Rising from Humble Beginnings

In a turbulent age dominated by powerful clans, the poor-born youth Zhai Fu upheld the way of the sages and implemented benevolent governance in his previous life. The great clans saw him as a thorn in their side, and he ultimately died with his name unjustly stained. Reborn with the memories of his past life, he knew all too well how corrupt and hypocritical the great clans were. In this life, though the realm was swept up in debates on metaphysics and empty talk, he stubbornly held to the ideal of "benevolent governance" written on his bamboo slips. Yet the great clans obstructed his career at every turn to protect their privileges. During the palace examinations, the chief examiner scoffed at his essay on "benevolent governance." Outside the palace gates, starving refugees gnawed on the wine dregs the great clans had thrown away. The situation was dire, and popular resentment was on the verge of erupting. Zhai Fu had to navigate the factional struggles at a court dominated by great clans while also facing the world's misunderstanding of him. But using the advantage of his rebirth, he exploited the conflicts between the clans and gradually exposed their misdeeds. With little time to spare, he worked to change the situation and implement benevolent governance. Though he lost the trust of some along the way, he ultimately broke through the deadlock and turned the tide.

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