Brenda Ruiz and Mathavi Sankar for People's Daily

Quadrumvirate: Family Drama; Year 1150 CE

By Brenda Ruiz and Mathavi Sankar in Baltimore (People’s Daily)

The Quadrumvirate is about a power struggle between clans, Sohei, Fujiawara, Minimoto, Taira, yet each clan has their own internal struggles.

The Sohei seemed to be the most disjointed of the clans thus far. In a recent gathering of the Sohei clan, it was revealed that they were so desperate that they were willing to look to Korea for assistance in attacking China. One less desperate member of the clan declared, “End [the discussion] now, ask [for help from] Minimotto.” Mongaku agreed: “It is dangerous to bring in Korea as an ally,” and the clan resolved to use Korea as a last resort. 

One of the more politically powerful clans in Japan, Fujiwara aims to send representatives to Sohei to “engage in negotiations about military and political cooperations between [the] two groups”. They hope the friendly tactics will join the two clans without risking their reputation of a power hungry clan.

The Taira clan, sworn enemy of the Minimoto, has wields plenty of political power in Japan. They are close-knit and work fiercely to protect that power.

While the Minimoto are as equally devoted to their rivalry with the Taira clan, they  have their own internal struggles. They are currently dealing with hunger and famine through their clan, bringing violent rebellions. Thus far, the Minimoto are working to create a standing army to quell the public's anger as they deal with every other clan.

However, inter-clan conflicts are not the only problem. Like all families, the clans also have their own drama: rebellions, jealousy, and back-stabbing. People’s Daily was lucky enough to witness some of this drama. The Taira sought military support from the Sohei clan and in response, the Sohei sent a note asking for incentives. However, 10 minutes later, another note was sent from a Sohei individual revealing the secret actions of the Sohei. The Sohei sent the same note requesting incentives to the Minomoto clan (who are the enemy of the Taira). What will the Taira do now that they know they are being played by the Sohei, who were one of their own allies?