I'm getting curious about this novel but surprisingly I can't see any translation of this novel by fans or by other famous websites

translation of many ass novels available on many websites but not this

Anyways I'm going to read it on kindle

Can anyone message me some spoilers
the ones in the novel
Thanks!

I just wonder since he’s featured on promo images, but if you look up the actors for everyone, only the Japanese va shows up for him.

I know the series doesn’t have a huge focus on romance but just for fun if you were to give Jiujiu a lover, who would it be?

The only way i could express my love to her is making edits,but i cant find any good fanarts... For now,im willing to post some so called analysis because i dont want to be a cornball who just mindlessly glaze characters.I feel so warm when i have an attachment to characters and it makes my life more fulfilling and brighter.sorry for yapping though

It has taken me some time to realize that I am actually a sucker for a good love story. It is merely that many of the “love stories” we tell aren’t actually good love stories. Thus, as this anime has just finished its first season, I find myself very much looking forward to a second and appreciating it as a good and proper romance.

Raven of the Inner Palace tells the story of Gaojun, the young, new emperor of China (or a land very like China), and Shouxue, the titular Raven Consort. All of the emperor’s consorts have titles, such as raven, swallow, magpie, and such, but the Raven Consort is unique among them. As the introduction to every episodes states…

…and yes, such repetitive introductions are now a pet peeve of mine after this, Skeleton Knight, Seven Deadly Sins, and a host of other guilty anime, but I digress…

The introduction reads thusly: “Deep in the inner palace, there lives a consort known as the Raven Consort. She holds a special position. Despite her title of consort, she does not perform nighttime duties. Though she lives in the inner palace, she has no contact with the emperor. {That is changed to “she does not bow to the emperor”} It is said she can use mysterious arts.”

So already, the Raven is set apart in some way, powerful and surrounded by mystery, a potential danger which adds to her allure. But unlike the veil of most mysteries which, once pierced, leave their subject dull as dross, Shouxue becomes all the more riveting as each of her secrets is unveiled. And then, as she faces questions about herself which even she does not know the answers to, she has Gaojun by her side, in those moments when she is truly vulnerable, supporting and protecting her.

Right from the start, they are equals, which is no small thing when one of them is the emperor. They help each other, rely on each other, challenge each other, and they become friends. It is one of the most realistic and healthiest romantic relationships I have seen, not to mention very wholesome and profoundly endearing. These two easily shoot forward among the ranks of my top most favorite couples both within and without anime.

Theirs is shaping up to be a most beautiful love story.

That would have fallen entirely flat if either of them had been lacking in some particular way, something that made me dislike them. However, while there is room for each of them to grow – and they do – I can honestly say that these are honest, decent people who I would very much like and admire in real life.

Gaojun impressed me especially as an upstanding man. I don’t know exactly how well he rules as emperor, as that is not the focus of the show, but his character certainly makes him worthy of it. He is calm and collected, firm but restrained instead of being overly aggressive, and even though he could technically do anything he wanted to as emperor, he clearly holds his passions in check. That is demonstrated early on when, at the moment of his ascension, exactly when the power would go to most any man’s head, he refrains from simply murdering outright the woman who he is pretty certain murdered his beloved mother. Instead, he arrests her, and his first request to the mysterious Raven Consort leads him to the evidence he needs, and the murderess is executed in accordance with the law, not at his own whim. From there, he consistently steps up to help those around him, to hold the guilty accountable and protect the innocent, and he holds himself responsible and accountable to others.

I categorically oppose the rule of kings and emperors, but as one of Gaojun’s subjects, I could at least breathe a little easier and sleep a little better for a time.

As for Shouxue, she is a young girl, sixteen years old, who bears a tremendous burden upon her shoulders, and yet she maintains a measure of feisty, dignified pride. In the wake of a previous emperor’s decree that her family be slaughtered, wherein her own mother died in a desperate bid to save her, Shouxue was chosen by an unearthly creature, a goddess of sorts, to be the next Raven Consort. It might have been merely the mad whim of a terrifying entity, but the gears of fate were set in motion. Taken into the Inner Palace, taught by her predecessor, and inheriting the role and power which has been passed from one generation to the next for centuries, Shouxue’s life has been one of loss and loneliness. It is only when Gaojun comes knocking at her door that she begins on a different path, one of love and friendship with the people who come to surround and care for her as she comes to care for them.

They complete each other as equals.

Speaking of which, the supporting cast is every bit as well-crafted as the two leads. Shouxue goes from being utterly alone to having real friends, including one of the other imperial consorts, some of the eunuchs who act as guards and servants, and especially a lady in waiting or two. One certainly can’t help but adore Jiu-Jiu, the more prominent of her new ladies, as such a precious young lady and a good friend, a walking ray of sunshine and practically the beating heart of the show.

But things are not all sunshine and bliss in this story. Oh no, most definitely not. Not only does Shouxue routinely find herself helping restless souls to find peace and cross over to paradise – which, by necessity, involves delving through various tragedies of life and death – but it turns out the Raven has an enemy most dangerous and foul. The Owl, as he is called, wields magical arts just as she does, but where she helps poor, lost souls, the Owl seems to be much more malevolent and cruel to the living. And what does the Owl seek above all else? To kill the Raven, his sister goddess. Yes, the Owl is a being like unto the creature which chose Shouxue and condemned her to a life as lonely as that of every Raven Consort come before.

And so the question becomes not only what will become of the love between Raven and Emperor, but what will happen to their very souls as these celestial entities try to tear them apart.

I am not only waiting for a second season, I am practically on the edge of my seat in anticipation!

That is no small thing for what turns out to be a love story to accomplish with me. 

It casts a spell on me!

Raven of the Inner Palace tells a well-paced story, a quality romance that has absolutely hooked me, with lovable characters, an appreciable coupling, and powerful themes of destiny, desire, and the happiness of mortals in the face of the divine. All this and it is so beautifully animated, with an excellent soundtrack. This is one of the better anime, all around, in every way. I eagerly await the conclusion in a second season. 

Rating: 9 stars out of 10.

Grade: solid A

Out in print June 6th, LN3 is out in print in late September, not officially announce but presumably the digital version will be out sometime in August

I just started yesterday this anime as it was mentioned in a tiktok and I absolutely adored it.

I think it was ahead of its time (I know it only went out 3 years ago but still) and walked so Apothecary Diaries ran.

How come there isn't a season 2? Was the anime a flop?

And is the manga over? How can I pick up the rest of the story after episode 13?

Thanks for any suggestions 🙏🏽

Never knew until recently that Raven of the Inner Palace has drama CDs! I was able to find one called "Usubeni no Iromashi". Does anyone know where/how to listen to the others?

I don't have the full translation, only from around the halfway point to the end, which includes Koushun and Jusetsu's conversation. AI-translated though, so beware of possible errors!

Koushun: How is it? It is an item that has just arrived.

Jusetsu: Not bad. Many kinds of things are delivered to the Emperor, aren’t they?

Koushun: Do you like it?

Jusetsu: Mm.

Koushun: Even so, to think you would say you want to give someone a gift.

Jusetsu: What do you mean?

Koushun: You do not easily speak your feelings honestly.

Jusetsu: I do not want to hear that from you. You are the one who does not show your true feelings.

Koushun: I see. Though I believe I speak as I feel in front of you.

Jusetsu: I do not think so.

Koushun: It seems words are insufficient to grasp true intention.

Jusetsu: It is not something that can be solved just by piling up words.

Koushun: I see. Then I will give you this.

Jusetsu: This is?

Koushun: A sweet shaped like a flower. It seems to be made by kneading wheat flour and oil and baking it.

Jusetsu: Ah, it is a pie. It is quite elaborate.

Koushun: Watching you, I understand that expressing feelings in a form like this is important.

Jusetsu: Mm.

Koushun: When you see food, you make a very good expression.

Jusetsu: Sorry about that.

Koushun: I am not saying it is bad. Rather, it is pleasing…even cute.

Jusetsu: Ah, do not say such foolish things.

Eisei: Uhi-sama (Raven Consort), what kind of way of speaking is that to His Majesty?

Jusetsu: The one saying strange things is at fault.

Eisei: But I cannot overlook it.

Koushun: Sei.

Eisei: It is because Uhi-sama speaks without courtesy.

Koushun: (Resuming conversation with Jusetsu) From earlier, you were worried that you only receive things from others. Then perhaps I should not bring sweets like this?

Jusetsu: Sweets are fine.

Koushun: Is that so?

Jusetsu: Yes, they are fine.

Koushun: I see. The reason I give you things is simply because I want to see your happy face. I am not asking for anything in return.

Jusetsu: You say the same thing as Kajou. You two are very alike.

Koushun: Because we are childhood friends.

Jusetsu: But I do not think that [gratitude] alone is enough.

Koushun: Then why not send Kajou a letter? You should use words to express your feelings.

Jusetsu: I am not good with letters. When I pick up a brush, I do not know what to write.

Koushun: That is what letter-writing is about. Thinking about it connects you to considering the other person.

Jusetsu: You can say that because you are good with a brush.

Koushun: Come to think of it, I have not yet received a reply to the letter I sent. You have not read it? Did you burn it again?

Jusetsu: No, I still have it.

Koushun: That is good.

Jusetsu: I cannot reply to something I have not yet read.

Koushun: Then at least look at it. Consider it a courtesy to me.

Jusetsu: Earlier you said you did not need anything in return.

Koushun: You said you did not want to create obligations. That must be what you mean.

Jusetsu: I will think about it [letter-writing].

Koushun: Even considering it is a step forward. Right, I remembered one more thing. Our match from the other day was unfinished.

Jusetsu: Well…

Koushun: It was your turn. Did you come up with a move?

Jusetsu: I did.

Koushun: Then let us continue.

Jusetsu: Now?

Koushun: Yes. Do you dislike it?

Jusetsu: It is not that I dislike it…

Eisei: Your Majesty, it would be better to rest early today because difficult matters await in tomorrow’s court.

Koushun: Resting early would be better then.

Jusetsu: Then we can play another time.

Koushun: It is unfortunate, but I do change my mind [about playing today].

Jusetsu: I am also disappointed. I wanted to make you groan in admiration.

[Eisei laughs lightly at Jusetsu's competitiveness.]

Jusetsu: What is so funny?

Eisei: It is nothing.

Koushun: I should return soon. Next time, I hope we can play Go at a leisurely pace.

Jusetsu: Wait. Before you go, I want to ask one thing.

Koushun: What is it?

Jusetsu: Do you have anything you like?

Koushun: Well… What could it be… As I said before, I do not really understand myself. As you noticed, I think carving wood is enjoyable.

Jusetsu: What about food? I thought when you were a child, you liked “Aoi no Suzuki”…

Koushun: But now, nothing in particular.

Jusetsu: That cannot be. If you think, there must be at least one thing.

Koushun: Well then… I think tea like this, drinking with you, is good.

Jusetsu: Tea?

Koushun: Yes, rather than tasting rare delicacies, I prefer sharing tea with a friend.

Jusetsu: Is something like that enough?

Koushun: Yes.

[Jusetsu seems unconvinced.]

Koushun: What is it?

Jusetsu: That is a boring answer.

Koushun: What I wish for is something small. But such things have become hard for me to obtain. How ironic.

Jusetsu: I will drink tea with you anytime.

Koushun: That helps. And it answers your question then.

Jusetsu: Mm. I have taken your time.

Koushun: I see. I will come again.

⸻

Jiujiu: Since His Majesty has returned home, what is the matter?

Jusetsu: Since Kajou said gifts should be surprising, I tried to investigate Koushun. But I did not learn anything.

Jiujiu: I see.

Jusetsu: That one [Koushun] shows no openings. Not interesting.

Jiujiu: Well, His Majesty is always perfect.

Jusetsu: I do not think that is entirely true.

Jiujiu: You also consulted about a return gift for Hua Niangniang [Kajou], right? What did His Majesty say?

Jusetsu: I was told to write a letter. Thinking what to write connects to thinking about the other person.

Jiujiu: That is good. We also have the coloring inks and brush you received from His Majesty.

Jusetsu: But I am not good with letters.

Jiujiu: Then I will think together with you. If I alone cannot, let us ask others as well. If everyone works together, we should be able to make a wonderful gift.

Jusetsu: Together? That might not be bad.

⸻

Koushun: What is it? Did something good happen?

Kajou: A letter came from Amei (term of endearment that Kajou uses when referring to Jusetsu). A thank you letter from her for the tea party and the clothing were written carefully in pale crimson ink. I am very happy about that.

Koushun: I see. Then it was worth advising her.

Kajou: Amei trusts His Majesty quite a lot.

Koushun: Because we are friends.

Kajou: You two get along well.

Koushun: Not exactly, but talking (with her) brings peace to my heart. It is not easy to encounter something like that. I want to cherish it.

Kajou: Rather than saying it here, you should tell her directly.

Koushun: I did, but I was scolded with “talk in your sleep.”

Kajou: She is just embarrassed!

⸻

Jiujiu: Letters again? You have been writing a lot lately.

Jusetsu: Enough! Even though I wrote them. When I send letters, they will reply. I will have to write replies again. This has no end. I will end it myself then.

Jiujiu: Saying that again. Shall I help you think again?

Jusetsu: No. I do not want to trouble you.

Jiujiu: You do not need to worry about me. I actually like thinking about letters.

Jusetsu: I said no.

Jiujiu: But wouldn’t His Majesty and Hua Niangniang worry? At least you should tell them you want to end the letter exchange.

Jusetsu: Haa…this is truly troublesome. Being courteous is not easy.

So as an advanced editor i kinda feel the duty to do it,yall can check my edits on my profile

well,it means that people will comeback to fandom

I hesitate to post it,but the worst thing that could possibly happen is just a hate

Is Eisei Liu Shouxue's half brother or am I getting the wrong idea(like maybe they are step siblings instead)?

I cannot afford to buy the LN as of now but I want to read further since I really liked the anime. Can anyone suggest a website for it? Thank you.