In a fictional dynasty, a prince whose great ambition is to live off others, do nothing, and lose himself in landscapes and calligraphy is forced onto the throne after one unlikely mishap after another, such as all his more capable brothers meeting with disaster. He is deeply reluctant and only wants to go through the motions and retire as soon as possible. But through one accident, misunderstanding, and “overinterpretation” by his subordinates after another, his lazy habits, like sneaking naps and carelessly marking up documents, are hailed as “far-sighted strategy,” “benevolent tolerance,” and “ruling through inaction.” To his own surprise, he solves one difficult problem after another and becomes the “wise and enlightened sovereign” in the eyes of the world.
