[Blurb captured on 20260223]
The Dayao Dynasty has ruled for three hundred years and become the hegemon of the Central Plains. The current emperor is over fifty, gravely ill, and near death. Each of his princes harbors his own ambitions and covets the throne.
After the New Year celebrations, one political storm follows another. Before the ministers can catch their breath, news arrives that several princes fell into the moat while out enjoying the spring scenery on their way back to the capital.
A few days later, Ming Zhao's eyes suddenly fly open.
In the water, he remembers how his previous life ended.
He is the thirteenth prince of Dayao, but half his blood comes from the Northern Barbarians.
In his previous life, he was determined to become emperor, benefit the people, and prove himself. From birth, he fought his elder brothers for the throne as if his life depended on it. In the end, he was branded a Northern Barbarian traitor, torn apart by chariots, and burned to ashes.
His memories are hazy. He can't remember who ultimately took the throne, but he clearly remembers what people said about him.
“Why would a foreign prince fight for the throne? He must have nothing better to do.”
“It's a shame he has such a handsome face. With the current emperor's temperament, he could have been pampered and cherished.”
“That's true. No one can match Ming Zhao's looks. They say several of the emperor's attendants resemble the thirteenth prince.”
“He fought so hard, but none of our princes took him seriously. He was nothing but a clown.”
Ming Zhao gets it now.
Strive for the throne and die.
Live quietly and enjoy himself, and he can be pampered and cherished.
But who, exactly, is planning to pamper him?
Ming Zhao died miserably in his previous life, so this time he'll tread carefully. His goal is no longer the throne, but the elder brother who intends to spare his life and raise him well.
If he can get on this brother's good side, he'll be an idle prince with no worries about food or drink.
Ming Zhao considers three of his brothers.
The Crown Prince has always been polite to him. Even when Ming Zhao dragged him into the ring, he never fought in earnest. He reluctantly sparred with him a few times, then had a eunuch send him medicine.
It's hard to say. The Crown Prince isn't hostile toward him, but they aren't close either.
The second is his third brother. The third prince has disliked him since childhood and always leaves him out of horseback riding and hunting, but he sneaks him food. He's sharp-tongued, but he's never drawn a real weapon against him.
Last is his twelfth brother. Ming Zhao has hardly ever seen him smile, but he has always stood by his side. He even took him to the military camp to help him win over officials, and has saved his life many times. After Ming Zhao died in his previous life, it was his twelfth brother who collected his body.
In that case...
It's no different to win over one than it is to win over three.
Ming Zhao's eyes, usually full of hostility toward everyone, suddenly curve into a smile. He rushes toward all three of his brothers.
“Brothers~”
He grinds ink and brews tea for the Crown Prince, who casually gives him paintings by famous masters of the previous dynasty. He walks the third prince's horse and polishes his sword, and the third prince even lets him play with a famous sword he can't bear to touch himself. He massages his twelfth brother's shoulders and wipes away his sweat, and the twelfth brother silently slips a tiger tally under his pillow.
Ming Zhao is delighted. No matter which one becomes emperor, he'll be safe.
“Wonderful.”
But that very night, someone kidnaps him.
Ming Zhao stares in terror. “Brother?!”
The Crown Prince, dressed in white, holds him and smiles without warmth. “Zhaozhao, come sleep in the Eastern Palace tonight. Your brother misses you.”
Halfway there, his twelfth brother suddenly appears with a large force behind him. “A-Zhao, come to your twelfth brother.”
As the two sides face off, a figure emerges from the dark path. Ming Zhao recognizes his third brother at a glance.
The third prince holds an imperial edict, with the chief eunuch behind him. “What a lively scene.”
“Little Thirteen, come with Third Brother and enjoy the show.”
Ming Zhao's heart pounds.
Oh no! It's still a choice between three!
[Note: The bottom is not the emperor's biological son. They are not blood-related.]
Theme: Staying alive comes first.
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