Chapter 48 Summary

In the New Year, Niou decides that Nakanokimi should come to his mansion in Kyoto so she prepares to go to her new home. One day before she leaves, Kaoru comes to Uji and they sit and talk about Oigimi. Then, as Kaoru and Nakanokimi trade remembrances of the dead princess, Kaoru recalls the night that he spent with Nakanokimi. It is only then that the full weight of his mistake hits Kaoru. Rather than having a beautiful woman to call his own, he ruined his chances with Nakanokimi by stubbornly keeping his affections directed toward Oigimi. Now that he has nothing to show for staying true to his love, Kaoru is jealous of his friend Niou and of his wife.

The next day, the procession leaves Uji in order to take Nakanokimi to her new home. It is a difficult trip, since...