The Story of Saiunkoku — Season 1, Episode 1: Every Good Story Has a Hidden Side

Episode synopsis

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.

About The Story of Saiunkoku

Saiunkoku 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.

More episodes from Season 1

• E2A Frog in a Well Does Not Know the Great Ocean
• E3The Talented Hawk Hides its Talons
• E4Casting Pearls Before Swine
• E5There is no Genius Without Hard Work
• E6Lacking the Finishing Touch
• E7Even the Strongest Swimmer May Drown
• E8Wanting to Borrow a Cat's Paws
• E9The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step
• E10Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
• E11There is no Cure for Lovesickness
• E12Discretion is the Better Part of Valour
• E13From a Gourd Comes a Horse