Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases
A Throne Under Threat
The aging Emperor arranges a state betrothal while the chief Shogun secretly seeks control of the throne. The Shogun begins developing a puppet succession plan.
Key Events
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Revolutionary Japan — The story is set during the days of the Revolution in Japan in the early 1860s.
Location: Japan
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State Betrothal Arranged — The aging Emperor betroths his elder son to Sada San, daughter of the Prime Minister, for reasons of state. Characters: Sada San
Location: Imperial court
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Shogun Feigns Loyalty — The chief Shogun is supposedly loyal to the Emperor while secretly aspiring to the throne.
Location: Imperial court
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Throne Ambition Revealed — The Shogun realizes that the Japanese people would not permit him to occupy the throne personally.
Location: Imperial court
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A Puppet Is Sought — The Shogun searches for someone he can place on the throne and use as his puppet.
Location: Imperial court
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Younger Son Selected — The Emperor's younger son appears to be the best dummy available for the Shogun's plan.
Location: Imperial court
The Hidden Heir
The younger son is drawn into the conspiracy, and the elder son is sent away in disguise. The political danger separates the heir from the capital.
Key Events
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Conspiracy Begins — The Shogun prevails upon the younger son to enter the conspiracy.
Location: Imperial court
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Heir Sent Away — The elder son is sent away in disguise while the conspiracy develops at court.
Location: Capital
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Journey Through Empire — The disguised heir travels to a distant part of the empire.
Location: Far part of the empire
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A Chance Meeting — The disguised heir meets O Mimi San, a beautiful girl of humble birth and a gardener's daughter. Characters: O Mimi San
Location: Far part of the empire
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Love Takes Root — The disguised heir falls in love with O Mimi San. Characters: O Mimi San
Location: Far part of the empire
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Identity Remains Hidden — O Mimi San has no notion that her lover is the elder son of the Mikado. Characters: O Mimi San
Location: Far part of the empire
Love Beyond Rank
In a distant part of the empire, the disguised heir meets and loves O Mimi San. She remains unaware of his royal identity.
Key Events
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Court Plot Discovered — The conspiracy at court is discovered.
Location: Imperial court
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Report Reaches Emperor — The discovered plot is reported to the Emperor.
Location: Imperial court
The Court Exposed
The conspiracy is discovered and reported to the Emperor. His death turns the hidden political crisis into a succession decision.
Key Events
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Emperor Faces Death — The Emperor dies after the conspiracy has been brought to his attention.
Location: Imperial court
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Rightful Heir Summoned — Before his death, the Emperor summons the rightful heir.
Location: Imperial court
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Sweetheart Left Behind — The rightful heir is obliged to leave O Mimi San and return to the capital. Characters: O Mimi San
Location: Far part of the empire
Duty Claims The Heir
The Emperor summons the rightful heir, who must leave O Mimi San and return to the capital. He marries Sada San and ascends the throne.
Key Events
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Return To Capital — The rightful heir returns from the distant part of the empire to the capital.
Location: Capital
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Political Marriage — The rightful heir is required to marry Sada San according to the earlier state arrangement. Characters: Sada San
Location: Capital
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Throne Ascended — After returning to the capital and marrying Sada San, the rightful heir ascends the throne. Characters: Sada San
Location: Capital
