Throughout Chinese history, every dynasty has seen its share of struggles for the throne. Taoism is China's native religion, and over the course of history it has developed into many different schools, which have both blended and clashed with one another. Buddhism, an imported religion, and Taoism, a native one, waged endless struggles throughout history, disputing which was superior and which inferior. In the Northern Song, the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun were a lasting source of anguish for the Central Plains dynasties. From the Battle of Gaoliang River to the Treaty of Chanyuan, Song and Liao fought face to face for twenty-five years, giving rise to many classic folk tales, including those about the Yang Family Generals. This novel draws on that period of history to tell another kind of legendary tale.
This is not a historical novel; it is simply set in the Song dynasty. It tells a story involving the throne, Taoism, Buddhism, war, espionage, and more.
