The protagonist, Ye Wudao, sees himself as a crusader of sorts—a playboy who takes the conquest of beautiful women as his greatest pleasure. Why should women be treated as sacred, untouchable goddesses? he muses. Why can’t I see them as my playthings, as pawns for my use, as my servants? After all, God has been so generous, granting him the privileges of being the only male heir in two powerful family dynasties. With so much bestowed upon him, what reason does he have to refrain from claiming beautiful women—the finest gifts God has given to men—as his own?
