Iemitsu steps out into the open and announces her intentions, creating major changes across the country.

Iemitsu steps out into the open and announces her intentions, creating major changes across the country.

Lady Kasuga falls ill, causing worry over what will happen in the event of her passing. The plague finds its way into the Ooku.

Lady Kasuga falls ill, causing worry over what will happen in the event of her passing. The plague finds its way into the Ooku.

Iemitsu sees for herself how desperate things have become outside the castle walls. She orders immediate action to prevent a peasant uprising.

Iemitsu sees for herself how desperate things have become outside the castle walls. She orders immediate action to prevent a peasant uprising.

With surprising good will, Arikoto welcomes Sutezo into the Ooku. Just when things seem to be going well, an accident happens.

With surprising good will, Arikoto welcomes Sutezo into the Ooku. Just when things seem to be going well, an accident happens.

Though blissfully in love, Iemitsu is still not pregnant. Lady Kasuga finds a promiscuous man in town who bears an uncanny resemblance to Arikoto.

Though blissfully in love, Iemitsu is still not pregnant. Lady Kasuga finds a promiscuous man in town who bears an uncanny resemblance to Arikoto.

Iemitsu orders the men to dress in women's clothing and amuse her. She remembers how, when she was a child, Lady Kasuga had taken her from her family.

Iemitsu orders the men to dress in women's clothing and amuse her. She remembers how, when she was a child, Lady Kasuga had taken her from her family.

Arikoto's wounds finally heal, and he's introduced to the other men in the Ooku, but they don't take kindly to him.

Arikoto's wounds finally heal, and he's introduced to the other men in the Ooku, but they don't take kindly to him.

Together with Gyokuei, Arikoto begins his new life. He learns about a carefully protected secret, and the role he is now expected to play.

Together with Gyokuei, Arikoto begins his new life. He learns about a carefully protected secret, and the role he is now expected to play.