In the mid-Ming Dynasty, land concentration was severe, while the struggle between the inner court and the officials ebbed and flowed. The Embroidered Uniform Guard became an object of contention among the various factions, with each side even planting spies in the other's ranks. The restless princes were also itching to act, sending many people to the capital to gather information. The protagonist, Zhang Ying, had been a wandering physician before, through the influence of the eunuch Zhang Yong, becoming an officer in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. After taking part in a campaign against the officials, he was promoted from a captain to a commandant and put in charge of the Pacification Office. When the Eight Tigers seized power, conflicts arose within their ranks. Liu Jin gained the support of Emperor Zhengde, sent Zhang Yong away from the capital, and purged the Embroidered Uniform Guard, placing his own trusted men in control. Because the protagonist carried out his duties impartially and stopped the Crown Prince from galloping through the inner palace, he earned Emperor Hongzhi's favor. He also rescued and escorted the daughter of the Marquis of Shouning to Tumu Fortress, winning the favor of the Empress Dowager's family. As a result, he escaped the purge, though he was assigned to work at the quiet Bureau of Public Security. Zhang Yong instructed the protagonist to find a way to win Liu Jin's trust. Liu Jin was planning to introduce new policies and needed talent, so the protagonist cultivated Liu Jin's confidants and eliminated hidden threats on his behalf, ultimately earning Liu Jin's complete trust. This planted a hidden piece for the officials and Zhang Yong to use in overthrowing Liu Jin in the future.
This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.
