Zhao Shun was a king whose life was fraught with misfortune. He lost his father at birth and his mother, the Empress, when he was just three years old. As a result, he was raised by his stepfather, Wei Yun, and Wei Yun’s wife, Chu Yu.

His mother had passed away too early for him to have any memories of her. From the time he began to understand the world, it was always Wei Yun and Chu Yu by his side. Privately, he referred to them as “father” and “mother,” as if they were his biological parents.

For an ordinary child, such a situation might feel awkward. However, Wei Yun and Chu Yu accepted these titles with ease. They even brought their children into the palace to play with him, introducing them as his younger siblings.

Thus, even though Zhao Shun lost his parents at a young age, he never felt like an orphan. Every year during the Spring Festival, he celebrated with the Wei family, and often, Gu Chusheng would bring his children along.

Gu Chusheng’s child, Gu Yanqing, was only a few months older than Zhao Shun. At the New Year banquet, the two often took on the role of older brothers, looking after Wei Yan and Wei Wan. Wei Yan was stubborn and mischievous, while Wei Wan was a gentle little girl. Every year, Wei Yan would find ways to tease Wei Wan, and when Gu Yanqing saw this, he would become displeased and confront Wei Yan. At that time, they were evenly matched, and Wei Yan would angrily shout at Gu Yanqing, “This is my sister; it’s none of your business!”

Gu Yanqing would flush with anger and finally say, “Well, if I marry her in the future, then it is my business!”

Wei Yan was taken aback by Gu Yanqing’s determination to meddle. After a long pause, he finally retorted, “You have no shame!”

Zhao Shun was puzzled and asked Gu Yanqing, “Why would marrying Wei Wan give you the right to manage her affairs?”

Gu Yanqing blushed and replied, “If I marry her, she will be called Gu Wei, and then we will be a family. Of course, I can take care of her.”

This statement enlightened Zhao Shun. As he grew older, he began to realize that no matter how well Wei Yun and Chu Yu treated him, he would always be an outsider. Their kindness might very well stem from the fact that he was the emperor of this nation, or perhaps because he was an orphan. After all, Wei Yun and Chu Yu were truly good people.

Zhao Shun understood this truth when he was eight years old. One day, a young eunuch was assigned to him in the palace. This eunuch was a boy who treated him well. One night, while the boy was keeping watch by his side, Zhao Shun couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you so good to me?”

The young eunuch smiled, “Because you are His Majesty.”

Zhao Shun was somewhat confused and continued, “So, is everyone else nice to me because I am His Majesty?”

The boy nodded without hesitation, “Of course! You are His Majesty; everyone in the world should treat you well.”

Being an emperor seemed like a very happy thing, as everyone had to be nice to him. However, that night, Zhao Shun felt uneasy. He suddenly realized that Wei Yun and Chu Yu’s kindness might have some strange factors behind it.

So, he asked Wei Yan and Wei Wan, “Why do Father and Mother treat you well?”

They answered as if it were obvious, “Because we are their children!”

Zhao Shun thought for a moment and finally understood why he felt unhappy. The relationship between parents and children could not be changed. However, one day, he might not be the emperor anymore. When that day came, would Chu Yu and Wei Yun still treat him the same way?

The boy pondered for a long time. On the day he turned eight, he recalled Gu Yanqing’s reasoning and smiled brightly, saying, “I understand! If I marry Wei Wan, then I will also be a family with a Father and Mother.”

Gu Yanqing nodded foolishly but then warned, “Are you going to marry Wei Wan?”

Zhao Shun thought for a moment and asked, “What about Wei Yan? Can he marry?”

Gu Yanqing was stunned by Zhao Shun’s idea. He looked at Zhao Shun meaningfully and finally said, “Your Majesty, do you know what it means to marry someone?”

Zhao Shun shook his head, “I don’t know.”

Gu Yanqing laughed and said, “Then go tell Lord Wei that you want to marry Wei Yan. I will marry Wei Wan, and then we will all be one family.”

Zhao Shun nodded and ran to Wei Yun, saying earnestly, “Father, I want to ask you for something.”

Wei Yun looked at Zhao Shun and inquired, “What is it?”

Zhao Shun was Wei Yun’s most beloved son. Since he had sent Zhao Shun to the palace, Wei Yun had always felt guilty towards his eldest son. Generally, he would agree to any request Zhao Shun made. However, this time, Zhao Shun’s request shocked him. Zhao Shun said seriously, “Father, I want to marry Wei Yan, and Gu Yanqing will marry Wei Wan. That way, we will always be a family.”

Wei Yun was silent for a moment. After a while, he raised his head and glared at Gu Chusheng, “What nonsense have you taught your son?!”

Gu Chusheng, drinking wine, turned to Wei Yun and replied gently, “Naturally, I taught him the Four Books and Five Classics, the words of the sages. Is there a problem?”

Saying this, Gu Chusheng laughed heartily, “What, has your son been fooled by Yanqing again?”

Wei Yun had long been unwilling to admit that both his eldest and second sons seemed to lack Gu Yanqing’s cunning and were always deceived by him. He took a deep breath and turned to Wei Wan, saying, “Wan’er, our family is counting on you.”

Wei Wan smiled sweetly, “Father, don’t worry. I understand.”

With that, Wei Wan stood up and waved to Gu Yanqing, “Brother Yanqing, come here! I have something good to show you.”

Gu Yanqing was called over by Wei Wan and happily followed her out of the main hall.

After the two children left, Wei Yun turned to Zhao Shun. Zhao Shun looked eagerly at Wei Yun, who was momentarily at a loss for words. After a long pause, he finally asked, “Why did you suddenly have such an idea?”

“Because I want to be a family with Father.”

The child spoke candidly, “They told me that you treat me well because I am the emperor. What if one day I am no longer the emperor? So, if I am a family with you, then you will always treat me well.”

These words left the adults present stunned. Chu Yu felt a pang of sadness and turned away, unable to look at Zhao Shun any longer. Wei Yun looked at Zhao Shun, his eyes filled with bitterness. After a long time, he sighed, “Silly child, you have always been a part of our family.”

Saying this, Wei Yun embraced him, patting his back, “Shun’er, you will always be our child. Your mother and I treat you well not because you are the emperor, but because we are indeed a family.”

“Will Father and Mother always treat me this well?” Zhao Shun asked anxiously.

Chu Yu spoke gently, “Yes.”

Her voice was a bit hoarse but very sincere, “Always.”

Zhao Shun opened his mouth, wanting to say something more, but at that moment, Gu Yanqing’s scream echoed from outside. Gu Chusheng frowned and stood up, wanting to go out. Wei Yun cheerfully said, “Lord Gu, what are you going out for? Our Wan’er is just a girl; what can she do to your son?”

Hearing this, Gu Chusheng felt a bit embarrassed to go out again. After all, if something happened to Gu Yanqing at the hands of such a gentle girl like Wei Wan, it would be a disgrace for him.

After a while, Wei Wan returned with Gu Yanqing, who looked a bit pale. Gu Chusheng hurriedly asked, “Yanqing, what happened?”

Gu Yanqing shook his head, “Father, it’s nothing.”

Gu Yanqing refused to say, and the adults could not press further. Wei Yun, however, was very pleased and leaned close to Wei Wan, whispering, “How did you deal with him?”

Wei Wan smiled gently and took out a small snake from her sleeve.

This time, Wei Yun’s expression darkened. However, he had long known that his daughter liked to keep snakes and could not stop her. After all, he fully supported whatever hobbies his daughter had.

After the banquet ended that night, Wei Yun and Chu Yu lay in bed, both unable to sleep. After a long while, Chu Yu suddenly said, “I want to tell him the truth.”

Wei Yun felt a bit anxious, “Should we say it now?”

“Shun’er has already understood many things,” Chu Yu sighed. “If we don’t tell him the truth, he will always be worried and unhappy. Sending him to the palace has already been a great injustice to him. If we continue to hide this from him, making him feel different from his siblings, that would be too unfair.”

“But he is so young,” Wei Yun frowned. “Can he understand what we are saying? Even if he does, what if he can’t keep this secret and tells others?”

Chu Yu bit her lip. After a long time, she finally said, “Then let him grow a bit more.”

When Zhao Shun turned ten, Gu Chusheng began to take him to handle state affairs. Although he was Wei Yun’s son, he did not share Wei Yun’s aversion to reading. On the contrary, he loved to read and seemed more like Gu Chusheng. Gu Chusheng was his tutor and often spoke to Zhao Shun about the ways of governing a country. By the age of ten, Zhao Shun was already able to debate with ministers in the court and express his opinions.

One day, Wei Yun saw him questioning Gu Chusheng and felt very pleased. When he returned, he said to Chu Yu, “I think the child has grown up. Shouldn’t we tell him the truth?”

Chu Yu nodded.

So, on the night of Zhao Shun’s tenth birthday, he received the greatest gift of his life. Wei Yun and Chu Yu stayed alone in Zhao Shun’s chamber and recounted the entire story of the past. Worried that Zhao Shun might not understand, Wei Yun spoke slowly and simply, while Chu Yu supplemented his words. They explained everything in very simple terms. Zhao Shun listened quietly for a long time. After a while, Wei Yun felt his throat dry and took a few sips of water before finally asking, “Shun’er, do you understand? If you don’t, we can explain it again.”

Zhao Shun smiled and looked up at Chu Yu and Wei Yun, saying earnestly, “So, I am your biological child, right?”

“Yes,” Chu Yu nodded, taking his hand and saying seriously, “You are our biological child, which is why we have taken care of you just like we do with Wei Yan and Wei Wan all these years.”

“I understand,” Zhao Shun nodded and continued, “So I have another choice. I don’t necessarily have to be the emperor, right?”

“Correct.”

Chu Yu looked at him earnestly, “If you don’t want to be the emperor, we will think of other ways.”

“But if I don’t become the emperor and someone else takes my place, will they give me a way out?”

“Don’t worry about that,” Chu Yu immediately replied, “Your father and I will find a way.”

“What way could there be?” Zhao Shun laughed, “Don’t say he won’t let me go; he might not even spare my father. With Father’s power, if I am not his biological child, raised by you, as an emperor, I wouldn’t even know what I would think or do. If I feel this way, how much more so for others?”

“You don’t need to worry about us,” Wei Yun said, pursing his lips. “Your mother and I have weathered many storms. This matter is not insurmountable in our eyes. Your feelings are what matter most.”

Zhao Shun lowered his head and remained silent. After a long time, he finally said, “Gu Taifu has always told me that everyone has their inherent responsibilities. I am the emperor; my responsibility is to govern this country and protect the common people. Now that you tell me I don’t have to be the emperor, what can I do?”

“I have lived happily these years and have not felt unhappy. I have always considered it a great honor to do something for this world.”

“Are you sure?” Chu Yu asked anxiously. “You must not overthink it regarding your father and me. You only need to think about whether you like it or not. Your father and I have endured so much hardship over the years, and all we hope for is that you and your siblings can live well.”

Zhao Shun thought for a moment and finally said, “Aren’t there still many years ahead? I will think about it some more. When I reach adulthood, I will give you my answer.”

Zhao Shun’s words were very mature, completely unlike a ten-year-old child. Chu Yu and Wei Yun, however, recognized Zhao Shun’s thoughts. Wei Yun pondered for a moment and finally said, “Then you should go out more and see more. After you have seen the vastness of this world, if you still choose to return here, your father will always support you.”

“Can I?” Zhao Shun was somewhat surprised. “Can I go out of the palace freely?”

“Yes,” Wei Yun replied without hesitation. “Your father will take care of everything behind the scenes.”

As they stepped outside, Chu Yu finally said, “What if something happens when you allow him to go out?”

“In the past, during times of chaos, I was always on the move,” Wei Yun chuckled. “Didn’t anyone ever ask me what would happen if I got into trouble?”

“That’s why I worry about you all the time,” Chu Yu instinctively replied. Both of them fell silent for a moment. After a while, Wei Yun pressed his lips together, suppressing a smile, and took her hand, saying, “In my youth, I indeed caused you a lot of worry.”

“Why let him wander around?” Chu Yu didn’t want to dwell on that topic and changed the subject. “Can’t he think things through while staying in the palace?”

“When I was young, I liked you, but everyone told me that if I hadn’t seen the world, my feelings were too fragile. One day, when I saw the world, I might leave you. Gu Chusheng said my feelings were shallow, and so did my second sister-in-law. So, I went out. I traveled the world and finally confirmed that I only liked you.”

Chu Yu listened to his words, her ears turning red. She turned her head away, feeling a bit shy. “What’s the point of saying this after all these years?”

Wei Yun laughed, “That’s why I hope Shun’er can do the same. He’s not making this decision blindly; he’s walked, seen, and thought seriously about it. He knows what he stands to lose and what he must give up before making his final choice.”

Chu Yu sighed. After a long pause, she finally said, “Then let him go.”

Zhao Shun’s first outing from the palace was at the age of thirteen. Wei Yun assigned Wei Yan, Wei Wan, and Gu Yanqing to accompany him, along with Qin Shiyue and Wei Qingping, ensuring everything was foolproof.

That year, there was a drought, and Zhao Shun went to the disaster area. Under the scorching sun, he walked on the cracked earth, his feet sore. Looking at the lifeless eyes of the people, he felt an overwhelming urge to be a good emperor and to help them.

After that, Zhao Shun frequently ventured out. Sometimes he went to gambling houses, other times to tea houses, and even at the age of sixteen, he visited brothels and taverns with Wei Yan and Gu Yanqing.

The three young men quickly grew up, tall and handsome. Wherever they went, they received many handkerchiefs from admirers, becoming well-known young nobles in Huajing.

Zhao Shun loved this feeling. He enjoyed witnessing the peace and prosperity of the world and seeing smiles on everyone’s faces. Each time he left the palace and received praise from the people, hearing them call him a good emperor, countless joys surged within him.

He and Gu Yanqing often discussed policies to benefit the people, while Wei Yan immersed himself in military strategy, spending any free time he had in the barracks.

By the time Zhao Shun turned twenty, the three young men had already achieved significant accomplishments. Gu Yanqing had entered the government early and was now a fourth-rank official in charge of the Ministry of Revenue. He seemed to be following in Gu Chusheng’s footsteps, starting from the Ministry of Revenue and destined to become an important minister in the court. Wei Yan had also gone to the frontier at the age of seventeen, becoming a renowned general. Wei Wan was known for her beauty and grace, well-educated and talented in poetry, yet she remained unmarried. It was said that any man who had the fortune to court her would return, praising, “Miss Wei is truly talented and beautiful.” However, those who failed to impress her would often flee in fear, leaving everyone wondering what they had experienced.

This was the most prosperous era of the Great Chu. After Wei Yun pacified the regions and Gu Chusheng focused on nurturing the people for twenty years, the Great Chu reached unprecedented heights.

On the eve of Zhao Shun’s coronation, Wei Yun and Chu Yu decided to seek his final answer.

Gu Chusheng learned of their plan and hurried to wait for them at the palace gate. When Wei Yun and Chu Yu appeared, Gu Chusheng rushed forward and said, “You should go back.”

Wei Yun and Chu Yu frowned, remaining silent as the two sides faced off. Gu Chusheng sighed, “I hope Shun’er can continue to be this emperor.”

Wei Yun frowned, and Chu Yu turned to the palace guards, raising her hand to signal them to disperse. Gu Chusheng said softly, “Wei Yun, how many years have we waited for such an emperor? If Shun’er doesn’t take the throne, who else can do it better than him?”

“But he must choose for himself. I promised him he has the right to choose,” Chu Yu frowned. “Twenty years ago, to stabilize the situation, to protect the country and the people, I sent him to the palace. Now that the world is at peace, you say he has done so well that he no longer has the right to choose?”

“Ah Yu, I understand your feelings,” Gu Chusheng said anxiously. “But have you thought about what will happen if Shun’er doesn’t become emperor? What should we do? We can’t put our interests above the people!”

“That is our concern,” Chu Yu replied earnestly. “How can we let the next generation sacrifice for our responsibilities? Now that the Great Chu is peaceful and the people are safe, it is far from the situation we faced before. Even without Shun’er, the sky won’t fall!”

With that, Chu Yu pushed Gu Chusheng aside and strode into the palace. Gu Chusheng hurried to follow, but Wei Yun raised his hand to block him.

“Do you think the same way?” Gu Chusheng stared at Wei Yun. “I thought you were a sensible person.”

Wei Yun smiled awkwardly, “Gu Xiong, our lady is the most important. If you can stop her, I will not follow her.”

“If I could stop her, why would I be wasting time with you?!” Gu Chusheng shouted in anger.

“I knew it,” Wei Yun sighed. “You’re just picking on the soft targets. You can’t stop her, and I can’t either.”

With that, Wei Yun let go and turned to chase after Chu Yu, calling out loudly, “Madam, wait for me!”

Gu Chusheng gritted his teeth and finally chased after them, shouting, “You all slow down!”

The three of them arrived at Zhao Shun’s chamber. Zhao Shun was dressed in casual clothes, writing. When Chu Yu and Wei Yun entered, Zhao Shun seemed to have anticipated their arrival and was not surprised. He looked up and respectfully said, “Father, Mother.”

Then he noticed Gu Chusheng, who was panting as he caught up. He paused for a moment but still greeted, “Taifu.”

Wei Yun nodded and raised his hand to dismiss the others. Zhao Shun stepped forward to personally pour tea for the three of them.

“I won’t keep you in suspense,” Wei Yun said straightforwardly. “We are here tonight to ask for your final answer.”

“I understand,” Zhao Shun smiled. Gu Chusheng, feeling anxious, stood up and said, “Shun’er…”

Before he could finish, Chu Yu slammed her hand on the table, glaring at him and coldly commanding, “Shut up!”

At her words, Gu Chusheng felt momentarily breathless. Everyone knew that Gu Chusheng had never feared anyone in his life, except for Chu Yu.

Zhao Shun sensed the atmosphere among the three and smiled gently, saying, “Taifu need not worry. Tomorrow, I will have my coronation ceremony, and afterward, I will be an adult. Matters of the court will still require guidance from Taifu, Father, and Mother.”

Hearing this, the three were taken aback. Gu Chusheng asked in surprise, “Your Majesty means you will stay in the palace?”

“I don’t know if I will stay in the palace forever, but I will always be this emperor.”

“Why?” Chu Yu frowned. “If you are doing this for us…”

“It’s not,” Zhao Shun interjected decisively. He looked at Chu Yu, warmth in his expression. “Over the years, I have traveled to many places, following in the footsteps of my father and mother throughout the Great Chu. I have heard the stories of you from the mouths of the people. I understand how the Great Chu came to be today, and I realize what this prosperity is built upon. I am the child of Wei Qilang and General Beifeng, and perhaps I have inherited my parents’ qualities by nature. Like you, I do not want the people to suffer, nor do I want others to face hardship. Seeing others find happiness because of my efforts brings me joy. Witnessing this country’s prosperity fills my heart with passion, making me feel that my life is worthwhile.”

“I once fantasized about what it would be like if I were not emperor, but when I walked the streets as an ordinary nobleman, I found myself powerless to do anything I wanted. When I wanted to help someone, it required great effort, and I realized that being emperor is indeed better.”

“I am grateful to you for giving me this opportunity to choose. Now, I want to choose to stay here.”

“This decision was not made rashly,” Zhao Shun said seriously, yet with a smile. “I have traveled many roads and seen many people, and only then did I decide that I want to stay here.”

Wei Yun remained silent, quietly observing Zhao Shun.

Zhao Shun’s appearance now clearly resembled Wei Yun’s features. At that moment, Wei Yun felt as if Zhao Shun were the twenty-year-old version of himself, kneeling before him, speaking earnestly and clearly.

“I stay here for the people, for my family, and myself.”

Hearing this, Gu Chusheng finally felt relieved.

The three of them quietly looked at Zhao Shun, realizing that in the blink of an eye, twenty years had passed, and this child had truly grown up.

They chatted with Zhao Shun for a while longer before finally leaving his chamber. As they walked along the corridor, Gu Chusheng suddenly stopped, looking up at the starry sky.

“I’ve noticed,” Gu Chusheng said with a hint of a smile, “the stars seem unchanged compared to twenty years ago, yet we have aged.”

“Yes,” Chu Yu sighed. “They have all grown up.”

“Our era has come to an end,” Wei Yun said. Chu Yu and Gu Chusheng turned to look at him, and after a moment, the three exchanged knowing smiles.

Their era had ended, but the passion and glory they shared would forever be etched in history, enduring through time.

Whether it was Gu Chusheng, who would be viewed with mixed opinions by future generations, Wei Yun, who was regarded as a hero, or Chu Yu, who lived on in legendary tales, they had not lived their lives in vain.