Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin unifies all Under Heaven Vassal Lords, and Ying Zheng is crowned Emperor.
• Fusu is appointed as Crown Prince by Ying Zheng, with Verdant Green Maiden's assistance.
• Qing Nü is enfeoffed as Imperial Tutor, which she initially resists but later accepts.
• Ying Zheng orders the construction of Afang Palace north of Mount Li, employing many Daoists and nobles.
• Ying Zheng discusses the limits of civilian labor and the Qin state system with Verdant Green Maiden.
• Xu Fu reports finding traces of the Immortal Mountain, and Ying Zheng decides to send a fleet to seek Immortal Medicine.

Character Developments

• Ying Zheng: Ascends to the throne as Emperor, shows concern for Qing Nü's health, and becomes more ruthless in his rule.
• Fusu: Appointed as Crown Prince but remains timid in the Great Qin Imperial Court.
• Qing Nü: Initially resists her enfeoffment as Imperial Tutor but later accepts it. She advises Ying Zheng on the Qin state system and shows concern for civilian labor.
• Xu Fu: Persists in his claim to have found the Immortal Mountain, despite Verdant Green Maiden's skepticism.

Significant Themes

• Power and Rule: Ying Zheng's ascension to the throne and his rule over the unified empire.
• Legacy and Succession: Fusu's appointment as Crown Prince and the discussion of the Qin state system's future.
• Belief and Deception: Xu Fu's claims about the Immortal Mountain and Verdant Green Maiden's skepticism.

Character Interactions

• Ying Zheng and Verdant Green Maiden: Ying Zheng seeks Verdant Green Maiden's advice on various matters, and she guides him as his teacher and mentor.
• Qing Nü and Ying Zheng: Qing Nü scolds Ying Zheng for his inconsiderate use of civilian labor and advises him on the empire's governance.
• Xu Fu and Ying Zheng: Xu Fu reports his findings to Ying Zheng, who decides to send a fleet to seek Immortal Medicine based on Xu Fu's claims.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ying Zheng expresses willingness to believe in the Immortal Medicine but remains distrustful of Xu Fu.
• Xu Fu sets sail with a group of boys and girls to find the Immortal Mountain, but Verdant Green Maiden reveals she knows his true destination, Wa Island.
• Verdant Green Maiden exposes the Immortal Mountain as a mirage and injures Xu Fu, who is later thrown into the sea.
• Verdant Green Maiden returns the children to shore and arranges for them to be taken care of by her attendants.
• Verdant Green Maiden feels pain in her hand after killing Xu Fu, hinting at a consequence of her actions.

Character Developments

• Ying Zheng: Shows willingness to believe in the Immortal Medicine but maintains his distrust of Xu Fu.
• Xu Fu: Reveals his true destination, Wa Island, and is later injured and killed by Verdant Green Maiden.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Demonstrates her power and knowledge, revealing she knows about Xu Fu's true destination and the Immortal Mountain's nature. She also shows compassion towards the children.
• Hong Luan: Plays with the children and comforts Verdant Green Maiden, showing a more caring side.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Distrust: Ying Zheng's willingness to believe in the Immortal Medicine but not in Xu Fu highlights the theme of trust and distrust.
• Power and Consequences: Verdant Green Maiden's use of her power and the resulting pain in her hand raise questions about the consequences of one's actions.
• Compassion and Responsibility: Verdant Green Maiden's care for the children shows her compassion, while her decision to have them taken care of by her attendants raises questions about responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Ying Zheng and Verdant Green Maiden: Ying Zheng expresses his willingness to believe in the Immortal Medicine, while Verdant Green Maiden remains skeptical.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Xu Fu: Verdant Green Maiden reveals her knowledge of Xu Fu's true destination and injures him, leading to his death.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan interact playfully, with Hong Luan showing concern for Verdant Green Maiden's well-being.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the Children: Verdant Green Maiden shows compassion towards the children, arranging for them to be taken care of.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden returns after a few days, claiming to have gone to Mount Tai to scout a location for the Feng Shan ceremony.
• Ying Zheng completes the Feng Shan ceremony on Mount Tai, but Verdant Green Maiden notices the dissipation of Qin's Auspicious Fortune.
• On the way back, Verdant Green Maiden's carriage is attacked by Zhang Liang, who mistakes it for Ying Zheng's. She pursues and confronts him at Bolangsha.

Character Developments

• Ying Zheng shows concern for Verdant Green Maiden's well-being and safety.
• Verdant Green Maiden demonstrates her agility and tracking skills, revealing her true form to Zhang Liang.
• Zhang Liang, a strategist from the future Han Dynasty, is introduced as an assassin targeting Ying Zheng.

Significant Themes

• The decline of Qin's Auspicious Fortune despite Ying Zheng's efforts to prolong his rule.
• Verdant Green Maiden's determination to change the future, despite the signs indicating her failure.

Character Interactions

• Ying Zheng and Verdant Green Maiden's relationship deepens, with Ying Zheng treating her with respect and concern.
• Verdant Green Maiden's encounter with Zhang Liang sets the stage for future conflicts between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Liang, a Han assassin, is cornered by Qing Nü, a mysterious woman, in Ying Zheng's carriage.
• Qing Nü reveals her extraordinary nature and invites Zhang Liang to join Qin, but he refuses.
• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) collapses after using her powers, and Zhang Liang escapes.
• Verdant Green Maiden awakens and interacts with Ying Zheng and Hong Luan, revealing her immortality and knowledge of Zhang Liang's historical significance.
• Ying Zheng orders a search for Zhang Liang, but he remains untraceable. The Qin Army returns to Xianyang.
• A rumor spreads about a monster (Verdant Green Maiden) in the Qin Palace, leading to an investigation that implicates the Yin Yang School.

Character Developments

• Zhang Liang: Stands firm in his loyalty to Han, refusing to join Qin despite Qing Nü's offer.
• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü): Reveals her immortality and knowledge of historical figures, showing concern for Ying Zheng's well-being.
• Ying Zheng: Shows concern for Verdant Green Maiden's health and orders a search for Zhang Liang.
• Hong Luan: Expresses worry for Verdant Green Maiden and supports her decisions.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Zhang Liang's unwavering loyalty to Han contrasts with Qing Nü's offer to join Qin.
• Power and immortality: Verdant Green Maiden's extraordinary abilities and knowledge highlight the theme of power and its consequences.
• Rumors and their impact: The rumor about Verdant Green Maiden illustrates how rumors can influence public perception and lead to investigations.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Zhang Liang: Qing Nü attempts to recruit Zhang Liang, but he refuses, leading to a standoff.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Ying Zheng: Ying Zheng shows concern for Verdant Green Maiden's health, and she scolds him for being noisy.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: They express their worries and fears to each other, displaying their close bond.
• Ying Zheng and the Yin Yang School: Ying Zheng orders an investigation into the Yin Yang School due to the rumor about Verdant Green Maiden.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (VGM) is asked to leave Xianyang by Ying Zheng, who fears for her safety and the future of Great Qin.
• VGM initially resists but eventually agrees to leave, making Ying Zheng promise not to worry about her anymore.
• Ying Zheng orders the arrest and execution of those who slander VGM and the burning of books that record her, to protect her freedom.
• VGM and Hong Luan leave Xianyang and head towards Pei County, where they encounter Liu Ji and his group.
• VGM tries to make a living by fortune-telling but struggles due to the decline in worldly customs.

Character Developments

• Ying Zheng shows maturity and concern for VGM's safety, prioritizing her well-being over his own desires.
• VGM accepts Ying Zheng's decision and leaves Xianyang, showing growth in understanding and respect for Ying Zheng's choices.
• Liu Ji displays kindness and willingness to help VGM, despite his own humble circumstances.

Significant Themes

• Freedom vs. Responsibility: Ying Zheng grants VGM freedom but also takes responsibility for protecting her legacy by ordering the destruction of records about her.
• Change and Adaptation: VGM struggles to adapt to the changing world, finding it difficult to make a living through fortune-telling as she once did in the Qi State.

Character Interactions

• Ying Zheng and VGM: Ying Zheng convinces VGM to leave Xianyang for her safety, and VGM accepts his decision, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• VGM and Hong Luan: The two continue their bickering and banter, displaying their close bond and mutual dependence.
• VGM and Liu Ji: VGM tries to make a living by fortune-telling but struggles, while Liu Ji shows kindness and willingness to help her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (VGM) and Hong Luan arrive at Sishui Pavilion after the others leave.
• VGM attempts to tell the fortune of a dog skinned by Liu Ji's gang but arrives too late.
• Liu Ji, intrigued by VGM's behavior, offers her dog legs and asks for her fortune.
• VGM tells Liu Ji that he'll be wealthy and noble if he stays in Pei County but will die if he leaves.
• Liu Ji invites VGM to freeload at a banquet hosted by the Lü family, where seating is determined by the value of gifts presented.
• Liu Ji claims to have ten thousand cash as his gift, shocking everyone, and VGM adds her gift to his.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Starts as a mysterious figure claiming to be an immortal maiden, later becomes familiar with Liu Ji and is called 'Brother' by him, which she dislikes.
• Liu Ji: Initially a suspicious and greedy hooligan, he becomes more respectful and friendly towards VGM after she tells his fortune. He shows off his wealth at the Lü family banquet.

Significant Themes

• Fortune-telling and its consequences: VGM's fortune-telling influences Liu Ji's actions and decisions.
• Wealth and status: The Lü family banquet emphasizes the importance of wealth and status in society.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Liu Ji: They become familiar with each other, with Liu Ji calling VGM 'Brother' despite her disapproval. They attend the Lü family banquet together.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: VGM cares for Hong Luan and stands up for her when Liu Ji insults her.
• Liu Ji and the Lü family: Liu Ji attends the banquet to freeload but ends up surprising everyone with his claim of having ten thousand cash.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Ji (Old Rogue) and Qing Nü attend a feast hosted by the Lü Family.
• Qing Nü is impressed by the Lü Family's wealth and suggests robbing them, but Liu Ji takes her seriously.
• Duke Lu invites them to a private room, where he offers to marry his daughter, Lu Zhi, to Liu Ji based on his "noble countenance."
• Liu Ji and Lu Zhi's wedding is set for the following month, with the Lü Family handling preparations.
• News of the Emperor's death arrives, forbidding all celebrations.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü: She considers robbing the Lü Family but doesn't act on it. She's surprised by Lu Zhi's acceptance of marrying Liu Ji and contemplates her own marital prospects.
• Liu Ji (Old Rogue): He's overjoyed at unexpectedly gaining a wife and is admired by his father, Liu Tai Gong.
• Lu Zhi: She accepts her father's arrangement to marry Liu Ji without protest, showing docility and obedience.
• Duke Lu: He's impressed by Liu Ji's bearing and insists on marrying his daughter to him, seeking the Old Rogue's support.

Significant Themes

• Fortune and Luck: Liu Ji's unexpected engagement and the sudden news of the Emperor's death highlight the unpredictability of fortune and luck.
• Social Status: The Lü Family seeks Liu Ji's status and support, while Liu Ji's "noble countenance" is used to justify the marriage arrangement.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Liu Ji: They discuss robbing the Lü Family, with Qing Nü initially joking and Liu Ji taking her seriously. They later attend a private meeting with Duke Lu together.
• Liu Ji and Duke Lu: Duke Lu is impressed by Liu Ji's bearing and offers to marry his daughter to him.
• Qing Nü and Lu Zhi: Qing Nü is surprised by Lu Zhi's acceptance of marrying Liu Ji and contemplates her own marital prospects.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) leaves Pei County to investigate the Qin Army's presence.
• She learns of Emperor Ying Zheng's death and travels to Xianyang, finding Fusu in mourning.
• Ying Zheng's funeral procession heads to the Mount Li Imperial Mausoleum, accompanied by a vast Terracotta Army.
• Qing Nü receives a parting message from Ying Zheng and vows to defy Heaven's will.
• She returns to Pei County and finds Liu Ji preparing laborers for the Emperor's tomb construction, which she halts.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü): She becomes more determined and defiant after learning of Ying Zheng's death, vowing to change fate.
• Fusu: He is grief-stricken and accepts Qing Nü's stern warnings about the Emperor's tomb construction.

Significant Themes

• Defiance of fate and Heaven's will.
• The consequences of imperial power and ambition (Ying Zheng's massive tomb).
• The impact of the Emperor's death on those around him (Fusu's grief, Qing Nü's determination).

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) and Fusu: They have a serious conversation about the Emperor's tomb construction, with Qing Nü issuing stern warnings to Fusu.
• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) and Liu Ji: Liu Ji is initially unaware of Qing Nü's return and is preparing to send laborers to the Emperor's tomb, which she halts upon arrival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Ji's group is conscripted for corvée labor to build Emperor Qin's tomb.
• Qing Nü assures them a General Amnesty will arrive, but it doesn't, and Liu Ji leads his men to leave.
• Qing Nü follows them secretly. As they near the construction site, conditions worsen, and some blame Qing Nü.
• Liu Ji plans to rebel against the Qin, but Qing Nü blocks their path, urging them to stay in Mangdang Mountain.
• Qing Nü unleashes her power as the Qing Xiao Jade Maiden, creating a snowstorm and challenging Liu Ji.

Character Developments

• Liu Ji shows leadership and charisma, persuading his group to follow him despite the risks.
• Qing Nü's determination to change History grows stronger, leading her to use her powers more actively.
• Hong Luan, Qing Nü's snake familiar, is sent to Xianyang but hasn't returned yet.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against fate and the desire to change History.
• The power of belief and charisma in rallying people.
• The consequences of defying authority and the risks of rebellion.

Character Interactions

• Liu Ji and Qing Nü's relationship becomes strained as Liu Ji grows impatient with her plans.
• Liu Ji's group begins to question Qing Nü's judgment, leading to tension within the group.
• Qing Nü's power as the Qing Xiao Jade Maiden is revealed to Liu Ji and his group, causing awe and fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Old Rogue (Liu Ji) and his men leave Mangdang Mountain due to incoming Heavenly Lightning Clouds, despite the Verdant Green Woman's (Xiao He) warning.
• Xiao He, on Mangdang Mountain, is struck by Falling Thunder for over a month, protesting against the heavens for not saving Ying Zheng.
• Liu Ji declares himself Pei Gong, and rumors spread about his uprising and the slaying of a white serpent, attracting more followers.
• Xiao He is found injured by an Old Woman and taken in. She sends Han Xin to buy medicine for Xiao He.
• Han Xin, upon returning with the medicine, is asked by the Old Woman to meet Xiao He.

Character Developments

• Liu Ji: Becomes more ambitious and independent, leaving Mangdang Mountain despite Xiao He's warning. He later declares himself Pei Gong.
• Xiao He: Shows resilience and defiance against the heavens, enduring Falling Thunder for over a month. She is later found injured and taken in by the Old Woman.
• Han Xin: Shows reliability and kindness, agreeing to buy medicine for Xiao He without knowing her true identity.

Significant Themes

• Defiance against fate: Xiao He's resistance against the heavens' will.
• Ambition and power: Liu Ji's rise to power as Pei Gong.
• Kindness and compassion: The Old Woman's help towards Xiao He and Han Xin's reliability.

Character Interactions

• Liu Ji and Lu Wan: Liu Ji scolds Lu Wan for suggesting Xiao He tried to harm them, showing his loyalty towards Xiao He.
• Xiao He and the heavens: Xiao He's defiance and protest against the heavens' decision to not save Ying Zheng.
• The Old Woman and Xiao He: The Old Woman shows kindness and care towards Xiao He, while Xiao He expresses gratitude towards her.
• Han Xin and the Old Woman: Han Xin agrees to buy medicine for Xiao He, showing his reliability. The Old Woman trusts Han Xin enough to ask him to meet Xiao He.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Xin meets Verdant Green Maiden (Little Immortal Aunt), who claims to be an immortal.
• Han Xin decides to leave the village to seek fame and fortune, despite knowing he might die tragically.
• Verdant Green Maiden performs a divination for Han Xin, revealing he has two paths to greatness but both lead to an early death.
• Han Xin decides to join the Xiang Family Army and promises to help Verdant Green Maiden find a blue bird in the future.

Character Developments

• Han Xin shows determination and ambition, choosing a challenging path despite the risk of an early death.
• Verdant Green Maiden demonstrates her immortality and willingness to help Han Xin, despite her initial reluctance.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Han Xin's future is foretold, but he chooses to pursue his goals regardless.
• Ambition and sacrifice: Han Xin is willing to risk his life for fame and success.
• Immortality and the supernatural: Verdant Green Maiden's immortality is established, and she uses her powers to help Han Xin.

Character Interactions

• Han Xin and Verdant Green Maiden: They form a connection, with Verdant Green Maiden helping Han Xin and asking for his assistance in the future.
• Han Xin and the Old Woman: The Old Woman is worried about Han Xin's decision to leave, showing concern for his well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nu, the Verdant Green Maiden, meets Han Xin, a historical figure, and advises him before they part ways.
• Qing Nu stays with an old woman in a small village, helping her hunt wild boars and improving her life.
• Qing Nu leaves the village and travels west, witnessing the chaos and suffering caused by the war between Qin and the rebel states.
• She arrives in Xianyang, the Qin capital, and finds it eerily silent and devoid of its former prosperity.
• Qing Nu visits Fusu, the Crown Prince of Qin, and they discuss the state of the empire.

Character Developments

• Qing Nu: She has become more empathetic and understanding, shown by her helping the old woman and her concern for the suffering people.
• Han Xin: Though not extensively explored, he shows thoughtfulness and emotional intelligence when he brings Qing Nu a fish.
• Fusu: He appears haggard and weary, reflecting the dire state of the Qin Empire. He is honest and open with Qing Nu.

Significant Themes

• The cyclical nature of empires: Qin's power and prosperity are waning, mirroring the rise and fall of empires.
• Suffering of the common people: The war and drought have caused widespread hardship and famine.
• Loyalty and duty: Fusu's dedication to Qin, despite its decline, shows his sense of duty.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nu and Han Xin: They have a brief but meaningful interaction, with Qing Nu giving Han Xin advice and expressing curiosity about his future.
• Qing Nu and the Old Woman: Their relationship is one of mutual respect and gratitude. The Old Woman shows kindness to Qing Nu, and Qing Nu helps improve the Old Woman's life.
• Qing Nu and Fusu: They have an open and honest conversation about the state of Qin, reflecting their close relationship and mutual trust.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden confronts Fusu about the drought and the Qing Xiao Jade Maiden Temple scheme.
• Verdant Green Maiden brings an auspicious snow to the Qin Land to end the drought, causing her to faint.
• Verdant Green Maiden wakes up in the Qin Palace and reunites with Hong Luan, who had been searching for her.
• Verdant Green Maiden is visited by Hong Luan in her human form, and they reconnect.
• Fusu and the Qin officials pay a visit to Verdant Green Maiden.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows concern for the common people's suffering and takes action to end the drought, demonstrating her compassion and power.
• Fusu: Accepts Verdant Green Maiden's authority and agrees to serve her, showing submission and understanding of his role.
• Hong Luan: Transforms into a human, indicating growth and a new stage in her life.

Significant Themes

• The connection between Verdant Green Maiden and the land, reflecting her destiny and responsibility.
• The relationship between Verdant Green Maiden and the common people, highlighting her compassion and care.
• The theme of transformation, seen in Hong Luan's change into a human.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Fusu: Their interaction shows Fusu's acceptance of Verdant Green Maiden's authority and her guidance.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: Their reunion emphasizes their strong bond and mutual care.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the Qin officials: The officials' visit to Verdant Green Maiden underscores her influence and status in the Qin court.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden awakens after a three-month sleep to find Qin in dire straits, with Liu Bang's forces at the gates.
• Fusu, the Second Emperor, is gone, leaving behind his heart's blood and orders for Ziying to be called Qin King, not Emperor.
• Verdant Green Maiden orders the gates of Wuguan Pass to be opened, welcoming Liu Bang into Xianyang.
• Liu Bang arrives and agrees to Verdant Green Maiden's proposal: he will become the King of Guanzhong, while the Ying Clan, led by Ziying, will rule Yong City and maintain the Ancestral Temple of Qin.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She awakens to find Qin's situation dire and takes charge, making decisions that ensure the survival of the Ying Clan and the continuity of Qin's ancestral sacrifices.
• Qin Wang Ziying: Ziying is introduced as Fusu's son and the current Qin King. He is young, inexperienced, and initially confused about the situation but accepts his new role.
• Liu Bang: Despite his humble beginnings, Liu Bang demonstrates wisdom and adaptability. He accepts Verdant Green Maiden's proposal, understanding the strategic importance of Guanzhong and the need to maintain good relations with the Ying Clan.

Significant Themes

• The cyclical nature of dynasties and the inevitability of change.
• The importance of ancestral sacrifices and cultural heritage.
• The resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Liu Bang: Their interactions are marked by familiarity and mutual respect, with Verdant Green Maiden treating Liu Bang as an equal despite his humble origins.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Ziying: There's a clear power dynamic between them, with Verdant Green Maiden making decisions that affect Ziying's role as Qin King.
• Liu Bang and Ziying: They have a tense initial interaction, with Liu Bang proposing to split Guanzhong equally, which Ziying finds astonishing.

Key Plot Points

• Liu Bang and Qing Nü attend a banquet hosted by Xiang Yu at Hongmen, where the division of the Qin empire is discussed among the Vassal Lords.
• The Vassal Lords argue over territory, with Guanzhong being taken from Liu Bang.
• The discussion turns to the fate of the Qin royal family, with Xiang Yu advocating for their extermination.

Character Developments

• Liu Bang shows deference to Xiang Yu and the other Vassal Lords, prioritizing his own survival.
• Qing Nü remains calm and composed, showing no fear despite the hostile environment.
• Afang demonstrates her loyalty and confidence in Qin, standing up for the royal family.

Significant Themes

• The division of power and territory among the Vassal Lords, reflecting the chaos and instability of the time.
• The contrast between Liu Bang's self-preservation and Qing Nü's loyalty to Qin.
• The tension between the desire for revenge (Xiang Yu) and the desire for peace (Qing Nü and Afang).

Character Interactions

• Liu Bang and Qing Nü maintain their brother-sister dynamic, with Liu Bang relying on Qing Nü's wisdom.
• Xiang Yu asserts his dominance over the other Vassal Lords, including Liu Bang.
• Qing Nü and Afang work together to protect the interests of the Qin royal family.

Key Plot Points

• Verdant Green Maiden (VGM) visits the Vassal Lords' camp, revealing herself as an Immortal Aunt and pushing Xiang Yu back with ease.
• VGM convinces the Qin ruler and officials to retreat from Xianyang to Yong City, preventing Xiang Yu's planned massacre and destruction of Qin records.
• The people of Xianyang spontaneously worship VGM as the Jade Maiden Goddess, re-establishing her temple.
• Xiang Yu attempts to burn down the Qin Palace but fails due to heavy snow. He divides Xianyang among the Three Qin but ignores Yong City.
• Liu Bang meets VGM on his way to Shu, vowing to return and build the Ancestral Temple of the Great Han.
• VGM ascends Mount Tai, seeking answers about her past and deciding to live there.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows immense power, protects the people of Xianyang, and seeks answers about her past.
• Xiang Yu: Fails to kill or destroy as planned due to VGM's intervention, faces fear and dissuasion from his troops.
• Liu Bang: Acknowledges VGM's divine status, vows to return and build the Ancestral Temple of the Great Han.

Significant Themes

• Divine intervention and protection of the people.
• The consequences of unchecked ambition and disregard for life.
• The power of belief and worship, as seen in the spontaneous establishment of VGM's temple.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Xiang Yu: VGM demonstrates her power and warns Xiang Yu, who is initially defiant but later cautious.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Liu Bang: Liu Bang acknowledges VGM's divine status and vows to return and build the Ancestral Temple of the Great Han.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Mount Tai: VGM seeks answers about her past and decides to live on Mount Tai.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nü moves into the Feng Shan Palace Pavilions.
• The Righteous Emperor dies, and the world descends into chaos.
• Liu Bang, with Han Xin as his general, pacifies the Three Qin and sweeps across the land with the support of the Qin Court and the bountiful harvest in Guanzhong.
• Xiang Yu, the Hegemon King of Western Chu, is cornered by the Han Army at Gāi Xià.
• Qing Nü visits Xiang Yu, offering to save him if he gives up his title and identity, but he refuses.
• Xiang Yu leads a final charge with his remaining troops, and eventually commits suicide at Wu River.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü: She moves into the palace, shows gratitude towards Xiang Yu for unintentionally helping her gain freedom, and offers him a way out but respects his decision.
• Xiang Yu: He faces defeat, reflects on his past glories, and ultimately chooses to die with honor rather than live as a commoner.
• Yu Ji: She remains loyal to Xiang Yu, dancing for him one last time before her death.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Free Will: The characters grapple with their destinies, with Qing Nü and Xiang Yu making choices that reflect their personal beliefs and values.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Characters like Yu Ji display unwavering loyalty, while others, like Lü Matong, show betrayal under pressure.
• The Price of Power: Xiang Yu's rise and fall illustrate the transient nature of power and the consequences of ambition.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Xiang Yu: They have a poignant encounter where Qing Nü offers Xiang Yu a chance to live, but he declines, leading to his eventual suicide.
• Xiang Yu and Yu Ji: Their love story comes full circle as they share a final, tender moment before Yu Ji's death.
• Liu Bang and Xiang Yu: Their rivalry comes to a head as Liu Bang offers a reward for Xiang Yu's death, and Xiang Yu challenges him one last time.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yu's corpse is found, and Verdant Green Maiden descends to deal with it.
• Liu Bang arrives, seeking Verdant Green Maiden's help to bury Xiang Yu.
• Verdant Green Maiden buries Xiang Yu and Yu Ji by the Wu River.
• Liu Bang plans to build a temple for Verdant Green Maiden but is dissuaded.
• Liu Bang ascends the throne in Dingtao, renaming Xianyang to Chang'an.
• Han Xin, enfeoffed as the King of Chu, returns to his hometown, where he meets Verdant Green Maiden.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She understands the difference between a government-established temple and a people-built one, refusing to be bound by the fate of Great Han. She also shows regret for not taking the jade from Xiang Yu's grave.
• Liu Bang: He becomes the Emperor of Han, showing ambition and cunning in his interactions with Verdant Green Maiden. He enfeoffs his meritorious officials, including Han Xin.
• Han Xin: He is enfeoffed as the King of Chu and returns to his hometown, showing humility and respect towards Verdant Green Maiden.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: Verdant Green Maiden refuses to be bound by the fate of Great Han, reflecting her understanding of her own destiny.
• Ambition and Power: Liu Bang's ambition is evident in his ascension to the throne and his enfeoffment of meritorious officials.
• Respect and Humility: Han Xin shows respect and humility towards Verdant Green Maiden, despite his new status as a king.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Liu Bang: Their interaction shows Liu Bang's cunning and Verdant Green Maiden's wisdom and resolve.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Han Xin: Their reunion shows Han Xin's respect and humility, while Verdant Green Maiden shows her playful side, asking for rabbits.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: Their interaction shows their close bond, with Hong Luan teasing Verdant Green Maiden about her regret over the jade.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Xin, now King of Chu, meets Verdant Green Maiden, a snake girl from the previous era, who can divine the future.
• Han Xin offers a wild rabbit to Verdant Green Maiden in exchange for divination, but she demands more, eventually settling for a cow.
• Verdant Green Maiden predicts that Han Xin's reign will not last long and advises him to find other ways out.
• Han Xin is later stripped of his title and demoted to Marquis of Huaiyin.
• Liu Bang, the Han Emperor, is surrounded by the Xiongnu at Mount Baigong. Verdant Green Maiden helps him by sending a snowstorm to disrupt the Xiongnu formation.
• Han Xin is summoned to the palace by Empress Lü and Xiao He, where he meets Verdant Green Maiden again. He gives her a piece of dried meat, symbolizing his acceptance of his fate.

Character Developments

• Han Xin: Initially stingy, he becomes generous and accepting of his fate. He understands that his relationship with Liu Bang is not like that of the Warring States and the Zhou Heavenly Son, but rather that of a vassal and an emperor.
• Verdant Green Maiden: She remains true to her word and helps Han Xin despite her initial demand for payment. She also aids Liu Bang in his battle against the Xiongnu.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Han Xin's fate is predicted by Verdant Green Maiden, and he ultimately accepts it.
• The changing nature of rulership: Han Xin's understanding of his relationship with Liu Bang evolves as he realizes the difference between the Warring States era and the current imperial system.
• The power of divination: Verdant Green Maiden's ability to divine the future influences Han Xin's actions and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Han Xin and Verdant Green Maiden: Their interactions show a shift in their relationship, from initial negotiation to mutual respect and acceptance.
• Liu Bang and Verdant Green Maiden: Liu Bang seeks Verdant Green Maiden's help in his battle against the Xiongnu, and she agrees despite their differing views on Han Xin's fate.
• Han Xin and Liu Bang: Their relationship is strained as Liu Bang eliminates vassal lords with different surnames and enfeoffs many Liu family members as kings, ultimately leading to Han Xin's downfall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Xin is transported to Mount Tai by Verdant Green Maiden after eating her dried meat.
• He lives on Mount Tai for decades, compiling military strategy books, and eventually dies there.
• Empress Lü declares Han Xin dead, and Liu Bang swears a White Horse Oath.
• After Han Xin's death, Verdant Green Maiden buries him and meets Chunyu Tiying, who seeks her help.

Character Developments

• Han Xin: Accepts his new life on Mount Tai, dedicates himself to writing military strategy books, and eventually dies there.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows kindness and compassion towards Han Xin and later towards Chunyu Tiying.
• Chunyu Tiying: Seeks Verdant Green Maiden's help to save her father, demonstrating her determination and desperation.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: Han Xin's unexpected transportation to Mount Tai and his new life there.
• Kindness and Compassion: Verdant Green Maiden's help towards Han Xin and Chunyu Tiying.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Implied through Han Xin's loyalty to Liu Bang and the latter's eventual oath.

Character Interactions

• Han Xin and Verdant Green Maiden: Han Xin expresses gratitude towards Verdant Green Maiden, and she treats him kindly.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Chunyu Tiying: Verdant Green Maiden agrees to help Chunyu Tiying, showing kindness and understanding.
• Liu Bang and Han Xin: Liu Bang swears an oath after Han Xin's death, showing a mix of joy and pity.