The Ming Emperor's Brother-in-Law: From Martial Champion to Guardian Martial Duke

He opens his eyes to find himself a young relative of the imperial family in the Jiajing era, born into wealth and blessed with a towering, powerfully built frame that could rival Xu Chu's. A life of luxury has not made him soft. He clenches his fists and vows that his martial arts will serve not to win favor, but to protect his family and his country.

At court, officials refine elixirs in Taoist robes. At the border, the Tatars threaten the passes. The court is full of men who do nothing but bow, but he chooses to mount his horse and take up his spear. He overwhelms every rival at the military examinations and claims the top spot, becoming the Ming Dynasty's first truly formidable military laureate. As the border burns with war, others flee at the first sign of danger. He charges into battle, striking such fear into the enemy leader that his fame echoes across the nine frontier garrisons.

But the waters of the Ming Dynasty run deep. Powerful enemies surround it from without, while factional strife tears at it from within. He can defend the borders, but he may not be able to guard against the arrows aimed at his back.

Then the nephew he has protected ascends the throne and calls him "Uncle."

Only then does he realize that the real battle has just begun.

He will govern at home and build up the military abroad. Watch as this imperial uncle shoulders the fate of the Ming Dynasty and forges it a backbone of iron and blood!