I am the dynasty’s sole heir, Xiao Huining.
My uncle, Xiao Che, is the empire’s fearsome blade: a man of low birth whose achievements have made him a threat to the throne.
He helped me eliminate my rivals and put me on the throne, yet I wanted to drag him down from it and into my bed.
On the throne, he was a subject who knelt before me. Behind the curtains, he was a reckless man who did as he pleased.
The censors condemned us for defying the natural order, while the powerful nobles at court saw us as a grave threat.
Until war broke out at the frontier and the realm teetered on the brink…
He fought for me on the battlefield, while I swept the court clean for him.
In the end, I ascended the throne as emperor, despite the condemnation of the world.
My very first decree was to summon my uncle and install him as empress.
“Your Majesty, this is incest!” an elderly minister protested, prepared to die for his remonstrance.
I leaned against Xiao Che and smiled. “This vast realm was conquered by my uncle and me… with our own hands.”
I am Xiao Che, the most lowly prince in the imperial family and the empire’s sharpest blade.
With my own hands, I raised my little niece to the unreachable position of Crown Princess.
She depended on me and trusted me, yet with her purest gaze, she dragged me into an abyss from which there was no escape.
I knew it was like drinking poison to quench my thirst, but I welcomed it.
Then let me wager everything: my military honors, my life, my tainted bloodline and my reputation.
I will help you, marry you, and then, together with you…
Rule the world.
