Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Compared to the Sakyo region where he lived, the Ukyo region was extremely desolate.

The enclosed manors, along with the original buildings constructed during the construction of Kyoto, added to its beauty and vitality.

On the road, I saw many people wearing tattered and old clothes, their expressions obscured by the dirt on their faces.

They couldn't even distinguish between good citizens and lowly people.

The "Law on Elderly Care," which was created based on the legal system introduced from the Tang Dynasty, established the social hierarchy of commoners in greater detail.

Only nobles or commoners who live under the protection of nobles are not so bewildered and fearful.

Suddenly, Kyosuke Kosaka saw a group of people carrying buckets on shoulder poles, the buckets filled with filthy water, and a strange feeling arose in his heart.

The Ukyo region has many swamps, and swamps are known as the "kidneys of the earth," serving many purposes.

Some of them are very suitable as fertilizer.

"Onmyoji, may I ask what brings you here?"

A clear, melodious voice, tinged with respect, sounded from behind.

Kyosuke Kosaka turned his head and saw a girl with a pure and innocent aura.

The girl was gentle and quiet, yet she possessed a pair of large eyes that didn't fit the overall image of a lively and spirited girl. Coupled with her peasant girl image—wearing a top, trousers, and a short skirt that reached her knees—she left a deep impression.

"I've come to observe the celestial phenomena," Kousaka Kyosuke replied succinctly.

The voice just fell.

The girl's large purple eyes shone brightly, like amethyst.

Upon seeing this, Kyosuke Kosaka fell silent. This scene seemed familiar.

5. Manor System / Chaos / Rabbit and Frog / Ayanokouji Returns

"Does the Onmyoji need any help?"

"There's no need for that, I'll leave now."

Kousaka Kyosuke smiled apologetically at the girl.

In an instant, he noticed several burly men with strong limbs and dark skin peeking over from not far away.

Only then did I realize that I was standing quite close to the manor.

This can indeed easily lead to misunderstandings.

In other words, the girl who boldly struck up a conversation with him wasn't entirely out of curiosity; she also had an exploratory intent.

It was fortunate that Kyosuke Kosaka wore the best quality clothes he had at home when he went out.

Otherwise, when you approach the manor, it should be a rough man coming over to greet you warmly.

“That…” a faint voice sounded.

Kyosuke Kousaka, who was turning to leave, heard it but simply ignored it.

This era had a strict social hierarchy.

If you don't want to attract attention, it's best to be more reserved.

Watching Kousaka Kyosuke leave without hesitation, the girl lowered her head, pursed her lips, and slowly swallowed the words she wanted to say.

"He probably wants to ask about the weather..."

Kousaka Kyosuke glanced at the gracefully curved black bird pattern in front of the manor gate, then shook his head inwardly as he pondered with his eyes lowered.

Information that is readily available in the modern world was extremely valuable in feudal times.

It can also be fatal.

As a peasant girl, it's best to obediently follow the orders of the farm manager and headman.

"Kyosuke?"

A surprised voice rang out.

Kyosuke Kosaka looked up and gazed ahead.

A young man wearing a black hat and a dark brown official robe walked over.

A warm smile graced his handsome face, as if he were born with a natural charm and elegance.

In the modern world, this person could definitely make a living off their looks.

"Sir Xingcheng." Kousaka Kyousuke smiled and said hello.

"Don't rush to exchange pleasantries. I only learned yesterday that you've been suspended from your post."

"You've heard about it too, Lord Yukinari? To be honest, the reason I was suspended is because Yin Yangzhu believes my weather forecasts are inadequate, so he had someone else take over."

"That's strange, aren't you only in charge of matters related to our auspicious and inauspicious days?"

"The calendar I am in charge of includes not only what Lord Yukisei is talking about now, but also the parts on climate and agriculture, but because of the matter of the evil god, I can only focus on one aspect."

"I see. The Yin-Yang Guardian is really strict..."

Fujiwara Yukinari said in a strange tone.

Then he added, "I think you're doing a good job. I always take a very serious look at your almanac before I go out."

Kyosuke Kosaka smiled and said, "Thank you for your praise, Master Yukinari."

He had already set a trap when he said those words.

The things Fujiwara Yukinari is talking about now include "Fō-ei," which refers to directional taboos before traveling.

Previously, Kyosuke Kosaka himself was very serious about his work because he knew he might have to take responsibility if something happened to someone!

Traveling at night during this period is still very dangerous.

However, the practice of "visiting one's wife" was prevalent during this historical period.

At night, nobles often stayed overnight at women's homes, and it wasn't uncommon for them to stay at several women's homes in one night. In short, they couldn't control their lustful desires.

For this reason, Kyosuke Kosaka was particularly strict in setting the daily imperial calendar.

He even emphasized using vermilion ink to write it clearly.

In short, Kyosuke Kosaka is extremely meticulous about the details of his work.

He also believed that it was almost impossible for the Onmyoji who succeeded him to handle the job better than he had.

So I wasn't panicked at all.

His work is almost unique.

What does this mean? It's practically the same as a monopoly.

"So, the almanac I'm looking at today wasn't created by you, Kyosuke?" Fujiwara Yukinari suddenly asked again.

Kyosuke Kosaka gave a wry smile: "I was relieved of my post the day before yesterday, so naturally today's imperial calendar has nothing to do with me."

Fujiwara Yukinari pondered, seemingly considering something.

However, before Fujiwara no Yukinari could speak, a group of guards dressed in armor and carrying short swords marched in with orderly steps.

Finally, the group stopped right behind Fujiwara Yukinari.

"This is..." Kousaka Kyosuke looked surprised, deliberately showing a puzzled expression.

Fujiwara Yukinari said softly, "Field inspector, tax collector."

Kyosuke Kosaka nodded: "Since Lord Yukinari has important matters to attend to today, I shall take my leave."

Before he could finish speaking, Kyosuke Kosaka turned and left, giving no one a chance to respond.

Seeing this, Fujiwara Yukinari chuckled, then his smile faded as he calmly gazed at the manors enclosed by fences and walls...

"The political situation is so chaotic!"

Kyosuke Kousaka, who was leaving quickly, pondered to himself.

Throughout history, land and taxation have always been major issues in every country.

At this time, the Heian period was dominated by the "manor system," which was essentially about enclosing land and creating one's own world.

Their behavior is self-sufficient and they never pay taxes.

As a result, someone's interests will always be harmed.

The main problem is that the current situation is already chaotic, and they're adding more chaos on top of that.

Day 19 of crossing

Early in the morning, before dawn, a loud noise came from the backyard.

Kousaka Kyosuke, awakened by the noise, dragged his tired body to the scene of the incident.

"So the saying 'waiting for a rabbit to run into a tree stump' really exists. I'm in for another feast."

With a lazy sigh, Kousaka Kyosuke bent down and picked up a small creature with rabbit ears from the ground.