New Blood

The capital was abuzz with the news of the emperor's latest ludicrous actions. 

Tang Yuqin couldn't tell what invited more censure from the nobility; the emperor's clear favour for his male concubine or his sudden implementation of a whole host of new policies that would reshape education and the official system in the years to come. 

In taverns, restaurants, tea parlours, and music halls. Out in the streets by the roadside vendors and in the stately horse carriages that passed by. The discussion was endless.