Great Ming: The Scathing Writer Whose Work Has Officials Begging Him to Stop

In the sixth year of the Hongwu era, Zhu Yuanzhang says: The imperial examinations are canceled. Everyone, go home.

Successful candidate Gu Zhengchen: I've traveled all this way, borrowed money, and paid rent. You can't just cancel everything like that! Old Zhu, you've ruined my family!

His family is poor, creditors are at the door, and his younger sister is about to be sold!

Gu Zhengchen needs to earn money to support his family. He finds a theater enthusiast and sells him the manuscript of The Legend of the White Snake, boils down brown sugar, mixes it with muddy water, then makes white sugar and builds a fortune!

Recommended for the post of Magistrate of Jurong County, he refuses to falsify the blank account books. He makes the trip back and forth instead, even if it wears him out, because at least he won't lose his head.

When he runs into Old Zhu: That person meant well, but made things worse...

When he runs into Zhu Biao: You need to get some exercise...

When he runs into Zhu Di: Fourth Brother Zhu, stop picking on honest people...

An imperial game of chess, a walk along the precipice, a minister serving three reigns, and the Ming Dynasty at its height?

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.