Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The god of fate is introduced, born from humanity's prayers for destined love, aiming to help people form bonds and grow stronger through their unions.
• Over time, as human hearts became tainted and relationships failed, the god of fate's power and believers dwindled, leading to her current weakened state.
• She meets Fu Hua and Kaguya, sharing her story and seeking advice.

Character Developments

• The god of fate: Struggles with her purpose and power loss due to humans' changing hearts and lack of gratitude. She seeks guidance from Fu Hua.
• Fu Hua: Offers advice to the god of fate, suggesting she should judge people's sincerity before helping them and cultivate true believers.
• Kaguya: Mocks the god of fate for her current state, highlighting her powerful yet underutilized control over fate.

Significant Themes

• The complexity of human hearts and relationships.
• The struggle of a god whose power is tied to human emotions and actions.
• The importance of discernment in helping others, as seen through Fu Hua's advice.

Character Interactions

• The god of fate confides in Fu Hua and Kaguya, seeking their advice and understanding.
• Fu Hua provides guidance and wisdom to the god of fate, helping her reevaluate her approach to helping humans.
• Kaguya mocks the god of fate, highlighting her past mistakes and current state, serving as a catalyst for the god of fate's introspection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The God of Matchmaking and Princess Kaguya argue, but decide to travel together to Fujiwara Capital.
• The God of Matchmaking reveals she can see threads of fate, and notices Princess Kaguya's tangled, murderous threads.
• She predicts that Princess Kaguya will suffer a romantic calamity and die.

Character Developments

• The God of Matchmaking: Struggles with self-doubt but maintains her divine identity. She shows curiosity and concern for Princess Kaguya's fate.
• Princess Kaguya: Remains indifferent and dismissive, showing no fear of the romantic calamity prediction. She's determined not to marry anyone, hinting at a deeper reason.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and fate: The red threads of fate symbolize destiny, but Princess Kaguya's tangled threads suggest a deviation from the norm.
• Love and romance: The God of Matchmaking's predictions and Princess Kaguya's indifference highlight the theme of love and its potential dangers.

Character Interactions

• The God of Matchmaking and Princess Kaguya: Their interactions are filled with tension and bickering, but they agree to travel together, showing a reluctant tolerance for each other.
• Fu Hua: She acts as a mediator between the God of Matchmaking and Princess Kaguya, showing understanding and acceptance of the God of Matchmaking's unique abilities.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Fu Hua, Kaguya, and Cang Xiaoxuan arrive at Fujiwara Capital, which is blanketed in snow and mostly deserted due to the cold.
• The God of Matchmaking, who had been traveling with them, decides to stay behind to help two elderly people with fate lines between them.
• Fu Hua, Kaguya, and Cang Xiaoxuan enter Fujiwara Capital, noting its defensive barrier against demons.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Shows kindness and concern for others, inviting the God of Matchmaking to join them, and displays affection towards Kaguya.
• Kaguya: Exhibits her sarcastic and needling tone, hinting at possible jealousy or insecurity.
• God of Matchmaking: Demonstrates her purpose and dedication to helping people with fate lines, even when weakened.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: The God of Matchmaking's presence emphasizes the theme of fate and destiny, as she helps people with fate lines between them.
• Kindness and compassion: Fu Hua's actions showcase kindness and compassion towards others, even strangers.
• Change and growth: The snow-covered Fujiwara Capital represents change and growth, as the city has evolved since its time as the capital.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Kaguya: Their interaction reveals Fu Hua's affection for Kaguya and Kaguya's possible insecurities or jealousy.
• Fu Hua and God of Matchmaking: They part ways amicably, with Fu Hua inviting the God of Matchmaking to join them again in the future.
• God of Matchmaking and the elderly couple: The God of Matchmaking stays behind to help the elderly couple, showing her dedication to her purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Night falls in Fujiwara Capital, revealing a stark contrast to the lively nights in modern cities.
• Fu Hua and Princess Kaguya walk through the city, drawing attention due to their unusual attire and Fu Hua's height.
• Firecrackers are set off in the noble district, causing panic among the commoners.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua finds the Eastern Island's customs and women's attire unappealing and different from Shenzhou's heartland.
• Princess Kaguya remains oblivious to the attention she draws, focusing on her surroundings.

Significant Themes

• Cultural differences between the Eastern Island and Shenzhou's heartland.
• The impact of height on societal perceptions and interactions.
• The contrast between the lives of commoners and nobles.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Princess Kaguya walk together, with Fu Hua observing and commenting on their surroundings.
• Commoners react to the firecrackers and discuss the wealth and lifestyle of commoners in the Tang Empire.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Commoners in Fujiwara Capital express envy and longing for the Tang Empire's prosperity, as described by a peddler.
• Fu Hua and Kaguya learn about fireworks and decide to watch them together.
• Fu Hua carries Kaguya on her back as they head towards the Fujiwara family residence.

Character Developments

• Kaguya expresses curiosity and interest in the Tang Empire and Shenzhou.
• Fu Hua considers returning to Shenzhou and decides to take Kaguya with her.
• Cang Xiaoxuan feels a mix of gratification and disappointment at Fu Hua's growing companionship.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between the rich and the poor, as seen in the contrast between the nobles' and commoners' lives.
• Fu Hua's maternal love and responsibility towards Kaguya.
• The allure and mystery of Shenzhou, which represents a better life and new experiences for Kaguya.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Kaguya's mother-daughter bond strengthens as they discuss their future together.
• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan's relationship is briefly explored, with Cang Xiaoxuan feeling a mix of emotions about Fu Hua's growing companionship.
• Commoners in Fujiwara Capital express their envy and longing for a better life, highlighting the social inequality in the capital.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua and Kaguya infiltrate the noble district of Fujiwara Kyoto to watch fireworks.
• They discover that the nobles are taller and better-fed than the civilians, and their attire is a fusion of Tang Dynasty and traditional styles.
• Kaguya notices an anomaly in the moon, indicating the descent of a noble Lunarian envoy.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua demonstrates her strength and determination by choosing to jump over the barrier rather than use the Fujiwara family token.
• Kaguya shows concern and unease about the possibility of being taken away, hinting at her past and the reason for her exile to the human world.

Significant Themes

• Class divide: The stark contrast between the noble and civilian districts highlights the theme of social inequality.
• Lunarian culture: The lunar envoy's descent and Kaguya's reaction to it provide insight into Lunarian customs and their disdain for the earth and its emotions.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Kaguya: Fu Hua reassures Kaguya that no one can take her away without her consent, strengthening their bond as adoptive mother and daughter.
• Kaguya and the Lunarian envoy: Though not present, the envoy's impending arrival causes Kaguya to reflect on her past and her current situation, hinting at potential conflict or resolution in their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua reveals she has seen a world explode.
• Fu Hua transmits the memory of her destroying a planet as Divine Kiana to Kaguya.
• Kaguya experiences the power of world destruction and gains newfound confidence.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Maintains her calm and composed demeanor, revealing a glimpse of her past power and experiences.
• Kaguya: Gains a new understanding of her mother's strength, leading to increased confidence and security.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Fu Hua's demonstration of world-destroying power highlights the immense responsibility that comes with such strength.
• Motherly love and protection: Fu Hua's actions emphasize her role as a protective and nurturing mother figure for Kaguya.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Kaguya: Their relationship deepens as Kaguya learns more about her mother's true capabilities, further strengthening their bond.
• Fu Hua and Ai-chan: Fu Hua's interaction with Ai-chan, though brief, showcases her determination to maintain her dignity despite the temptation of rewards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fireworks are displayed in Fujiwara Capital, a rare sight even for nobles.
• Fujiwara no Maro, son of Fujiwara no Fuhito, returns from the Tang Dynasty as deputy envoy and is promoted to Fifth Rank.
• Fujiwara no Maro brings back fireworks and firecrackers to celebrate his father's birthday, attracting many nobles.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara no Maro: Shows ambition and cunning, trying to gain favor with his father. He also expresses disdain for Eastern Island women after his time in the Tang Dynasty.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito: Maintains his political influence and status. He is displeased by the mention of his illegitimate daughter, Fujiwara no Mokou.

Significant Themes

• The influence of Tang culture on the Eastern Island.
• The power dynamics and politics within the Fujiwara clan and the Eastern Island aristocracy.
• The changing standards and tastes of Fujiwara no Maro after his time in the Tang Dynasty.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fujiwara no Maro: The father-son duo shares a moment of pride and satisfaction, but Fujiwara no Fuhito's mood darkens when Fujiwara no Maro mentions his illegitimate sister, Fujiwara no Mokou.
• Fujiwara no Maro and Fujiwara no Mokou: Though not directly interacting, Fujiwara no Maro pities his sister and is disdainful of the arranged marriage his father has set up for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara no Maro returns to Eastern Island and finds no women appealing until he meets a beautiful girl in his estate, later revealed to be his younger sister, Fujiwara no Mokou.
• He struggles with his attraction to her, eventually deciding to pursue her despite the incestuous nature of their relationship.
• At a fireworks display, he sees a stunningly beautiful girl with a Taoist nun, later identified as Princess Kaguya and Fu Hua from the Tang Dynasty.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara no Maro: Struggles with his attraction to his younger sister, eventually deciding to pursue her despite the taboo. He also becomes infatuated with Princess Kaguya.
• Fujiwara no Mokou: Remains unaware of her brother's feelings and has no romantic interest in him.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito: Becomes smitten with Princess Kaguya's beauty and shows concern about the political implications of her presence.

Significant Themes

• Incestuous desire and its taboo.
• Beauty and its power to captivate and stir desire.
• The political implications of romantic entanglements with foreign nobles.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara no Maro's internal struggle with his attraction to Fujiwara no Mokou.
• Fujiwara no Maro and Fujiwara no Fuhito's shared reaction to Princess Kaguya's beauty.
• Fujiwara no Maro's internal conflict between his desire for Fujiwara no Mokou and Princess Kaguya.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara no Fuhito expresses interest in Princess Kaguya and the Daoist priestess.
• Fujiwara no Maro reveals that the Daoist priestess is from Shenzhou and possibly a Tang royal.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito considers pursuing them despite their young age.
• Fujiwara no Maro confesses his liking for the two women and his agreement with the Daoist priestess.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito agrees to help his son make them members of the Fujiwara Clan.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara no Fuhito: Shows interest in young women, prioritizes his son's happiness, and agrees to help him despite his own desires.
• Fujiwara no Maro: Confesses his feelings for the two women, expresses his agreement with the Daoist priestess, and seeks his father's help.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and influence within the Fujiwara Clan.
• The pursuit of beauty and youth by powerful men.
• The importance of family and father-son relationships.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fujiwara no Maro: The father-son duo discusses their mutual interest in the two women, with Fujiwara no Fuhito ultimately prioritizing his son's happiness.
• Fujiwara no Maro and the Daoist priestess: Their agreement from the journey back to the Eastern Island is mentioned, hinting at a potential romantic relationship.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara no Fuhito, the powerful Minister of the Right, approaches Fu Hua and Kaguya, expressing interest in marrying them.
• Fujiwara no Maro, his son, is shocked and upset as he realizes his father intends to marry the women he loves.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara no Fuhito: Shows his determination to marry Kaguya, disregarding his son's feelings and the women's wishes.
• Fujiwara no Maro: Realizes his father's true intentions and is distressed by them.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and abuse of power: Fujiwara no Fuhito uses his influence to pursue women against their will.
• Father-son conflict: Fujiwara no Maro's wishes are disregarded by his father, leading to tension between them.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fujiwara no Maro: The father-son relationship is strained as Fuhito pursues the women Maro loves.
• Fu Hua and Fujiwara no Fuhito: Fu Hua is wary of Fujiwara no Fuhito's intentions and is protective of Kaguya.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua and Kaguya attend a fireworks display in Fujiwara Capital.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fujiwara no Maro approach them, with the former showing interest in Kaguya.
• Fu Hua rebuffs Fujiwara no Fuhito's advances and ignores Fujiwara no Maro's attempts at conversation.
• Kaguya expresses her annoyance with the men, and Fu Hua decides to leave.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua remains calm and collected, prioritizing Kaguya's well-being over potential political alliances.
• Kaguya displays her impatience and lack of interest in the men's advances.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito shows his lecherous side and growing anger at Fu Hua's disrespect.
• Fujiwara no Maro demonstrates his persistence and pride in the Fujiwara Clan's influence.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political alliances in Eastern Island.
• Fu Hua's protective instincts towards Kaguya.
• The contrast between Tang Dynasty and Eastern Island cultures and values.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Kaguya's mother-daughter bond is strengthened as they stand united against the men's advances.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fujiwara no Maro's interactions highlight their differing approaches to pursuing the women.
• Fu Hua's coldness towards Fujiwara no Maro reveals her lack of interest in him as a potential ally or suitor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara no Maro and Fujiwara no Fuhito are shocked by Fu Hua's arrogance and Princess Kaguya's beauty.
• Fujiwara no Fuhito orders his guards to investigate Fu Hua and Kaguya.
• Fu Hua and Kaguya leave the Fujiwara Capital's noble district.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara no Fuhito becomes infatuated with Kaguya and decides to pursue her and Fu Hua, disregarding their disrespect towards him.
• Kaguya shows maturity and understanding of the world's darker aspects, revealing she's not as innocent as she appears.

Significant Themes

• Beauty and its power to captivate men.
• The darker side of human desires and the consequences of unchecked infatuation.
• The contrast between Fu Hua's magnanimity and Kaguya's shrewdness.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara no Fuhito and Fujiwara no Maro are captivated by Kaguya's beauty and decide to pursue her and Fu Hua.
• Fu Hua and Kaguya discuss the Fujiwara father and son, with Kaguya revealing her understanding of the darker aspects of human desire.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Eirin, a former Earthling and now a Lunarian god, stands atop the imperial palace in Eastern Island's capital.
• She is concerned about lunar envoys visiting the surface, potentially targeting her or Kaguya.
• Kaguya, a princess of the Lunar Capital, has been exiled to the surface for consuming the Hourai Elixir.
• Eirin had arranged for Kaguya to be adopted by an elderly man named Sanuki no Miyatsuko Maro, but someone else abducted Kaguya first.
• Eirin decides to observe the person who took Kaguya, an "immortal" she deems powerful and insignificant compared to other immortals.

Character Developments

• Eirin: She shows concern for Kaguya's well-being and is willing to temporarily abandon her responsibilities in the Lunar Capital to ensure Kaguya's safety. She also acknowledges that the Lunar Capital is a cold and frigid place for Kaguya.
• Kaguya: She is revealed to have consumed the Hourai Elixir to leave the Lunar Capital, suggesting she was unhappy there.

Significant Themes

• The Lunar Capital's isolation and lack of human warmth.
• The Lunarians' pursuit of purity and their treatment of moon rabbits as workers and servants.
• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the Lunar Capital, with Eirin having enemies who wish for her disappearance.

Character Interactions

• Eirin and Kaguya: Though not directly interacting in this chapter, Eirin's thoughts and actions reveal her care for Kaguya and her understanding of Kaguya's unhappiness in the Lunar Capital.
• Eirin and the lunar envoys: Eirin is concerned about the lunar envoys' visit to the surface, potentially targeting her or Kaguya.
• Eirin and the "immortal": Eirin decides to observe the powerful "immortal" who took Kaguya, showing caution and respect for their power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lunar Capital's society is structured like ancient Shenzhou's feudal empires.
• Eirin Yagokoro holds immense power and influence in the Lunar Capital, even above the sovereign's direct kin.
• Two princes, Toku and Hosoe, oppose Eirin's power and plan to challenge her through those around her, likely starting with Kaguya's mother.
• In the human world, the God of Matchmaking steals an apple from Inari Shrine due to poverty and hunger.

Character Developments

• Eirin: Confident in her power and position, she allows the Lunarian challenge to proceed to test Kaguya's mother's qualifications.
• The God of Matchmaking: Struggles with poverty and lack of worship, leading her to steal from Inari Shrine.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the Lunar Capital.
• The consequences of neglect and lack of respect for deities, as seen with the God of Matchmaking.

Character Interactions

• Eirin and the Lunarian princes: Political rivals with opposing views on the Lunar Capital's power structure.
• The God of Matchmaking and the merchant: The God of Matchmaking's desperate act and the merchant's reaction highlight the disparity in their status and power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The God of Matchmaking appears at Inari Shrine, where she's accused of stealing offerings by a merchant.
• The merchant asks the God of Matchmaking to arrange a marriage with the Fujiwara Clan's princess, which she refuses, leading to an argument.
• Fu Hua and Kaguya visit Inari Shrine and encounter the God of Matchmaking. They learn about her attempts to matchmake an elderly couple.
• The God of Matchmaking reveals that the couple's children are opposed to their relationship, threatening to break their fragile destiny.

Character Developments

• The God of Matchmaking: Stands up for her beliefs as the God of Matchmaking, refusing to be bought or manipulated. She remains determined to help the elderly couple despite obstacles.
• The Merchant: Shows disrespect and disbelief towards the God of Matchmaking, but is later frightened by Fu Hua's cold demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and Fate: The God of Matchmaking's struggle to help the elderly couple highlights the theme of fate and destiny, and how external forces can influence it.
• Belief and Faith: The God of Matchmaking's existence is sustained by the faith of her worshippers, represented by the power in the prayer bell.
• Respect for the Elderly: The elderly couple's situation raises questions about societal attitudes towards elderly love and relationships.

Character Interactions

• The God of Matchmaking and the Merchant: Their interaction highlights the merchant's disbelief in the God of Matchmaking and her powers.
• Fu Hua, Kaguya, and the God of Matchmaking: Fu Hua and Kaguya's encounter with the God of Matchmaking leads to a sharing of information and a mutual understanding of their respective situations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The God of Matchmaking takes offerings from Inari's shrine to feed herself.
• Kaguya and Fu Hua decide to accompany the God of Matchmaking to help her.
• They witness the old man's son scolding him for taking care of Sachiko.
• Sachiko decides to leave the old man's home in the middle of the night, fearing she's a burden.

Character Developments

• The God of Matchmaking shows her determination to help others form bonds, despite her poverty.
• Kaguya shows a rare moment of understanding and concern for others' plight.
• Sachiko struggles with her feelings of being a burden to the old man.

Significant Themes

• The importance of staying alive and taking care of one's basic needs before helping others.
• The complexities of family bonds and the expectations placed on them.
• The struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.

Character Interactions

• The God of Matchmaking, Kaguya, and Fu Hua form an unlikely trio to help the elderly couple.
• The God of Matchmaking shows concern for Sachiko's well-being and tries to stop her from leaving.
• The old man's son and daughter-in-law continue to disapprove of his decision to take care of Sachiko.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The God of Matchmaking transforms into a black cat, surprising Princess Kaguya.
• Sachiko, an elderly woman, leaves a letter and disappears, causing her lover to panic and search for her.
• The God of Matchmaking uses her remaining divine power to forcibly connect Sachiko and her lover's marriage-fate threads, reuniting them.
• Sachiko and her lover are swept away by a red thread, symbolizing their reunited fate.

Character Developments

• Princess Kaguya expresses a desire to keep a cat (unaware it's the God of Matchmaking), revealing her innocent and whimsical nature.
• The God of Matchmaking regains her resolve and belief in true fate, deciding to protect the bonds she forges.
• Sachiko and her lover find each other again, showing that even after years apart, their love remains strong.

Significant Themes

• True love and fate: The theme of two people destined to be together is reinforced, showing that fate may arrive late but never in vain.
• Redemption and growth: The God of Matchmaking learns from her past mistakes and decides to help Sachiko and her lover, demonstrating personal growth.
• The power of love: Sachiko and her lover's enduring love, despite the passage of time, shows the power of love to overcome obstacles.

Character Interactions

• Princess Kaguya and Fu Hua: They interact playfully, with Kaguya expressing her desire to keep a cat, and Fu Hua warning her not to cause trouble.
• The God of Matchmaking and Sachiko/Lover: The God of Matchmaking helps Sachiko and her lover reunite, showing her determination to protect their bond.
• Sachiko and her lover: They reunite after years apart, demonstrating the enduring power of their love.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Princess Kaguya expresses her desire to experience matchmaking after witnessing an elderly couple's successful match.
• God of Matchmaking attempts to sort Kaguya's tangled marriage-fate threads but fails, attributing it to the time not being right.
• The matched elderly couple prays to God of Matchmaking, restoring and enhancing her divine power.
• Fu Hua helps the elderly couple financially to ensure their happiness and reduce potential obstacles.

Character Developments

• Kaguya: Shows curiosity and interest in marriage and matchmaking, despite her young age.
• Fu Hua: Struggles with the idea of Kaguya getting married so soon but ultimately supports her decision.
• God of Matchmaking: Becomes more accepting of Kaguya after she helps her previously, despite Kaguya's sharp tongue.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: The importance of fate in matchmaking and the limitations of even the God of Matchmaking in controlling it.
• Love and Companionship: The elderly couple's love story serves as a reminder of the importance of companionship and love.
• Financial Struggles: The financial pressure on the elderly couple highlights the practical aspects of relationships and marriage.

Character Interactions

• Kaguya and Fu Hua: Their relationship deepens as Fu Hua struggles with the idea of Kaguya growing up and wanting to get married.
• Kaguya and God of Matchmaking: Their relationship improves as God of Matchmaking sees Kaguya's genuine concern for her.
• The Elderly Couple and Their Family: The family's anxiety about the elderly couple's matchmaking and subsequent acceptance of their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua wakes up in a rented house in Fujiwara Capital.
• She goes out to buy ingredients, disguised as a man, and encounters overly enthusiastic women.
• Fu Hua returns home and tries to wake Kaguya, but Kaguya hugs her arm and doesn't let go.
• Fu Hua lies down beside Kaguya to rest, and Kaguya wakes up, startled and misunderstanding the situation.
• Kaguya screams, thinking she has been violated, and Cang Xiaoxuan is startled.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua remains calm and composed throughout the misunderstanding.
• Kaguya is initially shocked and angry, but relaxes once she realizes it's Fu Hua.
• Cang Xiaoxuan is easily startled and falls off her sphere when Kaguya screams.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings and their consequences.
• The power of disguise and its potential for confusion.
• The importance of communication and clarification.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Kaguya's interaction is tense initially due to the misunderstanding, but they quickly resolve it.
• Kaguya's overreaction to the situation highlights her innocence and naivety.
• Cang Xiaoxuan's reaction shows her to be easily startled and not fully aware of her surroundings.