Saiunkoku Monogatari II Episode 2 – 泣くも笑うも同じ一生

(I’ll just be referring to Brown Province as ‘Sa Province’ starting this episode onwards)

The title can be roughly translated as “Crying or laughing (or Moments of sadness and joy) would still be considered as [part of] ‘life’ (or ‘living’)”, pertaining to the kind of life that Eigetsu has gone through. At the start of this episode, we see Eigetsu still working hard as ever, day and night. In the midst of his work, he remembers the words of Doushu, the physician who took care him and treated him as his own son, “This is a promise between us… smile as much as possible, except in moments of sadness. Don’t give up on living no matter what happens. Don’t look back and keep going forward. I’ll always love you, Eigetsu”. Kourin brews him some tea and comments on how headstrong he is despite his looks. She advises him to rest a little, and as Eigetsu reaches for his book, his hand touches Kourin’s, making both of them blush.

Ensei suddenly comes in and ruins the mood asks Kourin to help him brew some tea to drink, startling both of them. Ensei tells Eigetsu to get some sleep, but he refuses to do so as he can still go on working. Ensei gives the same comment as Kourin with regards to his being headstrong. He adds that Eigetsu looks like the youngest in the family, but thinks that he must be the oldest, judging from his behavior. Eigetsu tells them that it is indeed true that he’s the youngest in the family, but due to certain circumstances he suddenly became the only son. Kourin and Ensei wonders about this, and so Eigetsu explains to them about his past. He was the youngest in his original family, and was almost killed by his parents to save their family from starvation (because of the fact that he’s still not much use to the family at his young age, which means he’ll simply be an additional burden to the family). Doushu comes in time to save him from this incident and offers to take care of him instead. Doushu and Eigetsu lived in Seika village and those days were much filled with happiness. Doushu was a really kind man, and always looks at the bright side of things despite the problems that befall him. Kourin says that he is very much like Eigetsu, to which he replies that he’s nowehere as good as Doushu is.

Eigetsu continues his story and tells them of the two things Doushu loved more than anything, (1) people and (2) living. “To live is a great thing because I was able to meet you in this life [Eigetsu]. A person’s heart warms up just by loving someone, and that alone is enough to make him/her happy”, says Doushu, and remembers his words of wanting to live his life being happy each day, till the end of his life. There was a time when Doushu’s medicines got ransacked by people, but instead of getting angry with them, he was thankful enough that his medicines will be helpful to these people in some way. It’s not that Doushu believed in the absolute goodness of people, he knows they are capable of doing evil (lying, deceiving…), but also knows that each and everyone is capable of being kind and trusting. He chose to love the world above all else. Eigetsu learned the true meaning of “love” from him, and was thankful that he was raised by such a great person. After telling this story, he continues on with his work again.

Ensei remembers about Eigetsu’s former dream of becoming a doctor, and wonders why he gave this up. Eigetsu didn’t give this up, but just thought he would be able to help much more people by serving as a government official rather than simply being a doctor. Ensei agrees, and says that will certainly be possible once their bill gets amended. They wonder how Shuurei is doing in Kiyou, and we see that she’s progressing very well in gaining the approval of the department secretaries and governors. Shuurei finds it strange that they agreed that easily, and we find out that this was partly because of Ryuuki (it was mentioned that he pre-arranged it or something). We see Ryuuki and Shouka in the archives, and Shouka thanks him for what he did. Ryuuki says that he never did anything, it was all a result of Shuurei’s hard work. He adds that the reason why he considered their proposal was not because of Shuurei, but because he sees it as a great measure for Sa Province’s development. He tells Shouka that he was happy that Shuurei called him by his name, but was saddened by the fact that she had to leave for Sa Province soon. Ryuuki confesses that he didn’t really want to help out Shuurei, because the longer it will take her to get approval for the proposal (and go back to Sa Province), the more that he’ll get to see her. He then thinks that being an emperor is really lonely.

Shuurei continues her work and was able to get the approval of the governors and Chamberlain of Imperial Labor, as well as the Justice and Military Affairs Department. All that’s left would be the approval of Koku Province’s governor, Chamberlain of Civil Administration (under Kou Reishin) and Finances (under Kou Kijin / Houju), Yuushun and Sairin told her to leave the matter with the Dept of Finances to them, and wonders how they’re doing. Scene changes to Yuushun and Sairin, who are currently trying to get Houju’s approval on the matter. Houju could not accept the proposal, since it will entail a great amount of resources, yet with no certainty as to the returns they will get from it. Sairin tells Houju not to look down on their capabilities, since a merchant like her knows just what she’s getting into by wanting this proposal to be accepted (with a sense of foresight that a wise merchant has). She adds that there will be no problems with the funding once they get the support of the All Merchant’s Alliance, to which Hojou thinks they will have a hard time convincing. Sairin says that it’s for this very reason that they first came to Houju and get his approval on the matter, so that they will be at a more advantageous position before negotiating with the All Merchant’s Alliance. Realizing the possibility of the lasting effect this plan would have, he places his trust on Sairin and finally agrees.

Kouyuu wanders around in the palace, lost as usual… he sees Kurou, but couldn’t believe that he’s inside the palace and thinks it’s some illusion. He tries to run away but Kurou confronts him with regards to his decision. Kouyuu acts as though he doesn’t know what he’s talking about, and so Kurou tells him that Shuurei will be taken by someone else if he doesn’t act fast. Kurou adds that he’s not forcing him to marry Shuurei, but having him do this will benefit both the Kou clan and Shuurei’s advancement, which in turn will maintain the stability of their clan – “hitting three birds with one stone”, according to Kurou. He then asks Kouyuu if a misogynist like him also doesn’t approve of Shuurei, who’s undeniably “attached” to him in some way. Kurou further insists that he wants them to get married, regardless of what kind of “love” they have for each other. “You’re capable of becoming Shuurei’s steppingstone”, he says, letting Kouyuu realize the fact that only he can push Shuurei to the greatest heights of her career. He gives Kouyuu more time to think about this, but tells him he doesn’t want him to take a long time for a decision since a number of men have already set their eyes on Shuurei, one of which is Ran Ryuuren.

Kouyuu shudders at the thought of Ryuuren. Kurou says that Shuurei is indeed a very special person for Ryuuren, and so the Ran clan will certainly do something to “get” Shuurei to marry him too. This is still a “future” scenario, but is certain to come, so Kurou advises him to think about it well. “I want you to realize [it for yourself] that you are the one most suited to for Shuurei”. Kouyuu thinks about this scenario of marrying Shuurei, and realizes the outcomes this will have – the fact that Shouka will be his father-in-law and Reishin becoming Shuurei’s father-in-law as well, and the courage he will need to face the other men who has their eyes on Shuurei, particularly Ryuuki. Kouyuu didn’t realize that Shuurei has been standing there beside him, and was caught in surprise when he finally takes notice of Shuurei’s presence.

Shuurei wonders if there’s something wrong with him because he’s been blushing (and chuckling)… She goes to touch Kouyuu’s face to check if he has a fever but he simply turns his back from her and tells him there’s nothing wrong with him. Kouyuu couldn’t face Shuurei like before, and “psyches” himself to calm down and talk to her as usual. Shuurei talks to him about getting the approval of the, and asks for his help to get the approval of the Civil Administration Chamberlain (by simply mediating). Kouyuu tries (and thinks) too hard to talk to her in the same way as before, but was completely with thoughts of him marrying Shuurei. He bangs his head against the pole to make him snap out of it, and having gotten back his “sanity”, tells Shuurei to leave the matter with the Chamberlain of Civil Administration to him.

Shuurei tells him that mediating would be enough, since she knows that the Chamberlain is busy as well. Kouyuu disagrees with the fact that he’s busy, since he was well-aware of the reason as to why the Chamberlain (Reishin) doesn’t want to face her. Kouyuu was determined to confront Reishin with regards to the approval of Shuurei’s plans, and tells her to not move an inch while she waits for him to come back. Shuurei notices Kouyuu’s odd behavior.

Nightime comes, and Shuurei still discusses the matters about Sa Province during mealtime, so much that she didn’t take notice of her father asking her if she wants seconds. Yuushun wonders if she was able to gain the approval of the Department of Civil Administration, and Shuurei says that she was able to do so with Kouyuu’s help. Shuurei tells them about Kouyuu easily gaining the Chamberlain’s approval on the matter, after some delay caused by his lack of sense of direction. He also told Shuurei of a message from the Chamberlain: that he’s looking forward to it. Shuurei thanks Kouyuu for this, making him blush and tells her to say her thanks to the Chamberlain instead. Yuushun couldn’t help but laugh at this interesting story.

Shuurei wonders what made Kouyuu want to help her that much, but brushes off this thought and simply rejoices over the fact that they were finally able to gain the approval of the 6 chamberlains and 5 governors. What’s left would be the approval of Governor Kai of the Koku Province who will be arriving soon in Kiyou. And then we see this governor (who looks like Sa Taiho) in a carriage on his way there. It turns out that Doushu met him before leaving on this journey, telling him that his journey is over, and was glad that he was able to make it in time to fulfill his promise with Eigetsu. Doushu entrusts him with books to give to Shuurei, explaining that the reason he is giving these to her is because Eigetsu doesn’t have much time left. Doushu wants to extend his deepest thanks to Shuurei for keeping Eigetsu company. Doushu goes someplace and spends the last minutes of his life thinking about how happy he was in all the days he and Eigetsu spent together. “I’m glad I was able to make it in time… I’ll be going ahead, waiting for you [there]“, are his last words before he passes away with all contentment. With the strong bond that they have, Eigetsu was able to sense the disappearance of Doushu’s presence, and cries in lament over his death. But Eigetsu knows that Doushu has spent his days in bliss and contentment, and so bids him to rest in peace… Kourin witnesses this scene. The episode ends, leaving us this last scene of the white bishie (in the opening) saying “I’ll finally be able to meet you, Kou Shuurei”

Thoughts

The main focus of the episode is Eigetsu’s past, and it’s great to see this side of Eigetsu that we didn’t see a glimpse of in the first season. I can’t believe how much this cute little kid has been through. His innocent-looking-face when he was about to get killed… *gasp* >.< I can’t help but get sad over this fact… It’s indeed such a blessing that Doushu got to take care of him, and made him live upright and molded him to what he is now. We can clearly see the reason as to why we never see Eigetsu frown or get sad… it’s all because of the kind and great Doushu. I do admire Doushu for being really kind and all, but he’s just too kind… that’s why [evil] people took advantage of this. Nevertheless, this is the life he chose to live, and this proves to be rewarding as he was able to spend almost all his days in happiness and joy. Eigetsu knows this well, that he was able to live his life to the fullest. Thus, despite the fact that he was saddened by Doushu’s death, he was able to accept it without bearing any ill feelings.

Still nothing said about the mystery of Yougetsu’s origin… but I think it’ll be revealed later on. I also can’t understand why Doushu mentioned that Eigetsu doesn’t have much time left… o__o He’s going to die soon??? >.> Perhaps this will be explained in the next episode

With regards to Kouyuu, I think I’m gonna have an overdose of Kouyuu’s blushing moments from this episode Almost all his appearance in the episode, we see him all flustered, and I really find that hilarious. It seems that Kurou’s convincing words made much impact on him to rethink his perspective with regards to marrying Shuurei… (but I noticed that he first blushed not at the thought of marrying Shuurei, but rather by the fact that Shouka will be his father-in-law ^^;;) I have nothing against Kouyuu x Shuurei, but it’s just at this point in time I can’t see them any more than in a “platonic relationship” >.> It’s clear that the reason why Kurou wants Kouyuu for Shuurei is for political reasons (benefit of the clan, benefit of Shuurei), and as such, I certainly would not want them to get married simply for this reason (I want to see romance~).

Of course I’m still hoping that Ryuuki x Shuurei would work out somehow… though there’s going to be a really tough road for this relationship. Not to mention the fact that yet another bishie will add up to Shuurei’s already-many “harem”. I know that the white-haired guy isn’t Sakujun, but he seems to give off the “Sakujun vibes”… for some reason. And on to the next episode~ (hope it’s not filled with many historical terms I’m sooo not familiar with x__x)

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