Section 1
In the region designated as Toichi, nestled within the Yamato province, resided a feudal farmer by the name of Miyata Akinosuké. Akinosuké had a magnificent and time-honored cedar tree situated in his garden, which he frequently sought refuge under during scorching days. On one such afternoon, while indulging in conversation and wine with two of his acquaintances who also belonged to the feudal farmer class, he was unexpectedly overcome by drowsiness. Feeling exceedingly lethargic, he humbly requested his companions to pardon him for dozing off in their presence. Subsequently, he reclined at the base of the tree and experienced the following dream:
He dreamed that he was resting in his garden; he envisioned a majestic procession, akin to that of a great feudal lord, descending a nearby hill. Intrigued, he arose to witness the spectacle. To his amazement, he beheld a truly magnificent procession, surpassing any of its kind that he had ever laid his eyes upon, making its way towards his abode. A group of lavishly dressed young men who were drawing an exquisite lacquered palace carriage, adorned with vibrant blue silk, spearheaded the procession. As the procession arrived within proximity of his residence, it came to a halt. Then, a man exquisitely attired, who was a person of nobility, stepped forward from the procession, bowed deeply to Akinosuké, and spoke the following words:
"Respected Sir, I am a vassal of the King of Tokoyo, and I have the privilege of standing before you. My lord, the King, has instructed me to pay my deepest respects to you in his revered name and to offer my services for your disposal. Furthermore, he earnestly requests your esteemed presence at the palace and has graciously arranged for this splendid carriage to transport you there. I implore you to accept his gracious offer and commence your journey without delay."
Upon hearing these words, Akinosuké was struck with amazement and left speechless, unable to find the right words to respond. Overcome with bewilderment, he found himself unable to resist the vassal’s request. As he stepped into the carriage, the vassal took a seat beside him and signaled to the drawers who then seized the silken ropes and turned the great vehicle southward, commencing their journey to the palace.
In a remarkably short time, to Akinosuké's surprise, the carriage came to a halt in front of an enormous two-storied gateway of Chinese style, the likes of which he had never before laid eyes upon. The vassal alighted and said, "I shall inform them of your honorable arrival," before vanishing from sight. After a brief interval, Akinosuké beheld two dignified men, dressed in regal robes of purple silk and adorned with high caps indicative of their lofty status emerge from the gateway. After offering their respectful greetings, they assisted him in alighting from the carriage and guided him through the immense gate and across an expansive garden to the entrance of a palace, whose front spanned several miles from east to west. Akinosuké was ushered into a reception room of remarkable size and magnificence. His guides escorted him to the seat of honor and seated themselves respectfully at a distance. Meanwhile, ceremonial maidens served refreshments while clad in formal attire. When Akinosuké had finished his refreshments, the two attendants in purple robes bowed deeply before him and spoke in turn, following the courtly etiquette:
“When you have refreshed yourself . . . it is our honorable duty to inform you . . . of the reason for your summoning here . . . Our master, the King, wishes for you to become his son-in-law . . . and he commands that you shall wed his daughter . . . the August Princess, this very day . . . We shall soon conduct you to the presence chamber . . . where His Augustness awaits your arrival . . . However, it is necessary that we first provide you . . . with the appropriate garments for the ceremony.”
After uttering those words, the attendants stood up in unison and proceeded to an alcove that held a magnificent chest made of gold lacquer. Upon opening it, they retrieved a selection of robes, girdles crafted from rich materials, and a regal headdress. They dressed Akinosuké in these exquisite garments to suit his status as a princely groom. He was then escorted to the presence room where he laid eyes upon the King of Tokoyo seated upon the feudal throne, adorned in a lofty black state cap and draped in robes made of yellow silk. Positioned to the left and right of the feudal throne, a multitude of dignitaries sat in formation, splendid and motionless as if they were temple statues. Akinosuké advanced into their midst and greeted the king with the customary triple prostration. The king reciprocated with gracious words and then spoke: -
"You have already been apprised of the reason behind your summons to Our presence. We have resolved that you shall become the adopted husband of Our sole daughter, and the nuptial ritual shall now be conducted."
