★A Romantic Blend of History and Fictio. Immerse yourself in the turbulent era of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms as this novel vividly recreates the love and patriotic spirit of the legendary concubine, Lady Huarui.

★The work delicately portrays the brilliance of human nature amidst the struggle for power, seen through the lens of a woman’s emotions and perspective. As love meets its end against the backdrop of a crumbling nation, the contrast between the insignificance of the individual and the grandeur of history creates a poignant sense of tragic fate.

★Featuring "Nirvana in Fire"-level intellectual power struggles, the novel also introduces innovative elements of the martial world. With a tightly woven plot and vivid, exquisite prose, this book is an exceptionally engaging read.

She was a woman of both extraordinary talent and beauty from Sichuan and also the legendary concubine Huarui, who endured the trials of a turbulent era yet left a legacy that has captivated hearts for millennia. After her family was slaughtered, she fell into the depths of despair, only to rise again and find love and mutual understanding with Meng Chang, the ruler of Later Shu. She aided him in reclaiming his throne and stabilizing his reign. Yet, after the fall of their kingdom, she penned the poignant lines, "Fourteen thousand men laid down their arms, yet not a single one was a true hero," a lament that still resonates with sorrow.

He was a hero of his time, the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty. With unmatched strategy and bravery, he carved out an empire. Breaking free from the control of the mystical sect "Kuiyue," he consolidated his imperial power and sought to create a peaceful and prosperous era. He admired concubine Huarui and shared a mutual respect with the fallen king, Meng Chang, yet he was forced to condemn both to death...

Two kings, one legendary concubine—their lives intertwined in the chaos of the Five Dynasties, weaving a tale of familial vengeance, national tragedy, and enduring love.

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The book is divided into two volumes. Drawing from a wealth of historical records, the author weaves a narrative filled with reasonable imagination and extension. Inspired by the sentiments hinted at in Su Dongpo's "Song of the Cave Immortal: Jade Bones and Ice Skin," the novel vividly portrays the love story between Meng Chang and concubine Huarui. Through the rise and fall of Later Shu, it captures the social landscape of the Five Dynasties period, while also delving deeply into themes of strategy, power struggles, military tactics, and the art of governance, leaving readers with much to ponder.

The novel centers on the historically renowned and celebrated figure, Lady Huarui—a woman of both political acumen and poetic talent, who was once the beloved concubine of both Meng Chang of Later Shu Kingdom and Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty. Though her famous line, "Fourteen thousand men laid down their armours, yet not a single one was a true hero," is widely known, the full story of her legendary life remains largely untold. Through a delicate and empathetic feminine perspective, the work illuminates the contrasting human qualities of Meng Chang and Zhao Kuangyin as they navigate the ruthless game of power. The love between Meng Chang and Lady Huarui meets its tragic end amidst the collapse of their nation, highlighting the insignificance of individuals in the face of fate and creating a profound sense of tragedy.

Gong Yingying, female, from Meishan, Sichuan, is a member of the Sichuan Writers Association and currently works as a corporate trainer. She once used the pen name "Morning Search for Evening Smoke" to publish multiple essays, commentaries, and novels in national level publications. Her representative works include "We're Young And Can afford to Be Hurt", "Heart Medicine", and "Smoke and Clouds of Jingcheng". Among them, "Smoke and Clouds of Jingcheng". is a historical novel set in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, depicting the legendary life of Lady Huarui.
Gong Yingying's creative works cover a wide range of topics, from young adult romance to historical and cultural themes. Her works have a delicate style, emphasizing character relationships and emotional expression, while also showcasing profound cultural cultivation in historical and cultural themes.

Volume I: The Veil of Mortal World
Prologue: The Ancient Dam's Terrifying Secret　　　　002

1.Mars Invades the Constellation of Corpses　　　　015
2.Scattered Flowers Pavilion　　　　　　　　　　　026
3.Morning Deliberations in the Outer Court　　　　036
4.Exploring Emotions at Huanhua　　　　　　　　　051
5.Shadows of the Emei Sword　　　　　　　　　　　064
6.Amidst the Flowers　　　　　　　　　　　　　　076
7.The Gates of Heaven　　　　　　　　　　　　　　090
8.Xuanhua Garden　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　104
9.The Six Chancellors　　　　　　　　　　　　　　117
10.Spring Scenery by Moha Pond　　　　　　　　　131
11.The Poet Among Flowers　　　　　　　　　　　　143
12.Fireflies in the Taixu Pavilion　　　　　　　　154
13.The Reluctant Heart of Jin　　　　　　　　　　166
14.The Ancient Ferry at Shatou　　　　　　　　　　173
15.A Beauty Like Jade　　　　　　　　　　　　　　192
16.The Appetite of the Gluttonous Rat　　　　　　206
17.Three Drunken Nights with Hibiscus　　　　　　219
18.Autumn Storms　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　231
19.Wolf Hearts and Evil Intentions　　　　　　　　240
20.Bloodshed in the Hall of Governance　　　　　　253
21.The Retiring Power Minister　　　　　　　　　　267

Volume II: Three Drunken Nights with Hibiscus
22. The City of Poetry and Books　　　　　　　　　　284
23. Memories of Longshan　　　　　　　　　　　　　292
24. The Tragedy of Unmourned Death　　　　　　　　301
25. Self-Blame and Repentance　　　　　　　　　　　317
26. The Red Sunset Over Familiar Lands　　　　　　　335
27. Opening the Primordial Chaos in Silence　　　　351
28. The Banished Loyal Minister　　　　　　　　　　359
29. Chenqiao Post Station　　　　　　　　　　　　　371
30. A Snowy Night Visit to Pu　　　　　　　　　　　379
31. Lady Chaoguang　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　391
32. The Purple Robe Never Returns　　　　　　　　　400
33. Beacon Fires at Kuimen　　　　　　　　　　　　410
34. Destiny and Fate　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　422
35. A Beauty That Topples Cities and Kingdoms　　　432
36. The Cold Camellia　　　　　　　　　　　　　　449
37. A Plain Carriage and White Horse Speak of a Fallen Nation　　464
38. Discussing Heroes Over Green Plum Wine　　　　482
39. The Seven-Treasure Chamber Pot　　　　　　　　494
40. The Heaven of Parting Sorrows　　　　　　　　　507
41. The Emperor's Choices　　　　　　　　　　　　　523
42. Southern Melodies　　　　　　　　　　　　　　531

Epilogue　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　536
Afterword: A Close Reading of "Song of the Cave Immortal: Jade Bones and Ice Skin"