The Treacherous Minister Usurps the Throne

Rumor had it that Shen Nian, the Yan prince appointed by imperial decree, was a spoiled, useless fool who spent his days shirking his studies, throwing his weight around, and loafing about. His father, Emperor Gaozong, would point at him and curse him as a worthless brat.

Everyone thought he was good for nothing. The only exception was the adopted nephew of a different surname whom Shen Nian had unexpectedly saved. Whenever the boy saw him, he would look up with his dark, shining eyes and greet him properly: "Greetings, Imperial Uncle."

The old eunuch in Shen Nian's palace would call out, "The Heir Apparent is here!" "The Heir Apparent is here again!" "The Heir Apparent!" Then the door would slam shut.

Shen Nian rolled the gleaming beads of his prized Bodhi bracelet in his fingers, cultivating his character, until one day calamity struck the imperial family. The four princes fought to the death for the throne, and Shen Nian outlasted his father, then his elder brother.

Draped in mourning white, Shen Nian wept at the funeral hall.

He suddenly found himself standing before a looming shadow. Shen Nian thought it was time to discuss who would inherit the throne, and was about to seek out an ally among his kin.

Before he could take a step, the shadow of the boy who had grown up revealed its fangs. A low, husky voice, like a beast's, grazed his pale cheek.

"You look beautiful when you cry, Little Imperial Uncle."

Early on: the spoiled, useless Yan prince and the scheming, calculating heir next door

Later: the young emperor who is helped to the throne, and the ruthless regent

* The love interest and protagonist are not related by blood.

* This blurb was written on August 16, 2022, and a screenshot has been kept as proof.

Theme: Treat others sincerely and strive to succeed