A courtier asks the emperor, “Foreign enemies are troubling us. How can we defend the realm?”
The emperor replies, “With swords and horses, our generals will fear nothing.”
The courtier asks again, “Internal turmoil threatens the court. How can we restore order?”
The emperor replies, “Strict laws and harsh punishments. Those who disobey will be executed.”
The courtier bows in awe, saying that the emperor is a valiant general who rose from humble beginnings to seize the realm and ascend the throne.
The emperor smiles without answering. Recalling the past, his phoenix eyes glistening with sorrow, he closes them and sighs: “How could I ever have been born to an emperor’s house?”
The world knows that he rose from humble beginnings with a spear in hand, vanquished tyrants, and shook the realm. But what they do not know is that this realm was won neither through the schemes of wise ministers nor the prowess of brave generals. Most of it was won through that person’s efforts to win over ministers and plead with generals for help…
[The final emperor-themed novel?? Note: The leads were not chaste in their previous lives. No children.]
