The Story of Saiunkoku

Season 22006

Saiunkoku is a world of eight provinces or houses, each named after a different colour. The new Emperor, Shi Ryuuki, has gained for a reputation for being uninterested in courtly matters and for flaunting his love for men. Shuurei, although born of the important Kou family, has difficulty making ends meet. She easily accepts an invitation to be the Emperor's concubine in order to turn him into a good ruler. The mysterious Seiran, a young man who was adopted by her father, goes with her as Ryuuki's bodyguard. Entering the imperial palace revives Shuurei's dream of being a court official, and, together with the many companions she meets along the way, continues moving bravely forward while trying to fend off the Emperor's advances.

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39 Episodes

E01 Every Good Story Has a Hidden Side

After being bribed by a high authority from the palace, Shuurei enters the Imperial Palace as the Emperor's consort and unofficial tutor, in keeping her promise to encourage the prince to rise to the responsiblities of the Emperor and to begin taking interest in the country and the throne.

April 8, 2006

E02 A Frog in a Well Does Not Know the Great Ocean

Shuurei teaches Ryuuki about daily life by taking him on an excursion through the Imperial City.

April 15, 2006

E03 The Talented Hawk Hides its Talons

Ryuuki averts an attempt to assassinate Shuurei by drinking the poison intended for her.

April 22, 2006

E04 Casting Pearls Before Swine

After participating in a swordfighting tournament, Ryuuki discovers his exiled brother Seien is closer at hand than he previously believed.

April 29, 2006

E05 There is no Genius Without Hard Work

Shuurei meets Ryuuren Ran, the eccentric brother of the General of the Shaorin Army.

May 6, 2006

E06 Lacking the Finishing Touch

Shuurei is kidnapped by forces who may or may not be working against the Emperor's interests.

May 13, 2006

E07 Even the Strongest Swimmer May Drown

The plot against Ryuuki and Shuurei comes to a head as the conspirators are defeated. With her task complete, Shuurei leaves the palace.

May 20, 2006

E08 Wanting to Borrow a Cat's Paws

Shuurei returns to her work at the temple school. Ryuuki begins writing a proposal that would allow women to take the official examinations. Ensei Rou, one of Seiran's friends, arrives from Brown Province.

May 27, 2006

E09 The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step

Shuurei disguises herself as a boy to assist the Imperial bureaucracy during a heat wave.

June 3, 2006

E10 Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

The reason bandits have been attacking Ensei Rou is revealed; while acting as temporary governor of Brown province, Ensei angered the local nobility by rejecting corruption and bribes. As he has not passed the official examination required to be a high official, Ensei returns his seal of governorship to Ryuuki. Ryuuki passes a law allowing women to take the official examinations.

June 10, 2006

E11 There is no Cure for Lovesickness

Seiran and the rest of the household watch over Shuurei after she catches a bad cold while chasing a troublesome student. Reishin Kou continues to conceal from Shuurei that he is her uncle. Reishin fears that if Shuurei knew his identity, she would hate him as the man who took her father's place as head of the Kou clan.

June 17, 2006

E12 Discretion is the Better Part of Valour

Shuurei comes to the aid of thirteen-year-old Eigetsu, who is attacked by bandits while visiting the imperial city to take the official examination. A local gang challenges the city's crimelords and Kochou, the madam of a brothel and Shuurei's longtime employer.

June 24, 2006

E13 From a Gourd Comes a Horse

Ryuuki earns the fealty of the local crimelords by resolving trouble with a gang who had been harassing examinees. Shuurei takes the imperial examination and passes with the third highest score.

July 1, 2006

E14 On a Rock for Three Years

After making a bad first impression Shuurei and Eigetsu are ordered to spend their first two months as imperial officials cleaning the lavatory and shining shoes.

July 8, 2006

E15 Children Do Not Know Their Parents' Hearts

Kouyuu Ri ponders his course in life and his relationship with his foster father Reishin Kou, who took him in on an apparent whim.

July 15, 2006

E16 There are no Devils in the World

A rumor spreads that Reishin Kou manipulated the imperial examination to allow Shuurei to pass. As Reishin is imprisoned, Shuurei, Seiran and Eigetsu face betrayal by a friend helping the conspiracy.

July 22, 2006

E17 Let Sleeping Dogs Lie or Poking a Bush Draws Out Snakes

In retaliation for the arrest of Shuurei and Reishin, the Kou clan goes on strike, causing half of the imperial government to shut down. Shuurei and Eigetsu rush to finish their report before the official inquiry begins at noon.

August 26, 2006

E18 You Can't Hide by Burying Your Head in the Sand

The plot against Shuurei is defeated after she passes a verbal examination before the Emperor and assembled officials with flying colours. Shuurei and Eigetsu's report furnishes evidence against the corrupt Sa clan official who plotted against them.

September 2, 2006

E19 If You Love Your Child, Send Her on a Journey

Ryuuki appoints Shuurei and Eigetsu as co-governors of Sa Province.

September 9, 2006

E20 Flowers Blooming from Dead Wood

Seiran recalls the events that led to his exile 13 years ago and the family that took him in.

September 16, 2006

E21 The Wise Know When to Approach Danger

As Shuurei prepares to leave for Sa province, she, Eigetsu and Ryuuren Ran hear rumours of a ghost inhabiting the imperial palace.

September 23, 2006

E22 Where There is Life, There is Hope

Shuurei, Eigetsu, Kourin, Ensei and Seiran leave for their journey to Sa Province, all the while assassins are following them, hired by the Sa Clan. Eigetsu, Kourin, Ensei and Seiran are caught during their stay in a hotel, while Shuurei is safely hidden.

September 30, 2006

E23 It's the Company that Makes Travel Unpleasant

While the rest are caught at the borderguard in Sairi, Shuurei has to make her way on her own to Kinka. She seeks help from the Merchants Guild, becoming a servant to a man whom she met on the streets: Lin Senya.

October 7, 2006

E24 Water on a Sleeping Ear

Ensei and Seiran were set free from their prison thanks to Kokujun, as Shuurei and Senya were finally departing after days of waiting, on Shuurei's part. Eigetsu and Kourin were also freed by Kokujun, who volunteered to bring them to Kinka.

October 14, 2006

E25 An Accidental Resemblance

Shuurei muses over the new information she learned from Senya that the Kou princess is to marry the second son of the Sa Clan. She also sees a strange resemblance between Senya and Ryuuki. Ensei and Seiran follows Shuurei's trail of Kanrou Cha, and Eigetsu and Kourin are en route to Kinka.

October 21, 2006

E26 Ravens in the Moonless Night

The real identity of Lin Senya is revealed, and Shuurei is caught in his clutches in Chrysanthemum Castle. Seiran and Ensei heads over there to rescue Shuurei and to catch Sakujun. He escapes with Shuurei's flowerbud hairpin, telling her to go to Koren.

October 28, 2006

E27 The Prettier the Flower, the Higher the Branch

After recooperating from her fatigue Shuurei struggles to discern her emotions. As a result she finds herself upsetting Seiran.

November 18, 2006

E28 Worry Gives Small Things Large Shadows

Shuurei and Eigetsu finally begin to learn that their positions will not come easy. Shuurei allows time for Seiran in order to make up for her recent shortcomings under the guidance of Ensei. Kokujun asks to protect Shunki before he sets off for Koren to confront his brother.

November 25, 2006

E29 Many Years' Worth of Thoughts in a Single Day

Shuurei, Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shou Sai head for Koren after hearing of the blockade occurring in Koren. Shortly after their departure the Emperor, Shuuei, and Kouyuu make it near Kinka. Emperor Ryuuki and his comrades come to the assistance of Seiran and Ensei in order for them to pass the blockade in Koren. Shuurei prepares herself for Sakujun's confrontation.

December 9, 2006

E30 Women are Brave

Shuurei, Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shou Sai break into Koren and head to Shou Sai's sister's home. They find two letters waiting for them there. Meanwhile, Kokujun confronts his grandfather Chuushou, while Shunki begins to make her way to Koren.

December 16, 2006

E31 A Diamond in the Rough

Shuurei leaves the group's hideout to meet with Sakujun, becoming a guest at the Sa manor. Shourin brings Shunki to Koren and meets up with Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shou.

December 23, 2006

E32 A Woman's Word is Her Bond

Shuurei searches the Sa stronghold for Kokujun and Eiki with some help from Shourin while Sakujun continues to be his creepy self around Shuurei. Shuurei meets with Chuushou and staunchly declares her unwillingness to cooperate with the Sa clan.

January 6, 2007

E33 No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk

It's the night of the selection ceremony for the new head of the Sa clan. Ensei, Eigetsu, Seiran, and Shunki sneak into the Sa stronghold and split up to help quell Chuushou's plans. Shunki reveals her secret.

January 13, 2007

E34 Poison Gets the Better of Poison

Shuurei and Shunki descend underground to find Kokujun, who claims the title as the next head of the Sa clan. He arrives as the appointment ceremony to claim his new place. Eigetsu and Ensei complete their plans and apprehend all of the top officials in the Sa clan. Meanwhile, Seiran confronts Sakujun, where they play a game of chance with their lives on the line.

January 20, 2007

E35 Meeting is the Beginning of Parting

Seiran's game of death with Sakujun doesn't go as planned, but there are other poisons at work. Shuurei goes to meet Sakujun one last time to retrieve her hairpin.

January 27, 2007

E36 All is Right in the World

Shuurei and Eigetsu finally meet the other assistant governor, Tei Yuushun. The recent drama begins to wrap up and settle to a conclusion; Sa Enjun's noble goals also come to the surface. Shuurei and Eigetsu finally make it to the appointment ceremony as Sa Province's new co-governors.

February 3, 2007

E37 Tears Fall Like Rain From Heaven

Shuurei has been working over time with no rest in order to keep her mind off the death of Sakujun. Though she tries to hide the pain of the death of someone she loved, no one seems to be able to comfort her, until an old bosom friend comes along.

February 10, 2007

E38 There is no Today After Today

Shuurei and Seiran return to Kou province for the palace celebration, and they are accompanied by their new supporters, Yuushun Tei, In Sai, and the new head of the Sa clan, Kokujun. All the government officials stand in the Imperial Palace as they wait for Shuurei's and Yuushun's grand entrance. Shuurei is acknowledged as the governor of Brown Province who saved it from collapse. She sees Ryuuki once again and presents her proposal for the future of Brown Province. She asks Ryuuki to go over her proposal on making Brown Province a center of academic research, and this will benefit Brown Province 100 years later. Everyone is amazed at Shuurei's proposal and supports it. She receives everyone's applause.

February 17, 2007

E39 Fate is an Inscrutable and Interesting Thing

Shuurei and her company in the capital celebrate, but while this is going on Ryuuki and Shuurei must deal with the many emotions coming from the reuniting and plausible separation again.

February 24, 2007

The Story of Saiunkoku

E01 Every Good Story Has a Hidden Side

E02 A Frog in a Well Does Not Know the Great Ocean

E03 The Talented Hawk Hides its Talons

E04 Casting Pearls Before Swine

E05 There is no Genius Without Hard Work

E06 Lacking the Finishing Touch

E07 Even the Strongest Swimmer May Drown

E08 Wanting to Borrow a Cat's Paws

E09 The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step

E10 Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

E11 There is no Cure for Lovesickness

E12 Discretion is the Better Part of Valour

E13 From a Gourd Comes a Horse

E14 On a Rock for Three Years

E15 Children Do Not Know Their Parents' Hearts

E16 There are no Devils in the World

E17 Let Sleeping Dogs Lie or Poking a Bush Draws Out Snakes

E18 You Can't Hide by Burying Your Head in the Sand

E19 If You Love Your Child, Send Her on a Journey

E20 Flowers Blooming from Dead Wood

E21 The Wise Know When to Approach Danger

E22 Where There is Life, There is Hope

E23 It's the Company that Makes Travel Unpleasant

E24 Water on a Sleeping Ear

E25 An Accidental Resemblance

E26 Ravens in the Moonless Night

E27 The Prettier the Flower, the Higher the Branch

E28 Worry Gives Small Things Large Shadows

E29 Many Years' Worth of Thoughts in a Single Day

E30 Women are Brave

E31 A Diamond in the Rough

E32 A Woman's Word is Her Bond

E33 No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk

E34 Poison Gets the Better of Poison

E35 Meeting is the Beginning of Parting

E36 All is Right in the World

E37 Tears Fall Like Rain From Heaven

E38 There is no Today After Today

E39 Fate is an Inscrutable and Interesting Thing

Rascal the Raccoon

Soltero con hijas

Web Junk 20

La tormenta

The Jackson 5ive

My First First Love

El Clon

The Scent of Passion

Theory of Love

A Little Bit of You

Un gancho al corazón

The Secret Life of My Secretary

Karma

Last Period: the journey to the end of the despair

The Usurper

IRENE's Work & Holiday

The Story of Harry Potter

Aunque mal paguen

KBS Drama Awards

E01 Every Good Story Has a Hidden Side

E02 A Frog in a Well Does Not Know the Great Ocean

E03 The Talented Hawk Hides its Talons

E04 Casting Pearls Before Swine

E05 There is no Genius Without Hard Work

E06 Lacking the Finishing Touch

E07 Even the Strongest Swimmer May Drown

E08 Wanting to Borrow a Cat's Paws

E09 The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step

E10 Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

E11 There is no Cure for Lovesickness

E12 Discretion is the Better Part of Valour

E13 From a Gourd Comes a Horse

E14 On a Rock for Three Years

E15 Children Do Not Know Their Parents' Hearts

E16 There are no Devils in the World

E17 Let Sleeping Dogs Lie or Poking a Bush Draws Out Snakes

E18 You Can't Hide by Burying Your Head in the Sand

E19 If You Love Your Child, Send Her on a Journey

E20 Flowers Blooming from Dead Wood

E21 The Wise Know When to Approach Danger