What a Pity

During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, at the end of the troubled times, China was in ruins. Chai Rong, Shizong of the Later Zhou Dynasty, was a great leader of the generation and set the grand ambition of "expanding the world in ten years, raising the people in ten years, and achieving peace in ten years". He worked hard to govern, fought in the north and south, pointed his sword at the dark clouds, and the dawn of the Great Zhou Dynasty's unification of the world had already appeared. However, fate is unpredictable. During the Northern Expedition in the sixth year of Xiande's reign, he suffered a sudden outbreak of severe diseases and carbuncle that corroded his bones. But this time, Chai Rong used his tenacious will to break free from the shackles of death, extending a critical year of life for himself and the crumbling dynasty. This extra year is not a gift from God, but a more profound suffering and game. Dragging his sick body with him, Chai Rong continued to burn his life in severe pain and anxiety. He pushed against all opinions and implemented the land equalization order, which touched the foundation of the world's powerful powers; he melted Buddhas and cast money, filling the national treasury but burying resentment; he controlled military formations to force the Southern Tang Dynasty to surrender; and with his profound imperial scheming, he laid many checks and balances in the court - he dismissed Zhang Yongde and promoted Zhao Kuangyin, trying to control this growing tiger in the army. However, the prophecy of "checking and becoming the emperor" followed like a shadow. The eyes of the generals with great achievements gradually deepened. Minister Tuogu had his own thoughts, and the Khitan cavalry still looked northward. Every struggle and every plan he makes pushes the dynasty into the known abyss, and he seems to be looking for weak variables in despair.