A Scholar from a Humble Family Becomes a Marquis

Lin Zhao, a poor scholar from a humble family, joins the Shen household in the capital as a live-in son-in-law. Held in low esteem, he is looked down on by his mother-in-law and treated coldly by his wife. He uses his extraordinary calligraphy to resolve a crisis in the Shen family's silk business, then enters government through the imperial examinations. Starting as an assistant county magistrate, he suppresses a refugee uprising, repels invaders from the northwest, and steadily rises to become a leading minister at court. Ultimately, he is ennobled and appointed chancellor, fulfilling his ambitions for his family and country. He also wins the sincere love of his wife, Shen Qingtang, and becomes a legend of his age.