Saiunkoku Monogatari II Episode 5 -愛は惜しみなく与う (Love is Lavishly Given)

If I were to sum up this episode in one word, I’d say it’s all “revelations”. From the Bara-hime I simply thought of was just a character in a story, it was far more deeper than that. It actually intertwines with other events and characters in the world of Saiunkoku. Now that I think about it, it seems as though just about each and every character, events, and the like are all intertwined in this series, which simply makes us see how great of a “weaver” the author Yukino Sai is.

This episode has also made us see a glimpse of a blooming love, but that which, alas, has to come to an end. I believe the title ‘Love is Lavishly / Generously Given’ speaks not only of this love, but also Eigetsu’s love towards people whom he want to help to the best that he can. More importantly, I think the title is best shown in Shouka’s love for his wife Shoukun, and another love contrary to this, particularly Riou’s “possessive” kind of love.

Screenshots

Summary

Shuurei is still in her petrified state and Riou is about to touch her face, when Shouka gets in between her and Riou to save her from the imminent danger she’s in. Shouka decides to face Riou by himself, and tells Shuurei to go home for some work she needs to do (as an excuse for her to leave). Before leaving, however, Shuurei thanks Riou for the shawl and returns it to him, then her father raises his voice and commands her to leave quickly. Shouka confronts Riou with regards to his reason for coming to Kiyou, considering the fact that he’s the Hyou clan’s Soushu / clan head (a clan capable of manipulating people to obey what they want), and Riou simply answers him back with another question, “Just how much will you deprive me of ‘my possessions’ before you become satisfied, Kou Shouka?”

Riou makes Shouka face his previous crime of slaughtering his family, when Shusui comes into the scene, trembling in fear as she holds a knife with her. Shouka tells her not to force herself, and makes her leave as well. Riou continues his story, that Shouka not only took away Shusui, but also his “bara-hime (Rose Princess)”. But despite all he’s done, Shouka’s now comfortably living as a “good man”, and praises him for raising the first-born of the Kou clan (Shuurei) well. He adds that for the long time he lived, he has never met someone from the Kou clan as unique as Shouka.

Shouka then takes out his ‘kunai’ and manages to scar Riou’s face, warning him not to show his face to Shuurei again. Riou comments on how Shouka doesn’t seem to know his limitations, since he’s saying these threatening words to a man whom Shouka knows he can’t kill. He reminds Shouka of the time when he barely escaped alive to Kiyou, and tells him he’s most likely gonna end up in a worse fate than before in his present state without both his “bara-hime” (his wife Shoukun) and his [dexterity and] youth. Shouka declares that he’s also a man Riou can’t kill, and Hiou says that Shouka never changed a bit. “Only you have been able to make me feel this much hatred, Kou Shouka”, Riou adds, and “thanks” him for making it possible for him to once again meet his bara-hime (referring to Shuurei now).

Shouka points out that Shuurei is not Bara-hime, and Riou is well-aware of this, since the beauty of “his” bara-hime (Shoukun) would outshine the moon (or that the moon will fade in comparison), and not even Eiki and Shunki could compare to her beauty. However, he doesn’t deny Shuurei’s resemblance with her mother, and as he walks pass Shouka, he swears to him that even if Shuurei isn’t Bara-hime, he’ll certainly take back from Shouka what used to be “his possession”, especially now that he’s finally found “it”.

Shuurei runs inside the palace, thinking about Riou and how he seemed to be someone who’s “not of this world”. Seiran grabs her hand as he sees her, and Shuurei falls down on her knees as she remembers the earlier incident. Seiran wonders what was wrong since Shuurei is trembling, but she tells him it’s nothing. Shuurei then asks Seiran if he has seen a family crest bearing the symbol of an eigth-petaled flower with different colors, and Seiran was perceptive enough to know that Shuurei has probably seen someone of the Hyou clan. Seiran worries that this person must’ve done something to her, but Shuurei says that he simply put his shawl on her. He further asks Shuurei about this crest, if it contained a moon symbol, and she mentions about seeing a full-moon symbol on it. This bothers Seiran even more and instructs Shuurei not to tell anyone else about it as he still has to investigate on this person, leaving Shuurei in wonder.

Kouyuu gets lost inside the palace again and complains about the disappearance of the archives. Thinking that it must some dream or nightmare, he pinches himself on the cheek, and worries that he’ll end up lifeless on the snow if he continues wandering around to no end. Luckily, Shuurei is also on her way to the archives, and Kouyuu was about to thank her for saving him but gets all stiff as he remembers that “scene” with him and Shuurei.

Inside the archives, Shuurei says that Kouyuu that he must be tired after all the work of the Civil Administration, and Kouyuu tells her that it’s finally over because Reishin miraculously got the urge to finish all his piled-up work at once. She praises him for his hard work, making Kouyuu blush. Shuurei brings out some oranges for Kouyuu, making him remember that image of Reishin with oranges once again. He realizes that the one who saved the Civil Administrations Department from despair was no other than Shuurei, and admires her for that. Kouyuu partakes the oranges from Shuurei, and says that these must be Kou clan’s finest oranges, grown through their special refinement techniques. Shuurei wonders if it’s alright for her to receive these valuable oranges from someone she doesn’t even know, and Kouyuu tells her to simply accept what is given her. He thinks about his own words, “accept what is given you”, then blushes as he thinks about Shuurei (and most likely the fact that he’s readily being given Shuurei’s hand in marriage). As he reflects on this possible marriage with Shuurei, he thinks that Ryuuki will most likely cry a river if this marriage is realized.

Ryuuki sneezes as Kouyuu thought about him just then, and Ryuuki wonders who could it be that’s talking about him again. Shuuei thinks that it’s most likely the people talking about his marriage again, and Ryuuki just shakes his head in reply. Back to Kouyuu, he takes back what he said earlier about how Ryuuki will react to his marriage with Shuurei, and says that he’ll most likely give them his blessing too, believing that Ryuuki has already prepared himself for this. He thinks even deeper, and realizes that the reason why he still doesn’t feel happy about agreeing to this marriage is because he’s already happy with the way things are (with his relationships with everyone else). Having finally realized this made him smile in thought as he looks at Shuurei.

Shuurei finds him weird, that one moment she sees him deep in his thoughts, then another moment looking at him with a smile on his face, and wonders if it was simply due to his fatigue from work. Kouyuu thinks that perhaps he’ll someday have to face this marriage decision, but that’s but one of the many possible scenarios in the future, so he doesn’t have to make his decision yet. What Kouyuu thought was such a big problem wasn’t really a problem to begin with, and felt relieved that he was able to escape from being “swayed by the palms” of Kurou. Kouyuu unconsciously blurts out, “I’m really happy”, and was surprised by his own actions.

Seiran reports to Ryuuki that Hyou clan’s head (Riou) has possibly came into contact with Shuurei, and Ryuuki wonders why. Shuuei kiddingly replies, “Who knows…”, earning him a sharp glare from Seiran due his lack of concern over the problem. Shuuei then suggest that they investigate on mansions and temples that might have possible connections with the Hyou clan. Ryuuki thinks that since Shuurei met him inside the palace, Riou must probably be hiding somewhere within the palace grounds. Ryuuki doesn’t seem to feel the gravity of the problem, so Seiran scolds him to have a more “sense of crisis”, and tells him how dangerous the Hyou clan is. Seiran adds that the clan head came all the way to Kiyou (which is already suspicious in itself), and thus spies would be necessary to observe his actions.

Ryuuki still can’t quite understand what would be Riou’s reason for coming, since he’d simply be ignored in Kiyou, and it’s for this very reason what Seiran insist on investigating on it. Ryuuki doubts if there would be spies who can possibly do that, since even the “Black Wolves” undergone a lot of sacrifice during their encounter with the Hyou clan. Ryuuki turns to Shuuei for his suggestion on the problem, and gives his opinion that it is indeed difficult to get any information regarding the Hyou clan, considering the fact that they’ve been keeping a low profile these ten years (after disappearing from the face of politics). But nevertheless Shuuei tells him that he’ll try his best to do what he can. Ryuuki gives his not-so-witty deduction that Riou must’ve felt like going back to Kiyou to do some sightseeing, and perhaps came to meet people and let them listen to his “New Year’s Aspirations”. After which, he decides to proceed with the investigation no matter how pointless it seemed to him.

Shuurei and Kouyuu are still in the archives, and Shuurei goes to ask him what it means when someone says they “won by default” in terms of negotiations. Kouyuu is aware that she’s talking about the negotiation with the All-Merchant’s Alliance, and tells to her he would do the same if he was in the shoes of the All-Merchant’s Alliance (and there’s actually no one would even want to personally negotiate with Yuushun on such matters). Kouyuu explains that the reason why the Alliance decided to even bother dealing with Yuushun was because he might use some underhanded tactics to make them agree to the bargain. They feared him and already gave up without a fight, thus they already “won by default”.

Kouyuu wipes Shuurei’s hands of the stains of orange juice as he explains this to Shuurei, and notices the bruises on her hand (caused by peeling the oranges?), which he thinks he’d have to treat with some medicine later on. Yuushun arrives and apologizes for interrupting them (in their “sweet moment”), and it took a few more seconds for Kouyuu to realize what Yuushun meant, before finally letting go of Shuurei’s hand, and awkwardly asks Yuushun for some oranges. As Yuushun goes to sit beside Kouyuu, he whispers to Yuushun not to mention anything about what he saw to Reishin, and Shuurei wonders what they’re whispering about.

Kouyuu then asks Yuushun about Governor Kai of the Koku Province, and Yuushun tells them that Governor Kai will be arriving in Kiyou the day after tomorrow. He sent a letter to Shuurei, informing her that he wants to meet her upon his arrival, which surprises them as the governor is expressing his wanting to meet her, instead of it being the other way around.

Meanwhile in Sa Province, Eigetsu is gazing by the window, when Kourin confronts her and questions the reason why suddenly became kind to her, despite the fact that he’s going to disappear from her sight soon without even telling her anything. Eigetsu realizes that Kourin already knows about his coming “death”, and goes to hug her despite her resistance at first. Kourin cries on Eigetsu’s shoulder, begging her not to leave… Eigetsu admits that he didn’t say anything about it, but promises to tell everything to Kourin alone, at least before he leaves. Eigetsu is aware that Kourin has already met Yougetsu, who she considers to be the person who’s going to take Eigetsu’s life. Contrary to what she believes, it’s actually Yougetsu who gave Eigetsu life. His soul became intertwined with Yougetsu’s, at that time when he was supposed to have died already, and allowed him to live in this world.

A flashback is shown with Yougetsu asking young Eigetsu if he still longs to live, despite the fact that nothing good turned out from how he’s been living up until then and Eigetsu tells him “I want to live”, with his frail voice as he’s almost at the brink of death. Eigetsu says that he doesn’t know what kind of life Yougetsu had, yet from that time on, his body became Yougetsu’s, and he was able to live as Eigetsu because of the strength Yougetsu soul gave to his weak and dying soul. Kourin thinks it’s too strange to be true, since it seemed as though [the monster] ‘Yougetsu’ took over his body. Eigetsu agrees with what she says, and adds that it was because of this ‘monster’ that he was able to live up until the present, even waited for him, till these last days of his life.

Morning comes, and Kourin asks Eigetsu just how long he has left to live. He then tells Kourin that the person who had half of his spirit (Doushu) passed away before autumn ended, and thinks that he has less than a month left to live. Eigetsu explains that this is the reason why he should go to Sekie village, because Koringun (the province where Sekie village is perhaps) needs a doctor. This way, he’ll be able to save the lives of people, rather than simply waiting for Shuurei while he awaits his death. Kourin wonders if there’s still a way to prevent Eigetsu’s death, but he assures her that even if he’s gone, Yougetsu will still be there, to which Kourin replies “The one I long for is not Yougetsu!” Eigetsu was a little surprised with her sudden confession, but then tells her that he loves her and wants her to be happy. He kisses Kourin who was crying in tears, making Kourin faint, and Eigetsu covers her up with a blanket before embarking on his journey.

Eigetsu is on his way to Sekie, and remembers what Doushu told him before, that it would be great if government officials could form alliance with doctors. That way, these doctors could meet from time to time, think of various treatments for diseases, and be able to create just about any form of medicine. There was once a time when Doushu grieved over someone’s death, and thought that it would’ve been possible to save that person if only there were doctors who had the knowledge of how to cure the disease (since his own knowledge is very limited). Eigetsu then sworn to Doushu that he’s going to take the official examination and become a government official, and fulfill Doushu’s wishes, to diminish the grieve and lament of people.

Eigetsu entrusts Shuurei and Yuushun with Doushu’s wish, believing that these people will certainly be able to fulfill that in his behalf. Eigetsu says that he simply has to save as many lives as he can, and tells Doushu that he lead his life happily. The following day, Shuurei goes to meet Governor Kai…

Thoughts

[Almost] all the questions I’ve been asking and wondering about were revealed in this episode, and brought a load of surprises with it. So now, the two characters in the opening song (Bara-hime) and Riou have been unveiled, both of whose ‘destiny’ is intertwined with Shouka and Shuurei. I can’t believe that tale of “Bara-hime” is actually the story of Shuurei’s mom herself… and perhaps the man who loved her in that tale in the end was referring to Shouka. And then here comes Riou, who actually “loves” Shoukun, and considers her as “his possession”. I’m not sure but having him refer to Shoukun as his possession can’t help but make me think he’s the one who locked up “Bara-hime” in the story. This thought just came into me, that Riou’s relation / obsession with “his” Bara-hime seemed to have been intentionally portrayed (?) with the rose petals that always appears whenever he comes and goes o_o

With the lighthearted mood in the past episodes with regards to Shouka and his family, I have almost forgotten about the dark past of Shouka as the leader of the “Black Wolves”. And now it’s been revealed, and unveiled with it other surprises, like the fact that Shouka slaughtered Riou’s family (and perhaps most of the Hyou clan), took away Bara-hime (Shoukun), as well as Shusui. I was particularly surprised when he mentioned about Shusui, and made me wonder what connection Shusui has with Riou. What I simply know about Shusui was that she’s part of the Black Wolves, and that she loves Shouka… other than that… o_O Is she part of the Hyou clan as well? I wonder… and why does Riou consider her as his possession as well?

I can’t help but compare Shouka with Battousai Kenshin… both of whom have a comparably dark past (or perhaps Shouka’s is darker?). Another similarity is that both of them decided to live a peaceful life (and has this really innocent smile on their face, which is a complete opposite of their “previous selves”)

Speaking of Riou, he still scares me up until now… I’d have to admit, he’s hawt, yet he gives you shivers at the same time (talk about irony ;P) I wonder how Shuurei will deal with him, considering the fact that he has the ability to manipulate people to do as he wishes. I mean, Shuurei won’t stand a chance against a supernatural being (she was already petrified in horror when she first met him)… but I’d anticipate just how she’s going to deal with this guy, who’s [obsessively] aiming to “make her his”. I’m also wondering about Shuurei returning the shawl to Riou… should I admire her for doing that? (showing her thanks to the person, despite all her fears…? o_O) Just hope she won’t plunge herself into trouble… >_<

As for Kouyuu, I’m glad he was finally able to find the “answers” to his questions… :p He finally had the chance to think about his “problem”, without the pressure of Kurou. But then, I guess this means we won’t be able to see much of Kouyuu x Shuurei or Kouyuu’s blushful moments anymore… hehe

How Yougetsu x Eigetsu came about was quite explained in detail in the episode, but we still don’t know who Yougetsu really was, and how he actually met Eigetsu. Little Eigetsu was dying when Yougetsu was talking to him in the flashback, but did this happen before Doushu adopted him, or after? With regards to what Eigetsu said about Doushu having half of his soul, I’m thinking he meant it figuratively… but it seems that he meant it literally as well, since Doushu’s death affected the span of time he has left to live.

It’s really sad seeing Eigetsu’s life coming to an end… especially at this time when Eigetsu and Kourin’s love has already bloomed~ That kissing scene was just so sweet (I certainly didn’t expect Eigetsu to be ‘aggressive’ ;P), but saddening at the same time. They’ve finally confessed their feelings to each other, then comes this ‘parting kiss’, and they part ways. I’d have to admire Eigetsu for his noble and selfless ambitions. Everything he’s been working hard for up until now wasn’t for his own desires, but his desire to help out people and save the lives of many. He decided not to waste a single second of his life and went to his journey… I’m still hoping that there’s going to be a surprise and we’ll see Eigetsu alive and happy with Kourin, but of course that might not come true. It’s going to be painful for Kourin, waking up and seeing his loved one no longer by her side… >_< She might be able to accept his death, and be happy for Eigetsu since he was able to live his life to the fullest, nevertheless it will still be painful…