His Majesty Keeps Slacking Off

After a coup in the imperial city, the streets run red with blood. The great general cuts down the rebels with his sword, and every prince who sought to claim the throne is killed without exception. With the Xiao imperial clan seemingly left without an heir, the ambitious and domineering Chief Eunuch openly grasps for power, leaving the court ministers terrified.

The upright, clear-minded prime minister finds the Ninth Prince, Xiao Mingqi, living far away in a drafty, crumbling palace and roasting meat with the servants of the Cold Palace. He tells him, “The nation cannot go a single day without a ruler,” and asks him to ascend the throne and continue the Xiao imperial line.

Xiao Mingqi, a man who just wants to coast through life: Huh? Me? (Confused)

Xiao Mingqi knew from childhood that, given his lowly status, even though he really was a prince, competing with his older brothers would only get him dragged into the fray and cost him his cheap little life. So even while the fighting outside raged, Xiao Mingqi stayed in his shabby little room, cooking up a storm and paying no attention to the world beyond his door.

Every day after being forced onto the throne is torture. For Xiao Mingqi, the suffering begins with the morning court.

He carefully pretends to be a foolish emperor who “doesn't know the answer to anything,” never realizing that three men of immense influence in the vast imperial city are secretly watching him like predators. The Chief Eunuch teaches him imperial ambition and political strategy, and somehow the lessons end up in bed. The prime minister teaches him that “the people are more important than the ruler,” yet secretly keeps his fan and handkerchief. The general teaches him archery, but that cold, hard hand quietly finds its way to his waist...

Xiao Mingqi: ...Damn it, that's enough! I'm straight!

A laid-back, go-with-the-flow emperor gong x

A shameless, clingy, mad-dog, flirtatious shou (Chief Eunuch)

A cool, restrained, innocent shou (Prime Minister)

A patient, devoted, rugged shou (General)

More to be decided

Pick your favorite. Place your bets and no take-backs.

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