The Story of SaiunkokuSaiunkoku is a world of eight provinces or houses, each named after a different colour. The new Emperor, Shi Ryuuki, has gained for a reputation for being uninterested in courtly matters and for flaunting his love for men. Shuurei, although born of the important Kou family, has difficulty making ends meet. She easily accepts an invitation to be the Emperor's concubine in order to turn him into a good ruler. The mysterious Seiran, a young man who was adopted by her father, goes with her as Ryuuki's bodyguard. Entering the imperial palace revives Shuurei's dream of being a court official, and, together with the many companions she meets along the way, continues moving bravely forward while trying to fend off the Emperor's advances.
Every Good Story Has a Hidden Side
Apr 8, 2006
After being bribed by a high authority from the palace, Shuurei enters the Imperial Palace as the Emperor's consort and unofficial tutor, in keeping her promise to encourage the prince to rise to the responsiblities of the Emperor and to begin taking interest in the country and the throne.
A Frog in a Well Does Not Know the Great Ocean
Apr 15, 2006
Shuurei teaches Ryuuki about daily life by taking him on an excursion through the Imperial City.
The Talented Hawk Hides its Talons
Apr 22, 2006
Ryuuki averts an attempt to assassinate Shuurei by drinking the poison intended for her.
Casting Pearls Before Swine
Apr 29, 2006
After participating in a swordfighting tournament, Ryuuki discovers his exiled brother Seien is closer at hand than he previously believed.
There is no Genius Without Hard Work
May 6, 2006
Shuurei meets Ryuuren Ran, the eccentric brother of the General of the Shaorin Army.
Lacking the Finishing Touch
May 13, 2006
Shuurei is kidnapped by forces who may or may not be working against the Emperor's interests.
Even the Strongest Swimmer May Drown
May 20, 2006
The plot against Ryuuki and Shuurei comes to a head as the conspirators are defeated. With her task complete, Shuurei leaves the palace.
Wanting to Borrow a Cat's Paws
May 27, 2006
Shuurei returns to her work at the temple school. Ryuuki begins writing a proposal that would allow women to take the official examinations. Ensei Rou, one of Seiran's friends, arrives from Brown Province.
The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step
Jun 3, 2006
Shuurei disguises herself as a boy to assist the Imperial bureaucracy during a heat wave.
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Jun 10, 2006
The reason bandits have been attacking Ensei Rou is revealed; while acting as temporary governor of Brown province, Ensei angered the local nobility by rejecting corruption and bribes. As he has not passed the official examination required to be a high official, Ensei returns his seal of governorship to Ryuuki. Ryuuki passes a law allowing women to take the official examinations.
There is no Cure for Lovesickness
Jun 17, 2006
Seiran and the rest of the household watch over Shuurei after she catches a bad cold while chasing a troublesome student. Reishin Kou continues to conceal from Shuurei that he is her uncle. Reishin fears that if Shuurei knew his identity, she would hate him as the man who took her father's place as head of the Kou clan.
Discretion is the Better Part of Valour
Jun 24, 2006
Shuurei comes to the aid of thirteen-year-old Eigetsu, who is attacked by bandits while visiting the imperial city to take the official examination. A local gang challenges the city's crimelords and Kochou, the madam of a brothel and Shuurei's longtime employer.
From a Gourd Comes a Horse
Jul 1, 2006
Ryuuki earns the fealty of the local crimelords by resolving trouble with a gang who had been harassing examinees. Shuurei takes the imperial examination and passes with the third highest score.
On a Rock for Three Years
Jul 8, 2006
After making a bad first impression Shuurei and Eigetsu are ordered to spend their first two months as imperial officials cleaning the lavatory and shining shoes.
Children Do Not Know Their Parents' Hearts
Jul 15, 2006
Kouyuu Ri ponders his course in life and his relationship with his foster father Reishin Kou, who took him in on an apparent whim.
There are no Devils in the World
Jul 22, 2006
A rumor spreads that Reishin Kou manipulated the imperial examination to allow Shuurei to pass. As Reishin is imprisoned, Shuurei, Seiran and Eigetsu face betrayal by a friend helping the conspiracy.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie or Poking a Bush Draws Out Snakes
Aug 26, 2006
In retaliation for the arrest of Shuurei and Reishin, the Kou clan goes on strike, causing half of the imperial government to shut down. Shuurei and Eigetsu rush to finish their report before the official inquiry begins at noon.
You Can't Hide by Burying Your Head in the Sand
Sep 2, 2006
The plot against Shuurei is defeated after she passes a verbal examination before the Emperor and assembled officials with flying colours. Shuurei and Eigetsu's report furnishes evidence against the corrupt Sa clan official who plotted against them.
If You Love Your Child, Send Her on a Journey
Sep 9, 2006
Ryuuki appoints Shuurei and Eigetsu as co-governors of Sa Province.
Flowers Blooming from Dead Wood
Sep 16, 2006
Seiran recalls the events that led to his exile 13 years ago and the family that took him in.
The Wise Know When to Approach Danger
Sep 23, 2006
As Shuurei prepares to leave for Sa province, she, Eigetsu and Ryuuren Ran hear rumours of a ghost inhabiting the imperial palace.
Where There is Life, There is Hope
Sep 30, 2006
Shuurei, Eigetsu, Kourin, Ensei and Seiran leave for their journey to Sa Province, all the while assassins are following them, hired by the Sa Clan. Eigetsu, Kourin, Ensei and Seiran are caught during their stay in a hotel, while Shuurei is safely hidden.
It's the Company that Makes Travel Unpleasant
Oct 7, 2006
While the rest are caught at the borderguard in Sairi, Shuurei has to make her way on her own to Kinka. She seeks help from the Merchants Guild, becoming a servant to a man whom she met on the streets: Lin Senya.
Water on a Sleeping Ear
Oct 14, 2006
Ensei and Seiran were set free from their prison thanks to Kokujun, as Shuurei and Senya were finally departing after days of waiting, on Shuurei's part. Eigetsu and Kourin were also freed by Kokujun, who volunteered to bring them to Kinka.
An Accidental Resemblance
Oct 21, 2006
Shuurei muses over the new information she learned from Senya that the Kou princess is to marry the second son of the Sa Clan. She also sees a strange resemblance between Senya and Ryuuki. Ensei and Seiran follows Shuurei's trail of Kanrou Cha, and Eigetsu and Kourin are en route to Kinka.
Ravens in the Moonless Night
Oct 28, 2006
The real identity of Lin Senya is revealed, and Shuurei is caught in his clutches in Chrysanthemum Castle. Seiran and Ensei heads over there to rescue Shuurei and to catch Sakujun. He escapes with Shuurei's flowerbud hairpin, telling her to go to Koren.
The Prettier the Flower, the Higher the Branch
Nov 18, 2006
After recooperating from her fatigue Shuurei struggles to discern her emotions. As a result she finds herself upsetting Seiran.
Worry Gives Small Things Large Shadows
Nov 25, 2006
Shuurei and Eigetsu finally begin to learn that their positions will not come easy. Shuurei allows time for Seiran in order to make up for her recent shortcomings under the guidance of Ensei. Kokujun asks to protect Shunki before he sets off for Koren to confront his brother.
Many Years' Worth of Thoughts in a Single Day
Dec 9, 2006
Shuurei, Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shou Sai head for Koren after hearing of the blockade occurring in Koren. Shortly after their departure the Emperor, Shuuei, and Kouyuu make it near Kinka. Emperor Ryuuki and his comrades come to the assistance of Seiran and Ensei in order for them to pass the blockade in Koren. Shuurei prepares herself for Sakujun's confrontation.
Women are Brave
Dec 16, 2006
Shuurei, Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shou Sai break into Koren and head to Shou Sai's sister's home. They find two letters waiting for them there. Meanwhile, Kokujun confronts his grandfather Chuushou, while Shunki begins to make her way to Koren.
A Diamond in the Rough
Dec 23, 2006
Shuurei leaves the group's hideout to meet with Sakujun, becoming a guest at the Sa manor. Shourin brings Shunki to Koren and meets up with Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shou.
A Woman's Word is Her Bond
Jan 6, 2007
Shuurei searches the Sa stronghold for Kokujun and Eiki with some help from Shourin while Sakujun continues to be his creepy self around Shuurei. Shuurei meets with Chuushou and staunchly declares her unwillingness to cooperate with the Sa clan.
No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk
Jan 13, 2007
It's the night of the selection ceremony for the new head of the Sa clan. Ensei, Eigetsu, Seiran, and Shunki sneak into the Sa stronghold and split up to help quell Chuushou's plans. Shunki reveals her secret.
Poison Gets the Better of Poison
Jan 20, 2007
Shuurei and Shunki descend underground to find Kokujun, who claims the title as the next head of the Sa clan. He arrives as the appointment ceremony to claim his new place. Eigetsu and Ensei complete their plans and apprehend all of the top officials in the Sa clan. Meanwhile, Seiran confronts Sakujun, where they play a game of chance with their lives on the line.
Meeting is the Beginning of Parting
Jan 27, 2007
Seiran's game of death with Sakujun doesn't go as planned, but there are other poisons at work. Shuurei goes to meet Sakujun one last time to retrieve her hairpin.
All is Right in the World
Feb 3, 2007
Shuurei and Eigetsu finally meet the other assistant governor, Tei Yuushun. The recent drama begins to wrap up and settle to a conclusion; Sa Enjun's noble goals also come to the surface. Shuurei and Eigetsu finally make it to the appointment ceremony as Sa Province's new co-governors.
Tears Fall Like Rain From Heaven
Feb 10, 2007
Shuurei has been working over time with no rest in order to keep her mind off the death of Sakujun. Though she tries to hide the pain of the death of someone she loved, no one seems to be able to comfort her, until an old bosom friend comes along.
There is no Today After Today
Feb 17, 2007
Shuurei and Seiran return to Kou province for the palace celebration, and they are accompanied by their new supporters, Yuushun Tei, In Sai, and the new head of the Sa clan, Kokujun. All the government officials stand in the Imperial Palace as they wait for Shuurei's and Yuushun's grand entrance. Shuurei is acknowledged as the governor of Brown Province who saved it from collapse. She sees Ryuuki once again and presents her proposal for the future of Brown Province. She asks Ryuuki to go over her proposal on making Brown Province a center of academic research, and this will benefit Brown Province 100 years later. Everyone is amazed at Shuurei's proposal and supports it. She receives everyone's applause.
Fate is an Inscrutable and Interesting Thing
Feb 24, 2007
Shuurei and her company in the capital celebrate, but while this is going on Ryuuki and Shuurei must deal with the many emotions coming from the reuniting and plausible separation again.
