This is an era where imperial power, clans, aristocratic families, and eunuchs compete. When Taizu founded the country, he made a policy of "conferring feudal vassals with solid borders". When the prince came of age, he would be granted the title of king and join the vassal, and he would have between 3,000 and 10,000 personal soldiers. Through marriages, the aristocratic families formed a huge network with their disciples and old officials, and even controlled lifeblood such as salt, iron, tea and horses. The eunuch in charge of the imperial eunuch, the chief of etiquette in the inner court, holds the power of approval, and the government orders of the foreign court depend on him.
Under the surface prosperity, papermaking technology is allowing knowledge to flow into the homes of ordinary people. Improvements in gunpowder formulas have made fortified cities no longer absolutely safe. The rise of maritime trade has made new wealthy people appear on the southeastern coast that are completely different from those in the inland. The world is breaking apart, just a thunderstorm away.
