My Beloved, My Kingdom

At ten years old, they made childish promises. Meng Zhang: When I become emperor, I’ll make you my great general and have you expand the borders of the Dayu Dynasty. Gu Xu: All right! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long, long live Your Majesty! “Giddy-up! Giddy-up! General Gu, ride ahead of me and clear the way.” Nine years later. Gu Xu really did become a great general. But the once-adored crown prince had long since been sent to a neighboring kingdom as a hostage after upheaval in the palace. Now, upon his return, they meet eyes, and all they see is the weight of years and the darkness of a troubled past. “Your Highness, my name is Gu Yong.” “Your Highness, you have no allies or support. Coveting the throne is no different from courting death.” “Your Highness, if you can sit on the throne, why can’t I?” “Your Highness, I love you… but I love the realm more.” “I want both you and the realm!”