Chou  

Kou-Ou, 張 / 塙王

The monarch of Kou, also known as Chou, has ruled his kingdom for fifty years and strived to enhance its condition. Despite his best efforts, he feels that he will never be able to achieve the prosperity seen in neighboring kingdoms Sou and En, whose rulers have reigned for six hundred and five hundred years respectively. When Joukaku, the ruler of Kei, passes away after a six-year reign, the King of Kou fears Youkos ascension to the throne of Kei, as she is believed to possess taika powers like the King of En, which may bring ruin to his kingdom. As a result, the King of Kou secretly supports Joyei, Joukaku's younger sister who seized the throne without being chosen by Keiki, and takes various actions to capture and kill Youko in order to prevent her from bringing prosperity to Kei and leaving Kou behind.