The Ming Dynasty's Castoff Prince: Zhu Di Begs Me to Come Out of Hiding

Lin Yi, a modern graduate student specializing in Ming and Qing history, transmigrates to the first year of the Yongle era and becomes the ill-fated, abandoned son of the Lin family of Hangzhou. His father died in the Jingnan Campaign, his inheritance was stolen, and he was cast out at the age of eight. He survived in a ruined temple for three years.

Armed with a complete knowledge of Ming and Qing history and modern expertise, the eleven-year-old starts from rock bottom. A copy of the Zuo Zhuan stuns the scholars at Qiantang County School. An essay on flood control impresses the prefect. His proposal on restoring people's livelihoods after the Jingnan Campaign leaves the prefectural governor slapping the table: "This is how all the scholars under heaven should be!" He takes first place in the county and provincial exams, then tops both the metropolitan and palace exams, achieving the rare feat of placing first in all three levels and shaking the capital. During the palace exam, Zhu Di asks what makes a good ruler. Lin Yi answers that the people must come first, then presents a comprehensive strategy for moving the capital, managing grain transport, and campaigning in the north. Zhu Di rises to his feet on the spot: "This child is a gift from Heaven to my Great Ming!"

At court, he assists Crown Prince Zhu Gaochi, outmaneuvers Prince of Han Zhu Gaoxu, quells a rebellion, and restores order to the court. When Emperor Xuande takes the throne, Lin Yi becomes his trusted teacher and pillar of state. He establishes an academy of sciences, promotes practical learning, fortifies the Nine Frontiers, and builds a maritime defensive wall. He fights the Japanese pirates and aids Joseon, annihilating the enemy at the Battle of Noryang. He campaigns as far as Wolf Mountain, and the military might of Great Ming resounds across the seas.

The political rise of a time traveler in Great Ming, and the legend of a man who turns his fortunes around to usher in a golden age.

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