The Aged Mother

In the ancient days, nestled at the base of the formidable mountain in Shinano, a destitute farmer and his aged mother endured a grim existence. Their lives were overshadowed by the oppressive rule of a despotic daimio, who callously issued decrees to execute those residing in their region. However, in a society where harming the elderly was deemed uncommon, the dire proclamation stirred a different kind of despair.

The poor farmer, upon hearing the ominous order, found himself moved to tears. The governor's decree loomed like a dark cloud, but society paid little heed. Despite the impending doom, the farmer stoically prepared for what was then considered the kindest form of death, accompanied by many despondent sighs.

As the day's toil came to an end, he gathered unbleached rice, the meager sustenance of the destitute, and ingeniously fashioned a makeshift meal. He cooked and dried the rice, securing it in a cloth square, which he then tied around his neck with a sense of resignation. With a heavy heart, he embarked on a journey towards the summit of Obatsayuma, the mountain of "abandoning the aged."

Yet, he was not alone in his endeavor. The devoted son carried his elderly mother on his back. Along the perilous path, the helpless mother, sensing potential dangers, snapped twigs and discreetly marked the way to the summit, ensuring her son's safety.

Reaching the peak, the farmer gently placed his elderly mother on a cushion made of fallen pine needles, bidding a tearful farewell. His heart ached with the weight of his decision. As he left, his mother, imparting her final wisdom, advised him to follow the twig trails she had left. Touched by her kindness, he returned to Shinano, hiding her in a secret compartment beneath the kitchen floor.

In the shadows, the devoted son continued to care for his mother in secrecy. In a village gripped by a dire situation, the poor farmer's mother devised a brilliant solution. They created a long line of twisted straw on a windless night, beckoning the winds and providing a breath of fresh air for the suffering villagers. When the daimio learned of the success, it was revealed that the poor farmer's mother had ingeniously conceived the idea.

Moved by this display of resilience and ingenuity, the daimio revoked the order to execute the elderly.

The End