Summary
The episode begins with Sutezo, the Arikoto look alike, introducing himself to the remaining grooms. He bluntly tells the other grooms he is there because Arikoto cannot get the shogun pregnant. However, the other grooms see him as naive and that he doesn’t truly understand his fate of living in the Ooku until their deaths.
That night, Sutezo goes to the bed chamber to sleep with the shogun. The following morning, Gyokuei brings Arikoto his breakfast. When he doesn’t respond, Gyokuei is worried and opens the door to find the room in shambles. From that day forward, Arikoto was banned from lying with the shogun. A few months later, she was pregnant. Then she gave birth to a girl.
Motherhood has softened Lady Chie/Iemitsu. Her council notices a positive change in her attitude and a softer nature. The council is also pleased that she is fertile. However, they still need the shogun to give birth to a male heir.
Displeased with Sutezo’s name, she once again bequeaths a nickname to her suitor. This time, she gives Sutezo a female name, O-Raku. He is pleased and completely in love with their daughter. Arikoto visits the shogun to see her and her daughter where the shogun confesses that he is the only man in her heart.
Sutezo pleased with his life decides to jump for joy. Literally, he falls and is partially paralyzed. Lady Kasuga is apprised of his condition that he may be unable to longer perform his duties.
Back in the villages, the red-faced smallpox continues to ravage the land. Women are working the fields and beginning to devise childcare plans so more vivacious women can tend the fields.
In the night, the shogun rushes to Arikoto. Lady Kasuga granted her permission to seek his comfort. They had three months together and were still unable to bear a child. Another man was brought to the Ooku and the shogun readily accepted her fate. She comforts Arikoto and tells him no matter how many men she must sleep with to bear children, he heart only belongs to him.
In a twist, Arikoto asks that Gyokuei bear a child with the shogun.
Thoughts
What an interesting episode! We had two twists. First, O-Raku gets into an accident of his own making. I feel terrible for the guy. He seemed truly happy with his position and being a father to a princess. Now, he is a burden and requires around-the-clock care. Then, Arikoto asks Gyokuei to bear a child with the shogun. This came out of nowhere! The ability of Arikoto to remain loyal to his liege is amazing. Not only does he endure the pain of her having children with other men, he is kind to them all. He is by far my favorite character in this show.
Filthy Casual for Life 
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