Sakura, are you praying? I never would’ve guessed you were so faithful.” What a harsh tone. It was Madam Sanjō. Sakura turned back immediately. She was still wearing an orange kimono with a lotus pattern. Waving to let the maid Shino leave, Madam Sanjō smiled at Sakura, though the smile was cunning, floating upon her thick cosmetics. Since Yae left, Sakura had saved Shino to serve her. Sakura had helped the maid once, so it was natural for her to use the maid to supervise the madam. But since Yae left, the madam never made any new movements. So she was surprised that she wanted to have a secret talk with her now. Was she scheming something? “I heard you went to the camp once. We are both women; I understand that we don’t want the war. But reaching this goal needs a family background, and some personal relationship. This is an aspect in which you have no resources.” The madam took up a cup of tea, talking with a shallow smile. Why did the madam suddenly change to take care of the things outside? Sakura wanted to ask the maid back to question how she did her job of supervising the madam. However, the maid was not here. There was only the two of them. The cool wind blew into the room, but the air between them was tight. “Don’t look at me with such surprised eyes. Sakura, I know you have a special relationship with the master. But I just want to warn you that you are not capable of solving this problem. However, I can.” “Madam, please make your suggestion clear.” “If you need me to use the power of Imagawa Yoshimoto, you should return Yae to me.” Sakura cursed in her heart. This woman chose such an urgent time to make a deal with her. “Think about it. Give me an answer by tomorrow.”The madam took up the hem of her skirt to leave with small, broken steps. Sakura stared at her back for several seconds, then she poured the cup of tea the madam didn’t finish onto the earth. Then she asked Cao to clean the tea table. “You look unhappy, Chief. Did the madam make any trouble?” “Don’t pry into others’ business, Cao. Ask Hua to come to me. I have something to tell her. Remember, from today on, you and Ye should be aware of Shino; ask her to pay attention to about the Madam’s movements with more concern. I need Hua to go out for me for some time. If someone asks about her, tell them she went to the mountain temple to pray for me, you hear me?” “Yes, my lady.” Cao took the cups and retreated. Sakura went back to the table to make a cup of tea for herself. She silently enjoyed the taste. The madam’s suggestion just reminded her that Imagawa Yoshimoto was powerful now. If Harun.o.bu went to ask for his help, Yoshimoto would help. But Harun.o.bu might owe him a favor. She guessed the madam’s message should be sent by the tricky Mother Jukei-ni. She would not allow Harun.o.bu to be pa.s.sive before Yoshimoto. She’d figure out another way to solve this problem. That’s why she asked Hua to help her. n.o.body beside her knew the whole history. And n.o.body knew her purpose. “Chief, I received a wonderful message! We don’t need to fight with Suwa.” Ye ran to her with joyful shouts. Sakura woke up to find the heavy sunshine was on her face. She left the bed in one minute. Really? They didn’t need to fight with Suwa? Did her proposal succeed? Seeing Ye and Cao were so happy, she also clapped her hands to join in with them. She saw an orange shadow flee away from the vestibule. She knew it was the madam. She must be very disappointed that her reckoning was in vain. Anyway, she might have the wisdom to figure out why the war was stopped. Sakura asked the two maids to go to Tsutsujigasaki to prepare for Harun.o.bu’s return. Then she followed the madam to her place. “Shino, I asked you to send the letter to Madam Jukei-ni, telling her that we would like to accept their help. But why did the Family Hojo run out to take a hand.” The Madam’s voice was full of pity. Sakura didn’t want her for the cooperation, but the issue was successfully handled. Shino lowered his voice, but Sakura still heard her clearly. “Madam, I don’t know what happened. Madam Jukei-ni’s messenger just told us that the lady married to the Hojo Family had some relationship with Lady Ooi. And the lady mentioned the war to Ujiyasu of Hojo. Though the Hojo Family released the news that he would help, he didn’t make any real movements. It was just a drama. But Suwa was shocked and yielded.” “So, that’s it? Shino, what has Sakura been up to recently?”Madam Sanjō asked her as she thought of something. “Nothing special. She was busy with the inner compound. When she has free time, she prays for the master to return with success.” Hearing about the immature schemes of the madam, Sakura relaxed. Even Harun.o.bu just got even with her. She was also satisfied with Shino’s answer. In any case, the maid knew who was in control now.