The Story of Saiunkoku
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.
Every Good Deal Has A Catch
Shūrei Hong lives in Saiunkoku's Imperial City, Kiyo. A stunning young lady from the honorable Hong Clan, she makes a living by teaching children and struggles to make ends meet.
A Frog in the Well Knows Not About the Ocean
Shūrei enters the Royal Harem as the consort and person in charge of educating the new Emperor, Ryūki. As she spends the days with him, she has the inkling of an idea that he isn’t the fool everyone makes him out to be.
The Capable Falcon Hides Its Talons
One month has passed since Shurei became a royal consort. Ryuki kept his promise to Shurei and gradually started to get involved with political affairs. One evening, out of the blue, Ryuki pays a visit to the Royal Harem carrying roses in his hand.
Treasure Buried Is Treasure Wasted
After participating in a sword fighting tournament, Ryūki discovers his exiled brother Seien is closer at hand than he previously believed.
A Genius Can't Better A Hardworking Man
Shūrei meets Ryūren Ran, the eccentric brother of the General of the Shaorin Army.
Lacking The Finishing Touch
Shūrei is kidnapped by forces who may or may not be working against the Emperor's interests.
He Who Swims a Lot Will Drown
The plot against Ryūki and Shūrei comes to a head as the conspirators are defeated. Ryūki realizes that the plot is deeper than he at first realized and that those he deems most trustworthy may not care about the same people he does.
To Borrow a Cat's Paw
Shūrei returns to her work at the temple school. Ryūki begins writing a proposal that would allow women to take the official examinations. Ensei Rō, one of Seiran's friends, arrives from Sa Province and becomes a friend of Shūrei.
A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step
Shūrei disguises herself as a boy to assist the Imperial bureaucracy during a heat wave. She is assigned to the eccentric Minister of Taxation, who wears a mask at all times. The mystery around Ensei Rō deepens.
Good Things Come To Those Who Wait
The reason bandits have been attacking Ensei Rō is revealed; while acting as temporary governor of Sa province, Ensei angered the local nobility by rejecting corruption and bribes.
There's No Medicine For Lovesickness
Seiran and the rest of the household watch over Shōrei after she catches a bad cold while chasing a troublesome student. Reishin Hong continues to conceal from Shōrei that he is her uncle.
Escape is a Win in Itself
Shōrei comes to the aid of thirteen-year-old Eigetsu, who is attacked by bandits while visiting the imperial city to take the official examination.
From a Gourd Springs a Horse
Ryōki earns the fealty of the local crimelords by resolving trouble with a gang who had been harassing examinees. Shōrei takes the imperial examination and passes with the third highest score.
Three Years On A Rock
After making a bad first impression Shōrei and Eigetsu are ordered to spend their first two months as imperial officials cleaning the lavatory and shining shoes.
A Child Knows not of his Parent's Feelings
Kōyū Ri ponders his course in life and his relationship with his foster father Reishin Hong, who took him in on an apparent whim.
There Are No Demons In This World
A rumor spreads that Reishin Hong manipulated the imperial examination to allow Shōrei to pass. As Reishin is imprisoned, Shōrei, Seiran, and Eigetsu face betrayal by a friend helping the conspiracy.
Poking a Bush Draws Out a Snake
In retaliation for the arrest of Shōrei and Reishin, the Hong Clan goes on strike, causing half of the imperial government to shut down. Shōrei and Eigetsu rush to finish their report before the official inquiry begins at noon.
Hiding One's Head But Not One's Bottom
The plot against Shōrei is defeated after she passes a verbal examination before the Emperor and assembled officials with flying colors. Shōrei and Eigetsu's report furnishes evidence against the corrupt Sa Clan official who plotted against them.
Send Your Dear Child on a Voyage
Ryōki appoints Shōrei and Eigetsu as co-governors of Sa Province. He is torn over his decision and confesses to Shōrei that he loves her and will wait for her to return his feelings.
Flowers Blooming From Dead Trees
Seiran recalls the events that led to his exile 13 years ago and the family that took him in.
The Wise Man Does Not Court Danger
As Shōrei prepares to leave for Sa Province, she, Eigetsu, Ryōren Ran hear rumors of a ghost inhabiting the imperial palace.
While There's Life, There's Hope
Shūrei, Eigetsu, Kōrin, Ensei, and Seiran leave for their journey to Sa Province, all the while assassins are following them, hired by the Sa Clan. Eigetsu, Kōrin, Ensei, and Seiran are caught during their stay in a hotel, while Shūrei is safely hidden.
Companionship In Travel, Compassion In Life
While the rest are caught by the border guard in Sairi, Shōrei 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: Senya Rin.
Bolt Out Of The Blue
Ensei and Seiran were set free from their prison thanks to Kokujun, as Shōrei and Senya were finally departing after days of waiting, on Shōrei's part. Eigetsu and Kōrin were also freed by Kokujun, who volunteered to bring them to Kinka.
An Accidental Resemblance
Shōrei muses over the new information she learned from Senya that the Hong Princess is to marry the second son of the Sa Clan.
Crows in a Moonless Night
The real identity of Senya Rin is revealed, and Shōrei is caught in his clutches in Chrysanthemum Castle. Seiran and Ensei head over there to rescue Shōrei and catch Sakujun. He escapes with Shōrei's flowerbud hairpin, telling her to go to Koren.
The Prettier the Flower, the Higher the Branch
After recuperating from her fatigue Shōrei struggles to discern her emotions. As a result she finds herself upsetting Seiran.
The Fear Is Worse Than the Danger Itself
Shōrei and Eigetsu finally begin to learn that their positions will not come easy.
Every Moment Feels Like an Eternity
Shūrei, Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shō Sai head for Koren after hearing of the blockade occurring in Koren. Shortly after their departure the Emperor, Shūei, and Kōyū make it near Kinka.
Judge a Women By Courage
Shōrei, Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shō Sai break into Koren and head to Shō Sai's sister's home. They find two letters waiting for them there. Meanwhile, Kokujun confronts his grandfather Chuō, while Shunki begins to make her way to Koren.
A Diamond in the Rough
Shōrei leaves the group's hideout to meet with Sakujun, becoming a guest at the Sa Manor. Shōrin brings Shunki to Koren and meets up with Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shō.
A Woman's Word is her Bond
Shūrei searches the Sa Stronghold for Kokujun and Eiki with some help from Shōrin while Sakujun continues to be his usual self around Shūrei. Shūrei meets with Chūshō and staunchly declares her unwillingness to cooperate with the Sa Clan.
No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk
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 Clan's Stronghold and split up to help quell Chūshō's plans. Shunki reveals her secret.
Fight Poison With Poison
Shūrei 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.
Every Meeting Ends in Parting
Seiran's game of death with Sakujun doesn't go as planned, but there are other poisons at work. Shūrei goes to meet Sakujun one last time to retrieve her hairpin.
All is Right With the World
Shūrei and Eigetsu finally meet the other assistant governor, Yūshun Tei. The recent drama begins to wrap up and settle to a conclusion; Enjun Sa's noble goals also come to the surface.
Tears Fall From the Eyes Like Rain Fall From the Skies
Shūrei has been working overtime with no rest to keep her mind off the death of Sakujun. Though she tries to hide the pain of the death of someone she cares about, no one seems to be able to comfort her, until an old friend comes along.
Seize the Day
Shūrei and Seiran return to Kiyō Province for the palace celebration, and they are accompanied by their new supporters, Yūshun Tei, Rin Sai-Tei, and the new head of the Sa Clan, Kokujun.
Fate Decides who Falls in Love
Shūrei and her company in the capital celebrate, but while this is going on Ryūki and Shūrei must deal with the many emotions coming from the reuniting and plausible separation again.
