An alternate ancient setting, political struggles, a tempestuous love born of hatred, and a forced romance. Probably a tragic ending.
A ruthless yet deeply devoted emperor (1) × a cool, indifferent minister who stops at nothing (0)
Ever since ascending the throne, Emperor Wu of Liang has ruled with an iron fist, monopolizing power and throwing his weight around. The court and the countryside alike tremble with fear. No one dares scheme for power; the ministers only hope to retire in peace and return home with honor.
Who could have known that, seven years after taking the throne, Emperor Wu would suddenly lose his mind and decide to take a man as his empress?
The ministers pleaded with him to no avail, lining up to spill three feet of blood in the royal court if need be. Nothing could stop Emperor Wu from stubbornly defying the laws of his ancestors and trampling them to pieces.
It was only when the man he kept hidden in a gilded cage smashed a celadon bowl and pressed a sharp shard against his own neck that the emperor, supreme ruler of all under Heaven, finally bowed his head.
Afterward, the sickly man who had nearly become the emperor's male empress appeared openly at court. The ministers were horrified to discover that this man was no disaster-bringing seductress at all. He was the son of a disgraced official!
The disgraced official's son had pale, slender hands. He had held a wolf-hair brush, gripped reins, and wielded a long blade. Now he had come to court once more to stir up a storm.
This is no longer an age of contending for the realm. The winds and clouds are slow to rise, but Jiang Cen insists on stirring up trouble.
He does not seek a splendid realm, nor does he wish to live with a clear conscience. If his long-cherished wish can be fulfilled, then even if he is broken to pieces, he will pave the road with his bones.
Theme: Time waits for no one, and the waters that have passed cannot be held back.
