Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basket, nor do I profit from writing this fanfiction. This story is inspired by Legend of Zhen Huan and includes quotes from the manga, anime, wiki, and other sources. This fanfiction has not been beta-read. As I am not a native English speaker, please excuse any language errors.

In the Court of the Crimson Emperor

Chapter II

After three long days of travel, Furihata Kouka and her entourage finally arrived home. As the carriage came to a stop, the air was filled with the sound of firecrackers, their sharp cracks marking the occasion. Her entire family was gathered on the street, kneeling in unison to show their respect for her newfound status as a ranked concubine.

Kouka stood frozen, shock and confusion flooding her senses. With her appointment, she had been elevated to the status of a noblewoman, while her own family—her parents and little brother—remained commoners. Now, they were required to pay their respects to her, as though they were her subjects. The weight of this new reality pressed heavily on her heart.

Once they were inside the house, Kouka could no longer hold back. She rushed to her parents, throwing her arms around them. "Father. Mother," she murmured, her voice trembling. She wanted to cry, but she couldn't bring herself to. This should have been a joyous moment, a time for celebration, yet all she felt was an overwhelming sadness.

"Kouka!" Her mother's voice cracked, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she tried to stay composed.

They held each other for what felt like an eternity until Kouka's father, Furihata Kenji, gently broke the embrace. "Let her go now. She must be hungry after such a long journey."

Kouka wiped her eyes and nodded, following her parents to the dining room. The table was laid with an array of her favourite dishes, the aroma filling the air.

"This is..." she began, her voice faltering as she looked at the feast before her. The sight of the food made her heart ache.

"I've cooked your favourites," her mother said softly. "Eat now, Kouka."

Her little brother, Kouki, bounded over with a wide grin. "Let's eat, Sister!" he said eagerly. "I've been waiting for you, and I'm really hungry now!" He rubbed his stomach in exaggerated hunger.

Kouka couldn't help but laugh, the sound of it filling the room with warmth. "Come then," she said, smiling at him. "I won't let you starve."

As they sat down to eat, Kouka found herself caught between two worlds—the comfort of her family and the weight of her new life ahead. For now, though, she would focus on the present, savoring the rare moments of normalcy before her future as a concubine fully unfolded.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

In the Crimson Forbidden City:

Higuchi Shouta sat in the main hall of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, the residence of Empress Tetsuya. As the head of the Imperial Household Department, Shouta was responsible for overseeing the internal affairs of the Imperial family and managing the activities within the inner palace. Today, he had come to report to the Empress on the arrival of the newly chosen concubines.

The Emperor resided in the grand Palace of Heavenly Purity, while the Empress made her home in the more tranquil Palace of Earthly Tranquility. In addition to these two main palaces, there were twelve other palaces—six in the east and six in the west. However, only concubines of Consort rank were permitted to reside in one of the palaces and hold the esteemed position of palace head. Concubines of lower rank were assigned smaller pavilions scattered throughout the palace grounds, away from the central authority.

"The Empress is coming!" the eunuch on guard announced in a loud, authoritative voice.

Empress Tetsuya entered the hall, his presence commanding attention as he gracefully approached his throne. He was accompanied by his personal maid, Aida Riko, who walked slightly behind him.

"Grace to Your Majesty," Shouta said as he bowed deeply, his tone respectful and formal. "Your Majesty, I have come to present this."

Riko stepped forward, carefully taking the official palace record and handing it to the Empress. Empress Tetsuya accepted the book with a delicate, almost ethereal grace. His skin, smooth and pale as porcelain, shimmered in the light, and his slender fingers traced the edges of the book. Despite being male, Empress Tetsuya possessed an unmistakable beauty, with striking blue eyes and soft, blue hair that framed his face like a serene, timeless painting. His expression remained stoic, giving him the appearance of a living doll—beautiful, yet distant.

"There are eight chosen ladies in this election, Your Majesty," Shouta continued, his voice steady and formal. "His Imperial Majesty has requested that Your Majesty decide the ranks of the concubines."

He paused before continuing, his words deliberate and measured. "The chosen ladies are Hanamiya Misaki, Haizaki Shiina, Sakurai Ryuna, Mayuzumi Chiharu, Moriyama Tomomi, Fukuda Hiroko, Kawahara Sayuri, and Furihata Kouka. These ladies have been selected according to the status and rank of their families within the government."

"Bestow the rank of Noble Lady upon Hanamiya Misaki and Haizaki Shiina," Empress Tetsuya declared in his usual, flat tone.

Shouta had anticipated this decision. Both Hanamiya Misaki and Haizaki Shiina were daughters of prominent ministers, and it was only fitting that they be granted the highest rank available to newly entered concubines—Noble Lady. To rise further within the harem, however, a concubine would either need to bear the emperor a child or become his favourite.

"First-Class Attendant rank for Sakurai Ryuna and Mayuzumi Chiharu. Second-Class Attendant rank for Moriyama Tomomi, Fukuda Hiroko, Kawahara Sayuri, and Furihata Kouka."

There was a slight pause before Empress Tetsuya continued, his voice unwavering. "Hanamiya Misaki will be assigned to the pavilion in the Palace of Great Benevolence. Haizaki Shiina will reside in the pavilion of the Palace of Celestial Favour. Sakurai Ryuna will stay in the pavilion within the Palace of Eternal Harmony. Mayuzumi Chiharu will be placed in the pavilion in the Palace of Great Brilliance. Moriyama Tomomi and Fukuda Hiroko will be assigned to the pavilion in the Palace of Purity. Kawahara Sayuri and Furihata Kouka will be placed in the pavilion in the Palace of Lasting Happiness."

Each of these palaces contained multiple buildings and pavilions for individual quarters, allowing several concubines to reside within the same palace complex.

"Yes, Your Majesty." With that, Shouta felt his business there was complete.

"One more thing," Empress Tetsuya added, his voice still devoid of emotion.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Shouta asked, pausing for his command.

"Do not forget that the concubines are required to attend the morning meetings only once a week. Every Monday will suffice," Empress Tetsuya instructed, his expression remaining as stoic as ever.

Shouta bowed deeply. "Understood, Your Majesty."

It had been customary for the concubines to visit the Palace of Earthly Tranquility every morning to pay their respects to the Empress. However, during Empress Tetsuya's reign, this practice had been amended, with the meetings now held just once a week.

Shouta bowed again, more deeply this time. "I will take my leave, Your Majesty."

Shouta's footsteps echoed softly through the grand corridors of the palace as he walked, his thoughts heavy with the weight of the situation unfolding before him. The palace, always a place of intrigue and tension, was about to be stirred once more with the arrival of the new concubines.

While this was the first concubine election, Emperor Seijuurou actually had a consort previously. The consort, ironically, was his first wife. The late Emperor Masaomi ordered the marriage from his sickbed, forcing Crown Prince Seijuurou to marry the chosen lady. However, after Akashi Seijuurou ascended the throne, he wasted no time in seeking out Kuroko Tetsuya, his first love. Kuroko had been living in Seirin Province, far removed from the political machinations of the imperial court. He married him in a grand manner, unprecedented in the empire, and made him Empress of the Teikou Empire.

Meanwhile, the first wife was bestowed with the title of Imperial Noble Consort, given in an attempt at consolation. In her desperation, she turned to witchcraft, hoping to reclaim the Emperor's favour. But her efforts were in vain. Instead, she was cast away to the Cold Palace, where she would live out the rest of her days in isolation. No one dared to speak of her anymore, and her name had long faded from public memory.

From the beginning of Emperor Seijuurou's reign, the Empress had held his unwavering attention, but now, as the palace prepared for the arrival of the new concubines, Shouta knew things would change. The Emperor, though steadfast in his love for Empress Tetsuya, had a duty to secure the empire's future by ensuring the birth of an heir. The concubines—beautiful, cunning, ambitious and, above all, ruthless—would do whatever it took to secure their place in the Emperor's heart and claim the coveted position of mother to the next ruler of Teikou.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

One week later:

~At Furihata Residence~

"Welcome to our humble abode," Furihata Kenji said, his voice filled with humility and respect. He, his wife, their daughter, son, and the household servants knelt on the floor, their posture respectful as they awaited the announcement.

An official messenger from the palace had arrived bearing significant news for the family. Alongside him stood Madam Fuu, an etiquette instructor who had come to guide the family through the necessary formalities. "By the Grace of Heaven, His Majesty decrees," the messenger intoned, his tone measured and solemn. "Furihata Kenji's daughter, Kouka, is granted the esteemed title of Second Class Attendant. This is the edict of His Imperial Majesty," he continued, reading from the scroll in his hand.

"We are deeply grateful for His Majesty's heavenly grace," the family responded in unison, bowing their heads once more in a show of profound respect.

"You may rise," the messenger instructed, his voice commanding but not unkind. "Madam Fuu is an esteemed etiquette instructor from the palace. She shall remain with you to educate Second Class Attendant Kouka in the ways of the imperial court."

"Peace be upon you, Madam," Kouka said, her voice soft yet respectful as she greeted the etiquette teacher. She looked at Madam Fuu, who was a woman of middle age, with a kind and approachable face. Madam Fuu met her gaze and offered a gentle smile, a gesture that seemed to calm the young woman's nerves.

"We shall take our leave now," the messenger said, his words signalling the conclusion of the official announcement.

"Thank you for making the journey, and for your time," Kouka's mother said politely, offering the messenger a small pouch of coins as a token of appreciation for his service.

Furihata Kenji, ever the attentive host, stood and excused himself from the room. He proceeded to escort the messenger to the door, ensuring that the formalities were concluded with the proper respect.

"Please, this way," Kouka's mother said, her voice gentle yet authoritative as she led Madam Fuu into the inner living room. Kouka followed behind them, her steps hesitant. According to palace custom, only the concubine and her maid, who would accompany her to the imperial court, would attend such lessons. Since Kouka had no maid, it would be just herself and Madam Fuu for this session.

"Please, have a seat, Madam Fuu," Kouka's mother instructed kindly.

Madam Fuu lowered herself gracefully onto the chair, and Kouka sat across from her, her gaze respectfully lowered.

"I shall leave you both now," her mother said, offering a reassuring smile before exiting the room. The gentle expression on her face was meant to provide comfort, but Kouka could not shake her nervousness.

"Do not look so nervous, my lady," Madam Fuu began, her tone soft yet filled with a quiet authority. "You are not the first to be in this position."

"I apologise, Madam Fuu," Kouka replied, her voice trembling slightly.

"Ah, there is no need for apologies," Madam Fuu said with a kind smile. "I understand your concerns. But that is why I am here. I will teach you the ways of the palace and its intricate hierarchy."

Kouka straightened in her seat, her attention now fully focused on Madam Fuu, eager to understand her new life in the palace.

"There are nine levels in the imperial harem," Madam Fuu began, her voice steady as she launched into her explanation. "At the top is the Empress, the principal wife of the Emperor. There is only one Empress, and her authority surpasses that of any other concubine. Below her, there are eight other ranks: the Imperial Noble Consort, the Noble Consorts, the Consorts, the Imperial Concubines, the Noble Ladies, First Class Female Attendants, Second Class Female Attendants, and finally, the Female Attendants."

Madam Fuu paused, allowing the information to sink in before continuing. "As you ascend the ranks, the number of women who hold the same title diminishes. For example, there is only one Imperial Noble Consort, two Noble Consorts, four Consorts, and six Imperial Concubines. The positions of Noble Ladies, First Class Attendants, Second Class Attendants, and Attendants, however, are limitless."

Kouka nodded slowly, her mind processing the information. "Then, my rank is the second lowest," she said in understanding. It was no surprise to her, given her father's relatively low position in the imperial bureaucracy.

Madam Fuu, misinterpreting her words, leaned forward slightly, her voice laced with reassurance. "Do not worry, my lady. You are beautiful, young, and vibrant. Once you capture the Emperor's favour, your rank will surely rise."

Kouka felt a wave of doubt wash over her. She was naturally shy, and the idea of attracting Emperor Seijuurou's attention seemed beyond her reach. Not only that, but she had no desire to draw the Emperor's gaze upon herself. From what she had heard, Emperor Seijuurou seemed a frightening figure, distant and intimidating.

"The harem, like the entire Crimson Forbidden City, is governed by rigid rules," Madam Fuu continued, her voice steady and didactic. "Every detail is meticulously determined: the items permitted in your rooms, the quantity and quality of the textiles for your clothing, and even the types of food served each day are all decided in accordance with your rank."

Kouka's eyes widened in surprise. She had not realised just how strict and controlled the palace would be. It seemed a world apart from the life she had known. A thought gnawed at her—why was it that those who did not wish to be chosen were selected, while those who longed for a different life were rejected? If only she had been one of those who were overlooked, perhaps life would have been simpler.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

~At Mayuzumi Residence~

"Chihiro, Chihaya, do not eavesdrop on your sister," Mayuzumi Isamu chided his son and daughter, his tone both firm and patient.

In the inner living room, Mayuzumi Chiharu and Madam Yuu were engaged in a conversation. As was customary for every lady chosen for the palace, an etiquette instructor had been sent to instruct Chiharu.

"But Father, they're talking about His Imperial Majesty," Chihaya, who was only ten years old, interjected eagerly, her eyes wide with excitement at the subject.

Isamu let out a long sigh. Chihaya's enthusiasm was a sharp contrast to the stoic nature of her older brother, Chihiro, and her older sister, Chiharu. While Chiharu, the eldest, was serious and composed, Chihaya remained youthful and full of curiosity. Isamu had three children: Chiharu, the eldest; Chihiro, the middle child; and Chihaya, the youngest.

"Sister is so lucky to be chosen as a concubine," Chihaya continued, her voice full of awe. "I want to become a concubine too, but I'm too young. People say His Imperial Majesty is very handsome."

"You're dreaming," Chihiro muttered, his tone dismissive.

Chihaya pouted in response, her excitement untainted by her brother's harsh words.

Isamu could only stare at his youngest daughter in a mix of disbelief and concern. Her naivety surprised him. Chihaya, still a little girl, had no understanding of the fierce competition within the palace, where women often fought ruthlessly for the Emperor's favour—and where such rivalries could end in death. Isamu had never expected Chiharu to achieve such a high rank, though it was not exactly a pleasant surprise. With her new position, Chiharu would face more enemies, and Isamu could only hope that she would survive quietly in the palace, away from the dangers that awaited her.

"Chihaya..." Isamu began, his voice filled with concern, but before he could continue, Chihaya shushed him.

"Shhh... they're talking about Empress Tetsuya now," she whispered, her excitement unabated.

From the inner room, faintly, they could all hear the sound of Madam Yuu's voice.

"Empress Tetsuya is the only grandchild of the late Kuroko Takumi, the Divine Doctor," Madam Yuu explained. "He is regarded as the greatest doctor in the history of the Teikou Empire. Many of the medicines we use today are his inventions. He also performed a great service to the imperial family in the past."

A great service, indeed.

Kuroko Takumi had saved Emperor Masaomi's life from a rare and deadly disease. Without Takumi's expertise, Akashi Seijuurou would never have been born. Tragically, Takumi's son and daughter-in-law passed away early, leaving his only grandson, Kuroko Tetsuya, to grow up alone. Takumi had no choice but to bring Tetsuya to the capital, raising him within the palace walls. There, the young Tetsuya became friends with the sons of noble families and even the royal family itself.

No one could have predicted that, once Emperor Seijuurou ascended the throne, he would marry Kuroko Tetsuya, making him his Empress despite already being wed to a noblewoman. Though male consorts had existed in the past, this was the first time in the history of the empire that a man had been crowned as Empress. Yet, the Emperor's words were absolute, and no one dared defy him.

"Empress Tetsuya must be very beautiful," Chihaya mused, her voice filled with admiration.

Isamu's chest tightened at the mention of the Empress. That was the very thought that plagued him most. He had seen Empress Tetsuya with his own eyes, and there was no denying that he and Chiharu could easily be mistaken for siblings. Isamu could not shake the fear that Emperor Seijuurou had chosen Chiharu for that very reason—the striking resemblance between the two. The thought sent a cold shiver down his spine, and he found himself dreading what this connection might mean for his daughter.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

~Hanamiya Residence~

Hanamiya Misaki fought to suppress a yawn, her patience wearing thin. The elderly woman in front of her droned on, her voice an incessant hum that grated on Misaki's nerves. Could she not see that Misaki had no interest in her tiresome rambling? She had already done her research, and she certainly did not need this old woman to recount information she was well acquainted with.

"In some cases, when the Empress does not bear any children, the Emperor will take a child from one of his many wives," Madam Seo explained, her voice drawn out and pedantic.

Misaki fought back the urge to roll her eyes. Empress Tetsuya was a man—he could not bear children. Even the legendary Kuroko Takumi, the Divine Doctor, could not concoct some miraculous potion to change that. Misaki was struck by the sheer ignorance surrounding her.

"However," Madam Seo continued, oblivious to Misaki's internal frustration, "all children of His Imperial Majesty are to be considered the children of the Empress, regardless of their birth mother. These children are expected to treat the Empress as their own mother." She paused, as though weighing the significance of her words. "No matter who ascends the throne, the reigning Empress will become Empress Dowager."

Misaki, however, had already tuned out. Her mind was elsewhere, a plan beginning to take root. If she could capture the Emperor's favour and bear him a child—the heir to the throne—nothing and no one would stand in her way. Anyone who posed a threat to her would be swiftly disposed of. As for Empress Tetsuya…

Two tigers cannot share the same mountain.

Author's Note:

Hello, everyone! First and foremost, thank you so much for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave a review.

The eight levels in imperial harem come from Qing dynasty.

Empress (Chinese: 皇后; pinyin:Huánghòu), only one in the imperial harem.

Imperial Noble Consort (simplified Chinese: 皇贵妃; traditional Chinese: 皇貴妃; pinyin:Huáng Guìfēi), only one in the imperial harem.

Noble Consorts (simplified Chinese: 贵妃; traditional Chinese: 貴妃; pinyin:Guìfēi), only two in the imperial harem. Consorts (Chinese: 妃; pinyin:Fēi), only four in the imperial harem.

Imperial Concubines (simplified Chinese: 嫔; traditional Chinese: 嬪; pinyin:Pín), only six in the imperial harem.

Noble Ladies (simplified Chinese: 贵人; traditional Chinese: 貴人; pinyin:Guìrén), unlimited number in the imperial harem.

First Class Female Attendant (Chinese: 常在; pinyin:Chángzài), unlimited number in the imperial harem.

Lady or Second Class Female Attendant (simplified Chinese: 答应; traditional Chinese: 答應; pinyin:Dāyìng), unlimited number in the imperial harem.

Female Attendant(官女子), unlimited number in the imperial harem, typically granted to female eunuchs who were chosen to be minor concubines.

Crimson Forbidden City is inspired by Forbidden City. The common English name, "the Forbidden City", is a translation of the Chinese name Zijin Cheng (Chinese: 紫禁城; pinyin: Zǐjinchéng; literally: "Purple Forbidden City").

Two tigers can not share one mountain (Yi Shan Bu Neng Chang Er Hu 一山不能藏二虎) literally means that in an area, there cannot be two very strong personality people leading. Just like in a mountain, there will only be one king, one leader. If there are two kings, they will fight it out.