Dust of Gratitude

The silly version: Once upon a time, there was a free-spirited young man who couldn't find a job after graduating, so he took the imperial exams and became the top scholar. Once upon a time, there was a great general who couldn't afford formula on his salary, so he turned to men. Once upon a time, there was a pretty boy being hunted by the authorities who couldn't go on living that way, so he decided to go straight. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven: seven men make one grand show. There'll be palace intrigue, and household intrigue too. The proper version: Feng Ciyan, Lian Xiechen, Hua An Yizi, Ru Liu Shili, vermilion walls a hundred feet high, fine wine filling a thousand cups. The late emperor died after a long illness, and the heir ascended the throne, adopting the era name Huiren. In the second year after the late emperor's death, the young emperor had yet to build up his power, while Prince Jinghuai commanded a powerful army stationed in his fief. The realm still seemed to enjoy peace and prosperity, but danger lurked beneath the surface. Amid shifting fortunes, Xie Chen, the newly crowned top scholar, meets Yin Qianzhong, the mighty General of Jianwei. In a nutshell: A road of fine robes and jade carriages, and a portrait of officialdom laid bare.