(A commander-king with a ruthless, decisive, and deeply suspicious nature vs. a refined, gentle beauty holding private wealth and devoted to Buddhism—at least on the surface, or so it appears.)
Prince Qi, titled Qi, named Zhu Jinhe, courtesy name Zijue, was the younger brother born to the same mother as the late Emperor. Since childhood, he possessed exceptional martial arts skills and peerless intelligence, possessing a handsome, striking appearance rarely seen in this world.
During his youth, the nation flourished, though this prosperity lasted only a little over a decade. In the fifteenth year of the Lekang era, the late Emperor passed away. The Crown Prince, still only nine years old, was unable to govern. At that time, the Empress Dowager held power over the court, corrupt officials in the government formed cliques for personal gain, and barbarian tribes raided the borders, slaughtering the common people.
Chapter 37