His head was bowed before an idol representing his ancestors. He was on his hands and his knees. A silent prayer was uttered for blessing from them. Li desperately needed their favor. The time he had been traveling, how far he had gone from Japan, all of it made him worry he may just lose their favor. So he would pray, each morning and each night. He would need to pray and beg them more desperately. His heart would always be there for his family, seeking to restore their honor. The scent of jasmine, something pleasant, was there to keep the ancestors happy. An offering would be burned to them in a china bowl. All this was done so that Liang would not have to search any longer.
He had heard the name.
Once he had finished his prayers to his resting family, he turned to his existing family. The picture of his wife and son, hand painted, but still so beautiful. The child was no more than an infant in the picture. He had left only weeks after his son's birth. Li's father was a warrior, a noble lord until his elder brother shamed their name; he would never forgive him. His brother was strong and proud, if he failed, his brother was all his father would have left.
Yoshino, his cherry blossom, was fair; one of the most fair women in Japan besides her mother and the emperor's brides. She was tender, patient, graceful, soft spoken, and kind; fine features for a noble Japanese woman. He wanted nothing more than that for his brother. She had beautiful black hair, long, straight, and like silk whenever he touched it. Her face was like a porcelain dolls, smooth, pale, and perfect in every way, not even a blemish or freckle. Her waist was dainty and slender enough for her to hold poise but wide enough to bear him a son. She had the feet of a girl, small and stunning. She was everything that reminded him of his mother, so fair, so pure, and gentle.
He wondered so many times what his son looked like. The questions of if he was strong, if he was proud, and if he was holding the family name strongly like a good son always kept him wondering. Li silently feared if his search was all in vain. What if he never saw his son again? A father's love for his child was unfailing and only matched for his love for his wife and family. He knew his son would make him proud.
Morning rituals started with him practicing. He would keep himself poised and prepared for all that there was to come. His body would be worked, pressured, and forced to remember the training he had gone through to be the best warrior he could be. Only then, when his body was prepared would he read the letter he had received.
Besides him was a bottle of ink, a brush, and a scroll of parchment. Nothing would be forgotten. It was his way, everything must be done perfectly. He had to remember his way.
Brother,
Yoshino is a good woman and knows her place. She has always been understanding and will be as patient as she should be. However, I am eager to return home to her. Does she still look as fair as she did the day I left her"
My son is getting so big. It makes me wonder sometimes if I am doing the right thing. I should be there raising my son and doing my duties as a husband and a brother. I fear you helping my wife and raising my son is keeping you from building your life. You deserve a beautiful wife and plenty sons. I regret not giving Yoshino the daughter I know she wants.
Tell father to remember the pride and honor we had before. I am certain I have found where the traitor resides. From the looks of it, he has been hiding here for some time. He is even taking a wife. It is insulting to think that he is taking the pleasures of an honorable life. He has not earned it, not fought for it properly. He brought his emperor shame.
They are made from this thing called cotton. Made from the backs of sheep and other live stock meant to bear and feed. I find myself wearing pants, made of a material called denim. A rough material that serves its purpose in keeping the elements from my legs, but when wet it is heavy and hardly flexible. The shoes I wear are bulky and any where I went would have the best of the Emperor's hunts men on my trail before I traveled a few feet.
I believe a majority of our culture in this world would help this world, but for now I must blind in and be one with them. No matter how much I despise it. I have not seen a shrine here at all. Not even a candle to honor their ancestors or their gods. They have many here. Not a single faith like home, but many.
I cannot tell you where I am. I cannot do so yet. I need you to understand that my brother. It is strictly for my safety and our family's protection. Should I fail, you may never know or you may know. I will work hard in bringing you honor my brother. For the family and for our children's future. Our family will have its honor returned.
Liang
笑う門には福&# 26469;る
Warau kado niha fuku kitaru
happiness goes towards those which can laugh.