Ask the Eastward Flowing Water

(This book is the first volume of Xiao Lou’s Three Rivers Trilogy, titled Ask the Eastward Flowing Water)

“Since ancient times, all things flow eastward like the river; Where do they go, and where do they come from; Pondering brings little clarity.”

Li Qingluo, a young girl from the Celestial Empire who grew up in the mountains of Jingnan, becomes separated from her family due to the chaos of war. To find her father’s whereabouts, she disguises herself as a man and joins the Celestial Empire’s army. By a twist of fate, she becomes acquainted with General Xiao Shensi and the army medic, Lin Guiyuan, forming a deep bond of friendship.

During their journey to find Qingluo’s father, both Xiao Shensi and Lin Guiyuan gradually uncover her true identity as a woman, and feelings of affection naturally arise. However, the unpredictability of life unravels a web of mysteries as the they travel from the northern deserts, to the bustling capital, and then to the remote villages of Miaoxi:

What is Lin Guiyuan’s connection to the Yan Emperor?

What memories has Xiao Shensi lost over the years?

And what secrets are hidden within Qingluo’s increasingly enigmatic background?

Though seemingly unrelated, these threads draw the three of them closer together as if woven by fate.

Yet, from the royal bloodbath of a past dynasty, to the emotional entanglements of the disciples of Sword Valley twenty years ago, and the palace intrigues of the Celestial Empire sixteen years ago…

Deep-rooted desires, entangled love and hate— where will they lead? Please ask the eastward flowing river — in the face of such parting emotions, which lasts longer, which fades away?