In the Name of the People: In the Ming Dynasty, I Outwit Heaven

Reborn in the Ming dynasty's imperial prison, Qi Tongwei awakened the Nation-Strengthening System and found himself a condemned prisoner from the start.

The Han University faction used Neo-Confucianism to crush its enemies, the Zhao faction paved its way with silver, the secretaries' faction besieged its rivals with political achievements, and the imperial authority kept everything in check from the shadows.

But he wielded a flintlock and, as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, exposed the imperial examination scandal, quelled the upheaval over salt permits, and sent the Yan faction to the execution ground.

He lifted the ban on maritime trade, annexed Luzon, and sent his fleet east across the ocean to the Americas, bringing a flood of silver back to the Ming.

From riding alone into the capital to hand over his tiger tally, to donning armor at the age of eighty to secure the empire's borders, Qi Tongwei used the wisdom of two lifetimes to tell everyone: I will ultimately win even a half-move against Heaven!

Hou Liangping sighed, “You went and got involved after all.”

Qi Tongwei replied, “I only protect those who deserve protection.”

Gao Yuliang said, “I spent my life seeking stability and ended up a prisoner; you spent your life seeking change and may become a great leader.”

Qi Tongwei said, “I only seek to have a clear conscience.”

Li Dakang said, “Tongwei, you made a name for yourself overseas while I pushed through reforms at home. Now that you've retired, how many more years can I hold on?”

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