The False Emperor

A Chen was an obscure nobody. Because his face resembled the emperor's, he was secretly brought into the palace and made into a stand-in who could be discarded at any moment.

An illness and an imperial decree sent him to the throne. From then on, he had no name and no way out. Even one careless word could cost him his life.

The imperial clan demanded answers for old grievances, border troops clamored for supplies and pay, and every court official had an agenda. A Chen only wanted to survive and return home, but with each choice he made, he gradually took hold of the empire's power.

Thirty years later, he quelled internal rebellions and ushered in new reforms, creating an age of prosperity.

Just as he was preparing to hand over the throne, the real emperor returned.

One had royal blood. The other had ruled the realm for thirty years.

Whom should the people recognize as their ruler?