Reborn as Di Renjie, I Help Li Yuanfang Become Emperor

In the fourth year of Chuigong, ruthless officials ran rampant under the Wu Zhou, and the Li Tang imperial clan was slaughtered. Yet at the Dali Temple courtroom, Di Renjie suddenly realized he had been reborn. Looking down at Li Yuanfang, the sword-bearing guard below the steps, he declared in a ringing voice, “The Li ancestral shrine stands empty. You bear the surname Li, too, and can inherit the empire.”

From then on, Lord Di abandoned his old ambition to restore the dynasty and devoted himself to paving an imperial path for Li Yuanfang, a man of humble origins. He used his judicial reputation to steady the people and eliminate political enemies, while secretly forging ties with border troops and low-born officials. Li Yuanfang, meanwhile, was ordered to campaign against the Turks and quell unrest in Jiangnan. Through his brilliant military achievements and benevolent heart, he earned the awe of the entire court, and the ghostly Orchid Sword ensured there was no longer any danger from assassins of the Crane Control Bureau.

When Wu Zetian grew old and the Zhang brothers plotted rebellion, Lord Di set in motion a “Second Shenlong Coup.” At dawn by the Xuanwu Gate, Li Yuanfang cut down the traitors and surrounded the Immortal Welcome Palace. The former guard finally took his place in the hall. As the officials urged him to ascend the throne, Lord Di presented the imperial seal and said, “The people have chosen you. Your Majesty must not refuse the mandate.”

The new emperor adopted the reign title Jingxing, while Lord Di served as regent, purging the lingering poison of the ruthless officials and introducing policies to improve people’s livelihoods. This secret tale of “a chancellor choosing a dragon” lies hidden in the gaps between the pages of history, awaiting the opening chapter of a legendary age of prosperity.