Summary
This is a story from the Kamakura period. One night, as snow fell, a monk was walking along a rural path in Ueno. Seeking shelter, he visited a house and said, "Please, I beg of you." A refined lady appeared from the house and replied, "I don't have the means to entertain a guest, but all I can offer is millet rice." The monk accepted, saying, "That is more than enough," and they all shared a meal around the hearth.
That day, the host went outside and brought in three bonsai trees. "Let us burn these for warmth," he said. The monk was shocked and exclaimed, "No way! Those are treasures!" However, the host insisted, "They are now like dead wood; they will never see the light of day again." The host burned the ume tree first, then the sakura tree, and finally the pine tree.
The monk asked, "By the way, may I ask your name?" The host introduced himself, "I was once the lord of Sano, Sano Genzaemon Tokuyo." The monk was startled and asked, "Why didn't you report this to the Kamakura lord?" The host explained that he had been exiled due to a rebellion by his own family. "Even though I am poor now, I have not forgotten the pride of a samurai."
The next morning, the monk said as he departed, "Please visit me when you come to Kamakura." In reality, that monk was Hojo Tokiyori. Upon returning, Tokiyori issued orders to gather all the lords of Kanto in Kamakura. "Bring me the shabby man," he commanded, and the host was brought before him. The surprised host protested, "There must be some mistake," but Tokiyori pressed him, "It’s you. Do you remember?"
The host bowed his head and said, "On that night, I stated that when the time comes, I would don armor, carry a sword, and set out for Kamakura on horseback." Tokiyori replied, "I wanted to see if you would keep your promise. I will help you reclaim your land." He then conveyed that he would grant him the lands of Umeda, Sakurai, and Matsuidate. A smile appeared on the host's face, and even those who had mocked him cast envious glances.
