You’re Wielding the Imperial Whip, and You Call Yourself a Loyal Minister?

Han Ce, the county magistrate of Yanmen, only wanted to be a corrupt official, rich beyond compare.

Who could have guessed that Zhu Yuanzhang would come knocking with an imperial exploration platform!

“If this man isn't eliminated, he'll become the Cao Cao of my Great Ming!” Zhu Yuanzhang sneers, visiting incognito with murder in his eyes as he vows to uncover evidence of Han Ce's corruption and abuse of power.

But what he finds is a thriving populace and merchants flocking to the city!

Even the old soldiers guarding the city say, “Lord Han gave us a second chance at life!”

Zhu Yuanzhang is furious. “I want to investigate his embezzlement of agricultural taxes!”

The Ministry of Revenue presents the accounts: the granaries are overflowing, and tax revenue has doubled.

Zhu Yuanzhang is going mad. “I want to investigate his collusion with merchants!”

The court's military officials all kneel and plead, “Lord Han is a pillar of the nation!”

On one side is wealth enough to rival the state; on the other, power that holds sway over the entire court.

Standing atop Yanmen's city wall, Han Ce smiles faintly. “Your Majesty, would you say I've done a good enough job as a treacherous minister?”