Shurei, having passed the National Examinations is on her way to attend the Initiation Ceremony for those eligible to become Court Officials.
It's the beginning step for Saiunkoku's first-ever female official.
It certainly is a fine day today.
You're right, well, Father, Seiran, I'll be on my way now.
All right, be sure to do your best.
Okay!

Three Years on a Rock

Are you prepared for the ceremony, Your Majesty?
Yes.
Has everyone been assembled?
Yes, mostly.
Though I'm afraid there is one person who hasn't shown up.
What a beautiful day!
Quite!
Oh, what a lovely day it is Koyu.
The sky has the exact same color as that day, the day you passed the exam, in first place at the age of sixteen.
You spent the rest of the day running from high ranking officials wanting you to become their son-in-law.
What're you looking at, Koyu?
I was just wondering sir, about you acting as Shurei's sponsor.
Are you still intending to keep that a secret from her?
I have to tell her that I'm her uncle first.
In other words , not for quite a while.
The best things in life should always be saved for latter.
Lord Reishin Hong, Senior Secretary of the Department of Civil Affairs,
and Lord Koyu Ri, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Civil Affairs have arrived!
There's more of a commotion today than it was when Koyu Ri and Shuei Ran passed the exams.
That was only to be expected, after all, look at who the top three ended up being.
Eigetsu To.
He passed the exams and took first place at the age of thirteen, it smashed Lord Koyu's record with ease.
Second place went to Ryuren Ran, the younger brother of General Ran, isn’t that right?
Yes, but skipping the initiation ceremony is unheard of!
This is an odd year.
As soon as the National Civil Service Examination system was opened to women,
one came in and took third place!
You know, that girl looks an awful lot like the princess who entered the Royal Harem.
Yes, now that you mention it!
Really, I thought she looked more like that young boy who was working for the Department of Finance last summer.
Perhaps they're siblings or relatives.
Sounds like things will get hectic around here.
I'm sure she's prepared for it.
She has to handle things on her own.
All we can do is wait for her to claw her way up to where we sit, don't you agree, Reishin?
Yes, you're quite right about that.
The King of Saiunkoku, His Majesty Ryuki Shi has arrived!
Things are finally getting underway.
Why don't we sit back and observe these youngsters as they work together to create a new era.
When we call your names, stand up, this year, passing in first place, Jogen, Eigetsu To!
Yes!
And second place, Bogen, Ryuren Ran!
Third place, Tanka, Shurei Hong.
Yes!
The information to top three are hereby acknowledged for their outstanding achievements.
Miss Kocho!
Good news, today was the Initiation Ceremony and...!
I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Shurei.
But it would be best if you stopped coming here for a while.
Right, I almost forgot, we're outta salt.
May I have a bag of salt, please?
Sure thing!
It must be getting late, I'd better hurry on home, Lord Koyu and General Ran will be arriving soon.
Hello there ma'am, is your back feeling any better?
Yes, just thank you.
Excuse me, My Lord.
This is absurd, you're saying you lost the ring?!
That ring signifies leadership of the Sa Clan!
We only just found it, how could you let this happen, your idiots?!
I already reported that it had been found!
If they realize I don't have it, that reward money and chance for promotion will be lost!
Kocho, I'm sorry but I won't be staying here tonight!
What a shame, that's really too bad.
Let me guess, you got lost on your way here again?
Just shut up.
Besides, that's not important, I'm more interested in the recent rumors about you going to that brothel again.
You shouldn’t be so jealous Koyo, I'm just a normal, healthy adult male, after all.
Forget the brothel, what you need is a doctor who will fix that stupid head of yours!
Come on, at least I'm doing my work sufficiently.
For example, I received a report that that ring has been found.
What, really?
Yes, but apparently it got lost again soon afterwards.
What's that supposed to mean? Is this some kind of joke?
Forget it, why don't we head on over to Shurei's house and enjoy some of her home cooking.
Today is the day to celebrate.
I don't get it, it's not like I've changed at all.
I'm so sorry!
Eigetsu?!
Don't tell me you got into another fight.
I don't know, it sure does look that way.
What a relief.
At least I didn't run into your other personality.
Lady Shurei! I've been looking all over for you.
Hello , seiran.
Mr. seiran.
Oh, I didn't realize you were with Eigetsu My Lady.
Yes.
Still, I thought I made it clear to you that you shouldn't be going out on your own, it's too risky and dangerous.
The initiates have just received their salaries, I mean each of you has a large sum of money that make you prime targets for thugs.
Eigetsu, you are all beat up, don't tell me you've already been attacked by them.
No, I haven't, and they couldn't have got anything if they tried, I sent all the eighty silver coins back to my hometown!
You sent all of it?
Um-huh.
Then why did you end up getting into a fight?
Well from what I can remember, I was in an estate of some kind of noblemen.
He was forcing me to drink wine with him.
And he kept asking me if I'd like to marry his daughter.
You got into a fight at a noblemen's house?!
No, I made a run for it, right after he forced me to drink the wine,
so I doubt I saw anyone or made a scene
I think It'd probably be in your best interest to turn down all banquet invitations from now on.
You did pass the exams with the title of Jogen, after all.
Those who place in the top tier enjoy many privileges.
So naturally, many people who would like to become a relative or in-low to a promising future official will approach you like that.
Good point, it makes a lot more sense when you put it like that Mr Seiran.
You did write a letter to the people in your hometown to tell them you passed the exam, right?
No, the Department of Protocol said they would send a messenger by horse to notify everybody,
so I just gave the money to the messenger to deliver.
Later, I'll give you some paper and I want you to write a letter by the end of the day.
Huh? But why...!
No buts!
You have to tell everyone back home that you passed the exam, it's really important.
Think about all the people who are waiting for word about your results, they will be much happier to hear from you directly.
Thanks a lot, Shurei.
Besides, you should write in order to ensure the safety of your money as well!
What? Ensure the safety? It's not safe?
Of course it's not safe, sending all eighty silver coins at once, that's way too much!
Even if you go through the Department of Protocol, in the hands of the wrong messenger, it's only possible that half of that money won’t make it to its destination.
The money should've been sent in lots of separate, small amounts that wouldn't be worth stealing!
Really? Wow...you are amazing, Shurei, You sure know how to deal with money issues.
It's true, when it comes to money, I don't think anyone is as clever as Lady Shurei.
Hey, stop it, you two!
By the way, when will Shurei and the others in the group receive notice of their placements, Lord Koyu?
From what I’ve heard, I believe you should be receiving some sort of written notice about that soon.
Oh, yes, of course I see.
So this year's National Examination was rather controversial.
For starters, how about your younger brother skipping the Initiation Ceremony.
I have to admit that one is beyond even the limits of my comprehension.
True I did expect him to run away, but I didn't expect it would happen so quickly.
A case of like older brother, like younger brother.
Good lord! Neither one of you can take anything seriously.
Um...I have to say that he's quite an amazing person in many ways, both inside and out.
That's one way of saying it! To put it bluntly, if he passed the exam in first place, I would've lost all hope for fairness and justice in this world.
While everybody else was studying desperately, he was always sleeping!
On the odd occasions when he was awake, he was tooting away on that flute of his!
And to top it all off, after stuffing his face full of a meal I made, he says,
If you end up missing out on finding a husband and raising a family, I would be happy to hire you as my personal chef.
And he said it with that strict face, I seriously wanted to kick his brains out!
I only restrained myself because he's General Ran's younger brother.
It's very generous of you to restrain yourself.
Sorry. I didn't mean to talk like that!
Don't worry about it Shurei, after all you were only telling the truth.
So, I bet you two are looking forward to your new jobs tomorrow.
Yes.
Let's both do our best, Eigetsu.
Yup, you bet.
I'm looking forward to finding out where we'll be assigned.
Me too, I wonder where the two of us land up.
Although to be completely honest I really hope I'm not assigned anywhere near the central palace.
What should I do? Secretary Kou will find out for sure.
Then again he probably already knows.
Shurei, hang in there, okay?
Whatever happens, I'll be right there by your side.
Thanks for reminding me, Eigetsu.
Secretary Kou!
Um...Senior Secretary, about last summer...!
What are you talking about?
You don't remember? I was using the name Shu Hong...!
You must be mistaken, the Shu Hong I know is a fairly capable young man.
You would do well to learn from his example.
Yes!
By the way, are you sure it's all right for you two to be casually idling out here at this time of day?
There you are, what are you two doing over here?!
You're gonna be late!
L-Late?!
You gotta be kidding me, the meeting time stated in the letter was wrong?!
Give me a break!
We can't afford to be late on the first day!
I can only imagine it's a prank pulled by someone jealous of you!
We sure seem to be hated a lot!
It'll be faster if we cut through here!
Geeze I had high hopes for my future, and then all of these happens.
That's why I'm here!
For the time being, most of my duties as king have been handed over to a more than capable man!
Starting today, we...I mean I will be your personal guard.
Somehow...!
We're able to make it in time.
Hey, you two.
Although it's a little late to say so, congratulations on passing the exams.
They've wilted.
I put them in my pocket right after I picked them, so...forget it.
Adonis amurensis, congratulatory flowers, thank you.
Well, we should be going.

The Story of Saiunkoku

So they actually came.
Guess they don't know what's good for them.
A woman taking the Exams.
I bet they were worried they'd lose face if no woman passed, so they cut her some slack and passed her.
I was really thrilled to have passed, but when I heard that a woman did it as well, it wasn't so special any more .
And taking the Jogen title at thirteen?
What trick did he use to manage that?
We've got a woman and a kid, this year is a total joke.
Senior Secretary Sai and Official Ro of the Department of Protocol have arrived!
I must congratulate you all on passing the National Examinations.
This year, as per His Majesty, the top twenty examinees will be temporarily assigned to the Royal Court.
Although it’s only for a short time, I trust you will all make the most of the opportunity and learn as much as you can.
In two months, we will review your performance, and your formal placements will be decided based on your abilities.
Until that time, Official Ro of the Department of Protocol will be your instructor.
I'm sure he'll provide you with all the guidance you need.
Just a reminder, they have yet to be appointed an official title and rank, try not to be too harsh on them.
Yes of course, I understand.
You have managed to place in the top twenty, and are the first new officials of the present king's reign.
As such, you are in a good position to be considered for important governmental roles in the future.
Over the next two months, you will be assigned various practical jobs in and around the palace.
After one and a half months while you are still working on your assignments, you are to put your thoughts together and submit a formal report.
You do not have to submit this report to me personally.
The content and format is entirely up to you.
Initiate Hong, Initiate To, what is the meaning of this, your uniforms are absolutely filthy.
Sir, this is...!
Do not talk back initiate, your appearance is a disgrace.
Will you under the impression this place is some chicken coop?
We're very sorry, Official Ro.
It seems you're lacking self-awareness, very well.
I'll see to it that you're assigned to appropriate work.
Now I will issue your designated assignment areas.
For further details of your duties, please enquire within the departments where you're assigned.
Bring it on!
If they think this is gonna discourage me, they're in for a shock!
I have cleaned lots of toilets in my old jobs!
But it really stinks, all the same.
I guess stuff that comes out of great officials is no different from the rest of us.
Well, at least with this, the toilets now look a little nicer.
Oh, it really stinks!
It smells like there's a pig in here.
This may be only a toilet, but it's still horrible having one of those roam around the holy Royal Court.
Speaking of which, have you heard about that report?
Yes, it seems like quite a large amount ...
I'm not going to let this get me down.
I feel terrible having a honor Jogen such as yourself do stuff like polish my shoes.
Don't worry, this is part of my job, after all.
But I guess with the meager lifestyle of someone from way out in Koku Province, you'd be used to this sort of work.
Of course, you're absolutely right.
Although I must admit I've never polished such fine shoes before.
All right, I'm done!
Some clumsy may! I lost my balance for a second.
Oww.
We don't have a lot of time to waste, so I'll need you to take care of both of us at the same time.
Oh, yes! With pleasure sir!
By the way, Official Wa, what about that rumor going around.
Yeah, I heard it was a ridiculous amount of money.
Oh, sorry about that.
That's all right, sir.
I'll leave organizing these documents up to you.
Shu is still cleaning the palace toilets? Poor thing.
It's been half a month already.
And despite being a top-ranking Jogen, Initiate To is still out there polishing shoes.
Their instructor is Official Ro, it can't be helped.
Those capable of clawing their way to the top will do so.
Don't concern yourself over it.
That aside, Yuri, take these documents.
Toilet cleaning and shoe polishing duties are in the morning.
I believe they spend the afternoon organizing documents in the Archives.
Add these to their pile of work before either Shurei and Recruit To arrive.
How could you? I am disappointed in you, Senior Secretary!
People are already making things more difficult for them by giving them additional work out of spite!
So what of it?
In the mean time, why don't you come up with your objection while you read over these documents.
Then these are...!
Go! I've heard enough of your complaints.
Yes sir.
They say part of learning is "three years on a rock".
I just have to keep believing that one day all of this is gonna pay off.
All right, at last I'm finished here.
Oh hello, you're Hakumei Heki, aren't you?
What's wrong, do you have a stomach ache?
It's not that, aren't you even annoyed by all this?!
I mean come on, you've been doing nothing but cleaning these toilets for half a month now!
Well...!
guess it's true, maybe women really are better suited for this kind of work.
You're a woman, so why did you take the National Exams?!
Well, I...!
It's because of you taking the exam, that I only ranked fourth!
Me, the one hailed by everyone as a child prodigy!
It's a total embarrassment to have placed below someone who is now in charge of cleaning toilets!
Pardon me, I have to work in the Archives next, I should probably get going.
It must be boring cleaning the toilets.
That's why I agree to specially allow you to assist with my work.
You ought to be grateful for my generous temper.
Make sure have things done by tomorrow morning.
Yes sir, I will be sure to have it done.
You're a woman, so why did you take the National Exams?!
Oh well, I guess I should try and get some of this done before Eigetsu gets here.
Hello, Shurei.
Lord Koyu.
I was looking for Lord Shoka, but it seems he's not here at the moment.
Have you finished cleaning the toilets already?
Yes.
Is this part of your work?
No, it's not.
Yes it is! Eigetsu and I agreed to take on this work!
I see.
Fight your way up.
From here on in, you're on your own Shurei.
Don't expect any more help from Shuei or myself.
But even so, you gotta claw your way up, until you reach your goal.
Passing as Tanka at your age, had nothing to do with my assistance, or Lord Shoka's.
It happened because you had a strong desire within your heart.
Otherwise, you never could've become Tanka at the age of seventeen.
There is a place you want to get to, isn't there?!
Yes, there is!
From now on, it's that dream of yours that’s gonna support you and keep you going.
Keep fighting your way up to the top as if your life depended on it.
We'll be waiting.
Thank you, Lord Koyu, thank you for reminding me.
Lord Koyu!
What is it?
It's almost time for lunch, so I'm on my way out.
Well...you see the exit isn't over there.
This mountain of books is so disorienting!
Why are they insisting on having so many books in here?!
Just because it's the Archives?!
From now on, it's that dream of yours that’s gonna support you and keep you going.
Keep fighting your way up to the top as if your life depended on it.
The one thing that will always support me is that dream of mine.

Next Episode
Whether it's toilet cleaning or shoe polishing, I'll do whatever I have to!
There's no way I'm gonna give into harassment like this!
Huh? Lord Koyu, are you all right?
you look a little under the weather.