Third Faction Arc

Third Faction Arc
English	Third Faction Arc
Kanji	第三派閥編
Rōmaji	Dai san habatsu-hen
Arc Information
Volumes	Vol.17 - Vol.18
Chapters	183 - 188 (6 Chapters)
Episodes	Episode 43 -Episode 44/Episode 48
Date Released	November 19, 2009 - January 7, 2010
Arc Chronology
← Previous Arc	Alliance Arc
Next Arc →	Sanyou Campaign Arc

The Third Faction Arc is the 8th significant story arc of Yasuhisa Hara's manga "Kingdom".

Summary

Qin King Ei Sei receives a letter from his mother asking for a meeting. Due to their almost nonexistent relationship, Sei is suspicious of the sudden request, however, he decides to grant it as the Royal Harem's political influence could work as a great asset in his power struggle against the Ryo Fui Faction.

During the meeting, Sei realizes that his mother has a deep hatred for him because of all the hardships she suffered to go through during their stay in her homelands of Zhao. The reason she asked for the meeting was to see if she could in any way feel any affection for her son, but seeing his face, that proved to be impossible.

On the other hand, the Queen Mother is in good terms with Sei's rival, Ryo Fui. In fact, the two meet in secret in the queen's chambers and reveal their past of being lovers. Kou happens to be present in that meeting and overhears their plot to dethrone Sei and, despite getting seriously wounded in the process, she manages to survive and inform Sei about what she witnessed.

Sei uses that information and starts spreading rumors about Ryo Fui having an affair with the Queen Mother, a feat that is punishable by death. Ryo's faction starts feeling uneasy and asks their leader repeatedly for answers. Ryo Fui denies everything and blames this on his opposition, who simply try to spoil his reputation.

In the end, as Ryo takes the gamble and continues his secret affair with the queen, he is granted the political support provided by the Royal Harem faction, becoming even more powerful. Despite that, Sei is more determined than ever to dominate the struggle for power.

Characters Introduced

• Mou Ten
• Riku Sen
• Ko Zen
• Queen Mother
• Chou Kou

Story Impacts

• The Royal Harem of Kanyou is presented as a separate faction with great political influence within the courts of Qin.
• The Queen Mother, Sei's mother, is introduced.
• Ryo Fui's past relationship with the Queen Mother is revealed.
• The Queen Mother's name is reveled to be Bi Ki.

Trivia

• This arc was the first one in the series with the shortest number of chapters that consisted of six. The second later being the Zhao Crisis Arc.