Give Me Back My Throne!!!

Looking back on his life, Ji Huai, already an emperor, had only three humiliations he could never forget.

The first was his childhood, when his mother's family fell from power and he was left helpless as a prince, at the mercy of others.

The ones who came to save him were the ambitious powers among the court's nobility.

They wanted to use him to gain influence and power.

Ji Huai agreed. It was the beginning of his humiliation, and he became a puppet heir.

-

The second was when the forces behind his rise decided to kill him and replace him with a more obedient puppet.

The one who came to save him was a bodyguard he'd raised at his side after making plans well in advance.

The bodyguard looked just like him. Ji Huai had found him to be his double, a stand-in meant to die in his place.

But the double betrayed him, seized power, killed his father and elder brother, and took his place.

Ji Huai lost his identity, his reputation, and the throne he had endured years of humiliation to claim, which should have been within his grasp.

-

The third is now.

The dog who betrayed him has returned, kneeling before him and begging to be punished.

But Ji Huai couldn't see even a trace of remorse in his eyes.

Of course Ji Huai wanted to reward a dog that had betrayed its master.

But before that, he had to take back his throne.

Even if it meant paying a price he would regret for the rest of his life and going to bed with the ambitious rogue in front of him.

-

Qin Xu had never regretted his choice.

He had always known that his master was a coward who loved life and vanity, with vicious methods but little intelligence. He would fly into a rage and beat him over the slightest thing, arrogant and tyrannical in private, but charming and diplomatic in public, hiding his true nature well.

If there was anything remarkable about him, it was probably his face: innocent when he smiled, yet with ruthless cruelty lurking in his eyes.

Qin Xu had a face just as similar.

Though the two looked so much alike, their circumstances and status were worlds apart.

A bodyguard's specialty was taking lives without leaving a trace.

But Qin Xu used the identity of the crown prince, Ji Huai, to kill with spectacular violence.

He rarely regretted anything, but now, seeing Ji Huai's face again, he found himself strangely "repentant."

He had once promised his master that he would live for him and die in his place.

The nights were cold. Perhaps his master would need him back before him, to warm his bed, rest on flower pillows, and go to bed with him.

-

Little bonus scene:

Ji Huai's perspective: Give me back my throne already, so I can send you to your death with my own hands!

Qin Xu's perspective: One slap wasn't enough. Do it again.

--2026.10.20

Message: There's no such thing as a free lunch.