Schemes in the Palace of Mechanisms

The story takes place in a chaotic era resembling an ancient feudal dynasty, where the lords constantly wage war and palace intrigue is full of twists and turns. The protagonist, Jian Rui, is a humble craftsman who is accidentally swept into the whirlpool of court politics and activates the Palace Intrigue System. The System issues all kinds of missions, such as winning the emperor's favor or bringing down a consort. Completing them unlocks new skills or grants items. However, the villainous consort and others, determined to protect their power, constantly stand in Jian Rui's way. Though the System helps him, Jian Rui has little experience with court scheming when he first enters the palace, and the System's missions come with tight deadlines: failing to finish in time brings punishment. As he strives for power, Jian Rui is torn between the System's demands and his own feelings, and the villains even set him up to create a misunderstanding with the emperor. But with his ingenious mechanical contraptions and modern knowledge, Jian Rui turns the tables again and again, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of power and making an astonishing comeback.