TOYOTOMI
HIDEYOSHI
From the Osaka jochu kabegaki
[The
Wall Writings of Ôsaka Castle] 1595
(Note: While not
strictly a 'House code', the Wall Writings of Osaka Castle, intended for the realm's
daimyo, demonstrates that the basic concepts and presentation of daimyô
law remained the same even as the Sengoku period ended.)
Greater and lesser
lords are strictly prohibited from entering deliberately into contracts and
from signing oaths and the like.
If there is
a fight or quarrel, the one who exercises forbearance will be favored.1
Those who have
permission to ride in palanquins are [Tokugawa] Ieyasu, [Meada] Toshiie, [Uesugi]
Kagekatsu, [Mori] Terumoto, [Kobayakawa] Takekage, elderly court nobles, venerable
and high-ranking monks. As for others, even daimyo-if young-should ride on horseback.
Those fifty years of age or more have permission to ride in simple palanquins
if the journey is at least on ri. Those who are ill also have permission to
ride in simple palanquins.
Concerning the
management of fiefs throughout the country: after the crops have been inspected,
the lord should take two-thirds and the farmer one-third. In any case, orders
should be issued which will ensure that the fields do not become devastated.
One of lesser
status may keep, in addition to his principal wife, one handmaid, but he should
not maintain a separate house. Even one of greater status should not exceed
one or two concubines.
Conform to the
limitations of your fief; in all things your actions should be [consistent with
your standing].
1.He
presumably refers to personal disputes among the daimyô, rather than
either war or a brawl between common samurai.