Second chapter
Second chapter. Another short one.
Disclaimer: I do not own Saiunkoku Monogatari or anything related to it like the anime or soundtrack. These words, however are mine.
The celebration
The passing time flied like a strong gush of cool breeze towards the hot days of summer. It was just yesterday when the court officials finally approved the proposal of the emperor allowing women to take the imperial examinations. The reason and motive of the proposal are as stated, to not waste the talents that the women have in the empire of Saiunkoku, for example the consort Kou Shuurei. But everyone knew that the real reason Ryuuki drafted the proposal was to let Shuurei fulfill her dreams. As usual, rumors were flying around again, some said Shuurei still had big influence on Ryuuki even when she left, some said it's because of the emperor's love to her (which is partly true), and the funniest one is that Kou Shuurei poisoned Shi Ryuuki's mind using drugs!
Apparently, Shuurei didn't care much about what they were gossiping. Her main aim all along was to take the exams, serve the country, and make Saiunkoku into a better place for the people including herself and the emperor. She wasn't going to let that pull her high spirits down. A week after she took the preparation test, she received a token from the palace. This meant she had passed her test, later proceeding to the next level, sitting for the final examination which will be held the week after next.
She look proudly at her token and thought, "This is it…I'm another step closer."
Kou Shouka was glancing at her from the back of the main door where she stood there gazing at the token. He felt as happy as his beloved daughter, but also a sense of guiltiness. He done his job as a father well, he tried to give her the best of everything although she doesn't ask for it. Kou Shouka was originally the eldest son of the high and proud Kou clan, the one appointed as the next clan leader, as Kou is the only one that can compete with the Ran clan, and can be named as one of the most powerful clans in Saiunkoku. But eventually for a carefree person like Shouka, he refused to accept his status as clan leader. His second brother, Reishin was made leader, and his youngest brother, Kurou, banished him from the main house to prevent any further humiliation. But what they do not know is that he is actually the leader of the deadly assasins, Wolves of the Wind, the one loyal to the emperor always. He was sent to assassinate Shokun, or better known as the bara-hime(rose princess) of the Hyou clan, a mysterious clan endowed with powers. This was the late emperor, Shi Senka's decision as men are starting fights everywhere for her hand in marriage. When he reached the top of the tower she was imprisoned in, he was ready to kill her when he saw her looking at him. "The rumors were true…" he thought. She wore a simple red and white dress, her hair was let down and only adorned with a gold hairpin. Even without lavishing dresses and jewelry, her beauty could not be hidden. "She really is the beauty of this country…" He had his sword on the ready.
"Are you here to end my life?" she asked when she suddenly turned back on him.
"I…I…I'm here to assassinate you under the orders of His Majesty, Shi Senka, current emperor of Saiunkoku. Bara-hime…no Hyou Shokun, your influence on the men of Saiunkoku is indeed big, but all is going to end soon…" he answered directing his sword at her.
"Yes, but doesn't that apply to you too?" she replied with a playful tone. The sweet sound of her laughter lowered down his guard.
"Kill me if you can, Wolf of the Wind. I rather be dead in your hands than continue spending the rest of my life here trapped as a rose for show." Her voice suddenly sounded stern but sad.
"And…may I ask…you why?"
"Everyone… will always think that roses are only for show. I know that my features described as a 'rose' throughout the empire were meant as a compliment and respect for me, but they never really thought of the suffering she had to endure…the bara-hime had to endure" she said with both sad and a fierce tone in her melodic voice.
"I'm sure you know why men are fighting for my hand in marriage, don't you?" "Can I refer you directly with your name?" she asked politely.
"Shouka, Kou Shouka."
"Yes, Shouka-sama. Firstly, because of my features, secondly, because of my status as a Hyou member…"
There was a pause before she continued.
"And lastly, it's because of my power. My power to heal and cure any sickness."
Shokun stood up and walk to the window of her tower. She had her gaze focused on the scenery beyond the window. The tower was so high up that you can see the clouds and mist, the top of the proud mountains, and the orange colored sun that always sets in the west. You can still see the long rivers too…the long river that eventually flows into the sea.
"But what good can this power do? When I'm imprisoned here in this tower, unable to help the people who are in pain, who are dying? I've…I've always wanted to go out, to be free. To explore the world beyond these four walls that surrounded me, to see the people, to live happily ever after with the man I love. I want to feel the coolness of the evening breeze, the warmth of the sun on my face, the cleansing and refreshing river water when I put my legs into the water…" she spoke excitingly like a beautiful little girl.
"But that would never happen…" she uttered in disappointment. "I must sound like a childish and naïve little girl don't I? The proud and mature bara-hime acting like this…must be a disappointment for you, isn't it Shouka-sama?"
"No it isn't. It isn't a disappointment," he answered back.
"Whether bara-hime or not, I still see you as Hyou Shokun, a normal human being who has feelings. And Hyou Shokun's side should never be buried by your side of the bara-hime. I believe that Hyou Shokun is not weak in both mentally and physically, she would try her best to accomplish her goals, aided by the 'bara-hime'…" he said with a warm smile on his face.
"I had similar problems too…" Shouka said then telling her his side of story.
"Who knows that the man who came to kill me was in the same situation as me…I finally realize…my goals…but if you are here to assassinate me…"she said walking towards him. "Do it now. This is the orders from the emperor isn't it? I certainly don't want the only person that understands me to get into trouble…And I thank you, Kou Shouka, for willing to hear my feelings and complains…it felt better after telling you…"
Shokun took his sword which was in his hand, and closed her eyes. She was ready for him to plunge that sharp blade into her heart. Surprisingly, Shouka did not move, not a muscle.
"No."
Shokun opened her eyes. She saw tears rolling down from Shouka's eyes. She was shocked that a person from the Kou clan would disobey the emperor's orders. Shouka then held his hand out and touched her rosy cheek.
"Because…because I fell in love with you…with Hyou Shokun…" he said.
After that, Kou Shouka rescued Shokun from the tower, along with Shusui, Shokun's dear friend, also another exotic beauty. Shouka and Shokun got married that spring, with roses growing thorns, so that roses may never be hurt or treated as show ever again.
But there was another side also, when bara-hime left the Hyou clan, so was her gift of healing. But her eternal gift never really left her. The head of the Hyou clan, left her a wish, and when a sick and weak Shuurei was born, Shokun used that wish to make her healthier, in exchange…for her own life.
But Shouka always knew that Shokun hadn't really left. She was still watching from somewhere, watching them. Their memories of her would never fade away, and never will leave them.
-
"Oto-sama! You shouldn't have! You shouldn't have wasted the MONEY!!" Shuurei shouted.
"Don't worry Shuurei, we wanted to celebrate that you passed the exams. Don't worry really right Seiran?" he said cowardly to his fuming daughter. Shuurei had always been touchy about money since they were of noble status and high birth but poor. Shouka didn't earn much as a librarian in the palace, but they still lived happily.
Shouka glanced at Seiran and shooked his hand.
"Seiran! I need some backup here…." he mumbled but Seiran heard it. He gave a slight nod and took action instantly.
"Ojou-sama, don't worry…Shouka-sama already chose a restaurant that had the cheapest yet has delicious food. Oh, and we invited Shu-jou(His Majesty), Ran-shogun(General Ran) and Li Kouyuu-sama too…We'll meet them at Ying Hwa Restaurant later ay around…six?"
"Six right?" Seiran uttered to Shouka.
"Ah yes, six. I made a reservation under Kou Shouka. You guys can go ahead first, I'll ask Shusui whether if she would be willing to join us for dinner. I'll meet you in the restaurant! " And Shouka quickly ran off to the palace and left Seiran with Shuurei in the manor. He wouldn't want to argue with his daughter on money issues. Besides, he would like to talk to Shusui about old times. Shusui was the caretaker of the imperial harem and head of the ladies in waiting. And she often would pay Shouka a visit in the library sometimes.