In the 23rd year of Xuanqing, the Crown Prince died of illness, and storms began to brew in the Imperial Capital. Shen Chiyi, though a transmigrator, had landed in the role of a minor, insignificant prince—a background character with little importance in the main plot, uninvolved in the power struggles. On the surface, he maintained his persona as a frail and foolish weakling, but secretly concealed his identity and traveled to Jiangnan to amuse himself. By chance, he encountered a young noble in distress. That young noble was refined and elegant, gentle and handsome. But he was also injured, his eyes blinded—a sight so pitiful it tugged at the heart. Shen Chiyi fell in love at first sight, desire stirred, and he pursued him relentlessly until he won him over. Yet just as his lover’s eyes seemed to be recovering, Shen Chiyi slipped away without a word, leaving behind only betrayal and abandonment. *** Not long after, an imperial edict was suddenly delivered to Shen Chiyi. The capital was in chaos: princes abolished, others dead, none spared. The aging emperor, left with no heirs, could only choose a successor from among the lesser royal lords. —And the one chosen was Shen Chiyi. Shen Chiyi: “……” Me? Fit to rule?? Can’t you people see my character setting is a sickly, useless weakling??? *** Thus, a frivolous young wastrel was suddenly made Crown Prince. The new heir was weak and sickly, his Eastern Palace lacked supporters, the court was full of schemes, and wolves lurked on every side. Danger was everywhere. But that wasn’t the most terrifying part. The most terrifying part was the man he saw within the palace—the very noble he had abandoned. Standing atop the long stone steps, lids lowered, his expression was cold and unreadable. The eunuch at his side introduced: “Your Highness, that is Lord Lou Qingshuang.” “…?” Who? Lou Qingshuang—the one who, in the original story, rose to the pinnacle of power? The political mastermind, ruthless and cunning, who installed three puppet emperors and then had them all killed? Ha. He’d lured this man into his arms and then dumped him. If he were recognized, it would be the end. The young minister’s gaze shifted slightly, assessing him. His tone held unspoken meaning: “Has Your Highness ever been to Jiangnan?” Shen Chiyi, already in the middle of plotting a fake death to escape, stammered nervously: “No, never. I’ve never been there in my entire life.”