T ang Trilogy / The Court of the Lion / Eleanor Cooney, Daniel Altieri

In 738, rational Confucianism extant, the T’ang restored after the depredations of the Empress Wu, it is a time of expansion, peace and artistry. The Emperor is a ruler of extraordinary humanity, his justice and compassion legendary. An ambitious minor court consort, inspired by tiny characters painted on silk flowers delivered to her chambers, suggesting a greater destiny for her, makes a bold play. The favored crown prince is murdered and the current Empress framed. But the conniving woman is no Wu Tse-tien: weak and vacillating, she goes mad with guilt, her scheme collapsing.