[D7 MM] A Shore Deal

[Doji Hikaru]

The events had thrown off schedule, but Hikaru has set a room to receive guests.

[Daidoji Sae]

Sae had ensured that food and drink was available (although nothing strong given the early hour).

Much as she disliked the wheeling and dealing of court the Yasuki had proven himself an honourable and brave samurai, meeting with him was the least she could do.

She gives Hikaru a polite bow on entering before taking up position to politely wait.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Good morning, minna-sama," Ryoichi said as he arrived. The Yasuki bowed politely before removing his footwear and entering Crane House. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. If I may say so, Magistrate Daidoji, that I was impressed with the leadership and determination that you showed on our river expedition."

"And, Doji-san, I regret having been required to depart Kyuden Ikoma so suddenly, with our negotiations still incomplete. So I am glad for this opportunity to discuss how we can work together and make things better for both of our clans."

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

Sae bows politely in return, her On quite warm.

"Good morning Yasuki-san, we are just as glad you agreed to meet with us." Slightly raising her hand in an apologetic fashion. "Our expedition was truly an effort of all the samurai involved. You demonstrated courage, integrity and quick thinking, we were fortunate to have you."

Now with a ghost of a smile.
"This is perhaps not the first time a Daidoji and a Crab have found more common ground after standing side by side."

Once he's finished introductions with Hikaru she gestures towards the cushions.
"Have you been blessed today? We have food and refreshment to share."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Ohhh, the Magistrate is too kind, but I have just eaten not too long ago," Ryoichi demurred. He took a seat on the offered cushions. "Perhaps a bit of tea would be nice, though; I find that something to drink often helps talking go more smoothly."

[Doji Hikaru]

"Tea, I can help with* Hikaru has his set out, the tea already steeping

[Daidoji Sae]

"Perfect, thank you Doji-san."

Sae waits until their guest has settled before seating herself.

"I am sure we can find a path forward together that strengthens both our Clans. We have seen all of the Clans reaching out to one another to find strength. Now with the current-"

She pauses for a moment.

"-the current uncertainty, such bonds are more important than ever."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Yes, with the, ahh, 'current uncertainty', I think making arrangements for Crane/Crab cooperation is especially important," Ryoichi agreed. "Clearly, the situation has changed since the last time Doji-san and I spoke, and any arrangement we now make will necessarily be quite different than before. What are your thoughts on how things stand?"

[Daidoji Sae]

"I feel that in times of uncertainty closer relations are preferable. The Crane still have gifts to give.

While the particulars will have to be sorted out, I believe some small exchange of... items-" Sae waves off any notion of commerce "
-and services sealed by a marriage would be amenable to the Crane. Doubtless you would have some suggestions, but I think if the Crab should have it, paper would not go amiss. And I have heard that the expert services of your noted Kaiu family may also be available for a worthy cause."

Sae dips her head.

"What is it we can do for you?"

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"The Crab Clan desires peace and prosperity," Ryoichi replied. "I think both the Crane and Crab would benefit from a promise of peace along our borders, ensured by the marriage arrangement that you suggested. We have several prospects that may be available for such a match."

"Your information about the Kaiu is correct; they have offered to build roads, bridges, armor or even castles, to help protect the peace in the lands of our friends."

"In addition, Lady Yasuki has also had success with this 'merchant banking' idea that she has devised," he continued. "It's brought wealth and prosperity to Yasuki Yashiki, and it's our hope to spread this benefit to the capital. Such a thing would need official approval, though. It's my hope that the Crane might see the merit in supporting a Crab proposal to build a Yasuki investment bank in the port of Otosan Uchi."

"We also have various other commodities to trade. We only have small amounts of Paper at this time, but perhaps we could still arrange something."

[Daidoji Sae]

Sae looked a little perplexed at the idea of merchant banking, but decided she'd have Ryu explain it later.

"One can never be content with remaining still I suppose, we must always strive for more. I can pass Lady Yasuki-sama's proposal back to my Clan where those more skilled in such matters can evaluate it. Doubtless if there is a small role the Daidoji can play in such a thing it would be more likely to receive support."

She nods slightly as Ryuichi continues.
"Then it seems perhaps we can meet eachother's needs, there are a few other items the Crane would appreciate as gifts more than others, but we have been fortunate this past year and want for little. Still, I'm sure a well received deal would be well received by our artisans, perhaps well enough for them to share their respect for our Clan with the empire as a whole."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Oh, I'd be happy to explain Lady Yasuki's ideas, if the Magistrate is interested," Ryoichi said enthusiastically. "You see, if you have one ship and send it out, it either comes back and you're fabulously wealthy or it sinks and you're utterly ruined. But if you have ten ships and send them all out, and nine come back and one sinks, you're still pretty well-off and not ruined at all ... but most people can't afford to own ten ships. So the trick is to own a share of each of ten ships...."

(The Yasuki rambled on for some time about economics at the Crane who were too polite to interrupt)

"So you see, it's a new idea that helps everyone do better in the long run," Ryoichi concluded. "I could understand if the Daidoji Trading Council wanted to get involved. If they're interested, we could perhaps arrange for them to buy a share, or have one of their ships funded by the merchant bank. The controlling interest would have to remain with Lady Yasuki, of course."

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"I...see." Sae paused for a few moments to absorb it all.
"I can understand the concept of reducing risk at least, it sounds very uh, interesting."

Yes, definitely have the Trading Council look over this one.

"We understand that of course Lady Yasuki would have to retain control over the bank. To think Yasuki-san, you have the heart of a bushi and the mind of a..." pause, 'merchant was far too rude' "...true Yasuki prodigy. But a warrior's mind should be a finely honed blade I suppose."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I can't take credit for any of this; it's all Lady Yasuki's ideas," Ryoichi said modestly. "But it's important to understand how the world works, that's what my father always said."

"It does sound like we have some basis for cooperation, though, if we can work out some of the finer details."

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"That is excellent to hear! And the smaller details are thankfully for others with a knack for such things."
Sae looks positively joyful she won't have to learn the principles of investment banking.

"I have no talent for divination, but perhaps adversity has enabled our two Clans to take that last step? Would that some good might come of all this. I would call for sake, but I imagine we both have a long day ahead, so strong tea will have to do."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"That is excellent to hear! And the smaller details are thankfully for others with a knack for such things."
Sae looks positively joyful she won't have to learn the principles of investment banking.

"I have no talent for divination, but perhaps adversity has enabled our two Clans to take that last step? Would that some good might come of all this. I would call for sake, but I imagine we both have a long day ahead, so strong tea will have to do."

"Of course, I will have to secure approval from my superiors on this matter," Ryoichi said. "But if we can work out the particulars, I do believe the basis for an agreement is there."

[Daidoji Sae]

"Of course, I will have to secure approval from my superiors on this matter," Ryoichi said. "But if we can work out the particulars, I do believe the basis for an agreement is there."

"I'm sure it will not be long until Yasuki-san becomes one of the superiors whose approval is sort. You will be beating off marriage offers with your saya. Although that can be a good or a bad thing depending on the samurai."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I'm sure it will not be long until Yasuki-san becomes one of the superiors whose approval is sort. You will be beating off marriage offers with your saya. Although that can be a good or a bad thing depending on the samurai."

"You are kind to say so, Daidoji-sama," Ryoichi said with a modest chuckle. "The Imperial Matchmaker already seems to have some designs for a match for me. I think that's a good thing, but sometimes it's hard to know, eh?"

[Daidoji Sae]

"You are kind to say so, Daidoji-sama," Ryoichi said with a modest chuckle. "The Imperial Matchmaker already seems to have some designs for a match for me. I think that's a good thing, but sometimes it's hard to know, eh?"

"It is certainly at least an interesting thing?"
Sae arches a brow with a hint of a smile.

"All I can say is that I doubt she will match you with a Crane. But surprises abound."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"The Imperial Matchmaker did not seem to have many Crane on her lists of eligible matches," Ryoichi had to admit. "I even asked about it outright, since we were hoping to make some appropriate arrangement between our clans. But Otomo-sama steered our discussion in a different direction."

"I confess to not understanding the great antipathy towards Crane matches," the Yasuki said. "Would it be indelicate to ask about it? Is it truly still ill-feeling from the Daughter of Heaven's own match, so many years ago?"