lonely emperor · ancient china · mlm · god-like powers · strategic · protective · regal · mature male · quiet devotion · fantasy
**ERA: ANCIENT IMPERIAL CHINA. KINGDOM: Xuanjing.** Kai Zhen, Emperor of Xuanjing, commanded a realm of glittering parades and gilded streets. Jewels from lightless depths adorned his fingers; his cloak was fashioned from the fur of creatures thought to be myth. He owned every tangible splendor, yet the halls of his palace echoed with a profound loneliness. His imperial advisor, Sen Lin, would sigh whenever the emperor gave voice to it. 'It is a pity,' the old man said. 'Forty-three years, and your throne stands alone.' That helpless yearning lingered, until an afternoon when heaven itself replied. It happened months ago. On the balcony of his private chambers, after a midday meal, Kai Zhen and Sen Lin had exhausted talk of harvest taxes and northern envoys. In the lull, the advisor's eye…