The Story of Saiunkoku

Season 1

A girl called Sho Ruurei is offered 500 gold coins to become the King's consort. She carelessly accepts the offer and has to tutor the King. The King falls in love with her however his brother is in love with her too.

Where to Watch The Story of Saiunkoku • Season 1

39 Episodes

Every Good Story Has a Hidden Side
E1
Every Good Story Has a Hidden SideAfter 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
E2
A Frog in a Well Does Not Know the Great OceanShuurei teaches Ryuuki about daily life by taking him on an excursion through the Imperial City.
The Talented Hawk Hides its Talons
E3
The Talented Hawk Hides its TalonsRyuuki averts an attempt to assassinate Shuurei by drinking the poison intended for her.
Casting Pearls Before Swine
E4
Casting Pearls Before SwineAfter 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
E5
There is no Genius Without Hard WorkShuurei meets Ryuuren Ran, the eccentric brother of the General of the Shaorin Army.
Lacking the Finishing Touch
E6
Lacking the Finishing TouchShuurei is kidnapped by forces who may or may not be working against the Emperor's interests.
Even the Strongest Swimmer May Drown
E7
Even the Strongest Swimmer May DrownThe 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
E8
Wanting to Borrow a Cat's PawsShuurei 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
E9
The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single StepShuurei disguises herself as a boy to assist the Imperial bureaucracy during a heat wave.
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
E10
Good Things Come to Those Who WaitThe 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
E11
There is no Cure for LovesicknessSeiran 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
E12
Discretion is the Better Part of ValourShuurei 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
E13
From a Gourd Comes a HorseRyuuki 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
E14
On a Rock for Three YearsAfter 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
E15
Children Do Not Know Their Parents' HeartsKouyuu 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
E16
There are no Devils in the WorldA 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
E17
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie or Poking a Bush Draws Out SnakesIn 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
E18
You Can't Hide by Burying Your Head in the SandThe 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
E19
If You Love Your Child, Send Her on a JourneyRyuuki appoints Shuurei and Eigetsu as co-governors of Sa Province.
Flowers Blooming from Dead Wood
E20
Flowers Blooming from Dead WoodSeiran 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
E21
The Wise Know When to Approach DangerAs 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
E22
Where There is Life, There is HopeShuurei, 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
E23
It's the Company that Makes Travel UnpleasantWhile 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
E24
Water on a Sleeping EarEnsei 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
E25
An Accidental ResemblanceShuurei 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
E26
Ravens in the Moonless NightThe 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
E27
The Prettier the Flower, the Higher the BranchAfter recooperating from her fatigue Shuurei struggles to discern her emotions. As a result she finds herself upsetting Seiran.
Worry Gives Small Things Large Shadows
E28
Worry Gives Small Things Large ShadowsShuurei 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
E29
Many Years' Worth of Thoughts in a Single DayShuurei, 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
E30
Women are BraveShuurei, 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
E31
A Diamond in the RoughShuurei 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
E32
A Woman's Word is Her BondShuurei 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
E33
No Use Crying Over Spilt MilkIt'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
E34
Poison Gets the Better of PoisonShuurei 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
E35
Meeting is the Beginning of PartingSeiran'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
E36
All is Right in the WorldShuurei 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
E37
Tears Fall Like Rain From HeavenShuurei 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
E38
There is no Today After TodayShuurei 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
E39
Fate is an Inscrutable and Interesting ThingShuurei 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.