His Highness Hides a Sharp Edge Behind His Frail Body

Synopsis Eldest Prince Xie Yunming was born with a sickly constitution and seemed destined for an early death. Though favored by the emperor, he had no maternal clan to rely on and no power base of his own. He was nothing more than a fragile glass ornament in the depths of the imperial palace. In the emperor’s own words, he was a gentle, courteous, frugal, and obedient jade of a prince. To the other princes and the palace officials, he was a weak, useless fool who posed no threat, nothing but a pawn they could manipulate. But then he transformed into a bringer of good fortune. From “He’s just a sickly weakling, nothing to worry about,” to “Cross Xie Yunming, and you’ll be in for a world of trouble!” and, eventually, “Whoever wins Xie Yunming wins the realm!” But who would the realm ultimately belong to? The words once spoken in mockery still rang in their ears, but the balance of power at court had been turned upside down. The General Who Guards the North bowed his head and declared, “Though physically frail, he possesses the genius to govern the realm and the virtue of a crown prince.” The upright civil officials were won over, praising him: “He has a benevolent heart for the people and an unwavering commitment to clean government.” The Imperial Astronomer and State Preceptor even read the signs and proclaimed to all under heaven, “A celestial star has descended! Eldest Prince Xie Yunming is Heaven’s chosen one, destined to bless our dynasty with a glorious age!” The hearts of men were pieces on a board, and every one of them fell into his trap. He hid countless schemes beneath his frail exterior, holding the fate of the realm in his hands. Li Feng was the sharpest blade in Xie Yunming’s hand. But later, he changed sides, betrayed his former master, and joined the enemy camp. His methods were so brutal they made people’s blood run cold, and his actions drew the attention of the entire court. He became a powerful new minister with influence over all under heaven. He was ruthless and vicious, showing no mercy when eliminating rivals. Everyone feared him like a demon from hell, and all said he was cruel by nature and had gone completely mad. Then the new emperor ascended the throne, ushering in a new era. At the victory banquet, the assembled officials sang the emperor’s praises, declaring that his benevolence had moved Heaven and Earth, and that even a treacherous madman like Li Feng had surrendered without resistance. No one knew that in the stillness of the deep night, the mad minister who held sway over the court and struck terror into every heart had climbed into the imperial bed. [Note: 1. Top: Xie Yunming / Li Feng. One-on-one, both are each other’s only partners, happy ending. 2. The story centers on the protagonist: a performative, emotionally detached personality; a sickly top who controls the situation / a loyal dog-like bottom. 3. Set in an imaginary dynasty. Plot-focused, feel-good power fantasy. Theme: Love yourself and love life.