Chapter 17

Summary

• Toranaga acknowledges the respectful behavior of a new foreign pilot, distinguishing him from typical barbarian conduct.
• Kiri, a servant, attentively assists an elderly woman, Yodoko, the widow of Taikō and a Buddhist nun.
• Yodoko apologizes for her poor eyesight and inability to recognize the foreigner, mistaking him for another well-known outsider, Tsukku-san.
• The conversation reveals that some Japanese, like Yodoko, used to wear spectacles sourced from Southern Barbarians, but she now prefers her blurry vision.
• Yaemon, a boy present at the meeting and the son of Yodoko, shares his amusement about the pilot's tales of foreign cultures.
• Yodoko discourages foreign influences, recalling her late husband's tolerance for them, and praises Toranaga's patience.
• Toranaga and Yaemon discuss the importance of patience, knowledge, and leadership responsibilities, particularly writing skills.
• After some encouragement, Yaemon decides to attend to his writing lessons rather than postpone them.
• Yodoko expresses her concern about her role in Yaemon's life and the absence of Ochiba, Yaemon's mother and Yodoko's support.
• Toranaga cleverly avoids marriage to Ochiba's sister earlier, while maneuvering her marriage to his son Sudara to secure political advantage.
• Yodoko and Toranaga discuss the health of their family members, notably Genjiko, who is expected to deliver a child soon.
• Yodoko wistfully mentions the numerous offspring Toranaga has sired, contrasting it with her single child, Yaemon.
• As they walk together, Yodoko proposes that Toranaga become sole Regent and eventually Shōgun by adopting Yaemon, but Toranaga dismisses the idea as treasonous.
• Yodoko guarantees that neither Yaemon nor Ochiba would oppose Toranaga, suggesting that he marry Ochiba to secure the succession and prevent conflict.
• Toranaga privately contemplates the manipulative nature of Ochiba, her influence on the Taikō, and the mystery of Yaemon's true paternity, but outwardly he feigns interest in Yodoko's proposal.
• Yodoko speculates that only Toranaga could manage a powerful spouse like Ochiba, but Toranaga remains cautious about the idea of marrying her.
• Despite Yodoko's insistence on the suitability of the match, Toranaga doubts Ochiba's willingness and considers the complexities of the political landscape.