This is an emergency, half the town's functions have come to a halt because of the Hong Clan ceasing all work. Even for the Hong Clan, there are some things that are simply not acceptable! What exactly caused all this, your majesty? We believe the original cause is quite obvious. As you all know, Senior Secretary Hong of the Department of Civil Affairs was arrested. That was because Secretary Hong is suspected of interfering with Initiate Shurei Hong's National Ex... The Hong Clan is a proud family and equal to the Ran Clan in nobility. If you arrest the leader of the family, especially without evidence, that would naturally enrage any prideful clan, not to mention Senior Secretary Hong himself. Secretary Hong is the leader of the Hong family? The leader of one of the seven noble families was in the central administration? It’s surprising how many senior officials were under aware of this information. It was about fourteen or fifteen years ago that was when he took over the clan. It can’t be! He’s the leader? Hey, Where's Shurei? Seiran is with her. Don't worry about it.
Hiding One's Head But Not One's Bottom
My Lady. Before we go out... here. Miss Kocho asked me to bring it from the residence when I was there last night. She also said she had to go elsewhere this morning, and apologized for not being able to see you off. Miss Kocho gave this to me a while back during the final exam. Makeup is the war paint of a woman. whenever you find yourself head into battle Make sure you wear it. That way, you’ll be certain that you’ll never cry. if you cry, your makeup will run. And no matter how little you applied, your face will end up looking disgraceful. That's why, no matter how difficult things get you'll keep yourself from crying. Although Miss Kocho was thoughtful enough to give me this, I couldn't bring myself to wear makeup in the palace. Because the world of politics is so male-dominated, I thought it wasn't necessary. My Lady. But I see I was wrong. It doesn’t matter Whether or not I wear makeup, it's not gonna change where I really am. And besides, it's impossible for me to become the same as a man, I never had any intention of trying to become one, anyway. Thank you, Miss Kocho. I'm gonna wear makeup today. Seiran I know You told me I could always come to you, if I wanted to cry, but I'm not gonna cry. Very well, my lady. In that case, since you deprive me of that pleasure, I'll just have to support you so that you’ll never feel you need to cry. Oh, seiran, how is it you always seem to know exactly what kind of words I want to hear, huh? Hey. You better get ready, we should get going shortly. The accusation is that Senior Secretary Hong altered illegally, the results of the Exams taken by initiate Hong, who he sponsored. Secretary Sai of the Department of Protocol. we understand you were completely against women taking the National Exams, right from the beginning. Is that a crime? Most people were against it! If you’re going to make [veiled] accusations, Official Ro would be far more suspicious! Well, He's been treating Initiate Hong very harshly. I'm sure he's also got some grudge against Secretary Hong. Official Ro never had any objections against female officials. And not only does he not bear a grudge against Secretary Hong, he has a favorite of the Senior Secretary. Moreover, you knew beyond a doubt, your subordinates were treating some of the Initiates unfairly. And Yet you still did nothing to stop them? But I've heard this sort of thing always happens. Yes . It does always happen, because Official Ro pays special attention to outstanding initiates. You showed absolutely no mercy, towards me back when I was an initiate. I’d even say you completely humbled me. I somehow doubt your pride is fragile enough to be humbled. Now, Secretary Hong, how long do you plan on spending here? Official Ro, why don't you stay and have some tea. No, Please hurry and make your way to court. I only came because you said you would go if I went with you. Do you know how bad things are both in and outside the palace? Can’t say I particularly care much. For starters, it’s a good lesson for that young whelp sitting on that throne, he needs to learn more about the hardships of life that are about getting in his way. Well I imagine you would be the last person he ever wanted to hear that kind of talk from. Please, have a seat. After all, I so rarely get the chance to spend time talking with you in this manner. And Have some tea. I swear It hasn't been poisoned. As a matter of fact, I did seriously contemplate eliminating you a number of times, after you ordered me to work in the royal stables of course. I'm not surprised. I remember sensing danger to my life then. I'm glad I didn't go through with it. Your true intentions became apparent afterwards. Eigetsu To is very young, has no backing. Shurei's not only young but also female. It was clear from the start that they’d both be looked down by officials and that certain people in the court would try to crush them. Your strict guidance and stern treatment builds confidence in oneself, as well as resistance to the corrupting influence of the Court. Then, by demonstrating just how capable the initiates really are, you make certain that they're no longer looked down upon. Giving initiates menial jobs like cleaning toilets and polishing shoes are ideal for observing what officials are truly like. The highest senior court officials base their decisions on how capable the Initiates are, they decide that base on how much work you've been giving them. You're giving me too much credit. Not at all, All you need to do is talk to Kijin or myself and we'll promote you to any position you’d like. I don’t want any other position than this, many years ago, The previous king himself bowed his head to me, he said then that someone like me was necessary for the court to exist. And now, once more. His son was willing to extend the same favor and trust, and said he would leave everything to me. This year I’m filled with very high hopes for the future. The young recruits all understand the spirit of helping each other and the country. From here on, with their support and assistance in the Royal Court, I have no doubt, the current king's rule will be truly secure and productive. He's been quite fortunate, right from the very beginning. In my opinion, He's very fortunate because he has someone like you around to help out. I have to admit, I practically flipped when I learned that you were the one secretly bringing them stuff like sweets, meat buns and tea every day. Very sneaky of you, It appears that practice hasn't changed, even now. I seem to remember you being in quite the snit about it and saying "What’s with this pathetic sweet bean bun?" Yes, but I still ate it. You know you never say anything. From my point of view, your life is one where you always get the short end of the stick. Would you Kindly mind your own business? I hear His Majesty intends to reward you for your many years of service. From now on, I hope that you'll always attend court by my side, won't you? I-I'm quite satisfied with my current situation, thank you! If you don't go with me, then I won’t go either. Knowing you, if that resulted in all work outside the castle walls coming to a halt, it would bother your conscience like hell, and you would feel responsible. A-Are you trying to blackmail me?! Are you that dead set against it? Certainly, your skills in loyalty would be wasted on His Majesty. Ah, I know, why don’t you be a steward for my household, then?! Perfect, That's great. Very well, I'll attend court with you. Oh, I see. Oh well, That's too bad. So In that case , let’s be off, as I promised. As if this is just like Ryuki said. It doesn't look like they're gonna make it easy for me, does it? Are you all right? You bet, They're sorely mistaken if they think these guys are gonna stop me! Come back here. Now then, onto a different subject...! Senior Secretary Kou. Since a few years ago, the Department of Protocol has continually requested an annual increase to their budget. However, I could not imagine why, so after conducted a complete audit, we’ve found that rather than unnecessary or unwise expenditures, an excessive number of odd items are being purchased. In addition, every year, as a service to those who passed the National Exams, couriers are sent to notify their hometowns of the good news. Is there a problem with that? Yes. This year, for instance, Eigetsu To sent his entire stipend of eighty silver coins by the department of protocol’s courier, but not a single coin arrived at his hometown. How does he mean by that? A number of similar incidents have been reported over the past several years as well. So this year, after the Department of Protocol sent out its couriers, we had them secretly followed. Now, whose residence do you think they went to with that monies still in their breast pockets? That's a lie! But I haven't even mentioned any names yet. Well then, I'll have my own say on matters as well, Secretary Kou! What is the meaning of that mask you wear? And How could we accept that a man who can't even show his own face somehow rose to the top ranks? You could in fact be some unknown man wearing that mask pretending to be the real Secretary Kou. If you truly don’t have anything to hide, then take that mask off immediately and show your face to us! This development is something you'd expect more from some second-rate fiction novel. But Very well. If you insist, then I'll take it off. No! Please don't do it! I beg you, I mustn't betray my wife anymore! Please! Senior Secretary, don’t, Don't disturb my peaceful life any further! What's this? Is Secretary kou’s face that ugly? Lord Reishin says his face is one that would "cause crows to fall from the sky unconscious ". I know It may be unconvincing coming from me, but looks don't actually make the man. If he’s insisting to that extend, then why not take that mask off? However, everyone else must turn their backs. And You are only to show Senior Secretary Sai. Can I look too?! You mustn't! Those of you who don't know what Secretary Kou's face looks like, don't get curious, if you look you’d be distracted from work for three years at best, if you’re unlucky, you'll lose your senses. Who does this old fox think he is! Now then. My Lady. Let's stop and take care of their guys already. No if we fight here, We’ll cause trouble for everyone else. That’s Miss Shurei! This will only take a moment. You’re gonna fight?! Let's hurry my lady. Right. This way. Don’t worry, Miss Shurei! Ryushin! Wh-What's with them? You have a lot of nerve treating our Miss Shurei like this! We’re not gonna let you get away with it. We’re very sorry about how we acting towards you lately. But officials are really important people. So if you hung around poor villagers like us, we thought you'd be made fun of and end up shamed because of us, we didn’t want that for you. You’d better get going. You're in a hurry, aren't you? We'll take care of things here! Go on! Let's go. Yeah. Y-You're not going…! Thank you, Ryushin! Thank you, Everyone! Halt! This isn’t the place that people like you are permitted to enter. Turn around and leave! But I'm an official Initiate! I have right to enter. Don't know you. I have to be the court by noon. You’ve got to let me in. stand aside, right now. My Lady. I think our best better is to fight a way through. H-Hello, Initiate Heki! Hakumei. I figured something like this would happen, so I came out here to meet you. Your family’s noble but poor, mine is of a higher status, So lots of officials are soft on me. I'll escort you in. Hurry. Ah, thanks very much. Let's go, Seiran. Yes!
The Story of Saiunkoku
If you please, Senior Secretary Kou. Are you quite satisfied now, senior Secretary Sai? It’s just as expected. There's no way he'd be able to keep his senses after seeing Hoju's utter beauty. I can’t help but pity him, Even though he’s Senior Secretary Sai. You're the person who intended to entrap Initiate Hong and Reishin Hong, are you not? You have also embezzled public funds, spent money recklessly on bribe to pave your way to promotions, and even tried to blame your wrongdoings on Official Ro, haven’t you? We have our testimony now. Hoju. You're tricking him into it. It's all the truth. We also have testimony from the idiots involved in that mud ball incident. This is no trick. Well, yes, that maybe so, but it still feels like you're tricking him. No. personally I think this should've been done from the very beginning. Honestly, I never imagined he would be this much of a fool. Senior Secretary Hong! Now it seems you’ve been doing some exceptionally amusing things lately. No, no, no, it wasn't my doing, I swear. Even if there is a one-in-a-million chance that's true, I believe it was your doing, so the truth of the matter is of little importance. That's insane. From now on, it's in your best interest to avoid anywhere with connections to the Hong Clan. I've already sent out several notices. If they find you, you're as good as dead. You'll be weighted down and tossed into the nearest river to drown. And of course, there isn't a single place in this country that doesn't have ties with the Hong Clan. Like me, my clan is extremely difficult to control when angered, and is exceptionally vindictive towards those who insult us. This is for sure, We won't forget your name or face even after a hundred years. It’s very scary. I-I'll never do this sort of thing again! Too bad, I make it my practice to crush those I despise until they can no longer stand. A few years ago you made fun of my adopted son by calling him an abandoned child. Since that moment, I've had no intention of ever forgiving you. Oh, one more thing. So that’s where he was hiding it all this time? There's a saying about hiding one's head but not one's bottom. But he couldn't even manage to hide his head. The ring that symbolizes the Sa Clan's leader. Or rather, a fake of it. oh, that's...! I don't know why you would have this sort of thing, nor do I really care, but I can tell you, it's pointless to take this to the Sa family and try getting help from them. I've already taken care of matters. You’re not serious. Did you expect me to leave you a single escape route open to you? How foolish. This isn’t my fault, It's all because of women...! This is all because of women coming into the picture! She's late. She'll be here. You surpassed even me when you passed the National Exams. It’s time you Show those brainless officials who can only make fun of women and children, what you're capable of. Hakumei. Not Again. Initiate Heki. How are you at fighting? We of the Heki family excel in the arts and literature. We don't know the first thing about fighting. He's useless. Can I fight while protecting them both? Hey there! Ensei! Yup, it’s been a while, Princess, Seiran? The ones who compiled the papers documenting your misdeeds are none other than Initiate Hong and Initiate To. But these detailed figures...! Having been falsely accused to be inappropriate conduct, initiate Hong stayed up all night to finish this and hopes in vindicating herself. They were quite aware of whose conduct was inappropriate, Senior Secretary Sai. Don't you all think it’s very strange? How the National Exams were all of a sudden open to women? Not to mention a seventeen-year-old girl passing as Tanka? The National Exams aren't that easy! The king forced the issue of women taking the Exams. Don't you find that odd? Your Majesty, I do agree with him. Please, we must demand the full truth of the matter. If she didn’t pass using her own ability, we cannot accept it. After all, that was the primary reason why the previous king introduced the exam system. That's right! Your Majesty! You're right. Ability is the main principle. The previous king knew this, that’s why he created a system even the king could not interfere with. All of you have gone through the National Exams, you should already know this matter than anyone. You all have firsthand experience of this system’s fairness. You know how impartial the Exams are, and how effectively they prevent any impropriety. The National Exams aren’t easy. But if that’s truly the case, why doesn’t Initiate Hong show herself? I have doubts, said it was Initiate Hong who actually wrote these papers. How we’re supposed to know for sure. It's almost noon, the time the inquiry is about to start. Could it be she knew she’d embarrass herself and decided to run away instead? But still, even if she is unable to become an official, as a lady of the Hong Clan, no doubt she will have plenty of good marriage proposals. Shurei Hong, reporting for duty, my lords. Initiate Hong. Some in this royal court suspected there was impropriety involved in your passing the National Exams. Your response? I will prove myself, I cannot afford to quit being an official, since as if yet I have not accomplished anything. It is now noon. We will hold the inquiry here, in this court. With a public oral examination, there can be no means for impropriety. As you wish, sir, please. Very well, let the inquiry begin! Now, one final question, why did you, as a woman, want to become an official? I'm afraid if the crux of the question is, why, as a woman, do you do this, then I have no answer for you or this court. I came to do what I can do as myself and simply that. I would have taken the National Exams whether I were a man or a woman. I want to be an official. I want to protect as much as I can with my own hands. Those were my reasons. That's why I took the National Exams. Shurei.
Next Episode
At last, the special observation of the new officials is almost over. I wonder where we'll all be assigned after this? On second thought, it doesn't really matter. It's still just an issue of doing my best, no matter where I am!
Even for the Hong Clan, there are some things that are simply not acceptable!
What exactly caused all this, your majesty?
We believe the original cause is quite obvious.
As you all know, Senior Secretary Hong of the Department of Civil Affairs was arrested.
That was because Secretary Hong is suspected of interfering with Initiate Shurei Hong's National Ex...
The Hong Clan is a proud family and equal to the Ran Clan in nobility.
If you arrest the leader of the family, especially without evidence, that would naturally enrage any prideful clan, not to mention Senior Secretary Hong himself.
Secretary Hong is the leader of the Hong family?
The leader of one of the seven noble families was in the central administration?
It’s surprising how many senior officials were under aware of this information.
It was about fourteen or fifteen years ago
that was when he took over the clan.
It can’t be!
He’s the leader?
Hey, Where's Shurei?
Seiran is with her.
Don't worry about it.
Hiding One's Head But Not One's Bottom
My Lady.
Before we go out... here.
Miss Kocho asked me to bring it from the residence when I was there last night.
She also said she had to go elsewhere this morning, and apologized for not being able to see you off.
Miss Kocho gave this to me a while back during the final exam.
Makeup is the war paint of a woman.
whenever you find yourself head into battle Make sure you wear it.
That way, you’ll be certain that you’ll never cry.
if you cry, your makeup will run.
And no matter how little you applied, your face will end up looking disgraceful.
That's why, no matter how difficult things get you'll keep yourself from crying.
Although Miss Kocho was thoughtful enough to give me this, I couldn't bring myself to wear makeup in the palace.
Because the world of politics is so male-dominated, I thought it wasn't necessary.
My Lady.
But I see I was wrong.
It doesn’t matter Whether or not I wear makeup, it's not gonna change where I really am.
And besides, it's impossible for me to become the same as a man, I never had any intention of trying to become one, anyway.
Thank you, Miss Kocho.
I'm gonna wear makeup today.
Seiran I know You told me I could always come to you, if I wanted to cry, but I'm not gonna cry.
Very well, my lady.
In that case, since you deprive me of that pleasure, I'll just have to support you so that you’ll never feel you need to cry.
Oh, seiran, how is it you always seem to know exactly what kind of words I want to hear, huh?
Hey. You better get ready, we should get going shortly.
The accusation is that Senior Secretary Hong altered illegally, the results of the Exams taken by initiate Hong, who he sponsored.
Secretary Sai of the Department of Protocol.
we understand you were completely against women taking the National Exams, right from the beginning.
Is that a crime? Most people were against it!
If you’re going to make [veiled] accusations, Official Ro would be far more suspicious!
Well, He's been treating Initiate Hong very harshly.
I'm sure he's also got some grudge against Secretary Hong.
Official Ro never had any objections against female officials.
And not only does he not bear a grudge against Secretary Hong, he has a favorite of the Senior Secretary.
Moreover, you knew beyond a doubt, your subordinates were treating some of the Initiates unfairly.
And Yet you still did nothing to stop them?
But I've heard this sort of thing always happens.
Yes . It does always happen, because Official Ro pays special attention to outstanding initiates.
You showed absolutely no mercy, towards me back when I was an initiate.
I’d even say you completely humbled me.
I somehow doubt your pride is fragile enough to be humbled.
Now, Secretary Hong, how long do you plan on spending here?
Official Ro, why don't you stay and have some tea.
No, Please hurry and make your way to court.
I only came because you said you would go if I went with you.
Do you know how bad things are both in and outside the palace?
Can’t say I particularly care much.
For starters, it’s a good lesson for that young whelp sitting on that throne, he needs to learn more about the hardships of life that are about getting in his way.
Well I imagine you would be the last person he ever wanted to hear that kind of talk from.
Please, have a seat.
After all, I so rarely get the chance to spend time talking with you in this manner.
And Have some tea.
I swear It hasn't been poisoned.
As a matter of fact, I did seriously contemplate eliminating you a number of times, after you ordered me to work in the royal stables of course.
I'm not surprised.
I remember sensing danger to my life then.
I'm glad I didn't go through with it. Your true intentions became apparent afterwards.
Eigetsu To is very young, has no backing.
Shurei's not only young but also female.
It was clear from the start that they’d both be looked down by officials and that certain people in the court would try to crush them.
Your strict guidance and stern treatment builds confidence in oneself, as well as resistance to the corrupting influence of the Court.
Then, by demonstrating just how capable the initiates really are, you make certain that they're no longer looked down upon.
Giving initiates menial jobs like cleaning toilets and polishing shoes are ideal for observing what officials are truly like.
The highest senior court officials base their decisions on how capable the Initiates are, they decide that base on how much work you've been giving them.
You're giving me too much credit.
Not at all, All you need to do is talk to Kijin or myself and we'll promote you to any position you’d like.
I don’t want any other position than this, many years ago, The previous king himself bowed his head to me, he said then that someone like me was necessary for the court to exist.
And now, once more.
His son was willing to extend the same favor and trust, and said he would leave everything to me.
This year I’m filled with very high hopes for the future.
The young recruits all understand the spirit of helping each other and the country.
From here on, with their support and assistance in the Royal Court, I have no doubt, the current king's rule will be truly secure and productive.
He's been quite fortunate, right from the very beginning.
In my opinion, He's very fortunate because he has someone like you around to help out.
I have to admit, I practically flipped when I learned that you were the one secretly bringing them stuff like sweets, meat buns and tea every day.
Very sneaky of you, It appears that practice hasn't changed, even now.
I seem to remember you being in quite the snit about it and saying "What’s with this pathetic sweet bean bun?"
Yes, but I still ate it.
You know you never say anything.
From my point of view, your life is one where you always get the short end of the stick.
Would you Kindly mind your own business?
I hear His Majesty intends to reward you for your many years of service.
From now on, I hope that you'll always attend court by my side, won't you?
I-I'm quite satisfied with my current situation, thank you!
If you don't go with me, then I won’t go either.
Knowing you, if that resulted in all work outside the castle walls coming to a halt, it would bother your conscience like hell, and you would feel responsible.
A-Are you trying to blackmail me?!
Are you that dead set against it?
Certainly, your skills in loyalty would be wasted on His Majesty.
Ah, I know, why don’t you be a steward for my household, then?!
Perfect, That's great.
Very well, I'll attend court with you.
Oh, I see.
Oh well, That's too bad.
So In that case , let’s be off, as I promised.
As if this is just like Ryuki said. It doesn't look like they're gonna make it easy for me, does it?
Are you all right?
You bet, They're sorely mistaken if they think these guys are gonna stop me!
Come back here.
Now then, onto a different subject...!
Senior Secretary Kou.
Since a few years ago, the Department of Protocol has continually requested an annual increase to their budget.
However, I could not imagine why, so after conducted a complete audit, we’ve found that rather than unnecessary or unwise expenditures, an excessive number of odd items are being purchased. In addition, every year, as a service to those who passed the National Exams, couriers are sent to notify their hometowns of the good news.
Is there a problem with that?
Yes. This year, for instance, Eigetsu To sent his entire stipend of eighty silver coins by the department of protocol’s courier, but not a single coin arrived at his hometown.
How does he mean by that?
A number of similar incidents have been reported over the past several years as well.
So this year, after the Department of Protocol sent out its couriers, we had them secretly followed.
Now, whose residence do you think they went to with that monies still in their breast pockets?
That's a lie!
But I haven't even mentioned any names yet.
Well then, I'll have my own say on matters as well, Secretary Kou!
What is the meaning of that mask you wear?
And How could we accept that a man who can't even show his own face somehow rose to the top ranks?
You could in fact be some unknown man wearing that mask pretending to be the real Secretary Kou.
If you truly don’t have anything to hide, then take that mask off immediately and show your face to us!
This development is something you'd expect more from some second-rate fiction novel.
But Very well.
If you insist, then I'll take it off.
No! Please don't do it!
I beg you, I mustn't betray my wife anymore!
Please! Senior Secretary, don’t, Don't disturb my peaceful life any further!
What's this?
Is Secretary kou’s face that ugly?
Lord Reishin says his face is one that would "cause crows to fall from the sky unconscious ".
I know It may be unconvincing coming from me, but looks don't actually make the man.
If he’s insisting to that extend, then why not take that mask off?
However, everyone else must turn their backs.
And You are only to show Senior Secretary Sai.
Can I look too?!
You mustn't!
Those of you who don't know what Secretary Kou's face looks like, don't get curious, if you look you’d be distracted from work for three years at best, if you’re unlucky, you'll lose your senses.
Who does this old fox think he is!
Now then.
My Lady. Let's stop and take care of their guys already.
No if we fight here, We’ll cause trouble for everyone else.
That’s Miss Shurei!
This will only take a moment.
You’re gonna fight?!
Let's hurry my lady.
Right.
This way.
Don’t worry, Miss Shurei!
Ryushin!
Wh-What's with them?
You have a lot of nerve treating our Miss Shurei like this!
We’re not gonna let you get away with it.
We’re very sorry about how we acting towards you lately.
But officials are really important people.
So if you hung around poor villagers like us, we thought you'd be made fun of and end up shamed because of us, we didn’t want that for you.
You’d better get going.
You're in a hurry, aren't you?
We'll take care of things here! Go on!
Let's go.
Yeah.
Y-You're not going…!
Thank you, Ryushin! Thank you, Everyone!
Halt!
This isn’t the place that people like you are permitted to enter.
Turn around and leave!
But I'm an official Initiate! I have right to enter.
Don't know you.
I have to be the court by noon.
You’ve got to let me in. stand aside, right now.
My Lady.
I think our best better is to fight a way through.
H-Hello, Initiate Heki!
Hakumei.
I figured something like this would happen, so I came out here to meet you.
Your family’s noble but poor, mine is of a higher status, So lots of officials are soft on me.
I'll escort you in. Hurry.
Ah, thanks very much. Let's go, Seiran.
Yes!
The Story of Saiunkoku
If you please, Senior Secretary Kou.
Are you quite satisfied now, senior Secretary Sai?
It’s just as expected.
There's no way he'd be able to keep his senses after seeing Hoju's utter beauty.
I can’t help but pity him, Even though he’s Senior Secretary Sai.
You're the person who intended to entrap Initiate Hong and Reishin Hong, are you not?
You have also embezzled public funds, spent money recklessly on bribe to pave your way to promotions, and even tried to blame your wrongdoings on Official Ro, haven’t you?
We have our testimony now.
Hoju. You're tricking him into it.
It's all the truth.
We also have testimony from the idiots involved in that mud ball incident.
This is no trick.
Well, yes, that maybe so, but it still feels like you're tricking him.
No. personally I think this should've been done from the very beginning.
Honestly, I never imagined he would be this much of a fool.
Senior Secretary Hong!
Now it seems you’ve been doing some exceptionally amusing things lately.
No, no, no, it wasn't my doing, I swear.
Even if there is a one-in-a-million chance that's true, I believe it was your doing, so the truth of the matter is of little importance.
That's insane.
From now on, it's in your best interest to avoid anywhere with connections to the Hong Clan.
I've already sent out several notices.
If they find you, you're as good as dead.
You'll be weighted down and tossed into the nearest river to drown.
And of course, there isn't a single place in this country that doesn't have ties with the Hong Clan.
Like me, my clan is extremely difficult to control when angered, and is exceptionally vindictive towards those who insult us.
This is for sure, We won't forget your name or face even after a hundred years.
It’s very scary.
I-I'll never do this sort of thing again!
Too bad, I make it my practice to crush those I despise until they can no longer stand.
A few years ago you made fun of my adopted son by calling him an abandoned child.
Since that moment, I've had no intention of ever forgiving you.
Oh, one more thing.
So that’s where he was hiding it all this time?
There's a saying about hiding one's head but not one's bottom.
But he couldn't even manage to hide his head.
The ring that symbolizes the Sa Clan's leader.
Or rather, a fake of it.
oh, that's...!
I don't know why you would have this sort of thing, nor do I really care, but I can tell you, it's pointless to take this to the Sa family and try getting help from them.
I've already taken care of matters.
You’re not serious.
Did you expect me to leave you a single escape route open to you?
How foolish.
This isn’t my fault, It's all because of women...!
This is all because of women coming into the picture!
She's late.
She'll be here.
You surpassed even me when you passed the National Exams.
It’s time you Show those brainless officials who can only make fun of women and children, what you're capable of.
Hakumei.
Not Again.
Initiate Heki.
How are you at fighting?
We of the Heki family excel in the arts and literature.
We don't know the first thing about fighting.
He's useless.
Can I fight while protecting them both?
Hey there!
Ensei!
Yup, it’s been a while, Princess, Seiran?
The ones who compiled the papers documenting your misdeeds are none other than Initiate Hong and Initiate To.
But these detailed figures...!
Having been falsely accused to be inappropriate conduct, initiate Hong stayed up all night to finish this and hopes in vindicating herself.
They were quite aware of whose conduct was inappropriate, Senior Secretary Sai.
Don't you all think it’s very strange?
How the National Exams were all of a sudden open to women?
Not to mention a seventeen-year-old girl passing as Tanka?
The National Exams aren't that easy!
The king forced the issue of women taking the Exams. Don't you find that odd?
Your Majesty, I do agree with him.
Please, we must demand the full truth of the matter.
If she didn’t pass using her own ability, we cannot accept it.
After all, that was the primary reason why the previous king introduced the exam system.
That's right!
Your Majesty!
You're right. Ability is the main principle.
The previous king knew this, that’s why he created a system even the king could not interfere with.
All of you have gone through the National Exams, you should already know this matter than anyone.
You all have firsthand experience of this system’s fairness.
You know how impartial the Exams are, and how effectively they prevent any impropriety.
The National Exams aren’t easy.
But if that’s truly the case, why doesn’t Initiate Hong show herself?
I have doubts, said it was Initiate Hong who actually wrote these papers.
How we’re supposed to know for sure.
It's almost noon, the time the inquiry is about to start.
Could it be she knew she’d embarrass herself and decided to run away instead?
But still, even if she is unable to become an official, as a lady of the Hong Clan, no doubt she will have plenty of good marriage proposals.
Shurei Hong, reporting for duty, my lords.
Initiate Hong. Some in this royal court suspected there was impropriety involved in your passing the National Exams.
Your response?
I will prove myself, I cannot afford to quit being an official, since as if yet I have not accomplished anything.
It is now noon. We will hold the inquiry here, in this court.
With a public oral examination, there can be no means for impropriety.
As you wish, sir, please.
Very well, let the inquiry begin!
Now, one final question, why did you, as a woman, want to become an official?
I'm afraid if the crux of the question is, why, as a woman, do you do this, then I have no answer for you or this court.
I came to do what I can do as myself and simply that.
I would have taken the National Exams whether I were a man or a woman.
I want to be an official.
I want to protect as much as I can with my own hands.
Those were my reasons.
That's why I took the National Exams.
Shurei.
Next Episode
At last, the special observation of the new officials is almost over.
I wonder where we'll all be assigned after this?
On second thought, it doesn't really matter.
It's still just an issue of doing my best, no matter where I am!