Shen Yan, a top history student in the modern era, accidentally transmigrates into the Qin dynasty at the moment when the First Emperor is unifying the six states and asserting his might across the land. Armed with knowledge far ahead of its time and a precise understanding of history’s course, he rises step by step from humble beginnings. His unique political insights resolve crises at court, while his forward-looking ideas help Qin consolidate its foundations. In the end, he becomes the man Qin Shi Huang Ying Zheng trusts most: inside the palace, they discuss strategy side by side; outside, they shape the fate of the realm together.
Knowing the tragedy of Qin’s collapse after just two generations, and pitying Prince Fusu, whose kindness is undermined by his rigid ways, Shen Yan resolves to defy fate. He carefully tutors Fusu, teaching him not only the classics and histories, but also the art of balancing power and the value of pragmatism. He hopes to mold the future heir into an iron-fisted ruler capable of carrying on the Great Qin’s legacy. Yet history’s momentum rolls on like a giant wheel. Zhao Gao’s sinister schemes, Li Si’s wavering loyalties, Ying Zheng’s growing suspicion in his final years, and the remnants of the six states lurking in the shadows all test Shen Yan’s wisdom and loyalty.
As the shadow of Shaqiu draws near and a plot to alter the imperial edict begins to take shape, can Shen Yan protect Fusu and stabilize the Great Qin through his own efforts, turning the prophecy “The Hu will be the ones to destroy Qin” into nothing but a joke?
