Zhao Heng, the seventh prince of the Great Yan dynasty, was banished to the Cold Palace for three years as punishment for a crime. Stricken with a deadly cold poison, he had less than three months to live. Just as he lay at death's door, the mysterious Hongmeng Dynasty System unexpectedly activated, demanding that he obtain either “earth-vein dragon energy” or “the hearts and minds of the people” within three days to survive.
All Zhao Heng had left by his side was Chen Jiu, a lame old soldier. By chance, he unlocked the “Eye of National Destiny” and discovered a wisp of purple-gold fortune above Chen Jiu's head, resonating with the “Imperial Star Ziwei.” This taciturn guard had a far more complicated identity than he let on.
To win the people's support, Zhao Heng risked a trip to the slave market and spent his last ten taels of silver to save a battered boy. The boy called himself “Huo Qubing,” and above his head roared crimson killing intent, like a trapped beast. This seemingly compassionate act fulfilled the System's “Sincere Bond” requirement, and Zhao Heng finally understood: the people's hearts were not won in grand halls, but through sincerity in return for sincerity.
After receiving a reward from the System, he planted vegetable seeds and infused them with fortune, bringing life back to the barren Cold Palace. Just then, an urgent report arrived from the southern frontier: refugees had risen in three commanderies, a commandery governor had died suddenly, and tribal chieftains were conspiring to rebel. Yet no one at court dared to clean up the mess.
Seizing this opportunity in the power vacuum, Zhao Heng took the initiative and petitioned the emperor: “Your son asks for no soldiers, horses, or provisions, only a chance. If I cannot pacify the southern frontier, I will return with my head in my hands!”
The emperor gave him three thousand old and infirm soldiers, and left him to provide their food and pay. It seemed like a suicide mission, but it was Zhao Heng's only chance to escape his cage.
