Lianyu

Introduction

The former Dragon Emperor and Jianqing’s older half-brother. A tyrant who wrested power unjustly, only to later become disillusioned with ruling after his actions drove away everyone he cared about. To remedy his isolation and loneliness, he takes pleasure in tormenting those he believes to be beneath him.

His subjects believe him to be cruel and uncaring, but it is the occasional shred of compassion he demonstrates that instils more fear. What sort of man would adopt an orphaned young Qilin, only to abuse him and force him into a life of violence and bloodshed? How could one avoid the wrath of an emperor who seems to act purely according his whims?

Only Jianqing knows of the gentle older brother who once held his hand and patiently taught him how to read and write, even when all of the imperial tutors had given up on the unruly second prince. The same brother who always shouldered the blame for him whenever he got into trouble, who would be unfairly beaten for infractions he did not commit. The same brother whose heart he pierced with his sword, putting an end to his reign of tyranny.