Abandoned as an infant named Kou, Kouyuu Ri endured the murder of his first adoptive parents and survived a harsh childhood enslaved before Kou Reishin rescued him, bringing him to Kiyou. Reishin and his servant Yuri formally adopted him after marrying, with Reishin preserving his original surname by changing his name to Li Kouyuu. Kouyuu possesses high intelligence contrasting sharply with an extreme lack of directional sense, a trait humorously linked to Yuri habitually rearranging furniture during his childhood to prevent escapes, resulting in chronic disorientation. He exhibits a quick temper, nervousness in public speaking, and vocal distrust of women, refusing numerous politically advantageous marriage proposals. Professionally, he is diligent, loyal, and exceptionally capable, though his devotion to Reishin can blind him to his adoptive father's neglected duties. At age 16, driven by a desire to stand alongside Reishin and earn his acknowledgment, Kouyuu achieved the unprecedented distinction of becoming the youngest top-ranked examinee ("Jougen") in imperial examinations. Initially serving as Reishin's Vice Minister of Civil Administration, he was later reassigned to oversee the neglectful Emperor Ryuuki. Though initially frustrated, Kouyuu developed deep loyalty to Ryuuki after witnessing the emperor's commitment to governance, solidified by accepting an iris flower from Ryuuki as a pledge of fidelity. His relationship with Ran Shuuei is contentious yet foundational; Shuuei frequently aids him with navigation, a dynamic established in childhood. Kouyuu consistently denies their friendship, though mutual reliance demonstrates their bond. He also tutors Kou Shuurei, regarding her as a friend while unaware they are cousins. The Kou clan, particularly Kou Kurou, once intended a marriage between them to secure clan leadership. A significant professional crisis saw Kouyuu imprisoned following accusations of abusing authority to cover Reishin's absenteeism. Stripped of his vice ministerial position, he retained official status due to Shuurei's intervention. During imprisonment, Yuri used her biwa skills to break a Hyou clan-induced trance affecting him. Post-crisis, when Reishin sought to retreat to Kou Province, Yuri chose to remain in Kiyou with Kouyuu, reinforcing their familial bond. Throughout his development, Kouyuu evolved from a Reishin-focused official to one dedicated to the empire's welfare under Ryuuki. His loyalty shifted from solely repaying Reishin to upholding governance ideals, marked by resilience through professional setbacks and personal trials.