A Scholar in the Late Qing Dynasty

Liu Zimo transmigrates into the body of a scholar in the late Qing Dynasty. What, the First Sino-Japanese War is only six months away? As it happens, Empress Dowager Cixi is celebrating her birthday and holding a special imperial examination. He takes the top spot in the spring examination and heads off to fight the Japanese pirates.

He is appointed governor-general and quietly carries out reforms on his own turf. He won't join Kang Youwei and those madmen in their Reform Movement. When they fail, we'll pick up where they left off.

The court issues an order, but I refuse to obey. I carve out my own territory and declare independence. The Qing emperor meekly abdicates in my favor, and I lead China in its bid for world domination.