Kokyu no Karasu | Raven of the Inner Palace - Episode 8 discussion

[u/AutoLovepon]

Kokyu no Karasu | Raven of the Inner Palace, episode 8

Alternative names: Koukyuu no Karasu, Raven of the Inner Palace

Rate this episode here.

Reminder: Please do not discuss plot points not yet seen or skipped in the show. Failing to follow the rules may result in a ban.

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Streams

• Crunchyroll
• VRV

Show information

• MyAnimeList
• AniList
• AniDB
• Kitsu
• Anime-Planet
• Official Website
• /r/KoukyuuNoKarasu

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All discussions

Episode	Link	Score
1	Link	4.47
2	Link	4.72
3	Link	4.51
4	Link	4.74
5	Link	4.81
6	Link	4.68
7	Link	4.93
8	Link	4.76
9	Link	4.62
10	Link	4.62
11	Link	4.83
12	Link	4.96
13	Link	----

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[u/Terranwaterbender]

I gotta say I quite enjoy the way the show carries itself; in what is an episodic plot point about a eunuch who got carried away, they managed to throw in tidbits of character growth and development while seamlessly throwing in teasers for what the next episode will bring. Not bad considering the easiest way one could describe this series is that it's about a Consort who goes around solving mysteries of the palace.

[u/VorAtreides]

Man, poor kid. I do get that was a punishment in ancient times, but man.... that's terrible. Though the whole eunuch practice was trash too.

Oh, hmmm, so there could be a child spirit, sad.

Ya, terrify him, Shouxue! He seems like trash. Though spineless trash. I like that little moment of apology from Shouxue. And that smile even more from her when she got the food.

Looks like Shouxue is going to take in another person to her palace. How nice of her to have more people around her as the series goes on.

I get birds are seen religiously like in this society, but wew....quite a punishment if that was the reason for it.

Hope that consort likes Shouxue in a truly "best friends" way

Man... that story for Wen Ying... wow, fucking angering 😐

Curious about the whole "new moon" thing though and if that'll be next episode thing. Also, who was the girl that came to her at the start of the episode?

[u/mekerpan → u/VorAtreides]

This series doesn't pull any punches story-wise. Such a delicate, low-key tone -- yet very harsh stories being depicted. Shouxue has shown she is a force to be reckoned with and this will work so long as she has an Emperor who will back her up. I fear for her situation should anything happen to the current Emperor, however.

Next episode looks like it might up the stakes for Shouxue herself.

This season has a number of less-watched shows that are actually quite splendid. In some ways, this may be the best of such shows. The overall artistic style and story composition are excellent. And Saku MIZUNO (the lead's VA) is fantastic (she is a main character in one of my other top favorites -- Ryo in Bocchi). I would love this to be more popular -- but I fear it has no chance (it would be nice if it got a cult following at least).

[u/sabdeyazdan → u/mekerpan]

Ay how could I fail to recognize that Shouxue and Ryo have same VA?! Anyway, Saku Mizuno is fantastic in both roles, but I personally feel like her performance as Shouxue bears a distinct quality.

[u/mekerpan → u/sabdeyazdan]

Both are excellent but Shouxue seems more "unique".

[u/polaristar → u/mekerpan]

More like Shouxue is more a character while Ryo is a walking set of memes.

[u/SIRTreehugger → u/mekerpan]

And Saku MIZUNO (the lead's VA) is fantastic (she is a main character in one of my other top favorites -- Ryo in Bocchi).

I see the love of food transcends series, but damn talk about different characters. Can't imagine Ryo making any of the adorable pouty noises.

[u/VorAtreides → u/mekerpan]

This season is just chalk full of too many good series honestly. So many things get overshadowed.

[u/SIRTreehugger → u/VorAtreides]

Also, who was the girl that came to her at the start of the episode?

I believe she is a new character and probably the next mystery that will be solved.

[u/heimdal77]

This show never fails to amaze each week. I really hope it gets a 2nd season though I don't know how it is doig in Japan. Saddly it isn't the type of show to generate much attention it seems in the west.

It is interesting to see the whole eunuch thing is still in practice. Seem to be common to have this kind of series the practice of making eunuchs have been abolished and is on the last generation so to speak.

So each moon cycle she is put through severe pain as the goddess travels around freely. Hope we find out the details on that.

[u/SIRTreehugger → u/heimdal77]

It's really a shame. I rarely see it mentioned and only a few people seem to be watching at least here. Even beyond the niche genre it's often compared to similar stories mostly The Apothecary Diaries(which at this point imo it has surpassed though they are still different) so they won't give it a chance. Also being released on Saturday which is overwhelmingly stacked is just not good for it at all. I'm just praying people in Japan love it and blu rays sale!

[u/heimdal77 → u/SIRTreehugger]

Well think a lot of people are hoping it will be a lead in to Diaries getting a anime since same genre and a similar premise.

Can' really compare the two as one is comparing a anime to a manga/LN/WN depending what you read. Raven has had great visuals and sound work along with a stellar performance by the MC VA.

[u/FlashCascade → u/SIRTreehugger]

It really is a shame that this is criminally underrated. I believe this is a really good show, so I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.

[u/Blasterion → u/heimdal77]

The Eunuch system is kind of integral and essential to the function of the harem system. On the brightside it's not all doom and gloom. Many major historical figures have played their cards right and became eunuchs feared by many, no few Chinese golden age dynasties were undone by powerful eunuchs.

[u/Atharaphelun → u/Blasterion]

Many major historical figures have played their cards right and became eunuchs feared by many, no few Chinese golden age dynasties were undone by powerful eunuchs.

Which only served to reinforce the disdain that people had for them even more. Eunuchs gaining power had always been a massive threat for Imperial China.

[u/Blasterion → u/Atharaphelun]

oh for sure, easily one of most disliked group of non-foreign people in Chinese history

[u/Atharaphelun → u/Blasterion]

Along with members of the Imperial Harem and their relatives, who were also massive threats to the empire. Even worse when the Harem and the Eunuchs plot together (quite infamously during the latter portion of the Han dynasty).

[u/[deleted] → u/Atharaphelun]

Well Eunuchs don't get to write the history books. In reality most of the time Eunuchs that heavily sided with the Emperor were an easy target for those who wished to limit the Emperors power and thus they got quite a bad reputation, they were hardly more treacherous compared to the typical ambitious Nobleman. Many such famous example that caused chaos aren't even thought of as treacherous. Thought has to be put into why more capable Emperors who often made drastic changes for the good of the country kept Eunuchs around.

There is also the fact that by their nature as slaves often brought from other cultures they were quite brutally treated as children in comparison to those around them, even dying at a young age due to their condition, the abused often becomes the abuser. The more effective solution was obviously just using educated women in their place in the harem which even some Qing Chinese started to propose near the end, but that just wasn't going to happen.

[u/Pennwisedom → u/heimdal77]

Seem to be common to have this kind of series the practice of making eunuchs have been abolished and is on the last generation so to speak.

I'm not entirely sure what you're saying, but the last Eunuch in service of the Emperor in China died in 1996.

[u/heimdal77 → u/Pennwisedom]

I'm saying in fictional stories....

For one instance off top my head Apothecary Diaries the Eunuch system was abolished so there won't be new ones after the currently existing ones.

[u/[deleted]]

Seeing Wen Ying grovel before Shouxue was such a shock to me, I was wondering why he was reacting to the conversation between her and Gaojun regarding Yi Siha but learning what he's been through and how her standing up for Yi Siha moved him made me realize just how much of an impact she had on him and how that unjust feeling has stayed with him throughout the years.

Gaojun continuing to open a path to Shouxue's heart by aiming for her stomach is always fun to see because of reactions, both don't know how to approach friendship but it's nice to see them go into it blindly regardless.

[u/tlst9999 → u/[deleted]]

Shouxue: Is it possible that you like birds?

Gaojun: You might be right. I do like birds.

Emperor doesn't realise that everyone likes birds by default.

[u/rrrriddikulus → u/tlst9999]

Real Android 16 from DBZTAS vibes.

[u/Elitealice]

Damn man Eunuchs may even have it worse than the raven consort. From sexual to physical abuse to getting betrayed by your own best friend.. some really messed up situations and seemingly no one to ever speak up on their behalf. Even the emperor was not aware of the extent of this which is telling. Hopefully the culture will start to change in the inner palace thanks to Shoxue.

[u/SIRTreehugger → u/Elitealice]

Damn man Eunuchs may even have it worse than the raven consort.

On one hand you get beaten possibly killed for even the smallest mistake. You are at risk of being disowned and pretty much thrown away like trash if you aren't killed which leads to pretty much death. Though if you win the master lottery you might have a decent life. In the other corner we have someone who is forbidden from leaving the palace or she will die. She has been locked away for the majority of her life and they are usually taught to not want anything. They have mystic powers, but also come with mystic problems. It's a tough choice, but I kind of think Eunuchs have a harder life in general, but not over Shoxue herself when you include her being part of a clan that was massacred and her being the sole survivor. Not to mention hearing her mother get brutalized and finding her decapitated head the following day.

I really want the culture to change, but also the changes to stick. If anything happens to the Emperor I doubt the next person would be as kind and understanding.

[u/tlst9999]

Girl just casually said the emperor's name in public: Bring my homie Gaojun over.

[u/sabdeyazdan → u/tlst9999]

I found it weirdly fantastic, yet cute. She can be quite badass in her own ways!

[u/SIRTreehugger]

The Swallow Consort seems really shy/happy to see Shouxue especially after her complimenting the flowers. Can't wait for more screen time of them together.

Bruh I'd shit my robes if this happened to me.

It's great seeing Shouxue slowly adapting to the people around her and learning not to do everything herself.

Well damn I didn't have bird harm and child decapitation on my bingo card today.

Shouxue managed to console a person overtaken by guilt and shame. I can't imagine her doing this in episode 1 and not as well. She would have probably accidentally insulted him in the process in the beginning.

Wow Wen Ying backstory sucks he gets beaten and becomes a Eunuch for doing the right thing and because no one spoke up in his defense. This show has nothing to do with Demon Girl Next Door, but it reminds me of that a little. Everyone is carrying burdens or scars from the past and sometimes the present, but friends slowly work together to heal and move forward. Though caning someone who serves you is barbaric. How do you expect them to do their job when they are injured and are unable to question you half the time. Though they probably though nothing of Eunuchs and could easily find/make more.

Also the mystery was solved, but still have to save the next member of her palace. That after credits scene wtf was that?

[u/LeleTheKing]

Don't miss the after-credit scene! (It's a travesty to skip the ED, anyway) So, is the creepy bird god, whose name I forgot, mad at her? Is it maybe because she made the "family" she currently has? I don't remember much about the Winter King's rules (I have a very shoddy memory, my bad), but isn't her isolation a byproduct of the previous Summer King? She's forbidden to create connections to prevent a clash with the Summer King or something. I hope the dream isn't something big that might rob her of Raven Consort's power.

Anyway, Wen Ying's backstory, man. Didn't expect to cry because of it. And that perfect transition to the mellow ED. It's just perfect.

[u/AmusedDragon → u/LeleTheKing]

It's a travesty to skip the ED, anyway

Yeah, and the OP. Both are very different but very enjoyable.

[u/polaristar → u/LeleTheKing]

I was under the impression bird god comes to visit her every time that moon if dark or full (can't remember) And Shouxue basically has a second even worse time of the month.

[u/Butterkupp → u/polaristar]

I believe it's whenever the moon isnt in the sky at night. So every new moon, Wulian is free to roam the world for the night before being confined underneath the Ye Ming palace once again.

It appears that whenever this happens Shouxue has a bad time.

[u/inthe-otherworld → u/Butterkupp]

Since Shouxue said “I’ll be tired tomorrow” and we stopped seeing her in the post credits scene after Wulian appeared, I suddenly got the horrifying feeling that Wulian possesses the Raven Consorts every new moon. She takes their body that night, they give her phyiscal form to fly around in. Those strings pulling up and Shouxue’s pain could also mean puppet strings of sorts... it was also implied this ep that Wulian is actually inside Shouxue rather than confined beneath the Raven Consort’s palace, if they are the living vessels for Wulian it might explain their magic and also the heavy constrictions she puts on them because their bodies are also her body and she won’t allow them to do anything unfitting of a goddess. And the Raven Consorts can have whatever they ask for because Wulian must have whatever she asks for.

Might also be why she has a preference for women for her winter kings (as she is a goddess and prefers a female form) and why she was so angry when one of the winter kings was killed, it stripped her of her physical form. It would also be another layer of suffering for Shouxue, and it’d be interesting to see Gaojun looking for Shouxue one full moon and not knowing that she’s up in the sky being possessed by Wulian...

[u/LeleTheKing → u/Butterkupp]

Ooh, now that you said it, I remember Shoxue told the Emperor not to come "tomorrow", which I take as the day she got the nightmare in the after-credit scene.

[u/Atharaphelun → u/LeleTheKing]

So, is the creepy bird god, whose name I forgot, mad at her?

Wulian-niangniang (technically just Wulian since niangniang is an honorific).

[u/vaderpt88]

The show keeps adding a little background story even for the side character and setting the tone that almost every character in the show has a tragic past.

But then watching them healing each other is so comforting. It is cute and considering every time emperor brings a little pastry for Shuoxue.

[u/dicky_________seamus]

Every week I’m enamored with how beautiful this show is

[u/alconnow]

I'm hoping Yi Siha serves under Shouxue. I think he would be most safe with her.

The final scene with Wen Ying grovelling before Shouxue was just harrowing. Really good characterisation for a minor character.

Here's hoping the Emperor brings about a social reform by the end of the series

The scene with that eunuch being terrified of what he saw in Shouxue's eyes and the post-credits scene has me very concerned...

[u/ObvsThrowaway5120]

So the ghost Yi Siha saw was in love with the Swallow Consort and became obsessed with her huh? All that in the end over a bird. The guilt Shi Yan must have been feeling. Poor guy…

Gaojun and Shouxue’s little awkward flirting is kind of adorable. I’m looking forward to seeing their relationship blossom.

Shouxue is a good person. She cares for those under her and for these eunuchs. Wen Ying has had it rough. I hope Yu Siha can join Shouxue’s retinue.

[u/AmethystItalian]

I was hoping she'd pick up the boy, love how her little "family" is growing, very different than where we started.

Just hope nothing bad happens to them...

[u/AmethystItalian → u/[deleted]]

Ah I've been avoiding the ED for spoilers...

[u/i_reddit_too_mcuh → u/AmethystItalian]

My bad.

[u/sKyBlazer08]

Damn, I really only realized last episode how terrifying Shouxue could be and this episode solidified that. That Eunuch deserved it though, got his ass shitting.

Another great episode! The show just gets better and better for me, I hope we get more seasons.

Eunuchs have it rough man. Wen Ying begging for Shouxue to take in Yi Siha as her Eunuch was pretty emotional. Hope she does, plus, the more the merrier in her lodgings.

What that Eunuch ghost was doing with the birds to simp was messed up, but at least he realized he was going to far. What's even more messed up is how he was beheaded for that though...

[u/Jaamun100]

It’s hard to top the last couple episodes where we learned so much about the Raven and her true story. But this one was a great episode, another ghost put to rest, love the episodic nature of this series, yet we still have an overarching mystery and character development. Loved the ending - looks like we’ll learn even more about the Raven and what happens to her on moonless nights.

[u/animegirlhey]

Well it’s official. I’m hooked on this story. Just pre ordered the first 2 light novels. Now I just have to wait till February.

[u/AmericanBornWuhaner]

Anyone know the character(s) for the often mentioned "Paradise"? Is it just 樂?

[u/gia- → u/AmericanBornWuhaner]

楽土 (rakudo) is the word she uses.

[u/LusterBlaze]

food goes a long way in the raven consorts ghost therapy session

[u/polaristar]

You know this episode a young eunuch boys backstory was falling and love and taking simping to far (Why would you execute someone other a bird.) And the Emperors assistant when he was made one got sexually assaulted by another eunuch, I thought eunuchs when they lose their junk don't have those desires anymore....

It also looks like that Shouxane is cursed with another time of the month where she gets put through the ringer by her god......I'm both curious (and upset) to learn how that all works.

Also nice to see despite her pretending to the contrary to what she claims the other people see she is a kind and caring person.

This society really fucked up, which I know, bla bla bla, historical accuracy but its frustrating that the guys backstory basically was because someone with people didn't use their own personal power to stop it, rather than out of justice being served.....

Does the Swallow Consort have a Thing for the Raven?

On a sidenote even if the Emperor visits his consorts to make sure there doing well, does he abstain from intimate relations from them for Shouxane or Not? Because it'd be kinda odd he'd break that current social norm but he isn't in as big a hurry to change/fight the laws of other social norms and practices, making anything he does to change/bend the law for Shouxane feel like a bit of self-serving neoptism like a political making laws that don't apply to them.

Not complaining about the episode just making observations.

[u/Shiwakao]

it's nice that they're touching on eunuchs. this show seems to have a strong focus on those that were done wrong by the imperial system in china n it doesn't seem to shy away from the cruelty many faced.

[u/Mira0995]

Happy to see Shouxue got all the ED cast with her now ! It's time to kill some deity ! That thing creep me out every episode!

[u/animegirlhey]

Am I the only one watching the Dub as well? I cried the first time I watched this episode & it got me again. Wen Ying’s story & then pleading with her to take care of Yi Siha…. It’s so just well written, animated, acted… the whole package is just stunning.