楊家將

A historical novel written in the 16th century. The story unfolds during a tumultuous period in Chinese history, focusing on themes of loyalty, vengeance, and the struggles between the Northern Han and the Song dynasties. It primarily follows the character 呼延贊, the son of a loyal minister who seeks to avenge the murder of his family. The opening of the novel introduces the dire political climate, as the Northern Han ruler 刘钧 contemplates the threat posed by the Song dynasty after it has subdued various territories. A loyal advisor, 諫議大夫 呼延廷, suggests a diplomatic approach, but is soon faced with betrayal orchestrated by the ambitious 欧阳昉. In a sudden turn of events, 呼延廷 and his family are slaughtered, leaving only his wife 刘氏 and infant son 呼延贊 to carry on their legacy. The narrative establishes the foundations of their quest for revenge, as it moves forward through the years, depicting the growth of 呼延贊 into a formidable warrior determined to avenge his family and reclaim his family's honor.