A step forward after Honoka steps back, Masaki bows deeply to the dais, then appropriately to the others in the court.
"On the face of it, Ikoma-san's argument is a compelling one. Perhaps if the all of the brotherhood was equally dedicated to the
same principles, it would be equally compelling in heart. But as we know, this is not the case - perhaps rightly so, as diversity
is an important element of strength and virtue, as so often discussed in this court."
She turns to some who have spoken, to Chou-sin and Jihen.
"As it is, part of the brotherhood chooses to impart its lessons very closely to the Empire's wordly - and political - concerns. Perhaps rightly so - the lessons of Shinsei may be an important guide in all matters, after all. But the soul
is often a mirror - so as the brotherhood influences the world, the world influences it in turn. In different ways, of course, but it would be hard to ignore the fact - and as the little teacher said, 'It is worse still to be ignorant of your ignorance.'
She turns her gaze to Abbot Do, then to the audience again.
"That
could still mean that the best to decide on such matters would be the Brotherhood itself - but as a whole, its many sects, influenced in myriad different ways, having an equal voice in the decision, all sanctioned, true paths to Enlightenment. They all contribute their important work to the Brotherhood's purposes, they all offer safety, warmth and lessons to those who need it most, in their own ways. Unfortunately, Winter Court is not a meeting between sects, and as it is we have but two represented here. And only one of them, concerned as it is with wordly and political concerns, has thus far spoken out on the matter - in their own favour. As such, it seems that taking into account the Clans' views on the matter, while perhaps not the optimal solution, is the best possible middle ground in the current circumstances."
Her gaze goes to Abbot Do again.
"That takes us to the crux of the matter. The current arrangement has the Four Temples monastery, seated in the capital of the Empire, as those responsible for organising and handing out donations. There
might be some advantages in this, of course - at the heart of the Empire, the Four Temples are probably closest to what may be the largest
sources of donations."
Which is to say, to money. It should be clear enough without saying.
"But for the same reason, the sect tends to be the farthest from the places where donations are needed the most - our farthest mountains, lands where rice and pleasures are at times unfortunately not so plenty as they are near the capital. A sect who sees such plights more closely would know and understand them the most - 'Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters'. Again at face value, the remote location of the Temple of Osano-wo might seem like a problem. But again, by standing farther from plenty and pleasure, it stands closer to at least one possible
destination for the donations. Other places will need to receive donations as well, of course - but then, the understanding implied by firsthand experience can serve as a better guide than books ever could. And thus, the sects may better share burdens that, otherwise, might all fall to a single - and important - sect, due to its central location. 'Friendship is truly tested when it is time to share the burden.', as we know."
Her gaze travels through the court again - her cupped hands opening to reveal a small jasmine flower made in straw which she had been holding so far.
"I hope the Court may take these points into consideration when judging this matter, and look favourably at Mirumoto-san's proposal for nominating the Order of Osano-Wo as bearing the duty of distributing donations. Thank you, Miya-ue."
-------------------------
D10 EA - Support Jinkan's Position. VP, holding Jasmine Flower for +2k0, Seppun-sanctioned effect for +4. 2 CR | 8k5+4 ⇒ 42 (TN: 31)
20 Court Points to Jinkan