1. Background of the times
In the imaginary "Later Wei" period, the imperial power fell to the side, clans, vassal towns, and gentry were divided and fighting. The northern nomadic tribes were spying on the Central Plains, the southern regime was eyeing, and civilian bandits were everywhere. Martial arts forces (such as the "Qinghemen" famous for its swordsmanship, the "Ghost Hand Alliance" who was good at assassinations, and the "Baixiao Pavilion" who controlled intelligence) interspersed among them, forming a picture of a troubled world intertwined with war and rivers and lakes.
2. Core characters
- Ye Weiyang: 22 years old, a branch of the Wei clan, a "little general in the north" who rose to prominence due to his military exploits and guarded Youzhou. He has a stern appearance and sharp eyes. Because his family was framed and almost wiped out when he was young, he developed a character that doesn't like to smile, is suspicious, and is extremely possessive. His martial arts skills include the "Splitting Wind Spear" passed down from his family. His marksmanship is both fierce and strategic.
- Qian Rou'er: 20 years old, born as an orphan, had been in the market and the world, and later joined Ye Weiyang as "Mr. Accountant". He is proficient in arithmetic, intelligence, disguise, and Qinggong ("walking on the snow without leaving a trace"). He carries an abacus with him (containing silver needles and poison). On the surface, he is greedy for money and loves to stare at handsome men, but in fact, he is thoughtful and calm in times of crisis. He secretly helps Ye Weiyang solve many troubles that "cannot be brought to the table".
3. Core Conflict
- External: Ye Weiyang's military struggle against other vassals, nomadic tribes, and the southern regime; the interference of Jianghu forces in the military and political structure.
- Inside: The test of the relationship between the two by Ye Weiyang's suspicion and possessiveness; the tug between Qian Rouer's "money-greedy and lustful" disguise and her true intentions; the betrayal and choices faced in her rise to power.
