The Collapse of Ritual and Order

In a city full of powerful clans, the well-dressed judge one another not by manners, but by family background. Xie Hengzhi, courtesy name Zhaorong, upholds propriety to save lives, is trapped by propriety, and is protected by it.

A book on the collapse of propriety, an old blade. You uphold propriety; I will protect the people.

The leads first meet as kindred spirits, then become confidants. They are lovers united by a shared purpose.

Theme: Rules are for the living, not shackles that consume them.