Recently, the king of Saiunkoku, Ryuki Shi has been completely absorbed in writing up the draft for a certain bill.
It seems he's worked right through the night again. At last, it's finally finished. Now this is done, I can go and see Shurei. It's been too long. I've been restraining my desire to see her until this was finished. Since I have court all during the day, I'll have to visit her in the evening. Isn't this what they usually call "an evening tryst"? once Shoka reads this, I have no doubt that he will be more than happy to allow it!
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
I was wondering, Princess. Isn't the season for visiting family graves over? So then, why are you cleaning this one now? Tomorrow's the anniversary of the day my mother died. I see Do you have any family Ensai? I used to, a big one, But back when I was a kid, bandits broke into our home and everyone was killed. I'm so sorry. It was a long time ago. But as for your mother, I imagine that she had you as her daughter, she must've been very responsible and good at cooking.
Well, she was responsible, I doubt she was the sort of cook you imagine she was.
In fact, she was about as inept as father is. But she was good at other things, for instance, she was really good at picking fruit from the trees. Really? That's supposed to be a man's job, isn't it? She really liked doing that sort of thing. She enjoyed everything and had fun all the time. She was always smiling, and full of energy, and she played with me a lot. Since I was always sickly back then, she was constantly taking care of me. No way, Sickly? Who was Sickly? I was Sickly, I had a weak constitution when I was a child. - You're joking, right? - It's the truth. The strange thing is, After mother died, I suddenly got stronger. Sounds like your mom must've been over protective. On that day, there was a lot of thunder. Mother was always in good health, and she was bounding with energy, and yet, suddenly... I mean She'd just been laughing the previous day. At the time I wasn't well, but once mother stopped moving, I got better. Like I said, your mom was over protective. You don't have to hold it in. It's all my fault, my mother died, I sucked her life right out of her! Don't be ridiculous! Mother died in my place, because of me! I hate summer, and thunder. They take away everything and everyone I care about. If you're like this every time summer comes, your mom wouldn't be happy.
I lost my family in the summer too, but hey you know something, I actually like the summer.
That's because I still have so many happy memories of the season. How about you, Princess? I've forgotten all those other things. I'm sure you can remember them. And when you do, no doubt, you'll like summer too. Besides, It's probably time you start thinking about growing up. If you just make everyone worry about you, you're still a child. Now that you've cried to me about this, you can be strong, can't you? You're a very kind and very strict person, aren't you? Well, you know, it's all part of being a good man. You can say that after you shave all this unruly beard. Not being able to appreciate the wild appeal of this look proves that you're still very much a child.
By tomorrow. I'll be better by the anniversary of mother's death. I promise you. You've taken one step closer to becoming a good woman, Princess. Koyu. I've finished reviewing and rewriting this letter you gave me. So, what's next on the agenda? He's in a strangely good mood, isn't he? It's kinda creepy. Koyu. Your Majesty, forgive me but, you haven't eaten anything strange, have you? Like mushrooms growing who knows where or suspicious plant, or bugs, or garbage, or things like that?
What on earth do you take me for? If you must know, tonight’s the night I'm going to have an evening tryst. Evening tryst?! Yes, indeed. I even sent a letter to Shoka about the matter, he replied that it would be fine. If I may ask, what did you write in your letter? I'll come to visit in the evening. If possible, I'd like have Shurei prepare me a meal, I'd also like to hear her play the erhu.
I would love to spend an evening together with you and Seiran as well. I'm free four nights hence, let me know if it would be okay. That's not a tryst at all! That's no more than a visit to someone's home, Your Majesty. If Your Majesty's going to visit Shurei, then can I assume that the draft is complete? Yes, I finally finished it. I see, good work! But, if you truly want to have Shurei by your side again, what's stopping you from simply formally demanding that she reenter the Royal Residence? Shurei left the Royal Residence of her own free will. If I forced her to return once more, there's no doubt she'd be very angry with me. But You've already been in trouble with her many times before. I feel that this time, it would be different. If I forced her, I feel like it would break things between the two of us. So you do understand. Well, hang in there, Your Majesty. I still believe you have a lot of potential. This room's rather lonely without those two in it, don't you agree, Hoju? Don't call me by that name. Why ever not? It's only the two of us here. Well, in any rate, maybe we can ask Assistant Secretary Ri to keep them here? Ensei may not be able to stay, but hopefully Shu can. That won't be possible. Why's that? Have you really not figured it out yet? Huh? Figured what out? They went that way! Get them! Hey, what's going on here?! That scar on your face...Why, you...! Damn, last one got away. Wow, amazing! Right, I'll go and explain to the guards what happened. It seems they've discovered your whereabouts. Unless I miss my guess, there'll be a large number of visitors forcing their way in to see youthis evening. If you wish you can use my place. I would imagine you don't want to cause trouble where you're staying, do you? You're right, I'm very grateful. Since that's the case, you'll be coming too, Shu. Don't worry about it, now I'll be sure to send a note back to your folks. Wh-Wh-What's this supposed to mean? I'm so very very sorry. I was planning to tell my daughter as soon as she got home that Your Majesty would be coming to visit this evening.
Well, talk about bad timing. Shall we give up and go on back to the palace? Look, Shut up! For starters, why are you two even here?! Uh...! Because it look like you'd be fun to watch obviously. That's it, I'm going to this residence. Who in the world is this Ensei person, anyway? He's an old friend of mine from way back. He's been staying with us. In any case, I'm going as well. If the rest of you're planning to come too, please be sure to bring a sword. A sword? Why’s that? The bandits that have made their way here from Sa Province, seem to be chasing after a certain man.
He has a distinguishing mark on him that is very similar to that of our guest. It's no doubt Ensei's been mistaken for that person. How did I end up drinking tea in a place like this? That's senior Secretary Kou for you, it is a wonderful residence. And of course, I have no doubt your garden is equally wonderful to match. Would you mind if I go take a little walk around it? Ensei! Very well, do as you please well then, I'll go take a look. Oh, boy, this is really awkward. The promised one month is almost over, isn't it? Pardon? Yes. Although I wasn't able to be much help. It's too bad. Huh? Sorry sir, did you say something? No, nothing. Seiran, you came to join me after all. But I must admit I didn't expect you to bring all these people with you. So you're Ensei? Oh? A new face? What do you have against us... I mean, me, you've ruined all my plans for the evening. Calm down, Your Majesty! Your Majesty? Oww! Oh, hello there, Assistant Secretary Ri. Princess and Secretary Kou are in that building. Could you explain things to them? Yeah, I got it. I'll go with you, I'm going to see Shurei too. And just why did you come here? To help out. Looks like they're here at last. Ensai, didn't I warn you not to cause trouble! I tried that too, that's why I borrowed this residence. But you've also involved her ladyship! That wasn't my fault, we were seen together. There was a chance she'd be taken as a hostage. What do you mean? Who the heck are you anyway? Yeah, I was wondering about that too. Good point, we'll talk about that... but how about later, okay?
The Story of Saiunkoku
What did you just say? My Lord Kijin, what I said was the ones fighting the bandits in your garden includes Seiran Si, Shuei Ran, and His Majesty the king.
The stupid king. Lord Shoka's daughter is in the room over there, I advise you to go and see her. Wait, you said daughter? Go. You're not the one with whom I need to discuss this matter. Assistant secretary Ri. Yes? In the end, Those two were quite helpful. I'm pleased to hear that Secretary Kou. So you finished up. Yeah. What happened here? Shurei! What the heck are you doing here?! Well...uh... Look, could somebody tell me what's going on?...where's Ensei? Ensei? Come to think of it. How dare you leave! He caused this mess, he's run away! No, I haven't. Who? It's me, your idiots! Honestly, all I did was shave my beard and cut my bangs a little. Ensei?! What is it? What's the problem? Due to certain circumstances I sent my assistant to attend your coronation, so this is the first time we’ve met. I'm the Governor of Sa Province, Ensei Ro. Sa Province's governor?! You are kidding me. Despite not taking the National Exams, he was made head of the provincial administration.
He's the exception of exceptions. Without taking the Exams? I didn’t know that was possible. And? What brings the governor of Sa Province here to Kiyo city? In case you're not aware of the Sa Clan has history of trying to claim all regional power in order to avoid the central imperial government's hold.
from my understanding was that when Enjun Sa, the man who became advisor Sa, claimed his position as head of the family, he’d successfully resolved the issue.
Yes , but only for a little while. When Lord Enjun was relocated to Shi Province, to remain by the king's side, he was no longer able to watch over Sa Province and his family.
As a result, there was little he could do to stop the Sa Clan from plotting against the top provincial officials. Some of them were bought out and ended up becoming puppet rulers while other resisted them were assassinated.
No way! That’s… It's a terrible situation, isn't it? As a result, no one wanted to become head of the provincial government. And so, Advisor Sa supposedly said someone who was able to defeat any assassin should be assigned as the governor in order to ensure they would not be coerced.
That man would be you, I take it. Yes, that's right. It's true, I have confidence in my physical strength, but I haven't passed the qualifying exams, let alone the National Exams.
So I was assigned the post on a temporary basis only. Temporary or not, Advisor Sa perceived the matter correctly. The newly-appointed provincial governor was able to fight off any assassin that tried to sneak in. But that's not all.
I've heard that his administration of political matters has also been excellent .
Granted, an extremely capable assistant administrator was sent to help, but he made all the final decisions and showed everyone who the head of the Sa Provincial Government really is.
On top of that, he completely ignored any attempts by the Sa Clan to either bribe or threaten him.
Please, you're embarrassing me. But it's time I get to the main issue. The reason I came to the capital was to put both of these in the king's safe keeping.
I don't understand, these are the seal and badge of the Governor of Sa Province. Ever since the death of Lord Enjun, I'm afraid that the Sa Family has become very active once more.
In that case, why did you come here? You're needed in your province to suppress the Sa Clan. I would've done just that Your Majesty, if I were truly able to declaim myself Governor. What? My sponsor, Lord Enjun, is no longer with us. And since I haven't passed the National Exams, all it takes is for someone to state, they won't accept me as a formal official
That is the reason I came here. To see what kind of person the new king is and what sort of people he has with him.
After I got a clear understanding of that, I wanted to speak with him. Why were you being hunted by the bandits? My best guess is that the Sa Clan put a big fat price on my head. I did cut down on my sleep time to hunt the bandits, but still...! We understand the circumstances. And we'll write a formal letter of authority... I already told you, I haven't passed the National Exams. There's no point repeating the problem. Instead of that, my advice is take this opportunity and assign a legitimate governor that no one will be able to object to
And what will you do in the mean time? Return to Sa Province, there's much I can do even without being a form governor.
Ensai, we have an order for you. Yes? At least pass the qualifying exams, that way, we can still assign you to the post of lieutenant governor.
There's already a very capable lieutenant governor, but I'll still take the exam.
Because it's always been my dream to become an administrator of Sa Province. Since coming here, I've began to feel that it would be all right to start all over again. Honestly, why is it that I am the one who has to cook at this time of night in someone else's home?
I did send a letter to warn you, I was supposed be coming for dinner today. Well, I didn't know about it. I just wanted to visit you, are you really not happy to see me? It doesn't feel like it's been so long since we've seen each other, I guess it's because of all the strange letters and gifts you keep sending.
But I am happy to see you in person again. So, did you read all of my letters? Yes, I've been reading them, but using such expensive paper to write a single line... It rained so the carp were happy. What's that supposed to mean? It's strange. It's Shuei's advice, he said the more faithfully I wrote letters, the better. Yes, but the content is what's important. And the gifts that I sent? How were the big ice blocks? We made shaved ice treats and had it with all the kids, they were delicious and fantastically cool.
And the eggs? You told me once you liked them boiled. I shared them with the neighbors, we all enjoyed eating them. And the red flowers, I thought they were beautiful. Yes they are, very much so I'm pressing them in some books. And the voodoo doll? on display in My room. Hey, Seiran, is the voodoo doll a prank gift? No, I'm afraid His Majesty honestly believes that it's completely appropriate. Actually, come to think of it, I brought you a gift today, too. This is... The sapling should arrive tomorrow sometime, but I thought I'd give you a branch for now as a token.
You mentioned a long time ago that the cherry trees in your garden no longer bloom. I'm so happy, thank you, this one's the best gift of all. We'll plant that sapling, someday it'll blossom with beautiful flowers.
Is it just me or did something unbelievable just happen? Ryuki. What is it? Do me a favor and let me hit you! Why are you angry? Even if I explained, you probably wouldn't understand! But you're not being reasonable. -Maybe you will understand better, after I hit you! - oh, boy, I swear those two will never change. Hey, aren't you angry that he's made a move on your dear Princess? It's really nothing to worry about. Not to mention, with this, her ladyship won't cry any more when she looks at the garden.
Hey, let go! Come on, now, give it up already! I'll see you later then, Ryuki, and remember behave yourself at the palace. Shurei, would you be interested in taking the National Exams? His majesty and I intend to have a bill allowing women to take the Civil Service Exams passed within the year.
But even if you pass, there's no doubt the road you’ll take will be extremely harsh. As a woman, you might not be given any meaningful work, your opinions could be ignored and you may be scorned and ridiculed.
In the end you'll have to work hard on your own. Despite that, will you still do it? I will, please let me do this! I want to become a real official! That a girl. Please I hope you’ll guide me! Keep watching me, mother, I swear I'll do my best. I guess it's time to say goodbye, Princess. If you ever collapse by the roadside again, do it in front of our place.
Please anywhere else, I'm begging you. here we're supposed to be friends, how cold! Princess is so good and sweet-tempered, comparison to you. You know it would be really interesting if you end up becoming my superior. Never mind. The main thing is do your best on the exams. You really don't need to tell me that. They say all good things come to those who wait and this is truly a chance I've been waiting a long time for.
True. Well, Princess, Seiran, you both take care of yourselves. At the end of summer, a certain bill was passed in court. It was for women to be given the right to take the National Exams. The Senior Secretaries of Civil Affairs and Finance who are rumored to be candidates to become the next prime minister both gave their approval, as a result all opposition was overwhelmed and the bill passed. Thank you so much, Ryuki. Sho, you foolish old idiot, how dare you go and try something so absurd? Forgive me Enjun, but since you've left us, things have been growing more troubled. Especially in Sa Province. Welcome back, my old friend.
Next Episode I'm sick in bed with a fever. Seiran, father, Why’s Ryuki here? Am I seeing things now because of this fever?
It seems he's worked right through the night again.
At last, it's finally finished.
Now this is done, I can go and see Shurei.
It's been too long.
I've been restraining my desire to see her until this was finished.
Since I have court all during the day, I'll have to visit her in the evening.
Isn't this what they usually call "an evening tryst"?
once Shoka reads this, I have no doubt that he will be more than happy to allow it!
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
I was wondering, Princess.
Isn't the season for visiting family graves over?
So then, why are you cleaning this one now?
Tomorrow's the anniversary of the day my mother died.
I see
Do you have any family Ensai?
I used to, a big one,
But back when I was a kid, bandits broke into our home and everyone was killed.
I'm so sorry.
It was a long time ago.
But as for your mother, I imagine that she had you as her daughter, she must've been very responsible and good at cooking.
Well, she was responsible, I doubt she was the sort of cook you imagine she was.
In fact, she was about as inept as father is.
But she was good at other things, for instance, she was really good at picking fruit from the trees.
Really? That's supposed to be a man's job, isn't it?
She really liked doing that sort of thing.
She enjoyed everything and had fun all the time.
She was always smiling, and full of energy, and she played with me a lot.
Since I was always sickly back then, she was constantly taking care of me.
No way, Sickly? Who was Sickly?
I was Sickly, I had a weak constitution when I was a child.
- You're joking, right?
- It's the truth.
The strange thing is, After mother died, I suddenly got stronger.
Sounds like your mom must've been over protective.
On that day, there was a lot of thunder.
Mother was always in good health, and she was bounding with energy, and yet, suddenly...
I mean She'd just been laughing the previous day.
At the time I wasn't well, but once mother stopped moving, I got better.
Like I said, your mom was over protective.
You don't have to hold it in.
It's all my fault, my mother died, I sucked her life right out of her!
Don't be ridiculous!
Mother died in my place, because of me!
I hate summer, and thunder.
They take away everything and everyone I care about.
If you're like this every time summer comes, your mom wouldn't be happy.
I lost my family in the summer too, but hey you know something, I actually like the summer.
That's because I still have so many happy memories of the season.
How about you, Princess?
I've forgotten all those other things.
I'm sure you can remember them.
And when you do, no doubt, you'll like summer too.
Besides, It's probably time you start thinking about growing up.
If you just make everyone worry about you, you're still a child.
Now that you've cried to me about this, you can be strong, can't you?
You're a very kind and very strict person, aren't you?
Well, you know, it's all part of being a good man.
You can say that after you shave all this unruly beard.
Not being able to appreciate the wild appeal of this look proves that you're still very much a child.
By tomorrow.
I'll be better by the anniversary of mother's death.
I promise you.
You've taken one step closer to becoming a good woman, Princess.
Koyu.
I've finished reviewing and rewriting this letter you gave me.
So, what's next on the agenda?
He's in a strangely good mood, isn't he?
It's kinda creepy.
Koyu.
Your Majesty, forgive me but, you haven't eaten anything strange, have you?
Like mushrooms growing who knows where or suspicious plant, or bugs, or garbage, or things like that?
What on earth do you take me for?
If you must know, tonight’s the night I'm going to have an evening tryst.
Evening tryst?!
Yes, indeed.
I even sent a letter to Shoka about the matter, he replied that it would be fine.
If I may ask, what did you write in your letter?
I'll come to visit in the evening. If possible, I'd like have Shurei prepare me a meal, I'd also like to hear her play the erhu.
I would love to spend an evening together with you and Seiran as well.
I'm free four nights hence, let me know if it would be okay.
That's not a tryst at all!
That's no more than a visit to someone's home, Your Majesty.
If Your Majesty's going to visit Shurei, then can I assume that the draft is complete?
Yes, I finally finished it.
I see, good work!
But, if you truly want to have Shurei by your side again, what's stopping you from simply formally demanding that she reenter the Royal Residence?
Shurei left the Royal Residence of her own free will.
If I forced her to return once more, there's no doubt she'd be very angry with me.
But You've already been in trouble with her many times before.
I feel that this time, it would be different.
If I forced her, I feel like it would break things between the two of us.
So you do understand.
Well, hang in there, Your Majesty.
I still believe you have a lot of potential.
This room's rather lonely without those two in it, don't you agree, Hoju?
Don't call me by that name.
Why ever not? It's only the two of us here.
Well, in any rate, maybe we can ask Assistant Secretary Ri to keep them here?
Ensei may not be able to stay, but hopefully Shu can.
That won't be possible.
Why's that?
Have you really not figured it out yet?
Huh? Figured what out?
They went that way! Get them!
Hey, what's going on here?!
That scar on your face...Why, you...!
Damn, last one got away.
Wow, amazing!
Right, I'll go and explain to the guards what happened.
It seems they've discovered your whereabouts.
Unless I miss my guess, there'll be a large number of visitors forcing their way in to see youthis evening.
If you wish you can use my place.
I would imagine you don't want to cause trouble where you're staying, do you?
You're right, I'm very grateful.
Since that's the case, you'll be coming too, Shu.
Don't worry about it, now I'll be sure to send a note back to your folks.
Wh-Wh-What's this supposed to mean?
I'm so very very sorry.
I was planning to tell my daughter as soon as she got home that Your Majesty would be coming to visit this evening.
Well, talk about bad timing.
Shall we give up and go on back to the palace?
Look, Shut up!
For starters, why are you two even here?!
Uh...!
Because it look like you'd be fun to watch obviously.
That's it, I'm going to this residence.
Who in the world is this Ensei person, anyway?
He's an old friend of mine from way back.
He's been staying with us.
In any case, I'm going as well.
If the rest of you're planning to come too, please be sure to bring a sword.
A sword? Why’s that?
The bandits that have made their way here from Sa Province, seem to be chasing after a certain man.
He has a distinguishing mark on him that is very similar to that of our guest.
It's no doubt Ensei's been mistaken for that person.
How did I end up drinking tea in a place like this?
That's senior Secretary Kou for you, it is a wonderful residence.
And of course, I have no doubt your garden is equally wonderful to match.
Would you mind if I go take a little walk around it?
Ensei!
Very well, do as you please
well then, I'll go take a look.
Oh, boy, this is really awkward.
The promised one month is almost over, isn't it?
Pardon? Yes.
Although I wasn't able to be much help.
It's too bad.
Huh? Sorry sir, did you say something?
No, nothing.
Seiran, you came to join me after all.
But I must admit I didn't expect you to bring all these people with you.
So you're Ensei?
Oh? A new face?
What do you have against us... I mean, me, you've ruined all my plans for the evening.
Calm down, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty?
Oww!
Oh, hello there, Assistant Secretary Ri.
Princess and Secretary Kou are in that building.
Could you explain things to them?
Yeah, I got it.
I'll go with you, I'm going to see Shurei too.
And just why did you come here?
To help out.
Looks like they're here at last.
Ensai, didn't I warn you not to cause trouble!
I tried that too, that's why I borrowed this residence.
But you've also involved her ladyship!
That wasn't my fault, we were seen together.
There was a chance she'd be taken as a hostage.
What do you mean? Who the heck are you anyway?
Yeah, I was wondering about that too.
Good point, we'll talk about that...
but how about later, okay?
The Story of Saiunkoku
What did you just say?
My Lord Kijin, what I said was the ones fighting the bandits in your garden includes Seiran Si, Shuei Ran, and His Majesty the king.
The stupid king.
Lord Shoka's daughter is in the room over there, I advise you to go and see her.
Wait, you said daughter?
Go. You're not the one with whom I need to discuss this matter.
Assistant secretary Ri.
Yes?
In the end, Those two were quite helpful.
I'm pleased to hear that Secretary Kou.
So you finished up.
Yeah.
What happened here?
Shurei!
What the heck are you doing here?!
Well...uh...
Look, could somebody tell me what's going on?...where's Ensei?
Ensei? Come to think of it.
How dare you leave! He caused this mess, he's run away!
No, I haven't.
Who?
It's me, your idiots!
Honestly, all I did was shave my beard and cut my bangs a little.
Ensei?!
What is it? What's the problem?
Due to certain circumstances I sent my assistant to attend your coronation, so this is the first time we’ve met.
I'm the Governor of Sa Province, Ensei Ro.
Sa Province's governor?!
You are kidding me.
Despite not taking the National Exams, he was made head of the provincial administration.
He's the exception of exceptions.
Without taking the Exams?
I didn’t know that was possible.
And? What brings the governor of Sa Province here to Kiyo city?
In case you're not aware of the Sa Clan has history of trying to claim all regional power in order to avoid the central imperial government's hold.
from my understanding was that when Enjun Sa, the man who became advisor Sa, claimed his position as head of the family, he’d successfully resolved the issue.
Yes , but only for a little while.
When Lord Enjun was relocated to Shi Province, to remain by the king's side, he was no longer able to watch over Sa Province and his family.
As a result, there was little he could do to stop the Sa Clan from plotting against the top provincial officials.
Some of them were bought out and ended up becoming puppet rulers while other resisted them were assassinated.
No way! That’s…
It's a terrible situation, isn't it?
As a result, no one wanted to become head of the provincial government.
And so, Advisor Sa supposedly said someone who was able to defeat any assassin should be assigned as the governor in order to ensure they would not be coerced.
That man would be you, I take it.
Yes, that's right.
It's true, I have confidence in my physical strength, but I haven't passed the qualifying exams, let alone the National Exams.
So I was assigned the post on a temporary basis only.
Temporary or not, Advisor Sa perceived the matter correctly.
The newly-appointed provincial governor was able to fight off any assassin that tried to sneak in. But that's not all.
I've heard that his administration of political matters has also been excellent .
Granted, an extremely capable assistant administrator was sent to help, but he made all the final decisions and showed everyone who the head of the Sa Provincial Government really is.
On top of that, he completely ignored any attempts by the Sa Clan to either bribe or threaten him.
Please, you're embarrassing me.
But it's time I get to the main issue.
The reason I came to the capital was to put both of these in the king's safe keeping.
I don't understand, these are the seal and badge of the Governor of Sa Province.
Ever since the death of Lord Enjun, I'm afraid that the Sa Family has become very active once more.
In that case, why did you come here?
You're needed in your province to suppress the Sa Clan.
I would've done just that Your Majesty, if I were truly able to declaim myself Governor.
What?
My sponsor, Lord Enjun, is no longer with us.
And since I haven't passed the National Exams, all it takes is for someone to state, they won't accept me as a formal official
That is the reason I came here.
To see what kind of person the new king is and what sort of people he has with him.
After I got a clear understanding of that, I wanted to speak with him.
Why were you being hunted by the bandits?
My best guess is that the Sa Clan put a big fat price on my head.
I did cut down on my sleep time to hunt the bandits, but still...!
We understand the circumstances.
And we'll write a formal letter of authority...
I already told you, I haven't passed the National Exams.
There's no point repeating the problem.
Instead of that, my advice is take this opportunity and assign a legitimate governor that no one will be able to object to
And what will you do in the mean time?
Return to Sa Province, there's much I can do even without being a form governor.
Ensai, we have an order for you.
Yes?
At least pass the qualifying exams, that way, we can still assign you to the post of lieutenant governor.
There's already a very capable lieutenant governor, but I'll still take the exam.
Because it's always been my dream to become an administrator of Sa Province.
Since coming here, I've began to feel that it would be all right to start all over again.
Honestly, why is it that I am the one who has to cook at this time of night in someone else's home?
I did send a letter to warn you, I was supposed be coming for dinner today.
Well, I didn't know about it.
I just wanted to visit you, are you really not happy to see me?
It doesn't feel like it's been so long since we've seen each other, I guess it's because of all the strange letters and gifts you keep sending.
But I am happy to see you in person again.
So, did you read all of my letters?
Yes, I've been reading them, but using such expensive paper to write a single line...
It rained so the carp were happy. What's that supposed to mean? It's strange.
It's Shuei's advice, he said the more faithfully I wrote letters, the better.
Yes, but the content is what's important.
And the gifts that I sent? How were the big ice blocks?
We made shaved ice treats and had it with all the kids, they were delicious and fantastically cool.
And the eggs? You told me once you liked them boiled.
I shared them with the neighbors, we all enjoyed eating them.
And the red flowers, I thought they were beautiful.
Yes they are, very much so I'm pressing them in some books.
And the voodoo doll?
on display in My room.
Hey, Seiran, is the voodoo doll a prank gift?
No, I'm afraid His Majesty honestly believes that it's completely appropriate.
Actually, come to think of it, I brought you a gift today, too.
This is...
The sapling should arrive tomorrow sometime, but I thought I'd give you a branch for now as a token.
You mentioned a long time ago that the cherry trees in your garden no longer bloom.
I'm so happy, thank you, this one's the best gift of all.
We'll plant that sapling, someday it'll blossom with beautiful flowers.
Is it just me or did something unbelievable just happen?
Ryuki.
What is it?
Do me a favor and let me hit you!
Why are you angry?
Even if I explained, you probably wouldn't understand!
But you're not being reasonable.
-Maybe you will understand better, after I hit you!
- oh, boy, I swear those two will never change.
Hey, aren't you angry that he's made a move on your dear Princess?
It's really nothing to worry about.
Not to mention, with this, her ladyship won't cry any more when she looks at the garden.
Hey, let go!
Come on, now, give it up already!
I'll see you later then, Ryuki, and remember behave yourself at the palace.
Shurei, would you be interested in taking the National Exams?
His majesty and I intend to have a bill allowing women to take the Civil Service Exams passed within the year.
But even if you pass, there's no doubt the road you’ll take will be extremely harsh.
As a woman, you might not be given any meaningful work, your opinions could be ignored and you may be scorned and ridiculed.
In the end you'll have to work hard on your own.
Despite that, will you still do it?
I will, please let me do this!
I want to become a real official!
That a girl.
Please I hope you’ll guide me!
Keep watching me, mother, I swear I'll do my best.
I guess it's time to say goodbye, Princess.
If you ever collapse by the roadside again, do it in front of our place.
Please anywhere else, I'm begging you.
here we're supposed to be friends, how cold!
Princess is so good and sweet-tempered, comparison to you.
You know it would be really interesting if you end up becoming my superior.
Never mind.
The main thing is do your best on the exams.
You really don't need to tell me that.
They say all good things come to those who wait and this is truly a chance I've been waiting a long time for.
True. Well, Princess, Seiran, you both take care of yourselves.
At the end of summer, a certain bill was passed in court.
It was for women to be given the right to take the National Exams.
The Senior Secretaries of Civil Affairs and Finance who are rumored to be candidates to become the next prime minister both gave their approval, as a result all opposition was overwhelmed and the bill passed.
Thank you so much, Ryuki.
Sho, you foolish old idiot, how dare you go and try something so absurd?
Forgive me Enjun, but since you've left us, things have been growing more troubled.
Especially in Sa Province.
Welcome back, my old friend.
Next Episode
I'm sick in bed with a fever.
Seiran, father, Why’s Ryuki here?
Am I seeing things now because of this fever?