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

“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? <<less

When Lan Huirong, a woman dressed as a man, was paying respect to her mother by the Huishui River, she unexpectedly met Prince Ning, the fourth prince of the Eastern Empire, who was patrolling incognito, and the young marquis of Prince Mu's Mansion and involved herself in an old vendetta from the martial arts world.... more>>

For the sake of her mother's last will, Lan Huirong changed her name to Fang Qing and joined Prince Mu's army to seek the "iron talisman" but gradually developed feelings for Kong Xuan, the commander of the army. Then the Western Barbarians attacked. Lan Huirong risked her life to fight, gaining fame with her sword, but was taken away by Qiu Tianxing, commander of the Eastern Barbarians. Kong Xuan used a smart stratagem to rescue Rong’er, and the two became kindred spirits from then on. However, when they went back to Tanzhou, the emperor of the Eastern Dynasty forced Rong’er. Meanwhile, Kong Xuan was poisoned, his life being in danger, because he had taken Qiu Tianxing's poison to save Rong’er.

In order to find the antidote and to completely escape this forced marriage, Lan Huirong and Kong Xuan went through all kinds of hardships and trials to find the treasure for which everyone was fighting for. Can they get the antidote as they hope and fulfill their dream of "one heart for a lifetime, never leaving each other"? When walking to the end of the stream, you can see how beautiful the green hills are. <<less

Pei Yan: A true, heroic man, filled with passion and vigour. Upon his waist is his long sword, while from his hand comes forth poetries and scrolls. Time and again his sword’s blade has been tested, but who possibly could be a worthy match? When love very furtively arrives, he can use only pride as his shield of resistance. But though he may have calculated out every move, every possibility, the sole things he forgets to factor in are his own heart and his own feelings. The wind and smoke may have passed, but seared over his heart is the most beautiful mark.... more>>

San Lang: A blood-soaked phoenix, a precious pearl covered in dust. What sort of heart is hidden beneath his devastatingly beautiful face? When sunlight manages to at last shine into his heart, and when the door of his heart opens by a thread, like water that has spilled to the ground, these cannot be undone. Unforgettable is that brilliance he saw during the season when the peach blossoms bloomed, that seemed to burn his eyes, and even more unforgettable is that single unrivallable song that had been sung out upon that snowy bridge over the frozen river.

Xiao Ci [Little Ci]: Lithe like the waves, pure and attractive like the lotus. She is like a fairy of the mountains who flutters her wings, stirring up the most perfect storm within their worlds. She warmed those icy fingers, she embroidered that one twig of peach blossoms. In this complicated society of worldly affairs, a single statement of “understanding” [being understood, being told you are understood] is worth more than a thousand words.

Who shall win, and who shall lose? Who has lost, and who has gained? Who achieved, and who had to sacrifice? None of these are important. This story of legends will one day, when one has seen past the surrounding scenery, become one with the indistinct green, rolling hills and the forever flowing waters. <<less