The Tale of Saiunkoku, set in the ancient fictional empire of Saiunkoku, follows the story of Kou Shuurei, a descendant of a noble family that has fallen on hard times. Her lifelong dream was to take the imperial examinations and enter officialdom and serve the country, a path which was forbidden to women.... more>>

Her father, who served as the Custodian of the Imperial Archives, held a post which offered prestige and respect, but little compensation. Shuurei toiled everyday, teaching in the temple school and working odd jobs to make ends meet.

Her plans, however, came to an abrupt halt when the emperor’s Grand Advisor made a startling offer, which was for her to join the inner palace for six months as the young emperor’s consort and educate him to be a responsible ruler. If she succeeded, there would be a hefty financial reward. The path to Shuurei’s dreams, once closed forever, seemed to shine with a new light as Shuurei’s journey begins as a consort in the inner palace.

The story follows Shuurei’s journey through the intrigues of court politics into becoming the first ever successful female official in the history of Saiunkoku. <<less

The second side story volume of Saiunkoku Monogatari. Includes three side stories and a bonus story. The stories primarily cover the origins and development of Shuurei and Eigetsu’s friendship with Ran Ryuuren.... more>>

Story 1: Arrival At the Capital! The Ryuuren Typhoon

The imperial examinations are fast approaching and the renowned Ran Ryuuren arrived at the capital. But his brother, Ran Shuuei, was not very happy about this. Ryuuren, however, was happily bothering his “dearest friends,” Shuurei and Eigetsu.

Story 2: The Great Pursuit For a Successful First Love!

The Autumn Festival was approaching. It was an event where lovers expressed their feelings to each other. However, would Shuurei and Eigetsu’s first Autumn Festival in Sa Province go smoothly?

Story 3: For my Dearest Friends of Heart~ Ryuuren’s Provincial Capital Tour Guide ~

In pursuit of his “dearest friends,” Ran Ryuuren arrives at the provincial capital. His special sight seeing tour across the Sa Province completely turned Shuurei and the others upside down. <<less

The first side story volume of the series Saiunkoku Monogatari. Consists of three side stories and a bonus short story. Timeline is set between volume... more>> 1 and 2, a little before volume 3. <<less

The reign of Emperor Shi Ryuuki of Saiunkoku, which was praised as the era of “Supreme reign,” witnessed the birth of many legendary prime ministers and high-ranking officials who served by the side of the emperor. However, behind this glorious chapter of history lie many untold stories of past and future, encounters and farewells, life and death …... more>>

What was the “missing wing” that the emperor's Prime Minister, Tei Yuushun, had been seeking until the end? What lies at the end of the path for Ou Ki, who fought for the throne and ultimately lost, yet continued to walk forward?

“I ask for my bones”—those were his final words when he parted ways with his liege.

A collection of side stories that marks the true ending of the “Tale of Saiunkoku.” <<less

The fourth side story volume of the series Saiunkoku Monogatari. Consists of three side stories and a bonus short story. The stories follow the past... more>> of Shi Seiran, Rou Ensei and Kou Shouka from the main series. <<less