The Story of Saiunkoku

E1. Every Good Story Has a Hidden Side

Apr 8, 2006 · 25m

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.

E2. A Frog in a Well Does Not Know the Great Ocean

Apr 15, 2006 · 25m

Shuurei teaches Ryuuki about daily life by taking him on an excursion through the Imperial City.

E3. The Talented Hawk Hides its Talons

Apr 22, 2006 · 25m

Ryuuki averts an attempt to assassinate Shuurei by drinking the poison intended for her.

E4. Casting Pearls Before Swine

Apr 29, 2006 · 25m

After participating in a swordfighting tournament, Ryuuki discovers his exiled brother Seien is closer at hand than he previously believed.

E5. There is no Genius Without Hard Work

May 6, 2006 · 25m

Shuurei meets Ryuuren Ran, the eccentric brother of the General of the Shaorin Army.

E6. Lacking the Finishing Touch

May 13, 2006 · 25m

Shuurei is kidnapped by forces who may or may not be working against the Emperor's interests.

E7. Even the Strongest Swimmer May Drown

May 20, 2006 · 25m

The plot against Ryuuki and Shuurei comes to a head as the conspirators are defeated. With her task complete, Shuurei leaves the palace.

E8. Wanting to Borrow a Cat's Paws

May 27, 2006 · 25m

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.

E9. The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step

Jun 3, 2006 · 25m

Shuurei disguises herself as a boy to assist the Imperial bureaucracy during a heat wave.

E10. Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Jun 10, 2006 · 25m

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.

E11. There is no Cure for Lovesickness

Jun 17, 2006 · 25m

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.

E12. Discretion is the Better Part of Valour

Jun 24, 2006 · 25m

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.

E13. From a Gourd Comes a Horse

Jul 1, 2006 · 25m

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.

E14. On a Rock for Three Years

Jul 8, 2006 · 25m

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.

E15. Children Do Not Know Their Parents' Hearts

Jul 15, 2006 · 25m

Kouyuu Ri ponders his course in life and his relationship with his foster father Reishin Kou, who took him in on an apparent whim.

E16. There are no Devils in the World

Jul 22, 2006 · 25m

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.

E17. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie or Poking a Bush Draws Out Snakes

Aug 26, 2006 · 25m

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.

E18. You Can't Hide by Burying Your Head in the Sand

Sep 2, 2006 · 25m

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.

E19. If You Love Your Child, Send Her on a Journey

Sep 9, 2006 · 25m

Ryuuki appoints Shuurei and Eigetsu as co-governors of Sa Province.

E20. Flowers Blooming from Dead Wood

Sep 16, 2006 · 25m

Seiran recalls the events that led to his exile 13 years ago and the family that took him in.

E21. The Wise Know When to Approach Danger

Sep 23, 2006 · 25m

As Shuurei prepares to leave for Sa province, she, Eigetsu and Ryuuren Ran hear rumours of a ghost inhabiting the imperial palace.

E22. Where There is Life, There is Hope

Sep 30, 2006 · 25m

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.

E23. It's the Company that Makes Travel Unpleasant

Oct 7, 2006 · 25m

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.

E24. Water on a Sleeping Ear

Oct 14, 2006 · 25m

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.

E25. An Accidental Resemblance

Oct 21, 2006 · 25m

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.

E26. Ravens in the Moonless Night

Oct 28, 2006 · 25m

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.

E27. The Prettier the Flower, the Higher the Branch

Nov 18, 2006 · 25m

After recooperating from her fatigue Shuurei struggles to discern her emotions. As a result she finds herself upsetting Seiran.

E28. Worry Gives Small Things Large Shadows

Nov 25, 2006 · 25m

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.

E29. Many Years' Worth of Thoughts in a Single Day

Dec 9, 2006 · 25m

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.

E30. Women are Brave

Dec 16, 2006 · 25m

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.