Alternate history + political intrigue + inspirational + mind-bending. Lin Zhan was hunted by the powerful Xie clan for his talent, then saved by Cui Qingwu, drawing him into the struggles of the court. Using his gift for mathematics, he unraveled the case of sand mixed into canal grain shipments, exposed the Xie clan's corruption, and uncovered a shocking plot by the empress dowager to ally with foreign powers and overthrow the dynasty.
With the help of allies including Cui Qingwu, Pei Jinghong, and senior court officials, Lin Zhan introduced new policies, reformed the imperial examinations, overhauled the canal transport system, and broke up the great clans' monopolies. Step by step, he rose from a poor scholar to the most powerful chancellor in the court. But as his power grew, he faced fierce retaliation from the empress dowager and the remnants of the great clans, and even the sacrifice of a close friend...
