Saiunkoku Monogatari
By yukino sai, 雪乃 紗衣
18 volumes
2003
Description
The Tale of Saiunkoku, set in the ancient fictional empire of Saiunkoku, follows the story of Kou Shuurei, a descendant of a noble family that has fallen on hard times. Her lifelong dream was to take the imperial examinations and enter officialdom and serve the country, a path which was forbidden to women. Her father, who served as the Custodian of the Imperial Archives, held a post which offered prestige and respect, but little compensation. Shuurei toiled everyday, teaching in the temple school and working odd jobs to make ends meet. Her plans, however, came to an abrupt halt when the emperor’s Grand Advisor made a startling offer, which was for her to join the inner palace for six months as the young emperor’s consort and educate him to be a responsible ruler. If she succeeded, there would be a hefty financial reward. The path to Shuurei’s dreams, once closed forever, seemed to shine with a new light as Shuurei’s journey begins as a consort in the inner palace. The story follows Shuurei’s journey through the intrigues of court politics into becoming the first ever successful female official in the history of Saiunkoku.
Tags
Click any tag to find similar novels in the library
Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- kadokawa
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Light Novel
Saiunkoku Monogatari Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Saiunkoku Monogatari
I've been diving into "Saiunkoku Monogatari," and it's been quite a journey through the world of ancient China, politics, and personal growth. It's a series that's left a lasting impression, though not without a few mixed feelings along the way.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of Shuurei, a woman striving to become a court official in a male-dominated world. The early volumes are lighthearted, filled with comedic moments that set the stage for a much deeper, more complex narrative. I found myself quickly invested in Shuurei's ambition and her determination to challenge societal norms.
What Works Well
The character development is definitely a strong point. Shuurei's journey from a spirited young woman to a mature and pragmatic leader is compelling. I particularly appreciated how the story explores the impact she has on the men around her, challenging their preconceived notions and fostering genuine connections. The slow-burn romance, while not the central focus, is handled with care. It's about Ryuuki's unwavering devotion and his willingness to support Shuurei's dreams, even if it means personal sacrifice. The political intrigue is also captivating, adding layers of depth to the story and keeping me engaged. The author’s use of literary devices really shines through in the later volumes, especially in the character's monologues.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the series overall, I did have some reservations about the ending. It felt somewhat bittersweet, and I can understand why some readers might find it frustrating.
Click "Reveal" to show spoiler content
Final Verdict
Despite my reservations about the ending, I still recommend "Saiunkoku Monogatari." It's a thought-provoking series with well-developed characters, intricate political maneuvering, and a unique perspective on gender roles. While the romance is slow-paced and the ending may not be for everyone, the journey is ultimately worthwhile. Just be prepared for a bittersweet conclusion and focus on the overall themes of personal growth and societal change rather than solely on the romantic outcome. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
How to Download Saiunkoku Monogatari Light Novel
Learn how to download and convert Saiunkoku Monogatari into EPUB format for translation. Our step-by-step video guide shows you how to use WebToEpub browser extension to download your novel online.
- Search for raws by checking beneath the title with the original name
- Download from web novel sites using WebToEpub browser extension
- Convert to EPUB format compatible with Novel Translator
- Works with a large amount of online novel websites
