I was not intending to blog on the special arc in the four weeks that summarizes everything leading up to Saiunkoku Monogatari second season. However, this episode had many of the scenes that I enjoyed about Saiunkoku Monogatari and it will be bad of me to not post something to pay some tribute to it. It will also act as a build up to the coming series too.

This episode starts off with Ryuuki’s plan to legitimize the entrance of women into the imperial exams of Saiunkoku up to the stage where Shuurei finally finished the exam at the third top position.

Summary gist

Ryuuki first asked for volunteers to help Kou Kijin in the treasury and suddenly shot off the suggestion to approve women into the imperial examinations, leaving the palace in shock. Ensei was then picked up by Shuurei when he fainted after starving for a few days, much to Seiran’s dismay when Shuurei allowed Ensei to stay.

Later on, Shuurei invited everyone close to her over except Ryuuki, as Kouyuu offered Shuurei the chance to work in the palace for one month under Kijin. Shuurei initially hesitated but decided to go for it with Ensei’s encouragement that it was better to regret after doing something than not doing it at all.

As she reported for duty as a boy with Ensei (Kouyuu said her body is just like a guy, ouch for small chest), the strange man, Kou Kijin, was extremely strict but it was apparent that he welcomed the help. Shuurei also nearly met up with Ryuuki who had the innate sense of an animal, as well as Reishin, the uncle of Shuurei.

He was grinning from ear to ear after Shuurei called him uncle but he never revealed his identity. Ryuuki was also working hard at the proposal to send women into the examination, especially since Kijin left once he heard about Ryuuki’s announcement, clearly unhappy with the decision. With the talk of Reishin and Kijin, it was clear that both of them were rather confident about the plan and Shuurei’s capabilities.

Shuurei was studying hard still, but felt demoralized, only for Ensei to boost her confidence once again. Late at night, Ensei was out fighting bandits as Seiran warned him not to trouble Shuurei or Shouka. After a break in by bandits in the treasury, Kijin offered a place for Ensei and Shuurei to stay.

That night, the bandits finally gave chase to Ensei, as everyone including Ryuuki came over to dispatch the bandits. We then found out that Ensei was the governor of Sa, and came over to hand the seal to Ryuuki. He wanted a true official to take over, and not one that had not passed the exam like him. The next day, as everyone left, Kouyuu told Shuurei that the three of them were working hard to make the proposal for females to sit for the exam, as she readily said yes to work hard for it.

The law was finally passed, as Shuurei met up with Eigetsu, a young boy who was somehow robbed of his wooden certification. Eigetsu was in some trouble with a clan after beating up one of the gangsters, which eventually led to Seiran escaping to the red light district. As those gangsters tried to evade the area for Eigetsu, they were given a rude awakening by Kochou, one of the underground bosses of the district. As the head of the gang tried to take Shuurei as a hostage, Eigetsu was thrown into a wine barrel.

He turned into Yougetsu, his alter ego which appeared when he got a drink. Yougetsu literally hit the living lights out of all the bandits, but collapsed after fending off the attacks. At the exam, we realized that Shuurei and Eigetsu was getting all the attention for their appearance until Ryuuren came with his awful flute blowing. At the end, the first female official was born as Shuurei got third overall in the imperial examinations.

Remembering…

I still remember how I said that Reishin might be an antagonist in the future for Shuurei because he is so strange and queer. How wrong I was with that speculation. In any case, I think that was also when I started liking Reishin because his display in front of Shuurei is just downright hilarious, with him going all sky happy with Shuurei calling him “Uncle”. I think he’s really desperate for Shuurei to know who he is, but as we have watched the series, we realized why he is reluctant to.

I also remember the first appearance of Ensei really changed Seiran a bit. I was like “What in the world, Seiran is actually being all mean and rude to his friend?”. Until the later stages, I did not understand why Seiran’s attitude is damn bad, but I guess it just triggers off the bad feelings he had in Sa province. Nevertheless, this arc really make me appreciate Ensei because beneath that beard and seemingly lazy behavior is a very keen mind that can think, fight and comfort Shuurei like an elder brother. Well, most of the main characters can fight, have brains and comfort Shuurei, so I am almost talking rubbish here.

Hah.

Kijin in this arc also struck me as a very deep character. In his aloft behavior is a character that is very concerned about things that are around him, including the impressive Shuurei that disguised as a male to work in the palace. I am not that surprised that Shuurei, with her rather cute looks, is easily recognizable by most in power. I guess Kouyuu’s misogynist behavior has caused him to only think about the breasts when it comes to masquerading as a male. Kouyuu still needs some good lessons in sweet talking to a gal.

This arc is perhaps my favorite arc other than the last one with Sakujun, simply because there are tons of humor, with the jokers like Ensei appearing often to bring some laughs. The good thing too is that it is a haven for Ryuuki’s fangirls, as he appears quite often in his puppy eye “Shuureeeeii” calls that will probably melt most fangirls in their wake. I must say, it is really cute to see the two eventually coming together with Shuurei trying to escape Ryuuki at all costs. She really is bad at hiding though, both in words and in physical abilities. Seeing Yougetsu reminds me how much I enjoy his presence and his lack of appearance at the later parts of the story is quite a sore miss, but I think they did not want to use him too much. It will be boring, I guess.

The process of the birth of the first female official is definitely a development point for Shuurei, as we start to see more of Shuurei, be it her funny faces or her strong resolute at doing things. Yet, unlike super heroes who never falter, it is clear that Shuurei is just 17 and sometimes falters. That is perhaps the beauty in the character of Shuurei, in which she is able to do a lot, yet still depends on others for help when required. She makes for a very pleasing and interesting character in any anime.

All in all, it really helps to refresh my memory on that arc and I once again fell in love with Saiunkoku Monogatari.

Did they end in a fairy tale manner? Will it be left in the second season?

The answer is within for the end of this wonderfully done first season.

Episode summary

Shuurei sent a letter to Ensei and the others in Sa province, informing them about the acceptance of the offer as they delighted in the news. Shuuei and Kouyuu informed Ryuuki that they were going to Shouka’s residence to visit Shuurei, but Ryuuki declined the offer citing work. As they arrived, Shuurei was out for Yuushun for business, as the two were embarrassed to come visiting so hastily and would send a letter. Shouka told the two that Shuurei did not want them to think that she came back to play, as the two realized that Shuurei had grown up. Before they left, they asked Shouka whether they had any communication with Ryuuki, but Shouka said no.

Shuurei was thinking how she had not seen Ryuuki except in the throne, as she discussed the plan with Yuushun. Yuushun was going to visit the red light district as Sai Rin had a business discussion there. Shuurei tagged along and Kochou charged into a hug on her as Kochou was delighted that Shuurei finally came back. As they went in, Shuurei and the other courtesans played a tune for the business partners as the event went well. At the end of the event, Kochou complimented Sai Rin, saying that someone as pretty as her was the head of the merchant guild. Sai Rin said it was a far cry when they were young, as the oppressive growing power of the Sa Clan had reduced her clan’s powers, and she had to break through patriarchal prejudice and circumstances to succeed as merchants.

Kochun said she was similar to Shuurei, but Sai Rin said Shuurei had done much more and protected the future of Sa province, a goal that she never reached. Sai Rin then added that if Yuushun could manage his career and love life, she could also do it when she stepped down from her reign soon. As Shuurei returned home, Seiran was actually out. Shuurei said that she was only able to get here due to the support of everyone, as she invited everyone for dinner tomorrow to thank them and tell them that she’s bad.

At the snow forest where Shuurei and Ryuuki first met, Seiran saw Ryuuki waiting there as he lamented that he failed in protecting Shuurei and he was angry that he did not do anything. Shuurei had been safe simply due to herself and he was actually reliant on him. Ryuuki said he still admired Seiran, as he did not even have the opportunity or the right to be angry at such a failure. The next day, Shuurei dragged Seiran to her mother’s grave, as she said that she had initially thought she should not be thinking about her old home when she was already the Sa governor. However, it was important as her dreams started her, which made her appreciate this place even more.

At home, Shuurei was preparing food while Seiran was cleaning the windows. Shouka said that he finally felt deeply that the two were back, as Seiran said he could never believe that he felt like he was home and had important people. He told Shouka happily that he was back at home. Later at night, Shuurei wondered why Shouka organized the eating session in the palace as everyone arrived less Shouka, Ryuuki, Ryuuren and Reishin. As everyone started to eat, Shuurei told everyone that she was finally back. Everyone was glad and it was clear that she had matured from the little girl a few months ago. Ryuuren also came to the dinner, forcefully grabbing Kokujun along.

We saw a distance away that Reishin was hoping so much to come, as Kurou went over to the dinner abandoning Reishin. Shouka asked why Reishin would not honestly say that he was her uncle. Reishin said he was a lonely man but Shouka said there was someone who could not even escape his loneliness. It was Ryuuki as the more he became like a king, the lonelier he would get with the work he was piled with. As he became more like a king, most people would stop regarding him as a normal person. Shuurei would be the only person that will call him by his name. It was Ryuuki’s actions that had created different fates for everyone, as he allowed himself to be “abandoned

Seeing Reishin and Kijin squabbling all the time just makes my day. It has been a while since I last saw the two of them and I realize how much I miss the two of them due to their greatly differing characters. Reishin’s amusing blush at Shuurei is always the best thing to happen for a good laugh.

时光一去

I will leave you to wonder what this screenshot is all about.

Ha Ha.

The episode title for this week, 天

Why is Shuurei so cute when she is young? No wonder Reishin is blushing like he did when Teh Yuushun, Kou Kijin and him were spying on Shuurei.

She is way too cute for a child. 世间本无事 is the title of this episode as it means that the world is peaceful once again, like the start of any era. Just to warn you, an amazing plot resolution is in hand for this episode. I am wowed simply by the excellence of this series.

Episode summary

As Eigetsu rushed to the area, Sakujun was no longer there but the hairpin was still with blood on the floor. Eigetsu said that Shuurei was not wrong to be concerned but it was more important for them to do the work as governors of Sa province. They then rushed over to rescue Teh Yuushun, and the prison was set with fire. Guards of the fallen Sa clan were there as Eigetsu and Shuurei wanted to rush in, only to find out that the official with Kourin (the friend of Ensei) was in fact Teh Yuushun. On the other hand, Eiki was talking to Shou who was in his old form. He then changed it to his young form, saying that it would be easier for Eiki to slap him but she screamed at him that she rather hurt him in his old form and slapped him a few times.

Eiki continued that she knew perfectly well that Enjun would die by Shou’s hand and she was angry that she was never a true part and Shou was the third party every single time since Enjun was always concerned of Shou’s affairs. Enjun only bothered about her issues sometimes but she was happy with that small amount of love. She continued to say that Enjun once said that he already knew how he would die and told her not to cry when it happened. Shou replied that Enjun loved her the most and she said Shou was speaking rubbish. He was asking for trouble when he ended saying to buy some anti-wrinkle cream when he went back to the palace.

Back with the group, the rest were annoyed that Ensei tricked them about Teh. Eigtesu asked how he escaped but it seemed that Ensei’s master, Ro Shisou had knocked out Teh in the cell, dragged him all the way until he woke up grouchily in the streets of Jinka. It clearly showed that Ensei’s teacher was a very violent and quick-action person, as the sun rose up for a new era. As they met up with Kokujun and Shunki, Kokujun asked what the punishment of him being the Sa leader was, and he was expecting to be beheaded. Shuurei instead said the sensible thing that killing him would be useless and now it would be important for him and Shunki to reform Sa clan and stop its rot.

One day, Eiki called Shuurei, Eigetsu, Shunki, Kokujun and the others over to talk about some issues. She explained that it was not Kokujun who had killed them. Sakujun had intended with an incense that caused them to be in a hallucinatory state. As both Kokujun’s father and Kokujun had sniffed it, they were at first about to kill each other but it was in fact his father that had stabbed Chuushou and protected Kokujun to the very end. Eiki said that even though Kokujun did not kill anyone, he was ready to bear the burden of the whole clan which was very similar to Enjun.

Eiki then explained that the rumors that Enjun had killed every male in the Sa clan were in fact untrue. In fact, it was one of the many men that had killed everyone but Enjun did not blame him but instead quietly suffered all the blame of the Sa clan. Eigetsu then asked why Enjun took all the blame himself when it was not his fault, while Shuurei replied that she could understand why Enjun actually started a revolt. With Enjun’s character, Shuurei proposed that he did it not to wrestle over power or usurp Ryuuki’s place as emperor, but in fact was intending to uphold the Sa clan and fix its rot.

When a clan leader became the conspirator of an usurped, it gave the king the exact chance to check the true deeds of Sa clan, hence allowing the Sa clan to survive after help was sent. Shuurei said that Enjun must have thought about this for a very long time before setting the decision in order for the long term effects and sacrificing himself for the clan. It seemed clear now that his effort were not in vain as Shunki was impressed while Kourin apologized for misunderstanding Enjun. Kokujun said he was so far from Enjun but he would try to be like him for his entire life as the clan leader. Eiki then asked about the wedding plans, leaving the two blushing badly as everyone laughed.

The next day, Shuurei woke up to see the er hu that Sakujun played. She started to cry as it was clear that something had hurt her badly in her heart. Seiran came over to tell her that the ceremony was about to start, with her voice slightly strained as Seiran seemingly could sense it a little. Teh Yuushun came over to put make up on Shuurei, while Kourin was doing it with Eigetsu, complaining incessantly as she did it. Yuushun had in fact met Shuurei when she was small when Reishin sneaked out with him and Kijin to see her. As the rest were done, we see Kourin complaining how useless Eigetsu was when he could not even tie his belt while complimenting Shuurei. Before they went to the ceremony,

Eigetsu and Shuurei solemnly asked for Ensei and Teh’s help, saying that they were inexperienced and need their guidance. Ensei and Yuushun were embarrassed and told them that they could keep the formalities for the ceremony. As they reached the place, every official in the room looked extremely serious and hostile, but Yuushun assured them that they were delighted that they came since they had two cute governors compared to two boring ones previously. As they declared their governor post, everyone cheered loudly. Back in the palace, Shou talked to Sou Taifu, with Sou saying that he was going to leave the world and said that Shou could join him when he was tired of living. Ryuuki also wondered who Sa province would send when they had their celebration. Shuurei, on the other hand, was thinking of Sakujun while they worked on their paperwork, clearly disturbed by the sudden death of Sakujun.

Thoughts

I really thought that this episode will be a major step down in terms of plot interest compared to the climax where Sakujun eventually died. How wrong I was. The story of Enjun, one that has happened 30 over episodes ago, is returned back to the forefront, giving me a shock how detailed the plot is. The event in which Enjun tried to revolt made us think about Enjun as a power hungry person, only to finally be redeemed in Episode 36.

I bet no one expected then that Enjun is anything but someone who is an invisible plot mover for so long. It is really a very good script to think so far ahead of time and I am truly amazed how this is resolved because Enjun’s absolute belief in what he does for the clan is something that everyone will respect. He is definitely an amazing person and Kokujun really has some big boots to fill up here. Yet, I believe genuinely that Kokujun with the same kindness and absolute strength in Shunki will help Sa clan get out of its corrupted state.

That is perhaps the charm of Saiunkoku Monogatari. The resolution of issues and plots might be standard, but it is the complexity and detail that they go into that makes this show extremely good to view.

Teh Yuushun’s appearance as the official is hardly shocking, even though there are several attempts in the previous few episodes to throw you off. The manner in which he is dumped into Jinka is fricking hilarious. I really cannot imagine how Ensei’s teacher actually did it, considering that the cell is completely locked and the only way in was through that small little window.

I highly doubt that Ensei’s teacher has a small arm, which means he somehow can get through the bars and shove Yuushun out or something? I am lost on that fact because it is abstract. I doubt it is at all important but hilarious and mind-puzzling to wonder how his teacher can do it. The greatest part of the whole issue is that he is dumped right at the streets of Jinka. I do wonder how much Ensei suffered under his tutoring.

I left the best for last. What do we make out of Shuurei’s remembrance of Sakujun? There is no dispute that the short time that Shuurei has spent with Sakujun, he has left a very deep impact in her mind. The manner in which he died and the gamble he had with Shuurei that eventually results in his death makes it totally impossible for Shuurei to forget him. Unlike Ryuuki who is simply saying how he loves her (yet not really aggressive per se), Sakujun uses everything mercilessly in his repertoire to physically, emotionally and mentally win over Shuurei.

At the few scenes where Shuurei looks in shock, it seems clear that she might fall in love if given more time. Very importantly too is the fact that we do not really see the body of Sakujun when they returned. That makes no sense when he clearly collapsed and “died” along the tree. He is also physically numbed by the poison, which means that he should be dead, yet my suspicions keep telling me to think more along the fine line. Am I being paranoid whether he really died?

So, what is the situation of Shuurei? Do you think that she is starting to have feelings and form the ability to love others in the romantic manner? I feel that she does simply because of the following reasons.

1. The lingering look to keep Sakujun alive not only because he’s going to die but in fact there is this slight longing to know him more in her eyes and communication.

2. The very fact that she is reminded of Sakujun if he has not left a strong impact in her heart and she actually wept when she realizes that he is no longer around. Shuurei doesn’t cry that much in most situations, which makes it even more telling that she is in fact starting to experience new feelings.

3. The last kiss in Episode 35. There is little resistance and she simply looks at him in a daze instead of rejecting him. That said, I wish I live in that period so I can kiss hot babes like that.

Ok, kidding about the last part. The next week seems to be about the work that Shuurei is carrying out as the new governor and I cannot wait to see the response of Seiran and Shuurei. I really wonder for quite a few times….Is Shuurei finally falling into the very trap that Seiran has been fighting so hard to defend her from?

The hairpin. From this thing, it started. From this thing, it also ended.

相逢是离别的开始, the title of this episode, talked about how meeting was the start of seperation. How apt this episode title is for Sakujun and Shuurei.

Without spoiling anything more, I will start (with a heavy heart).

Episode summary

We have both Sakujun and Seiran talking as they drank the wine. Seiran accused Sakujun to be the mastermind on instigating Chuushou to kill off Shunki’s parents and Enjun’s children. Seiran continued that Enjun was spoiling his fun and hence wanted to use Chuushou to get back at Enjun. Sakujun then complimented Seiran to have a bit of intelligence (while mentioning Seiran’s royalty status) and said how Seiran never left any room in his talk which was pretty annoying. As they continued to drink, Seiran said how there was a hallucinating scent used on Chuushou and the father by Sakujun’s mother and grandmother, and it seemed that Sakujun was the one who accidentally mentioned it to the wives on the availability of the order. Seiran then mentioned the strength of the wine.

At the other hand, Shuurei and the rest had finished off the work on the Sa clan, as Shuurei took her leave to get back her royal hairpin from Sakujun. Back to the two, Sakujun told Seiran how most normal people had others important to him but he only had Shuurei who was the most important to him. Seiran then accounted how he had Ryuuki, as well as many others to protect and love in his mind. Sakujun replied that was why he would do anything and everything for Shuurei. Seiran spoke about his stubborn side, in which he wanted everything to he yearned for in whatever way that could achieve it.

Sakujun changed the topic, asking Seiran how he would feel if he knew Shuurei made the flower tea for him. Seiran looked sternly as he said it must be one of his tricks and instead asked whether the tea was good. Sakujun wistfully said it was, as he remembered how Shuurei refused to make the tea for him and that he would die without the tea. We see a cut scene of Shuurei running, thinking in her mind why Sakujun wanted the tea so much. After that, Seiran proudly said that he was the second loved person of Shuurei, with first being Shouka and Sakujun added how he wished Shuurei could say that he was the third man.

Seiran noticed that darkening of the eye bags of Sakujun and knew that it was about time when the poison was acting up. Seiran then asked if Sakujun had returned the flower hairpin, as Sakujun said he did. With that, Seiran stood up slashing the whole table into half as he tried viciously to attack Sakujun. Sakujun stealthily avoided it and grabbed his sword, as they traded blows. Seiran said that all the wine cups were poisoned and he had eaten some form of antidote before it and asked if Sakujun did it. Sakujun said it was from natural resistance of drinking poison since young. However, Seiran suddenly weakened as the strength of the wine started to take control, with Sakujun seemingly about to kill him. He did not however, as he sliced the candle, leaving through the window.

A scene of Kokujun and Shunki assuring each other was shown, while we hear the sound of the er hu played by Sakujun as Shuurei finally found him. By the time she did, the poison had went in deep as he started to lose his senses. Shuurei then saw blood when she touched him, realizing that he was injured. We saw a flashback in which the plain water was in fact a slow poison and the actual antidote was the flower tea that Shuurei brewed. “Without the flower tea, he would die” was really true since his body had not adjusted to the slow poison. While Shuurei continued to ask if he was all right since he was fine yesterday and Shuurei thought it was simply a slit of the throat.

In his mind, he was hoping to tell her the truth that she was the one who killed him in order for her to never forget him. As Shuurei fumbled for medicine to help him, he simply laughed, saying that he wanted to hear her play the er hu and he removed the cloth that she used to tie her hair. He said that she had never called his real name and then asked wistfully what number he was in her heart. Shuurei wanted to look for Eigetsu to help but he held her hand, kissing her gently on the lips with her not resisting it.

He then left her lips, saying that even though it was not her fault, he offered himself to her as Shuurei realized that she was the one who had killed him. He then laughed, saying that beautiful people never lived long as he once again confessed how he loved everything of her. Shuurei was close to tears as she gave him a tight slap, saying that he had achieved nothing yet was talking like he was going to throw his life away. She then continued with a reprimand that he never called her real name too. Shuurei rushed off to find Eigetsu as Sakujun thought how he would not regret when he died. He did as he remembered all the times he had with Shuurei.

We see Ryuuki looking at the sky, as he speculated that both Shuurei and Seiran had reached their destination. Shuuei said he was very impressed by Ryuuki, the fact that he was greedy to want Shuurei by his side but resisted it by his own tolerance. Ryuuki blushed as he turned away, embarrassed to show his face. Still, he said that he loved everyone, including Shuuei but his love was Shuurei. He then thought how it would be when he would die ever since meeting Shuurei, which would be a lonely death, yet he would never regret meeting Shuurei as we saw Sakujun on his last breath. At the end, Seiran reached Ensei and Eigetsu as he was close to collapsing after struggling with the wine and poison, and Shuurei grabbed Eigetsu who went to search for her, telling him to rush over to Sakujun’s side.

Thoughts

I cried. It was not a fest of tears but it was tears of mere sadness.

It is the first time in Saiunkoku Monogatari that I cried and it is probably with great reason. No matter how much I hated Sakujun, the ending conclusion up to his death really portrayed a man who had already accepted death as his only path and did everything for the woman he really loved. He knew that he was a stumbling block for the path of governance and the fact that his character and personality was as such made it impossible that he would happily fulfill the quiet obedience. It was clear to all that Sakujun, for all his evil ways toward everyone, really fell in love with Shuurei.

I am like most people thinking that he is simply using Shuurei as a tool of enjoyment, one that he will eventually throw away when he is sick of it. It is clear by this episode that he has really fallen in love and that he finally started to feel for the first time ever since he is born. That was why it was painful to see him die. The fact that Shuurei indirectly killed him was not lost on me, as Shuurei must have felt great pain that a man that she thought was simply toying with her in fact really fell in love with her and entrusted her with a little wish to save him.

Yet, she did not do it with the very tea that he had been asking her to do. It was so sad in the way he died, simply because he never asked for any sympathy, nor use the idea of Shuurei indirectly killing her to make her remember him. It was so agonizing and nothing could be done to solve this.

I personally enjoyed the humanizing of Sakujun. I believe that he would have easily killed Seiran if he was of his previous self, the one before meeting Shuurei. The fact that he let him go is an indication that only he wanted in his life is to meet Shuurei one last time and call her by name. Hopefully, she will call him back by name too, and that hope is never going to be fulfilled. I really sympathize with him. I know many of you will probably say good riddance to him, but I think after this episode, it is really very hard to do that.

I also like the resolution of the Seiran and Sakujun feud. It was sheer genius that all the wine are in fact poisoned, and I really am wondering that it will somehow happen. Sakujun, for all his love to Shuurei, is still a really vicious person. However, that also speaks nothing of Seiran, who is in fact somewhat similar in his ways to do things.

They are both people who would stoop to nothing to achieve their goals, and it is simply that Seiran is protecting Shuurei. Seiran has been hiding that true part of himself for a long time and it is clear that he has no true notion of goodness, only the fact to achieve his goals by any means possible.

Lastly, it must be painful to be Shuurei.

So what do you think of the episode? Do you enjoy and sympathize with Sakujun’s final demise or you are now cheering with happiness that he’s dead?

I totally adore Shunki x Kokujun. They are just one of the most “awwwww” type of couples, with the sweetenings in the whole relationship being six to seven over dosages of total sugarly love.

The phrase of this week’s episode,以毒攻毒, means to counter poison with poison and it applies to the scenario in the last scene of this episode.

Seiran fans will love it, I bet.

Episode summary

This episode picks off from the previous one when Shuurei and Shunki went down the dungeon to find Kokujun only to hear a scream, while Ensei and Eigetsu arrived to the ceremony. At the cell, we see Kokujun stoning until Shunki gave him a tight slap to wake him up. He finally regained his senses as his tears started to fall, saying that he had killed his father and Chuushou. Kokujun added that he had lost the last bit of humanity about him but Shunki said that it was impossible as he was such a kind person that would not even hurt a flower. Kokujun said that he was strange and kept thinking about killing, but Shunki assured that she trusted him.

Shunki then said it did not matter whether he did kill or not, but most importantly, it was the regret that he could not do anything to stop this absurdity in time. She continued with her declaration to assume the authority of Sa clan if he was to simply escape as she took out the Sa ring that she found around Chuushou and would take on all responsibility. Just before she put the ring on, Kokujun stopped her and wore the ring instead, saying that he could not allow her to be burdened with his own problems. He admitted that he would regret for a long time after this that he was unable to do anything.

Yet, he would not be overcome by it but to carry the burden of Sa clan on his shoulders. With that, the spirit of Enjun appeared, encouraging Kokujun that he was a kind man and not to lose his humanity ever. Enjun said it was all right to cry, but also to be a strong man to support Sa clan. As the spirit of Enjun disappeared, Kokujun said that he was weak and warned Shunki that there was a long journey ahead. He then added that he wanted Shunki to be always around him to support and believe in him, with Shunki agreeing in tears. After they resolved their differences, Shuurei formally regarded Kokujun as the head of the Sa clan and told him that he had to shoulder the responsibility as the Sa clan. Kokujun agreed as he carried the body of his father out of the cell.

Kokujun then arrived to Eiki’s room, with Eiki seeing the vision of Enjun for a moment and the ring. Kokujun then answered the call of responsibility by Eiki as Eiki told him that he was a common man, yet one that would protect the little things that he had. Eiki then told him to prepare for the ceremony as Shunki came in with Shuurei. Eiki acknowledged the trouble caused by the Sa clan and asked Shunki whether she would regret being with Kokujun. Shunki said that she wished to be as happy as Eiki with Enjun, as Eiki laughed jovially about the low possibility of that happening.

At the ceremony, Ensei and Eigetsu noticed that Eiki, Kokujun and Sakujun were all missing as the other Sa clan members gathered around, laughing at Eigetsu’s appearance and belittling him. The other clan members were talking about how Enjun previous poisoned everyone by gathering them together and dissing Chuushou for thinking that he was going to be the clan leader. Ensei checked the walls and Eigetsu poured the wine on the floor, as they realized that the walls were extremely thin and the room was tilted. They then told everyone that the house was going to collapse soon as Chuushou’s attempt to kill everyone was realized.

The troops of Teh Yuushun and Sai Shou’s elite mercenary troops arrived, as Eigetsu used his power as the governor to arrest all the Sa clan members for disrupting the peace of Kouling, with him saying that he would talk to the clan leader of Sa for further punishment. The clan leader would of course suffer the heaviest consequences as no one dared to stand up. Eiki and the rest then appeared, saying that she would be the guardian of Kokujun, the next clan leader, with the Sa clan ring on Kokujun’s finger as the defining judge. Eigetsu also formally approved of Kokujun’s position as clan leader of Sa as he left for investigations with Shuurei and Eigetsu while the other Sa clan members were slowly arrested.

At the cell, the young form of Shou talked to the dwindling spirit of Enjun, saying that he wanted to show Enjun the start of a new era. He wanted to let Enjun rest in peace. Enjun’s voice then said that Kokujun never killed anyone as Shou replied that he knew it as Shou told him not to worry anymore. Enjun laughed, asking Shou who was the one that made him unable to die in peace as his spirit dissipated.

Sakujun was quietly playing on the er hu as Seiran arrived, asking Sakujun to drink the poison. Sakujun asked why he did not intend to attack him directly, but Seiran reiterated that he wanted to see Sakujun being convicted by the law. Seiran then added that no cell could keep Sakujun. Sakujun teased how Seiran intended to get him to drink the poison. Seiran said that he intended to defeat him in battle and forced it down his throat. Seiran continued to speak as he intended to decide in a game where they had poured Seiran’s poison in 5 of the wine cups and 5 lethal poison in another 5. Sakujun said Seiran had nothing in exchange for him, but Seiran mentioned that he was an obstacle to Sakujun’s love of Shuurei. Sakujun agreed as the game started.

Thoughts

Honestly, I really do wonder who the killer of Chuushou and his father was. Kokujun seemed to acknowledge that it was him who did it, yet Shou and the spirit of Enjun said that Kokujun did not kill anyone. So, who in the world killed the two. However, I do agree that whoever killed the two was not the important issue, but the issue of resolving the leadership of the Sa clan. I guess, it was not really too much of an important detail who the real killer was, but the journey in which Kokujun finally assumed leadership and guts was the true thing to note.

Just to repeat, I find that the relationship of Shunki and Kokujun is so beautiful that words can hardly explain how great it is. They have so much love and trust of each other that it is amazing how they can withstand being separated for such a long period of time. I am so glad that they can finally get back together and it was so sweet when Kokujun said that Shunki’s voice was extremely sweet and music to his ears. Shunki’s assurance that she would be there forever for Kokujun was also a really big “awwww” moment for me.

I personally feel surprised at the strategy used by Chuushou to kill off the whole Sa clan. I am expecting initially for him to do some form of poisoning during the feast and the likes, as it will be technically illogical for anyone to repeat the same way of killing done thirty years ago. If anything, the most obvious method to eliminate your clan will usually be the less expected method of killing, which would be good.

However, the current way of elimination is also ingenious. I mean, to build a house with thin walls and floors, so as to slowly cause the house to collapse in an instant is a slow death that no one will be able to expect until the weight of the people in the house tilts it over. Hence, it is pretty amazing since Chuushou, with his brutal ways, has chosen just about the most subtle way of killing a whole group of people at one go without any high suspicion. Only Ensei and Eigetsu will be perceptive enough to such situations.

They are too darn smart.

I am also seriously disturbed at the “game” that Seiran and Sakujun is playing. They are literally playing with their lives with this game and it severely disturbs me that I have no clue who will be the one surviving (*grumbles for their good use of a climax*). I am sure that there will somehow be an interference in the form of Shuurei or someone, but I am not too sure. The whole chance roll of the dice and drinking the assigned wine cups just makes for a disturbing climax of the resolution between Sakujun and Seiran. Man, whoever is the director is an evil freak that loves to keep us on our toes.

Lastly, everything is starting to be resolved and I am glad that Shuurei and Eigetsu can finally be appointed as the governor. The choice of Kokujun as the clan leader is a tad interesting too.

So who do you hope to win the battle of “Shuurei”? Sakujun or Seiran?

Shunki jumped from nowhere to be my second favorite character. She completely captured my attention during the whole episode and she is clearly one of the characters whose mystery is revealed.

I am wowed by her greatness.

Episode 33 deals with the actual happenings when the day came for the ceremony of the new Sa clan leader. Shuurei has finally found out where Kokujun is kept and is on her road to save him. However, other people are also going forth for different things. 覆水难收 meant literally when you pour water out, it’s impossible to retrieve it back. That meant that there is no way to get back what you want even if you regretted it.

Episode summary

Shourin had found out about where Kokujun was, which was as Shuure suspected to be a small temple within the house. Shourin reported that there were guards around but Shuurei said that the ceremony for the Sa leadership was tonight and there would be less guards dispatched there. Shuurei asked Shourin to help but it seemed that he had other assignments. Shuurei went over to Sakujun, as he was drinking and non-chalant about the whole ceremony.

Sakujun said he was not interested in going, but asked Shuurei to tie his hair and brew him some tea. As Shuurei tied his hair, he noticed that he was a bit too relaxed and nice and he asked for the special tea. Shuure i refused to (even though there’s only that tea left) and got him hot water instead. She said the tea would cause some problems with his stomach with the amount of alcohol he drank. He also said that he would pass back the hairpin after the whole ceremony but she said it would make no difference if he gave it back now, as Sakujun said how unromantic she was. He was however surprised that he would use such a word.

Eigetsu and Ensei were on their way to the ceremony, as Ensei warned Seiran to protect Shunki since some of the Sa clan members knew who Shunki was. As Seiran and Shunki crept into the mansion, Seiran realized the reaction from his sword as we saw a flashback about the origins of the two swords. When the two swords were separated, they would have a strong reaction and Seiran’s sword was of the feminine nature to control, just like Yin and Yang. The two swords were intended to slain evil spirits and were crying out. Seiran wanted to give the feminine sword to Shunki but Shunki simply placed ear plugs on Seiran and went out with pink glowed eyes. She then talked as the environment changed into waterpaint colors and everyone fell when it returned.

With that, Shunki left, with Seiran saying how all the women here were very strong in character and Seiran was more fitting for the feminine sword. Shuurei was going over to the temple as she found the guards. She tried to get in, but the guards said that Chuushou was giving specific orders not to allow anyone to get in. Shuurei said since there was no one inside, and only gods could cast curses, not deities, which was why she should be allowed in. The guards tried to chase her away before Shunki appeared immediately.

She told Shuurei to cover her ears until she had finished it, as she ordered all the guards to fall asleep as they dropped. Shuurei was shocked what was happening as Shunki introduced herself. Shuurei thought she was mute but Shunki was not allowed to use it as her voice had a bewitching effect that could affect others, which was why Eiki warned her not to use it. They then rushed over to the shrine, as an injured Chuushou came out.

Sai Shou then appeared to supposedly pass the Sa family symbol to Chuushou but Sai Shou passed him an empty box. He said it was his way of telling the Sa clan that they would not succumb to the tyrannic actions of the Sa clan. Sai Shou then said that the elite troops and Kouling’s officers would be out there to stop Chuushou’s attempts to burn the town down. Chuushou only laughed cynically, saying that they could capture corpses. He then said that the ceremony would be used to destroy and kill everyone that was hindering him, just like what Sa Enjun did.

Shuurei then chased up to Chuushou, mending his wound as a last service before his death and told him that if he had the pride of a Sa clan, he would steal. Sai Shou then said that Shuurei had shown and done everything she could as a governor as he passed her the seal of the governor. As Chuushou continued to lie around the tree, the young version of Shou Taishi appeared, telling Chuushou that if Enjun had both talent and luck, he would not have to suffer. Shou Taishi said he had never seen a person more silly than Enjun, who charged into danger with such courage.

Shou Taishi said that the thing special about Enjun was his sheer determination and that he never complained of his status. Enjun did things not to be better than anyone but just because he was doing something that he believed. Shou said he was sending off the last journey on behalf of Sa as he reminded what happened during that night of killing. In the flashback,Eiki rushed out and told Enjun that it was not his fault and he did not have to bear everything alone. With that, Chuushou died as everyone rushed around to do their things, Eigetsu and Ensei for the ceremony, while Shunki and Shuurei finding Kokujun in the algae-filled underground.

Thoughts

Honestly, I am very lost at the last part with the interaction of Chuushou with Shuurei as well as Shou-taishi. Even with me trying to listen to it a few times did not help at all, since I cannot catch the conversation in a proper fashion. There seems to be more than what is implied.

When Chuushou said that he is simply repeating what Enjun did, I presumed it is killing. However, how in the world is he going to do it when he is all dead? Did he plan something already and that, I have to say, is something lost in translation for me. I will thank the person who is reading this entry who can help me on this because I cannot understand this part at all.

Second question, why did Chuushou appear all injured? Since he just came out of the shrine, I presumed he is actually stabbed by Kokujun but it makes no sense too. Kokujun is locked right inside the cell, with no way to escape. Kokujun does not have the ability to really attack someone in my opinion, even though he is turning into some sort of a psychopath that wants to kill everyone in his clan to restart the clan. That begs the question. Who the hell stabbed Chuushou?

To add on what I said earlier, I totally adore Shunki. She is very pretty and her voice after not talking for so long remains very sweet and cuddly. She is also a very kind person and has that totally awesome power to make people fall using merely her voice. She is perhaps the most mysterious among all and she just proves to be a really interesting, strong and likable character. Please let her appear more!

Back to her powers, I cannot get when her voice waves become bewitching powers. When she interacts and talks to Shuurei and Sai Shun, nothing happens. I wonder what is the actual trigger that causes her powers to manifest since it seems possible that there is a trigger to do what she does. I think it’s one of the phrases she used that caused it, and it seems to be a common phrase too. I am not too sure about that since I am not a Japanese watcher.

I am also very confused about Sakujun. Is he really starting to fall in love with Shuurei, rather than thinking of Shuurei as a play thing? The fact that he doubted himself when he said the word romantic is a very interesting thought. The word romantic generally comes from something that has love connotations and I do wonder if Sakujun somehow has found that moral part in his heart to have the capacity to leave.

No way.

This episode is perhaps one of the most exciting for Saiunkoku Monogatari in the recent weeks, with excellent build up for Kokujun’s rescue next week as well as what Sakujun will actually do. What is Seiran’s poison and I still wonder what the poison is for during one of the previous episodes. I can’t wait!

Shuurei is in great danger. Will she be able to survive the physical charms of Sakujun or will she succumb to his forceful nature?

This episode deals with Shuurei’s attempt to find out about the location of Kokujun and Eiki, as well as resisting the attempts of Sakujun and the rest of the Sa clan from impending her attempt to be governor of Sa province. This episode, to me, is pretty straightforward, yet makes a very strong impression with character development of Shuurei. 女人也说一

I laughed at my head off at this scene. It was about Shuurei in shock, asking if Sakujun would carry out what his grandfather asked him to do.. The phrase 生米煮

What happens when you are on a line where good and evil, fair and unfair, are no longer important at all? Anyone feel Kant’s theory here? Seiran is turning slowly to a rather dark character, with this episode showing yet a different side of him. I cannot blame him considering how he was brought up.

The title for this episode is 女人的胆

Ran Shuuei is insanely powerful in battle. Well, the fact that you never see him fight makes it even more impressive how he is more powerful than even Seiran or well, Ensei. My mouth just opened extremely wide after that move even though I know that he is a trusted general by Ryuuki’s side.

The meaning of the title (一日

KITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!~

Kissing scene of Takako x Mizuho. Now, that is the most pairing ever, a pseudo yuri pairing that will win the hearts of many viewers!

Even so, Takako does not seem to be able to handle the hawt kiss by Mizuho, so maybe it is a bad thing but she is still so cute. She made me watch this episode more than 10 times already…Well, more like the two amusing scenes at the very least.

She should really stop reading the wrong version of “Romeo and Juliet”.

Hmm, it seems like before we have any conclusion of Shuurei, we might have a blossoming relationship between Eigetsu and Kourin. Heh heh.

Episode 27’s title is