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’s far deeper than what I thought, and once again 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 of this love, and also of Shouka’s love for his wife Shoukun. Another form of love shown contrasts this title, referring to Riou’s “love” which is nothing but a selfish kind of love (possessive)

Saiunkoku Monogatari II Episode 4 - 冬来りなば春遠からじ (If winter comes, can spring be far behind?)

A spine-chilling episode with the mysteries starting to unravel… but then the question as to the what connection the Jasenkyou (the cult), the disease, the Eight Immortals, and the silver-haired bishie Riou just makes things even more complicated. In contrast to this, Reishin once again gives us some entertainment with his “orange” moments. I actually think the “orange” played the main part in this episode, which seems to have bound the different events with regards to Shuurei, Kurou and Reishin. :p

The title of “If winter comes, can spring be far behind”, is most likely referring to the disease in the Sekie village which should be resolved before winter comes, as well as the fact that Shuurei will soon be leaving as this season draws near.

(as usual, pardon the lengthy summary due to the amount of details I include in each episode ^^)

Saiunkoku Monogatari II Episode 3 – 類は友を呼ぶ (Like breeds like)

Mysteries [partially] revealed, yet much more mysteries introduced that would seem to play a vital role in the plot twists that’s going to happen throughout the season. A strange cult movement, the short span of time Eigetsu has left to live, and the reappearance of the silver-haired man who Shou Taishi knows… all these in this exciting episode of Saiunkoku.

On a lighter note, we also see a glimpse of how “serious” Reishin’s adoration for Shuurei is, which, although funny and entertaining to watch, can’t help but make you shudder and feel ‘disturbed’. With regards to the title (Like breeds like / Birds of the same feather flock together), I’m not completely sure what bound the entire episode to it… This is clearly depicted in Ryuuren and Kokujun’s relationship though, who unexpectedly became close to each other despite their differences. It must have something to do with the relationships that ‘binds’ people, as Shouka mentioned, as well as other relationships between the characters in this series.

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 [...]

Saiunkoku Monogatari II Episode 1 - わが家に勝る所なし (There’s No Place Like Home)
OP Screenshots:

the rose is finally blooming

the mysterious white-haired man

another mysterious character… Bara Hime? o_o
Brief synopsis:
There is no place like home indeed, as Shuurei finally goes back to her home after the incidents in Brown Province. The first season left off with [...]