That night, Jian invited his brothers to gather in a sealed chamber in his princely mansion, the 1st of the 6 eastern palaces, the doors closing behind them with a hard click.

  Lei broke the silence, his voice low and serious. "Eldest Brother, what is it? You called us here for a reason?"

  Jian: "Our empire is slipping away from our hands."

  Feng's eyes widened in surprise, and he looked at Jian with a mix of shock and disappointment. "You're thinking of politics already? Father's funeral hasn't even been completed yet! Don't you think it's a bit... disrespectful?"

  Lei nodded. " Eldest Brother, you're right. We need to focus on the empire, but we also need to honour our father's memory. We should be mourning with the people, not discussing politics."

  Jian, with a calm, steady tone: "We mourn our father by continuing his legacy. We can leave the tears and the grief to the women."

  Feng's face fell. "You're not thinking of the people, Eldest brother. You're thinking of power. If we don't show the people that we're grieving, that we're human, they'll turn against us. The empire will crumble, and our father's legacy will be lost.

  We need to show them that we're strong, but also that we're vulnerable. That we're capable of feeling pain and sorrow."

  Jian: "So you think that the best thing to do is to sit and cry ourselves out while Xian Shang strengthens his position and signs the end of our dynasty? You think that is the best solution, little brother?"

  Feng's face reddened. "You're not listening to me, brother! I'm not saying we should sit and cry, I'm saying we need to show the people that we're compassionate, that we're human. That we're not just cold, calculating machines. We need to connect with them, to show them that we care. And yes, maybe Xian Shang will try to take advantage of our moment of weakness, but that's why we need to be smart, not just strong. We need to outmanoeuvre him, not just overpower him."

  Lei placed a hand on Feng's shoulder; his eyes locked on Jian. "Eldest Brother, listen to what Feng is saying. He's not wrong. We need to find a balance between strength and compassion. We can't just rely on our power and our armies to keep us in control. We need the people's support, their loyalty."

  Jian stood up and slammed his hands on the table, his eyes red with rage.* WAKE UP. YANG KAI IS DEAD, AND OUR CRYING WON'T BRING HIM BACK. DO YOU THINK HE WOULD WANT US TO SIT AND DO NOTHING?"

  Both brothers stood up and took one step back in defence. "Eldest Brother, calm down..." Lei's voice was soft, but it was clear he was trying to defuse the situation.

  Jian grabbed his fan and put it on his face. "And I was thinking of naming you the emperor, Feng.... Pathetic." He took his fan and walked towards the door, then turned to them. "I hope you have answers for your father and ancestors when they ask you why you didn't protect the dynasty."

  He stormed outside and slammed the door behind him. The room fell silent, the only sound the creaking of the door as it swung closed behind him. Lei and Feng stood there, frozen, their eyes wide with shock and concern. Lei's face was a mask of worry, while Feng's eyes were filled with sadness. The air was heavy with tension, and the weight of Jian's words hung in the air like a challenge. Lei was the first to break the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. "What have we done?"

  Feng's eyes were fixed on the door, his expression a mix of sadness and determination. "He is right, second brother. We need to find a way to fix this. We can't let our father's legacy die." They opened the door, aiming to catch up with Jian, but when they opened it, he was standing near the door with his back to them, his fan still clutched in his hand, his eyes fixed on some point in the void. The air was thick with tension between them.

  Lei took a step forward, his eyes locked on Jian's back, "Eldest Brother, wait..." Jian turned to face them. "So, are you going to be men and lead our empire, or cry and mourn like women?" Lei's voice was laced with emotion and frustration. "What's the point of being Emperor if we can't even protect our own family? We're failing our father, and we're failing the empire." Feng's jaw set in determination. "We need to do something, eldest brother. We can't just stand by and watch as everything falls apart." Jian smiled, "Now we are talking. Let's get back inside."

  They followed him back into the chamber. Feng's eyes were fixed on Jian, his expression eager and curious. "Eldest Brother, you said that you were planning to make me an emperor. What did you mean by that?"

  Lei's eyes narrowed. "But you're the eldest. You're the one who's always been prepared for this role. Moreover, you are the crown prince." Jian muttered, "This is my decision". Lei's eyes widened in shock. "Eldest Brother, you can't be serious. Father named you the crown prince. You're the rightful heir to the throne. Why would you want to pass it to Feng?"

  Feng's face lit up with a mix of hope and uncertainty, his eyes fixed on Jian with a questioning gaze. "Is it because... is it because you think I'm the stronger one, brother? That I'm the one who can lead the empire to greatness?"

  "Not necessarily... Don't get me wrong. You are certainly capable, but you still have a lot to learn... I am trying to protect both of you."

  Lei's expression softened. "Protect us from what, brother? From ourselves? From the empire? From Xian Shang?"

  Feng's eyes narrowed. "What do you know that we don't, brother? What's going on that we're not aware of?"

  Jian waved his fan. "Think about it. If we decide to restore our dynasty's glory, will Xian Shang just sit and watch?"

  Lei shouted angrily. "That corrupt, self-serving snake would do anything to keep his power. He's been using his influence to undermine our father's rule for years, and he won't stop until he's got his hands on the throne. We can't trust him, eldest brother. We must be careful. But... I trust you. I trust that you have a plan."

  Jian's eyes shone with confidence. "I do.... After a couple of days, we would announce you as the new emperor, little brother... (looked at Lei). Second brother, we will announce you as the first advisor to the emperor, and when we finally get rid of Xian Shang, you will be the next prime minister".

  Lei was puzzled. "And what about you, eldest brother? What role will you play in this new order?"

  "I will be the Emperor’s Steward," Jian said, his voice as casual as if he were discussing the weather.

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  The silence that followed was deafening. Lei and Feng surged to their feet, their chairs scraping harshly against the stone floor. A steward? A mere shadow who carried brushes and smoothed out parchment? It was a role for the nameless, the landless—not for the First Son of the Dragon.

  "A servant’s robes?" Lei’s voice trembled with a mixture of rage and disbelief. "You would trade a crown for a tray? Have you lost your mind along with your grief?"

  Feng's eyes widened with horror as well, and he looked at Jian as if he were seeing him for the first time. "Eldest Brother, you're... You aren't actually serious, are you? You're willing to give up the throne, our family's legacy, everything... for what? For me and Lei to have a chance at power?" The air was thick with tension, and the brothers' eyes were fixed on Jian, waiting for an explanation.

  Jian didn't flinch. He turned to the window, watching the moon hang over the silent capital. "Someone’s hands must be stained so that the Emperor's remain clean. I cannot burn out the rot in this palace while sitting on a golden cushion. To catch a snake, Lei, you must crawl in the grass."

  Feng wiped his sweat. “What do you mean?? What are your ways, eldest brother?”

  Jian, “I can’t tell you now. You will know when the time comes.”

  Lei's face twisted in disgust. “You expect us to believe that? You're the crown prince, and you're willing to throw away your birthright for... for nothing? What's the point of this plan, brother? What's going to change? Eldest Brother, you're not thinking clearly. You're not thinking about us, about our family, about the empire. You're just... you're just giving up.”

  Jian shook his head. “I am not giving up at all. I am just protecting you, idiots.”

  Lei's fists clenched. “How can you say that? We're your brothers, your family! We are supposed to help each other.”

  Feng's eyes welled up with tears. “Eldest Brother, please... You're not just protecting us; you're giving up everything that matters to you. Your title, your power, your dignity... your life.”

  Jian stood up and walked towards the window, holding his fan up. “If this is the price for the empire to prosper again, I am more than willing to give it away.”

  Lei stood up, took a step towards him, his eyes pleading. "Brother, stop! Don't say that! You're not willing to give up everything for us, for the empire. You're making a mistake."

  Feng's voice cracked as he spoke, "Eldest Brother, please... don't do this. You're throwing away your life, your future... everything that matters. We'll be lost without you."

  The room fell silent again, as the brothers stood there, frozen in shock and despair.

  "I won't be away. I will still guide you both. But think about it for a minute, out of the 3 of us, which one poses the greatest threat to Xian Shang?"

  Lei looked at Jian, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "You... you're the one he fears the most, Eldest brother. You're the crown prince, and he knows you're the one who could overthrow him. If you're on the throne, he'll have to be more careful, but if you're not there, he'll be less likely to try anything."

  Feng's eyes lit up with realization, and he looked at Jian with a newfound understanding. "Yes, brother. You're the one he's most afraid of. And if you're not there, he'll think he's safe."

  "Exactly. He might let his guard down even just a little when he sees I am not the emperor. And even if he keeps it up and tries to get rid of me, he would have killed a steward. A nobody. And with the sufficient evidence I will surely provide you that he killed me or at least ordered it, you will get rid of him once and for all. Only then can you both rebuild the empire."

  Lei's face was pale, with a mix of shock, guilt, and admiration. He took a step backward. "Brother, I... I don't know what to say. You're willing to give up everything for the empire, for us. I don't know if I can repay you for this sacrifice."

  Feng's eyes were wide with tears, looking at his brother with a deep sense of respect and gratitude. "Eldest Brother, you're the bravest person I've ever known. I don't know how you can be so selfless, so willing to give up everything for the greater good."

  Jian walked to them and hugged them both. "You can repay me by promising me to walk this path to the end, to restore our empire to its former glory, even if you have to walk it alone, without me."

  Lei's eyes welled up with tears, and he wrapped his arms around Jian, holding him tightly. "I promise, brother. I'll do it for you, for the empire, and for our family's honour. We'll restore our dynasty's glory, no matter what it takes."

  Feng's face was etched with determination, and he nodded vigorously. "We'll make you proud, brother. We'll make you proud of us."

  His two brothers held him tightly, their bodies shaking with emotion, as they made their promise to him, their eldest brother and the one they looked up to.

  They both went to their palaces, and Jian started walking to his private chamber. As he passed the long corridor, he stood in front of a window, gazing outside. The moonlight cast a faint glow on his serene face, his eyes lost in thought, and his mind was consumed by the weight of his decision. The wind whispered through the trees outside, carrying with it the rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. The silence was broken only by the soft creaking of the wooden floorboards beneath his feet.

  He continued till he reached and opened the door, to find his wife, Yang Yan, sitting on the bed, obviously waiting for him. "You are still awake?"

  Yang Yan looked up at him with a gentle smile. "Yes, I couldn't sleep. I wanted to wait for you. I've been thinking about what you told me earlier." She patted the bed beside her, inviting him to sit. "Come, let's talk." Her voice was soft and soothing, and her eyes were filled with a deep understanding and love for him.

  "Did Xiao'er go to sleep?"

  Yang Yan nodded, a warm smile on her face. "Yes, Xiao'er fell asleep a while ago, sleeping soundly. (She paused for a few seconds) Jian, I have something to tell you. Since you've made up your mind to take this path, I will support you, no matter what. I'll stand by your side, always." Her voice was filled with determination and loyalty, and her eyes were shining with love and devotion.

  He sat beside her, his voice low and guilty, "I am sorry about having your status dropped from the future empress to a steward's wife."

  Yang Yan's expression softened, and she placed a hand on his arm, her touch warm and comforting. "Don't apologize. I never wanted the title or the power. I only wanted to be with you, to support you, and stand by your side. Being your wife, being the mother of our child, that's all that matters to me. I'll stand by you, no matter what challenges come our way."

  Jian smiled and hugged her as they went to sleep, his mind heavy with worry for the upcoming days and events.

  The 3-day mourning period passed slowly, and the people were waiting for the new emperor to rise. Everyone was sharpening their knives, rearranging their papers for the upcoming period.

  Jian ordered the crowning ceremony.

  The 3 brothers were wearing their most lavish robes in the grand throne room where the ceremony was to take place.

  Xian Shang entered the room and approached Jian, his smile a little too wide, a little too practiced. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the lavish decorations but the sombre atmosphere. He bowed low, his voice dripping with sincerity. "Your Majesty, Crown Prince Yang Jian, I offer my condolences on the passing of your father, and I extend my congratulations on your... new role. I trust that you will find the transition to your new position... enlightening. I am here to offer my support and guidance, as always." His eyes glinted with a hidden meaning, and his voice was laced with subtle venom.

  Jian smiled, waving his fan. "The Prime Minister is too generous. I am still new to such a position. I hope prime minister will guide me. Now, if you excuse me, I must attend to the ceremony." He left him and went away, leaving Xian Shang confused, as the emperor didn’t attend to the ceremony preparations. His subordinates usually do. He thought to himself, “What is this bastard up to?”

  After a while, the ceremony started. Xian Shang was watching with all his subordinate ministers and officials as an elderly man with a long white beard approached the altar at the feet of the throne, the sacred scroll in his hands. He was called "The Chosen One", an elder from the "Zhi" family, which has been crowning the emperors of the Yang Dynasty for generations. He began to chant, his voice low and solemn, as he recited the ancient ritual of crowning the new emperor. The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the ceremony. Xian Shang's ministers watched with interest, while the brothers stood tall, their eyes fixed on the altar.

  The chosen one turned around, his eyes fixed on Yang Feng, and in a deep, resonant voice, he declared, "By the power vested in my family, I hereby proclaim Yang Feng, the 18-year-old third prince of the Yang family, to be the new Emperor of the Yang Dynasty!"