Saiunkoku Monogatari II Episode 35 – “危ない橋を渡る”
The meeting is close. In the previous episode, Tantan, Ensei and Shuurei are traveling to the main city of the Ran province in order to find out where Ryuuki is going. However, they do not realize that Ryuuki is going to Jiuzhaigou under the direction of Jyuusan Hime and the protection of Shouka. Yet, an important story about the definition of a king in Saiunkoku will be revealed in Jiuzhaigou, and only one that can assume the story as reality can be truly a king in this world. Will Ryuuki go for it?
Today’s entry is a bit late as the blog went down and I did not get the episode until very late today. Gomen nai!
Screenshots: http://www.sendspace.com/file/id0guq
Episode summary
Tantan is still recovering from the severe waves, while we see Ryuuki thinking in sadness. Back in the palace, Reishin tells Yuushun to quit his job and says that Ryuuki has no right to work above him and does not realize the danger he is putting Yuushun is. Yuushun says the trip is to calm Ryuuki’s nerves. The angry Reishin Reishin warns that Ryuuki might not come back if he enters Jiuzhaigou, and Yuushun says he will wait. Ryuuki remembers the words by Hyou Jr when he declares his trip, and feels that he should be happy gaining freedom. However, he feels so terrible because he realizes that he has been running away, unlike Shuurei who always tries to fight.
Ryuuki hates how he abolishes all responsibilities to Yuushun and does not deserve to be king. He wonders if he can still return as king. Shuurei is playing the er hu and suddenly murmurs that Ryuuki might be crying. Tantan asks whether Ensei knows why Tantan decides to join this trip, and says that he is a commoner that will not agree with Shuurei on everything. Ensei says that it is nothing bad and Tantan can be objective enough to fully utilize Shuurei’s strengths. Tantan says that he will leave Shuurei to Ensei and Seiran after this mission. As they reached the Ran province, it is definitely more beautiful than the capital.
Buuchuu, the Ran province’s governor, came to pick Shuurei up. Buuchuu says that she is the next investigative officer after Seiga to come to this province. Seiga came to check on Shiba Jin. Shuurei tells Buuchuu to search for Ryuuki and Buuchuu asks Shuurei to stay here. Buuchuu instructs his officers to find Ryuuki in a discrete manner. When his officer asks why Ryuuki is leaving the capital at this time, Buuchuu has no answer, only stating that he did not expect Ryuuki to be so incompetent. Shuurei instructs Ensei to research on the salt and Tantan on the personnel in this province. Ensei says he understands and Tantan is surprised how an idiot-looking Ensei figures things out so quickly. Ensei says that he is an idiot just as Tantan, but has the experience as a governor to rely on.
Shuurei is looking on information about Shiba Jin. Shiba Jin surrendered at 21 after killing his father, but was judged in the province instead of the capital for such a crime. Shuurei realizes that the Ran clan is trying to protect Jin. When Shuurei checks the report, she realizes it is written by Sun, the governor himself and the investigative officer who came to check is Ouki. Jyuusan Hime woke up from a nightmare about Jin and points the sword at Ryuuki’s neck. She apologizes profusely for pointing a sword at Ryuuki, and Ryuuki says he is concerned after hearing her murmur. She asks what she said during her nightmare, and he says that she murmurs something about Jin. She admits that Jin is the person she is in love with.
Jyuusan Hime says she met Jin when she is just three, when her mother was murdered. Jyuusan Hime tried to protect her mother’s corpse, and they stared at each other for three days and three nights. Jin asks how Jyuusan Hime will relax, and Jyuusan Hime says he had to remove his eye. He did to one and is about to do to his other eye but Jyuusan Hime stops him. Jin is supposed to kill Jyuusan Hime by his father’s instructions, but finds refuge with the Ran clan. Jin eventually proposes to marry her when she is sixteen, saying that she is the only one that she will marry. However, everything ends when Jin kills his father supposedly from protecting Jyuusan Hime. Jyuusan Hime says that liking someone does not guarantee happiness, and told Ryuuki to follow his heart.
When they reached a place for camp, Jyuusan Hime says that they will reach Jiuzhaigou tomorrow. Ryuuki is surprised that Shuuei stays there and he is notified earlier that it is inauspicious for Ryuuki to go there. Jyuusan Hime says that they have to climb up Ryumin Mountain to get to Shuuei. At the other side is the sacred temple of Ryou clan. Ryuuki remembers the story that every descendant of royalty will attempt to climb the hill. Those we return are able to make the country prosper, while many did not return. Only a true king can reach the peak and that king is considered by the immortals to be the true descendant.
Jyuusan Hime adds that the place is like a maze, but the Ran brothers never get lost there. She added that anyone who reaches the temple will have their wishes granted but many who tried to sneak there never reached it. Ryuuki murmured about the wish. The next day, Jyuusan Hime found herself alone. Shuuei also realizes that Ryuuki is coming over. Yuki came over and asks whether Shuuei must go even if he objects. It is clear that Shuuei will abandon the Ran clan in order to protect Ryuuki who is destined to come to Jiuzhaigou. He says that he will support Ryuuki no matter whether his family disagreed. Yuki says he is not ready to give Shuuei to the immature king, but Shuuei says they will discuss this when he gets back. Yuki informs that the shrine maiden at the temple is Shusui.
Shuurei realizes that Jin is probably protected by someone powerful, in order for him to be alive. Shuurei also is notified that Ryuuki went to Jiuzhaigou. Shuurei promptly decides to go over, and Ensei and Tantan agrees to follow her. Tantan is worried of the course, but Shuurei says she has to do anything to protect the king. Buuchuu, as he sees Shuurei leaving, says that Shuurei will be a wonderful officer because she is the type that will not let any citizens suffer despite their foolishness at customs and superstitions, just like Ouki. He says that great officers will lay their lives for their king, and the king will grow to be important. Ryuuren eventually joins the three to Jiuzhaigou, while Ryuuki straggles along to the hill alone.
Thoughts
I definitely did not expect how Jin kills his father. I mean, he definitely looks like a very honorable person and the way he got together with Jyuusan Hime is very similar to Shouka. Both of them are ordered to kill the person they love, but eventually falls in love with them. In fact, Jin clearly does not attack Jyuusan Hime at all, and it is apparent that he is still in love with the woman. However, the biggest surprise is the implication that Jyuusan Hime is nearly raped by Jin’s father, which is why Jin kills his father. Considering that the Shiba Clan is a close kin of the Ran clan, I cannot believe why his father will do that.
To usurp the big clan? To leverage for his own noble clan? There is no answer right now but shock is definitely there because Jyuusan Hime now blames herself for taking away everything from Jin. Circumstances are really realistic for the two lovers who are separated by life. I doubt they will ever be together, but I hope that Jyuusan Hime does not keep blaming herself for the situation. It’s clearly not her fault and she looks like the type of person that puts all the blame onto herself and carries the burden alone. That, in a way, sounds like Shuurei.
We also see the development of Ryuuki as an emperor that finally realizes how childish he is in governing and managing his empire. As much as he does all right for the day to day things, he carries out such a silly trip when there is a clear uprising brewing in the future. He then leaves Yuushun alone, vulnerable to attacks. Ryuuki finally realizes the key issue that he is escaping from reality, running away whenever he is faced with a major issue. He knows that, and I hope that he can survive the trip up to the sacred temple to the Hyou clan. He will be a good king and he just has to grow up. Fast.
Ouki is a very interesting entity. We know from the previous episodes that he is interested to be king. Yet, he seems to be a benevolent officer that simply wants the citizens to be well. I am not sure if he is misguided by the incompetency shown by Ryuuki, or the fact that Ryuuki does not yet have the true air of a good emperor. I have a feeling that we might see the good of Ouki in the future if Ryuuki proves his mettle in this arc. I do not know, but Ouki does not have that malicious feeling that most villains have. He seems to care about many people, and simply is disillusioned at Ryuuki.
Lastly, I fully appreciate the presence of Tantan lately. He is perhaps one of the most average people, yet one that is the most objective. He calls himself an idiot, but I feel that despite his lack of insane intelligence, he has a very calm mind that thinks and is blunt with his comments. He does not prevent himself from saying some terrible things if he thinks it will help the situation. The most important thing is that it usually does, and he works well quietly with efficiency. He is definitely a very important presence to bring the best of Shuurei.
Yes, I have omitted all real mention of Shuurei in this thought section. Care to wonder why? 
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Told ya Jyuusan-hime had a tragic past, didn’t I?
There is a very good reason why Jin’s father tried to rape her, but I guess you could call that a novel spoiler. It doesn’t really spoil anything for future events, it’s just more background info on Jin’s dad (who is one sick jerk). If you want to know, tell me.
Another thing omitted from the novels: After arguing with Yuushun Reishin meets Anju, who says that their fight is like hearing lovers quarrel. ^_^
Also, Bunchuu (the governor) is also part of the “Nightmare Exam” group (Reishin, Kijin, and Yuushun). Apparently, due to his gloomy expression, poor Bunchuu was labeled by Reishin as a ghost and was often hounded by the examinees trying to exorcise him from the bathroom, or something like that. Poor Bunchuu also got a fortune told him at that time, saying that his troubles (during the exam) would be the second worst event in his life. Which makes him depressed, because if things were that bad THEN, what’s going to happen to him later? XD
hmm, I am interested to know…..wow is it really 4 more episodes left
do you thing will be a next season or this is the final? o.o
Another update… yay!! Haven’t seen the raw yet, waiting for it to be posted somewhere. Hopefully I can see this eppie this week. Anyhoo, wow! A lot happened here. I think this trip was good for Ryuuki. Being stuck in the palace keeps his views very narrow, but every time he leaves the palace he realizes how bad of a ruler he really is. The first part of his life was spent hiding (understandably from his evil siblings), then running away from his responsiblities. Even after Shuurei came, his participation improved but his ruling ability still pretty weak. With a bunch of old fossils around always hounding him, I can understand why he wanted Sein/Seiran to come back and take over. Sein/Seiran would definitely make a better emperor, but I don’t think that’s what he wants. I think Seiran is content in his life as being “Seiran” the Kou family retainer/Shuurei’s personal body guard. So I’m glad Ryuuki is finally trying to grow into his royal position.
Also, I think I like Tantan much better now. He really has proved useful for Shuurei. I know their has been a lot of Jyuusan Hime/Ryuuki pairing talk but I think she should keep true to her first love Jin. It’s obvious that he is still in love with her.
From your summary it sounds like Shuurei is finally syncing with Ryuuki. She can sense when he is crying? For the first season and all through this second season it was Ryuuki who openely expressed his love for her. Shuurei was slow to react because her priority was getting the most out of being an official which was her life long dream. The author might be slowing allowing Shuurei to express her feelings but not to Ryuuki yet. He needs to follow shuurei’s example by working hard at being a great emperor and deal with love later. He has way too many important officials and nobelmen to impress. I wonder if in a season 3, if they decide to continue the series, they will have Shuurei expressing her feelings towards Ryuuki but he ignores her in order to become great emperor. Whichever way it plays out I hope Shuurei is happy with the way her life turns out in the end. I’ll be happy to take Seiran off her hands
Thanks for the update.
I’m sad…in the Manga, 13th made the decision to be with Ryuukie on the boat ride when he was crying (partly because he was also lonely). She thought that he was a wonderful man, who if loved, could be a great king, and she could be “that person” for him, and that they could possible be “happy”.
I was really hoping they would throw that in there. Because that is where I thought she was really cool. Being able to let go of the past and see a possible “happy future” with Ryuukie. How she thinks about things, and then makes a decision and goes with it.
And I love Ensie he is too funny. I’m glad to see Ryuuen back also.
Gypse-Chan —
Sad truth… Seien would have made a BAD king, according to the “Lily of the Valley” short novel. He divided the courts because he couldn’t trust anyone and because of that, no one could trust him. But, I do think that now that he has lived as Serian, he would make an excellent king. But, Ryuukie has the soft moldable heart that is eager to listen and please others.
L-chan I am interested to know
Alym:
Personally, I don’t think there will be another season. They seem to be going until the latest novel in the main storyline. The next novel comes out on May 1st, so it’s not really possible for them to continue the story.
If anyone is interested in the novels, please click on my name (charmian) to see my site. Impz has said he doesn’t want people to spoil him on the novels, so let’s please respect his wishes. ^_^ (I also have some translations of some scenes in the novels up)
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spoiler tag for goodness! – Impz
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edit: spoiler for above spoiler for goodness – Impz
The season may stop at where the #12 novel stopped, but the story does not necessarily have to be ended. They may have a season 3 brewing, but it would be much much later, when they already have enough story to base their anime on, unless they would want a different storyline than that of the novel.
just like kyou kara maoh and initial d.
Regarding the story so far, I guess I’ll try and keep my mouth shut for now. I’ll be posting spoilers if I’d start yapping about the story. hehehe.
thanks for the update, impzie.
oh my… this is major character development for ryuuki… finally! thanks for the summary!!
hi anyone knows where can i download this raw episode? would appreciate generous help..
but yer impz.. how was ur new years? thanks you very much for this done reading..and hoping for the very best…
thank you
Dang!!!! I hope Yukino Sai writes faster. I don’t know how long I can last after season two ends. Wahhhh!!!! T_T
help please anyone can provide site for this raw episode..:(
@L-chan: Arr, well, considering how his father will command Jin to kill a trusted aide of the Ran clan, it is quite obvious that he’s a sick fag that will stoop at nothing to hurt anyone to get his way. By the way, thanks for the correction on the name of Buuchuu. He does look like he’s on opium or something, and I can so imagine the straightforward Reishin calling him all sorts of names. ^_^
@Peggy: it seems so X_X I hope not though, but I wonder if there’s enough new material to cover. I feel that there’s little, so it’s likely to have a hiatus for quite a while.
@Gypsy: Yep, if you notice, despite the good efforts that he makes to be a good emperor, the truth is that he has always been running away at trouble and requires Yuushun or someone else to protect him from trouble. It is not saying that he cannot rely on Yuushun but he has to learn to discern and be a wise king. Only then can he truly rely on Yuushun to improve the kingdom.
Ya, she seems to somewhat sense that Ryuuki is crying but I wonder how she knows that. In a way, even though the two are physically distant, I somehow feel that the two are getting a bit closer after Shuurei realizes how she is feeling just a little bit more. I wonder if that will be the ending, since Ryuuki really cannot die in his trip to the Hyou temple. He will return stronger.
@Heather: Ya, I thought that it is strange when she starts to blush a little when she gets close. Jyuusan Hime is really interesting as her dynamics with Ryuuki seems somewhat good. I really see the two as good partners, if only they are not in love with someone else.
Ensei is always a joker, being chirpy and happy go lucky all the time. I mean, there are only a few moments when he is really serious but that makes him all the more cool.
@Etisnki: my new year is peaceful and quiet
i got quite a bit of ang bao ^^
impz.. hehe i got the raw stuff now..YES!!!!!!!!!! Preview of next episode was cute hehe can see panda pandas..
wow thats great! in filo we celebrate of course wif a big bang, half of people here are chinese anyway, went to celebrate in chinatown, stuffed myself out..hahah.
once again impz..thanks for replying and for ur awesome post!
@Etineski: no problem at all. In fact, I wish that my ang pao offerings are much more than the pathetic amount I receive this year. Still, i cannot complain since i hardly did any visitation. I do wonder what will happen when I finally stop Saiunkoku Monogatari blogging. \o/ it seems like it is near.
hmm it seems to me that season 2 will be longer than expected
By ang bao do you mean Chinese new year money? Cause I don’t get that anymore! *only half and 22 but still wants full new year money*
When Jyuusan-hime awake she was alone – so Ryuuki is gone to this mountain and Shouka is definitely looking after him from shadows, so he will be OK for sure ^___^ Therefore, I think if they brought Shouka along there will be some timespace for him too, especially that Shusui is maiden in the temple, so Shiba Jin must be around and this would be interesting thing if everyone (including Shuuei, Shuurei, Tantan, Ensei) will meet in Hyou clan temple. And older Riou too
My thoughts on Season 3…. hmmm, I think it will be on the bare-hime arc. I hate to think that the opening for Season 2, Episode I think 5, where they show Shouka-sama facing off with Riou, Sr stops there. I think that was only an appetizer to keep the fans hooked for the entire season 2. I, for one, really was hoping to see the bare-hime arc in this season. I’m just glad that charmian has novel translations on her site. It’ll keep me going for a while till they anime season 3 (saying this with fingers crossed).
impz… dont stop blogging..its ur talent..peeps here would definitely miss ya..thats great u got money..me? heheh they dont gimme money man..they gimme food..
but yer ur works are appreciated so yer! am happy wif this blog site..would be completely lost without it.
does anyone here went to brazil before? ehhe cos were goin march.. any infos will do.. thanks..
Thanks as always for the summary. I look forward to it. Sounds like we won’t be seeing TanTan after this mission^^
I love the idea of Ryuuren as boatman^________^
The Bara-hime arc sounds better and better, would be good if they dwelve in it if there is ever a season 3. That migt be the hiatus needed for the writer to continue writing the main story while keeping us entertained! lol
The pandas were soooo cute!!!! I wish i was the one on Ryuuki’s shoulders!
Things I note:
1) Why is Shouka the only one rowing the boat??? He’s supposed to be the librarian, for heaven’s sake! Exactly how much strength is his cover supposed to have?
2) I don’t even know why Ryuuki wants Shouka to come along. Does he actually know that Shouka is the Wind Wolf? (or is that the Black Wolf?)
3) I like Jyuusan Hime… but Ryuuki is Shuurei’s.
4) The one thing that I absolutely dislike about this season is how Ryuuki never seem to display his intelligence anymore. He isn’t the smart, intelligent, and competent man (I wouldn’t go so far as to say he is a smart and intelligent and competent emperor, anyway) in the first season anymore; he doesn’t grow except for backwards. And he is seriously lacking in any kind of good demostration. Most of the time he is either crying, languishing in agony and/or angst, looking all lonesome and sad, or acting like a kid. I’m not saying his chibi kiddiness isn’t cute; it is, however, absolutely irritating to have only kiddiness and no competency.
It’s like a reverse gender inequality thing; instead of having a female in the damsel in distress and/or useless vase role, we now have a male in that role. He doesn’t grow up, he is rather incompetent, DESPITE the fact that we all know that he is CAPABLE FOR MORE. Where is the decisiveness? Where is the intelligence? Where is the dignity of an emperor?
Ryuuki isn’t all that good an emperor, even in the first season. I don’t disagree with that. But he certainly wasn’t that incompetent and immature as in this season. Everyone is surpassing him, and it makes my teeth grit. A lot. I really like his character, but I really don’t like the fact that he doesn’t live up to his potential. Any of his potential.
It has, in fact, come to the point that even a little grain of competency makes me really really happy. Like when he understood Shuuei’s intentions to leave without him saying anything. And that he is actually going onto the mountain to test his suitability as emperor.
But seriously. He is capable of so much more. I want more from him.
5) Impz, why didn’t you talk about Shuurei in your thoughts? I’m curious, and I can’t fathom the reason why.
Just saw the raw of eppie 35. LOL, Briar it was kinda of strange, like you said, seeing a “librarian” rowing a boat. But, I don’t think it’s the place of an emperor or his consort to row the boat, alas, Shouka-sama got stuck flexing his muscles
I was wondering something. In eppie 34, it ended with Shuurei being held by Ensei in a boat about to go down in a whirlpool. Then cut to this new eppie and you see the boat just quietly sailing along. What happened! Am I missing something? How did they escape being sucked into the whirlpool?
Briar, I do agree with you on many points when it comes to Ryuuki. He seemed more “regal” in the first season than in this one. But when you think about it, this is a “reverse harem anime”. It reminds me of Ouran Host Club where Tamaki whined and drooled all over Haruhi while she went around acting asexual. I don’t think Shuurei is that bad, because she does realize how deeply Ryuuki loves her. She just has a different agenda. Even Riou Jr. realizes that Shuurei is best suited for officialdom opposed to becoming one of his soon to be many consorts.
As for Jyuusan Hime she is better suited for Ryuuki as she has palace life experience, where Shuurei doesn’t and she would not make too much of a fuss when Ryuuki is forced to take on other consorts from the other clans in order to keep peace. She is the 13th princess after all so she knows what it is to be in a palace full of concubines. Ryuuki would love her more than the others, but I don’t think that Jyuusan Hime will ever replace Shuurei in his heart. It would also be really awkward if he takes Jyuusan-hime as wife then later add Shuurei. I just can’t see that happening.
I kinda of get the feeling that the author wanted Ryuuki and Shuurei to be together but after giving her so much authority had to write in a look alike to keep Ryuuki (and Ryuuki fans) happy so that Shuurei can reach the top as a great female official. From this eppie I really like how the older officials recognize Shuurei’s real potential as an official. I think Ryuuki saw it too. That’s why at first he was deperate to have Shuurei by his side. I think if they had gotten together during the first season he would have relied too much on her for political decisions the way he is doing with Yuunshun; which is the main reason Reishin hates Ryuuki. Unfortunately, Ryuuki will have to settle for having Shuurei, as she told him before, support him underneathe (as an official) and not by his side (as wife). Seiran belongs at Shuurei’s side. Seiran/Shuurei
Gypse-Chan — Preach it! LOL Well written! LOL
Briar — You make excellent points when it comes to Ryuukie. In season one, everyone commends him for his intelligence. Yet, it season two, it appears he is being bulldozed by choice and rather than fight decides to cry, run, and hide. I wonder if this is Serian’s fault for protecting him for those years he was with him? But then, you have to wonder why Ryuukie never “grew a pair” (like Serian did while in the palace) after Serian was exciled. But, I guess in circumstances like that, you either crumble or grow strong.
It is frustrating to really see Ryuukie’s potential as king, yet him cry all the time. Honestly, how much confidence would you have in a rule who acts the way he does? No wonder people are loosing confidence in him. His lack of growth is as frusting as Shurrie’s cluelessness to Nobles and Clans (including her own). But even with Shurrie’s cluelessness, it is somewhat explained because Shoka wouldn’t let any family around her. But Ryuukie has no excuse now. It has been TWO YEARS! And it is VERY SAD that we all jump at ANY LITTLE IMPROVEMENT HE MAKES!
AnyWhoo, Everyone have a wonderful day!
What are you talking about, Tantan is smart! He just doesn’t show it.
………and I think we as viewers are dis-apricating more and more everyday ^^: ’cause I don’t remember his real name anymore.
um………Shouka is the only MAN on that boat that should be rowing the boat.
Ryuuki – a King! that automatically rules him out.
Jyuusanhime – a girl.
Shouka – a some what middle age man = perfect for the job.
Ryuuki asked him ’cause he was kinda like a friend/counsel…etc. ’cause Ryuuki hangs around Shouka a lot when he was a kid.
reply to heather
WHAT MANGA!!!!!!!!!!~ I wanna it! >u
@Briar: I have the perfect answer for this. There are 3 people in the boat. One is the emperor, and one is the possible concubine/female in Jyuusan Hime. Who else is left that can row the boat?
Yeah well…. logically that is so. But…. Shouka is a LIBRARIAN. The baka emperor didn’t even get a bodyguard, if only to row the boat for him. Seriously. -_-|||
I can see Jyuusan Hime being more suited and all for the palace but i do hope its shuurei and ryuuki since all the previous season was building up to them and both characters are going through some real changes so maybe its real possible for them to get together and be husband and wife, shuurei can do changes in her own as wife. Then again u never know with anime but still u could feel the love between them and i do want them together.
But if it really really cannot happen then a really sweet couple I would wanna see is Seiran and Shurrei, Ryuuren and Shuurei
anyone where to watch saiunkoku monogatari ii episode 35 in subtitles???????
that’s quite a good question…. I’ve been looking forward to watching it for so long…. ins’t there anyone left to sub it?