This historical novel by Japanese Chinese writer Chen Shunchen is set in the turbulent early twelfth century, when the Liao Dynasty fell and the Song and Jin faced off. It tells the legendary epic of Liao royal Yelu Dashi, who led his people west and founded the Western Liao. The novel unfolds through the eyes of Tao Yu, a young Han Chinese man. Sent by Yelu Dashi to investigate the military situation, he sets out from Yanjing for the Western Regions. Along his long journey, Tao Yu meets Bai Zhongyue, An Ru, and Honghai, a Japanese monk. Bound by shared beliefs or missions, they join forces and sail from Quanzhou, passing Hormuz and venturing into the heart of the Seljuk Empire. Skillfully weaving historical events with fictional episodes, the story depicts how Yelu Dashi, surrounded by powerful enemies, relied on his wisdom and courage to unite various tribes and eventually establish the new state of Western Liao in Central Asia. Beyond its grand battle scenes and complex political struggles, the book delves into the clashes and blending of different civilizations and religions, making it a rich work that combines history, adventure, and philosophical reflection.
