envoy.

Samurai Intermediaries

The Tosho Daigongen's influence fills the Kanto.

I am overjoyed to see it shine over all the land.

I am filled with awe to receive such kind words, Your Highness.

Now, about Princess Kazu's bridal entrance...

Please hold!

Princess Kazu's marriage will be postponed.

What did you say?!

The details will be explained later.

Your Excellency!

Ask Doi Toshikatsu about it.

Alarmed by the shogunate's aggressive stance,

the Court quickly sent Chancellor Nijo Akizane to Edo...

along with former Chancellor Takatsukasa Nobufusa.

Our delay in setting the date for Princess Kazu's bridal entry into Court...

was not meant as an affront to the Shogun's house.

It was due to the unforeseen time required...

to examine precedent for this situation.

Surely that was not the only reason.

Indeed, you are correct, Your Excellency.

The birth of Kamo-no-miya has been quite alarming to the Emperor.

Why was the child's birth concealed?

We did not conceal it.

We moved with caution due to the gravity of the situation.

Is it not the duty of the Chancellor...

to report all Court events to the Kyoto Deputy?!

I humbly apologize, sir.

What will you do about Kamo-no-miya?

We shall do everything possible...

to ease the displeasure of the Shogun's house.

And what will you do?

We shall see that it does not interfere...

with Princess Kazu's bridal entry into Court.

That is hardly sufficient.

huh?

Kamo-no-miya, together with his mother,

must leave the Imperial Palace.

That is not possible, sire.

Why is that?

His Majesty will not let them go.

Then it cannot be helped.

Princess Kazu's wedding will be canceled.

How unreasonable!

This marriage with Princess Kazu was proposed...

for unity between the Court and the Shogun's house.

But, the presence of Kamo-no-miya...

disobeys the Tosho Daigongen's wishes.

I understand.

As Chancellor, I shall appeal to His Majesty...

to send Kamo-no-miya to a suitable noble.

Are you certain about this?

Yes, My Lord.

Lord Akizane!

It must be done.

The survival of the Throne depends on this marriage with Princess Kazu.

It was shameful for the shogunate as well.

Pressured by the shogunate, the Chancellor went to Nikko,

prayed at the Toshosha, and thus submitted.

Kazu...

Your entry into Court will be in June.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Kazu, there is nothing to fear.

Lady Acha and many servants will accompany you.

Yes.

Former Chancellor Kujo Tadahide is a Tokugawa kin.

He and Princess Sada will help you.

Yes.

When will the palace for Consort Candidate be built?

Nothing is being left to chance.

Kobori Enshu is Construction Magistrate.

He will build a palace befitting the Shogun's daughter.

Kobori Enshu?

Oh, he's a leading disciple of Furuta Oribe.

Whether in Tea Ceremony or garden planning,

he is the best in the land.

He will astound even the fussy nobles.

Oh yeah... I almost forgot.

Kazu, when you are married, your name will be "Masako."

"Princess Masako?"

The Chinese characters are the same.

Nobles do not like voiced sounds.

In that case, I must change my name as well.

To "Oko."

I would be "Hitetata."

I'd like to ask about Kunichiyo, My Lord.

What is it?

Takechiyo was given the West Compound.

The lords of Owari, Mito, and Suruga were all given mansions in Edo.

I ask that Kunichiyo be given a mansion as well.

It is still too soon.

Kunichiyo is thirteen years old.

I'll think about it.

On the advice of Archbishop Tenkai,

Takechiyo visited Kawagoe in the fall.

Her Ladyship's love for Lord Kunichiyo grows daily.

I am most concerned for Lord Takechiyo's future.

How does the Shogun feel?

Lord Takechiyo's residence in the West Compound...

surely shows that he is recognized as heir.

Not so.

Since the Shogun is a gentle man,

he could eventually be swayed by Her Ladyship.

Even his vassals expect Lord Takechiyo to be disinherited.

They are already currying favor with Lord Kunichiyo!

How lamentable.

It's most vexing.

If the Daigongen were alive, we would have no such worries.

Why is Her Ladyship not pleased with Lord Takechiyo?

Since infancy, he has lived apart from Her Ladyship.

So he has never been close to her.

That's right. Lord Takechiyo is not lovable.

He never speaks in Her Ladyship's presence.

I've heard his behavior is most unruly.

He does it to attract Her Ladyship's attention.

They say he allowed a vassal to die in his place.

Yes. He grieves terribly over it.

If he desires women, let him have them.

Women who are past childbearing age.

Perhaps the last incident has affected him greatly.

He has sworn off all women and will not even look at them.

That will never do.

Lord Archbishop, please summon all your influence...

to protect Lord Takechiyo.

But, a priest cannot procure women for anyone.

No, please pray to the Lord Buddha...

that the Shogun will not change the heir.

Of course.

It is the Daigongen's wish that Lord Takechiyo become Shogun!

Reporting!

What is it?

Lord Takechiyo fell from his horse!

Are you alright, Sire?!

Kill that horse!

What?!

That horse threw me!

Be still!

A fine horse is a good judge of men.

If a horse throws you, you lack spiritual training.

Okay, enough!

How is the soup?

Delicious!

Kunichiyo shot the duck.

Where did he shoot it?

At the West Compound moat.

Did he fire a musket?

Yes! From the bridge.

That's inexcusable.

Huh?

Listen to me, Ogou.

Father built Edo Castle.

I took it over and it will belong to Takechiyo someday!

Kunichiyo fired at this castle.

It's outrageous!

You exaggerate.

By no means!

Kunichiyo disobeyed Heaven and the Daigongen...

and insulted Takechiyo, the heir!

He meant no harm. It was only a childish act.

What if the vassals saw?!

Your Excellency, do you hate Kunichiyo so much?

I don't hate him!

He must know his place!

I shall remind him of it.

Don't be angry, instead praise him for this act.

Kunichiyo has killed the duck with his own hands.

A grain of rice...

Is it good?

Delicious.

Delicious.

It was now April 1619.

A clash occurred between Fukushima Masanori,

lord of Hiroshima 490,000 koku, and high shogunate officials.

Lord Fukushima, you have been renovating Hiroshima Castle since January.

Is that correct?

It is.

The shogunate strictly forbids renovating one's castle without permission.

I have permission!

How very strange.

We didn't receive an application.

Ask Honda Masazumi!

Honda Masazumi?

Last year, my castle was damaged by flooding,

and I asked Lord Honda if I might repair it.

He said he would obtain permission from the Shogun.

And I reminded him of it in a letter in December!

We have not heard of it.

Oh, are you suggesting that I am lying, sirs?

No, we are not.

Then summon Honda Masazumi here!

Sir Masazumi is no longer in the shogunate.

What?

We are in charge of matters concerning daimyo.

How important you have grown, Toshikatsu.

Unsanctioned castle renovations are forbidden.

Tear it down at once.

Are you telling me to break it down?

Please, my lord.

Fukushima Masanori's misfortune was not knowing...

about the change of power in the shogunate.

Under Ieyasu, Honda Masazumi was all-powerful,

but now he was friendless and removed from the mainstream.

Fukushima Masanori sent a written apology...

and promises to break down the renovations.

I don't need to read it.

Masanari...

Watch him carefully.

Yes, Sire.

He is a man of incomparable stubbornness...

so he will not submit quietly.

His daimyo neighbors are strengthening their borders...

in anticipation of war.

If the circumstances so warrant,

a severe punishment might be necessary.

Such as?

The confiscation of his fief and abolishment of his house.

Toshikatsu, he would be deprived of samurai privileges?

Right.

What do you say, Tadayo?

If Masanori will not destroy the renovation,

such measures will be necessary.

It will serve as a lesson to other daimyo.

Masazumi, what do you say?

If you have an opinion, state it.

I have nothing in particular to say.

Oh, is that right?

Very well.

Watch to see what transpires and deal with it sternly.

On May 8, Hidetada left Edo for Kyoto.

It was to prepare for Princess Kazu's approaching wedding.

He arrived at Fushimi Castle on May 27.

Here, a shocking development awaited him.

This is most urgent, Your Excellency.

After Kamo-no-miya, a second child will be born to the Emperor...

as early as next month.

What did you say?

Though it was kept secret in the Palace,

I was remiss in not knowing of it until today.

As Kyoto Deputy, I apologize sincerely, Your Excellency.

A second child will be born to His Majesty?

Quite soon.

Who is the mother?

I do not know.

Lord Tadahide...

Of course, you know about this.

Who is the lady with child?

The daughter of Yotsutsuji Kinto, Your Excellency.

Oyotsu?!

Yes.

Outrageous! She was to have been sent away!

She continues to serve in the Inner Palace.

You deceived the shogunate!

No, sir! A Chancellor has no ability to do so!

Oyotsu was to be given to a suitable noble.

Akizane said so!

The Emperor was never told.

Masanari!

Summon Chancellor Nijo Akizane here to Fushimi Castle!

The Chancellor is gravely ill, Your Excellency.

I don't care!

Drag him out of bed!

Summon him!

Summon him!

Furious, Hidetada postponed his visit to Court,

and strongly urged that Chancellor Nijo be dismissed.

As the confrontation worsened,

Oyotsu gave birth to a girl, Ume-no-miya, on June 20.

I unwittingly broke my word and incurred your wrath.

I am entirely to blame.

I apologize from the bottom of my heart, Your Excellency.

I don't want apologies.

Your anger is justified, Your Excellency.

Though you are Chancellor, you mocked me with your lies!

My Lord, Nijo Akizane has today been dismissed as Chancellor.

He must still be punished!

I am fully aware of that.

But for the good of the land, please come to Court.

I refuse!

Please.

Akizane!

If you desire my presence in Court,

send Oyotsu and her child out of the Palace!

Your Excellency.

Your Excellency!

Insolent wretch!

What's the matter?

Summon a physician.

The extreme stress had caused Nijo Akizane to lose consciousness.

Within the day, he passed from the world of the living.

To be continued.

To be continued.