Brother, You’re a Hostage. How Did You Become the Empress’s Poisonous Strategist?

Before I became emperor, I was merely a hostage prince. The empress ruled from behind the curtain, while the entire court regarded me as their leader. With a casual suggestion, I broke apart the feudal lords' alliance. The enemy state was gravely weakened, and its people starved in droves. The hostage princes were left reeling, begging me on their knees to take them under my wing. “What? You say I'm too ruthless?” “Come on, they're not my people.” “You're asking if I want to be emperor?” I have the empress at my side and elite troops at my command. I could sweep across the realm with a flick of my finger. The lords tremble in fear. Hey, I'm not going to defeat you. I'm just messing with you.