The Tang Dynasty Mystery

At the height of the Tang dynasty, on a stormy night, Li Yi, a young county commandant, upholds justice by freeing Lin Zhao, a scholar framed by powerful nobles. This act changes both their lives forever. For his uncompromising integrity, Li Yi offends the powerful and is demoted to serve as a military officer in Kuzhu County. There, he reunites with Lin Zhao, who has changed his name to Hao Sheng and taken up commerce. Grateful to Li Yi for saving his life, Hao Sheng welcomes him warmly, but his wife, Madam Liu, fears their past will come to light and plots to kill Li Yi. Torn between his benefactor and his wife, Hao Sheng is consumed by anguish. When Li Yi discovers the plot, he resolves the crisis with compassion. While keeping watch on Li Yi, Madam Liu gradually finds herself moved by his good deeds and lets go of her hatred.

But disaster after disaster strikes the Tang dynasty. Bandit raids, political scheming, and drought arrive all at once, driving Li Yi into dire straits. Yet he puts the people first and, with his sincerity, wins their support, rising through the ranks from county magistrate to governor. His good fortune does not last. At the urging of his brother-in-law, Wang Wei, Chancellor Zhao Chongli plots to frame Li Yi. Once Li Yi realizes what is happening, he joins forces with his companions to gather evidence of Zhao's crimes and submit it to the imperial court. The emperor orders Zhao Chongli and his followers executed.

Just as everyone believes the crisis has passed, an even greater conspiracy looms. The Black Eagle Gang conspires with forces from the Western Regions to assassinate the emperor during a Tang celebration and overthrow the dynasty. The mastermind behind it all turns out to be Zhao Chongli, who faked his death. As the investigation deepens, the truth gradually emerges. With Zhao Chongli dead, the mystery is finally solved.

With 38 chapters and 360,000 words, this novel takes readers across a thousand years to experience the shifting fortunes behind the Tang dynasty's golden age, follow the dramatic ups and downs of its characters' lives, and immerse themselves in a gripping adventure.