The Heavenly Sage Edict, Volume Two

The Mandate of Tiansheng follows the life of Liu E, Empress to Emperor Zhenzong of Song and the first woman in Chinese history to rule from behind the curtain. Celebrated alongside Empress Lü of Han and Empress Wu of Tang, she was praised by later generations as a woman with the talents of Lü and Wu, but none of their faults. The novel portrays her turbulent romantic life and her positive contributions to government, while also bringing to life the political, cultural, and historical landscape of the early Northern Song under Emperors Taizong, Zhenzong, and Renzong. It tells the sweeping story of the Song dynasty, from the turmoil of its founding, through internal struggles over the throne and the integration of north and south, to the establishment of laws and institutions, economic prosperity, and peaceful lives for the people. Volume Two follows Liu E as she is forced to live as a mistress, then finds herself in harmony with Yuankan. She helps him take an interest in state affairs, steadily guiding him toward becoming a worthy prince. In time, he becomes heir apparent and crown prince, and ultimately ascends the throne. Alongside Liu E and Yuankan's romance, this volume weaves together numerous Northern Song historical events and figures in a vivid, immersive story.