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The Story of Saiunkoku — Season 1
#Episode nameAir dateRuntimeRating
0125mEvery Good Story Has a Hidden SideCompromised by a powerful figure within the palace, Shuurei accepted a position as the Emperor’s consort and his unofficial tutor. This was to fulfill a promise: to guide the prince toward his destined role, to awaken his interest in the affairs of the nation and the weight of the throne.Apr 8, 2006Apr 8, 200625m0225mA Frog in a Well Does Not Know the Great OceanShuurei guided Ryuuki through the Imperial City, offering lessons in the rhythms of everyday existence during their walk.Apr 15, 2006Apr 15, 200625m0325mThe Talented Hawk Hides its TalonsTo save Shuurei from an assassin's blade, Ryuuki drank the poisoned draught meant for her.Apr 22, 2006Apr 22, 200625m0425mCasting Pearls Before SwineThe clash of steel echoed in Ryuuki's ears, the tournament's final bout now a fading memory. Yet, amidst the lingering adrenaline and sweat, a disquieting certainty began to form. His long-lost brother, Seien, felt not like a phantom of the past, but a presence drawing nearer with each passing moment.Apr 29, 2006Apr 29, 200625m0525mThere is no Genius Without Hard WorkShuurei encounters Ryuuren Ran, the unconventional brother of the Shaorin Army's General.May 6, 2006May 6, 200625m0625mLacking the Finishing TouchShuurei is taken captive by individuals whose motives remain uncertain, though they may harbor designs contrary to the Emperor's well-being.May 13, 2006May 13, 200625m0725mEven the Strongest Swimmer May DrownThe conspiracy against Ryuuki and Shuurei reached its culmination with the downfall of the plotters. Having fulfilled her purpose, Shuurei departed the palace.May 20, 2006May 20, 200625m0825mWanting to Borrow a Cat's PawsShuurei resumed her duties at the temple school. Meanwhile, Ryuuki began drafting a proposal to permit women to participate in the official examinations. Ensei Rou, a friend of Seiran’s, arrived from Brown Province.May 27, 2006May 27, 200625m0925mThe Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single StepTo aid the Imperial bureaucracy during a relentless heatwave, Shuurei adopted the guise of a young man.Jun 3, 2006Jun 3, 200625m1025mGood Things Come to Those Who WaitThe motive behind the bandit attacks on Ensei Rou becomes clear: during his temporary governorship of Brown province, Ensei had offended the local nobility by refusing their corruption and bribes. Consequently, having failed to attain the required official examination for higher office, Ensei returns his gubernatorial seal to Ryuuki. In response, Ryuuki enacts a law permitting women to participate in the official examinations.Jun 10, 2006Jun 10, 200625m1125mThere is no Cure for LovesicknessAfter returning from a spirited chase after a persistent student, Shuurei succumbed to a nasty cold, and Seiran, along with the others in the household, tended to her with care. Reishin Kou continued his long-held deception, shielding Shuurei from the truth of his relationship to her; he remained her uncle, a secret carefully guarded. He feared that knowledge of this connection would breed resentment in Shuurei, seeing him as the man who had stepped into the void left by her father as head of thJun 17, 2006Jun 17, 200625m1225mDiscretion is the Better Part of ValourWhen Eigetsu, a thirteen-year-old aspiring scholar, visits the imperial city for the crucial examination, he falls prey to bandits. Intervention comes in the form of Shuurei, who steps in to defend him. Simultaneously, a local gang makes a bold move, openly defying the city's powerful criminal figures and drawing the attention of Kochou, the madam of a renowned brothel and Shuurei’s established employer.Jun 24, 2006Jun 24, 200625m1325mFrom a Gourd Comes a HorseRyuuki secured the allegiance of the region's criminal element by resolving a dispute with a gang that had been terrorizing those preparing for the imperial examinations. Meanwhile, Shuurei took the examination herself and achieved the third-highest score of all the candidates.Jul 1, 2006Jul 1, 200625m1425mOn a Rock for Three YearsHaving made a most unfavorable initial impression, Shuurei and Eigetsu were assigned, for their first two months of service, to tasks of a decidedly menial nature: the cleaning of latrines and the polishing of shoes.Jul 8, 2006Jul 8, 200625m1525mChildren Do Not Know Their Parents' HeartsKouyuu Ri often reflects on the path his life has taken, and the complex connection he shares with Reishin Kou, the man who took him in with what seemed like a sudden, almost impulsive decision.Jul 15, 2006Jul 15, 200625m1625mThere are no Devils in the WorldWhispers circulated that Reishin Kou had orchestrated the imperial examination, ensuring Shuurei’s success. With Reishin now imprisoned, Shuurei, Seiran, and Eigetsu find themselves ensnared in a web of deceit, betrayed by a confidant who aided the conspiracy.Jul 22, 2006Jul 22, 200625m1725mLet Sleeping Dogs Lie or Poking a Bush Draws Out SnakesFollowing the arrests of Shuurei and Reishin, the Kou clan initiated a strike that brought half of the imperial government to a standstill. Shuurei and Eigetsu hurried to complete their report before the official inquiry commenced at noon.Aug 26, 2006Aug 26, 200625m1825mYou Can't Hide by Burying Your Head in the SandThe conspiracy against Shuurei dissolved as she acquitted herself with distinction during a verbal examination before the Emperor and the assembled court. Shuurei and Eigetsu’s account provided compelling evidence of the Sa clan official’s treacherous plot against them.Sep 2, 2006Sep 2, 200625m1925mIf You Love Your Child, Send Her on a JourneyRyuuki designated Shuurei and Eigetsu as joint governors of Sa Province.Sep 9, 2006Sep 9, 200625m2025mFlowers Blooming from Dead WoodThirteen years had passed since Seiran's departure, yet the memories of those events remained vivid. He often revisited them, along with the story of the family who offered him refuge.Sep 16, 2006Sep 16, 200625m2125mThe Wise Know When to Approach DangerBefore Shuurei departs for Sa province, she, along with Eigetsu and Ryuuren Ran, overhear whispers of a ghost haunting the imperial palace.Sep 23, 2006Sep 23, 200625m2225mWhere There is Life, There is HopeShuurei, Eigetsu, Kourin, Ensei, and Seiran set off for Sa Province, unaware of the assassins who shadowed their every move, dispatched by the Sa Clan. During a stay at an inn, Eigetsu, Kourin, Ensei, and Seiran were ambushed, while Shuurei managed to remain concealed.Sep 30, 2006Sep 30, 200625m2325mIt's the Company that Makes Travel UnpleasantThe others were detained by the border guard in Sairi, but Shuurei pressed onward to Kinka alone. There, she sought aid from the Merchants Guild, finding work as a servant to a man she'd encountered in the city's streets: Lin Senya.Oct 7, 2006Oct 7, 200625m2425mWater on a Sleeping EarKokujun secured the release of Ensei and Seiran, a fortunate turn of events coinciding with Shuurei and Senya’s imminent departure after a prolonged wait – particularly for Shuurei. Eigetsu and Kourin were likewise freed by Kokujun, who offered to escort them to Kinka.Oct 14, 2006Oct 14, 200625m2525mAn Accidental ResemblanceShuurei considered the news Senya had shared: the Kou princess was betrothed to the second son of the Sa Clan. A curious likeness struck her between Senya and Ryuuki. Meanwhile, Ensei and Seiran followed the trail of Kanrou tea left by Shuurei, while Eigetsu and Kourin made their way towards Kinka.Oct 21, 2006Oct 21, 200625m2625mRavens in the Moonless NightLin Senya’s true nature is unveiled, and Shuurei finds herself ensnared within the walls of Chrysanthemum Castle. Seiran and Ensei hasten to the castle to rescue Shuurei and apprehend Sakujun. He flees with Shuurei's flowerbud hairpin, urging her to seek refuge in Koren.Oct 28, 2006Oct 28, 200625m2725mThe Prettier the Flower, the Higher the BranchHaving recovered from her exhaustion, Shuurei now finds it difficult to recognize her own feelings. Consequently, she inadvertently causes distress to Seiran.Nov 18, 2006Nov 18, 200625m2825mWorry Gives Small Things Large ShadowsShuurei and Eigetsu are finally beginning to understand that their roles will not be easily attained. Shuurei grants Seiran time to recover, striving to compensate for her recent lapses in judgment under Ensei’s tutelage. Kokujun requests permission to safeguard Shunki before he departs for Koren to face his brother.Nov 25, 2006Nov 25, 200625m2925mMany Years' Worth of Thoughts in a Single DayNews of the blockade in Koren spurred Shuurei, Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shou Sai to journey there. Shortly after their departure, Emperor Shuuei and Kouyuu reached the vicinity of Kinka. Emperor Ryuuki and his companions arrived to aid Seiran and Ensei in navigating the Koren blockade. Meanwhile, Shuurei braced herself for a confrontation with Sakujun.Dec 9, 2006Dec 9, 200625m3025mWomen are BraveShuurei, Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shou Sai slipped into Koren and proceeded to Shou Sai’s sister's residence. Two letters awaited them there. Elsewhere, Kokujun confronted his grandfather, Chuushou, while Shunki began her journey toward Koren.Dec 16, 2006Dec 16, 200625m3125mA Diamond in the RoughShuurei departed the group’s concealed dwelling to meet Sakujun, becoming a guest at the Sa manor. Meanwhile, Shourin escorted Shunki to Koren, where they found Eigetsu, Seiran, Ensei, and Shou assembled.Dec 23, 2006Dec 23, 200625m3225mA Woman's Word is Her BondShuurei navigated the Sa stronghold, seeking out Kokujun and Eiki with the assistance of Shourin. Meanwhile, Sakujun remained a disconcerting presence, lingering near Shuurei. She finally found Chuushou and, with resolute conviction, firmly stated her refusal to align herself with the Sa clan.Jan 6, 2007Jan 6, 200725m3325mNo Use Crying Over Spilt MilkThe night of the Sa clan’s leadership selection arrived, cloaked in shadow. Ensei, Eigetsu, Seiran, and Shunki slipped into the Sa stronghold, dispersing to disrupt Chuushou’s designs. In the heart of the darkness, Shunki revealed a secret she had long kept hidden.Jan 13, 2007Jan 13, 200725m3425mPoison Gets the Better of PoisonShuurei and Shunki journey beneath the earth to locate Kokujun, who has declared himself the heir to the Sa clan leadership. He appears as the ceremony unfolds, claiming his rightful position. Eigetsu and Ensei finalize their arrangements, successfully capturing all of the Sa clan's leading figures. Simultaneously, Seiran confronts Sakujun, and the two engage in a perilous game where their lives hang in the balance.Jan 20, 2007Jan 20, 200725m3525mMeeting is the Beginning of PartingSeiran’s deadly game with Sakujun unravels in unforeseen ways, as other forces conspire beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Shuurei seeks out Sakujun for a final encounter, determined to reclaim her hairpin.Jan 27, 2007Jan 27, 200725m3625mAll is Right in the WorldShuurei and Eigetsu finally encounter the other assistant governor, Tei Yuushun. The recent turmoil begins to subside, resolving towards a conclusion, and Sa Enjun’s lofty ambitions are revealed. At last, Shuurei and Eigetsu arrive at the appointment ceremony, becoming the new co-governors of Sa Province.Feb 3, 2007Feb 3, 200725m3725mTears Fall Like Rain From HeavenHaunted by the loss of Sakujun, Shuurei has been working relentlessly, seeking distraction in ceaseless labor. She masks the ache of grief, yet finds little solace, until the arrival of a long-time confidante.Feb 10, 2007Feb 10, 200725m3825mThere is no Today After TodayShuurei and Seiran journeyed back to Kou province for the palace festivities, accompanied by their newly gained allies: Yuushun Tei, In Sai, and Kokujun, the new leader of the Sa clan. Within the Imperial Palace, government officials assembled, anticipating the grand entrance of Shuurei and Yuushun. Shuurei was greeted as the governor who had rescued Brown Province from ruin. She found Ryuuki once more and presented her vision for the province's future. She requested that he examine her proposaFeb 17, 2007Feb 17, 200725m3925mFate is an Inscrutable and Interesting ThingCelebration fills the air for Shuurei and her company in the city, yet amidst the joy, Shuurei and Ryuuki navigate the complex tide of emotions stirred by this reunion, aware of the potential for a painful parting.Feb 24, 2007Feb 24, 200725m
