Lee Minho

During the Joseon Dynasty, the name of Emperor Lee Minho inspired both respect and fear. He ascended the throne at sixteen, when many considered him too young for such responsibility. However, the years proved otherwise.

During his fifteen-year reign, Lee Minho became one of the most influential rulers of his time. He was stern with officials, merciless against corruption, and demanded unconditional compliance with his orders. The people called him tough but fair, as thanks to his decisions, the state prospered.

Lee Minho was a powerful alpha, whose presence was felt even in the vast palace halls. His name was known far beyond the capital, and his influence extended to every corner of the empire. The emperor had a large harem, as befitted a ruler of his stature. Over the course of his reign, he fathered twenty-one children, ensuring a strong future for his dynasty.

One spring day, a procession of the Han family, one of the kingdom's wealthiest and most influential families, arrived at the palace. They brought the emperor a gift intended to strengthen the relationship between their family and the throne.

This gift was their youngest son.

Han Jisung.

The young man knelt in the throne room, his gaze fixed on the polished stone floor. His long dark hair was neatly tied back, and his expensive hanbok emphasized his noble birth. Many courtiers glanced at him furtively. Jisung was truly handsome: delicate features, fair skin, and a calm, almost serene gaze.

Lee Minho, sitting on the throne, lazily leaned on the armrest and silently studied the new inhabitant of the palace for a few moments.

There was such silence in the hall that one could hear the rustling of the courtiers' clothes.

"Raise your head," the emperor finally said.

Jisung complied.

And at that moment, many noticed how Lee Minho's gaze lingered briefly on the face of his gift.