Reckless in Troubled Times

When in wealth, live as one who is wealthy;

When in poverty, live as one who is poor;

When among barbarians, live as one of them;

When in hardship, live through hardship.

A gentleman is at ease wherever he may be.

When in a high position, do not oppress those below; when in a low position, do not curry favor with those above. Set yourself right and make no demands of others, and you will have no complaints. Blame neither Heaven above nor other people below.

I find studying exhausting and martial arts too grueling. To me, the most admirable person is one who follows the middle way. The ancients said, "When something reaches its peak, it declines," and that's exactly what they meant. Father expects his sons to excel in both letters and arms, to be outstanding in governance and military skill. My eldest brother is the best fighter, my second brother is exceptionally talented, and I am the most mediocre of them all. Since ancient times, most children of emperors have died because of the words "lust for power." They all want the throne, but in the end only one person can claim it. Father says I am "good for nothing," Mother scolds me for being "a hopeless case," and my eldest brother says I am "ignorant and unlearned." So be it. I can neither be a hero nor a great man. I was always destined to be so utterly ordinary...

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.