The Emperor’s Caretaker manga is a shojo piece constructing as much as a romance between Liu Linhua, a caretaker for the kid emperor Zhiyou, and the prince regent Souren, his brother presently ruling till he comes of age at 10. Nonetheless, it’s been extra gradual about that, additionally specializing in Linhua’s function in her household and society, what it’s like for Zhiyou, and the obligations Linhua, Souren, Zhiyou, and different members of court docket all should fulfill. So though the fourth quantity is beginning to get into what it means for Linhua and Souren to be engaged, it additionally handles the political components and acceptable behaviors for the 2 as we see the potential improvement of different new relationships.
Editor’s Observe: There will likely be some spoilers for quantity 4 of The Emperor’s Caretaker manga under.
As a fast catch up, quantity 4 of The Emperor’s Caretaker manga begins with Linhua and Souren engaged. She’s happy with it. He’s happy with it. Nonetheless, due to the character of the group, they will’t talk about it or let anybody comprehend it occurred. There are folks within the court docket and nation who help Souren over Zhiyou, and Zhiyou gained’t be thought-about sufficiently old to rule for 5 extra years because of the Imperial Age of Maturity being 10. Linhua additionally promised to stick with him as one in all his caretakers, and if she did get married she’d probably must give up. So individuals who do must know, like her household, are conscious. Others aren’t.
Which is the crux of the entire quantity. It’s coping with that data, whereas additionally serving to Zhiyou along with his affairs and coaching him. Early on, we see each Souren and Linhua’s sides of this case. After the occasions with the earlier Chancellor of the Left, his son Lee Songhua is being sworn in as the brand new one as this e-book begins. Linhua wanted to assist Zhiyou with the ceremonial outfit and memorizing the large texts and formalities wanted for the appointment as a result of, though Souren handles many issues, the precise emperor must be answerable for these affairs. In the meantime, Souren is dealing with issues till his brother’s elements and have interaction in peaceable interactions with this rival.
As a result of that’s what we’re seeing right here: a brand new rival. Songhua appears to be a greater particular person than his father. There are not any manipulations in his first conferences, and he agreed that his father’s behaviors have been unacceptable. He heeds Zhiyou and appears to need what’s greatest for the younger emperor too. However his persona is totally at odds with Souren’s, and he additionally proposed to her instantly after assembly her. There are hints that he’s smart although, which might show a problem, however he’s additionally supplied useful data to guard workers round Zhiyou and Linhua. Mainly, he’s a wrench within the gears and a thriller, however one which gained’t hopefully harm his highness.
What I additionally love is that this new improvement doesn’t shift the main target in The Emperor’s Caretaker away from court docket life, because the manga nonetheless prioritizes displaying what Linhua’s function includes. Except for getting ready Zhiyou for that Chancellor of the Left ceremony, we additionally see her working to help with discovering him attendants. Meaning aiding him in making associates and dealing with that assembly. It’s as insightful as ever.
The Emperor’s Caretaker stays a type of manga sequence that completely balances what goes into elevating an emperor, managing court docket life, and love, particularly with so many sorts of relationships right here. The fourth quantity provides us home windows into so many examples. There’s the newly engaged couple, Linhua and Souren. There’s the brand new Chancellor of the Left Lee Songhua and his dealings with the 2 of them and younger Emperor Zhiyou. Then there’s Zhiyou and the opposite youngsters who will probably grow to be his associates and attendants. It covers so many various sides.
Quantity 4 of The Emperor’s Caretaker manga is obtainable now, and Sq. Enix will launch quantity 5 on November 4, 2025.
