
In a time when dynasties rise and fall like the turning of a chessboard, the realm is exhausted by endless wars and shifting loyalties. Amid this turbulence, a young, charismatic officer named Zhao Kuangyin walks the streets of Bianliang, already noted for his striking looks, martial skill, and a restless sense of justice. Though still far from any throne, his presence hints at a destiny that could reshape the empire.
When the wandering fortuneteller Miao Guangyi opens his modest divination shop, he encounters the confident Zhao and, after a terse exchange, declares the young man’s future as a ruler destined to restore order. Their brief clash draws the attention of Zhao’s close companions, who tease and debate the prophecy while a mischievous mud‑horse becomes the unlikely stage for a test of fate. The scene captures a vivid mix of humor, superstition, and the simmering ambition that will drive the story forward.
Language
zh
Duration
~5 hours (344K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Apr 29, 2008
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Known mainly through a surviving historical novel, this elusive 18th-century Chinese writer is associated with a lively tale of war, destiny, and the rise of a future emperor.
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