Set in the fictional medieval empire of Saiunkoku, the narrative follows Shuurei Kou, a descendant of a noble house that has fallen on hard times. Her father serves as a librarian in the Imperial palace, a position that commands prestige and respect yet provides little compensation. Shuurei teaches at a temple school and takes on odd jobs to make ends meet, though her ambition is to pass the imperial examinations and secure a government post, a career path forbidden to women. Shuurei's plans are abruptly halted when the Emperor's Grand Advisor makes a startling offer: to join the imperial household for six months as the young Emperor's consort and teach him to be a responsible ruler. Success would bring a great financial reward. The story details Shuurei's growing relationships with the Emperor and other court members, the intrigues surrounding imperial politics, and her commitment to bettering herself and her country.