China, 8th century. Shen Tai is the son of a general who led his forces in the empire's last war against their western enemies - a war where forty thousand men on both sides died. Tai has spent two years of official mourning alone at the battle site, laying to rest their unburied bones. One spring morning, he learns that the White Jade Princess is to present him with 250 Sardian horses, given in recognition of his honour done to the dead. Some descriptions of sex, some strong language, and descriptions of violence. Bestseller. 2010.