Chapter Text
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 I
At the close of the third year of Emperor Seijuurou's reign, the imperial concubine election was held. The selected ladies from across the land had gathered in the capital, poised to present themselves before the emperor in the Crimson Forbidden City.
Among them was Furihata Kouka, the daughter of Furihata Kenji, a government official in Teikou Empire. This year, at the age of sixteen, Kouka had reached the required age to partake in the selection.
As she passed by the towering buildings and vibrant decorations, Kouka gazed around with a mixture of wonder and awe.
The Crimson Forbidden City was a marvel of architecture, vast beyond measure. Its outer walls, painted in a bold crimson hue, encircled the enormous complex. The rooftops were glazed in royal yellow, gleaming in the sunlight. Located at the heart of the walled city of Rakuzan, the capital of Teikou Empire, the Forbidden City spanned a vast area, measuring 961 metres from north to south and 753 metres from east to west. Within its confines were 999 buildings, including 9,999 bays of rooms, antechambers, and corridors—a fitting residence for the Imperial family.
Kouka was not alone in the palace courtyard. She was one of hundreds of young women, all of whom had been chosen from across the empire. The youngest among them was fifteen, the eldest eighteen. All were of noble or high-ranking descent, and all were extraordinarily beautiful.
She observed the other girls, each of them adorned in their finest attire, striving to present themselves as worthy of the Emperor's favour. The competition was fierce. To be selected as a concubine of the Emperor was considered a great honour. Such a position would bestow immense power and wealth upon her and her family. Should she bear the Emperor a son, the heir to the throne, the family's fortune would be secured beyond measure. Children, particularly sons, were the most coveted prizes in the palace, after all, everyone knew that the Empress would never birth a child for Emperor Seijuurou.
"Attention!" one of the eunuchs on duty called out in a loud, commanding voice. "Please follow me." He then turned and began to walk away.
"Come along," one of the girls said softly.
"We must hurry," her friend replied, her tone quick with urgency.
Some of the girls appeared to know one another, exchanging nods and quiet words as they followed. Kouka inwardly sighed. She had no friends in the capital. With her father serving as a mid-ranking government official, her presence here was not something anyone had anticipated or considered.
They continued down the winding hallway. The palace, vast and intricate, resembled a labyrinth. Kouka was certain that had she been alone, she would have become hopelessly lost within moments.
"We have arrived," the eunuch announced, halting before a large, ornate gate.
They had reached a vast garden, a quiet, open expanse where they were instructed to wait for their turn to present themselves before the Emperor.
In addition to the eunuch who had escorted them, several others stood nearby, overseeing the proceedings. One of the eunuchs, holding a thick book, opened it with precision. His voice rang out, clear and firm.
"Anyone whose name I call, please step forward." He read several names aloud, his tone measured and steady. After a pause, he called again, louder this time: "Please proceed to the main hall."
Kouka felt an overwhelming sense of tension wash over her. She had no desire to be chosen as one of the Emperor's concubines. Despite the wealth and luxury that came with such a position, concubines were confined to the palace, unable to venture outside without explicit permission. This, in stark contrast to her own longing to remain close to her family, weighed heavily on her heart. It was clear to her that her feelings would remain unspoken, even to her parents. Only a person of unsound mind would dare to call such an existence an "honourable golden cage."
In an attempt to ease her mounting anxiety, Kouka turned her attention to the other girls around her. Some of them appeared as tense as she felt, while others carried themselves with an air of quiet confidence. These girls, she presumed, were likely supported by influential relatives within the government.
Lost in her thoughts, she accidentally bumped into someone.
"I apologise for my clumsiness," Kouka said quickly, her voice laced with politeness. "I did not notice your presence."
The girl she had collided with simply looked at her with a neutral expression. "It is of no matter," she replied in a flat voice. "People usually do not."
Kouka blinked in surprise.
Before her stood a strikingly beautiful young girl. Her large blue eyes, framed by equally blue hair, gleamed beneath the soft light. The delicate floral patterns of her blue silk dress further accentuated her appearance. Yet, there was a distinct lack of emotion upon her face, as though her beauty existed independently of any expression.
"I am Furihata Kouka," she introduced herself politely, hoping to establish some kind of connection. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
The girl did not immediately respond, but after a pause, she answered in the same emotionless tone. "Mayuzumi Chiharu."
Then, as if the conversation had ended there, Chiharu fell silent once again.
Kouka stood for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. The lack of response left her feeling momentarily confused. It seemed that Chiharu had no interest in continuing their conversation. Still, Kouka found herself desperate for someone to talk to—anything to fill the overwhelming loneliness that surrounded her in this unfamiliar place. She had no acquaintance here, no one to turn to, and it made her feel small amidst the sea of strangers.
"Chiharu, where have you been?" a voice suddenly called out.
Mayuzumi Chiharu did not acknowledge the newcomer, her gaze remaining fixed elsewhere.
Kouka, feeling somewhat awkward in the silence, greeted the girl with a polite smile. "Hello."
The newcomer returned the smile warmly. "Hello," she said. "I am Sakurai Ryuna. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Ryuna's brown eyes sparkled with a friendly light, and her brown hair was delicately pinned with a jade ornament, its green hue complementing the elegance of her attire—a graceful green dress that further enhanced her beauty.
"I am Furihata Kouka," Kouka responded, her tone equally polite. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well." After a brief pause, she glanced between Ryuna and Chiharu. "Are you friends?"
"Our families have known each other for some time," Ryuna replied with a gentle nod.
"Oh," Kouka said, her curiosity piqued. "I see."
Ryuna's smile grew a touch more radiant as she spoke of her family. "My eldest brother is Major General Sakurai Ryou," she explained. "He serves as a subordinate to General Aomine Daiki, Commander in Chief of the Imperial Teikou Army."
Kouka's eyes widened with newfound respect. General Aomine Daiki, though still a young man, was a name spoken with great reverence across the empire. His martial prowess was legendary, and he had never been defeated in battle.
"And Chiharu is the daughter of Mayuzumi Isamu, Vice Minister of Ministry of Agriculture."
Chiharu's family, it seemed, was equally significant. Mayuzumi Isamu was a highly influential figure in the imperial government, and Kouka could not help but feel the disparity between her own family and theirs. Her father held a far lower rank in the grand hierarchy of the capital.
"My father is Furihata Kenji," Kouka said, her voice steady despite the slight discomfort she felt. "He is an official in Kunmo, the capital of Seirin Province. I hail from there."
At the mention of Kunmo, Ryuna's eyes widened with interest. "Kunmo? Seirin Province? Is it not the homeland of Empress Tetsuya?"
Kouka nodded in confirmation. "Indeed."
Seirin was known for its fertile land, a temperate climate, and an abundance of water resources. It was a place where all manner of vegetables, fruits, and herbs grew in plenty, and most of the residents are farmers. In addition, Seirin Province had long been a wellspring of skilled doctors, for the herbs grown there were considered the finest in the empire. One of its most notable figures was the late Kuroko Takumi, the Divine Doctor, and the grandfather of Empress Tetsuya.
"I am the only one from Seirin Province here," Kouka admitted quietly. "So, I do not know anyone in the capital."
Ryuna's face brightened at once. "You know us," she said with a warm smile. "We can be friends." Her enthusiasm was evident.
Kouka looked at her with surprise. "Really?"
"Of course," Ryuna replied confidently, then turned to Chiharu. "Right, Chiharu?"
Chiharu gazed at them, her expression as neutral as ever.
"Chiharu!" Ryuna urged, her tone slightly more insistent.
After a long pause, Chiharu spoke in her usual flat voice, "We can be friends."
Kouka smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you," she said, her voice sincere. At least, she thought, she now had someone to rely on in this strange and overwhelming place.
Before the conversation could continue, the sharp voice of an official rang out across the room.
"Attention!" he called, his tone demanding. "Anyone whose name I call, please step forward."
Kouka's heart skipped a beat as she waited anxiously. The official began to call names, and soon Chiharu's was heard.
"Good luck," Ryuna said kindly, her smile warm as she looked at her friend.
Kouka, however, remained silent. She could not bring herself to offer the same encouraging words. How could she cheer for Chiharu, when, deep down, she feared the very same fate? The uncertainty of what would come next hung heavily over her. The girls who had been called earlier had not yet returned, leaving Kouka to wonder just what awaited them in the presence of Emperor Seijuurou. What kind of meeting could it possibly be?
"You look tense," Ryuna remarked, her tone soft but perceptive.
Kouka managed a weak smile, trying to mask the anxiety that gnawed at her.
"Calm down," Ryuna said kindly, offering an encouraging smile. "You look graceful. I'm sure you'll be chosen."
Kouka blinked in surprise. She didn't feel graceful—her nerves were far too obvious, and she was sure her discomfort showed.
Leaning in slightly, Ryuna lowered her voice to a whisper. "My brother heard from General Aomine that His Imperial Majesty has a particular fondness for elegant women."
The information didn't offer Kouka any comfort. If anything, it only increased her anxiety. She had no desire to impress the Emperor; all she truly wished for was to remain with her family. The thought of being chosen, of being confined to the palace, filled her with dread.
"You seem to know a lot," Kouka remarked, her voice tinged with a mix of admiration and unease.
Ryuna shrugged nonchalantly. "If you live in the capital like I do, especially with access to the palace, you tend to hear all manner of rumours."
Kouka couldn't argue with that. Living in such a place would undoubtedly expose one to many whispers of the court.
"Look," Ryuna said suddenly, her eyes narrowing as she subtly gestured toward a group of girls gathered nearby. "That is Hanamiya Misaki, the daughter of Hanamiya Makoto, the Minister of Works. She's considered one of the strongest candidates for selection."
Kouka glanced over, taking in the sight of Hanamiya Misaki. The girl was strikingly beautiful, with dark hair that cascaded elegantly around her shoulders and dark eyes that seemed to hold an air of mystery. She stood tall, her posture perfect, and every movement she made exuded a quiet confidence. It was no surprise that Misaki would be a strong contender. After all, her father held a powerful position in the government, and his influence would surely bolster her chances. Misaki was surrounded by a tight circle of girls, all of them admiring her presence.
"And over there," Ryuna continued, her voice lowering slightly as she pointed discreetly to another group of girls, "is Haizaki Shiina, the daughter of Haizaki Shougo, the Minister of Defense. Like Misaki, she's also a strong contender."
Kouka's eyes shifted to Haizaki Shiina. The girl in the center of the group was just as beautiful, her features delicate and poised. She stood surrounded by her friends, all of them equally lovely in their own right. But then again, which of them wasn't beautiful? The families who sent their daughters to the concubine's election made certain to present only the most stunning of women, and it was clear that both Misaki and Shiina fit that mold perfectly. Moreover, with both girls hailing from families of immense power and prestige, their lineage and status placed them at the forefront of the selection process.
"Attention!" the official called out loudly, his voice carrying through the hall. "Anyone whose name I call, please step forward. Hanamiya Misaki, Furihata Kouka..."
Kouka barely registered the other names as her heart pounded in her chest. Her vision swam, and she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. For a moment, she thought she might faint right there.
"Please follow me," came the sharp command of a eunuch dressed in black.
With trembling hands, Kouka and seven other girls followed the eunuch, their footsteps echoing as they made their way through the palace. They arrived at the entrance of a grand hall and were instructed to line up, standing as straight as possible, their nerves palpable in the air.
At the far end of the hall, Emperor Seijuurou sat on a magnificent throne, his regal presence filling the space. The sight of him was enough to make Kouka's breath catch in her throat.
They were not permitted to look directly at the Emperor, but Kouka could not help herself. Stealing furtive glances, she admired him from the corner of her eye. Emperor Seijuurou was undeniably striking—his red hair shone like flames in the soft light, and his eyes, a stunning mix of red and gold, seemed to gleam with a powerful, almost otherworldly intensity. There was no mistaking the overwhelming aura he exuded, one that commanded instant reverence. It made the room feel smaller, as if everyone in his presence was meant to bow down before him.
"Introducing Hanamiya Misaki, sixteen years of age, daughter of Hanamiya Makoto, Minister of Works," the eunuch standing beside the Emperor announced, his voice carrying through the hall.
Hanamiya Misaki stepped forward with an elegant grace. She lowered herself into a curtsy, her movements fluid and practiced. "Hanamiya Misaki bows before Your Majesty," she said, her voice a perfect blend of humility and poise.
Emperor Seijuurou gave a subtle nod in acknowledgment. The eunuch immediately stepped forward, his voice ringing clear. "Hanamiya Misaki is selected. Bestow the sachet."
Misaki's face lit up with a smile, one of both relief and triumph. She bowed once more. "Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty."
"Introducing Furihata Kouka, sixteen years of age, daughter of Furihata Kenji, an official at Kunmo."
Kouka's heart raced as her name echoed through the hall. It was her turn now, and she could barely gather the strength to move. Her legs felt as though they were made of stone, trembling beneath her. She forced herself to take a step forward, but her feet betrayed her, and she stumbled, crashing to the floor in front of the Emperor.
A wave of heat flooded her face as she realized the full extent of her humiliation. The other girls glanced at her with expressions of quiet scorn, their eyes sharp with judgment.
Frantically, Kouka pressed her palms to the cool floor and quickly knelt before the Emperor. "I apologise, Your Imperial Majesty," she said, her voice shaking uncontrollably. A dreadful thought gnawed at her—what if the Emperor was angered by her clumsiness? What if this one mistake meant punishment for her and her family?
The hall fell into an eerie silence. For a long moment, there was no response from the Emperor. Kouka held her breath, anxiety threatening to choke her.
Then, finally, the eunuch's voice broke the stillness.
"Furihata Kouka is selected. Bestow the sachet."
Kouka could hardly believe her ears. Selected? Her thoughts swirled in confusion. The sachet—a symbol of her selection as one of the Emperor's concubines—was being bestowed upon her? How could this be happening? She had fallen in front of the Emperor. It was unthinkable.
She could feel the stunned gazes of the other girls and eunuchs, all of them equally taken aback by the Emperor's decision.
"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper, still overwhelmed by the shock of it all.
After that, everything seemed to blur together. The voices of those who had been selected mingled with the cries of those who had been rejected, some joyful, others bitter. Kouka could hardly focus on the noise around her. She was too dazed to take it all in, her mind spinning.
The next thing she knew, she was sitting in a carriage, the familiar scenery of the capital passing by, though her mind felt far removed from it all. The girls who had been selected were allowed to return home briefly to say their goodbyes to their families. For many of them, this would be their last chance to see their parents. A month after the election, they would be expected to reside in the Crimson Forbidden City—isolated within its walls for the rest of their lives.
Kouka's heart sank at the thought. She hadn't even been able to grasp what had happened to her, and yet her life had already been irrevocably altered.
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.
This is my very first historical C-drama-inspired fanfic, and I must admit, I've probably watched one too many palace dramas. The main pairing here is Akashi Seijuurou and Kuroko Tetsuya, though there may be some one-sided feelings towards Akashi from other characters. As with most palace dramas, the concubine's fate is never certain and could shift at any moment for plot reasons.
The world of this story blends various Chinese dynasties with a bit of my own creative twist.