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Li Kouyuu

Li Kouyuu(李 絳攸) is the former Vice Minister of Civil Administration and the adoptive son of Kou Reishin, the influential head of the Kou Clan. Despite his high status and exceptional intelligence, Kouyuu is infamous for his terrible sense of direction, often getting lost even in familiar locations.

A brilliant civil servant, Kouyuu is deeply dedicated to his work and possesses a strong sense of duty toward the empire. Though he appears stern and serious, he is compassionate at heart, always striving to protect those he cares about. He is particularly loyal to Emperor Shi Ryuuki, whom he serves with unwavering dedication, despite his frequent frustrations with the emperor’s carefree personality.

Though he denies it constantly, Kouyuu is best friends with Ran Shuuei, who enjoys teasing him about his inability to navigate even the simplest of roads and his aversion to women. Despite their differences, the two share a deep bond and mutual respect.

Personality and Characteristics

https://everipedia.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/shibuya.jpg

Ran Shuuei with Li Kouyuu

Despite his reputation as a genius, Li Kouyuu is infamous for his horrendous sense of direction, often getting hopelessly lost even within familiar locations. He is easily annoyed, short-tempered, and prone to frustration, particularly when dealing with Ran Shuuei’s teasing or Shi Ryuuki’s carefree attitude. Despite this, Kouyuu is deeply committed to his work and possesses a strong moral compass.

Kouyuu is nervous when speaking in public and struggles with expressing his emotions. He holds a negative view of women, frequently stating that they are nothing but trouble. After passing the official exam, he refused all marriage proposals, despite being highly sought after by politically ambitious families. His aversion to relationships stems not from arrogance but from his deep-seated insecurities and personal convictions.

Although he can be hot-headed, Kou Shouka describes Kouyuu as a fine young man, largely due to the positive influence of his adoptive mother, Yuri. As an official, Kouyuu is highly capable, diligent, and fair, always recognizing the efforts of others and striving to serve the empire with integrity. However, his deep loyalty to Kou Reishin has led him to overlook his adoptive father’s flaws, often covering for Reishin’s irresponsibility rather than holding him accountable. This overwhelming devotion to Reishin has, at times, hindered Kouyuu’s own growth and independence.

Photo Section with Captions

Appearance

At the beginning of the series, Li Kouyuu is a young man, approximately 21-22 years old. He has sharp grey eyes and blue-toned green hair, which is usually neatly styled. His stern expression and serious demeanor give him a refined yet somewhat unapproachable presence, reflecting his perfectionist tendencies and rigid personality.

As a high-ranking official, he is typically seen wearing formal court attire, embodying the dignity and discipline expected of a Vice Minister of Civil Administration. Despite his youthful appearance, his mature and serious nature often makes him appear older than his actual age.

Plot

Li Kouyuu was abandoned as a baby and later orphaned again when his first adoptive parents were murdered. His early life was marked by tragedy and hardship, as he was enslaved and sold multiple times. Eventually, he was tied to a sacred tree as a sacrifice to the gods, left to die. However, Kou Reishin discovered and rescued him, bringing him to Kiyou along with Yuri, who was serving as Reishin’s personal attendant at the time. After Reishin and Princess Yuri married, they adopted Kouyuu as their son, giving him a new life and purpose. In the novel, Kouyuu was originally named ‘Kou’ by the elderly couple who first took him in. Reishin, wanting to preserve a part of his past, insisted on keeping the ‘Kou’ in his name, officially renaming him Li Kouyuu.

At age 16, Kouyuu became the youngest person in history to pass the official examinations, achieving the top-ranked “Jougen” position. His primary motivation for excelling in the exams and rising through the ranks was to stand beside Reishin and repay his kindness. However, Kouyuu also secretly craved acknowledgment from his adoptive father, often feeling frustrated by Reishin’s distant and reserved demeanor. Over time, he eventually realized that Reishin deeply cared for him, naming him after his favorite flower, the plum blossom.

At the start of the series, Kouyuu is assigned as a direct advisor to Emperor Shi Ryuuki, a role that initially frustrates him due to the Emperor’s habit of avoiding his responsibilities and disappearing for hours at a time. However, after agreeing to be tutored by Kouyuu and taking a more active role in governance, Ryuuki symbolically offers Kouyuu an iris flower, representing trust and loyalty. Kouyuu accepts the token, signifying his faith in Ryuuki as a worthy ruler.

The Kou family, specifically Kou Kurou, later attempts to arrange a marriage between Kouyuu and Shuurei, hoping to position them as future leaders of the Kou Clan. Although nothing materializes from the proposal, it highlights Kouyuu’s significant status within the clan. He also greatly admires Kou Shouka, to the point of envying Ryuuki for having been personally tutored by him.

In the 13th novel, Kouyuu is wrongfully imprisoned, accused of abusing his powers as Vice Minister of Civil Administration a consequence of Reishin’s long-standing neglect of his duties. As a result, Kouyuu is stripped of his position, but thanks to Shuurei’s efforts, he is allowed to remain an official in a different capacity.

Role in Saiunkoku Monogatari

As Vice Minister of Civil Administration, Kouyuu plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and organization of the government. He is highly competent, meticulous, and detail-oriented, ensuring that the empire’s bureaucracy functions smoothly.

However, his strict personality often clashes with less-disciplined officials, leading to frustrated outbursts and heated debates. Despite his impatience with inefficiency, his skills as an administrator are unmatched, making him one of the most valuable figures in the Imperial Court.

Kouyuu is one of the emperor’s most vocal critics, frequently scolding Ryuuki for his perceived laziness and irresponsibility. However, despite his exasperation, he is deeply devoted to serving Ryuuki, working tirelessly to ensure the emperor’s success.

Over time, Kouyuu comes to recognize Ryuuki’s growth as a leader and develops a deep respect for him, even if he continues to complain about his habits.

Kouyuu shares a long-standing friendship with Ran Shuuei, though their dynamic is largely defined by playful banter and constant teasing. Shuuei delights in provoking Kouyuu, often making jokes at his expense, particularly regarding his horrendous sense of direction.

Despite their differences in personality, the two share an unbreakable bond, with Shuuei acting as a grounding presence whenever Kouyuu becomes overwhelmed by frustration or stress. Their relationship is one of mutual respect, trust, and camaraderie, even if Shuuei’s teasing often leaves Kouyuu fuming.

Relationships

Ran Shuuei
Kouyuu shares a close yet comical relationship with Ran Shuuei, though he vehemently denies being friends with him. Despite his protests, the two share an undeniable bond, built over years of working together.

During their childhood, Shuuei often helped Kouyuu navigate his way, as Kouyuu’s infamous lack of direction frequently left him lost. This dynamic persists into adulthood, with Shuuei frequently teasing Kouyuu about his inability to find his way. Although Shuuei enjoys provoking him, he deeply respects Kouyuu’s intellect and dedication as an official. Likewise, Kouyuu despite his frustration with Shuuei’s carefree personality trusts him completely and relies on him in difficult situations.

Kou Shuurei
Kouyuu acts as Shuurei’s tutor, offering her guidance and support throughout her time in the imperial court. Though he often appears stern and impatient, he respects her intelligence, determination, and strong moral compass. Unlike many others in the court, he never underestimates her abilities and recognizes her true potential.

Despite his strict mentoring style, he genuinely cares for Shuurei and considers her a friend, though he does not actively express his emotions. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, with Kouyuu often offering practical advice while secretly admiring her perseverance and dedication.

Legacy

Li Kouyuu is a symbol of diligence, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to justice. Despite his flaws and personal struggles, he remains a key figure in the Imperial Court, ensuring that Saiunkoku’s governance remains stable and efficient.

His deep loyalty to Ryuuki, his unshakable friendship with Shuuei, and his complex relationship with Reishin make him one of the most dynamic and engaging characters in Saiunkoku Monogatari.

Though he may never overcome his terrible sense of direction, Kouyuu’s impact on Saiunkoku’s government and history is undeniable, proving that true leadership is defined by dedication, integrity, and the willingness to serve others selflessly.

Trivia

    • His name, “Kouyuu” (絳攸), means “Deep Red Leisure,” which contrasts with his strict and diligent nature.
    • He is one of the most intelligent characters in the series but has an absolutely terrible sense of direction.
    • Despite his serious nature, he is easily flustered, particularly when Shuuei teases him.
    • He often complains about his workload but refuses to delegate tasks, believing he must handle everything himself.
    • He greatly admires competence and efficiency, making him highly critical of lazy or incompetent officials.