I Really Had No Plans to Rebel

The lands were divided among rival states, and warfare raged without end. As the heir of a prince with a different surname from the imperial house, Ji Yu always kept a low profile, yet he was still drawn into the political maelstrom at court.

From the civil service to the battlefield, from campaigns against the Xiongnu in the north to leading an army south to unite the realm; from boyhood friends to rivals in the struggle for power, how many people throughout history have been denied the freedom to choose?

Years later, Ji Yu asked Xia Qing the same question again. “Years ago, I asked Your Majesty this, and you said you wanted me to be a brother with whom you could share both riches and honor. Now that times have changed, do you still feel the same?” Xia Qing stood outside the great hall with his back to Ji Yu. He remained silent for a long time and did not answer.

Those who wield power will ultimately be ruled by it.