The Third Prince Jing Shao was the warlord whose capabilities were seen as a threat to the ruler of the reign. The reigning emperor went to the extent of betrothing him to Mu Hanzhang, the unfavored son of the marquess, to deprive Jing Shao of his right to succession. After giving this male consort years of cold feet, Jing Shao would go on to realize that Hanzhang was the only one to stick by his side the moment before his death.