A Confucian Heart Plays the World

Lu Zhi transmigrates to an ancient dynasty where Chinese culture is on the brink of collapse. Trapped in a repressive political climate and powerless as an ordinary man, he dreams of restoring the culture. To preserve their rule, the villainous forces do everything they can to stop Lu Zhi from spreading the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, hoping to erase them completely. If Lu Zhi fails, Chinese culture may never recover. Along the way, he must choose between the lure of power and staying true to his cultural ideals. Lacking influence and ability as a newcomer, he suffers repeated setbacks in his efforts to spread culture. The feudal hierarchy and a society in which culture is declining also hold him back. Meanwhile, the villains spread rumors and slander him, leaving him misunderstood by the public. As the decline accelerates, Lu Zhi must restore the culture before time runs out. Betrayed and exploited by his enemies, he also faces a crisis of trust. In the end, Lu Zhi succeeds in reviving the culture, but tragically loses some of his closest friends.