THAT Animeblog

Saiunkoku Monogatari II Episode 34 - “藍より青し”

Posted by [Impz] on February 03rd, 2008 | Category: Saiunkoku Monogatari II

Just before anyone worries whether there will be a new episode next week, Episode 35 will be showing. However, as next week is the Chinese New Year, I might be somewhat delayed with the entries since I will be busy celebrating the festival. Nevertheless, this episode is perhaps much more straightforward exercise after the pretty complicated episodes lately. This week, everyone in the capital is starting to travel to the Ran territory in pursuit of Shuuei. Yet, the name of Jiuzhaigou is a recurring word. What is in this beautiful lake?

Screenshots: http://www.sendspace.com/file/5t32ny

Episode summary

Ensei saw the rather depressed Shuurei, as Shuurei asks him to forsake his examination this time and join her party to Ran province. Ensei agrees readily, and Shuurei is surprised. Ensei says that he is studying for the examination not working in the central area, and says that it is Shuurei not Yuushun that needs him. When Shuurei continues to ramble on, Ensei says that Shuurei should just thank him nicely and gives her a chance to ask properly. Ensei realizes that she is hiding something about the mission, and eventually Shuurei asks him to join. Ensei also realizes that Shuurei is working too hard and is not getting enough sleep. Ensei warns her that the physical condition of the body is important and knocks her out.

Ensei tells Seiran that Shuurei needs to rest as Dark Seiran says that he will kill Ensei for this. Ensei and Seiran discusses about Kouki’s attempt to recruit Ensei and asks why Seiran is always having such a serious face. He says it’s his instinct around such a lax Ensei and tells Ensei to protect Shuurei. Ensei tells Seiran that he no longer supports Shuurei x Seiran, and he has to be protective over the woman he deems important. Ensei warns him that his rival in “love” is not only Ryuuki but even the likes of him possibly if Seiran is not careful.

The next day, Yuushun and Seiran sent off Jyuusan-Hime, Ryuuki and Jyuusan Hime. Seiran initially questions why Shouka is there but realizes that Ryuuki asks of it from the rather sad look on Ryuuki’s face. Kouki instructs Shuurei to go now to protect Ryuuki, and he says that the king never informs about his purpose. Kouki also asks Shuurei to check on Shiba Jin, as he tells about how Shiba Jin kills his father when he is 21 years old. Shuurei says that he should be dead five years ago, but Kouki tells that Shuurei is the one investigating the “spirits of the prison”. Kouki asks her to see if it is someone from the Ran clan who let him go in the recent assassination, and it is clear Kouki wants to reduce the power of the two major clans.

Kouki tells her that he hopes that she never returns, and Shuurei says that she will DEFINITELY be back and asks what local food he wants. Kouki tells her to buy the double egg yolk duck eggs, seasonings and monkey head mushroom in the mountains. Kouki also tells Shuurei not to follow Ryuuki into Jiuzhaigou. Shuurei, Suou Shin and Ensei sets off and Tantan suddenly tells Ensei to fasten the path. Tantan’s father came over to bring some food for the trip as Shuurei stops the carriage. Tantan’s mother also came hidden behind a wall as Tantan’s father wished Tantan well for his job, and promises to work hard in order to return the cash to Shuurei.

Ensei remarks how Tantan has a good father. Near Jiuzhaigou, Shin murmured how he is back here, as Shusui looks to be struggling. They talked about the seal, and Shusui says that the implement of a seal should allow Shin to control her. Shin says he is not part of the Hyou clan and he is coerced into bringing Shusui to Jiuzhaigou. Shusui tells of the tale by the first ancestor of Hyou clan, who uses a magical mirror to hold the 108demons. Eventually, the demons broke the barrier of the mirror but the ancestor is able to entrap the demons using her er hu. As such, the demons are hence transformed into the lake and are trapped within.

Shusui says that since she is commanded to go there by Ouka, she rather go willingly with Shin rather than forced. When they reached the place, Shusui feels the seal once again as she tells Shin to kill her if she turns uncontrollable. Shusui also reaches Jiuzhaigou, where the mansion of the Ran clan is, a little known fact. Ryuuren met Shuuei at the gate, as Ryuuren said “welcome back”. It surprises Shuuei as Eigetsu and Shuurei must have trained him well. Shuuei tells Ryuuren not to intervene as it is his problem. Ryuuren informed Shuuei that Yuki is not here but Gyoku, his wife, is here. Shuuei tries to run away but Gyoku invites Shuuei in.

Shuuei professed to tell all the dark secrets of Ryuuren to Shuurei and Eigetsu for allowing him to face Gyoku. Shuuei says that nothing has changed in this mansion as he sees a flashback of Gyoku and him. Gyoku invites him to eat breakfast, and he enjoys the sweet egg roll. Gyoku remembers how Shuuei describes her as a sweet egg roll, and Shuuei says that Yuki says that too. Gyoku says that Yuki says it to make fun of her. It seems that Gyoku initially is the new concubine for Shuuei’s father, but eventually married Yuki. Gyoku added that they always quarrel, and Yuki always complain about Gyoku hanging out with Shuuei. Shuuei also realizes that Yuki is actually jealous of Shuuei and knows that Yuki works hard to get Gyoku. Gyoku also says that she is very fortunate, as Shuuei’s heart seems to be relieved somewhat.

Gyoku talks about Shuuei’s loved one as she sees the fan from Shusui. Shuuei asks about whether any shrine maidens from the Hyou clan have visited the shrine. Yuki’s absence is to meet someone from the Hyou clan. Shuuei tells Gyoku to inform him of anything that happens in the capital. Tantan is seasick as Ensei knocks Tantan out and ties him to the deck. The sailors start to put human-shaped buns into the water, as it is explained that the currents are wild. They initially feed human sacrifices, but an officer says it’s dumb to sacrifice humans and says that buns are good enough. As the currents continue to be wilder, Shuurei, Ensei and Tantan readies themselves.

Thoughts

Wow, one of the most interesting thoughts that arrived is actually near the very start of the show. Unless I translated it completely wrong, it seems that Ensei is not counting out the fact that he might be considering Shuurei to be an “important” person. I mean, the way that Ensei is implying with his message (adding to the fact that he talks about marriage between Seiran x Shuurei) means that Ensei might want to have a Ensei x Shuurei pairing. Oh my gosh! This is perhaps the most blatant confession by any of the guys other than Ryuuki about how they feel about Shuurei. I mean, it even gets Seiran worried sick when Ensei says that he does not support the Seiran x Shuurei marriage no more.

In a strange way, I am really happy for Tantan. Considering how much of a happy go lucky person he is, he does have a very caring father who is not a brilliant father by any means but at least one that truly cares and loves him a lot. The gesture is genuine, and of course it is always good to have the guilty mother that sends him off behind a wall. This is truly cute of a family, and I enjoy how they talk to each other.

In a way, I think that Shuuei definitely is a coward when it comes to relationships. Nevertheless, I am very sure the talk with Gyoku has given him some courage to move away from his past, considering how Gyoku humanizes Yuki. I believe I will be very surprised to hear from my sister-in-law about how Yuki actually gets antagonistic about Gyoku and Shuuei being together. Even though Yuki says it in a way that he implies that he fears Gyoku will be a bad influence to Shuuei, it is clear that Yuki just does not like the two to be together. It is good to see some emotions from one of the triplets, who seems extremely distant for the short cameos.

I now understand the mystery of Jiuzhaigou a little better, since both the Ran’s residence and the shrine of the Hyou clan are in this region. Shusui also mentions about the demons that are entrapped inside. Considering the residents around this beautiful and mystical place, it is little wonder that the officers are persuading Ryuuki not to go there. Hey, but since Shuuei will be there, it is inevitable that something dangerous might appear soon enough. One final thought must be about Kouki. I never knew he’s a food connoisseur.

51 Comments so far

tomoyohime February 3rd, 2008 6:44 am

i cannot express how much i appreciate these summaries. they’re the only way i can make a guess on what’s going on in the vid.

i’m glad that the anime is starting to catch up with the novels. i wish though that they would include the side stories as well. ^_^
tomoyohime February 3rd, 2008 7:02 am

btw, have they ever shown the ran triplets in person? i’d really like to see what they look like.

ran shuuei in his dressed down look is a VERY nice change. XDDDDDDD and ryuuren is adorable, as always. ^_^
etineski February 3rd, 2008 7:06 am

ahh impz… once again thank you for the summary.. ensei interested in shuurei hmmmm… it follows the manga pretty fast..thats good.. i hope it will turn out good.. sorry guys imma ryuuki shuurei fan..
wow were celebrating it too..welp i will wait for ya summary i usually wait for it before i watch the next episode..

Gracias!
bootoye February 3rd, 2008 7:27 am

Thank you very much for the screenshots and the summary.

Does everyone want to marry Shuurei? @__@
etineski February 3rd, 2008 8:14 am

umm how come Ryuuki was gloomy ? when Seiran noticed him with Shouka? Deres a lot of reasons for Ryuuki’s anxieties.. I just dunno which ish? which are?
rev February 3rd, 2008 8:53 am

@Impz

Ah, from what I heard on Seiran’s conversation with Ensei

I think Ensei tells Seiran that it must be himself that protects his important lady;

and of ‘love’ rivals Ensei may not meant it in literal sense. It may means that him telling Seiran to be more ‘offensive’ since he, Ensei, also a potential rival and he (Seiran) don’t know what would happen to her.

I don’t know if I heard it right (learning Japanese phonetically, so cant help it if it’s wrong); but it more sounds like a stout warning rather than a declaration.
rev February 3rd, 2008 9:00 am

.. though I don’t hate the idea of Ensei x Shuurei, more like rooting it ^^;

Ryuuki’s right now just as helpless as Seiran; can’t get more screentime together with Shuurei (and I think the one that get more happy hugs from Shuurei are Ensei)

Ensei is GAR anyway (sry, can’t hold it ;p) if 2ch is overrun by saimono fangirls, I think even Shou Taifu can make it to SaiGAR lol
Impz February 3rd, 2008 9:28 am

@tomoyo: Glad you appreciate it because it will be sad if I made the summaries and no one really cares about it. I do not want to hear spoilers from the novels because…. THEY ARE EVIL \O/. I think they did for a new snapshots during flashbacks, but they are pretty infrequent. I think it is only once or twice. Actually, I think ryuuren’s dressed down looks better, but I am no bishie lover. My dum dum girlfriend is.

@Eti: Arr, well, I think the part about being interested in shuurei is more of a strict warning (but there is definitely a bit of interest). I just cannot resist adding it in as a declaration, but it really can be interpreted in a variety of ways. I just went for the LOVE LOVE LOVE~

@Bootoye: *insert everyone loves Shuurei because she does not have womanly curves*. ~_~

@Rev: yep, that is slightly more conservative and perhaps more accurate way of explaining things. However, the message itself infers that Ensei’s constant appearance around Shuurei definitely has the potential to be together. I do not think that Ensei is going to be chasing Shuurei by any means, but I think that he is not eliminating the possibility now. Ensei is simply being realistic by telling Seiran that he should not think that Ensei is asexual toward Seiran’s ojou-sama because Shuurei is attractive in her own way.

HAH! Ensei is just a slacker who can also fight very darn well
etineski February 3rd, 2008 9:37 am

thanks for the enlightenment impz..ehehe! yup novels are EVIL!!!!
SEAMaiden February 3rd, 2008 11:04 am

EnseiXShuurei pairing?!

*somebody, pass me a pucket for me to throw up XO*

As far as I’ve watched since the beginning of Saimono, EnseiXShuurei pairing is sooo out, just like ShuueiXShuurei pairing lol :O Ensei is too lax/content with his freedom as a single governor assistant to consider marriage, & Shuurei is no different.

Ensei + Ryuuki are the type of leaders who know how to recognise rare talents & would willingly pursue these talents for Saiunkoku’s development interests. They saw Shuurei as a once-a-lifetime talent you don’t often get in every Saiunkoku dynasty. Shuurei is important to Ensei perhaps of Sa province interests. Both of them care for Sa greatly. She wields greater influence than him, thanks to her bestowed flower buds. To loose her in any way…(sigh) what a waste a energy he has been living life all this time, especially after scrappping themselves out alive from the once-tyranical Sa family. And oh not to forget, there’s the ever-protective Seiran, father Shoka, faithful Ryuuki…he has to answer to these guys if he fails Shuurei anyhow, with the most fearsome agony from Seiran of course ;P

I made a ref on JiuZhaiGou among my last comments in Episode 33 blog. Seems like JiuZhaiGou is getting hype up here from now on. Just googled ‘JiuZhaiGou, China’ + get pictorial glimpse of the lakes there. You’ll fall for its’ sheer beauty, trust me Can’t help thinking perhaps this place has a lot of spiritual stuff going about it too. This spiritual stuff is amplifying the Hyou and Ran clans’ character all the more now, don’t you think so?
Anonymous February 3rd, 2008 11:15 am

I always was partial to Ensei and Shuurei together. Now we play the waiting game.
L-chan February 3rd, 2008 1:17 pm

Kouki, kakkoi you! Kouki! ^_^

The impression I got from the novels was that Ensei in the way that he sees her as his ideal politician, or just in general approves of her methods. Suou mentions that he’s never seen a guy who could so fully separate his private and public life, or something like that.

Quick name corrections: The woman commanding Shusui is Ruka, not Ouka, and it’s Gyoukuka, not just Gyoku.

I’m glad to see that they kept in Gyoukuka’s freckles, since in the previous flashback you couldn’t tell. She’s supposed to be not a stunning beauty, but just incredibly nice.
vesper February 3rd, 2008 5:30 pm

Ensei knocked Shuurei out? I’m surprised Seiran didn’t knock Ensei out.

Ensei warned Seiran that he might put the moves on Shuurei? Ahhhh! *flails*

I adore Ryuuki. I love Seiran. But I think that Ensei might be a good choice for a husband for Shuurei. Ensei’s career could work in tandem with Shuurei’s. And they seem to have such a good working relationship.

And I just like Ensei.

Why is Shuuei being so weird with his sister-in-law? Did I miss something?

Impz, thank you for the summary, and for pointing me to Hatenkou Yuugi. I’ve been enjoying it.
delphyne February 3rd, 2008 5:38 pm

geez…now Ensei has a thing for Shuurei?!? I don’t know, but I think EnseixSeiran would be far better pairing LOL XD

Thanks for the summaries, Impz!!!!
heather February 3rd, 2008 5:44 pm

Thanks for the update. Maybe Ensie said that to wake Serian up so that he wouldn’t continue to stand ideally by. Anyway, the really cool things are about to happen, so it should be really interresting to see how it ends now.
ravenskye_75 February 3rd, 2008 6:36 pm

Yesh! Ensei! Yay!!!1!

He’s so super smexy and I think he would be great with Shuurei…. when she’s a bit older, of course. >.> Ensei is so loving and patient with her, but he’s also firm with her when she needs a strong hand for guidance.

I hope it’s Ensei, that crazy, sexy wild man! ^^
Gypsy-chan February 3rd, 2008 7:30 pm

Great summary update!! Lot happening here. I really like Ensei’s character but Ensei/Shuurei pairing?? No way. For one Ensei knows that Ryuuki is totally in love with Shuurei and I don’t think he would intefere with that. Also I think Ensei admire Shuurei’s work and has deep feelings for her as a good friend and as a little sister. Ensei telling Seiran that he doesn’t support Seiran/Shuurei any more is like a wake up call for Seiran. Seiran seems to react quicker when he is threatened or pressured. Ensei “threatening” him by wanting to protect the person that is most important to Ensei will force Seiran to flush out his feelings for Shuurei. Also Ensei can see the difference when Seiran is not around Shuurei. He commented on Seiran being so serious and he is probably worried that the dark Seiran will take over if he is away from Shuurei too long. Shuurei has a way of keeping Seiran’s darker side under control. Last point is that it is obvious Seiran would rather be protecting Shuurei, but Yuushun is like the Emperor’s right hand man. Being that high up on the imperal food chain means Seiran has to protect him first opposed to a low level official like Shuurei. (Seiran/Shuurei yay!!)

I really like Kouki. His character is similar to Reshin/chamerlain Kou. It was a perfect choice to have Shuurei working in his department. He is just the character to toughen her up. I just hope he doesn’t fall madly in love with her like all the other SM guys in this story. I would like to know more on his background.

I like this “Ran Shuuei” arc. I hope it doesn’t end with some weird cliffhanger.
Kaeboo February 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm

I don’t think it’s really “love” in a romantic sense between Ensei and Shuurei here. It’s just that Even if he supports Seiran and Shuurei getting married, he may have actually seen that Seiran has a different priority over Shuurei. True that Seiran cares for her but so does Ensei and it seems that Ensei gets to get his hands dirty protecting their little princess while Seiran ogles at Ryuuki, in the guise of protecting Yuushun. Well of course, Ensei would gladly do that anytime.

Shuuei’s old unrequited flame… Gyokuka. He has this knack for girls who don’t like him, doesn’t he? hehehe Despite the courage he carries in his name, he is a big chicken when it comes to heart matters.

It only seems that even Ensei believes Seiran and Shuurei ought not marry. Let’s just hope the next novel comes out so the story can move on… I still think that the anime will end where the novels did, i just hope it won’t take long until the next set comes out.

As always, great summary, Impzie. Thanks.

*offers a bag of cookies*
L-chan February 4th, 2008 5:13 am

@Gypsy: I doubt that Kouki will be falling in love with Shuurei, considering that he’s, like, 20 years older than her or almost. (yes, he’s in his late 30s)

Reishin is obsessed with her because she’s Shouka’s daughter, and I think Kijin more than anything just talked about marrying her to annoy Reishin.
heather February 4th, 2008 7:08 pm

Gypse-Chan, Ensie (my man) does not support the Shurrie/Ryuukie pairing. He has address this on two separate occassions. But, he has always support Serian’s love for her till now. How exciting…and very sad for me.

Kaeboo, As for Serian choosing to oogle Ryuukie, more like Ryuukie oogles Serian. I think Serain is choosing to rank himself higher by guarding Yuushin because the woman he loves (Shuurie), told him to become a general. So naturally, he is doing everything possible to fullfil her request of him (Because he is such a good man for her and loves her completely). I mean look how sad he became when Ensie (the man he trusts most) is now going after her also. Poor Serain is probably thinking he doesn’t stand a chance now. Competing against his brother and most trusted friend to name a few.
Kaeboo February 4th, 2008 8:44 pm

@heather… nah, there are instances when seiran chooses ryuuki over shuurei.
there are scenes that if you would watch closely, he reprimands shuurei because she does not listen to what ryuuki is trying to tell her and it is not because shuurei asked him to be general that he wants to be one. he made a promise to ryuuki that he, seiran, will always be by his side to protect him even in the shadows.

shuurei is just another confirmation of what he really wants to be, as shouka also wants him to purue his own dreams by telling him that it was both of them who needed her more than she needed them.

seiran loves ryuuki so much that he is willing to sacrifice his own to support his dreams. in this aspect, that’s where he and shuurei are the same. that’s why he also gives her that support. it seems that in his eyes, she is someone really special that he has to protect just as much as he wants to protect ryuuki.

as for ensei, he realizes this. he has been teasing seiran about the pairing but he never really insisted on it. this time, i guess he just sees that it will never work. they may love each other dearly but there’s no “umph” in one of the parties, or both, perhaps, that he decided to just let it go. He really cares so much for seiran like a brother and he chose to be the older brother seiran does not want to accept. shuurei is the princess in their hearts and whatever it is that deems important for seiran, he protects even doubly. honestly, when you look at it, ensei has spoiled seiran too much that he allows himself to be like a slave to him.

the characters seem to have this consistent battle of loyalties. whether external or internal. the girl or the throne? the king or the clan? the adopted sister or the half brother? etc, etc, etc….

it will be settled, later on, i think. i’d still bank on that 3rd series. charmian mentioned the next novel comes out in may. sweet!

now, lemme see… there’s another thing that has been bugging me. who is yuushun? his background has never been revealed just yet. he can be another key, you know. is he loyal to the king or to the nobles that senka eliminated? i wonder.
Impz February 4th, 2008 11:14 pm

@SeaMaiden: What’s wrong with Ensei x Shuurei? I mean, Ensei isn’t really that old comparatively. I mean, he looks like he’s rather old but he does have that charm that will actually suit Shuurei. Despite his lax and content with freedom, Shuurei will probably have tons of happiness when the two decides to settle down.

Ensei is clearly selfless too in the ways he work. He has never done anything without consideration to others. It’s merely that his actions and mannerisms seem lax, but he’s probably more considerate than most people at all.

Yep, one of my China friends who is a graduate student in my university mentions about her home town which is very near Jiu Zhai Hou. I can say that the beauty of the lake during each of the four seasons will memerize many people. I wish I can go there one day, but I wonder honestly about the co-existence of Hyou and Ran clan in the same area. It’s very strange.

@Anoy: heh, i doubt it will ever happen. It’s more of a warning.

@Vesper: Seiran did not try to knock Ensei out. He threatens to kill Ensei with that! HAH! Well, the warning to me is the biggest plot gut on the romantic side of things,since I am completely taken a huge shock over the fact that Ensei actually gave a warning. I mean, he doesn’t look like he cares about anything.

Shuuei is weird because he has a huge crush on his sister in law. That is the reason why he does not like to be reminded of her, since it shows his failure to get the woman he likes. Moreover, it’s his brother that got the girl.

@Delphyne & Heather: No problem. I honestly never thought about the Ensei x Shuurei pairing, and now I fully welcome it!

@Ravenskye: He’s not wild -_-. He’s just…..relaxed.

@Gypsy: Well, the thing with Seiran is that he is no longer restricing his own role to protecting Shuurei. As much as he wants to argue, Yuushun is way important (and more likely to be attacked) compared to most officials, much less an unimportant officer in the ranks like Shuurei.

Well, I have a feeling Kouki is rather dark in terms of the conflict that his clan is decimated by the previous king and that he is supported by the noble who wants to usurp the throne. I do not think that he will ever support such a revolution, but I do wonder his words of “I do not trust anyone and will do anything” will hold any ground in the future.

@Kaeboo: accepts cookies ^+^. Oh yes, I always think that Shuuei has huge problems in terms of picking targets. Considering how he can be charming, he’s absolutely clueless with the people he loves. He’s such a silly guy sometimes, that you cannot put comparisons with the suave general and the spineless wort he is.
delphyne February 5th, 2008 1:14 am

@Impz…actually I don’t mind….EnseiXShuurei…anybody but Ryuuki
gelai February 5th, 2008 5:12 am

huhuhu…… i want to have a dvd copy of this….hahahah nakakakilig
Denise February 5th, 2008 7:40 am

Loved the summary as always!!!

BTW, has there been any announcement of a season 3?

Since we’re on 34 now and there’s only going to 39 eps. I would think they would be announcing something soon.
heather February 5th, 2008 5:50 pm

Kaeboo - As much as Serian loves Ryuukie, he choose to stay by Shuurie’s side. If you want to indulge in the managa/anime: mananga,Ryuukie wanted Serian by his side, said he would give up the throne (so no battle would happen). Serain’s answer was that he didn’t want the throne because he was happy and want to stay by the side and protect the people that took him in. AKA Shoka/Shuurie. He also tells Shurrie all the time that he will always be by her side, while he tells Ryuukie that he will support him from the shadows. When Ryuukie insisted, he told him (again in the manga) that if he kept talking like this that he would run away and Ryuukie would not find him. Then he asked Ryuukie if that would be alright? Ryuukie said no, and Serian told him to be content with how it is. A little different from the Anime, but still.

He repremands Shurrie on Ryuukie, because that is his brother after all, and like any big brother, 1) he doesn’t want anyone to think badly of his little brother…which leads to 2) because he wants Ryuukie to stay on the throne, so he can stay by Shurrie’s side.

He has also told Shurrie, that when it comes to Her and Shoka, he is very selfish.

No, to me it is clear that Shurrie is number 1 and he will do whatever it takes to ensure Ryuukie stays securely on the throne so that he doesn’t have to leave Shurrie for good.

But that is just my opinion.
heather February 5th, 2008 5:52 pm

Delphyne - I agree 100% Anyone but Ryuukie.
kaeboo February 5th, 2008 6:20 pm

@heather, yes, but all those happened early in the story. the characters have already grown and have chosen things slightly different from the first few arcs. it is very clear that even if Seiran wants to be by shuurei’s side, he chose to send ensei instead. it would have been easy to tell yuushun and ryuuki that he must go. i believe this is what ensei has been saying.

the conflict of loyalty in seiran is whether to choose his brother or shuurei and shouka for that matter. i’d still say he used to have the inclination to choose shuurei, but after he saw that she could stand by herself, he opted to be with ryuuki in the palace.

just like ryuuki’s promises to shuurei. if you are following the novels, i believe you would know what i mean.

shuuei in the first part of the story also pledged his loyalty to ryuuki but now he is wavering. he even resigned from his post because he was confused.

kouyuu did the same as well. even if he did not resign, when kurou asked him to marry shuurei in order for him to be the next kou clan leader, he started to really consider it and even asked himself if ryuuki would give his blessing and he is still struggling with that option until now.

the theme of saimono is conflict of loyalties. whether internal or external. that’s what seems to be keeping the story alive. add the skewed politics and mysterious history of each clan to the mix.

i just hope that the author would give it a good ending disentangling all these conflicts one by one and not merely because of giving it an ending because she has to.

i only have 2 things i would want to opt for when it would come to shuurei’s story… that she becomes one of the greatest government officials as stipulated in the narrator’s words, practically marrying her career instead of any of her puppies that follow her every step… and the 2nd option be that she retires from her job early after she has been satisfied with the changes that she has seen in the government and marry the love of her life, whoever that is. but she can never have a love life and a career life at the same time.

oh well, then again, that’s just me.
Anonymous February 5th, 2008 11:43 pm

>> marry the love of her life, whoever that is.

Oh come now, we’ve all seen how Shuurei greets Ensei. Even if she herself hasn’t realized it yet, we all know she wants his babies.
Liesel February 6th, 2008 6:13 am

hmmm… enseixshuurei is really strange… now im thinking is shuurei the only woman in saiunkoku??? why are all the men falling for her?? haha.. i do agree that at this point ryuukixshuurei is a bit off.. but that’s because i want them both to grow up a little bit more.. and im rooting for jyuusan-himexryuuki anyway…
sumomo February 6th, 2008 6:36 am

Thank you, Impz, for the summary.

Ensei…hmmm…I always had a feeling he might develop feelings for Shuurei somewhere down the road.

As for me, the best thing would be for Shuurei to end up with Ryuuki yet still finding a way to fulfill her dreams. Something like becoming the first Empress to rule Saiunkoku with her husband, similar to what some historians say may have happened between Queen Nefertiti and Pharaoh Akhenaten of Egypt. The second option would be for her to realize that she loves him but both of them realizing that they can never be together because of who he is and who she is. It would be tragic and angsty and I’d probably cry buckets, but sometimes the sad stories are the ones that stick to you long after they’ve ended. T_T
minime February 6th, 2008 8:26 am

Heather, why do you dislike Ryuuki so much? Poor creature, he´s so lonely
Bubble February 6th, 2008 8:58 am

in my opinion, i will never support jyuusan-hime x ryuuki… NO>>>NO>>> no way… i still think that shuurei x ryuuki is better… after all… i can’t bear to see Ryuuki’s sad face
SEAMaiden February 6th, 2008 9:13 am

@Impz:
^o^ Sorry. I guess because I’m a die-hard ShuureiXRyuuki fan, it’s kinda hard to swallow EnseiXShuurei. I’ve no objections to his charms or brains (in fact, he’s seems to fulfill my ideal husband dream ;P). Yeah, I saw her passionate hug for him at the Sa border gates, her utter trust in his super-undefeatable defenses, her intimate confidances to him that she don’t share to Seiran, Ryuuki or Shouka, etc. Just that, the Saimono series concentrating on their relationship is pretty weak on developing romance between them. To me, it’s nothing more than total-sold out devotion between assistant & superior.

About the Ran+Hyou co-existing in the same JiuZhaiGuo valley, I got the feeling that the Rans are somewhat the guardians of the Hyou’s sacred shrine. Anything belonging to the Hyou would usually send Saiunkoku people to shivers ’cause of their powerful mysticism. Rans has a lot of nerve to be so near the Hyou clan unless for specific purposes. Clue: Ryuuki + Shuurei&Co. were warned not to go near that shrine. That shrine is special, so special to tempt Ryuuki all the way from Kiyou to visit there. So special that he doesn’t go to Ran residence just to see Shuuei? That’s something to think about…

@Heather, Delphyne + all other SeiranXShuurei fans:
Okay, okay! You’ve argued your case more than enough for your beloved couple.

@sumomo:
It’s said that Saimono is based on the Tang/Song dynasty period, where many female poets + warriors + monarchs brought fame to their dynasty with their talents & love for their spouses at the same time. Plus, Tang is arguably one of the golden ages of ancient Chinese dynasties that reigned before China became republic (this you have to confirm with historians for confirmation, for it’s my opinion after gathering info). Likely that Saimono is going in this direction, so it’s possible for Shuurei to balance love for Ryuuki & passion for her career. Looking forward to that ;P

@Kaeboo:
Thank you soooooooo much! I love you for the Saimono novel good news! *dancing on the rainbow*

@All Chinese all over the world:
Hope you all get lots of ‘ang paus’ with fat pads of cash in it + fill yourself with yummy food + have wonderful reunion times with family. Wishing you all Happy Chinese New Year/’Sing Nian Kuai Le’ (Mandarin)/’Gond Xi Fa Cai’ (Cantonese)!! *fireworks lighting the sky*
aznchocoholic February 6th, 2008 4:35 pm

HA-HA-HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! and thank you for another great blog, Impz! hope you get a lot of money!!! seriously i think that chinses new yr should be a national holiday in america. mean its so unfair that we still have to go to school to do science fair presentations on chinese new year… NOT FAIR!!! haha…but the rest of you, i hope you enjoy yours!
heather February 6th, 2008 6:02 pm

Minime - I have nothing against Ryuukie other than he cries and whines too much. Personally, I like my men strong, sweet, and funny (like Ensie). Ryuukie does have his cute moments. I just don’t want him with Shuurie. I love him with 13th princess though.

Seamaiden - Yes, Ensie is ideal (Sigh). Sorry, about drumming the case but i will defend my couple as long as their fans like you (die hard Ryuukie/Shuurie fans) LOL No…sorry…I’ll try to contain myself. I just really hope my fangirl fantasy (Ensie) doesn’t really want Shurrie that way. Granted, if she chooses him, then I have to give her kudos for good taste at least. LOL

Anyomous - Who wouldn’t want to have Ensie’s babies? I mean Dang! Plus that he is even better with just his hands!
heather February 6th, 2008 6:13 pm

Kaeboo - Sorry, I mean to write something. But, in trying to keep my promise to Seamaiden, I will only say that you make excellent points, but I don’t think the conflict for him is as bad as Shuuie and Kouyuu’s struggle for loyality. Personally, I think “he” ballances his work with feelings quite well taking into account all situations (in the pallace), as he truely has a grasp of (unlike Ryuukie at this point but is starting to understand now). One instance shouldn’t determine his whole make-up of loyality but of the overall whole.
Gypsy-chan February 6th, 2008 10:04 pm

It was said Bare-hime had some kind of special powers. Shuurie, being her daughter must have some kind of special pheromone that attracts all the hotties. Maybe that’s why Bare-hime had to be locked up. To keep the hotties out. Once Shouka-sama found her, he fell madly in love with her and couldn’t kill her. Bare-hime didn’t like him at first but later grew to love him and was very happy. Poor Shuurie.

Anyhoo, I’m definitely die-hard Seiran/Shuurie. In this latest episode it is obvious that Shuurei wanted Seiran to go with her because when Ensei mentions Seiran she looked really sad and said that it be best that he not go. She knows that Seiran is working hard and trying to become a higher military official and guarding Yuushun is good training and an honor. I don’t think she wanted to interfere with his training. Also, Seiran wanted to go with her too but he knows that he has to work hard at his training in order to get the highest rank in the military if he wants to keep up with Shuurei. He even teased her once by saying she may end up one day being prime minister and him being her military officer. So I think that’s why he stayed behind to further his military career to the point where he will be ready to stay by Shuurei’s side no matter how high she climbs politically.

I really like Ensei too. But I don’t think they would make a good couple. In this chapter alone we see that he tells her that she needs to get rest and then knocks her out. LOL, he even knocks out Tantan for getting sick on the boat. I can see Ensei and Shuurei now, Shuurei coming home telling her husband Ensei she had a hard day at the office and Ensei saying you need some rest then knocks her out. Then Seiran jumping through their window chasing Ensei down with his sword for touching his precious Shuurie. LOL, I don’t think Ensei would survive the marriage with Seiran as his brother-in-law.

I’m glad we got to see Ryuuren in this episode. My fav side characters are Ensei and Ryuuren.
kurixkuri February 7th, 2008 4:57 am

Hey!!! Happy Chinese New Year!!!!

Anyway going back to Saimo, is it just me or there are too many loose ends in this season? I mean so many story arcs are “finished” but with questions unanswered. I guess i will just have to be patient. Did someone speculate that there are going to be 39 episodes for this season? I cant see all this being explained properly in 5 episodes!!!!
sumomo February 7th, 2008 7:24 am

SEAMaiden - If it is indeed based on that age in China’s history, then I’m definitely looking forward to it being realized in SaiMono-verse. ^_^

Heather - I think we have to forgive Ryuuki for being a bit childish. If you think about it, his growth as a person is one of the major developments to watch out for in this story: to see how this prince who had been the very last choice for emperor and seemed least worthy of the position, becomes one of the greatest rulers in his country’s history.

Funny enough, I think I like the idea of Jyuusan-hime with Seiran. It would make for a very interesting relationship. Seiran needs a woman who can tame him. And Jyuusan-hime needs a man who can make her forget Shiba Jin. And just imagine how much fun it would be if Ran Shuuei and Seiran become brothers-in-law! hehehe. XD

But of course, the joy of all this is that we can all sail our favorite ’ships. ^_^
heather February 7th, 2008 8:32 pm

Gypse-Chan… LOL I like the bare-hime bit. That MUST be the reason that Shurrie can pretty much have whatever guy sees her! LOL Pretty soon she’ll need to be locked up too! I agree with the bit on Serian. Love the Ensie marriage scene.

Seamaiden… I know, I have been VERY happy with Ryuukie’s growth in this second season. Personally, I’m for him and 13th, but she would make for an…interresting (is that the right word?) wife for Serian. I could see where the appeal for fans would be there for her. Personally, if she really took an interrest in Serian that way, I would be all for it. That man needs love and someone to pay attention to him (just as badly as Ryuukie does). And just the thought of poor Shuuie having Serian for a brother-in-law would be funny since, he asked 13th not to marry him for that reason!
Liesel February 7th, 2008 8:59 pm

now that i think about it… i do like the ryuukixshuurei pairing more… but this time i want shuurei to be the one chasing after ryuuki… and to be the one in agony… just so she could learn how it feels like to be rejected by the person you love… (no offense meant to the other pairing fans, gomen!)
vee February 8th, 2008 6:15 am

I think saimono will have a 3rd season… HEHEHE… It’s very unfinished.
sumomo February 10th, 2008 6:26 am

uh…i seemed to have missed it the first time but is that Ran Shuuei with his sister-in-law? He looks lovely with his hair down. ^_^ I wish Shusui would learn to love the poor guy.
ravenskye_75 February 10th, 2008 3:53 pm

@Impz: lol Sorry, I didn’t mean Ensei was wild in the sense of party-animal wild. I was actually thinking of wild in terms of scruffy, mountain man kind of wild. The image that usually pops in my head when I think of Ensei is when he is first introduced into the story and he’s got the facial hair. He’s cute with it, but way hotter clean shaven! ^^
NatsumeMaya February 12th, 2008 10:29 am

Honestly, I love your summaries and your commentaries are so eloquent. Thank you!

I agree that it’s about time that Shuurei steps up and realizes her feelings. Like asap. I don’t want the remaining episodes to be rushed resolving the side relationships and such.
rae February 12th, 2008 11:13 am

Firstly, I thank you for your summaries, Impz. I’ve been reading them for quite a while=P

Regarding the ShuureixEnsei pairing, I seriously don’t think it’s likely to come true but I’m quite sure that Ensei IS interested in Shuurei. I already got the impression when Shuurei left the Sa province, during which Ensei mention that he’ll definitely pass the exam (in order to work in the capital, near to Shuurei… ). This episode just confirms my suspicions. Hee:)
Tina February 23rd, 2008 5:32 pm

thank you for ur summary.

wow I never considered Shuurie x Ensie. but I’ll surport him
Ensie is cool guy.

ah, don’t mind who’s going marry Shuurie. Ryuuki,Seiran or Ensie they all are great

I can’t wait to see the end I hope its going to be happy end.
parca August 21st, 2008 12:15 pm

Actually, I’m more inclined to lean toward a Serian/Shuurei. Given his demeanor, past, and even his name you’re pretty much spoon-fed that he’s quite reserved. There’s a certain amount of debt he feels that he owes to the family, but that shouldn’t detract from his own personal feelings. He’s obviously bothered whenever he sees Suurei with other men in intimate situations (even to some extent his brother). He wants Ryuuki to be happy, but he questions the cost of his happiness (Shuurei). He’s honestly torn and waiting for Shuurei to decide– that said, I believe that the reason that Ensei sees/reads Serian’s feelings towards Shuurei well and encourages him to make a move (through constant baiting of course).

As for the pairings, I believe that Serian needs someone sensitive (such as Shuurei) yet [at the risk of sounding ridiculously cliche] strong/outgoing to pull him out of him out of his shell. He did say that he prefers to save the best for last, and I believe he’s waiting for Shuurei to recognize him in that light.

Ryuuki clung to Shuurei because she believed in him (which not many did). She is his first love, but I believe that he’s better off mending Jyuusan-Hime’s heart.
Amu August 22nd, 2008 2:13 am

Thanks once again Impz. Couldn’t resist but read the summary before watching the row episode.

About Gyoku (or Gyoukuka).. think it’s high time Shuuei to move on from his past and find a better girl. Shusui is the one that he gave hints for a crush but she’s head over heals in love with Shouka.. so.. it won’t work out either.

Ensei x Shuurei pairing!!! I was utterly baffled. @_@ I mean I always thought Ensei had a brotherly love towards Shuurei. I’ve gotta watch this n confirm it with my own eyes.. lol

Then again.. like others have said.. maybe he just wanted to warn Seiran.. and remind him that he (Seiran) is not making any progress with Shuurei.

And I also wonder why ever since Sakujun’s arc (where Seiran tells Shuurei that he’s a better suitor for her than Sakujun) I hardly see any Seiran x Shuurei sweet moments like that thereafter.. T_T Maybe even the author has given up on them.. lol

Also I can’t imagine Shuurei falling for Ensei. So I’m sure even if Ensei would ever fall for her by any chance, he’d still opt to be her ultimate bodyguard than her lifetime partner. Cuz that’s how Ensei has always been. XD
Crystal B October 23rd, 2008 8:42 pm

Hiya, just happened in. Love that google, very fine website. Thanks.

For all who are wondering how to get raw/subs from this blog, it will not be answered. Please use your good sources to figure it out.

Also, please refrain from using smileys with the "<" and ">" characters. Your comment WILL be cut off if you do. Styling html such as <em>, <strong> and <p> can be used. Please use spoiler tags (<spoiler></spoiler>) around any spoilers you may post.

Do note that most comments will not be deleted as we believe in freedom of speech. However, comments without any constructive criticism and only made of vehement personal insults will be deleted at the author's discretion.