The Vanished Jade Seal

Historical fiction involving the founder of the Ming Dynasty, the Hongwu Emperor 1368-1398, and his eldest son's son, heir to the throne. The aged and increasingly senile Emperor has put orders in action to remove threats to his choice of heir. This includes removing his other sons, the "Princes", and his own royal guards. He sees threats everywhere.

The missing Imperial Seal business gets characters and action going with the commander of the royal guards ordered to find the seal. Swordplay choreography is a little juttery but overall satisfying, royal guards and their allies the secret Taoist monks dominating attackers.