Eight Rivers Subdue the Dragon

The unscrupulous merchant Hua Rushan uses Chang'an's eight rivers and five canals to break through the barrier that keeps merchants from entering government service. He seizes power and profits, becoming a local strongman, but ultimately gives away his entire fortune, stirs up trouble on the Inner Canal, and brings down corrupt officials, performing a righteous deed in defense of the state.

A canal merchant branded a “wicked woman and lowly trader,” eight dragon-shaped waterways encircling the capital, and five city canals that can either protect Chang'an or bring it disaster: together, they set the stage for a struggle against privilege and prejudice. It begins with a bloody quest to make the world belong to all, and ends amid the brilliance of human nature.

“Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, ranked among the lowest of the low: if merchants are base, then what of a righteous merchant?”

“The realm belongs to everyone in it. Everyone deserves to be remembered by name.”

“Women are like water, nourishing all things. A gentle current can be a sharp blade; a woman's virtue and talent should never be confined to the inner chambers.”

“Let the eight rivers guide the canal dragons: they will punish the ‘false dragon’ and awaken the ‘true dragon’!”