The Cloud Terrace Chronicles

A tale of strategy and romance about the Su Qingyang brothers and the reclusive scholars of Yuntai, all drawn into courtly power struggles. In the sixth year of Chenghua, Emperor Cheng places his trust in Legalists, and executions sweep across the land. Officials are gripped by fear as the court’s fortunes shift unpredictably and factions wage one power struggle after another. Confucians and Legalists rally around the imperial princes and clash for influence. Within the palace, Consort Yu is in the prime of her beauty and enjoys the emperor’s undivided favor, unmatched by anyone in the harem. Meanwhile, Empress Dowager Wang plots in secret. The martial world is also awash in blood, as the Qingming and Red Lotus sects and other powers wait for their moment. Foreign nations such as the Xiongnu are stirring, and even the recluses hidden away on Mount Yuntai are considering entering the world again. That year, Su Qingyang and Su Ziyang, sons of the governor of Luoyang, are in the prime of their youth, gifted and brilliant. The sudden upheaval at court draws the two young men into the martial world. Will they use their talents as kingmakers to shape the realm, or fall into wicked ways? They will struggle between their convictions, love, and enmity.