As the son of the Empress Consort, the title of Crown Prince was bestowed upon Naeris at birth, though he had an older half-brother, Jin Kuijie, who would go on to become Prince Ren of Shou. Naeris's mother Namys Garadiir, Empress Consort Zhang, taught him foreign magic. A physically weak and somewhat fragile child, Naeris spent his early years indoors. Even when his constitution improved, Naeris continued to dislike physical activity.

His formal tutelage included subjects meant to make him a wise and virtuous leader. He was tutored in history, literature, languages, military strategy, foreign relations/diplomacy, calligraphy, art, philosophy, poetry, astronomy, cartography, magical creatures, and qi-based mystic arts.

Naeris and his older half-brother were very close, regularly enjoying each other's company. His brother took after their father, Jin Wenzheng, Emperor Chun; he was outgoing, honest, and charismatic.

Naeris, on the other hand, was a bookish and reclusive child. He was quiet and spent most of his time studying, wanting to exceed the expectations of his tutors. He took quiet pride in his sharp mind and artistic ability. In spite of this, Naeris maintained an air of humility. He was generally considered to be a level-headed and filial prince. Over time, he began developing grand visions for the country's future, which he shared only with his mother and brother.

When Naeris was twelve years old, a long-standing border dispute with Dojong drew his parents and older brother into battle. Two years later, his parents and older half-brother were dead. The Imperial Council appointed Naeris' uncle, Jin Wenyu, then the Prince of Yang, as regent until Naeris' 20th birthday, despite previous emperors having ascended to the throne even younger than Naeris.

After the death of his parents and brother, Naeris became more reserved and guarded. Acting on a hunch, he had a trusted eunuch investigate his uncle. He confirmed his suspicions — his uncle had been responsible for the death of his parents and for the Imperial Council's decision. Before he could act on this information, two assassination attempts were made in quick succession.

The night of the second assassination attempt, Naeris fled the country. He knew that his uncle had support of the Imperial Council and far more experience in the games of deception and the Court than he. For the next two years, Naeris traveled, training to become stronger and searching for allies so he could someday depose his uncle. Though qi-based mystic arts — which he studied with his tutors — are inaccessible outside of Zhao, he continues to practice foreign magic. Naeris studies necromancy rather than evocation as his mother did.

During his travels, Naeris taught himself the art of disguise to further prevent his uncle from tracking him down. He also made sure to learn about poisons, just in case.

WIP