As Shuurei and Santa arrived at Kochou’s brothel, they started to wonder about the imitation painting. Shuuei, Seiran, Ryuuki and Kouyuu were also on their way to Kochou to acquire more about Heki Yuukoku. Will Ryuuki and Shuurei finally meet each other, or will they hide from each other . It is also puzzling who the man with the golden raccoon was, as well as the seller who sold him this golden raccoon statue among other things
. What is behind this huge influx of fake paintings?
It’s time for Shuurei, the supposedly exiled official to think once again and investigate this strange phenomena.
Episode summary
We found out that the woman who adored and hugged Shuurei was Kaling, a lady that would appear once in a while at Kochou’s brothel. However, after seeing the imitation painting on the table, she rushed out rapidly leaving everyone wondering what happened. An attendant also informed of an unconscious person with a golden raccoon who was washed away by the river, and Kochou asked if Shuurei knew him. Shuurei, after deliberate hesitation, told the attendant to save him. Kochou flicked his head to wake him, as she said there was no gentle treatment for someone who tried to make a marriage proposal so abruptly.
After waking up, the man was abashed as he said that he passed the letter to her (the love letter) even though the order of giving the letter and the proposal was wrong. When Shuurei wondered if the golden raccoon was the gift, he said it was the drawing while someone told him that his charm would improve if he held the statue. He was actually waiting for Shuurei, but was washed away by the river. Shuurei questioned about his identity, and he realized that he forgot to add his name. He was Suou Shin (sic?). Shuurei looked completely flabbergasted, and she asked if he was really proposing marriage.
Suou Shin said he was hoping to get cash and power if they could get married, as well as getting her out of officialdom. Shuurei asked if he was being too brutally honest, but he said it was common fact that many hated her to stay in officialdom. Santa abruptly left. The scene now changed to the group of four bishies as someone asked for Kaling. Shuuei said he did not think this person was there and proudly claimed he knew every single courtesan in Kochou’s brothel. As they entered, the voice of Shuurei chasing Santa could be heard as Ryuuki shoved everyone into a small cabinet. In the cabinet, Shuuei told Ryuuki not to touch him at the “wrong spot”, but Ryuuki retorted that he had no space.
Santa was annoyed that Shuurei treated marriage like a pawn, and felt that she would be able to love someone normally if she was not an official. Santa knew what Shuurei did in Sa province, but he felt indignant that all she got was a punishment and made a scapegoat by the emperor and high ranked officials. He knew Shuurei kept trying to move up the ranks unlike an idle hand like him, but as a woman, she would never get happiness. Santa then asked if being here in the capital was better than being an official, since she was well loved by people rather than working for those high ranked officials who abused her.
Suou Shin was given a bag of money by the friend of Kochou who passed him the coins for the painting. Kochou saw how Shuurei was somewhat moved by Santa’s words, but told Shuurei that he said all that because he did not want to lose and wanted to do something as well. Kochou praised that Santa turned into a good boy. Seiran said that it was Shuurei’s choice when all of them look pained, and said that Ryuuki did it without regrets despite the consequences. Kouyuu and Shuuei should not make such a look as it was shameful ( meaning they were not supportive of what Ryuuki did).
As Shuurei and Kochou returned to Suou Shin, they realized that the coins were fake. Kochou said that if Shuurei did not notice the peculiarity of the scales, it would be a long time before anyone did. Shuurei tried to appeal to Suou Shin to work together since he was also an official, but he denied it as it was nothing of his business. Kochou’s appeal that the painting given by him was also fake was pushed down as his father bought it unknowingly. Eventually, Kochou’s threat of showing him “hell” convinced him. Seiran also appeared to help her. Kochou asked if Ryuuki and the rest were fine not following her, and Kochou told them that Kaling would probably know where Heki Yuukoku was. All the guys were smirking over Shuuei’s claim of knowing everyone now.
At the palace, Reishin was telling Youshun to quit as it was dangerous to his life. Youshun said he had something that he needed, and Reishin said he would offer anything for him. Youshun said that the thing could only be achieved by risking his life. Reishin told Youshun to choose him, but Youshun said that Reishin should choose him. Reishin added he would not change because Youshun was the prime minister, and he hated the royalty. Youshun said he would leave it up to Reishin on how he reacted, and Youshun said he had a special weapon made by Sai Rin. The cane sprouted out flowers, before hitting Reishin with pepper spray. With that, Reishin stayed a while more to help to regain his “cold-blooded pose”.
Suou Shin was trying to escape but he was hit by a tapioca thrown by Seiran. Seiran then made a silly pun with raccoon, and told Suou Shin to be a man enough for responsibility. Suou Shin said he could not care but Shuurei rushed back in time. Seiran turned back to the nice Seiran, leaving Suou Shin in shock. Ryuuki and co. were exploring the streets to find Kaling, but Kaling sprinted past them (calling them low lives) without them realizing it was her. Moreover, she was extremely rude as she had a hatred for men. Shuuei said that he felt that the name Kaling felt beautiful, but they all worried if the woman who run past was Kaling.
Hakumei was swarmed with work with Kouyuu missing. We also realized that there were two accompanying Heki Yuukoku. The man who asked for Kaling could not find Hakumei, and thought that Heki Yuukoku would be with Kaling. Shuurei, Seiran and Suou Shin were on their way to figure out the conspiracy. Suou Shin said that the culprit probably had the real paintings, sold the fake ones to others, and used fake money to buy the real paintings to get a good sum. Ryuuki and co also realized that this fake painter was probably somewhat forced and associated with Heki Yuukoku. As Shuurei continued to look house to house, Seiran realized someone was following them.
Thoughts
First of all, I would love someone to tell me the correct name for “Suou Shin”. I was trying my very best to listen and figure out what in the world this name was, but I just fail to figure it out. Now, on the discussion of this episode, I find that this is one of the most hilarious episodes ever. I know that the summary just does not give this episode justice, from the scene where Shuuei complained that Ryuuki was touching him somewhat “wrong” to Seiran changing his personality from good to bad. I really wish subs will come soon for those who watch this series, so that you can get the full humor.
I personally felt that Santa did something really important. He has somewhat kept Shuurei in a reality check, to make her more aware of romance and love. I am very sure that she has no idea as yet about gaining happiness as a woman, but at least she has some time to think. Nevertheless, I think that it should never undermine the fact that she has done something really wonderful for females, as well as the kingdom in her many works in Sa province. It is also quite ironic that there is a bit of truth in which she is made a scapegoat of sorts, but I do not see it at least as the intention of Ryuuki.
Is it just me but there is something seriously wrong with Suou Shin. He seems way too intelligent for a man of his caliber, and he has that slack attitude (and intelligent look) at times. I guess I cannot believe that he is just an average official and just another random low status family folk. However, he cannot be Heki Yuukoku in my opinion, or can he really be the eccentric one aka Heki Yuukoku? Let’s see how it goes, but he has not exhibited anything that evident as yet. The golden raccoon is pretty darn cute though, and the way he holds it to almost everywhere he goes is just downright queer.
Seiran also finally gets some coverage after a very long time of absence or fleeting appearances. I really like it when he questioned Suou Shin’s manliness, and Suou Shin shrugs it off with a “I don’t care”. I also enjoy the part where Seiran defended Ryuuki’s decision to punish Shuurei in order to protect her, and it really shows how much trust Seiran puts in Ryuuki. It clearly shows a good dosage of brotherly love, especially when they are keeping their tempers controlled being packed like a pig sty due to Ryuuki’s shoving.
I do wonder what the purpose of Kaling and the other man is to accompany Heki Yuukoku. Are they perhaps his bodyguards? If so, they clearly do not seem to be really good ones, since Kaling is always running around like a crazed woman who wants to kill all men in question. Ok, that is a really mean joke, but when she called Ryuuki and co “low lives” for simply blocking her way, there must be a comment by me. On the part of females, Kochou really showed Suou Shin whose boss with a “I am going to show you hell if you do not help us”. That is bloody classic.
Next episode seems to be the continual discovery of this fake painting conspiracy. Let’s see whether this can somehow help Shuurei a little to get rid of her exiled period.
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Comments (25)
Su fang =Suou Shin
lady Kou added these pithy words on Sep 30 07 at 7:08 amand i edited accordingly. Thank you ^^
Impz added these pithy words on Sep 30 07 at 8:14 amThanks for this summary as always. I can’t wait to see it myself^^
Is it possible for you to post these screen caps in a bigger resolution? That would be great!!! ^___^ Thumbnails which can reveal larger photos!?
bootoye added these pithy words on Sep 30 07 at 12:38 pmThnx for the summary I always enjoy them and im still waiting for the subs to come out but that takes lots and lots of patience and I admire those who are translating the series… I also want to see more of Shuurie and Ryuuki though im not sure if she’ll open up * Wich I hate becuase Shuurie must have a happy Ryuuki ending of love^^.
Thnx and please keep blogging cause its awsome!
Thank you very much for the summary!
And, as for Heki Yuuukoku - no, Suou Shin isn’t one - in novel spoilers, he is usually referred as Tantan-kun 
(no major spoiler with it, right?)
The person who is Heki Yuukoku had shown already, and I’d say that person turned out quite interesting 
but I guess I should keep quiet about who it is? 
@Bootoye: I wished I could but that will really take way too much effort. I know that sounds really bad of me, but it will take way too much of my time, and being a master’s student, time is very against me. Sorry for denying your very reasonable request T_T
@Clari: Hehe, well, it is really very hard to translate since the characters in Saimono talk as though there is no tomorrow. It is definitely a very very hard anime for anyone to translate, so it honestly takes a very long time for subbing to occur. I cannot really blame them for that too ^^;;;
I wonder if she will ever open up though. I just feel that she is way too driven to be an official (messing around with this event) that she has no time to have any form of romance. It is just as Santa said: Shuurei is unlikely to gain happiness as a woman on her current mindset. At least Santa said it.
I will definitely continue blogging, so do not worry ^^
@Jasana: NO SPOILERS NO SPOILERS!! But ya, the joke about tantan-kun is like lame, but especially when Seiran said it with such a straight face. I was like -_- but my baka girlfriend went like all fangirlish since she is a huge fan of Seiran.
She even wants to dump me for Seiran. Sigh. What a poor life I have.
Impz added these pithy words on Oct 01 07 at 7:04 am*wry grin* I had a bit of shock when I saw the screenshots of Ryuuki, Kouyuu, Seiran and Shuuei in the closet. Almost misinterpreted them until I read the summary. ^^;
erialis added these pithy words on Oct 01 07 at 9:50 amHey,since when does Reishin openly cares for anyone?(with the exception of shuurei and shouka)It send me creeps when Reishin said he would offer anything to Yuushun
Oh man,i know who it is that Heki guy but i am going to keep my mouth shut because spoilers suck.I am really impress that the anime is so faithful to the novel
polaris added these pithy words on Oct 01 07 at 10:44 pmI just finished watching this episode and I totally agree with you. This episode was hilarious. Thank you so much for the summary since I was able to get about half what they were talking about. =D Thank you!
Kyra Ensui added these pithy words on Oct 02 07 at 1:59 am@erialis: I am glad I at least caught someone who was thinking wrongly 
Heh heh, it is EXACTLY what I intended to mislead people. Who said that anime bloggers cannot be cheeky and deliberately mislead his readers with his screenshots ^^. Glad you enjoy the summary
@Polaris: Well, actually, Reishin openly cares for Shouka and Shuurei…Wait, I didn’t read carefully, so yes, you are right. I mean, Reishin did indirectly care for Kouyuu even though he made sure that he never lets Kouyuu find out how much he is treating him. I mean, the last person that insulted Kouyuu had a very sad fate. I do not want to face anyone like Reishin, who is cold blooded to all except to those who he cares about.
Yes, no spoilers desu!!! SPOILERS ARE EVIL DESU!
@Kyra: It is hilarious huh! I feel bad that I am unable to capture the humor of it, which is sad. I really hope subs will come soon ya!
Impz added these pithy words on Oct 02 07 at 7:00 amHello~! I just recently came upon your lovely summary page through a google search and I must say that you have been a lifesaver! ^^ My Japanese is rather poor and since this series is so intense as far as their dialog goes, I just watch the raws and weep out of frustration. Well, of the stuff I CAN pick up, I try and piece them all together… futilely.
pandalin added these pithy words on Oct 02 07 at 11:00 amOops. ~_~ My post was cut off due to my own stupidity and accidentally using characters I shouldn’t have (even though I did read your warning T_T). Sorry! Bad habit on little smiley’s on my part. *sigh*
(continuing from up above)
Anyways, I wanted to just send out my deepest thanks for sharing what you have so far! It takes a lot of your time and effort to put these up and I greatly appreciate all that you’re doing for fans such as myself!
Episode 20 was extremely hilarious! XD My husband kinda shakes his head when I get all fangirlish around characters such as Ryuuki and Seiran, so when I read your summaries, I can’t help but giggle more since I can see my husband reacting the same exact way as you. ^.^;
The closet scene was priceless! What really touched me about this episode, though, was Santa telling Shuurei the honest truth and it made her think.
Anything involving Reishin-sama is what really gets to me, though. Sure the younger guys are great and sure I have a tendency to get squealy at times, but Reishin’s attitude and nature really tickle me. XD I love how this anime isn’t just focused on the teenagers or early-20 type characters. ^.^ It allows us older types to not feel so old. -_-
I personally enjoy the deeper underlining meanings behind this anime that aren’t as focused on (since all the pretty bishy’s are what most people focus on ^^). I’m glad that you focus on them as well. It’s always nice to find a mature reviewer who touches on all of the aspects of this anime such as yourself. So once again, arigato gozaimasu~! m(_)m
pandalin added these pithy words on Oct 02 07 at 11:03 am@Pandalin: Hahaha, that is great! It’s always great to hear from someone that the summaries have been useful, even though it is a little sad that I no longer have the time to comment back quick enough. It generally takes 1-2 days for me to reply.
That said, I always go the same way as your husband when my stupid gf (also known as thirteensugars, and roams around the blog to make fun of me sometimes) starts going all fangirlish with Seiran. She said she even wants to be his wife and have her babies. Pity me.
In a way, I find that Santa telling Shuurei the truth is perhaps one of the most important scenes in Saiunkoku Monogatari. Shuurei does not understand love, but i am glad that she is now given the opportunity to reflect happiness as a woman.
Older people to not feel that old? I really don’t know, hahah! Just kidding. Nevertheless, Reishin is like an adult most of the time, but he’s amazing vulnerable to people that he cares about a lot. Tells you a lot about this man. Well, then , I do hope to see you around and comment often.
As the old adage says (my own), comment to make the author feel appreciated desu ^+^
Impz added these pithy words on Oct 03 07 at 9:11 pmConsidering that Shuurei pretty much grew up in an all-male home, I can see why she’d struggle with stuff such as love. Coming from a personal standpoint, my parents were those old-fashioned Chinese types who would literally hack me to pieces if I got involved with anyone of the male species… so I grew up in complete fear about men in general. Not only was I afraid of my parent’s wrath, I didn’t know what to expect or look for as far as love goes… so I ended up just shutting it out, living in complete ignorance for many years. Sometimes ignorance CAN be bliss, y’know? What you don’t know can’t really hurt you… or so they say. That’s probably what Shuurei’s struggling with.
Anyways, don’t worry about responding. It’s amazing that you even take the time TO respond. ^^ Not many people I know would, so it is still greatly appreciated. The fact that you do respond shows you care and actually read the comments, thus encouraging people to keep coming back and commenting! So what goes around comes around, eh?
I’m not really THAT old either (late 20’s) but the fact that Reishin & Kiijin seem to be in their 30’s or so gives me comfort in that strange sort of way. ^^
I’m sure that your girlfriend loves you very much and you probably more than likely know she’s just teasin’ ya about it all. It is rather cute, though, how you do touch on that in your blog. XD I don’t really get giggly anymore so much about the way characters look, but more of their actions. For instance, I kept replaying that one moment in the last episode of the first season where Shuurei tells Ryuuki to sit… and he obeyed her! LOL! Those kind of moments tickle me about the characters. Or when Reishin blushes and gets all giddy whenever Shuurei’s around and Kiijin comments that Reishin’s being creepy. XD Or when Reishin gets scolded by Shouka. Those sorts of moments make me giggle and get “fangirl-ish” and what makes me love this series more and more. ^.^
Thanks again!
Pandalin added these pithy words on Oct 04 07 at 12:28 amOh yeah… and I forgot to mention either way, but I wholeheartedly agree with you that Ensei kicks royal @$$!!! He’s probably by far my most favorite rugged-type character in any show! ^^ I just managed to finally get a hold of episode 11 (yeah, a bit late, but hardly anyone seeds these episodes anymore T_T) and he just totally put everyone in their place! Now to hunt down episodes 12-15. *sigh* Heehee.
I kinda like the new member of the harem…er *ehem* i meant, guy.
Wait, i have a VERY stupid question. Since when did Shuuei decide he wants to go all casual and let down his hair and look like Ryuuki’s alter ego/double. Is it an assasination countermeasure? haha. just kidding.
I never thought Santa would be “important” in the story. but now that i think about it, he is relevant, considering he was a friend of hers as said in season 1. Just shows that nothing - no plot twist,no character, no scene in saiunkoku is created for nothing.
Oh darn it. I missed the first episode in animax. I guess i have to stay in front of the tv set for a while. haha
Thanks for the summary Impz!!
Uruz 8 added these pithy words on Oct 04 07 at 5:43 amAhh so much prettiness in one show.
Ran Shuuei looks very good with his hair down ^-^
D.J added these pithy words on Oct 04 07 at 5:19 pm@Pandalin: You don’t? Good lords, I am happy for your husband. She goes on like a rave fangirl whenever Seiran appears. My poor ears are suffering from her squealing at times.
Arr, I guess the thing about what you do not know cannot really hurt you is rather inaccurate. Shuurei is hurting herself without even recognizing, and that is why her heart is filled with agony whenever she thinks about Ryuuki and his advances. it is not that she does not know, but she is running away from the problem in my opinion.
Reishin is just a pedophile as I have noted earlier. I mean, he will marry Shuurei just to protect her and date a girl that can be his daughter. Tsk tsk tsk, evil pedo. (just kidding btw, i love reishin).
@Uruz 8: harem? Cough cough. I think that it is only for this event as a form of disguise. I mean, all of them have to change their looks just a little for this quest to find Kochou. You can’t expect them to look all orderly. They will look glaring in a crowd (not that a group of pretty boys walking down the street isn’t glaring already).
Sigh,I also miss the first episode in animax too. I wish they could replay it. To add, saiunkoku monogatari is just as you said. i am sure that the disappearance of sakujun and the emergence of Riou will come back to haunt a few characters.
@DJ: lol! FAN GIRL TIME?
Impz added these pithy words on Oct 05 07 at 3:12 amThank you so much for this blog…I’d be completely in the dark with out it. You actually made my day, when I say the summary for 20 was out!
Would you happen to know where I could get the novels? Are they available in english?
shuureifan added these pithy words on Oct 05 07 at 9:33 am@Shuureifan: Sadly enough, I have no clue about the novels since I do not read them at all. Nevertheless, I remember there is someone who posted the summary for the novels. Here it is, from Bella.
http://yuzutea.net/log/tag/saiunkoku
Read it if you need to. Cheers! ^+^
Impz added these pithy words on Oct 05 07 at 10:21 amomg tyvm!
shuureifan added these pithy words on Oct 05 07 at 4:23 pmDefinitely fangirl time.
I noticed Kouyuu doesn’t have his hair covered up for once. Ryuuki pulls a funny face.
Methinks this episode is ripe with fangirl moments.
D.J added these pithy words on Oct 05 07 at 7:31 pmYes I agree this is a funny episode! (Me in my room trying not to laugh too loud with my flat mates parents over).
Uruz: I also noted that Shuuei and Ryuuki looked extremely alike on their visit in the town especially when they both lean toward each other to look at the scroll you can see that their fringe actually look like two angel wings.
I also back up the comments made that translating is alot of work. I once did a tour translation in Japanese (40 minutes worth of talking) in writing and that took me weeks (in between uni at the time). To me the most difficult would be the technical terms and vocab of the period/time (in the case of Saiunkoku). Oh and also Japanese jokes don’t come across very well at all in translation, I tried to do English jokes in Japanese - but that’s also difficult and doesn’t translate well.
On my behalf as another female I can’t say I squeal over the bishies either, but I do sigh and there is a heart a fluttering. But that’s it. I agree with Pandalin that its more interesting when I see things a character wouldn’t normally do eg. Reishin being all giddy and stupid over Shuurei and Ryuuki with Shuurei - wait, there’s a common theme here… hmm. Anyway I like the difference in the demeanor of these people that show their feelings. Another cute scene that came to mind was Riou and his gentleness despite his offstandish character previous to episode 11 I think.
Thanks Impz as usual for the translation. I think my Japanese is improving tho because in this one I understood most of what was said.
ling added these pithy words on Oct 06 07 at 5:03 pmThanx again for the great summary..
yep, Santa was a true friend there.. but i feel he hadn’t realized 2 things.. the 1st as u said, about how Ryuuki feels for Shuurei, he’d never make her a scapegoat.. the 2nd is that Shuurei was the one who resolved to visit Sa province even when she knew her life could be in danger.. still.. it was really nice of Santa to talk so openly to her when usually he doesn’t have the courage to express his thoughts well..
about Suou, he seems like a weird character with a downright attitude.. also he looks n sounds like a duplicate Ran Ryuuren with red hair..
about Kailing’s running, she reminds me of Eyeshield 21’s running without ‘Devil Bat Ghost’.. lol
about Reishin caring for Yuushun, well.. i think in 1 of those episodes (maybe in the 1st series) they showed Reishin, Kiijin n Yuushun together (when they were much younger) watching little Shuurei playing with her parents.. so if they’ve been great pals for such a long time, wouldn’t it be natural for him to care for Yuushun?
funny to hear about your g/f wanting to marry Seiran.. lol i too really like him coz he’s got such a variety of moods n expressions, n for all the great traits he’s shown so far.. but then again i can’t forget Ryuuki n Koyuu who entertains all the time with a bunch of silly,funny but cute expressions..
also Reishin, even if i see him in a cold, serious mood, i keep expecting something silly to happen any moment.. lol
Mai added these pithy words on Oct 25 07 at 1:41 amAh, I was reading this summary again and I just wanted to point out that Suou Shin ’s name should be written the other way because his first name is Suou.
lijana added these pithy words on Nov 05 07 at 5:11 pm