(Tentatively opening at the end of October this year. If you're passing by, please add it to your favorites. There are so few stars that I'm afraid to start writing, ono.)
[A powerful traveling merchant × A cold-faced Embroidered Uniform Guard inspecting the land on the emperor's behalf]
At twenty-two, Zhang Chengning regrets two things most:
First, that she didn't smash the plaque in her clan's ancestral hall before leaving.
Second, that she met Lu Jian at the Huizhou docks.
Lu Jian is a company commander in the Northern Garrison of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Sent from the capital on a secret order to investigate a case, he stops in Huizhou to change boats.
The first time he steps into Zhang's Tea Shop, Zhang Chengning is checking the books behind the counter. He asks, "Where is the shopkeeper?"
Zhang Chengning puts down her ledger, dusts the tea leaves off her sleeve, and looks him over. He's a young man, with a crisply pressed robe and a straight back.
Leaning against the counter, she says, "That's me. What tea would you like, sir?"
Lu Jian doesn't answer. He simply has her tea shop sealed.
Zhang Chengning can tell at first glance that Lu Jian is a hotheaded novice.
At the time, Lu Jian has no idea this woman will show up at every place he goes to investigate a case.
He has even less idea that he'll gradually get used to her being there.
Lu Jian spends his days traveling the land, inspecting and solving cases. She travels between government offices collecting tea, and somehow every place she stops has a bizarre case waiting for her.
From trading barbs at every meeting to eventually traveling together, one uses the law to judge right from wrong, while the other follows the rumors of the streets to find clues.
The road is long. Together, they investigate strange cases and uphold one thing: justice.
(2026.8.30)
P.S. A series of standalone investigations, with a plot-focused narrative. The setting is inspired by the Ming dynasty, but the story is fictional.
Content note: My knowledge is limited, I'm not a history specialist, and I'm bad at writing blurbs. If this sounds like your kind of story, please give it a try. I honestly don't know what specific things people might want warnings for these days.｡ﾟ(ﾟ´ω`ﾟ)ﾟ｡
Theme: Keep the warmth of everyday life in your heart, and stay true to justice.
