The Great Qian’s Most Ruthless Official

Shen An, a poor scholar and clerk, only wants to survive the chaos of Great Qian. But an old confiscation case draws him into drainage ditches, living pits, black kitchens, and court intrigue. The men of Western Three dismantle people; those of Western Five squeeze them dry. The five northern camps work together, marking living people as sick and dead, deserters, or dead before their time, one layer at a time. Others teach the whole court to nod first. He insists on overturning the pot and demanding justice for the dead. From petty official to ruthless bureaucrat, from the northern frontier to the golden steps of the court, he will make Great Qian remember one thing: whoever dares nod on behalf of all under heaven will be the first one the lamplight shines on.