Even a Lone Crane Knows the Cold of Chilling Clouds

In the Northern Xiao Dynasty, the emperor is a master of political scheming. He wants to govern with diligence, but the laws are strict and allow no mercy, leaving the people bitter and resentful. The Buyi and Di peoples on the northern frontier, and the Dibo people in the south, launch frequent raids across the borders. War plagues the people, who suffer endlessly and are driven from their homes... The dynasty faces turmoil within and threats from without, while the court lacks capable officials. The princes scheme for power, and the harem seems peaceful on the surface, though everyone is secretly vying for favor and the throne... The emperor is worn down by state affairs, and his health continues to decline. None of the many princes seems fit to shoulder the burden, so to secure the dynasty, all that remains is to wait for the right moment... Then the emperor dies suddenly, plunging the palace and the court into chaos. Factions splinter, loyalties collapse, and countless problems remain unresolved... The princes fight for power, the princesses are sent abroad in marriage alliances, and open and covert struggles rage on...