A long, long time ago in an era when demons of the mountain forest ravaged the lands, a young man came forth from amidst the endless chaos.
Seeking to bring peace and order to the people, he beat back the rampaging demons.
Moved by the man's courage and spirit, eight enlightened beings gathered to join him, using their mysterious powers to assist the young man in his quest.
As each bore the name of the color, they came to be called the Eight Colored Enlightened Ones
The young man's name was Sogen.
With the wisdom of the Eight Enlightened Ones he brought a new dawn to the world of man.
He became the first ruler of Saiunkoku, the Kingdom of The Colored Clouds.
After Sogen's death, the Eight Colored Enlightened Ones disappeared, but it is often said that they still live among the people.
So it may be that, even now, they are right here living alongside us.

Every Good Deal Has A Catch

Hey, hey, there, Miss Shurei.
What is it, Toka?
I heard that the shrine where the Enlightened Ones used to lived still exists at the palace. Is that true?
Yes.
Now it's called the Ministry of the Enlightened Ones' Cave and stands in a corner of the imperial grounds...or so Seiran tells me.
You haven't seen it, Miss Shurei?
I'm not allowed to enter the palace.
That's because girls cannot become government officials.
In that case, I'll become a court official and you can marry me, Miss Shurei!
That way, I can take you into the palace, right?
If you want to do that, you'll have to study a lot harder, Ryushin.
If you ask me, I think you'll make a much better military officer.
Seiran.
Hello, My Lady.
It's almost time.
Yes.
Right, today's work awaits!
Come on, let's get going!
The daughter of the Hong Clan?
That's correct. Her father, Shoka Hong is in charge of the imperial archives.
The Hong Clan is one of the most distinguished of the noble families.
There's no problem with her family lineage, but...!
But, an archivist's salary is not likely to be very much.
Indeed, they're having difficulties making ends meet, and apparently his daughter is working several jobs.
And you believe that this girl will be useful in solving such a major problem, Sho?
I'm sure of it.
It's been almost six months since His Majesty ascended to the throne.
I had hoped things would turn out better than they have, But...
At this rate, it's only a matter of time before an usurper goes after the throne.
That's certainly true.
In any case, leave this to me.
It's a matter of common sense they always said that a man's greatest enemy is his wife.
Seiran!
Ryushin, What's the matter?
It's Mr. Shoka...!
Why is father calling me back home all of a sudden?
I believe it's something about an important guest coming to pay a visit.
Well, who is it?!
I don't know, but Master said you ought to return immediately, so he must need you there to meet the visitor!
Why me, it's not fair. That was a pretty good job, too.
But since I only played one song,
they took a giant [chalk] out of my pay!
And here I was thinking we'd be able to buy rice this month!
But only barley again!
That line down the middle of it, that line that distinguishes it from rice.
No doubt this month, too, it's going to taunt me and laugh at me, saying "I'm not rice!"
I can't believe it! I can't believe it!
My Lady. I don't think barley talks.
It will be fine.
I'll take on a few more side jobs too.
I'm sorry, Seiran.
You'd be able to support yourself as an imperial officer of the Court, if you only had yourself to take care of.
That's not something you need to worry about, My lady
The truth is, I'm just happy to have the opportunity to repay the debt that I owe.
Repay the debt?
Thirteen years ago, your family took me into your home, even though you had no idea about who I was or where I came from.
I decided to spend the rest of my life paying you and your father back for that kindness.
Seiran.
Oh, man! Why is our family paid so little?!
-Yet we are high rank, but no money to go with it. I hate this!
-my lady please calm down people are watching
You hear me, I really hate being poor!
The wall's collapsing again.
And the roof tiles are broken.
Maintaining this ridiculously large mansion takes us so much money.
as soon as you repair one thing, something else falls apart.
I can't stand it!
I'll take care of repairing the wall.
And I can get some tiles from the castle to replace the broken ones.
Oh. Why us?
It seems the guest has already arrived.
Oh, no!
I have to prepare the tea!
While you do that, I'll inform them that your ladyship has returned.
Oh, well, father, I guess at least you made the effort to serve tea.
My Lady, this is serious!
What's the matter, Seiran?
Apparently, the guest is, is Advisor Sho!
A-Advisor Sho? Of The Three Elders?
Why would such an important person come here?
He said that there's something he wishes to discuss with you as soon as possible.
But why me?! Whatever the reason, we must not show any disrespect.
Ever since I was putting in charge of the archives, I've been enjoying my work very much...!
Lady Shurei has arrived.
Oh, come in.
Please excuse me.
Ah, Shurei, I'd like you to meet Advisor Sho.
So this is Advisor Sho.
The leader of a hundred advisors.
They say his authority ranks second only to the king's.
Lord Advisor Sho. I must ask your forgiveness for keeping you waiting so long.
Although we are humble and have little to offer you, I pray you'll make yourself comfortable.
there's no need for that, stand up, Shurei.
Yes, sir.
Seiran, would you mind coming over here, as well?
After all, this matter concerns both of you.
But before that... May I possibly ask for some tea?
This water is making me feel rather chilly.
A bucket?! You mean you brought water directly from the well for our guest?!
Father!
Um-hum.
- Why are you acting so proud of what you did?!
- Our water from the well is quite delicious, isn't it?
I'm so terribly sorry! My Lord! I'll prepare some tea for you right away!
So you made all this sweet red bean bun yourself, Shurei?
Yes.
Shurei's sweet bean buns are quite delectable.
If I may.
This really is delicious!
I added ground sesame to the red bean paste to reduce the sweetness.
You won't be able to stop eating them.
This truly is a wonderful dish.
Shoka, you're most fortunate to have such a daughter.
Thank you.
My Lord, You wish to talk to us about something.
Oh, yes. I do indeed.
Shurei, Seiran, there is a favor I would like to ask of you both.
If you agree to it, then as a token of my gratitude, I am prepared to pay you this amount.
So how much exactly are we talking about?
Fifty copper coins?
Five hundred?
No way, this could actually be a really sweet deal?
You're not suggesting five silver coins?
Fifty silver coins?
It's five hundred gold coins!
Gold, five hundred.
I'll do it! No matter what it is, you can count on me!

The Story of Saiunkoku

So this is the palace.
Incredible.
It's many times bigger than our little home.
And from now on, I'm supposed to live in such a grand place.
What am I gonna do Seiran?
Well, It can’t be helped now.
M-My Lady.
Don't be hasty, We don't know what this job involves yet.
What are you saying, Seiran?!
It's five hundred gold coins!
With that much, we'll be able to eat white rice every day.
And repair all the walls and roof tiles when some left over.
Well, In that case.
Seiran will temporarily join the imperial personal guard, the Urin Army, you'll be assigned directly to the king.
And as for Shurei.
You ought to enter the king's household, and take on the role of the king's consort.
I have to become the king's... consort?!
How could I have agreed to a request like that?!
well, you did say yes before hearing them out.
What should I do?!
Seiran, do something about this!
We've been waiting your arrival , Consort Hong.
Consort? that’s ganna take getting-used-to.
From now on, this lady-in-waiting will be assigned to you.
She is to serve you and take care of anything you may need.
My name is Shusui.
I have to act like a consort.
I am Shurei Hong.
It's an honor to meet you, Shusui.
How was that, Seiran?
Just like that, right?
Okay, I'm on my way.
So, from now on, this is my room.
Now, then.
I guess I'll start off by learning more about the king.
Ryuki Shi, The King of Saiunkoku.
First, his family background.
Though he was the youngest of six sons, four of his five elder brothers killed one another in the struggle for the throne eight years ago.
The other remaining son had been exiled long before that.
So as a result, he unexpectedly rose to the throne.
Huh, in other words, the throne just fell into his lap.
Now then, for his government administration...!
He doesn't attend Court at all, and leaves everything to his ministers.
So even though he's the king, he has no interest in government or desire to rule.
And last his private life...!
He currently has no consorts or concubines, except for me.
In fact rumor has it that the king prefers men over women?
What's that supposed to mean?!
Oh, geeze,you can't just slack off for half a year without even making any effort to have a royal heir.
If this keeps up, the country's gonna collapse.
Now I understand why Advisor Sho was so desperate.
Please! I beg you!
Help His Majesty become the proper king he should be within the next six months!
No wonder he was willing to pay me five hundred gold coins.
Guess, I've learned my lesson.
Every good deal has a catch.
Pardon me.
Yes?
I brought some flower tea for you, Consort Hong.
Right... she's one of the ladies-in-waiting.
Korin, I believe.
Thank you very much, Korin.
She seems to be about thirteen.
Oh, She looks so innocent and cute.
Oh, no! I'm so sorry!
Don't worry, what about you, are you all right?
What have I done to the royal Consort?!
Please calm yourself. You don't have to cry.
What is going on here?
Shusui!
Consort Hong.
There's no need to worry, I'm fine.
Please do not scold her, allow her to calm herself at least
Very well. I understand.
Come along with me now, child.
Yes.
Korin.
When your tears are all dry, would you be kind enough to bring me some flower tea again?
Yes, ma'am.
Such an impressive piece of embroidery.
This cup looks expensive too.
Selling one of these would bring in enough to eat for a month.
I would be able to buy lots of sweets for the kids at the temple school as well.
This guy's living in luxury without taking care of his responsibilities, simply because he's the king.
I won't forgive him for that!
Well, now that I've accepted, I'm gonna have to see it through and restrain this stupid king!
Hey, it's temporary, there's a reward and my room and board are covered
He prefers men, so I don't have to worry about the evenings.
Maybe this isn't such a bad deal!
You just wait! Your Majesty, I'll beat that irresponsible attitude right out of you!
those were my intentions, but it's been five days since I arrived.
When am I supposed to get the chance to even meet this king?
Sure, it's boring around here, right? Koyu
It's not so bad for me
Since I was originally assigned to guard the king.
But in your case, you were forcibly assigned to the king at Advisor Sho's request.
And yet you still have not had the opportunity to meet his Majesty.
Regardless of your talent as an officer, if you're not even given the chance, you're just dead weight.
Here we are, the best of the young civil servants and military officers.
We should be rising through the ranks by now.
Right?
Why don't you just shut the hell up and get lost, Shuei Ran!
My. That's no way to speak to your best friend, is it?
Who are you calling "best friend"?!
If you're a bodyguard, act like one and stick with that stupid king!
I can't, didn't you know, the king wanders off as he wishes every day, so I have no idea where he is or where he goes.
Damn!
Does the government think things are ok like this?!
Well, It seems that Advisor Sho has come up with some sort of plan.
What kind of plan?
To get a wife for the king.
A wife? Some stupid women is gonna change the king?
As always, Your hatred of those stupid women remains deep rooted.
I still say that nothing good ever comes out of dealing with women!
It's such a waste that after all this time you still don't know the pleasures of spending the night with a lady.
You're missing out on half your life and a lot of fun.
never mind that, who is this king's wife?!
Speak of the devil.
This is incredible.
Do you enjoy reading?
I do! And you sir?
Forgive my impoliteness
I'm Shuei Ran, shogun of the Left Urin Army. And this is...!
Koyu Ri, Assistant Secretary of personnel of Civil Affairs Department
I'm Shurei Hong.
Hong?
I wonder would it be all right for me to borrow books from here.
There's much that I have to study from here on.
Why, For what purposes?
For the sake of this country.
Oh, forgive me, if you'd like, please help yourselves to these sweet bean buns I made.
Well then I shall borrow this book
Thank you
That's her?
Yeah, the wife of the stupid king.
she also happens to be the only daughter of Lord Shoka, whom you admire so much.
The daughter of Lord Shoka?
Do You think the king will change?
Hard to say.
But it certainly does appear that things are about to become quite interesting.
Wow.
It's so beautiful.
I-I can't reach.
Do you want this?
That was quite the gust of wind.
You broke it?!
That was not my intention, but the wind startled me, so I snapped it!
would you like it?
You know, All I wanted were some petals to float in my tea.
Won't you join me for some sweet bean buns?
Here you are.
The cherry blossoms are so beautiful, so I thought I would have some tea outside while I read my book?
Are you Shoka's daughter, by any chance?
I wonder (how) did you guess?
This tastes exactly like the homemade steamed buns Shoka often brings.
They're my favorite kind.
Why, Thank you.
Could he be an acquaintance of father’s?
My name is Shurei Hong, and your name is?
My name?
what do I call you?
Sh-Shuei, we are, no, my name is... Shuei Ran.
Shuei Ran?
What I wanna know is, Why is Shoka's daughter here?
who? me? I'm here on an errand for the palace.
But I'm finding it difficult to meet the king.
How might I be able to meet with him, Mr. Shuei Ran?
So you wish to meet the king?
Yes.
What will you do when you meet him?
What will you accomplish by meeting him?
I should be getting back.
Um, you haven't answered my question.
To tell the truth I know the king.
If there's something you wish to tell him, I can relay the message.
The reason I have come to the palace is to help the king.
There are other things I wish to tell him as well, but they are the sorts of matters that only have meaning if I speak with him directly.
Until next time, Mr. Shuei Ran.
So the two of them have finally met.
I wonder how things will proceed.
Now, It is time for us to watch and see how Shurei manages this challenge before her.

Next Episode

Five hundred gold coins, I'm telling you!
I don't have to think twice before accepting the job whatever it is.
Mind you, I didn't expect I'd be asked to become that stupid king's consort.
But I've accepted the job, so I'll do what it takes.