The Samurai's Garden by Patricia Kiyono

Hiro and Ginjiro had built. The beast nodded her greeting but didn't move from her shelter. The chickens had taken refuge under the old cart Hanako used for bringing her vegetables to the market. They clucked furiously at her, seeming to scold her for the lateness of their meal.
    Returning to the hut, she hung the wet straw garment on a hook and turned to find the two men waiting for her. Hiro wore an expression of excitement and anticipation. Would he leave soon with his friend on a new adventure? Had he forgotten his proposal of marriage? She prepared herself for disappointment. Now that she had healthy animals and a field full of crops, she would survive alone — somehow. She silenced her fearful thoughts and realized Hiro had been speaking.
    "…so if it is acceptable to you, Ginjiro also would like to stay and learn the business of farming. With both of us working here, the farm will certainly prosper."
    Hanako's eyes widened. He wasn't leaving! She reached for the wall, fearing her knees would buckle in relief. She would not have to return to her solitary existence, eking out a meager existence from the land. At least not immediately.
    She pressed her hand to her heart and took a deep breath, bringing her focus back to Hiro's request. Ginjiro wanted to stay as well. Though she trusted Hiro, she was inwardly cautious of his friend. But an extra pair of hands would certainly make the work even easier, and as Hiro had pointed out, production from her tiny farm could be increased even more. She could perhaps afford to make some much-needed improvements on the farm.
    When she looked at the men, she found Hiro regarding her patiently, while Ginjiro looked anxious. She realized they were waiting for her to make a decision. The idea of two men waiting for her approval spread a warm feeling through her. Unlike many of the men in the village, these two respected her and accepted her as the mistress of this home and the farm.
    She bowed regally. "I would be honored to share my farm and my home with a friend of Tanaka-san."

 
Chapter Five
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    Hideyori sipped on the fragrant tea and closed his eyes, savoring the aroma. He set the cup down and adjusted the folds of his new silk robe. After their initial doubts, Togashi and Akamatsu had finally come through and advanced him the funds to start recruiting and training an army. He had assured them he would be the muscle, the brains, and the military strategist behind the operation. He knew how to lead people, even if he had never led an army. He would find strong samurai to fight. And they would win back all he had lost. But first he had had to improve his own standard of living. New clothes, a better home, good servants, and good food. He couldn't lead an army on an empty stomach, wearing nothing but rags.
    His campaign for soldiers had brought a handful of applicants so far, but he had yet to meet one worth his time. There were numerous reports of ronin roaming the countryside, leaving fear and havoc in their wake. Former samurai, fierce enough to level entire communities, could surely be convinced to use their strength in the name of an esteemed daimyo . There weren't many soldiers guarding his lands — and they were definitely his lands, no matter what the emperor said — so a small but powerful army would be all he'd need.
    When he took back what was rightfully his, the victory would attract more warriors to join him, and he could begin taking over more and more of the country. He smiled inwardly, contemplating the possibilities.
    "Excuse me, are you the daimyo looking for soldiers?"
    Hideyori's head snapped up at the question. The speaker had used correct grammar and had phrased his question using the appropriate amount of politeness due to one of his rank. This was promising. It showed the speaker had an education and had learned court manners.
    He hid his eagerness. It would not do to appear desperate.
    "I am his — representative. Who are you?"
    The