In the mortal realm, few people knew of the quiet storm brewing in the palace of the Heaven Battling State. To the outside world, the empire seemed calm and steady, but within the royal court, dangerous undercurrents surged as princes vied for power like sharks circling blood.
The most shocking news that spread like wildfire through the noble families was that the second prince, who had always been the fiercest opponent of the first prince, had suddenly chosen to join hands with him. Many were astonished, for these two had clashed openly for years. Yet, as always, when ambition outweighed principle, unlikely alliances were forged.
Two years passed in the blink of an eye.
And in those two years, the world changed.
The first prince, ruthless and cunning, successfully staged a coup. The old emperor, his father, was dragged from the Dragon Throne in disgrace. Rumors said the palace floors ran red that night, though the truth was buried beneath layers of silence. The surviving princes concealed the news, perhaps out of fear, perhaps out of self-preservation. Together, they bowed their heads, biding their time.
But ambition was never easily contained.
The first prince wasted no time in consolidating his power. The second prince, who had once stood at his side, was sent on an expedition. Few understood why the campaign was launched—what enemy there was to fight. What returned, however, was a prince broken, crippled on the battlefield and nearly dead. Whispers spread in the shadows: it had not been an accident. It had been a warning.
And the message was clear—all opposition would be crushed.
With this example before them, the other princes fell silent. None dared to lift their heads. Thus, the first prince secured the throne for himself, his rule sealed in blood and fear.
Yet power is a hungry beast. It is never satisfied with what it has devoured. The new emperor sought not only to sit on the throne but to be hailed as a great ruler, one whose name would be sung for generations. And so, he turned his gaze outward—toward the Qin State.
Despite the peace treaty between the two nations, the emperor tore it apart with one declaration: war.
The morning of that fateful court session was heavy. Black clouds hung above the capital, and a biting wind swept through the jade-pillared hall. Inside the golden throne room, rows of ministers bowed low, their faces pale with dread.
"Since you all seem so opposed to this war," the emperor said coldly, his voice echoing against the high ceiling, "why don't you give me a reason strong enough to change my mind?"
His gaze was sharp as a blade as it swept over the kneeling ministers. None dared meet his eyes. At last, one elder official stepped forward, his hands trembling as he raised his tablet.
"Your Majesty… a wise man submits to circumstances. The Qin state still has two former War Gods. One of them was once of our own court—she knows all of our tactics. She personally selected and trained the Heaven Battling Elite Army. Those soldiers… do not follow tokens, nor even the emperor. Their loyalty belongs only to her. Even crippled, their commander's word would outweigh your command. To send such an army against its own master is to court disaster."
The emperor's brows furrowed, his dark eyes glinting with irritation.
Another minister rose quickly, his voice steady despite the sweat on his brow. "Furthermore, Your Majesty, though the Qin Emperor is old and near death, his youngest son—Princess Hongchen's husband—is not to be underestimated. He carries strength that cannot be ignored."
The emperor let out a short, cold laugh. "So this is the mighty wisdom of my council? You would have me cower before a dying old man and two cripples whose glory is long faded?"
His words struck like whips. Several ministers lowered their heads in shame, others bit their tongues in silence.
Rising from his throne, the emperor spread his hands wide, mocking them with a smile that did not reach his eyes.
"I don't mind telling you," he said, his voice smooth as venom, "that the Nan Empire has agreed to lend us ten thousand elite cavalry, a hundred thousand infantry, and ten thousand archers. I trust you don't need me to explain the discipline and ferocity of their army? Or perhaps you've grown so timid with age that even strength no longer reassures you."
The chamber fell silent. The Nan Empire. Known across the realms for their cavalry's thunderous charges and their archers' precision. Even the Qin feared their might. Combined with Heaven Battling State's unmatched infantry formations, it was indeed possible to crush Qin—if not for the unpredictable factor of the War Gods.
One voice broke the silence, cautious but resolute. The Minister of Rites stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty, even if the Nan Empire lends us soldiers, the land suffers from drought and flood. Resources are scarce. War requires wealth as much as men. Supplies must be gathered for at least three years if we hope to sustain such a campaign. Moreover—there is no free lunch in this world. The Nan Empire will demand a price, and it may be heavier than the cost of war itself."
The emperor's smile faded. He turned sharply, his sleeves whipping through the air as he strode away from the throne.
"You are dismissed," the eunuch announced loudly.
The ministers, left kneeling in silence, exchanged uneasy glances. Some sighed heavily, others looked as if their hearts had aged ten years in that single court session.
Outside the hall, whispers rose.
"His Majesty's thoughts… are becoming harder and harder to grasp."
"Indeed. His ambition burns too brightly. I fear it will consume not only him but the empire as well."
But the storm had only begun.
That very evening, another piece of news erupted through the capital, shaking the empire to its core.
An imperial edict was read aloud by the chief eunuch before the gathered citizens in the city square. His shrill voice carried across the crowds:
> "By His Majesty, the one and only son of the Dragons: The First Princess of Nan, Nan Sheng, known for her beauty, wisdom, and benevolence, has caught the eye of His Majesty. From this day forth, she shall enter the palace as Queen, and be granted the title of Empress Jade. She is regarded in the highest favor by His Majesty, and her firstborn son shall inherit the Dragon Throne as Crown Prince. From this day, the Royal Household of Nan and the Tie Household of Heaven Battling State shall be united by marriage, bound in blood and oath, to face all enemies together."
The square erupted in cheers.
"Congratulations to His Majesty for taking a Queen!"
"Long live His Majesty! Long live the Empress!"
"The Dragon Throne prospers! May the empire flourish!"
The emperor, hidden within his palace, allowed himself a thin smile as the celebrations spread through the city. Three days of revelry were granted to the people, fireworks painting the skies, wine flowing through the streets.
But beneath the noise of celebration, in the shadows of the empire, unease grew. For those who could read between the lines, the meaning of the edict was clear: the Nan Empire had bought the Dragon Throne with their princess, and the Heaven Battling State had sold its future to feed its emperor's ambition.
And far away, beyond the borders of the empire, the Qin court stirred.
The storm clouds of war gathered once more.