Bending the Waist

Historical fantasy + equally matched leads + political intrigue + alternate setting (similar to the Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers system)

Cool, scheming Grand Commandant gong vs. eccentric, bewitching Chancellor shou who wants to become emperor (loyalist x traitor)

"Take off his chains."

"Lord Su, you've made quite a name for yourself here, haven't you?"

"I wouldn't dare."

Shen Jiaxuan, courtesy name Changqing

Served the nation loyally and fought on the battlefield; treated others with kindness.

To remain loyal to the emperor, he would sacrifice his own family. To eliminate treacherous ministers, he pursued them relentlessly.

A high-ranking court official who commands the court. Handsome with a wicked air, he wields the tiger tally and commands the armies. His name is immortalized on the battlefield by divine decree; the people praise him, and the court ladies admire him. Cool and calculating, he serves as Grand Commandant.

Su Yuan'an, courtesy name Jinglan

...Master of the Slaughter Pavilion, appointed its new leader. He stands at the pinnacle of the martial world, with inns, taverns, cloth shops, jewelry stores, and other businesses across the capital, the nine provinces, and six commanderies all under his operation.

...He passes the imperial examinations as the top scholar, gradually leaves the martial world behind, and secretly cultivates a network of hidden forces, before becoming Chancellor.

Ruthless and willing to pay any price to achieve his goals. A flirtatious charmer, eloquent, and a high-ranking court official. Unruly, eccentric, and bewitching, with a formidable network of covert forces.

A beauty like a painting, wickedly captivating beyond compare.

Theme: Weave Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio and the Classic of Mountains and Seas into the martial world and the imperial court, and celebrate Chinese mythology.