The Story of Saiunkoku

Set within the fictional medieval empire of Saiunkoku, the story follows Shuurei Kou, a young woman descended from a once-prominent noble family that has fallen into poverty. Her father serves as a librarian in the Imperial Palace, a position that commands great prestige and respect but offers little financial compensation. To make ends meet, Shuurei teaches at a temple school and takes on various odd jobs. Despite her daily struggles, she harbors an ambitious dream: to pass the imperial examinations and secure a government post, a path strictly forbidden to women. Shuurei's life takes an unexpected turn when the Emperor's Grand Advisor presents her with a startling proposition. She is asked to enter the imperial household for six months as the young Emperor's consort, with the secret task of teaching him how to become a responsible ruler. Should she s쳮d, the financial reward will be substantial enough to change her circumstances entirely. As she navigates her new role, the story chronicles Shuurei's evolving relationships with the Emperor and other members of the royal court. Amidst the intricate intrigues of imperial politics, she remains steadfast in her commitment to bettering both herself and her country. This series consists of eighteen regular volumes, four side-story volumes, and one volume of short stories.