The Balance of Heaven and Earth

A Magistrate Zhu Mystery

Mystery & Suspense, Legal, Historical Mystery, Fiction & Literature, Historical
Cover of the book The Balance of Heaven and Earth by Laurence Westwood, Shikra Press Limited
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Laurence Westwood ISBN: 9781916456907
Publisher: Shikra Press Limited Publication: October 1, 2018
Imprint: Shikra Press Language: English
Author: Laurence Westwood
ISBN: 9781916456907
Publisher: Shikra Press Limited
Publication: October 1, 2018
Imprint: Shikra Press
Language: English

I have been unable to write a judgement that does not seem to offend my conscience, or indeed Heaven, in some manner. Because I do not wish to influence your thinking unduly, I have destroyed all my personal papers and notes in regard to this dispute, preferring you to start afresh. Forgive me for this. All I ask is that you consider and examine Jade Moon most carefully before coming to a decision. I find her fascinating and unsettling in equal measure, and fear the consequences of a wrongful judgement. I will say no more.

My sincerest best wishes to you and your family,

Magistrate Qian

Fifth District, Chengdu Prefecture

1st day of the 2nd Moon, 1085

So ends the letter of welcome (and of warning) to Magistrate Zhu, newly arrived in the remote border town of Tranquil Mountain. He has travelled far from his extensive family estates on the outskirts of Kaifeng – the glorious Song Dynasty capital – hoping to find atonement for past mistakes.

Yet he quickly discovers that Tranquil Mountain is anything but tranquil. The town is beset with simmering tensions since the death of his predecessor. Before Magistrate Zhu even has time to accustom himself to his inexperienced and wayward constabulary and the lowliness of his new surroundings, there is a mysterious murder, rumours of ghosts and blood-thirsty bandits out on the streets, and a disturbing kidnapping to solve – as well as the tragic and tangled legal circumstances of the local heroine Jade Moon to unravel.

For the balance of Heaven and Earth to be maintained, and to prevent catastrophe coming to Tranquil Mountain, Magistrate Zhu is well aware that not a single injustice can be allowed to stand. As he struggles to reach the correct judgements, he realises he has no choice but to offer up his career and perhaps even his own life for the greater good. And, in so doing, he discovers that as Jade Moon’s fate rests in his hands, so his fate ultimately rests in hers.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

I have been unable to write a judgement that does not seem to offend my conscience, or indeed Heaven, in some manner. Because I do not wish to influence your thinking unduly, I have destroyed all my personal papers and notes in regard to this dispute, preferring you to start afresh. Forgive me for this. All I ask is that you consider and examine Jade Moon most carefully before coming to a decision. I find her fascinating and unsettling in equal measure, and fear the consequences of a wrongful judgement. I will say no more.

My sincerest best wishes to you and your family,

Magistrate Qian

Fifth District, Chengdu Prefecture

1st day of the 2nd Moon, 1085

So ends the letter of welcome (and of warning) to Magistrate Zhu, newly arrived in the remote border town of Tranquil Mountain. He has travelled far from his extensive family estates on the outskirts of Kaifeng – the glorious Song Dynasty capital – hoping to find atonement for past mistakes.

Yet he quickly discovers that Tranquil Mountain is anything but tranquil. The town is beset with simmering tensions since the death of his predecessor. Before Magistrate Zhu even has time to accustom himself to his inexperienced and wayward constabulary and the lowliness of his new surroundings, there is a mysterious murder, rumours of ghosts and blood-thirsty bandits out on the streets, and a disturbing kidnapping to solve – as well as the tragic and tangled legal circumstances of the local heroine Jade Moon to unravel.

For the balance of Heaven and Earth to be maintained, and to prevent catastrophe coming to Tranquil Mountain, Magistrate Zhu is well aware that not a single injustice can be allowed to stand. As he struggles to reach the correct judgements, he realises he has no choice but to offer up his career and perhaps even his own life for the greater good. And, in so doing, he discovers that as Jade Moon’s fate rests in his hands, so his fate ultimately rests in hers.

More books from Historical

Cover of the book River of Bones by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Il 6 di Oxford Street by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Prelude to Glory, Vol. 9: By the Dawn's Early Light by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Whispers From A Speaking Demon by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Katanga 2. Diplomacy by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Gold by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book The Last Time I Saw Jane by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book My Valentine by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Footsteps in Time & Prince of Time (The After Cilmeri Series) by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Spartacus by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Will You Wait for Me? by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Blood on the Tracks by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Lansdowne by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Elisheva's Diary by Laurence Westwood
Cover of the book Steam! Romance and Rails by Laurence Westwood
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy