Episode 4

Lady Shonagon and Lieutenant Yukinari return to solve a new mystery in 10th Century Japan.

Despite her conviction that she is unable to bear children, Shonagon has fallen pregnant by Yukinari. She has gone into labour prematurely, and the process is long and troubled. Assisted by her friend Saisho, Shonagon feels trapped in the women's quarters and, in the intensity of the situation, unsolicited truths begin to emerge between the two women.

Meanwhile, Yukinari, believing the child to be due a month later has answered the invitation of a childhood friend, Takashi. The two have been revisiting their youth, drinking and climbing hills together. But Yukinari begins to suspect that he has been summoned here, not for a holiday, but in a professional capacity - to uncover the mystery behind his friend's wife's murder.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.