| The reason why samurai were paid in rice was because money is considered as a vile and disgusting thing that destroys the hearts of men.The samurai were forbidden to carry money or have any economic thought.
The samurai were encouraged to learn other trades,though it wasn't necessary it was still encourage,for art and culture were a part of the samurai lifestyle.
The lowest caste in Japanese society at the time was actually the merchant caste.The merchants were considered as parasites in society,since they sold items,but they didn't make them.They also dealt with money,which was considered vile at the time.
As for the Emperor,his word wasn't actually the law,his words were more of recommendations and guidelines rather than real laws,the office of Emperor was like the UN,its make sanctions and laws but it doesn't have the power to enforce them.It was only because he was a descendant of the Sun Goddess that know one dared to touch him.
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"It is a good viewpoint to see the world as a dream. When you have something like a nightmare, you will wake up and tell yourself that it was only a dream. It is said that the world we live in is not a bit different from this." -Hagakure
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