Please read the author's note for the explanation about the system, place, etc.

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroko no Basket and Empresses in the Palace/Legend of Zhen Huan. I don't make money from writing this fanfiction. The story contains spoiler for both Kuroko no Basket and Empresses in the Palace/Legend of Zhen Huan and other drama. Also there are quotes from manga, anime, wiki and other sources. This chapter is edited by Aokazu Sei. Thank you so much for your help.

In the Court of the Crimson King

Chapter I: 几家欢喜几家愁 (Some are happy, some have worries)

At the end of the third year of Emperor Seijuurou's reign, the imperial concubine election was held. The chosen ladies from around the country had gathered in the capital, ready to appear before the emperor in the Crimson Forbidden City.

One of the ladies was Furihata Kouka, the daughter of Furihata Kenji, a government official in Akashi dynasty. This year, Kouka reached the age of sixteen, allowing her to be in the selection process.

And as she passed by the towering buildings and vibrant decor, Kouka looked around in wonder and awe.

The Crimson Forbidden City was truly magnificent and simply enormous. The gigantic outer area was encircled by broad crimson-red walls, the under roof tiles glazed with royal yellow. The Crimson Forbidden City was designed to be the Centre of the walled city of Rakuzan, the capital of Teikou Empire. It was a rectangle, 961 metres from north to south and spanning 753 metres from east to west, consisted of 999 buildings with 9,999 bays of rooms including antechambers; it was truly a befitting place for the Imperial family.

Kouka wasn't the only girl in the palace courtyard now. She was one of hundreds of ladies chosen from all over the country. With the youngest as fifteen and the oldest as eighteen, they were all very beautiful ladies from noble or high ranking families.

She watched the other girls, who were all dolled up to the nines and dressed in their best kimono. Everyone tried their best to be elected as a concubine for the Emperor. It was considered a high honor, and to become the Emperor's favorite, power and wealth would certainly be bestowed upon her and her family. It would bring unimaginable prosperity and fortune if the concubine gave birth to a baby boy, the next heir to the throne. Children were the most important thing in the palace. After all, everyone knew that the Empress would never birth a child for Emperor Seijuurou.

"Attention!" One official said in a loud voice. "Please follow me." And he walked away.

"Come."

"We must hurry."

Some of the girls seemed to know each other. Kouka inwardly sighed. She did not have friends in the capital. With her father as a middle rank government official, she shouldn't have been considered at all.

They continued to walk through the winding hallway. The palace was like a maze, and Kouka was certain she would get lost if she were alone.

"We have arrived."

They were taken to a vast park where they were to wait their turn to appear in front of the emperor.

In addition to official before, there were several others that joined. One of them was holding thick book, which he opened and called in a loud voice.

"Anyone whose name I call, please step forward." He then called several names, then paused. "Please go to the main hall."

Kouka felt very tense. She actually did not wish to be elected as a concubine of the emperor. Although lathered in riches, concubines were not permitted outside of the palace without permission, which extremely contrasted her preference to stay close to her parents. It was obvious that her thoughts remained a secret, even to her own parents because only an insane person would call such an honor a golden cage.

To ease her anxiety, she chose to look at the other girls. Some of them looked just as tense, but there were also girls who looked very confident; it seemed that they had important relatives in the government.

BRUK!

She accidentally bumped into someone.

"I apologize for my clumsiness," she said hurriedly. "I didn't notice your presence."

"It's alright," the girl she crashed into said with flat voice. "People usually don't."

Kouka blinked.

The girl in front of her was very beautiful with big blue eyes and hair. The blue silk kimono with floral patterns also added to her beauty. Only her face was devoid of emotion.

"I'm Furihata Kouka," she introduced herself. "It's nice to meet you."

"Mayuzumi Chihiro," the girl replied flatly.

Kouka was confused for a while. It seemed that Chihiro wasn't at all interested to talk with her, but Kouka really wanted someone to converse now. It was very lonely having no acquaintance in this place.

"Chihiro, where have you been?" someone suddenly appeared.

Mayuzumi ignored the newcomer.

"Hello," Kouka greeted awkwardly.

"Hello," the girl smiled. "I'm Sakurai Ryuna. It's nice to meet you."

She had brown eyes and hair, which was decorated by a jade pin. Her expensive green kimono served as a compliment to her beauty.

"I'm Furihata Kouka," she replied. "It's nice to meet you too." She looked at Ryuna and then turned to Chihiro. "Are you friends?"

"Our family knew each other," Ryuna replied.

"Oh." Kouka nodded in understanding.

"My eldest brother is Major General Sakurai Ryou," Ryuna explained. "He's a subordinate of General Aomine Daiki, Commander in Chief of Imperial Teikou Army."

So, Ryuna came from a very important family. General Aomine Daiki, although still young, was well known for his exceptional martial arts skills. He was never defeated in battle.

"And Chihiro is the daughter of Mayuzumi Ishida, Senior Vice Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture," Ryuna continued.

Chihiro came from important family too. Compared to them, Kouka's father had the lowest position in government.

"My father is Furihata Kenji. He is an official in Kunmo, the capital of Seirin province," Kouka said. "I came from there."

Ryuna's eyes widened. "Kunmo? Seirin's province? It's Empress Tetsuya's hometown, right?"

Kouka nodded. Seirin province was famous for its fertile land with favourable climate and abundant water resources. All kinds of vegetables, fruits, and herbs grew in abundance, making most of the residents farmers. In addition, the province Seirin also provides talented physician, one of which was the late Kuroko Takumi, the grandfather of the Empress.

"I'm the only one that comes from the Province Seirin here." Kouka admitted. "So, I do not know anyone here."

"You know us." Ryuna said. "We can be friends." The girl looked very excited at the idea.

"Really?" Kouka asked.

"Yes," Ryuna replied. "Right, Chihiro?"

Chihiro stared at them blankly.

"Chihiro!"

"We can be friends," Chihiro said. Her face was as blank as ever.

"Thank you," she said. Kouka was very relieved. At least she now had a friend.

"Attention!" The official said loudly. "Anyone whose name I call, please step forward."

This time, Chihiro was called.

"Good luck," Ryuna said, smiling at her friend.

Kouka was silent. How could she bring herself to cheer for Chihiro when she was terrified of being elected? Unfortunately, the girls who had been called had not returned, so Kouka had no idea how the meeting would be with Emperor Seijuurou.

"You look tense," commented Ryuna

Kouka gave her a weak smile.

"Calm down, you look graceful," Ryuna said. "You'll be chosen."

Kouka blinked. She didn't think she looked elegant.

Ryuna leaned closer and whispered in a small voice. "My brother heard from General Aomine that His Imperial Majesty likes elegant woman the most."

The new piece of information did not help her at all. She was afraid of the Emperor; all she wanted was to stay with her family.

"You seem to know a lot." Kouka commented.

"If you live in the capital like me, especially when there's access to the palace, you will hear a lot of rumours." Ryuna replied.

That was true.

"Look," Ryuna said suddenly, "That is Hanamiya Misaki, the daughter of Hanamiya Makoto, Minister of Works. She's a strong candidate to be selected."

"And that is Haizaki Shiina, the daughter of Haizaki Shougo, Minister of Defense," Ryuna resumed. "Just like Misaki, she is also a strong candidate."

They were both daughters of top officials in the government; it would be very likely for them to be elected.

"Attention!" The official said loudly. "Anyone whom name I call, please step forward. Hanamiya Misaki, Furihata Kouka..."

Kouka didn't hear who was called the next. She thought that she was going to faint on the spot.

"Please follow me," said a eunuch in a black uniform.

Kouka and seven other girls went with the eunuch, soon arriving in front of a large hall where they stopped to line up neatly.

Emperor Seijuurou was seated on a throne in the middle of the hall.

They were forbidden to look at the emperor, but Kouka stole furtive glances. Emperor Seijuurou was indeed very handsome, with red hair and a pair of eyes of red and gold. He possessed a tremendous aura, making everyone bow down before him.

"Introducing Hanamiya Misaki, daughter of Hanamiya Makoto," the official next to the Emperor called.

Hanamiya Misaki stepped forward and curtsied. For this occasion, the ladies didn't need to kneel and bow on the floor.

"Give her charm," Emperor Seijuurou ordered. His voice was silky smooth and rang with authority.

"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty." Misaki said with a smile on her face.

Then, it was her turn.

"Introducing Furihata Kouka, daughter of Furihata Kenji."

Kouka tried to walk, but her legs were shaking. She forced herself to go forward, but instead, she tripped and fell down. It was embarrassing. The other girls looked at her scornfully.

She quickly kneeled on the floor. "I am sorry, Your Imperial Majesty," she said with a trembling voice. Please don't punish her or her family.

For a moment there was no response until finally ...

"Give her charm."

Kouka could not believe her ears. Charm? She was given charm? But the charm meant that she was chosen as a concubine. How could this happen? She fell down in front of the Emperor. Not only her, even the other girls and the eunuchs of the palace were surprised.

"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty," she managed to say.

Everything that happened after that was a blur. Perhaps she was too stunned and shocked; she only knew that she was inside the carriage that would take her home.

Girls who had been elected as a concubine were given the opportunity to return to their homes for two weeks to say goodbye to families and friends. For the majority of these girls, this was the last chance to see their parents before settling in the Crimson Forbidden City until the end of their lives.

After two days of travelling, she finally returned home. Her family was already waiting for her, lighting firecrackers to mark her arrival.

"Father! Mother!" she ran to hug them. She cried upon seeing their familiar faces.

"Kouka!" Her mother also cried upon seeing her.

They shared a long embrace until Furihata Kenji suggested, "Let's go inside."

Kouka was led to the dining room. The table was filled with her favourite foods.

"This is..." she trailed off.

"You must be hungry," her mother said tearfully, "I've cooked your favourites. Eat now."

"Let's eat, Sister," her little brother said. "I've been waiting for you, and I'm really hungry now." The little boy rubbed his stomach.

Kouka laughed. "Come then. I won't let you starve."

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In the Crimson Forbidden City:

Higuchi Shota was seated in the main hall of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Empress Tetsuya's residence. Shota was the head of Imperial Household Department, an institution of the Akashi dynasty of Teikou Empire where its primary purpose was to manage internal affairs of the Imperial family and activities of the inner palace.

He visited the Empress to report about the arrival of the new concubines to the palace. It was royal protocol for the concubines to be chosen by the Emperor and Empress Dowager, but since the mother of Emperor Seijuurou, Empress Shiori, had died, only the Emperor chose this time. The concubine's rank would be discussed between the Empress and Emperor, while the residence was determined by the Empress.

Although it was highly expected that protocol be followed, the Emperor's orders were above all else. The Emperor ruled as an absolute monarch, words were considered sacred edicts, and written proclamations "directives from above."

The Emperor lived at the Palace of Heavenly Purity while the Empress lives at the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. In addition, there were six eastern palaces and six western palaces. However, only a concubine with Consort rank can be placed within a palace and become the head of the said palace. Concubines with rank under Consort only acquire small pavilions for them to live.

"The Empress is coming!"

Empress Tetsuya walked into the hall before being seated on his throne. He was accompanied by Aida Riko, his personal maid.

"Your Highness," Shouta bowed in respect. "I came to give this."

Riko took the palace official record and gave it to the Empress.

"There are eight chosen ladies in this election, Your Highness." He informed the empress.

Empress Tetsuya took the book and opened it.

He was blessed with white porcelain skin and a pair of delicate hands. Even though he was a male, Empress Tetsuya had a lovely face that some would simply describe as feminine. His blank face gave an impression of a living doll.

"His Imperial Majesty wants Your Highness to decide the ranks of the concubines," Shota said. "The chosen ladies are Hanamiya Misaki, Haizaki Shiina, Sakurai Ryuna, Mayuzumi Chihiro, Moriyama Tomomi, Fukuda Hiroko, Kawahara Sayuri, and Furihata Kouka according to the level of their family position in the government."

"Bestow the rank of Noble Ladies for Hanamiya Misaki and Haizaki Shiina," Empress Tetsuya said.

Shota already predicted this. Hanamiya Misaki and Haizaki Shiina were daughters of a minister, and it only suited them to be ranked as Noble Ladies, the highest rank that could be given to the new concubine who just entered the imperial harem. If a concubine wanted to rise to a higher level, she must give birth to a child or became a favourite concubine of the emperor.

"Give First Class Female Attendant rank for Sakurai Ryuna and Mayuzumi Chihiro," Empress Tetsuya paused a bit. "And Second Class Female Attendant rank for Moriyama Tomomi, Fukuda Hiroko, Kawahara Sayuri, and Furihata Kouka."

"Yes, Your Highness." Now he had to wait for the distribution of the residence of the concubines.

"Hanamiya Misaki will stay in the pavilion in the Palace of Great Benevolence complex, Haizaki Shiina will stay in the pavilion in the Palace of Celestial Favour complex, Sakurai Ryuna will stay in the pavilion in the Palace of Eternal Harmony complex." Empress Tetsuya ordered. "Mayuzumi Chihiro will stay in the pavilion in the Palace of Great Brilliance complex, Moriyama Tomomi and Fukuda Hiroko will stay in the pavilion in the Palace of Purity complex. Meanwhile, Kawahara Sayuri and Furihata Kouka will stay in the pavilion in the Palace of Lasting Happiness complex."

Each of those palaces had a few buildings and pavilions for individual living quarters, so many concubines can live in one palace.

"Yes, Your Highness." His business there was finished now.

"And one more thing," Empress Tetsuya said suddenly.

"Your Highness?" Shota asked.

"Do not forget that the concubines only need to come once a week for a morning meeting. Every Monday will do." Empress Tetsuya ordered without expression on his face.

Shota bowed. "I understood, Your Highness."

It was another custom that the concubines came to Palace of Earthly Tranquility every morning to pay their respect to the Empress. However, during Empress Tetsuya's reign, the morning meeting was conducted once a week.

Shota bowed again. "I will take my leave, Your Highness."

He wondered what would happen in the future. While this was the first concubine election, Emperor Seijuurou actually had a consort before. The lady, ironically, was his first wife. The late Emperor Masaomi ordered the marriage from his sick bed, so Crown Prince Seijuurou was forced to marry the chosen lady when he came of age. But once he ascended the throne, Emperor Seijuurou went after his first love, married him, and made him the Empress of Teikou Empire. The neglected first wife eventually resorted to occult as a last-ditch attempt to salvage the situation. She was imprisoned in the Cold Palace as punishment, and now, no one dared speak about her.

From the beginning of the marriage, Emperor Seijuurou's attention was monopolized by the Empress. But now, the concubines would enter the palace. Those women were beautiful, elegant, and vicious. They would do anything to gain the Emperor's favour. Backstabbing and malice were an endemic among them in the history of Teikou Empire. Shota could only wait and see what kind of change they would bring in the palace.

Well, he could think about that later. He must go to Hall of Mental Cultivation to give his report to Emperor Seijuurou.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

One week later:

~At Furihata Residence~

"Welcome in our humble abode," Furihata Kenji said.

The official messenger from the palace had come to inform their family about Kouka's placement in the harem. With him also came the etiquette teacher, Aunt Fuu.

"Edict from His Imperial Majesty." the messenger said.

Kenji, his wife, his daughter, his son, and the servants in the living room kneeled on the floor.

"Furihata Kouka is bestowed with the rank of Second Class Female Attendant," the messenger read the paper.

"Thank you for the His Imperial Majesty's kindness." They replied in unison and bowed their head.

"Aunt Fuu will stay to educate Second Class Female Attendant Kouka about the rules in the palace," the messenger continued. "We'll leave by this night."

Kouka looked at Aunt Fuu shyly. She was a middle-aged woman with friendly face. Aunt Fuu smiled gently when she saw Kouka looking at her. Kouka calmed down a bit.

"Please come this way," Furihata Ayumi said.

Ayumi led Aunt Fuu to the living room with Kouka following behind them. According to the rule, the lesson was only attended by the concubine and the maid who was going to live with her master in the palace. But since Kouka didn't have a maid, it was only herself and Aunt Fuu.

"Please have a seat, Aunt Fuu." Ayumi said.

Aunt Fuu sat on the chair, and Kouka sat across from her.

"I'll leave both of you," her mother said and then she left, giving her assuring smile on her way out.

"Don't look so nervous," Aunt Fuu began.

Kouka smiled shyly. "I'm sorry, Aunt Fuu."

"I understand that you're worried for your new life, but that's why I'm here," Aunt Fuu continued, "I'll teach you about the rules in the palace and the hierarchy there."

Kouka gave her an undivided attention now.

"You've been given title Second Class Female Attendant, right?" Aunt Fuu asked.

"Yes," Kouka replied.

"There are nine levels in the imperial harem," Aunt Fuu began. "The highest one is the Empress, who is the principal wife of the Emperor. There is only one Empress in the harem, and they have more power than any other concubines. Below the Empress, are eight other rankings: the Imperial Noble Consort, Noble Consorts, Consorts, Imperial Concubines, Noble Ladies, First Class Female Attendants, Second Class Female Attendants, and Female Attendants.

As you climb the ranks, there'd be less and less ladies who'd share your title. For example, there are only one Imperial Noble Consort, two Noble Consorts, four Consorts, and six Imperial Concubines. Positions such as the Noble Ladies, First Class Female Attendants, Second Class Female Attendants, and Female Attendants are limitless in the imperial harem."

"Then, my rank is the second lowest," Kouka whispered.

"Do not worry," Aunt Kouka tried to assure her. "You're beautiful and young. When you gain the Emperor's favour, you will be promoted. But remember, no one is allowed to skip rank, everyone has to climb up the hierarchy step by step."

Kouka doubted about that. She was a shy person. How could she attract Emperor Seijuurou's attention was beyond her.

"The harem, like the whole of the Crimson Forbidden City, is governed by rigid rules. Exactly what objects the girls could have in their rooms, the quantity, and quality of the textiles for their clothes, and the types of food for each day's consumption are meticulously determined in accordance with their rank."

Kouka didn't know that the palace was truly a strict place, which became another reason to become reluctant. If only there was a way for her to be rejected by the Emperor, so she could be betrothed and live peacefully.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

~At Mayuzumi Residence~

"Chihaya, do not eavesdrop on your sister," Mayuzumi Ishida told his daughter.

In the living room, Mayuzumi Chihiro and Aunt Yuu were having their conversation. Like every other lady who was chosen, the palace had sent an etiquette teacher for Chihiro as well.

"But Father, they're talking about His Imperial Majesty now," a ten years old Chihaya replied. She looked very excited about the topic.

Ishida sighed. Chihaya was a cheerful child, so different from her sister who bore almost no expressions.

"Sister is so lucky to be chosen as concubine," Chihaya continued. "I want to become a concubine too, but I'm too young. People say that His Imperial Majesty is very handsome."

Ishida could only stare at her youngest daughter in a daze. His daughter's thinking was quite surprising. But Chihaya was still a little child, far too naive of the extreme competition that often ended in death. Ishida did not expect Chihiro to achieve such a high position, but it was not a pleasant surprise. With her higher rank, there would be more enemies. He only hoped that Chihiro could quietly live in the palace.

"Chihaya..."

"Shhh...they're talking about Empress Tetsuya now," Chihaya said.

Vaguely, they both could hear the sound of Aunt Yuu.

"Empress Tetsuya is the only grandchild of the late Kuroko Takumi, the Great Physician. He's considered the greatest physician in the history of the Teikou Empire. Many of the medicines we use now are his creation. He also did a great service to the imperial family in the past." Aunt Yuu explained.

A great service was an understatement.

Kuroko Takumi had saved Emperor Masaomi's life from a rare disease. Without Takumi's help, Akashi Seijuurou would have never been born, and the Akashi dynasty would have ended. When Kuroko Tetsuya was left alone with no other relatives, Kuroko Takumi went to the palace and begged for his grandchild's protection, which Emperor Masaomi granted.

No one expected Crown Prince Seijuurou, once he ascended the throne, to marry Kuroko Tetsuya and make him his Empress despite already being wed to a noble woman. Male consorts existed in the past, but this was the first time they had a male Empress. But the Emperor's words were absolute, and no one could defy him.

"Empress Tetsuya must be really pretty..." Chihaya mused.

That was the thing that worried Ishida the most. He had seen Empress Tetsuya, and there was no doubt they could be mistaken for each other. And Ishida knew that Emperor Seijuurou easily noticed it too.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

~Hanamiya Residence~

Hanamiya Misaki resisted the urge to yawn. The old woman in front of her was boring her to death. Could she stop already with her prattling? Misaki had done her research. She didn't need this old hag to inform her about the things she already knew.

"In some cases, when the Empress does not bear any children, the Emperor will have a child with his many wives," Aunt Seo explained.

Empress Tetsuya was a male. He can't have a child, even an idiot knew that. The intelligence of these people really astounded Misaki.

"However, all children of His Imperial Majesty are also to be the children of the Empress, regardless of birth mother. They are expected to treat the Empress as their own mother," Aunt Seo explained. "No matter who ascends the throne, the current Empress will become Empress Dowager."

Misaki didn't pay attention to her anymore. A plan already forming inside her head. She would gain Emperor's favour, and she would give birth to the heir of the throne. Anyone who stood on her way would be destroyed. As for Empress Tetsuya…

Two tigers cannot share one mountain.

Author's Note:

Hi everyone!

My first ever AU inspired historical fanfic. I think I watch too many palace dramas. My favourite ever: Legend of Zhen Huan. The main pairing here is Akashi Seijuurou/Kuroko Tetsuya. Anyone else with Akashi is one-sided. The concubine can die anytime for the plot.

The situation, culture, government, military and fashion in this fic is a mix between ancient China, Japan and my own creation.

The eight levels in imperial harem come from Qing dynasty.

Empress (Chinese: 皇后; pinyin: Huánghòu), only one in the imperial harem.

Imperial Noble Consort (simplified Chinese: 皇贵妃; traditional Chinese: 皇貴妃; pinyin: Huáng Guìfēi), only one in the imperial harem.

Noble Consorts (simplified Chinese: 贵妃; traditional Chinese: 貴妃; pinyin: Guìfēi), only two in the imperial harem. Consorts (Chinese: 妃; pinyin: Fēi), only four in the imperial harem.

Imperial Concubines (simplified Chinese: 嫔; traditional Chinese: 嬪; pinyin: Pín), only six in the imperial harem.

Noble Ladies (simplified Chinese: 贵人; traditional Chinese: 貴人; pinyin: Guìrén), unlimited number in the imperial harem.

First Class Female Attendant (Chinese: 常在; pinyin: Chángzài), unlimited number in the imperial harem.

Lady or Second Class Female Attendant (simplified Chinese: 答应; traditional Chinese: 答應; pinyin: Dāyìng), unlimited number in the imperial harem.

Female Attendant(官女子), unlimited number in the imperial harem, typically granted to female eunuchs who were chosen to be minor concubines.

Crimson Forbidden City is inspired by Forbidden City. The common English name, "the Forbidden City", is a translation of the Chinese name Zijin Cheng (Chinese: 紫禁城; pinyin: Zǐjinchéng; literally: "Purple Forbidden City").

Two tigers can not share one mountain (Yi Shan Bu Neng Chang Er Hu 一山不能藏二虎) literally means that in an area, there cannot be two very strong personality people leading. Just like in a mountain, there will only be one king, one leader. If there are two kings, they will fight it out.

Thank you for reading and please review.