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Project Management: The Managerial Process
1 of 37
Chapter 6
Developing a Project Plan
Chapter Outline
1. Developing the Project Network
2. From Work Package to Network
3. Constructing a Project Network
A. Terminology
B. Basic Rules to Follow in Developing Project Networks
4. Activity-on-Node (AON) Fundamentals
5. Network Computation Process
A. Forward Pass—Earliest Times
B. Backward Pass—Latest Times
C. Determining Slack (or Float)
i. Total Slack
ii. Free Slack (Float)
D. Free Slack (Float)
6. Using the Forward and Backward Pass Information
7. Level of Detail for Activities
8. Practical Considerations
A. Network Logic Errors
B. Activity Numbering
C. Use of Computer to Develop Networks
D. Calendar Dates
E. Multiple Starts and Multiple Projects
9. Extended Network Techniques to Come Closer to Reality
A. Laddering
B. Use of Lags to Reduce Schedule Detail and Project Duration
i. Finish-to-Start Relationship
ii. Start-to-Start Relationship
iii. Finish-to-Finish Relationship
iv. Start-to-Finish Relationship
v. Combinations of Lag Relationships
C. An Example Using Lag Relationships—The Forward and Backward Pass
D. Hammock Activities
Project Management: The Managerial Process
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10. Summary
11. Key Terms
12. Review Questions
13. Exercises
14. Case 6.1: Advantage Energy Technology Data Center Migration
15. Case 6.2: Shoreline Stadium Case
Project Management: The Managerial Process
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Chapter Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter you should be able to:
LO 6-1 Understand the linkage between WBS and the project network.
LO 6-2 Diagram a project network using AON methods.
LO 6-3 Calculate early, late, and slack activity times.
LO 6-4 Identify and understand the importance of managing the critical path.
LO 6-5 Distinguish free slack from total slack.
LO 6-6 Demonstrate understanding and application of lags in compressing
projects or constraining the start or finish of an activity.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
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Review Questions
1. How does the WBS differ from the project network?
a. The WBS is hierarchical while the project network is sequential.
b. The network provides a project schedule by identifying sequential dependencies
and timing of project activities. The network sets all project work, resource needs,
and budgets into a sequential time frame; the WBS does not provide this
information.
c. The WBS is used to identify each project deliverable and the organization unit
responsible for its accomplishment within budget and within a time duration.
d. The WBS provides a framework for tracking costs to deliverables and
organization units responsible.
2. How are WBS and project networks linked?
The network uses the time estimates found in the work packages of the WBS to
develop the network. Remember, the time estimates, budgets, and resources required
for a work package in the WBS are set in time frames, but without dates. The dates
are computed after the network is developed.
3. Why bother creating a WBS? Why not go straight to a project network and
forget the WBS?
The WBS is designed to provide different information for decision making. For
example, this database provides information for the following types of decisions:
a. Link deliverables, organization units, and customer
b. Provide for control
c. Isolate problems to source
d. Track schedule and cost variance. Network does not.
e. Assign responsibility and budgets
f. Focus attention on deliverables
g. Provide information for different levels in the organization.
4. Why is slack important to the project manager?
Slack is important to the project manager because it represents the degree of
flexibility the project manager will have in rearranging work and resources. A project
network with several near critical paths and hence, little slack, gives the project
manager little flexibility in changing resources or rearranging work.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
5 of 37
5. What is the difference between free slack and total slack?
Free slack usually occurs at the end of an activity chain—before a merge activity. It is
the amount of time the activity can be delayed without affecting the early start of the
activity immediately following it. Since free slack can be delayed without delaying
following activities, it gives some resource flexibility to the project manager. Total
slack is the amount of time an activity can be delayed before it becomes critical. Use
of total slack prevents its use on a following activity.
6. Why are lags used in developing project networks?
Two major reasons:
a. To closer represent real situations found in projects.
b. To allow work to be accomplished in parallel when the finish-to-start relationship
is too restrictive.
7. What is a hammock activity, and when is it used?
A hammock activity is a special purpose activity that exists over a segment of the life
of the project. A hammock activity typically uses resources and is handled as an
overhead cost—e.g., inspection. Hammock activities are used to identify overhead
resources or costs tied directly to the project. The hammock duration is determined by
the beginning of the first of a string of activities and the ending of the last activity in
the string. Hammock activities are also used to aggregate sections of projects to avoid
project detail—e.g., covering a whole subnetwork within a project. This approach
gives top management an overview of the project by avoiding detail.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
6 of 37
Exercises
1. Here is a partial work breakdown structure for a wedding. Use the method
described in the Snapshot from Practice 6.2: The Yellow Sticky Approach to
create a network for this project.
Note: Do not include summary tasks in the network (i.e., 1.3, Ceremony, is a
summary task; 1.2, Marriage license, is not a summary task). Do not consider
who would be doing the task in building the network. For example, do not
arrange “hiring a band” to occur after “florist” because the same person is
responsible for doing both tasks. Focus only on technical dependencies between
tasks.
Hint: Start with the last activity (wedding reception), and work your way back
to the start of the project. Build the logical sequence of tasks by asking the
following question: In order to have or do this, what must be accomplished
immediately before this? Once completed, check forward in time by asking this
question: Is this task(s) the only thing that is needed immediately before the start
of the next task?
(Work Breakdown Structure Not Shown)
Project Management: The Managerial Process
7 of 37
2. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(s) is a
burst activity? What activity(s) is a merge activity?
Activity B is a burst activity and activity E is a merge activity.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
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3. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(s) is a
burst activity? What activity(s) is a merge activity?
Activity C is a burst activity. Activity G is a merge activity.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
9 of 37
4. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(s) is a
burst activity? What activity(s) is a merge activity?
Activity A is a burst activity. Activities D and H are merge activities.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
10 of 37
5. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(s) is a
burst activity? What activity(s) is a merge activity?
Activity A is a burst activity. Activities F, G, and H are merge activities.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
11 of 37
6. From the following information, develop an AON project network. Complete the
forward and backward pass, compute activity slack, and identify the critical
path. How many days will the project take?
The project will take 14 days.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
12 of 37
7. The project information for the custom order project of the Air Control
Company is presented here. Draw a project network for this project. Compute
the early and late activity times and the slack times. Identify the critical path.
The early and late activity times and the slack times are shown on the diagram above.
The critical path is A-D-F-G-H. The project takes 45 days to complete.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
13 of 37
8. You have signed a contract to build a garage for the Simpsons. You will receive a
$500 bonus for completing the project within 7 working days. The contract also
contains a penalty clause in which you will lose $100 for each day the project
takes longer than 7 working days.
Draw a project network given the information below. Complete the forward and
backward pass, compute the activity slack, and identify the critical path. Do you
expect to receive a bonus or a penalty on this project?
Early start, late start, early finish, late finish, and slack are shown on the diagram above.
The completion time is 18 days so there will be a three-day penalty.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
14 of 37
9. You are creating a customer database for the Hillsboro Hops minor league
baseball team. Draw a project network given the information below. Complete
the forward and backward pass, compute activity slack, and identify the critical
path.
How long will this project take? How sensitive is the network schedule?
Calculate the free slack and total slack for all noncritical activities.
Early start, late start, early finish, late finish, and slack are shown on the diagram
above. The project is expected to take 10 days. The project is very sensitive with
three interrelated critical paths. None of the activities have slack.
Project Management: The Managerial Process
15 of 37
10. K. Nelson project manager of Print Software, Inc., wants you to prepare a
project network; compute the early, late, and slack activity times; determine the
planned project duration; and identify the critical path. His assistant has
collected the following information for the Color Printer Drivers Software
Project:
Early start, late start, early finish, late finish, and slack are shown on the diagram
above. The completion time is 105 days. The critical path is A-D-G-I-J-K-L.
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“I cannot say that I was so much as frightened, though I feel
better now that he has gone,” said he, evasively. “Why, Kinsan,
you do look pleased, and I really believe you, too, are glad to be rid
of him. It is unfortunate that he came just at this time—I wonder if
my being here influenced his coming? Still, I hardly believe it could
have done so, because I do not even know his name, much less
does he know me.”
“Oh, no. That was Tetsutaisho, an officer in the shogun’s
army,” said Kinsan, assuringly and without divining Shibusawa’s
purpose, “and I am certain it was not because you were here that
he came. And I am so glad that you are here! I am lonely when I sit
here by myself, and now—you will come again, will you not?”
Shibusawa did not answer her at once, but turned and looked,
and her soft true eyes looked into his, and he saw how cruel he had
been to let suspicion enter his heart and how unworthy of her
confidence he had been. Then all his manhood rose and his
thoughts became pure and his feelings true, and his courage spoke
as he said:
“Yes.”
The moon had risen, and—how could they have seen it other
than as it was, a good omen? for they two and it made three.
CHAPTER VI
THE PLEDGE
Shibusawa and Kinsan sat in their place and gazed at the
beautiful moon as it rose, now unfolding a deeper meaning, teaching
a sweeter lesson. Chayo was no longer to them only a mystic rite,
but a living, eternal symbol of life’s greatest joy, and when they
had seen all and felt its power they arose and parted, true to
themselves and pleased with their good fortune. Shibusawa, though,
returned to his house fully aware of the responsibilities which he had
assumed and deeply impressed with their probable consequences;
yet he realised that the circumstances which had brought about this
irresistible situation were conceived directly within his own heart,
and that he could not and should not escape their natural and just
conclusion. He loved Kinsan, and, whether right or wrong in that
love, he must know a higher virtue before he could in justice to
himself surrender what seemed to him purely a liberty of conscience.
Nor would his love be unrequited, for he saw in Kinsan the same
unknown force which had moved him and held him its willing victim.
She too was a slave to its inevitable decree, and now that they had
witnessed in each other that repose of confidence necessary to a
perfect understanding, he must not let love, a higher purpose, fail at
the bidding of family or state, nor allow himself to halt in his proper
pursuit at the voice of tradition or, said he:
“Even by the law’s decree; for after all, ‘Is law higher than
our understanding?’”
Having decided not to swerve from his course Shibusawa began
to plan the means whereby he could meet Kinsan and be with her as
much as prudence would allow. He longed to be near her and to
share with her his thoughts and gain her approval, but in doing so
he must encounter many hardships and much danger. Both statute
and custom bade him marry the woman selected only by his
parents, and to woo any other and in such a manner was deemed a
most serious breach, subject to a severe penalty. He needs must,
therefore, employ strategy, for there was no other means of meeting
Kinsan, and even that could never make her his wife. The laws of his
country were rigid, and his parents, like others, inexorable on that
subject; and Shibusawa was not unmindful of either, nor of his duty
toward society; yet he was undaunted, and could see no wrong in
his loving the woman of his choice, so long as that one brought
neither disgrace to his family nor failure to himself; neither of which
was probable from his way of thinking—and had he a right to think?
That was one of the questions which had determined Shibusawa’s
course, and it now became a burning factor in his life.
The hidden cave was their rendezvous, and Kinsan grew to live
for the happiness its welcome shelter gave. There, the sweet voice
of love whispered and rewhispered the new song that soothed and
quickened and held her captive, for Shibusawa came faithfully and
constantly, each recurring visit deepening his love, every serious
obstacle strengthening his determination.
Time passed quickly and each returning season lent anew its
never dying symbol, for to them autumn’s master flower, the
chrysanthemum, meant in truth loyalty, sincerity, and earnestness.
When these days had passed and winter come Shibusawa sang to
her the song of the pine and its fidelity, the bamboo and its
elasticity, the plum and its courage, vigour, and reputation. Then
spring brought in its train the cherry, the peach, the pear, the
primrose, the peony, the wisteria, each in turn adding its voice, for
the cave stood in the midst of bloom, everywhere doing its part in
the beautiful fulfilment of a divine promise.
Yes, spring had come and with it the budding and the joy of
creation. It was now April, the day of the cherry blossom, and the
sun had gone down behind the hills and the stars were twinkling
their story. Two lovers sat close together—the one ambitious,
courageous; the other obedient, loyal—both joyous, but earnest. Her
hand rested in his and he bent over and whispered:
“Kinsan, I love you. I love you with a heart that is pure and true.
I love you with all my life, my soul voices it. I think of you
always—the one constant thought of my life—my hope, my
happiness, my existence. Speak, Kinsan, speak and tell me that this
is not a hopeless fancy. Tell me that you love me. Tell me that you
will be my wife, my love, my sweetheart, my all.”
She leaned forward and laid her rosy cheek upon his bosom, and
with her eyes softly upturned she whispered:
“Yes.”
He stooped down and kissed her, and in the warmth of those lips
she saw a world of joys; he, the beginning of earnest life. The kiss
was unknown to them, but it came as the spontaneous outpouring
of a true affection, the token of a master passion; and in that
embrace there dawned a new light, the opening of another world.
CHAPTER VII
AN UNEXPECTED COMMAND
While Shibusawa had been constant and true in his attentions he
had never apprised Kinsan of his real position, nor of the difficulties
which stood in the way of their marriage. That he was worthy there
could be no doubt in her mind, and she only knew that she loved
him—loved him as they were and with no thought of what might or
would befall them. Instinct was enough to keep both from
mentioning their affairs to any others, for such a thing as mutual
regard was by right or practice unknown in the land; hence must
have been deemed improper, especially by the parents, and there
were no others to whom they could or should confide their secrets.
Whether allowable or not, and without any real knowledge of the
consequences, their love had grown and manifested itself in its own
mysterious way, and they were destined as they were to meet an
uncertain fate.
Very wisely Shibusawa had not in the meantime neglected any of
his proper relations at home, but on the contrary entered into life
with an earnestness that was not only to his father, but to others of
the family and to his friends, a great source of joy. Whether at the
Koyo-odori (maple dance for girls), or at the New Year’s feast, or
at any of the many fêtes of the season, his interest was equally keen
and his presence always sought. Nor did he neglect his personal
improvement, for all of his time and energy not devoted to Kinsan
and his social duties were expended in an orderly quest for
knowledge; not of a theoretical nature, but of that practical,
satisfying kind that, whether for good or for ill, moves the world.
Maido had observed with keen interest all these healthy activities
of his son and was proud of his achievements and offered him every
encouragement within his power. No particular attention had been
paid to Shibusawa’s future other than properly to fit him for the
place destined for him, and such a thing as the young prince’s
marriage had never seriously entered his father’s mind. Since the
birth of his rising successor Maido had always hoped to avoid the
necessity of sometime being compelled to sacrifice his son’s or his
own happiness to gratify the pleasure or convenience of the court,
though he might at any time have been prompted to do as much by
an extreme test of loyalty. As far as the lord daimyo’s own interests
were concerned there had as yet appeared no need for matrimonial
alliances of any kind, and not until political discontent began to arise
in the south had he been called upon to concern himself particularly
about outside affairs. He had personally held aloof from all
entangling alliances, and aside from his duties at court devoted
himself to the upbuilding and preservation of his own prefecture,
which was now so strong and prosperous that it could reasonably be
expected to stand of its own accord.
There was the best of feeling and good content everywhere at
home, and when there Maido himself might at any time be seen
among his workmen encouraging thrift and economy, while all of the
new ideas were regularly taught by learned instructors. As a result
his people had become the most skilled and industrious in the land,
excelling in the production of rice, silk, lacquer rugs, matting,
bronzes, pottery, steel, and implements of husbandry and articles for
ornamentation.
Therefore Maido was one of the most powerful as he was
resourceful of the shogun’s daimyos and had wisely looked
askance at the petty quarrels and fierce rebellions that were
constantly devastating other parts of the country and robbing them
of their treasure. Still he did not neglect to cultivate a true martial
spirit, nor to maintain an army in keeping with the country’s
dignity; which, owing to the mountainous approaches at the east
and south, and to the broad open sea and rocky shores of the west
and north, was as against an invading foe easily defended. These
natural barriers having been seized upon early after the beginning of
the shogunate and from time to time fortified, Maido had but to
keep them in repair and refrain from interfering with outside affairs
in order to induce the powerful armies of the north and south, while
marching against each other, to pass him by unmolested. In
consequence his vassals—secure in their peace, in plenty, sure of
kind and liberal treatment, their religion inviolate and their customs
well established—were quite content to labour faithfully for the
promotion of their daimyo’s comfort and power. He was at the
same time the most respected and envied personage at court, and
even the shogun himself found it both agreeable and advantageous
to cultivate his friendship.
This pleasing situation, however, was not long to continue, for the
outgrowth of Maido’s wisdom, and his abundance at home, made
him the more coveted at Tokyo; and now that hostilities were
assuming proportion in the south, the necessity for new expedients
was fast crowding upon the northern party. To Iyeyoshi, the over-
fed, easy-going shogun, these matters were rather irksome and in
consequence were being more and more turned over to the newly
appointed prime minister, the young and restless Ikamon. The
shogun was satisfied; Ikamon, ambitious.
The latter had risen from the lower ranks by dint of his own
exertions, and his career was as unbounded as it was unbridled. In
presence he was pinched and bony, stoop shouldered, of peaked
face, had eagle eyes, rather sparse, stiff black hair, and for strength
of mind displayed a wonderful mixture of cunning and craft. He had
already formed a personal alliance with Maido (which materially
strengthened him at court and directly helped him into his present
position) by taking in marriage Yasuko, the daimyo’s second
daughter; and now ostensibly as a state measure, but in reality to
further Ikamon’s personal schemes, Shibusawa was urgently
brought forward as a likely match for Takara, a rising member of the
royalty, and a daughter of the mikado himself.
When the proposal was first made, Maido paid but little heed to it,
passing it by as one of his son-in-law’s many visionary schemes; in
the majority of which he had not much confidence and as yet less
concern. He had intended to govern himself in this matter, when the
proper time came, as he had in all others, as best conserved his own
interests and the happiness of his son. That any one dared to
interfere with what he considered his and his family’s private affair
had not seriously dawned upon his mind, and was this time looked
upon as a piece of ill-advised impertinence.
In time, however, the over-confident daimyo discovered his
mistake, for Ikamon persisted and before long had enlisted the
support of a higher influence, one that presently assumed the shape
of an urgent request, if not command. Such an alliance, once
proposed, was not in times of stress to be overlooked even by the
shogun, and Maido soon found himself entangled with a problem
that was to bring his son face to face with the queenly and much
coveted Takara.
Though only the daughter by a favourite concubine, this beautiful
princess was much loved by Komei, the mikado, and it was conceded
that whoever gained her hand would not only gain his royal
highness’ favour, but strengthen his position at the Kyoto court.
She was tall and slender, not yet twenty years of age, had bright,
tender eyes, a soft, clear skin, and silken hair as dark as the raven.
Her manner was that of grace and distinction, her speech calm and
deliberate, while at court and among her friends she was regarded
with almost reverence. Daikomitsu, a rising young prince and
staunch supporter of the southern party, had already sought her
hand in marriage, and withal, aside from any political considerations,
she might have been thought eminently fitted to become the wife
even of a Maido’s successor.
It was with different considerations, though, that Ikamon urged
the suit. He knew of no demand except that of policy, and now that
he was in a position effectively to reach both sides he hastened the
business as much as he consistently could. The mikado was,
notwithstanding the advice of his counsellors, still in favour of peace,
and thus he lent a ready ear to any proposal that might be
reasonably expected to calm the disturbance and ward off a final
conflict. His daughter, having grown to womanhood within the
palace and its traditional and superstitious atmosphere, knew
nothing of the profane world and was possessed of a loyalty that
carried her far over into the sweep of ancestral worship. She
believed that her only province was to serve, and that of right she
should be handed from father to husband, from the one family to
the other. Her birth seemed but a necessity, her life a sacrifice, and
her death only a natural consequence—why should she look or think
or hope beyond? She offered no protest when told of her lot—that
she must yield her all unto a stranger—but bowed in grateful
submission at the command of an unquestioned fate. She promised
her father, and he was pleased, and hastened to inform the shogun.
Maido as yet had said nothing to Shibusawa about his prospective
marriage, though he himself had been fully convinced that there was
no possible way for him to avoid its final consummation without as a
last resort breaking faith with the shogun: a thing entirely beyond
the pale of his moral rectitude. He had from time to time avoided the
subject, trusting that some failure at Kyoto might save him the
necessity, but now that the mikado had favourably responded and
the shogun positively commanded, all hope was dissipated.
He therefore called his son to him and led him into the great
chamber, where he bade him be seated at his side. It was in the
evening, and Maido had just returned flushed and heated from an
animated council, and he chose the open side of the room, where
they sat facing each other and alone. A warm breeze floated in from
the garden, and the air seemed to Shibusawa almost as sweet with
cherry blossom as it had the day before while sitting with Kinsan at
the hidden cave. He realised that some grave question disturbed his
parent, but little thought that he himself was the victim of a
prearranged plan that should augur so uncertain a future. He would
have spoken, but his father beckoned him be silent; then himself
spoke distinctly, telling him of what he was expected to do, and
waited for an answer.
There was no mistaking the meaning, yet Shibusawa sat in
silence; he was for the moment dazed and unable to make any
answer. After the first flush he resolved upon throwing himself at his
father’s feet and explaining all; to ask forgiveness for what he had
done, and beg indulgence for what his life seemed pledged to do,
but prudence bade him not. He knew only too well that such a thing
was impossible. Maido’s anxiety doubled with each succeeding
moment, until finally surprise, then fear, moved him and his voice
trembled as he said:
“Shibusawa, my son, have you no ears?”
“I hear you, father, and I assure you it is my weakness and not
the answer that makes me slow. I would frame you a better speech
than the one I have in mind.”
“Hold, my boy! I know your answer. And, besides, I would rather
you save your words for a higher purpose. This old self of mine is
satisfied that you do the thing. That is it. Oshaka! Oshaka! good god
of self, forbid that I hear, let me only feel a father’s blessing and a
son’s forgiveness. Come, my good son, your liberal indulgence of
me and your ready acceptance of her has removed from me the
greatest concern of my life. A long one, and a happy one—hah! h-a-
h! h—a—h!”
Maido’s eyes flashed dry and hot as he sat there swinging his
powerful frame back and forth to the rhythm of his parched words.
Shibusawa knelt quickly at his father’s side and steadied and
soothed him. The long white locks parted and fell from his splendid
brow, and in an instant the son’s whole soul went out to the one
who had given him being and had showered upon him a constant
devotion.
The lord daimyo went to sleep presently, and Shibusawa sat for a
long time, debating the consequences of this new and unexpected
situation. It was only yesterday that he had pledged himself to the
one he loved, and now he was bound by every tradition and law to
break that engagement and perform a duty. Had this sudden
mandate come only a day sooner his honour, at least, might have
been saved; but to sacrifice that was more than he could do. Filial
affection—but was there not a higher purpose, and if so why not
devote his life to its fulfilment? He pondered, then said to himself:
“Although I uphold the traditions of our religion, maintain the
honour of my family, and obey the command of the shogun, I can
and will be true to Kinsan.”
CHAPTER VIII
THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY
When Shibusawa arose the next morning, he set about with a
heavy heart to plan some course of action. He had not slept much
during the night, and with a clouded atmosphere the morning was
dull, so he remained in the garden but a short time, returning to his
now cold and dreary chamber.
At first he planned to hurry to Kinsan and tell her the truth and
beg her forgiveness; then he realised the impossibility of doing so;
the gates were closed to him, and his strategy would not avail him in
the daytime. He rightly divined his father’s helplessness, and knew
that an appeal to the court would fall upon deaf ears. The law was
inexorable, and those in authority would use it, as they were using
him, to further their own schemes. To fly was worse than hopeless,
and to disclose the identity of his love would surely bring death if not
torture to her. Such were some of the conditions confronting
Shibusawa, and with which he must struggle.
Ikamon was fully advised of the rapidly rising influence of the
literary, or southern party, at the mikado’s, or royal court, and he
hastened that no time be lost in using this last measure to check its
growth. The banns were accordingly that day published at Tokyo,
and the marriage proclaimed to take place at the earliest possible
day in May, the month following; while messengers were despatched
to Kyoto with the intelligence, so that Takara might make ready and
repair to her intended father-in-law’s seat at the shogun’s capital
city.
During the interval of waiting the busy prime minister more than
ever bestirred himself with making preparations for the ceremony.
Maido was pushed to one side and his natural prerogatives usurped
by his son-in-law, Ikamon, who, without much regard to rank,
invited everybody whom he thought could in any way further his
own political chances and incidentally those of his party. Thus
Tetsutaisho was included among the selected guests, for in him
more than any other Ikamon saw a future powerful weapon.
This young officer was rapidly advancing in favour, and Ikamon
reasoned that his chances of being placed at the head of the
shogun’s army, already good, would be effectually strengthened by
an alliance with the powerful house of Maido. There was the good
and handsome Nehachibana, Maido’s daughter and Shibusawa’s
favourite—why not offer her to Tetsutaisho? With Tetsutaisho, his
ready confidant, securely in command of the northern army, his
alliance with the royal court established through Shibusawa’s
marriage, he had designed a still more sweeping stroke, that of
tricking the mikadate into a tacit coalition of the two armies, the
north and the south, with Tetsutaisho as the recognised head of
both. Ikamon believed that in such a situation he could effectually
put down any local disaffection, gradually dissipate the mikadate,
and eventually establish the shogunate as the sole, supreme
authority in the land.
His plan was a vital one, and there seemed to be no real obstacle
in the way of its final consummation. Tetsutaisho had already looked
upon Nehachibana with a sordid eye; she was young and
vivacious—that was enough for him. Shibusawa was now perceptibly
occupied with his own troubles, and should readily fall a victim to
the magic of a royal court. Maido was rapidly approaching a certain
state of senility—possibly apparent to none but his covetous son-in-
law—and could no longer offer any serious resistance. There was no
further chance for a misalliance in the family, no moral gulf between
the driver and the goal, so Ikamon devised and the wedding day
found him easily prepared.
When that day had arrived and the guests were assembled, a
dust-bedraggled train of carriers and attendants came filing up the
roadway to the front of Maido’s castle, where they halted and
demanded entrance in the name of Takara, daughter of Komei, the
divine mikado. Upon the conclusion of this short ceremony the party
was passed through the gate to the house door, where the bride was
delivered into the care of Ikamon and Yasuko, his wife, who bade
her welcome after the fashion of another polite ceremony. Takara
wore a flowing kimono of soft white material, and now that she had
entered the house of her future husband she forthwith retired and
changed her dress for one provided by the bridegroom. Having thus
completed her toilet she was escorted to the chamber of state by
Yasuko, while Ikamon attended Shibusawa.
Takara meekly entered, and as she did so the sound of many
voices and much merry-making greeted her; the guests were
assembled in a room adjoining, waiting for the conclusion of the
ceremony and the beginning of the feast. Shibusawa then came
forward, betraying only a slight colour, and Takara humbly bowed
recognition; he bowed and motioned her to a mat at his side. They
had met, and for the first time looked into the mirror of each
other’s life. The two-lipped cup was offered by Haraku, the
bride’s maid-servant, and Takara moistened her lips therefrom,
then passed it to the bridegroom, who in turn drank a draught, and
passed it back to her. Thrice three times they did this, and the
ceremony was complete.
The two-lipped cup was offered.... Takara
moistened her lips therefrom, then passed it
to the bridegroom.
Without any further ado the bride again retired and changed her
light kimono for a coloured one of her own providing. In her absence
the sliding partitions had been removed, and when she returned she
found herself in the midst of the merry guests, who crowded about
to offer their congratulations.
Shibusawa appeared to be deeply impressed with the formal part
of the ceremony, but after that was concluded he showed an
indifferent feeling, and had it not been for the state character of the
doing, there might have seemed to be even less cordiality. Ikamon,
of course, outdid himself, particularly in an effort to impress the
bride with his own importance, and his squeaking voice and glancing
eyes were everywhere in evidence. Tetsutaisho was also pleased
and, at first sight of the bride, became so infatuated that she did not
thereafter lack attention: an unadvised observer might even have
taken him to be the bridegroom.
This gallant young officer naturally was charmed with
Nehachibana upon his arrival and introduction early in the evening,
and certainly would have continued his attentions had she been the
last to come upon the scene. As it was, and as he was unable to
divide his gallantry between two, Takara received his favours after
their first meeting, which, strange to say, seemed mutually
agreeable. On the other hand, Nehachibana had been not
unfavourably impressed with Tetsutaisho, and were it not that Takara
was now her sister-in-law she might have been a little jealous.
Shibusawa, however, consoled her with more than his usual ardour,
and he may not have neglected to express in some measure his
opinion of the would-be seducer. At all events, he was under the
circumstances perfectly willing that the latter should make haste
with his wife rather than with his sister. Nor did he disclose the
cause of his indifference about the one and his coldness toward the
other, because he felt that he had best let events take their own
course, especially that the position of both would save either from
bringing disgrace into his family.
“I do not mind saying,” said he to his sister, as they sat quietly
together, “that I am not at all pleased with Tetsutaisho’s
appearance. More I do not care to venture.”
“But he is so large and so heroic,” answered Nehachibana.
“Do not such men fight fiercely? And have they not warm hearts?
And are they not chivalrous? But he does not seem to care for me.
Only Takara has saved him from being bored.”
“Such men are neither bored nor saved. They are incapable of
the one and beyond hope of the other,” replied Shibusawa, mindful
of his own experience.
“I trust so,” mused she, thoughtfully.
“And I am—well, except for you, indifferent as to the whole
affair,” said he, as he arose and went toward Takara.
Shibusawa soon returned to his sister, and bowing himself away
from her retired from the company, going with the full consciousness
of having acquitted himself as best he could under the
circumstances. Perhaps, as he lingered on the veranda above, he did
not think of Kinsan, more likely he did not notice particularly the
group of sight-seers in the road at the front of the house, but if he
had, he might have seen her there, and have observed that her eyes
were filled with tears; that she trembled a little and that suspicion
was trying hard to enter her heart. He did not distinguish her,
however, but turned and went into his own chamber and was seen
no more that night.
Kinsan, though, had recognised him, and when he had gone she
too turned and stole away toward her house as silently as she had
come, but with a heavy heart and uncertain step.
From the time Kinsan had first heard of the intended wedding,
something told her that she must go there. True, she had no reason
for believing that the Shibusawa to whom she had given her love
was a prince, or that he could possibly be the suitor of Takara, the
mikado’s daughter; yet a power not explained moved her to go,
and opportunity enabled her to see only too much. She had seen
him there, and in that she surmised an insurmountable gulf between
them, and felt that he in such a station, however true, must be lost
to her. She went home and with an aching heart prayed for future
light and strength.
CHAPTER IX
THE WEDDING FEAST
On the third day after the wedding, all preparations having been
made, the newly wedded couple started upon their bridal tour to the
home of the bride’s parents. This was no small undertaking, and to
any other than a bride it would have seemed decidedly unpleasant.
The only means of transit was by chair, and, as she had just been
borne over the same route and had in prospect a speedy return,
Takara might well have complained of the three long journeys, if not
of custom.
Upon coming to the wedding ceremony the bride had brought
with her a large number of useful and costly presents, and, as might
be expected, the family of the bridegroom had been exceedingly
liberal in bestowing a return compliment. Maido had spared neither
pains nor expense to laden Shibusawa’s train with tokens of his
appreciation, and as squad after squad of carriers passed out at the
front gate the gathering onlookers cheered with something like
frenzy. It was, therefore, late in the morning before the last of the
baggage had passed and the way was made clear for Shibusawa’s
chair, and as he came forward there arose a mighty shout of “Long
live the prince.” Early in the day the kaika (household treasurer),
acting under Ikamon’s instructions, had begun distributing coins
among the hangers-on, and now that the noble suite was passing a
perfect shower of “cash” was thrown upon them. No other means
could so readily call forth their hearty applause, and Ikamon was
gratified and Maido perhaps pleased, if Shibusawa was entirely
unconcerned.
As Shibusawa’s chair swung into the roadway he drew back the
curtain and looked out at the excited throng. There was one who
stood, amid all this noise, with a strained, eager expression. It was
Kinsan; and Shibusawa, looking straight into her face, without
offering to recognise her, closed the curtain and continued his way.
Probably she knew as well as he that the least sign of recognition on
his part might, if detected, bring horrible punishment, or even death
to her. Possibly she believed him cruel. Whatever her thoughts may
have been, she felt crushed and forlorn. She knew now that it was
only too true; that her heart was broken and her life for ever
shadowed.
Kinsan had gone there again to determine if possible the truth or
falsity of her former conviction. Without any consciousness she had
done her hair in the prettiest fashion and dressed in her very best
kimono, and so anxious was she that before the sun had barely risen
she began planning to go. The fresh air and the excitement brought
the colour to her cheeks, and when Tetsutaisho chanced to pass her,
on his way to wish Takara a safe journey and a speedy return, he
stopped and spoke to her and chided her for being so far from
home. She made no answer, but his kindly attention lingered on her
mind, and possibly she may have contrasted this with Shibusawa’s
greeting.
However, Kinsan was not so ready to heed the one or condemn
the other, and with a determination stronger than ever she
proceeded on her way home. She had not gone far, though, before
she was overtaken by Tetsutaisho, who hastened to her and said:
“Which way are you going now, my pretty young lady?”
Kinsan started at the sound of his voice, and when she turned
about and saw who it was, she blushed deeply, then grew pale. She
made no immediate answer, but stood debating in her own mind
what she had best do; and as she made no offer to move he became
emboldened, and, coming closer, began to talk in a confidential
manner:
“Come, my sweet little girl, come with me and sit in the shade
over there, where it is quiet and out of reach of the curious.”
“I thank you, honourable sir, I am on the way to my house and I
wish not to delay, for that would be improper. Please, sir, excuse
me—my mother has said nothing about this proposal.”
“But,” said he, “I will pay the mother. I will double and treble
the price. Come with me now. My bungalow is large and you shall
share the privileged mat. I am rich and my station is high. I will free
your father and mother from all their debts and make them
comfortable and happy. Come, now; what more can be done? Is not
all this worth the while?”
Kinsan listened to all he said. She measured well his proposals
and thought of the ease and comfort it would bring to her parents.
She also remembered that look of Shibusawa’s and how her
heart had failed her; and then her love for him began to reassert
itself, and she turned upon her enticer and scorned him, and without
saying another word walked rapidly away.
After Shibusawa had so coldly turned from Kinsan, while passing
through the gate and into the roadway, he sank back in his chair,
stunned and fearful. The shock had overcome him, and he did not
recover until he had gone far beyond her reach. It was only a
glance, yet he now appreciated the force with which that must have
stricken Kinsan. While, as he well knew, there could have been no
escaping the consequences of an overt act, nevertheless, had he
done no more he might in some way have sought Kinsan and
explained to her the true circumstances of his situation. And now
that he had not done so, and fully realised the sad mistake, it was
only with much self-control that he held himself from attempting to
return to her.
Nothing further marked his progress, and the visit at Kyoto was a
great success in spite of Shibusawa’s preoccupied state of mind.
His reserve gave him an air of dignity and charm of manner that
surprised and pleased the too much coddled mikado, who could not
help admiring the young man’s strong, athletic build and evenly
balanced temperament. Here at last was one who frowned upon
frivolity and seemed to exemplify real manhood; who aimed at
something above sordid pleasure.
Takara, too, was proud of her husband, and had already begun to
look up to him and to feel the force of his character. Yet something
she had hoped and longed for was missing. All her maiden life she
had dreamed of this one sweet satisfying thing, and it was still an
unrealised thought.
They did not remain at Kyoto longer than etiquette required,
though in that time Shibusawa saw something of the life and
manners at the royal abode. He came in contact with not only the
immediate members of the family but some of the mikado’s most
intimate advisers and a multitude of his well-paid admirers, and
therefrom formed some notion of the prodigality if not unwisdom of
such a duplicity of government. Returning they went by way of
Kanazawa, where Takara was very much impressed with the
magnificence of her father-in-law’s estates, the prospective seat of
her husband’s future empire.
“Oh, what a beautiful place, and such a grand scene!” said she,
with rapture, as they approached the family mansion at the summit
of the hill. “And the lovely breeze, and the stately pines, and all the
beautiful things which Kami has given us—here you will be my lover,
and I, oh, how I shall love you! Yes, I will love you, love you, oh, so
much!”
Shibusawa did not answer, but for the first time recognised her
full nature, and presaged the consequence of his failure. Nor did he
venture to speak and in some measure unfold the true state of his
feelings until the day before their final departure for Tokyo. She had
waited for him and longed for him, and now somewhat of despair if
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  • 5. Project Management: The Managerial Process 1 of 37 Chapter 6 Developing a Project Plan Chapter Outline 1. Developing the Project Network 2. From Work Package to Network 3. Constructing a Project Network A. Terminology B. Basic Rules to Follow in Developing Project Networks 4. Activity-on-Node (AON) Fundamentals 5. Network Computation Process A. Forward Pass—Earliest Times B. Backward Pass—Latest Times C. Determining Slack (or Float) i. Total Slack ii. Free Slack (Float) D. Free Slack (Float) 6. Using the Forward and Backward Pass Information 7. Level of Detail for Activities 8. Practical Considerations A. Network Logic Errors B. Activity Numbering C. Use of Computer to Develop Networks D. Calendar Dates E. Multiple Starts and Multiple Projects 9. Extended Network Techniques to Come Closer to Reality A. Laddering B. Use of Lags to Reduce Schedule Detail and Project Duration i. Finish-to-Start Relationship ii. Start-to-Start Relationship iii. Finish-to-Finish Relationship iv. Start-to-Finish Relationship v. Combinations of Lag Relationships C. An Example Using Lag Relationships—The Forward and Backward Pass D. Hammock Activities
  • 6. Project Management: The Managerial Process 2 of 37 10. Summary 11. Key Terms 12. Review Questions 13. Exercises 14. Case 6.1: Advantage Energy Technology Data Center Migration 15. Case 6.2: Shoreline Stadium Case
  • 7. Project Management: The Managerial Process 3 of 37 Chapter Learning Objectives After reading this chapter you should be able to: LO 6-1 Understand the linkage between WBS and the project network. LO 6-2 Diagram a project network using AON methods. LO 6-3 Calculate early, late, and slack activity times. LO 6-4 Identify and understand the importance of managing the critical path. LO 6-5 Distinguish free slack from total slack. LO 6-6 Demonstrate understanding and application of lags in compressing projects or constraining the start or finish of an activity.
  • 8. Project Management: The Managerial Process 4 of 37 Review Questions 1. How does the WBS differ from the project network? a. The WBS is hierarchical while the project network is sequential. b. The network provides a project schedule by identifying sequential dependencies and timing of project activities. The network sets all project work, resource needs, and budgets into a sequential time frame; the WBS does not provide this information. c. The WBS is used to identify each project deliverable and the organization unit responsible for its accomplishment within budget and within a time duration. d. The WBS provides a framework for tracking costs to deliverables and organization units responsible. 2. How are WBS and project networks linked? The network uses the time estimates found in the work packages of the WBS to develop the network. Remember, the time estimates, budgets, and resources required for a work package in the WBS are set in time frames, but without dates. The dates are computed after the network is developed. 3. Why bother creating a WBS? Why not go straight to a project network and forget the WBS? The WBS is designed to provide different information for decision making. For example, this database provides information for the following types of decisions: a. Link deliverables, organization units, and customer b. Provide for control c. Isolate problems to source d. Track schedule and cost variance. Network does not. e. Assign responsibility and budgets f. Focus attention on deliverables g. Provide information for different levels in the organization. 4. Why is slack important to the project manager? Slack is important to the project manager because it represents the degree of flexibility the project manager will have in rearranging work and resources. A project network with several near critical paths and hence, little slack, gives the project manager little flexibility in changing resources or rearranging work.
  • 9. Project Management: The Managerial Process 5 of 37 5. What is the difference between free slack and total slack? Free slack usually occurs at the end of an activity chain—before a merge activity. It is the amount of time the activity can be delayed without affecting the early start of the activity immediately following it. Since free slack can be delayed without delaying following activities, it gives some resource flexibility to the project manager. Total slack is the amount of time an activity can be delayed before it becomes critical. Use of total slack prevents its use on a following activity. 6. Why are lags used in developing project networks? Two major reasons: a. To closer represent real situations found in projects. b. To allow work to be accomplished in parallel when the finish-to-start relationship is too restrictive. 7. What is a hammock activity, and when is it used? A hammock activity is a special purpose activity that exists over a segment of the life of the project. A hammock activity typically uses resources and is handled as an overhead cost—e.g., inspection. Hammock activities are used to identify overhead resources or costs tied directly to the project. The hammock duration is determined by the beginning of the first of a string of activities and the ending of the last activity in the string. Hammock activities are also used to aggregate sections of projects to avoid project detail—e.g., covering a whole subnetwork within a project. This approach gives top management an overview of the project by avoiding detail.
  • 10. Project Management: The Managerial Process 6 of 37 Exercises 1. Here is a partial work breakdown structure for a wedding. Use the method described in the Snapshot from Practice 6.2: The Yellow Sticky Approach to create a network for this project. Note: Do not include summary tasks in the network (i.e., 1.3, Ceremony, is a summary task; 1.2, Marriage license, is not a summary task). Do not consider who would be doing the task in building the network. For example, do not arrange “hiring a band” to occur after “florist” because the same person is responsible for doing both tasks. Focus only on technical dependencies between tasks. Hint: Start with the last activity (wedding reception), and work your way back to the start of the project. Build the logical sequence of tasks by asking the following question: In order to have or do this, what must be accomplished immediately before this? Once completed, check forward in time by asking this question: Is this task(s) the only thing that is needed immediately before the start of the next task? (Work Breakdown Structure Not Shown)
  • 11. Project Management: The Managerial Process 7 of 37 2. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(s) is a burst activity? What activity(s) is a merge activity? Activity B is a burst activity and activity E is a merge activity.
  • 12. Project Management: The Managerial Process 8 of 37 3. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(s) is a burst activity? What activity(s) is a merge activity? Activity C is a burst activity. Activity G is a merge activity.
  • 13. Project Management: The Managerial Process 9 of 37 4. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(s) is a burst activity? What activity(s) is a merge activity? Activity A is a burst activity. Activities D and H are merge activities.
  • 14. Project Management: The Managerial Process 10 of 37 5. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(s) is a burst activity? What activity(s) is a merge activity? Activity A is a burst activity. Activities F, G, and H are merge activities.
  • 15. Project Management: The Managerial Process 11 of 37 6. From the following information, develop an AON project network. Complete the forward and backward pass, compute activity slack, and identify the critical path. How many days will the project take? The project will take 14 days.
  • 16. Project Management: The Managerial Process 12 of 37 7. The project information for the custom order project of the Air Control Company is presented here. Draw a project network for this project. Compute the early and late activity times and the slack times. Identify the critical path. The early and late activity times and the slack times are shown on the diagram above. The critical path is A-D-F-G-H. The project takes 45 days to complete.
  • 17. Project Management: The Managerial Process 13 of 37 8. You have signed a contract to build a garage for the Simpsons. You will receive a $500 bonus for completing the project within 7 working days. The contract also contains a penalty clause in which you will lose $100 for each day the project takes longer than 7 working days. Draw a project network given the information below. Complete the forward and backward pass, compute the activity slack, and identify the critical path. Do you expect to receive a bonus or a penalty on this project? Early start, late start, early finish, late finish, and slack are shown on the diagram above. The completion time is 18 days so there will be a three-day penalty.
  • 18. Project Management: The Managerial Process 14 of 37 9. You are creating a customer database for the Hillsboro Hops minor league baseball team. Draw a project network given the information below. Complete the forward and backward pass, compute activity slack, and identify the critical path. How long will this project take? How sensitive is the network schedule? Calculate the free slack and total slack for all noncritical activities. Early start, late start, early finish, late finish, and slack are shown on the diagram above. The project is expected to take 10 days. The project is very sensitive with three interrelated critical paths. None of the activities have slack.
  • 19. Project Management: The Managerial Process 15 of 37 10. K. Nelson project manager of Print Software, Inc., wants you to prepare a project network; compute the early, late, and slack activity times; determine the planned project duration; and identify the critical path. His assistant has collected the following information for the Color Printer Drivers Software Project: Early start, late start, early finish, late finish, and slack are shown on the diagram above. The completion time is 105 days. The critical path is A-D-G-I-J-K-L.
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  • 21. “I cannot say that I was so much as frightened, though I feel better now that he has gone,” said he, evasively. “Why, Kinsan, you do look pleased, and I really believe you, too, are glad to be rid of him. It is unfortunate that he came just at this time—I wonder if my being here influenced his coming? Still, I hardly believe it could have done so, because I do not even know his name, much less does he know me.” “Oh, no. That was Tetsutaisho, an officer in the shogun’s army,” said Kinsan, assuringly and without divining Shibusawa’s purpose, “and I am certain it was not because you were here that he came. And I am so glad that you are here! I am lonely when I sit here by myself, and now—you will come again, will you not?” Shibusawa did not answer her at once, but turned and looked, and her soft true eyes looked into his, and he saw how cruel he had been to let suspicion enter his heart and how unworthy of her confidence he had been. Then all his manhood rose and his thoughts became pure and his feelings true, and his courage spoke as he said: “Yes.” The moon had risen, and—how could they have seen it other than as it was, a good omen? for they two and it made three.
  • 22. CHAPTER VI THE PLEDGE Shibusawa and Kinsan sat in their place and gazed at the beautiful moon as it rose, now unfolding a deeper meaning, teaching a sweeter lesson. Chayo was no longer to them only a mystic rite, but a living, eternal symbol of life’s greatest joy, and when they had seen all and felt its power they arose and parted, true to themselves and pleased with their good fortune. Shibusawa, though, returned to his house fully aware of the responsibilities which he had assumed and deeply impressed with their probable consequences; yet he realised that the circumstances which had brought about this irresistible situation were conceived directly within his own heart, and that he could not and should not escape their natural and just conclusion. He loved Kinsan, and, whether right or wrong in that love, he must know a higher virtue before he could in justice to himself surrender what seemed to him purely a liberty of conscience. Nor would his love be unrequited, for he saw in Kinsan the same unknown force which had moved him and held him its willing victim. She too was a slave to its inevitable decree, and now that they had witnessed in each other that repose of confidence necessary to a perfect understanding, he must not let love, a higher purpose, fail at the bidding of family or state, nor allow himself to halt in his proper pursuit at the voice of tradition or, said he: “Even by the law’s decree; for after all, ‘Is law higher than our understanding?’” Having decided not to swerve from his course Shibusawa began to plan the means whereby he could meet Kinsan and be with her as much as prudence would allow. He longed to be near her and to
  • 23. share with her his thoughts and gain her approval, but in doing so he must encounter many hardships and much danger. Both statute and custom bade him marry the woman selected only by his parents, and to woo any other and in such a manner was deemed a most serious breach, subject to a severe penalty. He needs must, therefore, employ strategy, for there was no other means of meeting Kinsan, and even that could never make her his wife. The laws of his country were rigid, and his parents, like others, inexorable on that subject; and Shibusawa was not unmindful of either, nor of his duty toward society; yet he was undaunted, and could see no wrong in his loving the woman of his choice, so long as that one brought neither disgrace to his family nor failure to himself; neither of which was probable from his way of thinking—and had he a right to think? That was one of the questions which had determined Shibusawa’s course, and it now became a burning factor in his life. The hidden cave was their rendezvous, and Kinsan grew to live for the happiness its welcome shelter gave. There, the sweet voice of love whispered and rewhispered the new song that soothed and quickened and held her captive, for Shibusawa came faithfully and constantly, each recurring visit deepening his love, every serious obstacle strengthening his determination. Time passed quickly and each returning season lent anew its never dying symbol, for to them autumn’s master flower, the chrysanthemum, meant in truth loyalty, sincerity, and earnestness. When these days had passed and winter come Shibusawa sang to her the song of the pine and its fidelity, the bamboo and its elasticity, the plum and its courage, vigour, and reputation. Then spring brought in its train the cherry, the peach, the pear, the primrose, the peony, the wisteria, each in turn adding its voice, for the cave stood in the midst of bloom, everywhere doing its part in the beautiful fulfilment of a divine promise. Yes, spring had come and with it the budding and the joy of creation. It was now April, the day of the cherry blossom, and the
  • 24. sun had gone down behind the hills and the stars were twinkling their story. Two lovers sat close together—the one ambitious, courageous; the other obedient, loyal—both joyous, but earnest. Her hand rested in his and he bent over and whispered: “Kinsan, I love you. I love you with a heart that is pure and true. I love you with all my life, my soul voices it. I think of you always—the one constant thought of my life—my hope, my happiness, my existence. Speak, Kinsan, speak and tell me that this is not a hopeless fancy. Tell me that you love me. Tell me that you will be my wife, my love, my sweetheart, my all.” She leaned forward and laid her rosy cheek upon his bosom, and with her eyes softly upturned she whispered: “Yes.” He stooped down and kissed her, and in the warmth of those lips she saw a world of joys; he, the beginning of earnest life. The kiss was unknown to them, but it came as the spontaneous outpouring of a true affection, the token of a master passion; and in that embrace there dawned a new light, the opening of another world.
  • 25. CHAPTER VII AN UNEXPECTED COMMAND While Shibusawa had been constant and true in his attentions he had never apprised Kinsan of his real position, nor of the difficulties which stood in the way of their marriage. That he was worthy there could be no doubt in her mind, and she only knew that she loved him—loved him as they were and with no thought of what might or would befall them. Instinct was enough to keep both from mentioning their affairs to any others, for such a thing as mutual regard was by right or practice unknown in the land; hence must have been deemed improper, especially by the parents, and there were no others to whom they could or should confide their secrets. Whether allowable or not, and without any real knowledge of the consequences, their love had grown and manifested itself in its own mysterious way, and they were destined as they were to meet an uncertain fate. Very wisely Shibusawa had not in the meantime neglected any of his proper relations at home, but on the contrary entered into life with an earnestness that was not only to his father, but to others of the family and to his friends, a great source of joy. Whether at the Koyo-odori (maple dance for girls), or at the New Year’s feast, or at any of the many fêtes of the season, his interest was equally keen and his presence always sought. Nor did he neglect his personal improvement, for all of his time and energy not devoted to Kinsan and his social duties were expended in an orderly quest for knowledge; not of a theoretical nature, but of that practical, satisfying kind that, whether for good or for ill, moves the world. Maido had observed with keen interest all these healthy activities of his son and was proud of his achievements and offered him every
  • 26. encouragement within his power. No particular attention had been paid to Shibusawa’s future other than properly to fit him for the place destined for him, and such a thing as the young prince’s marriage had never seriously entered his father’s mind. Since the birth of his rising successor Maido had always hoped to avoid the necessity of sometime being compelled to sacrifice his son’s or his own happiness to gratify the pleasure or convenience of the court, though he might at any time have been prompted to do as much by an extreme test of loyalty. As far as the lord daimyo’s own interests were concerned there had as yet appeared no need for matrimonial alliances of any kind, and not until political discontent began to arise in the south had he been called upon to concern himself particularly about outside affairs. He had personally held aloof from all entangling alliances, and aside from his duties at court devoted himself to the upbuilding and preservation of his own prefecture, which was now so strong and prosperous that it could reasonably be expected to stand of its own accord. There was the best of feeling and good content everywhere at home, and when there Maido himself might at any time be seen among his workmen encouraging thrift and economy, while all of the new ideas were regularly taught by learned instructors. As a result his people had become the most skilled and industrious in the land, excelling in the production of rice, silk, lacquer rugs, matting, bronzes, pottery, steel, and implements of husbandry and articles for ornamentation. Therefore Maido was one of the most powerful as he was resourceful of the shogun’s daimyos and had wisely looked askance at the petty quarrels and fierce rebellions that were constantly devastating other parts of the country and robbing them of their treasure. Still he did not neglect to cultivate a true martial spirit, nor to maintain an army in keeping with the country’s dignity; which, owing to the mountainous approaches at the east and south, and to the broad open sea and rocky shores of the west and north, was as against an invading foe easily defended. These
  • 27. natural barriers having been seized upon early after the beginning of the shogunate and from time to time fortified, Maido had but to keep them in repair and refrain from interfering with outside affairs in order to induce the powerful armies of the north and south, while marching against each other, to pass him by unmolested. In consequence his vassals—secure in their peace, in plenty, sure of kind and liberal treatment, their religion inviolate and their customs well established—were quite content to labour faithfully for the promotion of their daimyo’s comfort and power. He was at the same time the most respected and envied personage at court, and even the shogun himself found it both agreeable and advantageous to cultivate his friendship. This pleasing situation, however, was not long to continue, for the outgrowth of Maido’s wisdom, and his abundance at home, made him the more coveted at Tokyo; and now that hostilities were assuming proportion in the south, the necessity for new expedients was fast crowding upon the northern party. To Iyeyoshi, the over- fed, easy-going shogun, these matters were rather irksome and in consequence were being more and more turned over to the newly appointed prime minister, the young and restless Ikamon. The shogun was satisfied; Ikamon, ambitious. The latter had risen from the lower ranks by dint of his own exertions, and his career was as unbounded as it was unbridled. In presence he was pinched and bony, stoop shouldered, of peaked face, had eagle eyes, rather sparse, stiff black hair, and for strength of mind displayed a wonderful mixture of cunning and craft. He had already formed a personal alliance with Maido (which materially strengthened him at court and directly helped him into his present position) by taking in marriage Yasuko, the daimyo’s second daughter; and now ostensibly as a state measure, but in reality to further Ikamon’s personal schemes, Shibusawa was urgently brought forward as a likely match for Takara, a rising member of the royalty, and a daughter of the mikado himself.
  • 28. When the proposal was first made, Maido paid but little heed to it, passing it by as one of his son-in-law’s many visionary schemes; in the majority of which he had not much confidence and as yet less concern. He had intended to govern himself in this matter, when the proper time came, as he had in all others, as best conserved his own interests and the happiness of his son. That any one dared to interfere with what he considered his and his family’s private affair had not seriously dawned upon his mind, and was this time looked upon as a piece of ill-advised impertinence. In time, however, the over-confident daimyo discovered his mistake, for Ikamon persisted and before long had enlisted the support of a higher influence, one that presently assumed the shape of an urgent request, if not command. Such an alliance, once proposed, was not in times of stress to be overlooked even by the shogun, and Maido soon found himself entangled with a problem that was to bring his son face to face with the queenly and much coveted Takara. Though only the daughter by a favourite concubine, this beautiful princess was much loved by Komei, the mikado, and it was conceded that whoever gained her hand would not only gain his royal highness’ favour, but strengthen his position at the Kyoto court. She was tall and slender, not yet twenty years of age, had bright, tender eyes, a soft, clear skin, and silken hair as dark as the raven. Her manner was that of grace and distinction, her speech calm and deliberate, while at court and among her friends she was regarded with almost reverence. Daikomitsu, a rising young prince and staunch supporter of the southern party, had already sought her hand in marriage, and withal, aside from any political considerations, she might have been thought eminently fitted to become the wife even of a Maido’s successor. It was with different considerations, though, that Ikamon urged the suit. He knew of no demand except that of policy, and now that he was in a position effectively to reach both sides he hastened the
  • 29. business as much as he consistently could. The mikado was, notwithstanding the advice of his counsellors, still in favour of peace, and thus he lent a ready ear to any proposal that might be reasonably expected to calm the disturbance and ward off a final conflict. His daughter, having grown to womanhood within the palace and its traditional and superstitious atmosphere, knew nothing of the profane world and was possessed of a loyalty that carried her far over into the sweep of ancestral worship. She believed that her only province was to serve, and that of right she should be handed from father to husband, from the one family to the other. Her birth seemed but a necessity, her life a sacrifice, and her death only a natural consequence—why should she look or think or hope beyond? She offered no protest when told of her lot—that she must yield her all unto a stranger—but bowed in grateful submission at the command of an unquestioned fate. She promised her father, and he was pleased, and hastened to inform the shogun. Maido as yet had said nothing to Shibusawa about his prospective marriage, though he himself had been fully convinced that there was no possible way for him to avoid its final consummation without as a last resort breaking faith with the shogun: a thing entirely beyond the pale of his moral rectitude. He had from time to time avoided the subject, trusting that some failure at Kyoto might save him the necessity, but now that the mikado had favourably responded and the shogun positively commanded, all hope was dissipated. He therefore called his son to him and led him into the great chamber, where he bade him be seated at his side. It was in the evening, and Maido had just returned flushed and heated from an animated council, and he chose the open side of the room, where they sat facing each other and alone. A warm breeze floated in from the garden, and the air seemed to Shibusawa almost as sweet with cherry blossom as it had the day before while sitting with Kinsan at the hidden cave. He realised that some grave question disturbed his parent, but little thought that he himself was the victim of a prearranged plan that should augur so uncertain a future. He would
  • 30. have spoken, but his father beckoned him be silent; then himself spoke distinctly, telling him of what he was expected to do, and waited for an answer. There was no mistaking the meaning, yet Shibusawa sat in silence; he was for the moment dazed and unable to make any answer. After the first flush he resolved upon throwing himself at his father’s feet and explaining all; to ask forgiveness for what he had done, and beg indulgence for what his life seemed pledged to do, but prudence bade him not. He knew only too well that such a thing was impossible. Maido’s anxiety doubled with each succeeding moment, until finally surprise, then fear, moved him and his voice trembled as he said: “Shibusawa, my son, have you no ears?” “I hear you, father, and I assure you it is my weakness and not the answer that makes me slow. I would frame you a better speech than the one I have in mind.” “Hold, my boy! I know your answer. And, besides, I would rather you save your words for a higher purpose. This old self of mine is satisfied that you do the thing. That is it. Oshaka! Oshaka! good god of self, forbid that I hear, let me only feel a father’s blessing and a son’s forgiveness. Come, my good son, your liberal indulgence of me and your ready acceptance of her has removed from me the greatest concern of my life. A long one, and a happy one—hah! h-a- h! h—a—h!” Maido’s eyes flashed dry and hot as he sat there swinging his powerful frame back and forth to the rhythm of his parched words. Shibusawa knelt quickly at his father’s side and steadied and soothed him. The long white locks parted and fell from his splendid brow, and in an instant the son’s whole soul went out to the one who had given him being and had showered upon him a constant devotion.
  • 31. The lord daimyo went to sleep presently, and Shibusawa sat for a long time, debating the consequences of this new and unexpected situation. It was only yesterday that he had pledged himself to the one he loved, and now he was bound by every tradition and law to break that engagement and perform a duty. Had this sudden mandate come only a day sooner his honour, at least, might have been saved; but to sacrifice that was more than he could do. Filial affection—but was there not a higher purpose, and if so why not devote his life to its fulfilment? He pondered, then said to himself: “Although I uphold the traditions of our religion, maintain the honour of my family, and obey the command of the shogun, I can and will be true to Kinsan.”
  • 32. CHAPTER VIII THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY When Shibusawa arose the next morning, he set about with a heavy heart to plan some course of action. He had not slept much during the night, and with a clouded atmosphere the morning was dull, so he remained in the garden but a short time, returning to his now cold and dreary chamber. At first he planned to hurry to Kinsan and tell her the truth and beg her forgiveness; then he realised the impossibility of doing so; the gates were closed to him, and his strategy would not avail him in the daytime. He rightly divined his father’s helplessness, and knew that an appeal to the court would fall upon deaf ears. The law was inexorable, and those in authority would use it, as they were using him, to further their own schemes. To fly was worse than hopeless, and to disclose the identity of his love would surely bring death if not torture to her. Such were some of the conditions confronting Shibusawa, and with which he must struggle. Ikamon was fully advised of the rapidly rising influence of the literary, or southern party, at the mikado’s, or royal court, and he hastened that no time be lost in using this last measure to check its growth. The banns were accordingly that day published at Tokyo, and the marriage proclaimed to take place at the earliest possible day in May, the month following; while messengers were despatched to Kyoto with the intelligence, so that Takara might make ready and repair to her intended father-in-law’s seat at the shogun’s capital city. During the interval of waiting the busy prime minister more than ever bestirred himself with making preparations for the ceremony.
  • 33. Maido was pushed to one side and his natural prerogatives usurped by his son-in-law, Ikamon, who, without much regard to rank, invited everybody whom he thought could in any way further his own political chances and incidentally those of his party. Thus Tetsutaisho was included among the selected guests, for in him more than any other Ikamon saw a future powerful weapon. This young officer was rapidly advancing in favour, and Ikamon reasoned that his chances of being placed at the head of the shogun’s army, already good, would be effectually strengthened by an alliance with the powerful house of Maido. There was the good and handsome Nehachibana, Maido’s daughter and Shibusawa’s favourite—why not offer her to Tetsutaisho? With Tetsutaisho, his ready confidant, securely in command of the northern army, his alliance with the royal court established through Shibusawa’s marriage, he had designed a still more sweeping stroke, that of tricking the mikadate into a tacit coalition of the two armies, the north and the south, with Tetsutaisho as the recognised head of both. Ikamon believed that in such a situation he could effectually put down any local disaffection, gradually dissipate the mikadate, and eventually establish the shogunate as the sole, supreme authority in the land. His plan was a vital one, and there seemed to be no real obstacle in the way of its final consummation. Tetsutaisho had already looked upon Nehachibana with a sordid eye; she was young and vivacious—that was enough for him. Shibusawa was now perceptibly occupied with his own troubles, and should readily fall a victim to the magic of a royal court. Maido was rapidly approaching a certain state of senility—possibly apparent to none but his covetous son-in- law—and could no longer offer any serious resistance. There was no further chance for a misalliance in the family, no moral gulf between the driver and the goal, so Ikamon devised and the wedding day found him easily prepared.
  • 34. When that day had arrived and the guests were assembled, a dust-bedraggled train of carriers and attendants came filing up the roadway to the front of Maido’s castle, where they halted and demanded entrance in the name of Takara, daughter of Komei, the divine mikado. Upon the conclusion of this short ceremony the party was passed through the gate to the house door, where the bride was delivered into the care of Ikamon and Yasuko, his wife, who bade her welcome after the fashion of another polite ceremony. Takara wore a flowing kimono of soft white material, and now that she had entered the house of her future husband she forthwith retired and changed her dress for one provided by the bridegroom. Having thus completed her toilet she was escorted to the chamber of state by Yasuko, while Ikamon attended Shibusawa. Takara meekly entered, and as she did so the sound of many voices and much merry-making greeted her; the guests were assembled in a room adjoining, waiting for the conclusion of the ceremony and the beginning of the feast. Shibusawa then came forward, betraying only a slight colour, and Takara humbly bowed recognition; he bowed and motioned her to a mat at his side. They had met, and for the first time looked into the mirror of each other’s life. The two-lipped cup was offered by Haraku, the bride’s maid-servant, and Takara moistened her lips therefrom, then passed it to the bridegroom, who in turn drank a draught, and passed it back to her. Thrice three times they did this, and the ceremony was complete.
  • 35. The two-lipped cup was offered.... Takara moistened her lips therefrom, then passed it to the bridegroom.
  • 36. Without any further ado the bride again retired and changed her light kimono for a coloured one of her own providing. In her absence the sliding partitions had been removed, and when she returned she found herself in the midst of the merry guests, who crowded about to offer their congratulations. Shibusawa appeared to be deeply impressed with the formal part of the ceremony, but after that was concluded he showed an indifferent feeling, and had it not been for the state character of the doing, there might have seemed to be even less cordiality. Ikamon, of course, outdid himself, particularly in an effort to impress the bride with his own importance, and his squeaking voice and glancing eyes were everywhere in evidence. Tetsutaisho was also pleased and, at first sight of the bride, became so infatuated that she did not thereafter lack attention: an unadvised observer might even have taken him to be the bridegroom. This gallant young officer naturally was charmed with Nehachibana upon his arrival and introduction early in the evening, and certainly would have continued his attentions had she been the last to come upon the scene. As it was, and as he was unable to divide his gallantry between two, Takara received his favours after their first meeting, which, strange to say, seemed mutually agreeable. On the other hand, Nehachibana had been not unfavourably impressed with Tetsutaisho, and were it not that Takara was now her sister-in-law she might have been a little jealous. Shibusawa, however, consoled her with more than his usual ardour, and he may not have neglected to express in some measure his opinion of the would-be seducer. At all events, he was under the circumstances perfectly willing that the latter should make haste with his wife rather than with his sister. Nor did he disclose the cause of his indifference about the one and his coldness toward the other, because he felt that he had best let events take their own course, especially that the position of both would save either from bringing disgrace into his family.
  • 37. “I do not mind saying,” said he to his sister, as they sat quietly together, “that I am not at all pleased with Tetsutaisho’s appearance. More I do not care to venture.” “But he is so large and so heroic,” answered Nehachibana. “Do not such men fight fiercely? And have they not warm hearts? And are they not chivalrous? But he does not seem to care for me. Only Takara has saved him from being bored.” “Such men are neither bored nor saved. They are incapable of the one and beyond hope of the other,” replied Shibusawa, mindful of his own experience. “I trust so,” mused she, thoughtfully. “And I am—well, except for you, indifferent as to the whole affair,” said he, as he arose and went toward Takara. Shibusawa soon returned to his sister, and bowing himself away from her retired from the company, going with the full consciousness of having acquitted himself as best he could under the circumstances. Perhaps, as he lingered on the veranda above, he did not think of Kinsan, more likely he did not notice particularly the group of sight-seers in the road at the front of the house, but if he had, he might have seen her there, and have observed that her eyes were filled with tears; that she trembled a little and that suspicion was trying hard to enter her heart. He did not distinguish her, however, but turned and went into his own chamber and was seen no more that night. Kinsan, though, had recognised him, and when he had gone she too turned and stole away toward her house as silently as she had come, but with a heavy heart and uncertain step. From the time Kinsan had first heard of the intended wedding, something told her that she must go there. True, she had no reason for believing that the Shibusawa to whom she had given her love
  • 38. was a prince, or that he could possibly be the suitor of Takara, the mikado’s daughter; yet a power not explained moved her to go, and opportunity enabled her to see only too much. She had seen him there, and in that she surmised an insurmountable gulf between them, and felt that he in such a station, however true, must be lost to her. She went home and with an aching heart prayed for future light and strength.
  • 39. CHAPTER IX THE WEDDING FEAST On the third day after the wedding, all preparations having been made, the newly wedded couple started upon their bridal tour to the home of the bride’s parents. This was no small undertaking, and to any other than a bride it would have seemed decidedly unpleasant. The only means of transit was by chair, and, as she had just been borne over the same route and had in prospect a speedy return, Takara might well have complained of the three long journeys, if not of custom. Upon coming to the wedding ceremony the bride had brought with her a large number of useful and costly presents, and, as might be expected, the family of the bridegroom had been exceedingly liberal in bestowing a return compliment. Maido had spared neither pains nor expense to laden Shibusawa’s train with tokens of his appreciation, and as squad after squad of carriers passed out at the front gate the gathering onlookers cheered with something like frenzy. It was, therefore, late in the morning before the last of the baggage had passed and the way was made clear for Shibusawa’s chair, and as he came forward there arose a mighty shout of “Long live the prince.” Early in the day the kaika (household treasurer), acting under Ikamon’s instructions, had begun distributing coins among the hangers-on, and now that the noble suite was passing a perfect shower of “cash” was thrown upon them. No other means could so readily call forth their hearty applause, and Ikamon was gratified and Maido perhaps pleased, if Shibusawa was entirely unconcerned. As Shibusawa’s chair swung into the roadway he drew back the curtain and looked out at the excited throng. There was one who
  • 40. stood, amid all this noise, with a strained, eager expression. It was Kinsan; and Shibusawa, looking straight into her face, without offering to recognise her, closed the curtain and continued his way. Probably she knew as well as he that the least sign of recognition on his part might, if detected, bring horrible punishment, or even death to her. Possibly she believed him cruel. Whatever her thoughts may have been, she felt crushed and forlorn. She knew now that it was only too true; that her heart was broken and her life for ever shadowed. Kinsan had gone there again to determine if possible the truth or falsity of her former conviction. Without any consciousness she had done her hair in the prettiest fashion and dressed in her very best kimono, and so anxious was she that before the sun had barely risen she began planning to go. The fresh air and the excitement brought the colour to her cheeks, and when Tetsutaisho chanced to pass her, on his way to wish Takara a safe journey and a speedy return, he stopped and spoke to her and chided her for being so far from home. She made no answer, but his kindly attention lingered on her mind, and possibly she may have contrasted this with Shibusawa’s greeting. However, Kinsan was not so ready to heed the one or condemn the other, and with a determination stronger than ever she proceeded on her way home. She had not gone far, though, before she was overtaken by Tetsutaisho, who hastened to her and said: “Which way are you going now, my pretty young lady?” Kinsan started at the sound of his voice, and when she turned about and saw who it was, she blushed deeply, then grew pale. She made no immediate answer, but stood debating in her own mind what she had best do; and as she made no offer to move he became emboldened, and, coming closer, began to talk in a confidential manner:
  • 41. “Come, my sweet little girl, come with me and sit in the shade over there, where it is quiet and out of reach of the curious.” “I thank you, honourable sir, I am on the way to my house and I wish not to delay, for that would be improper. Please, sir, excuse me—my mother has said nothing about this proposal.” “But,” said he, “I will pay the mother. I will double and treble the price. Come with me now. My bungalow is large and you shall share the privileged mat. I am rich and my station is high. I will free your father and mother from all their debts and make them comfortable and happy. Come, now; what more can be done? Is not all this worth the while?” Kinsan listened to all he said. She measured well his proposals and thought of the ease and comfort it would bring to her parents. She also remembered that look of Shibusawa’s and how her heart had failed her; and then her love for him began to reassert itself, and she turned upon her enticer and scorned him, and without saying another word walked rapidly away. After Shibusawa had so coldly turned from Kinsan, while passing through the gate and into the roadway, he sank back in his chair, stunned and fearful. The shock had overcome him, and he did not recover until he had gone far beyond her reach. It was only a glance, yet he now appreciated the force with which that must have stricken Kinsan. While, as he well knew, there could have been no escaping the consequences of an overt act, nevertheless, had he done no more he might in some way have sought Kinsan and explained to her the true circumstances of his situation. And now that he had not done so, and fully realised the sad mistake, it was only with much self-control that he held himself from attempting to return to her. Nothing further marked his progress, and the visit at Kyoto was a great success in spite of Shibusawa’s preoccupied state of mind.
  • 42. His reserve gave him an air of dignity and charm of manner that surprised and pleased the too much coddled mikado, who could not help admiring the young man’s strong, athletic build and evenly balanced temperament. Here at last was one who frowned upon frivolity and seemed to exemplify real manhood; who aimed at something above sordid pleasure. Takara, too, was proud of her husband, and had already begun to look up to him and to feel the force of his character. Yet something she had hoped and longed for was missing. All her maiden life she had dreamed of this one sweet satisfying thing, and it was still an unrealised thought. They did not remain at Kyoto longer than etiquette required, though in that time Shibusawa saw something of the life and manners at the royal abode. He came in contact with not only the immediate members of the family but some of the mikado’s most intimate advisers and a multitude of his well-paid admirers, and therefrom formed some notion of the prodigality if not unwisdom of such a duplicity of government. Returning they went by way of Kanazawa, where Takara was very much impressed with the magnificence of her father-in-law’s estates, the prospective seat of her husband’s future empire. “Oh, what a beautiful place, and such a grand scene!” said she, with rapture, as they approached the family mansion at the summit of the hill. “And the lovely breeze, and the stately pines, and all the beautiful things which Kami has given us—here you will be my lover, and I, oh, how I shall love you! Yes, I will love you, love you, oh, so much!” Shibusawa did not answer, but for the first time recognised her full nature, and presaged the consequence of his failure. Nor did he venture to speak and in some measure unfold the true state of his feelings until the day before their final departure for Tokyo. She had waited for him and longed for him, and now somewhat of despair if
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