Qin De stared at the chessboard, his brow knitted as he struggled to find a way out.
Though skilled in military formations, he fell a little short of Feng Yuzu when it came to chess.
Ten years passed before he knew it, and Qin De had three more children: Qin Feng, Qin Zheng, and Qin Yu.
Over those ten years, he had gradually learned about this world through the conversations of the maids and guards.
He had even practiced martial arts in secret. His gifts for the zither and flute were especially remarkable; even Qin De sometimes could not help marveling at his playing.
He had little interest in his father Qin De's plans, focusing only on making himself stronger.
Only with strength would he have a foundation for protecting his family, and only then would he feel safe.
Meanwhile, at the Chu Dynasty's court, Emperor Xiang Guang grew more wary of Qin De with each passing day.
The Three Passes of the Northern Border were both a vital barrier against the Barbarian Tribe of the northern grasslands and a region where Qin De's influence ran deep.
Xiang Guang repeatedly tried to install his own trusted men and withhold military pay and provisions, but Qin De deftly countered every move.
Clashes along the border grew increasingly frequent. A great war hung by a thread, ready to erupt.
Late one night, the study in the Eastern Pacification Prince's Residence blazed with lamplight.
Qin De still wore his armor, travel dust clinging to him. Clearly, he had just rushed back from the front.
The map of the Northern Border spread before him bore markings of the latest enemy and friendly positions.
Feng Yuzu sat beside him, his expression grave.
"Your Highness, the Barbarian Tribe has gathered far more troops this time