I am the young heir to the Han throne.
I open my eyes to a palace coup in full swing. Blood stains the halls, and the sounds of fighting outside ring without end.
The attendant at my side urges me to flee to safety. I answer calmly: As the heir to the Han throne, I have no reason to retreat or hide.
According to the course of history, I will soon be stripped of power and deposed by a Xiliang general, then die an innocent death at the age of fifteen.
But no one else knows that the timid, weak boy I once was is gone for good. The one holding things together now has endured utter despair, and his character has changed completely.
Against the ambitious Xiliang forces seeking to dominate the court, I will not sit idly by. I will plan ahead and defuse the crisis.
Against the prominent local clans with deep roots and immense influence, I will set the hierarchy straight and uphold the rites between ruler and subject.
And when faced with talented people of vision and ambition, I will take charge of the bigger picture and be the one who leads.
