Jiang Kongzhao transmigrated into a male-oriented cultivation novel, but he wasn't the protagonist.
He was the comparison character: the ruler of a fallen kingdom who stood in contrast to the male lead.
Eight years later, Jiang Kongzhao's kingdom would fall, his family would be destroyed, and his head would be hung on the city wall to dry by the male lead.
With only eight years left to live, he decided to let loose and brew himself a pot of good tea.
Tea brought out his true self, his style, and his skill.
The court officials were entangled in self-serving alliances, kneeling to weep and remonstrate.
Jiang Kongzhao: When it comes to playing the innocent and winning a reputation, no one can beat me.
Jiang Kongzhao threw himself to his knees first, wailing about how he was an orphan with a young mother, with no one to rely on. He begged his ancestors to show their spirits, and had a recruitment notice posted to find worthy talent to assist him.
Three months later, the court had been completely transformed.
The old ministers had been sent north to build the city walls.
The original protagonist sent a declaration of war, condemning Jiang Kongzhao for ten grave offenses.
Jiang Kongzhao: No one does playing innocent better than me.
He raised a handkerchief and sobbed, reminiscing about his childhood with the original protagonist. The letter was short, but full of feeling.
Scholars across the land wept when they read it, denouncing the original protagonist as disloyal, unfilial, and unrighteous.
Under the original protagonist's rule, war flared everywhere.
A minister was wronged and disheartened.
Jiang Kongzhao: Unlimited praise mode activated.
Before he knew it, he had earned a great reputation for virtue, and all the finest minds in the land were in his grasp.
A minister fell ill or was injured.
Jiang Kongzhao: I'll personally tend to your medicine.
Wait, isn't this Xu Ge, the original male lead's SSR-ranked God of War?
Come try this tea. It smells wonderful.
Eight years later, Xu Ge returned to the capital at the head of a great army. At last, the land was united.
Jiang Kongzhao was delighted. "What reward would you like, General? I will grant you anything."
Xu Ge said, eyes red, "I want to commit treason. Ever since you bandaged my wound eight years ago, I've wanted to, every night."
Later generations ranked Jiang Kongzhao among the top ten emperors of antiquity, honoring him as an emperor for the ages.
A leading historian praised him: "Emperor Taizong brought about a golden age of prosperity and welcomed tributary envoys from every nation. He drove out the northern invaders and sealed his name at Mount Langju. He spoke pretty words, but his deeds were ruthless."
Theme: Revitalize China and uphold our nation's prestige
