The Ming Dynasty is corrupt and dying. The Minister of Finance knows that it cannot be saved, but believes that a new and better dynasty can rise from its ashes. He sets about to hide away a massive treasure, both monetary and cultural, and distributes clues to its location on the day Beijing falls to rebels. However, the treasure is never found, and falls into the realm of legend. ...until 400 years later, when a break-in at a museum in San Francisco reveals one of the clues. Modern China is starving for oil, and facing a recession that will leave tens of millions unemployed in a nation already restless with discontent. World events push the Central Committee to launch a desperate scheme - one that may bring Asia to the brink of nuclear war. Can a small group of Americans, following ancient clues to the world's greatest treasure, bring the world back from the edge of disaster? Or will their unknown but deadly competitors get there first? Thor Duffin, author of "The Jefferson Project" and "The Lost Notebook," brings you a new geopolitical thriller sure to please fans of Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler.