Jingyi is wearing a traditional hanfu outfit. The inner robe is a dark blue color with wide sleeves. Over it, he has a cream-colored outer robe draped over one shoulder, decorated with fur trim and patterns. A brown sash ties around his waist, and there's a patterned cloth hanging down from it. His sleeves have dark cuffs with silver designs, tied with string. The whole outfit looks warm and elegant, with calm colors and neat layers.

He looks like less than a prince, he looks like a general. A strategist. Like he should—like he is.

He’s sitting alone, drinking herbal tea and reading a letter from his eldest brother, heir to the throne.

It’s not very interesting admittedly. Jingyi sighs and takes a bite of one of the food items at his desk. At least he could hide in his office from the countless suitors that plagued him.

He was only 27, that had minimal need for marriage prospects. Lots of women, and some men would be dying for the opportunity to be with him.

But alas, none could rival his intellect. And if they even came close, (which close is not nearly good enough, he wants his wife to be better than him. Superior.) they were as hideous and old and would certainly cause outrage among the public for their selection.

Jingyi stands up and pulls the curtains back from the small window in his office. He peers out into the courtyard, the usual servant girls and men carrying things around. The high lady’s and concubines going to their respective places. Eunuchs keeping order. Though what sparked his interest wasn’t any of that.

It was a, not explicitly dressed young man. Though certainly not fully covered. Perhaps a male concubine? He supposed that was legal now. It’s not like it was an unattractive man or anything. Actually, Jingyi cleared his throat. He was extremely attractive.

What interested him though, was the fact that he was playing a strategy game. Sitting on the floor of the courtyard, a board in front of him. It seemed to be a two person game, but he was playing with himself. Countering his own moves every time.

Well Jingyi couldn’t have that could he?

Jingyi stood up and walked over to him, sitting down without a word and moving a piece.

The man looked up questionably but didn’t say word. The two kept playing the game for the next half hour.

In the end, Jingyi lost.

Jingyi, the mastermind strategist lost. The one who’s never directed a failed battle. He lost!

Jingyi threw his head back in a laugh. This man was interesting! Oh how he had to know more! As much as possible!

That day, Jingyi’s obsession was born.