Enter My Cage

Cang Xun is a hostage prince sent from the Kingdom of Cangxi to Daliang. His first mission is to steal the northwestern border defense plans from Daliang's God of War, Yun Tuyue. His second is to die in Daliang, giving Cangxi the perfect excuse to invade.

But Cang Xun isn't ready to die. Cang Xun wants to escape.

On his first day in Daliang, Yun Tuyue personally escorts Cang Xun to his residence, claiming to be acting on the emperor's orders to take good care of him.

Cang Xun glances at the shackles on his wrists and the chains around his ankles, then twitches his mouth. "Aren't you the God of War? I'm alone and already in your residence. Is all this really necessary?"

Yun Tuyue replies meaningfully, "I have campaigned for ten years without a single defeat. The only time I ever lost was to you. Your Highness Xun is both brilliant and courageous. Since you have come to Daliang, you may well be hiding ulterior motives. I must take precautions."

From then on, Cang Xun devises one scheme after another, while Yun Tuyue keeps a close watch on him. The two turn everything upside down, and neither gets the upper hand.

Later, they reach an agreement: Cang Xun will help Yun Tuyue root out corrupt officials and stabilize the situation, while Yun Tuyue will find Cang Xun a completely safe place where he won't have to jeopardize either kingdom's interests or lose his life.

And so, Cang Xun and Yun Tuyue willingly use each other.

Until one day, Yun Tuyue is falsely accused of treason and sentenced to beheading. Yet, before his execution, he does something entirely unexpected: he has Cang Xun sent out of the city.

Cang Xun is baffled. Cang Xun doesn't understand. After asking around, all he gets from Yun Tuyue is, "Didn't you want to escape? I've found you a place. Now get out."

Cang Xun laughs in exasperation and leaves without a backward glance.

But on the day Yun Tuyue is taken to the execution grounds, Cang Xun, who should have long since fled to safety, suddenly appears before him with an amused smile. "Yun Tuyue, care to explain why you have a portrait of me hidden on your bed in your bedroom?"

Cang Xun (top) x Yun Tuyue (bottom)

Theme: A steadfast heart can overcome a thousand hardships.