I'm very picky in reverse harem but I like Saiunkoku because it make sense. Kou Shuurei is a beloved princess of the influential Kou clan. Kou clan is not only rich but has a strong ties with Ran and Shi family. Being connected to this clan will obviously make one powerful so that's why men want her. But what's interesting is every man in the story has their own motives and not all are romantically attracted to her. Some are either kind or hostile to her without romantic feelings. In addition, Shuurei is not even interested in them.
A summary of how the men saw Kou Shuurei
Emperor Shi Ryuuki - Bisexual King. The only one who respected, understands and love her romantically. The end game who repeatedly court Shuurei until he manage to persuade her.
Shi Seiran - Her family's retainer who saw her as his little sister but not interested in being more than that. He probably like her but the thing is he's okay with the way they are.
Rou Ensei - Act like Shuurei's bodyguard and hinted that he like her romantically but he has the same problem as Seiran. Not interested in confessing and fine with their current platonic relationship.
Sa Sakujun - Dangerous hedonist suitor who's obsessed with her. He made Shuurei kill him with poison unknowingly. He's the worse.
Ko Kijin - Former strict but kind Boss and only say he's going to marry Shuurei to annoy Reishin but not really interested in her in that way. He treasure their healthy boss-employee relationship.
Kou Reishin - Shuurei's eccentric uncle who want to marry her to keep her away from other clans but not interested in her romantically. He only like her platonically and he's just being protective.
Li Kouyuu - Uncle Kuro is suggesting him to marry Shuurei so he can be finally become a Kou because his adoptive father Reishin won't give him the surname. He only see Shuurei as his student and nothing more. Tbh Kouyuu felt more attracted to either Ryuuki(he cried hard when Ryuuki is dying) and Shuuei(bestie). He has a wife in the ending that he probably married politically.
Shin Suou - His dad told him to propose to Shuurei for money and power but not interested in her romantically. He's a great friend to Shuurei though because he don't sugarcoat his words unlike others.
Riku Seiga - Shuurei's sly nemesis in the Censorate investigation team who hates her. Well, she hates women because they are weak according to him.
Hyou Riou Sr. - Obsessed in Barahime aka Shuurei's mom who's sleeping inside her and willing to sacrifice Shuurei to wake her up.
Ki Kouki - Terror boss who tend to test Shuurei's wits but obviously not interested in her romantically.
Ryou Anju - Bisexual who sleeps with Shuurei's mom figure courtesan Kochou and with former head of Kou clan. He used to see her as little girl but now he probably see her as a pawn for his goals.
Ran Ryuuren - Eccentric genius of Ran clan but only view Shuurei as his soul friend who he annoy from time to time.
Santa - Shuurei's childhood friend who has a crush on her for a long time. He confessed but rejected. Shuurei is not interested.
But I do think Ryuuki is the most special one because Shuurei treasure the cherry blossom tree sapling Ryuuki gifted to her. She also always try to protect Ryuuki from his political rivals.
Ryuuki: “The Hyou family head contacted Shuurei? Why Shuurei though?”
Shuuei: “Who knows.”
*Seiran glares at Shuuei*
Shuuei: “...Ahem! Just in case, we should investigate this.”
Ryuuki: “Er, um, yes.”
Seiran: “My lord, the matter is more serious. They are dangerous. We don't know what he's thinking. Send out spies to investigate him.”
Ryuuki: “Yes, but... what did he come here for? The head of the family came here, but I feel he's ignoring me completely.”
Seiran: “That's exactly why I'm telling you to investigate him.”
Ryuuki: “Ye-Yes, b-but...”
Ran Shuuei teasing Li Kouyuu with his gay jokes (English dub)
I guess I should be grateful to Saiunkoku for their gay jokes. Thanks to this I’m a little immune to same sex love stories. Like I don’t find it something weird but I just accept it as it is so I rarely overreact if I see two men flirting in anime. I will probably smile and ship them but I don’t really find it a big deal.
Loving Shuuei and Kouyuu’s expressions here! xD I love it when each character has this trademark expression so it’s easy to distinguish who’s who. Shuuei is still noble with his sweat drop and wrinkled eyebrows. As for Kouyuu, he’s more expressive with his terrified face and irritated actions.
I just found out there’s new edition of Saiunkoku Monogatari novel covers. It’s all beautiful!!! This is only vol 1-10.
Let me try to guess who are they
1. Kou Shuurei (Red robes mean the Red Kou Clan)
2. Shi Ryuuki? Purple... Is this Ryuuki? I thought its female when I first saw this? It planting their tree? Wait, is this Shuurei??? No, it should be Ryuuki! Because its wearing robes for men?? But he look so pretty and feminine?? I’m confused!
3. Ran Shuuei (Blue robes mean the Blue Ran Clan)
4. Li Kouyuu (Only Shuuei and him are given purple iris from Ryuuki)
5. Shi Seiran? Purple with armor and looks like a commoner?? Is this Ryuuki but there’s no Seiran yet so it should be Seiran?
6. Rou Ensei (Yep, that lance. Definitely him)
7. Tou Eigetsu (The young doctor, the reflection is Yougetsu the White Immortal)
8. Kou Shouka (Red robes, the leader of wolves of the wind, and palace librarian)
9. Tei Yuushun (The fan and his cane)
10. Shin Suou (The golden tanuki!!!)
Shuuei: Rumor has it that he’s a completely hedonist playboy who spend all of his time messing around.
Kouyuu: Impressive, Ran Clan. You’re pretty well-informed with the gossips of the seven clans.
Kouyuu’s response made me chuckle xDD Its like he’s implying Shuuei is a gossiper. Ryuuki on the other hand is in his serious mode.
Now let me introduce Shuuei’s and Ryuuren’s older brothers
- Head of Ran Family, Ran Setsuna
- I just find it weird that they call each other Setsuna? I mean all of them are Setsuna, right? Guys, you have individual names hello? Hana, Yuki and Tsuki?? Or they probably call the eldest twin a Setsuna?
- Ran province reminds me of Venice
- Just triplets bullying the emperor. Well, every clan really love to bully the emperor anyway xDD