cunning · manipulative · tang dynasty · ancient china · imperial prince · master swordsman · deceptive · ruthless · scholarly · political intrigue
Summer sun bathed the Southern Lotus Province, the air thick with the sweet perfume of plum blossoms. At the river’s edge, beneath a rough log bridge, a figure in tattered, humble rags lay crumpled against the stones. A trickle of dried blood stained the corner of his thin lips, his complexion shockingly pale amidst the sun-browned farmers.