A person who was seen as "the lowest of the low", is assigned to menial tasks, and given little opportunity to prove their true worth. Right, now I have to go clean the other toilets over there. Despite having passed the National Civil Service Examinations, Shurei Hong and Eigetsu To are currently experiencing all the hardships that come with being the lowest of the low. Okay, sir, I finished your shoes.
A Child Knows Not of His Parent's Feelings
That was such a heart-wrenching sigh. That expression on your face is quite a turn-on. Look, lay off the jokes, I'm in a lousy mood right now, okay! Shurei’s still working hard, I understand. But will she be able to keep it up. If this continues, I'm sure that man will make his move. He might have already done so. I suppose so. while his sweet little niece is receiving this kind of mistreatment, I’ll bet He's going to the king to give him a piece of his mind or several. Your majesty , I understand that it was your decision to keep this year's top twenty initiates within the Imperial Court for observation. Indeed, it was our father’s custom to do this occasionally. Yes. Such was the case during my year, and Koyu's as well. It’s usually done When there’s difficulty in determining how best to assign those top tier recruits who possess exceptional talents. I’m sure it’s only proper. If both Shurei Hong and Eigetsu To were immediately assigned to one of the ministries, they'd be beaten down before they had a chance to prove their abilities. That would be a great shame. But aren’t you the sort of person who would despise anyone who failed to prove their abilities and discard them quickly ? Of course I would discard them. Those incapable of applying their talents to the positions given to them, deserve no less. More than anything, I detest those people who are weak, spoiled and utterly foolish. That includes you, as you were before. However, this time the conditions are far too extreme. It would be like rashly tossing seedlings into water and expecting them to grow. There is an obligation to rescue them and place them on secure ground. Otherwise they will only end up rotting no matter how hard they try. There's no need to worry. we will protect your niece. we give you our word. You were the one who put forward the proposal and opened the examination to women, Your Majesty. If you cannot properly govern and manage a system that you yourself established, then I will not hesitate to desert you. Excuse me. Secretary Hong. You have my personal Thanks for standing as Shurei's sponsor. Not at all, I did not in any way, do it for you. I see, well, despite that, I'm actually very fond of you. If you think you can get me into your bag, your majesty, think again. I came here, hoping to comfort myself by seeing my big brother. Unfortunately, Lord Shoka is out of town on official business. Damn it! If I had my way I would go right now and fire every single miscreant who dares bully Shurei! That’s not a joke Coming from the Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs in charge of personnel. If the king still refuse to take action, I really will desert him. As I suspected. He did go and see the king. Lord Reishin, even though you're her sponsor, please consider, if you interfere too much, you'll end up causing unneeded trouble for Shurei. That is precisely why I haven't publicly announced the fact that I'm her sponsor. Oh, Reishin! Fancy seeing you here. Oh, big brother! My, my, Those peach buns look delicious! I brought them for you, please help yourself . Thank you. Then I'll help myself to one right now. Of course! You know, I was just starting to get hungry. Really? All right. Let's go ahead and enjoy them. It's clear who the person most important to Lord Reishin is...! Lord Koyu? I'm only a newly conferred official and while with the difference between us in ranks I know I shouldn't be talking with you so casually like this, it’s just that...! What is it? Has something happened to make you depressed? In that case! There was something else I wanted to ask you about. Oh, What? I was wondering about when You took the exams, you became the Jogen at sixteen, right? Yes, I did, but what about it? I wanted to know what your wishes were, Lord Koyu? What was the strong desire that supported you, what was the wish you depended on when you worked your way up. I only had one wish, and it was very simple. I wanted to stay by the side of a special person, and be useful to him. That person has given so much to me. My only goal was to somehow repay his kindness, even just a little. That's all there is to it. Not very pure motive in comparison with yours. Were you able to fulfill it? Your desire? Who knows. Doesn’t feel like it sometimes. To that man, it probably doesn’t make any difference whether I'm around him or not. Being supported by your feelings for someone else, I think it’s wonderful. I'd better keep trying, too! Go on, I'll bring you guys some refreshments later. Thank you very much. Hello , Lord Koyu. What’s wrong, you seem perturbed? Is there a problem? “Is there a problem” ? Secretary Sai. You're the one responsible for instructing the newly conferred officials, aren't you? Yes, is that an issue? Doesn’t it bother you even a little to see what Shurei Hong and Eigetsu To are going through?! There's no point in asking me, the one who assigned them to toilet cleaning and shoe polishing was Official Ro. Perhaps you should speak with him. More importantly, Lord Koyu, I want to talk about your situation, you're Secretary Hong's adopted son, but he has yet to grant you the Hong family name. Secretary Hong has no children of his own, but it seems that he has no intention of bringing you into the Hong family. That man is so capricious and cruel. To be honest, It wouldn't surprise me at all if he threw you out at the drop of a hat. I, however, value your ability. So let’s let bygones be bygones. Should you ever find yourself on your own, I'd be more than willing to...! Excuse me. Young boy, what is that you’re selling there? Lots, sir. I see. Is all that rubbish meant to the prizes for the lottery? If you're gonna make trouble, don't bother. Go ahead. Your consolation prize. Plum blossoms. I somehow doubt there are many winning tokens in that box to begin with. It's a pretty good business idea. Tell me, was it your parents that come up with this? I don't have any parents. Very well, You will suit. He took me in, but only on a whim. almost like bringing home some stray dog. What are you doing standing around out here? If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times, ask for directions if you get lost? I was merely admiring the plum blossoms. Sir, may I ask what's troubling you? You seem to be in a fairly bad mood these days. I would say that the one who's truly troubled is you, Koyu. Am I wrong? It's... nothing. Nothing at all, sir. Well, all right. Someone’s been sent from the main branch of the Hong Clan. The main Hong Clan? Although I find it unlikely, should they attempt to approach you at home, kick them out immediately. Nothing good would bring them here. What is it? I-If I told you I wanted to leave your side and take a journey around the country and practice the art of making dim sum, what would you do? You Koyo? Making dim sum? What the hell am I saying? You have no sense of direction. How will you get anywhere on your journey? Just Never mind that. If that's what you want to do, then go ahead. It's your life after all. You don't have to ask me.
The Story of Saiunkoku
Guess I should study how to make these. Very strange, I thought the Archives were this way. You're going to the Archives, how about I go with you. Shurei, I've brought you snakes. Thank you, Lord Koyu! I’ve got some dim sum I made at home. At Your home? Wait a minute, If I remember correctly, you're staying at someone else's estate, aren’t you? right, well, that is to say, I mean, I'm staying with the family that's taken care of me ever since I was a little boy. Let’s have these while they're warm, okay? Go on, try them. Oh, the shrimp is very succulent! The crab dumpling is fantastic! They don’t look great, but they're quite tasty! Eigetsu! Oh, geeze, sorry. I'll try a shrimp dumpling next. That was really delicious. Thank you again. This gives us the energy we need to keep going. Right, but now that you mention it, Shall we get back to work? It’s good to see you both really hanging in there. Even in the face of so such hardship. I think The hardest thing to deal with is having to watch while those people most important to us endure sadness and suffering. And so We're determined to work hard and create a country where that doesn't happen. That’s the idea, of course, I will be the first to admit, I have no idea if our efforts will actually help Saiunkoku. That looks like Lord Koyu over there, did he just come from the Archives? It would appear so. I was under the impression that Shurei Hong and Eigetsu To are also in the Archives. Yes, he was probably visiting them, before Miss Hong took the aptitude test, Lord Koyu often went to her estate and assisted her in her studies. You could say that the king specifically credited the aptitude test system for Miss Hong alone. Originally, in order to be eligible to set for the final part of the National Civil Service examinations, one would have to spend at least a year passing various qualification tests. However, in Shurei Hong's case, she was permitted to take the final exam after only passing the aptitude test. But the examination itself was quite difficult to compensate for such circumstances But still, no matter how you look at it, Miss Hong has been extremely fortunate. What are you getting at? In order to participate in the National Examinations, a woman needs the support of a high-ranking official or grand noble. And apparently Lord Reishin Hong is Miss Hong’s sponsor. My! this is unusual. you drinking by yourself . leave me alone. I’ll join you If you're feeling Ionely, Look, I'm not Ionely! Oh, Hey there, Seiran! Why don't you come and join us? No, no, I’m fine! Yeah, hey, come join us! Now that I think about it, it's your fault that I'm sitting here drinking all alone anyway! You own me one, so get over here start boozing. You heard the man. Hey, Big broth... Your Majesty! What was that disgusting noise you just made? Uh, nothing. You sit down, too! So, would you mind to enlighten me about why you said I'm to blame for your drinking? Forget it, it’s not important. Come on, don't say that, I for one would be interested in hearing it. Koyu. Just Give up and tell us. Yeah, I'd like to hear stories about Bro, I mean Seiran. You wanna know the story? goes all the way back to when I was just a helpless young boy fresh off the streets. I was suddenly taken in by Lord Reishin and brought back to live in his estate. And Without any explanation. I couldn't help but wonder so I asked him. Why are you adopting me? He recognized your potential with one glance! You were as irresistible as a little puppy! Wrong! I was a substitute! A substitute? But, For whom? You don't get it, do you? I was adopted thirteen years ago. Think about what was happing in Lord Shoka Hong's household at that time. Don't tell me...! "I heard my beloved big brother just took in a young boy recently. In order to experience the same hardship as him, I've decided to randomly choose a child to adopt and raise as well." Those were his words! And it just so happened that the one he saw was... in that moment, it felt like my life ended. You got Lord Shoka, so it's fine for you, but I ended up with Lord Reishin! But I suppose it’s thanks to you that I'm where I am now. Anyway, drink up! Now, I'll do the drinking! We get the idea. Come on, I'll take you home. I don't wanna go home! Are you sure you’ll be all right with him? Yeah, sure, You can stay here. Take this opportunity to have a private chat with the king. Come on. Let's go. Stop it! I'm not done drinking yet! If you drink any more, you'll collapse before you make it home. If that happened, I wonder if he'd still take me in. No, maybe not. It seems even Lord Koyu can get outrageously drunk on an occasion. Right, R… Big brother. You ended up drunk too, didn’t you, Your Majesty. I feel useless. Shurei is suffering so much hardship, but all I can do is watch from the shadows. Watching over her is enough. You already created a path for Lady Shurei. Now you just have to support her along it. You know, I'm... not even able to do as much as you. I should be heading back as well. I'll see you to your room. I drank way too much. My my, You're suddenly in a miserable state. Honestly. What’s wrong with you, I don't recall ever having raised such a pathetic and hopeless young man. Well in that case, why don't you just go and adopt another child more to your liking?! Who won’t disappoint you so much. Shurei didn’t come home last night, she must’ve been staying in the Archives. Yes. She certainly has been working hard. Delicious as always Seiran, You really have mastered the art of making tea. I remember a time when you used to put the tea leaves directly into the cup and pour hot over the top. Please, don't remind me. Seiran. Yes? Don't you think You should live your life the way you want to. Ever since the day my wife and I took you in, and chose a new name for you, I felt like you were one of my own, the son I never had. Master Shoka. Parents should never be a burden for their children... That means there's no need for you to worry about me. There's still plenty of time before Shurei's placement will be decided. Take time to think things over. Master Shoka. Pardon me for asking, but Would it be all right to invite a troubled young man to our home this evening? If you don't mind. Well, This will be the first time of polishing a king's shoes! finding this difficult? Not really. You’d be surprised the way you can learn while doing this kind of thing. I’m glad to hear it. Please don't care about me , sir, I’m fine, I think you should worry about Shurei. Things have been much harder for her. Eigetsu. yes? Take this, it’s for you. What is it? It's the seal of the Royal Family, for emergencies. B-But it would be better for Mr. Seiran to have something like this! No. With his current rank Seiran is not permitted to be by Shurei's side at all times. I understand, sir. I may be the only person who’s powerless to do anything more than worry. But at least...! Lord Shoka you say? Yes. He asked for you to come this evening . Why does he want to see me? I'm just passing on the message. Excuse me. What could this be about ? Hello . Oh. Hello, Koyu. I’m so glad you could come. Right this way. Forgive my rudeness , but It's unusual for you to invite me over. I suppose, but not any more unusual than that expression on your face right now. Do you like that plum tree? It was sent by Reishin earlier this year. He sent it almost immediately after he heard the king had given us a cherry tree. Is it because the plum blossoms come earlier than the cherry blossoms? No. It's because out of all the blossoms and fruits, my brother has always loved the plum best of all. But we don't even have a single plum tree at home. Reishin has never been the type to be frank about his preferences. He doesn't like the Hong clan very much. Nevertheless, he couldn’t escape his fate of becoming head of the entire Hong family. I can’t help but feel he doesn't want you to be bound to that. Once he grants you the Hong family name, you'd also be drawn into the ugly darkness that swirls within the clan. Reishin, himself, couldn’t escape it. So how could he allow someone so important to him to suffer the same fate? He wants you to be able to choose your own path in life, to have the opportunity in freedom he never had. I believe that's why he gave you the family name of Ri instead. Ri means plum, right? The Ko in Koyu means crimson, even deeper than red. And the Yu rephrases to the way that water flows. Your name reflects how much pride he takes in you as his son, as well as his hopes that you could live a life that is free as flowing water. Even for my younger brother, he did well to pick such a fine name. I had no idea. There’s an old saying, A child knows not of his parent's feelings. Lord Shoka. Yes? Thank you very much. you should be thanking Seiran. He was the one who asked me to listen to your troubles. I see. And general Ran as well. He also mentioned it to me. He said that since you prefer not to talk about private matters, I would be the only one you could open up to about Reishin. You're certainly fortunate to have such a great friend. Damn it, Shuei! It was none of your business! Why is it all right for Seiran to say something, but not for me? Because! It’s really something, The Hong family's popularity and their ability to capture people's hearts is quite astonishing. Lord Shoka has Reishin and I in his grasp. Shurei has the king completely in her control. and they have someone as outstanding as Seiran working for them. If those three put their minds to it, they could probably take control of this entire country tomorrow . Quite right.
Next Episode Cleaning toilets, polishing shoes, organizing paperwork... Boy, it's been really busy. It feels like it’s taking its toll. No, pull yourself together, Shurei! I'm not about to just give up on the dream I worked so hard to grasp!
Right, now I have to go clean the other toilets over there.
Despite having passed the National Civil Service Examinations, Shurei Hong and Eigetsu To are currently experiencing all the hardships that come with being the lowest of the low.
Okay, sir, I finished your shoes.
A Child Knows Not of His Parent's Feelings
That was such a heart-wrenching sigh.
That expression on your face is quite a turn-on.
Look, lay off the jokes, I'm in a lousy mood right now, okay!
Shurei’s still working hard, I understand.
But will she be able to keep it up.
If this continues, I'm sure that man will make his move.
He might have already done so.
I suppose so. while his sweet little niece is receiving this kind of mistreatment, I’ll bet He's going to the king to give him a piece of his mind or several.
Your majesty , I understand that it was your decision to keep this year's top twenty initiates within the Imperial Court for observation.
Indeed, it was our father’s custom to do this occasionally.
Yes. Such was the case during my year, and Koyu's as well.
It’s usually done When there’s difficulty in determining how best to assign those top tier recruits who possess exceptional talents.
I’m sure it’s only proper.
If both Shurei Hong and Eigetsu To were immediately assigned to one of the ministries, they'd be beaten down before they had a chance to prove their abilities.
That would be a great shame.
But aren’t you the sort of person who would despise anyone who failed to prove their abilities and discard them quickly ?
Of course I would discard them.
Those incapable of applying their talents to the positions given to them, deserve no less.
More than anything, I detest those people who are weak, spoiled and utterly foolish.
That includes you, as you were before.
However, this time the conditions are far too extreme.
It would be like rashly tossing seedlings into water and expecting them to grow.
There is an obligation to rescue them and place them on secure ground.
Otherwise they will only end up rotting no matter how hard they try.
There's no need to worry. we will protect your niece. we give you our word.
You were the one who put forward the proposal and opened the examination to women, Your Majesty.
If you cannot properly govern and manage a system that you yourself established, then I will not hesitate to desert you.
Excuse me.
Secretary Hong.
You have my personal Thanks for standing as Shurei's sponsor.
Not at all, I did not in any way, do it for you.
I see, well, despite that, I'm actually very fond of you.
If you think you can get me into your bag, your majesty, think again.
I came here, hoping to comfort myself by seeing my big brother.
Unfortunately, Lord Shoka is out of town on official business.
Damn it! If I had my way I would go right now and fire every single miscreant who dares bully Shurei!
That’s not a joke Coming from the Senior Secretary of Civil Affairs in charge of personnel.
If the king still refuse to take action, I really will desert him.
As I suspected. He did go and see the king.
Lord Reishin, even though you're her sponsor, please consider, if you interfere too much, you'll end up causing unneeded trouble for Shurei.
That is precisely why I haven't publicly announced the fact that I'm her sponsor.
Oh, Reishin!
Fancy seeing you here.
Oh, big brother!
My, my, Those peach buns look delicious!
I brought them for you, please help yourself .
Thank you. Then I'll help myself to one right now.
Of course!
You know, I was just starting to get hungry.
Really?
All right.
Let's go ahead and enjoy them.
It's clear who the person most important to Lord Reishin is...!
Lord Koyu?
I'm only a newly conferred official and while with the difference between us in ranks I know I shouldn't be talking with you so casually like this, it’s just that...!
What is it?
Has something happened to make you depressed?
In that case! There was something else I wanted to ask you about.
Oh, What?
I was wondering about when You took the exams, you became the Jogen at sixteen, right?
Yes, I did, but what about it?
I wanted to know what your wishes were, Lord Koyu?
What was the strong desire that supported you, what was the wish you depended on when you worked your way up.
I only had one wish, and it was very simple.
I wanted to stay by the side of a special person, and be useful to him.
That person has given so much to me.
My only goal was to somehow repay his kindness, even just a little.
That's all there is to it. Not very pure motive in comparison with yours.
Were you able to fulfill it? Your desire?
Who knows. Doesn’t feel like it sometimes.
To that man, it probably doesn’t make any difference whether I'm around him or not.
Being supported by your feelings for someone else, I think it’s wonderful.
I'd better keep trying, too!
Go on, I'll bring you guys some refreshments later.
Thank you very much.
Hello , Lord Koyu. What’s wrong, you seem perturbed?
Is there a problem?
“Is there a problem” ?
Secretary Sai.
You're the one responsible for instructing the newly conferred officials, aren't you?
Yes, is that an issue?
Doesn’t it bother you even a little to see what Shurei Hong and Eigetsu To are going through?!
There's no point in asking me, the one who assigned them to toilet cleaning and shoe polishing was Official Ro. Perhaps you should speak with him.
More importantly, Lord Koyu, I want to talk about your situation, you're Secretary Hong's adopted son, but he has yet to grant you the Hong family name.
Secretary Hong has no children of his own, but it seems that he has no intention of bringing you into the Hong family.
That man is so capricious and cruel.
To be honest, It wouldn't surprise me at all if he threw you out at the drop of a hat.
I, however, value your ability.
So let’s let bygones be bygones.
Should you ever find yourself on your own, I'd be more than willing to...!
Excuse me.
Young boy, what is that you’re selling there?
Lots, sir.
I see.
Is all that rubbish meant to the prizes for the lottery?
If you're gonna make trouble, don't bother.
Go ahead.
Your consolation prize.
Plum blossoms.
I somehow doubt there are many winning tokens in that box to begin with.
It's a pretty good business idea.
Tell me, was it your parents that come up with this?
I don't have any parents.
Very well, You will suit.
He took me in, but only on a whim.
almost like bringing home some stray dog.
What are you doing standing around out here?
If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times, ask for directions if you get lost?
I was merely admiring the plum blossoms.
Sir, may I ask what's troubling you?
You seem to be in a fairly bad mood these days.
I would say that the one who's truly troubled is you, Koyu. Am I wrong?
It's... nothing. Nothing at all, sir.
Well, all right.
Someone’s been sent from the main branch of the Hong Clan.
The main Hong Clan?
Although I find it unlikely, should they attempt to approach you at home, kick them out immediately.
Nothing good would bring them here.
What is it?
I-If I told you I wanted to leave your side and take a journey around the country and practice the art of making dim sum, what would you do?
You Koyo? Making dim sum?
What the hell am I saying?
You have no sense of direction. How will you get anywhere on your journey?
Just Never mind that.
If that's what you want to do, then go ahead.
It's your life after all. You don't have to ask me.
The Story of Saiunkoku
Guess I should study how to make these.
Very strange, I thought the Archives were this way.
You're going to the Archives, how about I go with you.
Shurei, I've brought you snakes.
Thank you, Lord Koyu!
I’ve got some dim sum I made at home.
At Your home?
Wait a minute, If I remember correctly, you're staying at someone else's estate, aren’t you?
right, well, that is to say, I mean, I'm staying with the family that's taken care of me ever since I was a little boy.
Let’s have these while they're warm, okay?
Go on, try them.
Oh, the shrimp is very succulent!
The crab dumpling is fantastic!
They don’t look great, but they're quite tasty!
Eigetsu!
Oh, geeze, sorry.
I'll try a shrimp dumpling next.
That was really delicious.
Thank you again.
This gives us the energy we need to keep going.
Right, but now that you mention it, Shall we get back to work?
It’s good to see you both really hanging in there.
Even in the face of so such hardship.
I think The hardest thing to deal with is having to watch while those people most important to us endure sadness and suffering.
And so We're determined to work hard and create a country where that doesn't happen.
That’s the idea, of course, I will be the first to admit, I have no idea if our efforts will actually help Saiunkoku.
That looks like Lord Koyu over there, did he just come from the Archives?
It would appear so.
I was under the impression that Shurei Hong and Eigetsu To are also in the Archives.
Yes, he was probably visiting them, before Miss Hong took the aptitude test, Lord Koyu often went to her estate and assisted her in her studies.
You could say that the king specifically credited the aptitude test system for Miss Hong alone.
Originally, in order to be eligible to set for the final part of the National Civil Service examinations, one would have to spend at least a year passing various qualification tests.
However, in Shurei Hong's case, she was permitted to take the final exam after only passing the aptitude test.
But the examination itself was quite difficult to compensate for such circumstances
But still, no matter how you look at it, Miss Hong has been extremely fortunate.
What are you getting at?
In order to participate in the National Examinations, a woman needs the support of a high-ranking official or grand noble.
And apparently Lord Reishin Hong is Miss Hong’s sponsor.
My! this is unusual.
you drinking by yourself .
leave me alone.
I’ll join you If you're feeling Ionely,
Look, I'm not Ionely!
Oh, Hey there, Seiran!
Why don't you come and join us?
No, no, I’m fine!
Yeah, hey, come join us!
Now that I think about it, it's your fault that I'm sitting here drinking all alone anyway!
You own me one, so get over here start boozing.
You heard the man.
Hey, Big broth...
Your Majesty!
What was that disgusting noise you just made?
Uh, nothing.
You sit down, too!
So, would you mind to enlighten me about why you said I'm to blame for your drinking?
Forget it, it’s not important.
Come on, don't say that, I for one would be interested in hearing it.
Koyu. Just Give up and tell us.
Yeah, I'd like to hear stories about Bro, I mean Seiran.
You wanna know the story?
goes all the way back to when I was just a helpless young boy fresh off the streets.
I was suddenly taken in by Lord Reishin and brought back to live in his estate.
And Without any explanation.
I couldn't help but wonder so I asked him.
Why are you adopting me?
He recognized your potential with one glance!
You were as irresistible as a little puppy!
Wrong! I was a substitute!
A substitute?
But, For whom?
You don't get it, do you? I was adopted thirteen years ago.
Think about what was happing in Lord Shoka Hong's household at that time.
Don't tell me...!
"I heard my beloved big brother just took in a young boy recently. In order to experience the same hardship as him, I've decided to randomly choose a child to adopt and raise as well."
Those were his words!
And it just so happened that the one he saw was...
in that moment, it felt like my life ended.
You got Lord Shoka, so it's fine for you,
but I ended up with Lord Reishin!
But I suppose it’s thanks to you that I'm where I am now.
Anyway, drink up!
Now, I'll do the drinking!
We get the idea. Come on, I'll take you home.
I don't wanna go home!
Are you sure you’ll be all right with him?
Yeah, sure, You can stay here.
Take this opportunity to have a private chat with the king. Come on. Let's go.
Stop it! I'm not done drinking yet!
If you drink any more, you'll collapse before you make it home.
If that happened, I wonder if he'd still take me in. No, maybe not.
It seems even Lord Koyu can get outrageously drunk on an occasion. Right, R…
Big brother.
You ended up drunk too, didn’t you, Your Majesty.
I feel useless.
Shurei is suffering so much hardship, but all I can do is watch from the shadows.
Watching over her is enough.
You already created a path for Lady Shurei.
Now you just have to support her along it.
You know, I'm... not even able to do as much as you.
I should be heading back as well.
I'll see you to your room.
I drank way too much.
My my, You're suddenly in a miserable state.
Honestly. What’s wrong with you, I don't recall ever having raised such a pathetic and hopeless young man.
Well in that case, why don't you just go and adopt another child more to your liking?!
Who won’t disappoint you so much.
Shurei didn’t come home last night, she must’ve been staying in the Archives.
Yes. She certainly has been working hard.
Delicious as always Seiran, You really have mastered the art of making tea.
I remember a time when you used to put the tea leaves directly into the cup and pour hot over the top.
Please, don't remind me.
Seiran.
Yes?
Don't you think You should live your life the way you want to.
Ever since the day my wife and I took you in, and chose a new name for you, I felt like you were one of my own, the son I never had.
Master Shoka.
Parents should never be a burden for their children...
That means there's no need for you to worry about me.
There's still plenty of time before Shurei's placement will be decided.
Take time to think things over.
Master Shoka.
Pardon me for asking, but Would it be all right to invite a troubled young man to our home this evening?
If you don't mind.
Well, This will be the first time of polishing a king's shoes!
finding this difficult?
Not really. You’d be surprised the way you can learn while doing this kind of thing.
I’m glad to hear it.
Please don't care about me , sir, I’m fine, I think you should worry about Shurei.
Things have been much harder for her.
Eigetsu.
yes?
Take this, it’s for you.
What is it?
It's the seal of the Royal Family, for emergencies.
B-But it would be better for Mr. Seiran to have something like this!
No. With his current rank Seiran is not permitted to be by Shurei's side at all times.
I understand, sir.
I may be the only person who’s powerless to do anything more than worry.
But at least...!
Lord Shoka you say?
Yes. He asked for you to come this evening .
Why does he want to see me?
I'm just passing on the message.
Excuse me.
What could this be about ?
Hello .
Oh. Hello, Koyu.
I’m so glad you could come.
Right this way.
Forgive my rudeness , but It's unusual for you to invite me over.
I suppose, but not any more unusual than that expression on your face right now.
Do you like that plum tree?
It was sent by Reishin earlier this year.
He sent it almost immediately after he heard the king had given us a cherry tree.
Is it because the plum blossoms come earlier than the cherry blossoms?
No. It's because out of all the blossoms and fruits, my brother has always loved the plum best of all.
But we don't even have a single plum tree at home.
Reishin has never been the type to be frank about his preferences.
He doesn't like the Hong clan very much.
Nevertheless, he couldn’t escape his fate of becoming head of the entire Hong family.
I can’t help but feel he doesn't want you to be bound to that.
Once he grants you the Hong family name, you'd also be drawn into the ugly darkness that swirls within the clan.
Reishin, himself, couldn’t escape it.
So how could he allow someone so important to him to suffer the same fate?
He wants you to be able to choose your own path in life, to have the opportunity in freedom he never had.
I believe that's why he gave you the family name of Ri instead.
Ri means plum, right?
The Ko in Koyu means crimson, even deeper than red.
And the Yu rephrases to the way that water flows.
Your name reflects how much pride he takes in you as his son, as well as his hopes that you could live a life that is free as flowing water.
Even for my younger brother, he did well to pick such a fine name.
I had no idea.
There’s an old saying, A child knows not of his parent's feelings.
Lord Shoka.
Yes?
Thank you very much.
you should be thanking Seiran.
He was the one who asked me to listen to your troubles.
I see.
And general Ran as well.
He also mentioned it to me.
He said that since you prefer not to talk about private matters, I would be the only one you could open up to about Reishin.
You're certainly fortunate to have such a great friend.
Damn it, Shuei! It was none of your business!
Why is it all right for Seiran to say something, but not for me?
Because!
It’s really something, The Hong family's popularity and their ability to capture people's hearts is quite astonishing.
Lord Shoka has Reishin and I in his grasp.
Shurei has the king completely in her control.
and they have someone as outstanding as Seiran working for them.
If those three put their minds to it, they could probably take control of this entire country tomorrow .
Quite right.
Next Episode
Cleaning toilets, polishing shoes, organizing paperwork...
Boy, it's been really busy.
It feels like it’s taking its toll.
No, pull yourself together, Shurei!
I'm not about to just give up on the dream I worked so hard to grasp!