The Cold Player Is Anything but Cold

During the Zhengde era of the Great Ming, a protagonist who is neither wholly righteous nor wholly evil finds himself, through a twist of fate, moving among the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Eastern Depot, and the emperor. He wins the inner court's deep favor, and contact with virtuous officials and eminent scholars gradually sets him on the righteous path. There are outlaws of the martial world, corrupt officials, power-hungry eunuchs battling for control, rebellious vassal princes, the emperor leading a campaign in person, and mysterious family affairs. Through more than ten years of tumult, he grows from a naive boy into a smooth operator, tasting every bitterness and sweetness life has to offer. With no other choice, he does what he must, yet despite his deliberate efforts to uphold justice, he eventually feels that all his struggles have been for nothing. Fortunately, he finds a wise mentor, good friends, and a beautiful woman. After the court changes hands, he retires to a bustling city, wanting nothing to do with worldly affairs. One game of Go later, he strolls along a willow-lined bank, chatting idly about life!

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.