Beneath the ostentatious prosperity of the Great Jing Dynasty, undercurrents churn. The powerful contend for influence at court, and factions abound. The imperial examinations appear fair, but those from humble families have little chance to rise. Low-ranking officials work diligently, yet can hardly withstand the schemes of the bureaucracy. Fame and fortune are controlled by the powerful, while the bustle of everyday life reflects every facet of humanity. This is the life of Xu Moye, a poor scholar in ancient times: from entering government service with great talent to becoming mired in the murky currents of court, from breaking free of the shackles of fame and fortune to remaining true to his original aspirations, and ultimately returning to the ordinary world and keeping the moon in his heart. His life embodies an attitude of refusing to flatter the powerful or drift with corruption, of believing that even commoners can have integrity, and that moonlight exists beyond the halls of power.
