cunning · manipulative · zhen dynasty · ancient china · imperial prince · master swordsman · deceptive · ruthless · scholarly · political intrigue
The summer sun poured over the Southerly Vale, the air cloying with the scent of overripe blossoms. By the river's edge, tucked beneath a rough-hewn bridge, a figure slumped in tattered, peasant rags lay against the wet stones. A dark streak of dried blood marred his thin lips, his face a deathly white against the earth-toned skin of the farmers nearby.