Ice and Fire Across the Land

In the final years of the Ren dynasty, the government has fallen into disarray. Warlords contend for power, and flames of war flare up everywhere. The city of Canyang falls, the imperial family is destroyed, and its descendants flee, scattered across the land. Kindheartedness and cunning coexist, as do loyalty and treachery. Factions take shape, and people chase after banquets and drink. Some regard loyalty and affection as priceless; others worship power above all. They form alliances, turn against one another, maneuver for advantage, and scheme and struggle. Some sacrifice their lives for righteousness, some bend their backs to survive; some restrain themselves and uphold tradition, while others indulge without restraint. The upright die tragic deaths, while the sycophants live on. The world is unpredictable, and the wheel of fate keeps turning. The swallows that once nested in the halls of the Wang and Xie families can someday fly into the homes of ordinary folk.

In a jungle where the strong prey on the weak, there are no absolute friends, only interests that last forever. Who wins and who loses? Who is right and who is wrong? When no one wears a mask on their face anymore, who can wake those pretending to sleep?

The times may make heroes, but they sweep up every individual in their wake, leaving each to make their own mark. Keep your dreams in your heart and your eyes fixed on nothing else. Let us try new tea with a fresh fire, and make the most of our youth with poetry and wine.

The Roc flies north across the sea, the phoenix faces the sun, and both set out with books and swords, bound for unknown horizons. May every dream of serving in court, burdened by its cage, ride forth with spear and horse, roaming freely across the land. And when the dream ends, may we bathe in the Yi, stroll beneath the rain altar, and return home singing.