Chapter 21 - 23 Summary

It is now early autumn in Chapter Twenty-one, and Takeo is preparing to travel to the city of Yamagata, because it is customary in the Three Countries for the ruling capital to change between each solstice and equinox. Just as he is preparing to depart Hagi, a letter arrives from the Temple of Terayama informing him that the old abbot, Matsuda, has died, and Abbot Makoto has been installed in his place. Takeo is sad that one of his oldest mentors and advisers has passed away, but glad that he died as he lived — in the Way of Peace, of Huou.

Finally, he is about to leave when he has a conversation with his daughter Shigeko who questions him on his apparent connection with the translator Madaren. Takeo considers what would be the wisest course of action, but decides to...