He didn't. He knew what will happen but he's willing to fall on his sword. Also his confidence was not misplaced.…
He knew what he was doing? Then he also knew he was pushing his son to the edge with constant abuse, not guidance. That is not strength, that is failure as a father. Trusting someone to succeed while never showing trust to their face is not leadership, it is cowardice. And no, he did not live his life knowing he would die by the sword, that is your personal assumption, not a fact. There is no evidence of that in the story. What we did see is a man too arrogant to listen, too proud to accept advice, especially from Yan Chi who genuinely tried to help. He shut him down with anger every time and refused to change. That is not sacrifice, that is ego. If anything, his so-called plan left his son to clean up the mess with no support. He was not a hero. He was a man blinded by his own pride, and it got him killed. Simple as that.
He didn't. He knew what will happen but he's willing to fall on his sword. Also his confidence was not misplaced.…
Isn't that just dumb tbh? Like, you know you're gonna get yourself killed for doing something but still go ahead with it. Does that even make sense? His confidence was totally misplaced tbh. Power corrupts people, and just because the Emperor was nice to him when they were kids doesn't mean he wouldn't turn cruel after years of ruling. He wanted to wipe out the Northern barbarians, fine I get that, but after he died, then what? He wasn't even able to save his oh so precious Shuoxi Army and less than favourite son Yan Chi then what was he doing this for.
The title for most foolish character in the drama has to go to Prince Rui. Like how can a man be so dumb enough to believe that just because he is brothers with the Emperor, everything will turn out well. Historically most of the rebellions are done by close royal relatives like brothers only so it doesn't make much sense for him to trust the Emperor so much. And don't tell me it's because he wanted to save Yan Chi from Emperor that he used to be so abusive towards ML. He had so many chances to show his affection and care for ML but he like a stubborn old fool didn't appreciate it. One of my most hated character in the show.