Chapter 2 Summary

The young Genji lives with his wife at his father-in-law's house in Sanjo, but cannot resist his urge to stray from his wife. Though he detests the promiscuity that he sees all around him at court, he engages in a few trysts of his own. As Genji explores the wider world while meeting and sleeping with new women, he spends less and less time at Sanjo.

As well, Genji strikes up a friendship with To no Chujo, the son-in-law of the Minister of the Right. To no Chujo is not adverse to sleeping around, and is frequently out and about, getting into amorous adventures with several ladies.

One day, when Genji and To no Chujo are at court, they discuss the qualities of women and how difficult it is to find excellent women. To no Chujo has a great deal to say on...