Since the end of the year, many of the pedestrians on the streets of Qudu wore “nao’e” made of black gold paper. As Zhengdan Festival approached,…
Xiao Jiming gathered his cloak around him as he stood under the lantern. Zhao Hui stood guard behind him and said, “Counting the hours, he should…
Shen Zechuan’s shackles were removed. He moved his wrists as he listened to the Squad Commander grumble on and on. Ji Gang pushed the wheelbarrow and…
Eighth Year of Xiande. Midsummer. The round-collared robe of the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, Wang Xian, was drenched in sweat. He sat uncomfortably on…
Without looking at Li Jianheng, Xiao Chiye righted the lid of the teacup slowly with his fingers. He said, “Don’t fret.” Li Jianheng sat back in…
Shen Zechuan followed the man inside and kneeled outside the hanging screen. Emperor Xiande leaned back partially against the head of the bed, while the Empress…
Note:The titles in chapter 13, 14, 15 – Little Cicada (小蝉), Praying Mantis (螳螂), and Oriole (黄雀) – are from the idiom “the mantis stalks the…
The wind rose a while later, followed by the fall of rain. Xiao Chiye braved the rain and galloped his horse through it. He arrived at…
Note:The “storm” here also refers to a crisis or turmoil. It was in the middle of the night that the Empress Dowager draped her clothes over…