Palace Owl

The Dayong Dynasty has been in existence for a hundred years. On the surface, the country is peaceful and the people are safe, but there are already dangers within the imperial city's red walls. The late emperor was old and frail, and had lived in the palace for a long time without being involved in political affairs. The court was divided and controlled by three forces: the group of relatives, headed by the current queen, had all the power in the government and the opposition, intending to support the legitimate prince to ascend to the throne; the military force, headed by the general who held the military power, adhered to neutrality, but secretly guarded against the interference of the relatives in politics; Department, Xuanying Division, which is under the direct control of the emperor - this is a royal spy organization that does not belong to the six departments and is not subject to the control of the court. It is secretive and has excellent martial arts. It specializes in investigating secret cases in the palace, rebellion in the government and the public, and changes in the world. It is the last sharp blade of the late emperor to check and balance the forces of all parties, and it is also the most frightening shadow of the entire dynasty. At the beginning of the story, bizarre murders occurred one after another in the Great Yong capital. Many middle- and low-level officials died suddenly in the palace overnight. The death was strange. No trace was left at the scene. Only a dark iron token engraved with an owl pattern was scattered aside. Rumors abounded in the city, saying that Jianghu evil sects had sneaked into the capital with the intention of stirring up trouble in the government. The queen took the opportunity to launch an attack, accusing Xuan Yingsi of neglecting his duties and allowing Jianghu forces to infiltrate the imperial city. She pressed for the abolition of the secret agent organization and transferred the power of patrolling the imperial city and supervising officials to the hands of the harem and relatives. Above the court, civil and military officials have their own agendas, and the princes secretly compete with each other. What originally seemed like an ordinary series of murders has instantly evolved into a power game sweeping the government and the opposition.