The Tale Continues (Saiunkoku Monogatari Fanfiction: Ryuuki x Shuurei lemon)

Chapter 15: Changes

Two years had passed since Shuurei left Kiyou. She had been sending her reports through letters and she had spearheaded many projects in the provinces. She had also revealed the corrupt officials she encountered and reported detailed evidences against them. It is becoming a talk in the country that a traveling official of the emperor had visited several places in the provinces and all that had been visited are now showing signs of development and order.

Meanwhile in the emperor's office, Ryuuki is busy checking the portraits of women sent by the officials as possible candidates to be in the Inner Palace. Shuuei was surprised when he saw that every day, Ryuuki would browse the portraits sent to him.

'Perhaps he had already gotten over Shuurei-dono,' Shuuei thought. If Ryuuki did, then it would be for the best. Shuurei would not be troubled again. Since the day Shuurei left, Ryuuki never mentioned her to them if it is not related to political matters or if it was not first mentioned by someone else. Shuuei and Kouyuu decided to not remind him of her so he could avoid thinking about her more. They noticed though that he looked genuinely happy when Shuurei accomplishes something big that it reaches the emperor. But perhaps, that is because his official had truly blossomed.

''Your Majesty, you're looking at portraits again. Have you done your work?'' Shuuei asked.

''Of course. I had nothing to do so I'll go through this portraits,'' Ryuuki replied and continued opening the portraits. ''Shuuei, look at this.''

''You have good eyes Your Majesty, that's a real beauty.''

''Could you investigate her for me? Learn everything about her that you can gather,'' Ryuuki said and continued browsing.

Shuuei eyed him suspiciously. 'Is he planning to get more than one woman for the harem?' He wondered what made Ryuuki change his mind. ''Are you by any chance planning to get more than one of these portraits?''

''Yes so you'd better get that one done quickly. I'm going to make you busy ha ha,'' Ryuuki said. He finished checking the portraits and sighed. ''That's enough for now.'' He stretch his arms in the air and decided to walk around a bit. He finishes his work early now since he got used to working fast since during the previous year, repairs and projects are in full swing. He had to work to the bone every day or else not just his office will be filled with documents but also the room beside him. He learned to work fast and efficient so he could finish tasks quickly without mistakes.

After a year, the amount of documents getting piled in his office was reduced to half. He did not know that it was because his working speed had increased. Now it had been two years and his office no longer gets filled with too much documents since once he saw papers piled on his table, he would quickly work on it to avoid delays of projects and amendments of laws. He had learned what happens when he delays his work so now he always stays prompt.

The Emperor of Saiunkoku, Shi Ryuuki is now seen as a strict noble king who works hard and loves his people. More officials became loyal to him and felt honored to serve a king of his caliber. There are still a lot who hates him but he had learned to make good use of them.

The officials would never forget the day too when the gentle and kind king got so angry. Many officials are debating in front of the king one morning in the court session when someone said, ''they deserve it for being so weak and allowing themselves to be in that situation.''

Many agreed. ''We cannot agree to this. It is not yet time.''

Amidst the disarray, they heard the loud clang of the king's sword as its tip hit the ground with force. It echoed in the whole room and everyone fell silent and looked up to the throne.