The reason bandits have been attacking Ensei Rō is revealed; while acting as temporary governor of Sa province, Ensei angered the local nobility by rejecting corruption and bribes. As he has not passed the official examination required to be a high official, Ensei returns his seal of governorship to Ryūki. Ryūki passes a law allowing women to take the official examinations. Saiunkoku is a country with eight powerful houses governed by one emperor. However, the new leader Ryūki cares not for his new role and is rumored to spend his days chasing after noblemen in his court. Enter Shūrei, a princess whose family has fallen upon hard times. Her dreams of becoming a government official are unattainable since she is a woman, but a twist of fate gives her the chance of a lifetime. If she agrees to become the emperor's consort and turn him into a respectable ruler, she will be greatly rewarded.