Strange boy in the market: During the Jiajing period, Liu Mingyuan, a child prodigy from Liuhe County, Yingtian Prefecture, was able to write poems at the age of five and write general history at the age of seven. However, due to his family's downfall, he became a street gangster. He made a living by telling fortunes and reading faces, and developed the ability to observe words and colors.
Storm in the examination room: When he took the county examination at the age of fifteen, Liu Mingyuan was caught on the spot for drawing a turtle on the examination paper to mock the examiner. However, because of his eloquent tongue, he was appreciated by the academic administration and was admitted as a student member.
Adventures in Qinhuai: After becoming a scholar, he wandered along the Qinhuai River, fell in love with the famous prostitute Su Ying'er, and was involved in the murder of a salt merchant. With his wit, he helped solve the case and gained the attention of Li Zongfang, the minister of the Ministry of Rites in Nanjing.
Supported by noble people: Li Zongfang admired his talents and accepted him as his disciple. Liu Mingyuan began to study seriously to prepare for the exam, but he still maintained his wisdom in the market and attracted attention with his unique insights in the collection of literati.
Twist of fate: On his way to Beijing to take the exam in the 26th year of Jiajing, Liu Mingyuan accidentally rescued Zhang Juzheng, who was seriously ill, and formed a fate that would affect his life, which foreshadowed that he would be involved in a greater political storm.
