The Tianbao Mystery

In the fourth year of the Tianbao era, Hou Yanqing takes office as Vice Minister of Justice.

A string of bizarre murders shakes Chang'an: a famous courtesan mysteriously burns to death during the Peony Lantern Festival, a silk merchant is found decapitated with no blood at the scene, and even a cursed doll appears deep within the palace.

Drawing on the unusual forensic techniques taught by his foreign master, Hou Yanqing identifies a Western Regions poison incense from between the charred corpse's fingers, then tracks down the killer using a Persian carpet found beside the bloodless body.

Twelve cases intertwine like a spider's web. The case files reveal secret letters between the crown prince and a frontier general, Yang Guozhong's private coin molds, and strange totems in An Lushan's army.

When a blood-written prophecy appears on Zhuque Avenue, he realizes that every murder has been a prelude to rebellion.

The golden age is on the brink of collapse. Holding the final piece of evidence, Hou Yanqing stands atop the Qinzheng Wuben Tower.

The rebels' flames below redden the sky. He gently pushes Yang Guozhong over the edge. "Right Chancellor, listen. The war drums of Yuyang are beating."