Maeda Toshimasa looked to be in his fifties, his face heavily weathered by wind and frost, hair gray and white tied into a loose topknot, with silver streaks at his temples. He wore an old plain jacket, double-buckled straw sandals, and carried a bamboo basket on his back. Compared to a feudal lord who could at any moment hang those refusing to pay annual tribute, he seemed more like an old farmer.
He came in, exchanged a glance with Okumura Iefuku, then enthusiastically welcomed Nozawa without hesitation. First he praised his impressive appearance, then repeatedly thanked him for saving Asong, and took the chance to introduce his family members.
His wife, Takehara Yasu, in her forties, was dressed like a village woman from working outside, but she spoke with a cheerful smile, seeming very optimistic and outgoing.
