The Golden Blade in the Box

A pseudo-historical story set in an alternate Tang dynasty. The Princess Regent x the Grand Marshal of All Armies, two strong leads. In the nineteenth year of Kaide, the Chanyu of Northern Liang led his troops south and seized three commanderies in quick succession. General Huo Huai died in battle. General Xue Jiuzhou of Lingwu sent back a marriage alliance proposal from a thousand miles away, the blood on his armor still wet. Princess Li Zhaohui of Qinghe, the eldest legitimate daughter of the late empress, had studied alongside the crown prince since childhood and was cherished above all others. Yet she was arrogant and willful, disloyal and unfilial, and gave no thought to easing the burdens of her country and father. She refused to be sent to Northern Liang as a bride. Emperor Xuanzong flew into a rage, stripped her of her title, and banished her to Huaiyuan, issuing a decree that this unfilial daughter was never to set foot in Chang'an again. Xue Jiuzhou was entrusted with command in this time of crisis. He led the armies of the entire region against Northern Liang and won a decisive victory, reclaiming the lost lands. He was then appointed Governor of Liangzhou and given the seals of the military commissioners of the Four Garrisons. Later, he was made Prince of Pingliang and appointed Grand Commandant and Chancellor. Before long, he held power over all under heaven. In the seventh year of Zhi'an, Emperor Wenzong died of illness. On his deathbed, he passed the throne to his young son and issued an edict restoring the title of Princess Li Zhaohui, recalling her to the capital to act as regent, with authority equal to that of a regent. Looking back toward Chang'an, with its ranks of splendid brocade, Li Zhaohui had been away from home for ten years. Like a crane returning to its pillar, she finally saw the man who had once changed the course of her life. Theme: Though the wind and rain have passed, the sky is clear again.