44. Bamboo River / Bamboo River(竹河)
Passage
”It is growing old itself— this cherry-tree,” he went on, “and makes one feel old along with it. So many people that once shared it with us are gone now.” He spoke sadly, yet half-smiling.
Tamakazura's son is looking at the cherry tree and reminiscing about the Golden Age.
Summary
Tamakazura lost her husband.Her family on a dcline,so She want's to restore.
She marries her eldest daughter to the emperor. The daughter gives birth to the emperor's son, but People are jealous of her. so She leaves the court due to stress.
Kaoru and Niou build their career, but Tamakazura's sons are not doing well. She laments the fate of her family.
Comment
Tamakazura was once a princess, like Cinderella.
In this chapter, she is a mother worrying about daughter's marriage, much like Mrs. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.