This is a companion novel to Passing the Torch, and the second book in the Stargazing series.
In the end, they never caught up with that illusory light.
But to those who came after them, the place where they stood was already a brilliant river of stars, with constellations shining overhead.
Set during the Spring and Autumn period, this continues the style of the previous book. It features the Zhou dynasty's poetry-gathering and military-inspection systems, focuses on the state of Jin, and touches on the various schools of thought. An ensemble cast, a road-trip story, and a guide to the customs and travels of the Spring and Autumn period.
Expected to begin in late 2026 or 2027, following The Book of Heavenly Offices. If you're interested, feel free to add it to your reading list!
The Bamboo Annals series:
Xia and Shang era, Chasing the Sun: A short story about King Tang's campaign against Xia (in preparation).
Shang and Zhou era, Passing the Torch: The daily life of civil servants, the founding of the Western Zhou, and the split between witchcraft and medicine (complete).
Warring States era, Song of a Thousand Springs: A summary report on the development of pre-Qin medicine, with a love-rivalry plot (currently being written).
Qin and Han era, The Book of Heavenly Offices: Focuses on Bian Que and Qin's reconquest of Baiyue (next book).
Yuan and Ming era, Master of Mountains and Seas: The greatest of ancient Chinese medical formularies and the Ming conquest of Yunnan (complete).
Theme: The Axial Age was the most brilliant constellation in the history of Chinese thought.
