The New Dynasty, year twenty-seven of the Chengning era.
On the surface, this is a peaceful kingdom, but in truth it is on the verge of collapse. The capital, known as “City of Nightlight,” never sleeps, its lamps burning all night long. The inner city is home to great clans, officials, and wealthy merchants, while the outer city is crowded with artisans, porters, weavers, refugees, and people with no registered residence.
The court is rolling out the “Clear the Wards” reform: demolishing the old neighborhoods in the outer city, building embankments along the Imperial River, and reorganizing granaries, markets, and main roads. The officials say this is to prevent floods, disease, and fires, and to give the City of Nightlight “a whole new look.” But for the people of the outer city, it means that the courtyards, shops, docks, and weaving workshops their families have lived in for generations could all be reduced to rubble by a single official decree.
In this city, everyone talks about prospects, status, family standing, and making a place for themselves. Only a few dare to talk about love. Love is the most ill-timed thing of all: it isn’t land, rank, or household registration, and it can’t be pawned for silver.
And yet some people are willing to fall in love with each other at the worst possible time.
