Set in an ambiguous time period loosely based on the early Tang Dynasty, YinMiFuYin is a tale that sets out to explore the lives of dreamers, poets, musicians, songwriters, and artists. It also seeks to introduce the rich cultural exchange made possible by the vast reaches of the empire at the time, when merchants, warriors, and thinkers from distant kingdoms interacted to create one of China's most metropolitan and illustrious periods. Travelers from the Middle East and even Africa found their way into the empire, contributing to its remarkable diversity.
The story follows Zhang En Lian, the widow of Zhang Xuan Hui, a renowned official and advisor to the Emperor who, through the imperial examinations and dutiful service to the throne, earned a respected name and a beautiful home. EnLian resolves to honor her husband’s legacy by continuing his vision of shared wealth, resources, and access to imperial education for common, marginalized, and even foreign people.
Her close friend Fang Yimeng (the General's Wife) works closely with her to strategize how best to use their influence and resources to advance this vision by creating a small academy for gifted and unique individuals, a place where skills and talents can be refined, honed, and showcased throughout the land and even within the imperial courts themselves.
Though EnLian has never sat for the imperial examinations, she and Yimeng, having grown up together, used to sneak into the archives to study. As a result, her knowledge and understanding of the examinations have become a valuable resource for the elite who hope to see their sons become officials in the imperial court. However, it is EnLian's desire to devote this knowledge and her time not to the elite, but to the marginalized.
EnLian succeeds in creating a diverse community of learners and students from different ethnic backgrounds, including an Ethiopian woman and various individuals whom she selected from the outskirts of society. Over time, she becomes increasingly bold in the extent to which she welcomes such people into the academy.
This bothers Yimeng, who believes her friend should use their resources more wisely, not only for their own benefit, but also to preserve and expand their political influence. Yimeng feels that her aspirations for female empowerment are particularly undermined by EnLian's desire to pursue universal equity. Despite this, she continues to work closely with her until she gradually comes to believe that EnLian has lost sight of reason. Fearing that her friend seeks only her own power and influence, Yimeng resolves to turn the tide and assume control of the academy. It is a decision she later comes to regret, as the consequences reach far beyond anything she had originally intended.