The Tale of Genji (源氏物語)

Oh, this is rather unexpected.

Old man don't bother

We have come away to hide.

What meal shall we prepare Lord Genji?

Your master is Lord Genji?

Well, who said such a thing?

They say Lord Genji is the Emperor's second prince.

Nothing rivals him in the Capital.

At last, spring has come for my lady.

How often have I come to you?

You never tell me about yourself...

...and you never ask about me.

Why is that?

i would be content if you could remember me...

...as a woman in the house of evening blossoms.

Yugao, why are you scared?

Is it meaningless to talk to me? Perhaps I am unreliable.

It has been four years. I have sent away my new-born child.

It should not have been born.

I regret asking you. Please forgive me.

Now, the only thing I see is...

...a dream of my daughter always as a baby.

My mother also died in the spring, when I was three.

When I am with you, I wonder why I always think of my past.

At last, I may have found the one to share my soul.

Tale of Genji

Today, you attend the Imperial Court.

It might snow.

And if it snows?

The Court does not mind if I attend or not.

Too much walking at night is not healthy.

A gift from the Minister of the Left.

It is delicious fruits and sweets.

I must remember to visit more frequently.

You must go since Lady Aoi is there.

We are husband and wife.

Maybe we are not two matched shells.

It is good to see you.

It has been a long time, father. How is your back pain?

Lord Genji, the medicated bath remedy you sent me worked.

It is a great honor for an old man like me...

...to talk to you face to face.

If it is possible, please come more often.

I have the honor of...

..voicing his Majesty's concern.

It is a shame you serve as a commoner.

Father

Older people's complaining is not really appreciated.

But, is it to end like this?

Lord Genji, let us drink tonight.

Do not let Aoi hear this, but I want to gossip about women.

The gossip is about you, To no Chujo?

You cannot keep their letters in a Chinese box.

Is my daughter ready?

My Lady is ill. She will not be able to...

Lord Genji is here.

Please forgive me.

Hurry! Bring the sake.

I cannot stay for long.

That I regret.

Lord Genji says take care of yourself.

To avoid misfortune, he departs for Kiinomori's mansion.

He does not need to come on a day like this.

I feel asleep.

You looked so peaceful.

In my dream your harp...

...accompanies my flute.

When I first heard you play the harp...

...I wondered how you could match your beautiful music...

...to the beat of my heart.

You mean, you've been enchanted by my harp and not me.

They say music is the reflection of one's soul.

You linger among the shallow pools of light..

...While I dwell in the darkness.

Someday I will accompany your harp.

When you are feeling passionate...

...you are selfish to force me.

But once your hunger is sated, you become gentle.

Passions reflect the seasons, and I change as they do.

Dawn is breaking. You must go.

You do not have to rush me. I do not care if anyone sees me.

Even the Emperor knows about us.

You must visit His Majesty often so he won't think I detained you.

I know there are many other places you have to go.

Your youthfulness has always affected me.

I am six years your senior

The late Crown Prince and I had a daughter.

Now I can never be your wife.

Before the warmth inside me cools, I will return to you.

You don't mean that.

You think so little of yourself, though I said I will return.

That is what you probably hate about me.

Miyasudokoro,

Well, you should go.

The servants are ready.

Speaking of women...

...it is difficult to find the ideal wife.

If I could give what little experience I have...

...it is nice to watch...

...upper class women grow up pampered by attendants...

...but if you know them you find they lack personality.

Yet, some people of humble status could also be suspect.

But, if I find a good girl from a quiet middle class home...

...I will be very happy.

I see that the unexpected sharpens your interest in her.

Women who are too kind soon make their husbands faithless.

Frankly, strong-minded women forget their charm.

We all have different tastes.

By the way, the Court continues to be unlucky.

What about you, Genji? We want to hear about your adventures.

Yes, I want to hear too.

I have nothing to say.

You are joking!

You do not know how many girls who hear your name...

...blush and get excited.

The dried fish tastes stale.

Do not change the topic.

I heard from the maids...

...that the Emperor has ordered prayers for Empress Fujitsubo.

What happened?

She was in poor health and has left Court for Sanjo mansion.

Is that so?

No.

Never... Never again will I repeat those sins.

You remember...that night a year ago.

I do not want to remember.

Your hair smells the same as on that night.

I am your Father's wife.

I am your stepmother too.

Then why did you accept me?

Surely, you...

I... Perhaps it was my fault.

Because of this, I am ready to accept the blame...

...but I shall not betray the Emperor again.

Do not talk of Father.

What happened that evening is a secret between the two of us.

I am here at last. Let us vanish forever into...

...the dream we dream tonight!

Please...

Please leave!

Please...

Will you stop tormenting me?

At times, I am not sure of myself.

I cannot hold back my feelings.

You are my stepmother.

My Father's Empress.

I cannot break the law.

But, why must my love for you be a sad one?

Lord Genji.

My sister had aged. She always worried about my granddaughter.

She secured the child's future.

She loved her so much. She felt sorry for her.

I wondered if i should mention such back luck, Lord Genji.

I appreciate your candor.

I always worried about the Nun's health as well.

Last summer I had an attack of malaria...

...that brought me here to recuperate.

Bishop.

I know this is unexpected...

...but could I care for Murasaki?

Lord Genji.

Actually I spoke to the nun about Princess Murasaki.

She was afraid that the princess was too young.

At her age I had lost my mother and grandmother.

I cannot ignore her loss.

What are your plans for her?

Nevertheless...

...her father Hyobukyo has a new wife and children.

He hardly comes here at all.

By no means am I acting on an impulse or whim.

We are forever grateful fr your consideration but...

...as my sister told you, Murasaki still cannot speak for herself.

Princess...

Where is she?

She was just with me but no matter where we look...

...the princess is hopeless...

...the moment you take your eyes away.

Lord Hikaru

Lord Genji went after Murasaki.

I do not know if he is serious.

What happened?

Looks like she went that way.

She really is quick. Isn't she?

You are just slow. Look over there.

Oh. my...

My brother. Lord Hikaru.

What is going on?

I kept that sparrow in the basket. Inuki let it get away.

I followed it here and caught it.

An animal was after it?

Even though it was tame.

Lord Genji.

Koremitsu.

A retainer from Hyobukyo.

What?

Hyobukyo's retainer is waiting for Murasaki.

Come with me.

With you?

I like you so much.

Good, it is settled.