The world is vast.
Vast enough for two dynasties to stand side by side, the north and south locked in confrontation.
Vast enough to brim with schemes and intrigues, with the storms of the martial world.
Vast enough that it cannot hold a single bowl of food for the common people.
The imperial court is lofty.
So lofty that the emperor sits above the clouds, looking down on all living beings as if they were ants.
So lofty that powerful clans rule with an iron hand, while the children of poor families remain slaves forever.
So lofty that it cannot see the blood at its feet.
The martial world is far away.
So far that every blade waits for a reason to strike.
So far that every word conceals a debt that can never be settled.
So far that there are heads to be cut off without end, and grudges that can never be untangled.
The common people suffer.
They toil like oxen and horses all their lives, yet fare worse than beasts of burden.
They burn incense and pray to Buddha, but cannot even keep themselves alive.
They suffer so much that simply living is their greatest hope.
But someone has to govern this world.
Someone must deal with those at court who prey on the people.
Someone must deal with those in the distant martial world who treat human lives like weeds.
Someone must deal with those who claim the compassion of gods and Buddhas while committing the deeds of devils.
Someone must make sure the common people can eat their fill.
His name is Xiao Huaian.
He has a blade that makes all living beings equal beneath its edge!
He has a Red Chamber.
It holds the romance of the martial world, the red robes of the imperial court, and the blood of the common people.
It holds what he desires.
A dream in the Red Chamber!
