Book excerpt: The imperial estate is abuzz with celebrations, but the once-lively Yamei Palace sits silently in its shadows. The Raven Consort is supposed to be alone, after all. In order to save Jusetsu from this forced solitude, Koshun chooses a difficult path: to free the goddess Uren Niangniang. With help from some unexpected sources, can Jusetsu break the barriers that confine her to the inner palace? And what will happen if she does?