Emperor of Southern Chu had been too busy waging wars to pay attention to the riffraff meddling in the imperial examinations. Now that he had returned from battle, Pei Jiyu would be his test case.
The emperor suspected that secret factions were colluding behind the scenes. The influence of the noble clans at court had already been diminished, and the great families seemed almost to have crumbled on the surface, yet he still sensed undercurrents stirring.
Pei Jiyu's name as the top scholar sent shockwaves through the court. Everyone wondered why no one at court had recommended him, why he was not a retainer under any official, and how such an intriguing figure had appeared out of nowhere.
Though his knowledge and understanding of Confucian thought in Southern Chu were admirable, there were those who criticized him, saying he could not quite be called a true top scholar.
Where there were doubters, there were also admirers. Pei Jiyu needed nothing but herself to part the clouds and bring the dawn over the sea.
Ren Chengzhou and she are friends, and partners.
Wherever your gaze falls, I understand you.
Pei Jiyu, the Left Reminder with a mysterious identity she keeps under wraps, × Ren Chengzhou, the wealthy and handsome Grand Astrologer who pursues the one he loves through his actions.
A few notes:
1. The leads already hold government posts, and some official titles require careful research. This story is not easy to write, so updates may be slow. Please bear with me.
2. Historically, merchants could not enter government service, and women could not take the civil service examinations. In this entirely new dynasty, men and women have equal rights, though there are still outdated feudal customs that call for some thought.
3. There are many factions, all threatening the emperor, who has grievances he cannot voice. It is quite difficult, and may require some historical research. As for the original inspiration, I initially wanted to write about the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, but after looking into its history, I found it too frightening. So let's go with a superficially peaceful and prosperous age instead. Let the flowers fly!
Theme: Carry a sword through the jianghu, asking no questions of cause and effect; hold a lantern to judge right and wrong, and heed only life's impermanence.
