Saiunkoku Monogatari II Episode 37 - “目は心の鏡”
After the recap episode explains Ryuuki’s history as an emperor (I make it sound like he is no longer the emperor of Saiunkoku, heh!), this episode goes back to the main story. For a short recap, Ryuuki collapsed right in front of the temple from exhaustion and the high altitudes. What will happen when Shuurei and co finally reaches the temple? What will Shun and Shusui do as well, considering that they are already inside? Who is Ruka?
The journey of Ryuuki is about to begin. It is the journey to be a true king.
Screenshots: http://www.sendspace.com/file/4yqet4
Episode summary
Ryuuren brought Shuurei and co through a shortcut to the Hyou temple, even though it nearly killed them since it involved sailing down a waterfall. In the aftermath, everyone is drenched as Ryuuren went to a nearby spring to warm up. Ensei realizes Shun has appeared, but Shun says that he is bringing Shuurei to Hyou temple. The two are not allowed. Shuurei instructed Ensei and Tantan to find the food that Kouki wants, and asks Shun if it is all right if they roam to the temple. Shun says his instructions are merely to bring Shuurei up, so it is fine.
The two are wondering what they will do, and eventually decide to follow behind Shuurei. Shuurei wonders about the jade color of the water. Shun explains that the soil in the area is different and it might be a pigment in the water. There is also no fish due to the soil, and that nothing can survive. Shuurei asks whether Shun is Shiba Jin, but he says Shuurei got the wrong person. Shuurei looks relieved and says it’s all right. They finally reach the temple, and Shuurei saw Ryuuki lying down behind a caged gate. She is initially in shock over Ryuuki’s prone body, but cries in relief when she realizes Ryuuki is still alive.
Shusui came from behind to assault Shuurei. Shuurei feels the same power during the cult arc as Shuurei slumps onto the ground. When Ryuuki woke up, Shusui explains that she is using the body of Shusui, but she is really Ruka, Riou’s elder sister. She asks Ryuuki to quit the throne, since he did not want to be the king. She also saw how horrible he felt (during the recap) for shirking from responsibility. She says that Ryuuki is not fit to be a king, since he abandoned everything to be here. That is why he lost all faith from his officers because he chose to be king simply for Shuurei. She questions what kind of king he wants to be, and berates him for running away.
Ruka continues to add that Ryuuki should abandon his role as king and pursue Shuurei wholeheartedly. She laughs hysterically and tells Ryuuki that there are better candidates. Eventually, Ryuuki mumbled no before saying affirmatively that he will become king. Even though he runs away this time, he will try his best to be king by being here to affirm his credentials. Ryuuki says he wants to return as a king when he goes to the capital. He will always be a king until the day he dies. Shuuei came in, saying that Ryuuki spoke well and understood his words. Ruka ordered Shusui and Shun to kill Ryuuki, since imperial rules do not run in here. Ruka’s spirit went out of Shusui, and Shuuei says he has been watching Ryuuki during his travels and saw Shun carrying Ryuuki to the temple.
Shuuei says that Shuurei is here and is watching Ryuuki when he collapsed. A brainwashed Shusui got up and chased Shuuei who is carrying Ryuuki. Jyuusan-hime stopped a blow by Shusui when she is about to hit Ryuuki. Ryuuki warns Shuuei not to hurt Shusui and asks him to use the power of love. In a desperate measure, he shouts out Shouka’s name as Shusui wavers. Everyone laughs at Shuuei for his lack of pride and image for saying such a shameful thing. Shuuei argues that there is nothing else better, and slaps Shusui to wake her up. Shusui says it hurts angrily and Shuuei says he will take responsibility. She then says she does not need it and just wants to hit him back.
It is then that Shusui realizes the presence of Ryuuki. Ryuuki tells Shusui that they are finding a way out and wonders where Shuurei is. Shun informs them that Shuurei is in the inner room of this temple. Ryuuki thanks Shun for the information, and Shuuei tells Ryuuki not to thank a possible murderer. Ryuuki could not sense any killing intent from Shun though. Jyuusan-hime told them to move, and Ryuuki questions Shuuei’s decision to allow that. Shuuei says he has to think of his role as a king. In the inner room, Ruka looks on at Shuurei’s body and talks about the body running the blood of Bara-hime.
Shouka appears behind, telling her to stop. Shuuei then finds Tantan fixing the boat (not recognizing him) and tells Shuuei to bring the emperor here. Jyuusan Hime asks if Shun is here to kill the emperor (he says yes), while Shun asks if the emperor is kind. In the inner room, Shouka says that Ruka should be dead. Ruka says that Shouka’s mouth is always foul and hates her, but she will take Shuurei’s body. Shouka holds the mirror in the room, saying that he will not allow it. Back at the boat, Shuuei and Ryuuren goes back to the temple, and Shuuei tells Tantan to escape if anything happens. Ryuuki tries to help, but Tantan warns him that everyone is trying to save his life, and he is wasting everyone’s efforts by risking his life.
Jyuusan Hime tells Shun to return the eye patch as her Jin is no longer alive. Shun says he will no longer die for him. Jyuusan Hime says she will now live for herself, and Shun says that he will no longer find another better girl. Jyuusan Hime says he has no right to call Hotaru, but Shun says that it is the only name he has right now and refuses to let go of it. In the inner room, Ruka warns Shouka that breaking the mirror will force her back and release the demons. Shouka says it will only cause more work for the Hyou clan and ask her to stop complaining. Ruka says she really cannot hate Shouka for his calmness, pragmatism and doing anything for his loved one. Shouka broke the mirror as the temple starts to rumble…
Thoughts
Wow, I definitely did not see the breaking of the mirror coming. Ok, other than sarcasm aside, this episode really shows the awakening of Ryuuki, which is belated and impressive. I am so glad that Ruka really made Ryuuki despair and she is perhaps the best person in this situation to slam everything at Ryuuki. Ryuuki has been pampered way too much in his role as an emperor. Ruka really threw the gauntlet down because as I have stated in my previous entry that Ryuuki is really becoming the emperor because of Shuurei. For now, he finally realizes his own desire to be king. That can only spell good things.
Nevertheless, I am very sure that he will be struggling quite a bit. The two small situations still show how he needs to be more ruthless. The first incident is when he accuses of Shuuei of leaving his sister behind after Jyuusan-Hime requested to handle Shun herself. As much as it is logical for a man to wonder about Shuuei’s problematic decision in leaving her sister to immediate doom, it is also important to note that no one’s life is more important than Ryuuki’s life.
Everyone is here to protect him, as Tantan says, and he is happily trying to sacrifice it to save someone else. He has to know that he is the king of Saiunkoku, and officers/princesses will have to die if only to keep himself alive. Yes, I am harsh and pragmatic, but that is the way of a king. The second incident is when Tantan rightly tells him off for returning to the temple on the boat. There is honestly no point to do that, since he will be just hindering them with his weakened state. Ryuuki really needs to think before he acts. That said, as a person, he is definitely very sweet (yes, I hear you, Ryuuki fans).
The emperor is below no one in rank and hence should keep himself alive as much as he can. As much as it sounds selfish, Ryuuki should keep himself alive even if it is to sacrifice Shuurei, Shuuei or anyone at all in order to keep power. Great kings are not only benevolent but they make sure that they are always safe by keeping everyone happy. Yet, they are always ruthless to keep their stronghold alive. Ryuuki needs to learn that fast.
I spent four paragraphs talking about Ryuuki, so I will spend this last paragraph on Shusui and Shuuei. The comedy part of this episode belongs to the two, and you must really watch it to laugh. I actually laugh quite a bit because I expect some love declaration, only for Shuuei to scream out Shouka’s name. Poor Shuuei, his ego and pride is smashed open. Shouka is also extremely great with his evil eyes and harsh pragmatism. You go, Shouka-papa! Shouka is really turning to become my favorite character of Saiunkoku, behind the eccentric Ryuuren, the evil uncle Reishin and the tsundere loli Kourin.
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heheh impzzz way to goo.I been waiting i am ur number one fan wif blogs hehehe..thanks for this..iwill reflect again and come back here for saiunkoku monogatari as usual but u know impz they will not end the story here cos yer it will remain hanging thats y i hate it somehow, I agree wif you that novels are evil and i dont want to read em again ever!!! Much as to my hope I think they will continue with season 3 hehe another work for you but its just a goodie guess. I am very grateful for this blog .. am goin brazil for holidays i may not be able to download animes for awhile but its only for a week. I wonder if they have anime channels there..anyway! see ya soons
wow, two more episodes….great summary, lets all hope for third season and ryuuki growth as a great emperor and husband to shuurei, hehe
thanx for the great summary impz (as always). i really, really, really am greatful for your hard work. coz without your summaries, i wouldn’t be able to understand the raw episodes. i’ve been following your blog for quite some time now, but this is my very first comment (imagine that! with only two more episodes to go).
i really dont think that saimono will be wrapped up in this 2nd season (with crossed fingers, hoping for another season or OVAs to follow). i mean it would be too bad to rush things. i mean, c’mon the fans wouldn’t mind if there’s another season right? hehehe.
anyway, i’m glad that Ryuuki has decided to take the path as a “real” emperor.Good for him. But how about Shuurei? She should enroll in
L-o-v-e 101 classes. geeez… she’s smart alright but when it comes to love she’s just so slow. she’d better act fast before Ryuuki gives her an ultimatum. when that time comes, I’d love to see shuurei’s worried face. lol (evil laugh). but i’m still rooting for RyuukixShuurei pairing … I know deep in her heart, Shuurei has romantic feelings toward Ryuuki. maybe in her subconsious mind? (sigh) she’d better end up his misery or else we (ryuuki fans) will steal him from her (if that’s even possible).
love the part when shuuei shouted shouka’s name instead
of using the “power of love” (as what ryuuki had suggested). poor shuuei… i hope he’ll confess to shusui soon. (another baka when it comes to love. he & shuurei should be classmates in Love & Confession 102 class)
Hee hee. Shuuei’s line is classic.
As for Hyou Ruka, she really has something of a screw loose, IMHO, considering how obsessed she is with her younger brother. It’s kind of pathetic, really.
Little tidbits left out: Even though her spirit appears young, Ruka really is an old hag of over 80 (she’s not ageless like Riou).
When she was confronting Ryuuki, she commented on how attractive he was and how, in the good old days, she wouldn’t have minded having him for a lover. She even offers to right there, if Ryuuki doesn’t mind Shusui’s body. (see what I mean by screw loose?)
Impz, I totally agree with your assesment of Ryuuki. God knows I love Ryuuki, but he really needs to start acting more like an Emperor and less like an idiot LOL…well, you know what I mean!! XD I’m glad that he is finally maturing and really accepting his role in life…I’m just sad that the anime has to end and we might not see it happening…just when it’s getting really good!!!
2 more episodes to go!!! aaarrrggghhh…say it isn’t so!!!!!
I really reall really think it’s gonna be Jyusan-hime and Ryuuki for sure!!! XD
Oooooh…is that Shouka with his eyes open!?!??! WOW!!!!!
Well, thanks again for the summary and screenshots but…you don’t have any pics of Ryuuren
HII impz. loved the webshow u did w/ your girlfriend. just to let u know. and i think this is the best episode in eps 20- up until now….. well it think its because its almost the end of this season….. theres only 2 more eps left after this……. i pains me to think about it but i hope there’ll be a season 3… anybody got news???? and by the way impz nice blog as always!
wuuuu Shouka was really cool with his eyes opened
wonder what’s going next
THANX IMPZ !!!
@Etineski: Wow, you are having holidays in such an exotic place. Since young, I never have many opportunities to travel aboard as my family is not really the well-to-do like many young people recently. O do wonder if there will be a 3rd season anytime soon though, and I have to think about the series I want to blog. I think I am most interested in Vampire Knight and Special A, but who knows.
I will never read novels because they are evil. No other reason is needed
@Peggy: Who doesn’t? I prefer that they will stop it and allow the novels to run rather than putting spoilers. I prefer to suffocate from the lack of Saiunkoku Monogatari than see crap stuff.
@SiaoMei: I do wonder whether they will go on with OVAs or waiting a while for a 3rd season. My personal speculation is that it will be next. I think Shuurei’s thick headed behavior is legendary and I have a close friend that is just like her. She will never ever realize that someone loves her until he confesses. Even worse, Shuurei just treats the confession like nothing happens. I hope she really wakes up her idea, and realize that love and work can co-exist.
Ya, it’s really sad when Shuuei loses all his pride. I mean, it is painful enough to realize that the woman you like does not like you, and you have to throw your ego away by shouting her loved one. Painful stuff. Yet, I cannot help but laugh. I feel so mean
@L-chan: Yep, it seems to hint that Ruka is very old. That is because she mentions about how she wants to gain favor with Riou, which means that she is just as old, if not older. Well, I thought that in such times, relationships with siblings (this way like incest) is actually decently common. It’s not completely common place, but not that uncommon too. In addition, it seems that Ruka is just a pretty sexual person. Heh heh.
She wants everyone in a harem. =/
@Delphyne: OUCH! Don’t call him an idiot, he’s just use-impaired. Ok ok, I am glad that he realizes his deficencies but he really needs to learn it quick because it feels like empty words with a lot of hot air. He needs to fulfill that promise of being a true king.
Shouka with open eyes = bloody mean. Scary. I swear that I am admiring Shouka-papa more and more lately. He just rocks with every single evil appearance. The docile Shouka is boring, the evil assassin Shouka is just downright awesome \o/
@Bootoye: Ooops! Ya, he didn’t really appear at the critical scenes, so there are no screenshots of him. Yes, bad excuse.
@Azn: Arr, well, we will have something special for the next webshow that fans of Saiunkoku will appreciate. Hope you guys have fun soon enough. No news of season 3 at all though.
@Aka-chan: Cool? UNDERSTATEMENT. He’s downright awesome!
Impz, I never thought I would actually say this… The way you’ve summarized on Ryuuki arc, you kinda sound similiarly what Ryuuki’s father, Senka would have said. I’m sorry but I have to disagree with you about Ryuuki needs to be selfish. Called me cheesy, but this truth still stands today: any king who is ruthless never usually lasts their reigns long. Looks to history books for proof. Anime-wise, Senka learnt that lesson too late while busily keeping the throne. Plus, the many people who died during the throne-succession war was wasted uselessly, all for him and his sons’ greed!
Allow me to defend Ryuuki, not as a Ryuuki fan but as a neutral observer. Point 1: It happened to us at one time at least, when we said to ourselves, “I hope I don’t grow up to be like mum or Aunty” because of their bad traits or “I hope I don’t have to become a lawyer or politician” because of their dirty reputations they hold. Ryuuki sensed that, thanks to some abusive family members, & no wonder they have been holding him back from bettering his rulership. Ryuuki does not want to become like his father or his brothers and is afraid of becoming like them. Point 2: A good king always wants to help. He rather value human lives than use them as shields because he needs them to govern his country. Who will he have to govern with when everyone dies for him? So please give him a break when he being concerned for Jyuusan-hime. Point 3: C’mon, Ryuuki is at the peak of his life. This is the time where people his age don’t know where they stand or what should they do with lives. Even worse, there’re some unlucky ones who still don’t know that & are complaining why their lives are forever unfulfilling. Ryuuki is lucky to realise where’s he’s at and is trying to do something about it. That’s better than nothing!
Enough about Ryuuki. Now let me wrenched for ShuueiXShusui comic tragedy
I haven’t seen this episode yet, so I can’t laughed at them. Too bad Shuuei is immature about truly loving his woman. He knew that, but hasn’t work out how to go about it. Hence, his poor ‘Shouka’ blurt-out. But also, it’s a pretty smart trick. If Shuuei used his own name, “I love you’ or anybody else’s name, the spell on Shusui wouldn’t waver. And I actually like it when he slapped Shusui. It takes a lot of courage to do that to save your love one.
Okay, Impz, for this part, thank you so much for lightening me up: “…Shuurei saw Ryuuki lying down behind a caged gate. She is initially in shock over Ryuuki’s prone body, but cries in relief when she realizes Ryuuki is still alive.” Love it as a ShuureiXRyuuki fan
@SeaMaiden: I guess it’s my personal views on pragmatism (except when it comes to relationships). I believe that being a king does not mean that you always have to resort to dirty tricks. Valuing human lives rather than using them as shields is also logical. You do not have to be utterly ruthless to be the king, but you must also be ready to do so. Any struggle to power is often violent, and it’s often this violent tendency that results in the losing of heart. Hence, Ryuuki should have the ability to be ruthless, yet never lose his heart. That, to me, is a true king. Ryuuki will never lose his heart, but he needs that ability that he can be ruthless when required.
Yet, at that scenario, it is clear that everyone is trying to save his life there, not as Shi Ryuuki but as the emperor. The emperor should realize that Jyuusan Hime, if she dies, is doing her job to protect him.
That is a flaw of Ryuuki, not being able to decipher what is important from what is essential. The important thing is Jyuusan-hime’s life. The essential thing is to keep himself alive. By wasting time trying to worry over Jyuusan-hime (which is important but non-essential), he is causing trouble not only to Shuuei and Shusui who is trying to save him, but causing harm to his life.
Yep, I am particularly harsh to Ryuuki because knowing means nothing. Dong Zhuo knows that Lu Bu is treacherous but continues to adopt him as his foster son due to his battle prowess. See where Dong Zhuo got himself to. I admit that Ryuuki is good in which he admits to his own faults, but it’s absolutely nothing until he does it. He didn’t, from the two small things.
On the Shuurei x Ryuuki = perfect example of how Shuurei is slowly falling in love with Ryuuki without realizing. ^_^
L-chan, you were talking about the novel, weren’t you? Because I didn’t see any words above explaining that scene.
etineski and Impz : why did you say the novels are evil and won’t read it ever again? I am confused
Oh! Oh! Another episode! Whoopee-dooo!!! Thank you, Impz! ^_^
And I do agree with you about your assessment of Ryuuki. I mean, I love him to bits but he does need to grow up some more and realize that his subordinates don’t put him first because they think of other people as of lesser value. It’s just that his life IS more important than theirs in the overall scheme of things.
That’s usually the tragedy and irony of being a leader. It dehumanizes you because you have to be ruthless when you have to, yet you can’t afford to become dehumanized or you risk becoming a tyrant. Ryuuki has to learn to be a man, yet be so much more than a man. If you think about it, he will end up being the most tragic character in this story. Everyone, even his brother Seien, will be able to go after their dreams and probably live the life that they want. He will never have that freedom. In the end, he may even have to give up his only dream (Shuurei) for the greater good of his country.
Hahaha! Shuuei is such a wuss! But he’s such a dear.
And of course, I bow to the greatness that is Shouka-sama. I think I love him best of all. ^_^
wouldn’t it be fun if we have a end of season party for us major fans of Saiunkoku Monogatari II….i think it would be great impz if u blog vampire knight and special A as I love both of those manga. hmm now that shouka broke the mirror does that mean that demons will be loose, shuurei can definitely play the erhu cause thats how the demons were contained right?
Reishin’s not evil just misunderstood ^-^
Impz, thanks for the update! I totally agree with you on Ryuukie.
Unfortunatly, it doesn’t appear they are going to take Ryuukie/Jyuusan-hime pairing (or possible pairing) as they do in the Manga. Looks like the Anime is really different in this since. To bad. I was waiting for her to declare to Jin (as she did in the manga) that she was going for Ryuukie because he is a better man and letting go of Jin.
So I’m not going to be surprised if they end the Anime with Ryuukie and Shurrie. It saddens me a little. I think it is really too bad that they are cutting out Jyuusan-hime’s best trait. The ability to love, let go, and love again. I true human trait and one that you hardly see in Anime or manga characters (Like I said before one of the main reasons I really liked her). But oh well, at least I have the manga!
@Impz: Really a sm webshow… this is great. when will it be… will it be w/ ur girlfriend again???? if u do it again make sure u put the bloopers on too!!! i love bloopers! nd i’m looking forward to ur next one… i’ve been checking anime news network everyday for updates on saimono but… haven’t seen anything so far…
@Aka: Cos we do not read the novels, and novels are spoilers ^+^
@Sumomo: Yep, that’s how I see a leader.You totally got my point but I really do not think that he has to give up Shuurei in order to pursue his goals. Romance can still be part of a king’s life, because that is the only thing that he can be truly human. To the person he loves.
@Peggy: Guess what? I am. ^^ That said, wait for our spring preview with more than 30 over anime on Monday/Tuesday. ^^ We have a very comprehensive coverage for all of you ^+^
@D.J: Reishin is so cute
@Heather: I don’t think she will ever go for Ryuuki though. She still loves Jin quite a lot despite her words. It’s really strange because I feel that Jin still loves her but is hindered by something.
@Azn: yep ^+^;;; It will be something amusing but I wonder if we will have any bloopers since we should improve. Who knows ^^
hmmm i wonder if ryuuki does not go with shuurei in the novel….woo hoo impz thats soo cool that u’re having a party
@ Impz, aha! Finally the truth, you love Reishin. Ahh not that I can blame you. You’re right he’s just too cute!