The Emperor of Dayuan, Yuan Xiong, had no heirs. With foreign enemies closing in and the realm on the brink of collapse, he abdicated in favor of the great general Shi Ran before his death. But Shi Ran died suddenly of an acute illness just six months after ascending the throne. And so, with the assembled court officials surrounding him, sixteen-year-old Shi Jichen was pushed onto the dragon throne.
Preparations for the enthronement ceremony were still underway, and the palace was bustling with activity. But the young Son of Heaven who was about to be crowned walked alone into Ninglu Palace.
