After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

I was born during the era when noble families held the highest status, and the Zhao Family was not merely aristocratic; there was even a noble title in my household, with a wise and capable elder brother leading the family. My life should have been as beautiful and flourishing as orchids and jade trees, naturally destined for greatness.

Yet, I was born at an unfortunate time, caught in the political turmoil caused by Empress Jia, as the Great Jin's fate wavered. Empress Jia was unwilling to see us brothers united and feared we might band together against her, so she persistently sowed discord between us. My brother and I tried to outsmart her by pretending to be successfully provoked, making our relationship appear tense.

However, once certain words were spoken, they could not be taken back. Over time, it was inevitable that we would suspect whether the other was using this pretense as an excuse, and if what was said was actually heartfelt, leading to a deterioration in my brother's relationship with me.

I considered myself outstanding, yet perhaps because my brother was too dazzling, everyone could only see him and not me. Perhaps from a young age, I was envious of my brother! Especially after my brother had publicly insulted me, maybe the seeds of resentment were already sown then.

Later, my brother's only son passed away, and his grandson was feeble-minded. Without an heir, he reluctantly had to pass the title to my son. At that time, my heart was filled with more joy and satisfaction from avenging grudges.

I had always been envious and resentful of my brother, yet I respected him as well. I was self-aware enough to know that in every aspect, I was inferior to him, but I never thought that in the end, my son would outlive his son, and my grandson would be smarter than his grandson, feeling as though I had finally leveled the playing field.

However, the circumstances changed too quickly. My brother, to protect the family, willingly went to his death. At that moment, my heart was conflicted. I didn't know whether, if faced with the same situation someday, I would be able to sacrifice my life for justice like my brother, and whether I could perform better than my brother.

After my brother's death, Luoyang descended into chaos at an alarming speed. Zhao Ji, along with Mrs. Wang and others, escorted my brother's coffin back home but lost Mrs. Wang and her children, as well as my brother's coffin along the way, while his entire family returned unharmed. At that moment, I thought I was deeply disappointed in this son, yet I didn't know there would be countless future instances of even deeper disappointment.

I thought my grandson could surpass my brother's grandson, but perhaps my brother's grandson was not smart, yet he had an extremely intelligent granddaughter, whereas my son and grandson were truly foolish.

Hanzhang managed to take control of five counties in Yu State in a short period and cultivate her own loyal Zhao Family Army, repelling the Xiongnu and coming to Luoyang to protect the emperor.