Di Wang Gong Lue also called The Emperor's Strategy, is a completed novel with one hundred and ninety three chapters, and eight extras. Written by Yu Xiao Lanshan, the novel was released in 2015. It has been adapted into a manhua which is complete at one hundred chapters, and began its release in 2018. A Donghua (Chinese anime) with twenty episodes was released during the same year of 2018.
Sypnosis[]
Novel[]
As part of the imperial family, every move by Chu Yuan in this game of chess is made with apprehension, fearing that with a moment of inattentiveness, the whole match will be lost in a single move.
Ascending to the throne at eighteen, not half a year passes before civil strife erupts in Yun Nan. Though the thoughts of the old guard at the imperial court are not exactly identical, they are all waiting to see how the new emperor will put an end to this.
Unexpectedly, before this side could make a move, a few thousand miles away, the King of Xi Nan, Duan Bai Yue, had already personally commanded troops to attack in all directions; not half a year had passed when peace was restored.
Sparse moonlight shines into the palace; Chu Yuan stamped the wax seal himself, and had a secret letter sent urgently to Yun Nan 800 miles away — this time, what must we(1) give in exchange?
Brush marks passed through the back of the paper; it almost can be seen, when writing this line, how angry the young emperor was.
Duan Bai Yue spread out a piece of paper unhurriedly, replying with only one word.
You.
(1): Chu Yuan is using the royal ‘we’ here.
Note on the story: This is a character focused story, please don’t expect too much court intrigue.
It’s a slow burn story about two people in love and the things they are willing to do for each other.
The Emperor’s Strategy is the fourth book in Yu Xiao Lan Shan’s Jianghu/Strategy series. Each book is standalone, but there are character cameos and mentions that don’t disrupt the flow of the main story of each book.
Manhua[]
Born into the royal family, every move that Chu Yuan makes is cautious, constantly afraid that one moment of carelessness will cause him to lose everything. After ascending to the throne at 18, not half a year passes before civil strife erupts in Yun Nan. Although the motives of the old guard at the royal court are not exactly unanimous, all of them are waiting to see how the new emperor will resolve this situation...
Characters[]
Chu Yuan[]
Born into the royal family, he is the emperor of Chu country and a childhood friend of Duan Baiyue. He makes his every move very carefully, Yuan ascended the throne at the very young age of 18. Informed that Baiyue has quelled a rebellion, Yuan wonders what he would want in exchange for this favor. Heading out to learn what an urgent matter is, Yuan means to investigate the murder scene involving dignitary Gu Li. Although they have been continuously investigating these past few days, Yuan notes there is still no useful clue. Not seeing anything abnormal, from what he has been told by officials, Yuan feels it is better to tell this matter to Ah Nu country as soon as possible. Judging Sha Da as both violent and impulsive, that Gu died tragically in the state of Chu's capital, Yuan considers if somebody is sowing discord there would be endless dangers lurking. Deciding to personally write a letter, Yuan passes orders to send people to deliver it to Ah Nu. Saying for Qian to be at ease, Yuan summoned him back because the Liu manor seems to have made a move. Yuan wants to completely dispose of them at once. Yuan announces to those gathered that they are going to Jiang Nan.
Personality
Chu Yuan is a strong-willed and independent man. He is intelligent, resourceful, and skilled in various arts, making him a multifaceted character. As the male lead in the drama, he is portrayed as a courageous and determined individual, unafraid to challenge societal norms and expectations.
Chu Yuan is compassionate and caring, often displaying empathy and kindness towards others, especially those who are suffering or oppressed. He has a sense of justice and fairness, which drives him to seek solutions for the betterment of society and the people around him.
Throughout the series, Chu Yuan's character undergoes significant growth and development. He faces various challenges and obstacles, allowing him to evolve into a more mature and capable person. Despite the adversities he encounters, he remains resilient and true to his principles.
Duan Baiyue[]
The childhood and best friend of Yuan, he is also the king of Xi Nan and supports Chu Yuan with the best he can do. Asking if Bao was the one who dug up the treasure, Baiyue considers the tiger engraved rock he holds. Hearing of an incoming message from the capital, Baiyue says to an aide to prepare the pen and ink in the study room. Joined by his brother, Duan Yao, he instructs him to pack up to go to the state of Chu's capital. Riding to the location, Baiyue mentions there is no one else who knows about the circumstances apart from them two. Stopping off as a ruined tower, Baiyue answers it is to be a guest. Clear that really it is to be a thief, Baiyue shares how there is a pearl in the secret room on the top floor of this tower. Requesting Yao to acquire it for him, Baiyue neglects to mention the many traps inside, and is similarly nonchalant at Yao's alarm at the interior he was sent into. Speaking how it is not him who wants the Fen Xing pearl, Baiyue states it is for someone else. Meditating, Baiyue is asked whether he will die, then replies not for the next three or five years. Travelling in secret with Duan, he wonders whether there is the concern that the emperor is avoiding him.
Personality
Dian Baiyue is known for being charismatic, intelligent, and cunning. He is a skilled strategist and a master manipulator, capable of using his wits to navigate complex political situations. Despite his cunning nature, he also has a compassionate side, especially towards those he cares about. He can be fiercely loyal to his friends and allies, willing to go to great lengths to protect them. Dian Baiyue is resourceful and adaptable, making him a formidable force in the political intrigues of the story.
Wang Da Bao[]
Bowing before Baiyue, he says this humble lord greets his lord. Answering he did indeed dig up the treasure from the mountain, Bao came to gift it to his lord, and he requests Baiyue please accept it. Detailing how it is a stone, Bao mentions for him to look carefully, for it is engraved with the Southwest tiger. While speaking how if the people were to see this stone, it could prove to be beneficial to Baiyue, all the while Bao is thinking how it is actually a forgery by himself.
Li[]
Asking where the emperor is, hearing that he is sleeping, Li answers something important has happened. With the situation urgent, Li affirms he has no time for etiquette. Revealing that Gu Li had been murdered, after investigations have occurred, Li reveals there are already rumors in the city right now.
Gu Li[]
Having been murdered, Li is Sha Da's younger brother. After eating roast duck in Tong Fu store on the day, Li went to a teahouse and listened to female performers.
Duan Yao[]
Joining his brother Baiyue, having kept watch on for half a month to catch it, Yao says he can see the insect if he wants. Travelling by horse with Baiyue, he questions whether they are just going to investigate the capital themselves. Unsure why, Yao thought the Chu emperor knew about this matter. To himself, Yao thinks Xi Nan King secretly going to Chu, is a crime punished with decapitation. Tasked with acquiring a pearl, Yao stealthily evades detection and successfully retrieves it.
Ye Jin[]
Qian Fan[]
Sent as a messenger, Qian travels via horse where he will arrive in five days. Arriving, Qian announces himself as a humble general, before adding how he pays respects to the emperor. Addressing how he has been instructed to return, Qian asks if something bad happened in the imperial court.
Duan Nian[]
Startled at darts being flung near him, Nian identifies himself to Yao as his subordinate. As previously expected, a few days after Baiyue left, the treasure was stolen. Travelling with Baiyue within a carriage, Duan questions should they head to Jiang Nan.
Sha Da[]
King Sha Da is staying in an inn having travelled to the city upon learning the news of his brother Gu Li's death. After munching on chicken, Sha decides to take an afternoon nap. For the evening, Sha details how he wants to eat steamed dumplings, braised pork leg, and grilled lamp chops.
Si Xi[]
Travelling in the carriage with Yuan, he wonders why they are going to Jiang Nan all of a sudden. Having served the emperor for many years, this is the first time that Si does not know the full picture. Thinking how repairing the embankments is important, Si considers with how restless the court is, how can the emperor go out when currently his hold on the capital is still unstable.
Liu Gong[]
With his son, Fude, he hears about the emperor's trip to Jiang Nan. Remarking that one can not be too impulsive, Gong comments the Liu Manor is in a position of high authority and Fude must think carefully before he does anything.
Liu Fude[]
Asking his father, Gang, what he thinks, Fude mentions how the palace is empty right now. Of the view that the rule of the one sitting on the throne today is not any better than the former emperor, Fude is afraid that this vast amount of power will not last more than a few years.
Story[]
Emperor Chu Yuan is alerted that the Southwest king has personally sent all his troops over and successfully defeated the upcoming rebellion. From where Duan Baiyue is, he receives a letter from the palace. Where Yuan had just turned 18 when he ascended the throne, at the time, factions split among the former imperial court and rebellions arose within the Northwest. Only the Southwest king was able to suppress the uprisings. Consequently, the Southwest was granted rewards and appeasement by the imperial court, including the bordering sixteen states given by the emperor, which extended far into the Chu kingdom. Among the commoners, rumors soon spread of the possibility that the wolfish ambition of the Southwest King would lead him to send his troops North and replace the emperor. In a meeting, Baiyue is presented a stone by Wang Da Bao. While it appears to be engraved with the Southwest tiger, Bao knows it is a forgery.[1]
While Baiyue is informed of an incoming letter from the capital, there, Li seeks out Yuan as he has an urgent message. Just now, the commander of the imperial guards came across a body found in the alley behind the Fu Yun gate. It is the prince of the Ah Nu country, a knife had pierced through his heart from the back. The Ah Nu country is located in the Xi Bei border, and its ruler is called Sha Da. When Yuan had ascended the throne, Mo Bei was in turmoil. Sha Da and the Zhen Xi general sent troops together, and only then did things calm down. It is also for this reason that the state of Chu has always regarded the Ah Nu country as an ally. Where Yuan intends to go and take a look at the circumstances surrounding the murder scene, Baiyue regards the night sky from his location.[2]
After Baiyue is joined by his brother, Duan Yao, they commence travelling by horse to the emperor's location. While heading to the capital, they make their way to a ruined tower. A pearl is located inside, which Baiyue tasks Yao with retrieving. Successfully doing so, it is mentioned that the tower is Jui Xuan Ji. A location notorious for traps, that Yao avoided, he learns the pearl is named Fen Xing. The Jiu Xuan Ji tower was built by one of the fellow apprentices of the master craftsman, Lu Ban. Inside, there are all kinds of dangerous traps. Just a moment of carelessness will result in one's death. In recent years, many people in Jianghu have lost their lives, and rumors have become increasingly weird. After Yao asks why Baiyue wanted the Fen Xing pearl, Baiyue answers it is for someone else.[3]
Images[]
References[]
Wiki Link[]
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