Sanuki no Suke’s Diary (14)

 

     As usual, the Empress sent me a messenger.

"We've heard that the Emperor is far too ill for you to leave him.   We’ve looked for others to inform us, but we can't think of any other one.  So, we are asking you.  Could you please come to our place immediately?  The Empress is worried that roads around the Imperial Palace are congested."

     How could I say I couldn't come?

"I understand," I replied,

and the messenger said, "In that case, come now," so I went to the Empress's Residence.

     As usual, the Empress evaded talking directly to me.  As one of her ladies-in-waiting is a relative of mine, the Empress had her ask me about the Emperor's condition.  I was to tell her exactly what the Emperor was like, but I was afraid that I would be rumored that I am talking too much about irresponsible things like this and that.  That would be a nuisance.  However, I felt it would be unfair to not say anything when she had taken the trouble to call me.  I just replied, "Please come and visit the Emperor in person.  He looks like he is in great pain."  The lady-in-waiting replied, "In that case, we will wait until there is a time when it is easier for cars to pass through," and immediately sent me back to the Imperial Palace.