The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 1 by Kairi Yura

His basic goal is to help people, but he understands that just wanting to do something isn't always enough - you have to have enough funds to make things happen. He grew up poor, so he knows how much money can help those who have nothing. He flat-out says he wants to be rich and powerful. I appreciated how honest Eigetsu was about his reasons for becoming a civil servant. Ryuki may be the emperor, but Reishin demonstrates quite well the necessity of keeping the Hong clan happy after Shurei is falsely accused. The most important things to understand were that 1) the Hong clan is very powerful, 2) Reishin is head of the Hong clan, and 3) Reishin loves his niece very much. I read this a bit too long after reading volume 6 – it took me some time to remember the characters and political situation. A side story at the end shows how Seiran was found and named by Shurei's parents, who both knew quite well who he was. Yogetsu (drunk Eigetsu's alter-ego) saves her.

If Shurei can't make it to her trial, she'll be found guilty. Her sponsor, Reishin (her uncle), is arrested (although mostly he puts himself under house arrest), and Shurei is held captive at Kocho's pleasure house. 7) art by Kairi Yura, story by Sai Yukino, translated by Su Mon Han – A government official starts rumors that Shurei didn't pass the exam on her own merit. Once again: my synopses include some spoilers. He could easily have let his own emotions override Shurei's desires and opted to hobble her career in order to keep her close. I'm at least glad that he's a good enough person to let Shurei go. If he could just get over her, I think I'd feel better about the whole thing, but, as it is, I'm a little worried that he'll either continue to pine for her and never marry (meaning “no heir”), or that he'll marry someone else but never fully love that person (how incredibly depressing). I think part of the problem is the “mostly” bit – Shurei is ready to be a government official and has never really had thoughts of romance, while Ryuki still wishes she could be his consort. Also, while a heroine that isn't really interested in romance is a nice change, I can't help but be somewhat disappointed that the story has mostly left the romance aspects behind. I have to be in the mood for the series' slower pace and general wordiness. This is one of those series that everyone else seems to adore and that I only like.

The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 1 by Kairi Yura