The Yongle Encyclopedia: A Look Back at China's Historical Treasure

When a history scholar who loves his country transmigrates into the body of an editor compiling the Yongle Encyclopedia, his task is not merely to witness a legend, but to protect the spark of civilization with his own hands.

[Full Synopsis]

Chen Yuan, a young scholar at the National Library, has loved the Yongle Encyclopedia all his life and is heartbroken by its loss and dispersal. After an accident, he transmigrates to Great Ming and becomes Chen Zhiyuan, a Hanlin Academy official serving the Yongle Emperor.

Before him are the arrogance of Xie Jin, the deep reserve of Yao Guangxiao, and the Emperor Yongle's wary ambition. In his ears rings the imperial order to compile a monumental encyclopedia for all ages. He is no longer a mere observer of history; he has become part of the Yongle Encyclopedia project.

With knowledge beyond his time, he skillfully navigates the court and the Wenyuan Pavilion, witnessing the entire process by which this unparalleled masterpiece grows from a single imperial edict into a work so vast it takes countless oxen to haul its volumes. He sees scholars labor through the night to verify a single character and watches officials rise and fall amid the intrigues of imperial power. He brings modern management methods to the organization of ancient texts, and on countless nights, tears fill his eyes when the wisdom of works on the verge of being lost is successfully preserved.

Yet history's shadow arrives right on schedule. The age-old mystery of the original edition's disappearance hangs over him like a sword. Amid the torrents of civilization and time, how can he use the one advantage he possesses to give this treasure of Chinese civilization even the smallest chance of surviving for future generations?

This is a pilgrimage spanning six centuries. From a scholar burdened by regret, he becomes a guardian who helps forge a glorious legacy with his own hands and will risk everything to protect it.