Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 13: Favorites

Quick Summary • Best Moment • Setup • Delivery • Other Posts

Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 13 – Quick Summary

In Raven of the Inner Palace episode 13, “Xiangfu Incense,” the Raven Consort, with help from the Emperor, had defeated the Owl. Further investigation, though, revealed the Owl had help. And from an unexpected source! Can the Emperor get to the Raven Consort’s side in time to save her – again?

Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.

Favorite Quote from Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 13

Shouxue has come a long way since her life of isolation. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Remember a couple of episodes ago when the Emperor asked why Shouxue wasn’t wearing the little fish ornament he had made for her? He thought she might be snubbing him. But it was completely the opposite. She wasn’t wearing it because she was afraid she’d lose it.

The implication being she cherished it.

Well, near the end of this episode, the Emperor almost gave her another gift. He seemed to have second thoughts, which of course piqued her interest even more. She more or less demanded it from him.

I swear, she is almost too comfortable around him!

He handed a wooden version of the same fish to her. He apologized that he had damaged its top fin when he defended her in the previous episode. When he asked for it back, she turned away and tied it to her belt.

“It’s still leaping and full of life,” she said (06:01). “It’s better that it’s slightly damaged. Otherwise it would surely escape.”

I like how their dialogue contains deeper meanings, yet is light on the surface. It’s very much in keeping with the show’s vibe!

Favorite Moment from Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 13

Shouxue has come a long way to be able to smile at Gaojun like that! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Setup: A Romance Between Equals

Watching Shouxue and Gaojun grow closer together made this show special. I’ve seen a lot of romances, and I’ve watched a lot of romance tropes. I’m not saying they’re bad, and I’m not implying anything negative about the people who enjoy those tropes. But they don’t do anything for me.

But Shouxue and Gaojun? Seeing a proud and intelligent woman slowly fall for a sophisticated, patient man? That was pretty cool. When you pair that with seeing Shouxue blossom from an isolated, lonely soul to someone surrounded by friends who really care about her – and who she really cares about? 

There’re all kinds of feel-goods in that mix!

The Emperor felt angry on behalf of Shouxue. He showed more compassion to Xue Yuyong than I’m afraid I would have, had our positions been switched. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

My favorite moment was a microcosm of Shouxue’s relationship to Gaojun. After the moving climax where Xue Yuyong broke down because he almost killed Shouxue based on a misunderstanding, Shouxue noticed that the Emperor’s exertions had undone his bandages. She offered to redress his wounds.

Delivery: The Allure of Authentic Affection

While she worked, Gaojun, perhaps still worried about her mental state, asked if she would have accepted Xue murdering her. She said that maybe, the old version of herself would have – the version we met in episode one. Then she said something she never would have said before.

“But when I accepted death and closed my eyes, I saw your face,” she said (15:18). She even smiled when she said it.

I was as shocked as the emperor was! She went on to say how his reaching out to her, his desire to understand her pain, was her “salvation.”

That was a huge step forward for Shouxue! Of course, given the nature of their relationship, you knew they couldn’t leave such a touching moment alone. She announced she was done with his bandage. It was the worst medical work I’ve ever seen.

“You’re clumsy, aren’t you?” he asked (15:55).

That’s how a pout is done! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

They’re so comfortable with each other that they can tease each other like that. There’s not only no ill-will. There’s real affection there. That’s what I’m going to remember about this series. I’m going to remember their mature, realistic romance. I’m going to remember how two intelligent, driven people grew closer together despite some serious obstacles.

Which is pretty amazing, since I started watching the show just because I thought it had attractive art!

What did you think of Shouxue asking Xue why he hadn’t stabbed her yet? What were your favorite moments in this episode? Feel free to let me know in the comments!

Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 13: Other Posts

Other Anime Sites

• Reddit: Kokyu no Karasu | Raven of the Inner Palace – Episode 13 discussion – FINAL
• J Reacts: Struggle | Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 13 Reaction (後宮の烏) (YouTube)
• Lost in Anime: Patron Pick Fall 2022: Koukyuu no Karasu – 13 (End) and Series Review

This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)

• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 1: The Jade Earring, Part 1
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 2: The Jade Earring, Part 2
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 3: The Whistle
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 4: The Skylark Princess
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 5: Confidant
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 6: The Summer King and the Winter King
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 7: Glass Prayer
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 8: Blue Swallow
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 9: Water’s Voice
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 10: The Masked Man
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 11: Groundwork
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 12: Siblings
• Raven of the Inner Palace Episode 13: Xiangfu Incense