A Good Plan

A general who had distinguished himself in the campaign to pacify the north is recalled to court by an imperial summons, only to be mysteriously thrown into prison. Once released, he sees the world from another side. A prince who has never been favored, a marquis with no real power, a mysterious wanderer, and a mansion full of alluring women. Together, they make for a bizarre cast, with no sign that they could accomplish anything. And yet they are the ones defending what little justice remains.

Outside the prince's residence, the Crown Prince remains invincible, Prince Gong still waits for an opportunity, and the Emperor watches from the sidelines. Clever people are everywhere; the only question is who is cleverer. If your conscience is clear, why fear taking up the blade?

And so I composed these lines:

Cold wine beneath a thousand tents, lone winds sweep the desert; the slanting sun casts a chill over the desolate sands. Miles of bones, a general bearing a grudge: speak not of Qilian. Lamps dim in the waterside pavilion; schemes are laid like troops. Look not back toward home. Let us plot the affairs of the realm; fate twists and turns, heroes rise to console the wronged dead.

If an honest heart must turn to dust, why not point the sword at the palace? Every step is perilous, wits tested against wits: who will lose? The enemy surges like a tide; spears and arrows pierce the chest, while brave men hold back the ghosts. May the realm enjoy long years of peace. Nightingales circle the empty sky; Hua An imprisons the dragon.

"Water Dragon Chant: Remembering Liang Shi Ge" (original poem)

Ah, I'm begging you all to give this story a look. Just a look is fine.