Sections 85-99 Summary

In Section 85, Shonagon recalls asking some children about an herb she'd never seen before. They tell her it's called an "earless plant." She thinks the name is funny and makes up a poem about it. In Section 86, she tells about a day when she received a package containing two square cakes. She doesn't know how to respond, and the Empress tells her to consult Korenaka. She writes a poem and attaches a magnificent branch of plum blossoms to it and then has it delivered.

Section 87 recalls a heated discussion amongst the ladies-in-waiting regarding clothing. In Section 88, Shonagon talks about her strained relationship with Tadanobu. Section 89 is about a poetic interchange between Shonagon and Yukinari. He tells her that she has an unusual way of thinking things out before she speaks. She hears later that Yukinari has been singing her praises.

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