The Heavenly Sage Edict, Volume One

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 One follows Liu E as she flees from Shu and makes her way to the capital, Bianliang, struggling to make a living. She first works at Sun Danniang's pastry shop, then sings in a pleasure quarter and becomes a songstress. Later, she happens to meet Zhao Yuanxiu, then still the Prince of Han, and the two fall in love. Emperor Taizong Zhao Guangyi's decision to depose his eldest son, Zhao Yuanzuo, and arrange a marriage between Zhao Yuanxiu and the daughter of his trusted minister Pan Mei, to celebrate a northern campaign against the Liao, directly leads to the tragedy of Liu E and Zhao Yuanxiu's love. Later, in a fit of imperial fury, Emperor Taizong Zhao Guangyi drives Liu E away. Pregnant and gravely ill, she suffers a miscarriage and is left near death.