The Story of Saiunkoku Episode 1: Every Good Deal Has A Catch

The episode opens with Sho Taishi recounting the mythical history of Saiunkoku and its Eight Sages, establishing a world steeped in ancient power. We then meet Komei Shurei, a young woman teaching children about this very history in a humble temple school. When a child asks about the legendary palace, Shurei laments that girls like her are barred from such places, revealing the societal constraints she faces. A bold boy, Ryushin, promises to marry her and take her there, but her guardian, Si Seiran, calls her away to her next odd job.

In a hushed, dimly lit room, Sho Taishi meets with other high-ranking officials to discuss the kingdom's dire state. The new Emperor, Ryuki, has been on the throne for six months, yet he refuses to govern or even show his face to his court. Taishi reveals his audacious plan: he intends to use the daughter of the noble but impoverished Ko family as a 'teacher' to reform the indolent King. The weight of the kingdom rests on this unusual gamble.

Later, Shurei earns money by performing a soulful erhu melody at a bustling tavern, her skill evident as patrons pause to listen. As she walks home with Seiran, her composure shatters, and she screams her frustration with their constant, grinding poverty. The loss of a high-paying gig means more barley and less rice, and her raw anger at their financial predicament is palpable. Seiran, her loyal protector, silently vows to repay the Ko family's kindness, his sword a quiet promise at his hip.

Upon arriving at their dilapidated estate, Shurei and Seiran note a newly collapsed wall, another symbol of their declining fortunes. Inside, Shurei discovers her easygoing father, Komei Shoka, has an important guest: the imposing Sho Taishi. Shurei's frantic attempt to serve tea is comically undermined when Taishi points out it is merely hot water, as they have no tea leaves. She quickly salvages the situation by offering her homemade manju, which Taishi praises as a masterpiece, easing the room's tension.

Sho Taishi finally makes his startling proposal: 500 pieces of gold if Shurei will take on a special job for the court. Shurei's eyes, literally depicted as gold coins, reflect her sheer astonishment and the immediate vision of a life free from poverty. Blinded by the staggering sum, she impulsively accepts before Taishi can even finish explaining the terms. Her journey then takes her to the colossal gates of the Imperial Palace, where the full, horrifying truth is revealed in flashback: she is to enter the Inner Palace as the Emperor's consort, tasked with reforming his lazy ways.

Dressed in elaborate consort robes, Shurei is formally introduced to the palace's high-ranking officials, feeling profoundly out of place amidst their silent scrutiny. Alone in her luxurious suite, she studies the history of Emperor Ryuki, learning of his unexpected rise to power and his rumored disinterest in women. A nervous maid, Korin, spills tea, but Shurei's kindness surprises Korin and the more experienced Shusui. Examining the expensive items in her room, Shurei continues to calculate their monetary value, reaffirming her resolve to earn the 500 gold by reforming the 'lazy King.'

Elsewhere in the palace, General Ran Shuuei and civil servant Ri Kouyuu openly discuss their boredom with the Emperor's lack of leadership. Kouyuu, particularly grumpy about his reassignment, expresses skepticism about the 'consort teacher' plan. Shurei then stumbles upon them in the imperial library while searching for study materials. She surprises them with her forthright attitude and humility, even offering them her homemade manju. Shuuei seems amused, while Kouyuu remains cold and dismissive.

After days of being ignored by the Emperor, Shurei wanders the palace gardens, seeking solace among the cherry blossoms. Frustrated by her stalled mission, she reaches for a high branch, only for a tall, handsome man in purple robes to quietly appear and pull it down for her. They share tea in the garden, and when Shurei asks his name, he hesitates before claiming to be 'Ran Shuuei.' Unaware of his true identity, she enthusiastically vents about her mission to 'save' the lazy Emperor. As she walks away with her blossoms, boldly declaring her intent to whip the King into shape, Ryuki, the mysterious man, watches her go with a faint, curious smile. The elders, observing from afar, are satisfied that their engineered encounter was a success.