Long, long ago, in a certain country, there lived a kind and wealthy man named Masauji Taira. He was a just governor who cared deeply for his people. He had a wife, Tamaki, and two children, Zushio and Anju. They lived happily together in their mansion.
One day, due to political unrest, Masauji was falsely accused of a crime and was forced to flee to another land. To protect his family, he sent his wife and children to live with his brother in a distant village. However, during their journey, the family was ambushed by bandits. Tamaki and her children were captured and sold into slavery.
Zushio and Anju were sold to a cruel bailiff named Sansho, who managed a large estate. Sansho was a heartless man who treated his slaves with great cruelty. Zushio and Anju were separated from their mother and forced to work hard labor under Sansho’s harsh rule. Despite their suffering, the siblings remained hopeful and remembered their father’s teachings of kindness and justice.
Years passed, and Zushio grew strong while Anju became graceful and wise. One day, Anju overheard Sansho discussing plans to kill Zushio because he feared that Zushio might lead a rebellion. Anju, knowing the danger, encouraged Zushio to escape and seek help.
With great reluctance, Zushio fled the estate. Anju stayed behind, knowing that her brother’s escape would mean her own sacrifice. She threw herself into a river to prevent Sansho’s men from capturing her and forcing Zushio to return. Zushio, deeply saddened by his sister’s sacrifice, continued his journey.
Zushio traveled to the capital and sought an audience with the new governor. He revealed his true identity and told the governor of Sansho’s cruelty. The governor, moved by Zushio’s story, decided to take action. He sent soldiers to arrest Sansho and free the slaves.
Zushio returned to the estate with the soldiers and confronted Sansho. The cruel bailiff was arrested, and the slaves were freed. Zushio, now a hero, was determined to find his mother and reunite his family.
After a long search, Zushio finally found his mother, Tamaki, who had been living in a remote village. The reunion was filled with tears of joy and sorrow for the loss of Anju. Together, they honored Anju’s memory and lived the rest of their lives in peace and happiness, spreading kindness and justice as Masauji had taught them.
The story of Zushio and Anju became a legend, reminding people of the importance of compassion, bravery, and the enduring power of family bonds.