The Emperor's Strategy

Synopsis

At eighteen, Chu Yuan faces the challenge of proving himself as the new ruler of Chu State, carefully weighing his decisions amid the turmoil along the Xinan border. This fragile situation changes dramatically when Duan Baiyue, the young king of Xinan, intervenes to suppress a rebellion, saving Chu Yuan from major conflict and earning the gratitude of Chu's people who view him as their defender. Two years later, Xinan's influence has grown, sparking whispers that Duan Baiyue intends to seize Chu State. Standing beneath a winter plum tree, Chu Yuan, seething with anger and uncertainty, recalls a vow made long ago. Tensions rise further when a duke from Ahnu, an ally of Chu, is discovered slain in Chu's streets.

Background

Adaptation of Yu Xiao Lanshan's (语笑阑珊) web novel of the same title.