In the very same moment as Kuro Hong, Shoka's younger brother came to visit their humble home, Shurei found herself facing a difficult and unexpected situation.
What’s going on, Miss Kocho.
I hate to impose, dear Shurei, but I'd like for you to stay here for a while.
Considerate a request from a friend of mine.
You don't have the authority to refuse.
He's not someone who the two of you can oppose, seeing that you both lack rank and position.
Besides, you wouldn't want anything bad to happen to your dear, beloved father, now, would you?
Very well, you win.
But My Lady!
Mr. Seiran.
His Majesty entrusted me with this a few days ago.
it'll help, please use it.
And as for you, Hurry on home, will you?
Don’t you look scary. Not that you can do a single thing about it.
Of course things might've been different, if you were an officer with real authority like Lord Ran.
That's too bad.
As you are right now, you will never be able to protect what's important to you.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

I see. So everything's going according to plan.
With this, it should be easy to kick that little girl out of the Court.
What do you want us to do with that other kid?
He's the one who threw mud all over my face after I was being so kind to him.
I'll see to it that his career as an official is finished soon enough, but in the meantime, you guys can have some fun with him.
Right.
But to think that officious idiot would volunteer to be that little girl's sponsor, Reishin Hong is surprisingly foolish.
At last, This is my chance to get rid of him.
I suppose by this, I can assume you were expecting my arrival.
That’s right. Eigetsu was kind enough to tell me ahead of time.
That was back when he sent all his money home and left penniless without any resources, you fed him and gave him a place to stay for the night, didn’t you?
I understand that you offered him your hospitality in exchange for some information, answers to your questions about Shurei...
So much for trusting That kid and his big mouth!
And you didn't simply inquire about Shurei.
From what I hear, you've been pretty active behind the scenes for a lot of things.
Do you have even the thinnest idea of the true gravity of the situation your daughter is in at the moment?
Just think of how much harassment that girl would've had to face if I had sat back and done nothing.
You know I really hate you, big brother.
I don't feel even the slightest regret for having thrown you out of our home.
That’s good, because I happen to feel the same way.
But despite all of that, you are still our eldest brother, and the eldest child of the Hong Clan.
And that girl, the first female official in the country is still a princess of the direct line of the Hong family.
You should know, my plan is to have Shurei become Koyu Ri's wife.
It’s For the sake of the next generation of the Hong Clan.
Lord Kuro.
What’s happened?
It seems Lord Reishin is being confined at the Royal Palace.
what for?
On suspicion of impropriety regarding Lady Shurei passing the National Exams.
How foolish.
I assume Brother Rei has purposely allowed himself to be taken.
Yes, and Also, about Lady Shurei.
What is it?
She and Eigetsu To are being held prisoner at Kogaro.
On top of that, there is likely to be an inquiry held at the palace tomorrow regarding Lady Shurei
Isn’t that interesting? So she's being held prisoner to prevent her from attending.
That’s just Fine.
We'll show them exactly what happens when someone makes an enemy of the Hong Clan.
Your Majesty. A letter bearing a purple crest has arrived from Seiran.
A purple crest?
But I originally gave that to Eigetsu to keep.
You look shocked, What’s the matter?
Says Shurei's being held captive.
Oh? So they got their hands on Shurei too?
Too?
Reishin Hong's also being held captive.
He's been arrested.
How did this happen?!
I imagine it’s because That rumor has become quite widespread.
You mean the one about Shurei passing through illegal means?
The rumor seems to have come from the Department of Protocol, which is in charge of the Exams, that fact would make the gossip seem quite credible.
No doubt that fool thought his chance had come, And so he foolishly made his move against Lord Reishin!
to act against Reishin, Of all the stupid things.
By the way, I should inform you of one other thing the Ran information network has caught wind of.
What is it?
Lord Kuro Hong, the proxy head of the Hong clan, is currently in the capital.
I understand he's paying a visit to Lord Shoka's residence at the moment.
Of all the rotten timing.
It’s Certainly complicated matters, for one thing it means you'll have to act in order to keep damage to a minimum.
If that guy got just a little more carried away with things, we could deal with him directly, but...!
Don't worry.
I did get him to take things further.
Koyu, What's that in your hand?
It's a petition demanding Shurei give up the title of initiate and step down.
The guy’s name's clearly written on it.
It calls for an inquiry to be held immediately.
You’ve done it, Koyu, good work!
Very well! We can hold that inquiry tomorrow at noon just as he would like us to!
But before that, I will go personally to where Shurei is.
Things are gonna get pretty hectic here tonight.
So get back here soon.
Yeah, sure, I get it.
Well well! So at last you've finally come!
I know that look on your face, you've resolved yourself then?
Great General Haku. I must ask something of you.
Sure. I'll hear the request if it’s from you.
What is it that you want?
A sword.
I want the position, rank, and authority to wear a sword, so I can fight, for what's important to me!
I can’t believe it, Even Miss Kocho hates me now, and the townsfolk too.
I’m sure it’ll be fine, Everyone's just cut off guard right now.
Hey.
Eigetsu, I don’t ever ask you why you wanted to become an official?
Mostly Because I'd be able to get lots of money.
Actually, that wasn’t my first goal, originally I wanted to become a doctor and help treat the sick and wounded.
But most doctors tend to be pretty poor, don’t they?
I-Is that so?
At least The monk who raised me certainly was.
He paid more for the raw materials for his medicine than he received from his patients.
From the beginning, he took almost no money from the sick people on his care.
And he still did his best for them.
It didn't really matter to ask that we didn't have much to eat or new clothes to wear.
But there were times, when we couldn't help those in need
because we didn't enough money.
Whenever that happened, I could tell his pain by the look on his face.
Of course I know that money isn't everything, but you can do much more for other people if you have it.
I don't wanna see that look ever again, on the monk or anyone else.
Thank you very much, Eigetsu.
You see you just reminded me, about the reason I wanted to become an official and the things I wanted to do once I became one.
It doesn’t matter What the towns people may think or say, I’m gonna do my best and work hard for everyone's sake.
So, guess you would be the little brat that made a fool of the master?
What do you mean?
We've been given orders to play around with you for a little while.
I heard that you can't drink any alcohol.
Well, isn’t that interesting. Why don’t we see what happens once this kid puts a few [way], huh?
What?! Wine, You can't! please , you mustn’t!
Shut up already, You're coming with us!
No, Eigetsu!
You know, you really were a fool.
You should've been smart and agree to become the son-in-law of our master.
Now then, why don't we educate you on the taste of alcohol?
Eigetsu!
now stay here and be a good little girl, okay?
Let go!
If you'd rather not be alone, I’m sure we can keep you company.
After all, this is that sort of place.
Now, come on, you!
Shurei!
Shurei!

The Story of Saiunkoku

We'll likely arrive a lot sooner than expected.
You’ve really been hanging in there, Miss Korin.
It’s not over yet, We need to make every effort to get there quickly. And meet with lady Shurei.
Aren't you the least bit afraid about meeting the person you tried to kill?
Yes, I am afraid.
But I’m not gonna run away from it anymore.
Before I left, I made a promise to myself and to Her Great Ladyship, to stop ignoring what I've done.
Considering what I did to lady Shurei, that has to come first!
From what I hear You really liked the princess.
I have absolutely no right to say anything like that, I intend to spend the rest of my life trying to make up for what I did.
Well, yeah. Of course, Even if the Princess forgives you, it’s still the right thing to do.
It doesn't matter in the end, whether the other person forgives you or not.
The crime you committed will stay with you for the rest of your life.
You're quite merciless, aren’t you?
But right now, I feel better thinking about things that way.
Break time’s up, let's push on a little more, shall we?
Yes.
Stop it!
Come on, Give it up, already, little girl!
No!
Talk about being a major handful.
You again.
You know you really are an idiotic girl.
Your gang’s luck ran out once you made me drink that wine.
Why, you!
You bastard!
Hey Girl!
I'm not the same as that soft-hearted Eigetsu.
Don't expect me to always come to your rescue.
But today's a special exception.
even Eigetsu seemed angry for once.
Damn you!
What's with all the commotion in here?
Now what’s Miss Kocho gonna do?
Just in time, Kocho, call your guards here, and put them to work.
Don't be ridiculous, I will not.
Giving me orders, Just who do you think I am?
Why, you [back stepping]!
Thank you, Eigetsu.
My name is Yogetsu.
Oh, right, of course, Thank you, Yogetsu.
If you really wanna thank me for my help, then you can do it with your body.
What-Wait a second!
Damn. I run outta the time.
Kocho! You witch!
How dare you betray us!
After the Master showed you so much favor!
My loyalties have been with this side since the beginning.
And, what's this garbage about him showing me favor?
Just who does that man think he is?!
How dare a little nothing like you look down on Kocho of Kogaro!
And to make matters worse, you even went after my precious Shurei.
My precious Shurei?
Get him!
You really hung in there, my dear.
It’s you, Miss Kocho.
You're the Miss Kocho I've always known!
Don't be silly.
As if I'd harm the girl I've been taking care of for almost ten years.
I know but still... I didn't know what I was going to do if you ended up hating me just like everybody else!
I'm sorry. I'm very sorry.
The only reason I told you not to come was so that no one would see you here, it wasn’t for anything bad.
Come on Please, don't cry now.
It's not only that. I guess I just feel so relieved at all suddenly...!
Even though I made it this far without crying...!
Yeah. You were wonderful.
Let me guess, You thought in order to fight against men, you couldn’t let yourself cry to any man, Not even to Seiran, right?
I'm so proud of you, my little girl’s all grown up.
But I’m afraid you’re going to have to dry your tears now. There are still many things left to be done.
Things to be done?
For example there’s Lord Ran’s request, I accepted it because it was for your sake.
Lord Ran? You mean General Ran is also involved?
I'm very confused about all this.
It seems the two who can best explain it are arriving as we speak.
Shurei!
My Lady, are you all right?
It’s Ryuki and Seiran.
Deliver that letter to every member of the Hong clan living in the capital.
Understood.
You’re actually going through with this?
You were expecting otherwise? I'm angry.
I suppose This is a good example of why it’s better to let sleeping dogs lie as they say.
The head of the Sa clan's ring?
That's right.
Since the death of Advisor Sa, a certain man has been trying to take advantage of that missing ring to satisfy his own selfish desires.
Using his position, he's been engaged in a number of illegal activities in order to line his own pockets.
However, regardless of who we might be dealing with, we cannot make an arrest without real proof.
So you’ve been using me to gather evidence against that man.
I'm sorry you had to endure such terrifying experience.
It's all right.
A part I don't understand is, what is this person intending to accomplish by keeping me trapped here?
Tomorrow at noon, there’s going to be an inquiry regarding your status.
Are you serious?!
He doesn't like the idea of having women become officials.
And so, claiming you had passed the National Exams by improper means, he went ahead and took steps to have an inquiry held about you.
Then with you held here, he would point out your failure to appear, and insist that you had fled fromfear of having the truth revealed.
That’s so cowardly of him! I see, how it is now, So I need to appear before that inquiry and make them realize just what I'm capable of.
All right, I'll do it.
In any of it, I suggest that Seiran and Eigetsu stay here with you in kogaru tonight.
Kocho, Your protection is flawless right?
Of course it is. Please, Leave it to us.
you'll undoubtedly meet resistance when you come to the palace tomorrow.
but, as part of gathering evidence, I’m not going to assign you any major escort.
I want you to come on your own strength.
You sure? physically, I'm not very strong.
That's why I will be having Seiran stick with you.
In his current position, he doesn't have to hold back against anyone.
What do you mean?
You'll understand soon enough.
Well, All right. By the way, I should tell you about something I've noticed recently.
You mean this, right?
How did you?!
It's a very well written report.
If you were able to complete it, I imagine it would be compelling evidence of corruption.
Ryuki, I .
Seiran has one of the seals of the royal family. Send it to the palace using that.
Any letter bearing that seal is called a purple crest letter and will be given top priority to reach me.
What's the matter?
Don't worry, it’s Nothing. I understand.
So by noon tomorrow , right?
My Lady.
Would it be all right for me to return to the residence for a short while?
I'm worried about the Master.
Of course, You're right. Please do.
In that case, I suppose it’s a good time to put this boy to bed.
I'll get going now as well then.
Hey.
Thank you Ruykei.
You’ve been so honest, you, Lord Koyu, and General Ran haven't been soft on me about anything since I came to the Royal Palace.
When I asked you what was going on, You told me frankly that somebody may be after me and that you were using me.
It’s not like things were a year ago.
A year ago, nobody told me anything about what was happening.
All of you were trying to protect me, weren’t you?
Like I was some sheltered princess.
I’m sorry Shurei.
But now things are different.
I'm happy about that.
Thank you for treating me like an official who can discuss matters as an equal.
oh I'm also very happy you came to rescue me.
But Just tell me one more thing.
I'll never ask again, so please don't lie to me, okay?
Can I become an official with complete pride?
Was there really nothing improper going on?
Nothing.
In that case, I no longer have anything to be afraid of.
Shurei, I'd be really happy if you'd do something for me, too.
What is it?
It can wait until your final assignment.
But if possible, I'd like you to set some time aside for me.
What’s wrong Shurei?
If I can find a time.
Pardon me for a moment, Your Majesty.
What is it?
We received a message for you.
"As if fifteen minutes ago, half the work in the city has ground to a halt. If you don't come back immediately, I'll kill you. From Koyu Ri." That’s what it says.
Oh, man, I don't wanna go back tonight.
Are these all petitions for assistance?
That's right.
I didn't think the situation would go this far.
Members of the Hong Clan have all abandoned their work outside the palace walls.
As a result, the capital is in an awkward, and the request for help are coming in non-stop!
This is all Kuro's doing, isn’t it?
And he's still going easy on you!
After all, if he were truly serious, this country would collapse quickly.
So this is the real power of the Hong Clan.
How’s Secretary Hong doing at the moment?
He's taken over one of the distant residences for himself, and is currently under self-imposed house arrest.
Self-imposed?!
He's just doing it to be difficult.
This just adds to our problems.
It’s strange how when the pressure applied is so direct and outrageous, it ends up not feeling like pressure anymore. At least that’s what I think.
Shuei. How long will things hold giving the current situation?
If you order, I can maintain things indefinitely with the help of the Ran Clan’s power...but I expect things will be resolved within a day, regardless of my family’s involved.
In other words, Lord Kuro is surely expecting you to resolve matters in one day.
I see. Then Let's get this over with already, right?
what was that guy thinking, he must’ve realized that going up against Reishin himself was basically suicidal?
Could it be that he doesn't actually know the truth about Lord Reishin being the head of the Hong Clan?
What do you mean?
Come to think of it, he never has publicly revealed the fact that he's the real head of the Hong family.
You don't say, That’s quite the blind spot!
Oh, right. We received word from Ensei earlier this evening, he expects to arrive tomorrow by sunset.
Send orders that he's to arrive by noon tomorrow at the latest!
Well, I'm afraid, that I've already gone ahead and done so.
You have no wine to sell? But You're a wine merchant! How is something like that even possible?!
How the heck should I know? All distribution of alcohol in the capital has ground to a halt.
Just what in the world is going on?
Oh dear, it looks like we won't be able to open up shop today.
The entire city is in a state of confusion.
I'm sorry!
I slept for quite some time!
Eigetsu, good to see you back to your old self.
Yes. Um... I don't suppose I was any help.
You did great!
That strange pause is kind of worrying.
Never mind that now!
It's become imperative that we finish this by noon tomorrow.
What?! that's cutting it a bit close, isn't it? Let's get started right away!
Hey, Eigetsu.
Yes?
When did you first realize all this?
I heard lots of rumors while I was polishing shoes.
People would gossip it over here, Oh, and this too.
I checked with those who had passed in the top ranks of the National Examinations, and who received their stipends.
Excellent work, Eigetsu.
All right, let's do this, okay!
okay!
This is impossible! How could Reishin have this much power?!
No, disaster hasn't struck me yet.
I'll leave Shi Province and I’ll say it's in order to recover my health.
As for the rest, I’ll be fine as long as I have this ring...! Everything is that little girl's fault!
There's no way I'm going to allow her to show up before noon tomorrow!
Hoju! Here!
Shurei and Eigetsu's project has arrived.
To think that they were able to pick out every single one of those papers you had me slip into their work a little at a time.
Yes, Now, get ready.
We've got a fight today!
Shuei! Koyu! Let's go!
right!

Next Episode

Miss Kocho really was my ally, after all.
I’m sorry I doubted her for even an instant .
Now come on, Seiran, we're gonna hurry to the palace and attend the inquiry .
This is not gonna end with us getting beaten.