Mayama Seika's drama "Meikun Gyôjôki" was premiered in January 1937 at the Tôkyô Gekijô [casting].

"Meikun Gyôjôki" is made up of 1 act (3 scenes).

Act I, scene 1: Bizen no Kuni Okayama-Jôka Aochi Zenzaemon no Ie
In the House of Aochi Zenzaemon below Okayama Castle in Bizen

Aochi Zenzaemon, a loyal retainer of Ikeda Shintarô Mitsumasa, the esteemed daimyô of Okayama Castle in the province of Bizen, finds himself entangled in a serious predicament. He shoots a bird with a gun (teppô) in a wildlife preserve, a place where hunting is strictly forbidden. In the ensuing chaos, he accidentally kills a guardsman who confronts him.

Zenzaemon believes that no match has been placed in the lock of his gun, unaware that one of his young attendants has inserted it, ignorant of the hunting restrictions in the area. Given these circumstances, Zenzaemon argues that he holds no blame for the incident. Yet, he claims guilt and seeks a trial by the justice-minded lord. His plea for accountability stems not from a desire to protect his young attendant, but from a deeper motive: a longing to gauge the true character of Lord Mitsumasa, a ruler he admires greatly.

Zenzaemon perceives this as an opportunity to explore the fundamental qualities of his lord. His respect for Mitsumasa runs deep, more profound than that of anyone else, and he understands that requesting a trial is a manifestation of his admiration for the lord.

Mitsumasa is determined to save Zenzaemon from any accusations and clear him of the murder charge. He feels a growing annoyance at Zenzaemon's insistence that he be judged by Mitsumasa himself. As he hears Zenzaemon openly professing a desire to reveal the true nature of the lord, Mitsumasa realizes that this request reflects Zenzaemon's deep attachment and respect for him. Frustration builds within Mitsumasa as he struggles to devise a plan to rescue Zenzaemon, convinced that failing to do so would tarnish his reputation as a wise ruler. He worries that losing this battle with Zenzaemon could undermine his own standing.

Meanwhile, the retainers of Lord Mitsumasa urge Zenzaemon to withdraw his plea, but he stubbornly stands his ground. Tsutsui Sannojô, Zenzaemon's cousin and close confidant, secretly sells his heirloom sword to gather money and suggests that Zenzaemon escape unnoticed. However, Zenzaemon firmly rejects Sannojô's advice. He understands that the travel funds are tied to Lord Mitsumasa and does not want to rely on them. When he explains his refusal to his wife, Nui, she remains silent, feeling a profound sympathy for his resolve to uncover Lord Mitsumasa's true intentions.

In a tragic turn, Rinsuke, a wakatô who had been responsible for a critical act with Zenzaemon's gun, takes his own life.

Act I, scene 2: Okayama-Jônai Ikeda Mitsumasa no Ima
At Ikeda Mitsumasa's Living-Room inside Okayama Castle

Inside the castle, Mitsumasa feels a sense of confusion as he stands before the elderly vassal, Yamanouchi Gonzaemon. Impatience churns within him because he struggles to devise a way to save Zenzaemon. This swirling mix of hatred and affection for Zenzaemon's unwavering devotion weighs heavily on his mind. He is consumed by thoughts, desperately seeking a strategy to assert his will in this situation.

Sannojô, bowing his head, expresses regret to Mitsumasa for his failure to complete the mission assigned to him and pleads for Mitsumasa to dismiss him permanently. As Mitsumasa senses Sannojô's dark intentions toward Zenzaemon, he unleashes a fierce reprimand. The news of Rinsuke's suicide provides Mitsumasa with a pivotal opportunity to craft a clever plan. A satisfied smile creeps onto his face as he commands that the trial of Zenzaemon commence immediately in his presence.

Act I, scene 3: Jônai Shoin no Ma
In the Study inside the Castle

In a grand hall connected to the castle's study, the trial of Zenzaemon officially begins at midnight, with Lord Mitsumasa in attendance. Zenzaemon stands before them, dressed in formal attire, the gun in question laid out for all to see. As Mitsumasa makes his entrance, the trial starts immediately.

After going through the usual formalities, Mitsumasa turns to Zenzaemon, inquiring if he truly wishes to understand his intentions. Zenzaemon nods, sensing the challenge ahead. Although Mitsumasa feels a wave of nerves at facing someone as formidable as Zenzaemon, he masks his apprehension with an air of nonchalance, determined to steer the proceedings in his favor.

Initially, Zenzaemon appears to gain the upper hand, and an intense exchange unfolds. Mitsumasa shifts his demeanor, tightening his stance before softening it again. At times, it seems he is on the brink of laying bare his true thoughts, only to dismiss Zenzaemon, all the while concealing his genuine intentions. Zenzaemon starts to feel the weight of Mitsumasa's strength of character but resolves to press on, whispering to himself, "I will not yield to Mitsumasa."

Mitsumasa instructs Zenzaemon to pick up the gun before him, to aim it as if he were targeting a bird in the wildlife preserve, and to pull the trigger. Zenzaemon struggles to follow this demand; his hands tremble before he ultimately drops the weapon.

"My lord, you are a coward! Trials must adhere to reason. I cannot accept your appeal to mere emotions." Mitsumasa's voice rises in response, "Is there any reason that exists apart from human feelings? If you solely rely on logic, then even a master can pull the trigger of an empty gun."

Zenzaemon gazes sorrowfully, his head drooping. He cannot grasp the true thoughts of Mitsumasa. Unconvinced, Zenzaemon reluctantly admits his defeat to the steadfast Mitsumasa.

The actors Ichikawa Ennosuke II (left) and Ichikawa Sadanji II (right) playing the roles of Aochi Zenzaemon and Ikeda Shintarô Mitsumasa in the drama "Meikun Gyôjôki", which was staged in January 1937 at the Tôkyô Gekijô