The Story of Saiunkoku (彩雲国物語)

- A long, long time ago, in an era

when demons of the mountain forests ravaged the lands,

a young man came forth from amidst the endless chaos.

Seeking to bring peace and order to the people,

he beat back the rampaging demons.

Moved by the man's courage and spirit,

eight enlightened beings gathered

to join him, using their mysterious powers

to assist the young man in his quest.

As each bore the name of a color,

they came to be called the Eight Colored Enlightened Ones.

The young man's name was So Gen.

With the wisdom of the Eight Enlightened Ones,

he brought a new dawn to the world of men.

He became the first ruler of Saiunkoku,

the Kingdom of the Colored Clouds.

After So Gen's death,

the Eight Colored Enlightened Ones disappeared,

but it is often said that they still live among the people.

So it may be that, even now,

they are right here, living alongside us.

- Um, hey, hey there, Ms. Shurei.

What is it, Toka?

I head that the shrine

where the Enlightened Ones used

to live still exists at the palace.

Is that true?

- Yes, now it's called the Ministry

of the Enlightened Ones Cave

and stands in a corner of the imperial grounds,

or so Seiran tells me.

- You haven't seen it, Ms. Shurei?

- I'm not allowed to enter the palace.

That's because girls cannot become government officials.

- In that case, I'll become a court official,

and you can marry me, Ms. Shurei.

That way, I can take you into the palace, right?

If you want to do that,

you'll have to study a lot harder, Ryushin.

- Huh? - If you ask me,

I think you'd make a much better military officer (laughs).

Huh?

Seiran.

Hello, my lady.

It's almost time.

Yes.

Right, today's work awaits.

Come on, let's get going.

- The daughter of the Hong clan?

That's correct.

Her father, Shoka Hong, is in charge

of the imperial archives.

- The Hong clan is one of the most distinguished

of the noble families.

There's no problem with her family lineage, but, uh--

- But an archivist's salary is not likely

to be very much.

Indeed.

They're having difficulties making ends meet,

and apparently, his daughter's working several jobs.

- And you believe that this girl will be useful

in solving such a major problem, Sho?

I'm sure of it.

It's been almost six months

since His Majesty ascended to the throne.

I had hoped things would turn out better

than they have, but--

- At this rate, it's only a matter of time

before a usurper goes after the throne.

Hmm?

That's certainly true.

In any case, leave this to me.

It's a matter of common sense.

They always say that a man's greatest enemy is his wife.

Hmm.

- Seiran! - Hmm?

Oh, Ryushin, what's the matter?

It's Mr. Shoka.

Hmm?

Hmm.

Why has father called me back home, all of a sudden?

I believe it's something

about an important guest coming to pay a visit.

Well, who is it?

- I don't know, but Master said you were

to return immediately, so he must need you there

to meet the visitor.

Huh? - Why me?

It's not fair.

That was a pretty good job, too.

But since I only played one song,

they took a giant chunk outta my pay!

And here I was thinking we'd be able

to buy rice this month.

But it'll be barley again!

That line down the middle of it,

that line that distinguishes it from rice,

no doubt this month too, it's going to taunt me

and laugh at me, saying I'm not rice.

Oh, I can't believe it.

I can't believe it!

- (chuckles) My lady, I don't think barley talks.

It will be fine.

I'll take on a few more side jobs, too.

I'm sorry, Seiran.

You'd be able to support yourself

as an imperial officer of the court,

if you only had yourself to take care of.

- That's not something you need to worry about, my lady.

The truth is, I'm just happy to have the opportunity

to repay the debt that I owe.

Repay the debt?

- 13 years ago, your family took me into your home,

even though you had no idea about who I was

or where I came from.

I decided to spend the rest of my life paying you

and your father back for that kindness.

Seiran.

Mm.

Oh man!

Why is our family paid so little?

Yeah, we're of high rank,

but no money to go with it. - My lady, please calm down.

People are watching. - I hate this!

You hear me?

I really hate being poor!

Ah!

The wall's collapsing again,

and the roof tiles are broken.

Maintaining this ridiculously large mansion

takes up so much money.

As soon as you repair one thing, something else falls apart.

I can't stand it!

- I'll take care of repairing the wall.

And I can get some tiles from the castle

to replace the broken ones.

- Ah, what a lovely home you have.

Oh, why us?

Hmm? - Huh?

It seems the guest has already arrived.

Oh no!

I have to prepare the tea.

- While you do that, I'll inform them

that your ladyship has returned.

Well, Father, I guess

at least you made the effort to serve tea.

My lady, this is serious.

What's the matter, Seiran?

Apparently, the, the guest is,

it's Advisor Sho.

- Ah, Advisor Sho, of the Three Elders?

Why would such an important person come here?

- He said that there's student he wishes

to discuss with you, as soon as possible.

But why me?

Oh, whatever the reason, we must not show any disrespect.

- Ever since I was put in charge of the archives,

I've been enjoying my work very much.

Oh?

- Lady Shurei has arrived.

Oh, come in.

Please excuse me.

- Ah, Shurei, I'd like you to meet Advisor Sho.

- So this is Advisor Sho, the leader of 100 advisors.

They say his authority ranks second only to the king's.

Lord Advisor Sho, I must ask your forgiveness

for keeping you waiting so long.

Although we are humble and have little to offer you,

I pray you will make yourself comfortable.

There's no need for that.

Stand up, Shurei.

Yes, sir.

- Seiran, would you mind coming over here, as well?

After all, this matter concerns both of you.

Huh?

But before that,

may I possibly ask for some tea?

This water alone is making me feel rather chilly.

A bucket?

You mean he brought water directly

from the well for a guest?

Father!

Mm-hmm.

Why are you acting

so proud of what you did? - The water from our well

is quite delicious, isn't it? - Mm-hmm.

- I'm so terribly sorry, my lord.

I'll prepare some tea for you, right away.

Hmm?

So you made all these sweet red bean buns yourself, Shurei?

Yes.

- Shurei's sweet bean buns are quite delectable.

If I may?