Song of the Calling Deer

She is a woman without equal in all the world. Vastly learned, her brush commanding a thousand armies, and her spirit so attuned she understands the speech of birds and beasts. To clear her father’s name of injustice, she dares to brave what all the world condemns: entering the examination hall, storming the imperial court, devising the strategies that decide victory a thousand li away. He is the emperor’s grandson. Filial and valiant before the throne, versed in both letters and arms, wishing only for peace throughout the realm. For the grand aspiration of ‘sharing together the blessings of a peaceful age’ he takes up the cause, campaigning north and south, and time and again is ensnared in the deadly struggle over the succession. The two capitals, north and south, gaze at each other across the distance cold mist hangs over the ten li of the Qinhuai River. The loyal and righteous, the wise and brave, the hopelessly devoted, the willful and treacherous, all are gathered within one lingering melody: Song of the Calling Deer