The world is like a chessboard, and people are like pieces. The court is filled with deceit and intrigue, the rivers and lakes with love and hatred, and the streets with joys and sorrows—all are merely chess pieces, interwoven on the board, bursting forth with sparks of light. During the Zhaohong years, rumors spread that a feudal prince was eyeing the dragon throne. The emperor summoned the princes of various feudal lords to the capital to study, in reality, as hostages. Xu Buling, as the prince of King Su, should have been cautious and concealed his talents under the emperor's watchful eye. However… The crowd: “Prince Xu is virtuous and talented, truly a case of ‘he who does not speak, when he speaks, amazes all.’ ” Xu Buling: “I am not, don’t talk nonsense.” The crowd: “Prince Xu is resourceful and has the talent to pacify the world.” Xu Buling: “I don’t, shut up.” The crowd: “Prince Xu is both civil and military, a capable minister in times of peace, and in times of…” Xu...