Chen Wenqi, a licentiate from Huguang, encountered one strange event after another on his way to the examinations. He devised a plan to free Zhongli Lan from her absurd engagement to a young wastrel, then swore brotherhood with Shen Lingshan, who was disguised as a man.
In the provincial, metropolitan, and palace examinations that followed, Chen Wenqi placed first in all three. Emperor Zhu Youtang was overjoyed and ordered a banquet with martial contests at Qionglin Garden. But Chen Wenqi's bright red robes as the top laureate violated clan rules, so Zhu Youtang threw him into the imperial prison.
Jurchen Jinan Abahai set up a strange formation. Chen Wenqi explained its origins and history, then wagered against Abahai using the Jurchen specialty of shooting a powerful bow while standing. He forced Abahai to submit.
On his journey west, Chen Wenqi survived assassination attempts, rescued a young woman, solved strange cases... Danger and excitement followed him at every turn. At last, he reunited with his beloved, who had traveled a thousand miles to find him, and arrived safely at Ningxia Guard.
The writing is superb, the plot vivid, and the logic clear. It is reasoned, measured, and full of emotion. A truly exceptional book!