The Yan Rise in the Northern Frontier: From Border Marquis to Eastern Powerhouse

Ling Yun, a graduate student in history, accidentally transmigrates during an archaeological experiment to the State of Yan in the early Warring States period, where he becomes its second ruler, Marquis Zhi of Yan. Faced with the threat of the northern Rong tribes, the contempt of the powerful states in the Central Plains, and a shortage of talent at home, he draws on his knowledge of Warring States history and modern management to establish the precedent of recruiting talent at the Golden Terrace. He breaks the hereditary aristocratic system and attracts talent from across the states.

He enacts the Jicheng Reforms: establishing a system that grants noble ranks for military merit, promoting the replacement-field farming method, developing Liaodong, and setting up border markets. At home, he cleans up official corruption; abroad, he allies with Zhao to contain Qi. After the pacification of the Rong tribes, the development of Liaodong, and the five-state alliance, he ultimately transforms the weak State of Yan into a powerful northern frontier state that keeps the northern tribes in check, laying the foundation for the golden age of King Zhao of Yan.