Forced to the Throne, I Became an Emperor for the Ages

[Alternate universe + comedy + royal family affection]

A young workaholic raised under socialism,

Li Shu performs a heroic deed one day and winds up in an alternate dynasty.

His mother, a palace maid, has low status and is ignored, while his maternal grandfather is a rigid, pedantic minor official.

He’s a prince with nothing going for him, the perfect puppet emperor template.

Most importantly, he has six older brothers with a huge head start.

Li Shu rolls his eyes and makes up his mind:

His ultimate dream in this life is to be a spoiled, dissolute prince. No one’s taking that from him. What’s the point of being emperor when there’s no internet, electricity, or video games?

As the saying goes, a man without desires cannot be brought low. The whole court knows their Seventh Prince is lazy and good for nothing. Besides, the emperor, his father, is too softhearted to ever strip him of his title.

And so...

“Your Majesty, the Seventh Prince overslept again and missed his lessons!”

“Your Majesty, the Seventh Prince sneaked out of the palace!”

“Your Majesty, the Seventh Prince beat up the Chancellor’s son!”

“Your Majesty, the Seventh Prince left a note and ran away from the palace!”

Li Shu lives as he pleases until the age of fifteen, then leaves the palace for a world of freedom.

He hasn’t even had two years to enjoy himself when the royal family turns on itself and chaos erupts.

The emperor, his father, is poisoned and can no longer handle state affairs, so he abdicates.

Some of his brothers are confined, while others are deposed.

When Li Shu is dragged back, he’s stunned to find that the royal family has run out of candidates entirely.

The ministers sob as they hoist the good-for-nothing Seventh Prince onto the throne.

Then they stare in shock.

The Retired Emperor: Those years my son kept pulling the wool over my eyes.

Six older brothers: From royal princes to commoners and then to men wielding real power! Your Majesty, no sneaking off. You still haven’t reviewed today’s memorials!!!

N younger brothers: Seventh Brother!!! We’re only ten! You’re making us work as children!!! I want to leave the palace and have fun too!!!