In a chaotic age, gifted people vie for power, and women too can make their mark at court.
In the ninth year of Beisheng, a pleasure boat exploded, and flames soared over the Lingzhou residence. My second elder sister perished in the blaze, meeting a grisly end.
The murder weapon came from my family, and the trail led to the royal family’s incense ashes, yet the authorities hastily closed the case.
Great families burn their account books and pray to the gods and Buddhas, living in constant fear. The common people are treated like pigs and dogs. What exactly are they hiding?
I am Jinyun Huaiyang, a wastrel in everyone’s eyes, good for nothing but cockfighting and gambling.
The world does not know that I conceal my sharp edge, waiting for the right moment to strike.
With a dagger in hand, the game is underway.
“I will enter public service and seize power, overturn this corrupt age, and protect the people so they may live in peace.”
“I will use this lowly, drifting self of mine to take my place upon the high court.”
“I will make this bright mirror of the high court shine upon these man-eating demons.”
“I will strip their skins off with my own hands and see how many dark secrets lie beneath.”
They must pay with their lives!
The road ahead is perilous, with powerful foes all around me, but I will cut through every obstacle and charge forward without looking back.
(A formidable female lead + an ensemble career-focused storyline; the male lead is a cool, aloof Buddhist cultivator, with very little romance.)
