Chapter 23, "The First Warbler"

[kate_nepveu]

I'd like to think that I'm getting better at keeping to a schedule, but really, this chapter is just pretty short.

Comments

[hikarugenji]

I think the comment about Tamakazura is just intended to mean that her life and prospects have been improved immensely by Genji bringing her to the capital.

IIRC, Genji now has every woman that he has slept with throughout the story in his house(s), with the exceptions of Nokiba no Ogi (Locust Shell's sister), the old lady, and Oborozukiyo. Nokiba no Ogi is down in the provinces with her husband, Oborozukiyo was one of Suzaku-in's consorts, and the old lady just sort of disappears.

[kate_nepveu]

Hmmm, that doesn't leave me with any un-named women, comparing my list of people Genji's had sex with (http://genji.magatsu.net/index.php?title=Genji%27s_relationships). But that list wasn't comprehensive, more going through the geneological charts and the prior chapter summaries.

[hikarugenji]

That's a good point. It's possible that this is referring to other unknown (to the readers) women that he had relationships with. I looked at the original text and I don't see anything to suggest they're talking about women at Nijo, but the note in my copy said it was specifically about Nijo -- I'm not sure where they got that, but I guess I'll believe them. It could even refer to lesser-ranking gentlewomen and the like; who knows.

(BTW, it's up for debate whether Genji had sex with Utsusemi's stepbrother. I personally don't think he did.)

[kate_nepveu]

Yes, I see a footnote to that regard in Morris; upon reading further in the book, I'm inclined to think not as well, and next time I do something with the wiki I may footnote it or some such.