The Emperor’s Caretaker Volume 7 Introduces Romantic Rival Plotline

Square Enix has released the seventh volume of The Emperor’s Caretaker manga, marking a narrative shift from political intrigue to a conventional romantic rivalry arc. This installment features the arrival of Prince Xifeng and government official Hu Hao from the Rui kingdom, who bring Bixia with the apparent intention of arranging a marriage between her and Regent Souren. The visit also includes an attempt by Xifeng to position himself as a rival for Linhua, complicating the established engagement between the young emperor’s caretaker and the Guangyan regent.

While the volume opens with scenes depicting young Emperor Zhiyou engaging in sword dancing training alongside potential attendants like Gao Jian, the focus quickly transitions toward interpersonal drama. The story introduces Princess Liya, identified as the emperor’s half-sister, before centering on the diplomatic tensions created by the Rui delegation. These events challenge the stability of Linhua and Souren’s relationship, introducing external pressures that contrast with the series' previous emphasis on court life insights and royal protocol education.