Your Humble Servant Deserves a Thousand Deaths

Lu Jinxue wakes from a dream in a cold sweat. In it, he will die a violent death in a brothel two days from now, becoming the first pawn in the emperor's bid to seize power.

The current emperor, Huo Wuju, ascended the throne as a child. With internal and external threats pressing in, he had no choice but to invite his uncle, the God of War, to take charge. Now that the court and the realm are at peace, Huo Wuju is no longer willing to remain a figurehead and sets about breaking the deadlock.

On the day Huo Wuju was raised to the throne, the Empress Dowager repeatedly warned him to hide his talents and never let his uncle see that he wanted to seize power.

Ten years of lying low and biding his time.

Huo Wuju believes he can now stand toe to toe with his uncle. After months of planning, he decides the Ministry of Justice is the best place to start, since it is currently investigating a case involving the governor of a prefecture selling official posts.

Determined to stay alive, Lu Jinxue turns down every invitation from his colleagues. But on the very day he is supposed to die, he has to go to a brothel to investigate. He cannot disobey an imperial order, so he pays two experts to act as bodyguards. When trouble strikes, however, they run without looking back.

In a panic, Lu Jinxue jumps out the window into the room next door and crashes straight into a stranger's arms. The other man catches him with ease.

His thanks die in his throat. Lu Jinxue drops to his knees, terrified out of his mind, and stammers, "Y-Your humble subject deserves death for this crime."

Huo Wuju has never paid any attention to a mere ninth-rank official. When the realm needs a sacrifice, he expects him to give his life without complaint. Just as expected, Lu Jinxue kneels on the ground and loudly declares that he would brave fire and water for His Majesty. He looks utterly loyal, as if he would gladly die on the spot.

He is selfless and remarkably good at investigating cases, making Huo Wuju quickly realize his worth.

Later, Huo Wuju discovers that the ninth-rank official's obedience in front of him is all an act. In secret, he has already planned to fake his death and run away once Huo Wuju takes full control.

Huo Wuju sneers. "Very well. Let's see where you think you can run."

Years later, rumors spread that the current emperor keeps an unparalleled beauty hidden in his palace, lavishing him with favor until the ruler nearly stops attending court.

Lu Jinxue: :)

Who knew that if the cannon-fodder doesn't die and the plot falls apart, the protagonist would end up like this?!

A bold, constantly acting cannon-fodder bottom trying to stay alive X a refined scoundrel top who pursues his career and his beloved

2024/11/19

Theme: Life does not always go as one wishes.