Bring In the Wine

“Prince Jianxing Shen Wei was defeated at the Chashi River in the northeast. The Dunzhou line immediately collapsed, and thirty […]

The lights in the Imperial Prison were dim and ashen. Shen Zechuan’s hands and feet were icy cold, and he

Pan Rugui strode swiftly toward the Endcheng Gate, with the imperial guards lined up on either side, silent as the

The soles of war boots crunched over the snow as they circled to Shen Zechuan’s side. The newcomer nudged Shen

The medicinal decoction soaked through Shen Zhechuan’s robe, dripping down the corners of his mouth. The physician wiped his forehead

The day Shen Zechuan was brought into the Zhaozui Temple, Qu Du was graced with rare clear weather. Snow blanketed

Qi Taifu choked back his words, withdrawing his hand and turning away from Shen Zechuan. Confined here for twenty years,

The palace guards waited their turn, each shivering and huddling against the cold. The Qu Du Imperial Guards had originally

Since the end of the year, the streets of Qu Du had been bustling with people wearing “Nao’e” decorations cut

Xiao Jiming pulled his cloak tight under the lantern light. Chaohui stayed behind him, saying, “By now, it should be

Shen Zechuan’s shackles had been removed, and he flexed his wrists while Xiao Qi kept chattering complaints. Ji Gang, pushing

In the eighth year of Emperor Xiande’s reign, it was the height of summer. Wang Xian, the head clerk of

Xiao Chiye didn’t look at Li Jianheng. He slowly adjusted the tea lid with his fingers and said, “Patience.” Li

Shen Zechuan was led inside and knelt outside the curtain. The Xian De Emperor was half propped against the headboard,

The next day, Shen Zechuan was to go to the Jinyiwei to receive his official post. Just then, Xi Guan’an’s

Later in the day, the wind rose, and the rain began to fall. Xiao Chiye spurred his horse through the

Late at night, the Empress Dowager put on her robe and, from behind the curtains, asked, “What’s all the noise?”

Xiao Chiye had kept a low profile for half a month, and finally received a reply from Ji Lei—his request

The customs of summer nights hung heavy; the moon dangled among the green treetops. Xiao Chiye, strong and robust, grew

“I’m so wronged,” Shen Zechuan said. “Now, if anything goes awry, it’s bound to be blamed on me, Shen Lanzhou.”