Chapter 1: Darkness Descends
In the early years of the Republic of China, the land of China seemed shrouded in a thick haze. The situation was turbulent, and warlords waged unceasing wars. In Tong'an, a small city in Jiangnan, the ancient city walls were weathered and mottled, as if recounting the vicissitudes and sorrows of time. Shen Zhishu was born into a prominent local family of scholars. For generations, the Shen family had served as officials. Their deep courtyards and elaborately carved beams and painted rafters spoke of the family's former glory. Shen Zhishu grew up surrounded by books, reading widely from an early age and exceptionally clever. He had refined features, and his eyes held an air of scholarly elegance. In every gesture
The Way of Heaven: Passion in a Chaotic Era