Saiunkoku Monogatari (Light Novel)

[AnimeOtaku5000]

In an ancient and mythological land called Saiunkoku, the people have begun to recover from a period of war and famine; thus, when an official from the imperial court offers the impoverished and beautiful Shuurei more money than she could ever dream of in return for a favor, she jumps at the chance. What she doesn’t count on, however, is being asked to become a concubine to the recluse Emperor and help him transform into a better leader. What’s more, the Emperor shows little intelligence, seems to have no interest in ruling, and is rumored to prefer men. One thing’s for certain: Shuurei has her work cut out for her!

This is just as good as apothecary diaries and the culinary chronicles, taking place in a far east setting ruled by an emperor.

Date of Publication: 2003-2011
22 Light Novel Volumes (complete)
Publisher: Kadokawa Beans Bunko

[PinkShinyRose]

I really liked the anime. I would love to see the LN translated as well.

There's another thread for this as well: https://forums.j-novel.club/topic/3388/saiunkoku-monogatari, but it lacks a synopsis.

[hollymyew]

Seconded! Would also like to read this series.
We have so few political light novel series, it'd be nice to see more.

[Rahul Balaggan]

This is a situation where, since the original topic had no substance, and thus community interest, I will be leaving the duplicate topic, this topic, open.

[straydog12]

@hollymyew couldn't agree more. This title is much better than those trashy hareem novels that degrade women no more than walking flesh with big breasts and large ass.

[Lotteliese]

Definitely a possibility great addition to JNC. The majority of J-Novel Heart titles are either Isekai or have too similar settings and a chinese historical would bring more variety.

[Jaskura Lunaris.gpys9ib]

I have been praying for literal years that this series would one day get an adaptation. I honestly can't say, "Take My Money" fast enough if j-novel club decided to publish this series. Best of all, it's complete, no waiting for Japanese releases! Please make my dreams of reading this series a reality. It had a manga that was short-live and doesn't even move past the anime that was released for it years back (it had 2 seasons of 39 episodes each!). I have re-watched it several times because it's just that enjoyable. It follows a strong female lead with an awesome cast around her. It dives heavily into politics, public works, infrastructure, medicine, etc. In addition, has a bit of fantasy woven in as well. Really can't go wrong with it. I would absolutely guarantee that people have purchased and enjoy Ascendance of Bookworm would also pounce on this series!