OPENING GAMBIT Having successfully foiled the bandit attack on the city of Cizhou in Zhongbo, Xiao Chiye sets off in pursuit of their leader, attempting to cut him off before he returns to his lair. At the same time, having gained control of Cizhou, Shen Zechuan sets his sights on the neighboring prefecture of Chazhou in hopes of brokering a trade agreement. But Chazhou is a lawless place, ruled by a ruthless bandit chief who has long neglected the starving populace. If Shen Zechuan wishes to make his mark here, he must rely not on any army, but his own cunning. As Shen Zechuan fights for a foothold in Zhongbo, a new power is rising in the capital of Qudu. Those with ambition eye the throne from all sides. The board is set for a game of wits that will decide the fate of the nation—and Shen Zechuan is playing to win.