The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 1

The Story of Saiunkoku offers a pleasant tale of romance and government intrigue set in a mythical ancient China. Ryuki Shi, youngest of eight royal brothers, has inherited the throne with every sign of becoming an indolent ruler. Hoping to guide the new emperor, Ryuki's advisors pay Shurei Hong to become his consort and tutor. Shurei, who is both intellectually curious and shrewd, would like nothing better than to take the civil service exams (forbidden to her gender), and this backdoor entry into government not only seems promising, but the money far eclipses her father's tiny salary. Besides, isn't the emperor rumored to prefer men? Featuring likeable characters (with primarily shojo—i.e., girl-oriented—pretty boy designs), a preference for verbal interplay over martial action, and a lovely color palette, this initial dual-language disc collecting the first five episodes, rated 13-up, is recommended. [Note: The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 2 is also available.] Aud: P. (L. Martincik)