Tale of Saiunkoku – ep 13

The show continues to have a very good balance of serious plot and good humour. This episode reveals the story behind eigetsu, what happens to the blue ribbon gang, as well as concludes the imperial exams.

So the misunderstanding about why Ryuuki was at the brothel is cleared up. However, Shuuei states that Eigetsu is quite different from the guy he met yesterday. In fact, eigetsu was easily fighting off the gang of blue ribbon. When shuuei found him collapsed later, he mentioned the brothel’s name, thus Shuuei brought him there.

 Santa arrives looking for shuurei, to warn about the blue ribbon gang. He tries to explain that he joined the gang only to impress the girl he likes. But shuurei, totally not comprehending who that girl is, states that even if he was to become the gang boss, she is sure the girl wouldn’t give a hoot. Time for serious matters though. Kouchou and Shuuei debate about who is to settle the matter of the blue ribbon gang, before kouchou reluctantly agrees to let Eigetsu get back his pass before she gets rid of them. Only then does Shuurei realise that she’s actually one of the leaders of the big gangs.

Thus the blue ribbon gang attacks, only to be met by a snowball thrown by Kouchou. Except that it’s a gigantic snowball. Soon the blue ribbon gang is quickly routed as expected though, leaving the leader. Meanwhile, eigetsu, shuurei, santa and kouyuu are left to stay back and search for the passes. They end up meeting the leader, who holds shuurei hostage. Problem is, he has the misfortune of knocking Eigetsu into a vat of wine…

 

This wakes up his other half, yougetsu, who totally defeats the boss in one quick move. He also saves Shuurei from a sneak attack as well. Just because eigetsu asked.

Thus begins the fight for eigetsu to join their gangs by all the gang leaders. Even ryuuki voices out, except nobody believes he has the same name as the emperor. UNtil a very senior leader steps forward to ask for apologies for not controlling the blue ribbon gang, upon which everybody kneels to ryuuki.

But eigetsu’s pass is still missing, and eigetsu wanted to dunk himself into wine again, since Yougetsu hinted that he knew where it was. However, shuurei stops him. It was then, Santa’s father arrives delivering  eigetsu’s pass, as well as a vat of top knotch expensive wine. Seems that the story goes that Yougetsu had gave him the pass for safe keeping, order expensive wine, and told him to deliver everything to the brothel. Thus explains why Eigetsu was missing large amount of money.

 

Thus it’s time for the present Kouchou promised earlier. It’s actually a makeup kit + a lesson on make up. She reveals that her father and seiran had long ago came to her, asking her to take care of Shuurei, since her mom had passed away and that there were things that only a female could teach her. As final words, she passes some sagely advice about being a woman to Shuurei, and tells her to hold her own ground when she becomes an official.

 As a closing, the imperial exams take place. Eigetsu takes the top place, the youngest to do so. Shuuei’s brother takes 2nd place, ever the odditity. Shuurei takes 3rd place, becoming the first woman official. Ryuuki complains that Shuurei now seems further than ever, but Shuuei tells him that the things he need to do to win Shuurei’s heart has not a changed a single bit.

Thoughts

Ryuuki seems to be gaining more authority, and yet seems still so silly at times.  It’ll be interesting to see what encounters this 3 weird ppl go through, having become officials.