Qin Siwu murdered his brother and seized the throne. During the palace coup, the late emperor’s ninth prince escaped with the Nine Cauldrons Jade Seal, the symbol of imperial identity and authority, and it was lost among the people. Without it, Qin Siwu’s claim to the throne was hardly beyond question. Meanwhile, the Northern Di, Eastern Hu, and Western Qiang stood ready to pounce. After taking the throne, Qin Siwu launched sweeping reforms, but the court was divided into factions and the political situation remained unstable. The empire faced troubles both within and without. Yet even amid all these schemes for power, there were moments that stirred the heart. Li Su’s arrival was like a bright lamp, warming Qin Siwu in the smallest ways. How will this emperor, seated at the height of power, choose between authority and affection? How will he hold on to his throne amid internal and external threats? This is a story of a calculating emperor and political intrigue. I hope you enjoy it, and I’ll do my best!
