Li Jian, the first secretary in a poor county in northern Shaanxi in the twenty-first century, discovers that he has become a tiny village in northern Shaanxi during the Chongzhen era.
Looking at the refugees before him, Li Jian's poverty-alleviation instincts kick in: "Isn't this a severely impoverished area? Poverty alleviation campaigns are right up my alley!"
So while everyone else is fighting for supremacy at the end of the Ming dynasty, Li Jian launches targeted poverty alleviation initiatives in the Hetao region.
Li Zicheng calls for "land for all and an end to taxes," while Li Jian rolls out a "Three-Year Poverty Alleviation Plan," complete with an "Industrial Poverty Alleviation Handbook."
When Huang Taiji leads his forces south, Li Jian holds a "Han-Mongolian Trade Expo" on the border.
When faced with roving bandits, Li Jian sends a work team to explain: "Friends, joining us in Hetao offers much better prospects than becoming bandits!"
As Chongzhen sits in the Forbidden City, weighed down by worry, Li Jian submits a memorial titled "Developing Poverty Alleviation in the Hetao Region," complete with a KPI assessment form.
"Lord Li, the bandits are coming!" his subordinate reports urgently.
"What's there to panic about? First, sign them up for vocational training. They can learn to dig irrigation canals and grow potatoes and corn. After graduation, we'll guarantee them jobs!"
"My lord, the Mongols have come to raid us again!"
"Excellent! Have them help transport cattle and sheep. Pay them by the head and encourage ethnic exchange!"
Years later, as King Li Chuang prepares to breach the Forbidden City and the regent prepares to take control of the Central Plains, everyone discovers that the northwest hasn't descended into chaos at all. In fact, it has achieved prosperity for all!
Li Jian nods. "Poverty alleviation and rural revitalization work in any dynasty!"
And as for ruling the realm? Once we've won the battle against poverty, can the realm really be far behind?
Overall, it's well written. There are too many details and a lack of overall planning.
It has both history and creativity, the plot is slow and careful, and the content is rich and exciting. It is worth recommending.