The Empire of Yanjing was a country in the eastern part of the Emelanese Universe. It was based on China and the years were named after animals, e.g. Year of the Crow, Year of the Cat and Year of the Turtle.^[1] The latter was in 1039 K.F.. Yanjing was famous for its shakkan trees, which were developed by Yanjingyi gardeners over a period of a thousand years. The emperor of Yanjing had the largest known collection of miniature trees. Snow leopards were known to live in the southern mountains of Yanjing^[2]. A strong blend of black tea came from Yanjing, which, combined with stimulants like foxglove, allowed Yarrun Firetamer to retain his concentration and stay awake during the fires in Gold Ridge in 1035 KF^[3].

Evumeimei Dingzai's family came from Yanjing and she once traveled there with Briar Moss and Dedicate Rosethorn. Lark was also known to once have traveled to Yanjing, although this was before she became a dedicate of the Living Circle religion, when she was still a tumbler. It was also possible that Quinling, who later lived in Princes' Heights, the older parts of Chammur, was originally from Yanjing, as she sometimes spoke Evvy's native language with the girl.

Even in a place as far away as Yanjing people knew of Winding Circle's accomplished mage-teachers.^[4]

The next novel in the Emelanese Universe Tamora Pierce is planning to write will be based on Briar, Evvy and Rosethorn's time in Yanjing.

Notes and referencesEdit

1. ↑ Street Magic, Cp. 6 (p. 109; Scholastic paperback)
2. ↑ Daja's Book, Cp. 7 (p. 125; Scholastic paperback)
3. ↑ Daja's Book, Cp. 9 (p. 157; Scholastic paperback)
4. ↑ Briar's Book, Cp. 8 (p. 128; Scholastic paperback)