Zhu Jianshen got a second chance at life, returning to the age when he still needed to be fed. Before he'd finished his porridge, news arrived that his father had been abandoned at Tumu Fortress.
His grandmother wanted to protect him, his uncle was rushing to put out the fire, and Yu Qian was busy defending Beijing. The court officials were arguing up a storm, and no one had time to ask whether he wanted to be emperor. He did want to say something. But the moment he opened his mouth, someone shoved in another half-spoonful of porridge.
Fortunately, there was somewhere to reason things out at night. Zhu Di studied maps, Emperor Wu of Han worked out military expenses, and Qin Shi Huang asked how his edicts could have changed by the time they left the palace. Liu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang went fishing, and when they returned, they'd switched fish baskets again. Li Shimin was giving good advice, but when Li Zhi showed up, he stopped advising him too.
These old men each had their own talents, but they couldn't agree on much. By day, Zhu Jianshen relied on his grandmother's influence and his uncle's help to protect those around him and cultivate a team of young supporters. At night, he had to explain why he hadn't done what they told him to do that day.
At long last, Beijing was secure, and then news arrived from beyond the city: the retired emperor was coming back. Zhu Jianshen looked down at his feet, which still couldn't reach the ground. This time, he wasn't very eager to give up the throne.
