I Have No Choice but to Die

A laid-back, minor civil official unexpectedly comes into possession of a book one day. It recounts many events, including how, in just six months, the entire dynasty will collapse. The cause is Wei Mian, the current chief grand secretary: a power-mad traitor who will bring the nation to ruin, wielding immense authority and ruling through brutal violence.

The book's spirit tells the Host, in the form of a story, that the future can be prevented. It can send the Host back through time to stop Wei Mian.

The story then unfolds across four stages.

His youth, the first journey through time.

He distrusts Wei Mian and fears this treacherous rebel who will bring calamity upon the nation.

Yet he witnesses firsthand the young Wei Mian enduring humiliation, forced to live beneath others, made to crawl through a dog hole, and even reduced to eating half a sesame flatbread nobody else wanted.

After they unexpectedly become friends, he begins to wonder if what the history book says about Wei Mian is really true.

Adulthood, the second journey through time.

He worries about him and wants to save him, urging him to turn back from the wrong path.

By now, Wei Mian has entered government service and is being dragged into the court's power struggles, with every faction watching hungrily and joining the fray.

He witnesses firsthand how Wei Mian remains upright and unyielding, only to be oppressed and cast into the dust for being too honest, enduring humiliation and resentment.

Later comes the third journey through time.

He wants to witness Wei Mian ascend to the position of chief grand secretary and hold sway over the court.

Wei Mian rises to the highest office, while he becomes his right-hand man. He witnesses the dynasty's rise, the corruption of court officials, the execution of corrupt officials, the overthrow of an incompetent ruler, and the sacrifices made for politics.

He sees Wei Mian poisoned, then die saving him.

After Wei Mian's death, Wei Mian entrusts him with the country. He goes mad, pouring the nation's resources into promoting Daoism and performing resurrection rituals, consumed by inner demons and desperate to bring Wei Mian back to life.

He refuses to let the histories portray Wei Mian in a bad light. When he personally tears up the history book he read all those years ago, he finally understands.

The one who fell to demonic obsession was not Wei Mian. It was him.

At first, he thought: If only Wei Mian could be a good person.

Later,

he thought:

Wei Mian, rise straight into the clouds.

Theme: I just wanted to borrow a little demonic power!