The Gaming Den

So i've been trying to design this setting forever.

But the issue I have (and I have discussed this elsewhere) is trying to decide on how the backdrop should be. Do I want an Empire run by an oppressive emperor? Do I want to emulate the Warring State period with an oppressed population caught in a world at war? How do I represent the Jianghu? (Which informs wanting an oppressive regime to rail against).

I just find myself dissatisfied with whatever I come up with.

Lots of popular wuxia novels are set during the decline of the Song Dynasty with the Jin or Mongols about to invade. Its a good backdrop for all kinds of story from political intrigue to adventure in the borderlands.

The Jianghu can be fighting invasion from outside and corruption from within

I'd rather not deal with invasion, even if it has a precedent in the history or genre. It just seems like having to create a bunch of stuff too far.