When the emperor himself summons you to write a poem about the state of things, who are you to refuse? Torn between two factions, led by the emperor's half-sister and his most loyal general, you have the unenviable job of unpicking the complex threads of political conspiracies and absurdist ideologies. Write a poem, compete to become the official court poet, possibly uncover a plot to usurp the throne, and try not to offend anyone... unless? An entry for IFComp 2025, and a sequel of sorts to you are an ancient chinese poet in exile.