"Saiunkoku
is a world of eight provinces or houses, each named after a
different colors. 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." |