Read The Twelve Kingdoms: A Thousand Leagues of Wind for Free Online Page B

useful can such a king be?"
    Shouryuu said, "Youko, governing a kingdom is not easy."
    "No, it's not."
    "But you must never let the people see the nature of your struggles."
    "I suppose."
    "You will have many worries, many troubles, many difficulties. But from the point of view of the people, if you can't be satisfied with your own life, then what value can their own lives have in comparison?"
    "You're probably right."
    "You have nothing whatsoever to gain by displaying a troubled countenance. No matter how confused you might be, show a confident face to the world. The people will prefer that as well."
    "But . . . . "
    "Do you think that your subjects can have faith in a hesitant, apprehensive ruler? Will they entrust their lives to a king who apparently finds governing them a constant annoyance?"
    "Not at all."
    "When you don't know what to do next, first take a good long look at yourself. Don't rush into anything. Life is not short for you."
    "But," said Rokuta, sticking his head into the conversation. "I say, to each her own. If you really got as laid back as Shouryuu, now, that would be a problem."
    "Rokuta," said Shouryuu with a scowl.
    Rokuta ignored him. "Better to have doubts about the Inaugural Rescript than to have none. Who's going to trust a king who tosses off rescripts without a second thought? The fewer the better. Usually, you get a lot of rescripts at the beginning of a dynasty, when pacifying a country in chaos, and at the end of a dynasty, when a peaceful kingdom is being brought to its knees."
    "That makes sense."
    "On the other hand, Shouryuu here is a positive rescript fiend. You have absolutely no obligation to follow his lead whatsoever in that regard."
    Youko had to try hard not to laugh. "I'll remember that."
    "How about you trying taking it easy for a while? The affairs of the kingdom have calmed down a bit, haven't they?"
    "For the time being," said Youko.
    "Then don't sweat it. When it comes to stuff like what direction you want to take the country, it's really not so complicated. Just ask yourself what kind of life you would want to live, and then what kind of kingdom would best bring that about. Don't rush it. Think it all the way through."
    "But there's still that Inaugural Rescript . . . . "
    Rokuta laughed. "Oh that. In the end, some kings didn't even bother. And others simply wish their subjects to take care of themselves and stay healthy."
    Youko burst out laughing. "You're kidding me, right?"
    "That was the substance of the Royal Ren's Inaugural Rescript just the other day."
    "Unbelievable."
    The Kei Taiho walked into the room. He was also wearing the ceremonial regalia. Youko turned and smiled at him. "Hey, Keiki. Look, the Royal En dropped by for a visit."

Part II
    inba Palace was kept in a constant buzz of activity welcoming guests of honor. Ministers and lowly bureaucrats scurried about both tending to the guests and making preparations for the upcoming Festival of the Winter Solstice a month hence. The ladies of the court responsible for the royal wardrobe were likewise busily occupied.
    Observing all this, Youko couldn't help rolling her eyes.
    "And how does Her Highness wish her hair done today?"
    The question was posed by the coterie who tended to her personal appearance. "Oh, just tie it back," she answered.
    Her ladies-in-waiting all frowned. "Your Highness, you can't greet your guests looking like that!"
    "Indeed. If Her Highness has no particular preference in mind, she should leave it to us."
    When they weren't chattering at her in this scolding manner, they went right on arranging her wardrobe pretty much as if she weren't there.
    "How would that emerald tiara look?"
    "Would it go with the red hairpin?"
    "Look, the comb is red as well. Pearl would be better than ruby."
    "Well, then let's made the obidama pearl as well."
    Youko groaned to herself. It's not that she disliked being dolled up like this, but wearing her hair up and having it festooned with jewelry and doodads made