The Tale of Genji: 29 – Miyuki

It’s time for another visit to Heian-kyō, where we’re approaching the end of the Tamakazura sequence in our chapter-by-chapter journey through The Tale of Genji. In today’s instalment, Genji finally takes steps towards securing the future of his beautiful ‘ward’, and to do so, it’s time to finally let a few people know the truth about her, including her actual father. Let’s get ready, then, for a casual catch-up which is anything but. You see when the Shining One’s around, even a chat with friends has the air of a state event. ***** Chapter 29, ‘Miyuki’ (‘The Royal Visit’ in Arthur Waley’s translation) begins with Genji pondering Tamakazura’s future. Despite his discretion (or what passes for it at Rokujō), rumours of the connection between the Shining One and his ward have started to spread through the Capital, and he’s finally come to the conclusion that it’s time to act. But what exactly should that action be? (in Waley’s words): Was it, Genji now began to ask himself, of any…