To the World
Horses thunder through Dragon City as war smoke swirls, banners roll across the sky.
Rivals vie for the Central Plains, each striving to reign supreme.
The rise and fall of dynasties bring suffering to the people; imperial cities are strewn with solitary graves.
Let fame and glory turn to dust. Instead, drift through a drunken dream and watch the winds.
Follow the winding river until the heavens come into view.
The mighty tide surges in, and I watch with a smile as the Nine Provinces unite.
The might that once shook China came to an abrupt end when Eastern Wu broke its alliance. Defeated, Liu Bei retreated from Maicheng. Then, amid a vast sea of flames, Shu Han's romantic vision was buried at Yiling. It was here that Romance of the Three Kingdoms left its grand narrative with its most profound sigh. This book seeks only to echo that sigh and open a door to what might have been. The story begins with the Battle of Xiangfan, which would decide the fate of the realm. The flames of war still burn, but history's course now turns toward an unknown future.
I have tried a more screenplay-like style, leaving room for readers' imaginations. I hope you enjoy it.
