Splendid Ruin of the Ming Dynasty

Within the bounds of the law, they enforced the laws of the realm. Beyond those bounds, they eliminated their enemies. This organization was known as the Embroidered Guard!

The Ming dynasty had just been founded, and everything was waiting to be rebuilt.

The emperor established an agency that answered only to him: the Embroidered Guard!

The Embroidered Guard had two commanderies: the Southern Commandery and the Northern Commandery.

The Southern Commandery handled internal affairs. It was responsible for arresting and interrogating members of the Embroidered Guard, as well as developing military weapons.

The Northern Commandery handled external affairs. It was responsible for monitoring officials, including members of the imperial clan, gathering social and military intelligence, and arresting and interrogating criminals. Both commanderies had their own secret prisons.

Those sent to the secret prisons were terrified out of their wits, like startled birds that trembled at the sound of a crane and turned pale at the mention of a tiger.

Mao Xiang, the first commander of the Embroidered Guard, established its rules:

First, kill those who defy imperial orders. Second, kill those who meddle in government and abuse their power. Third, kill those who embezzle and break the law. Fourth, kill those who collude with the enemy and betray the nation. Fifth, kill those who turn against their comrades.

Under a wise ruler, they could protect the nation. But when the emperor was incompetent, they became a dreaded force. That was the Embroidered Guard!

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