Zhao Qing Rises, I Take Charge

Set against the backdrop of the tomb of Zhao Qing of Jin in Taiyuan, the story begins with an astonishing find: among the vast burial goods, warhorses, and chariots lies the skeleton of a man aged between twenty and twenty-two. After failing his thesis defense, Li Huaiyi, a university archaeology student from a coal-mining city who never graduated, unexpectedly transmigrates from the Zhao Qing tomb at the Taiyuan Museum to the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period. By a twist of fate, he becomes an adviser to Zhao Jianzi, head of the Zhao clan, who is struggling with threats both within and beyond his borders. Drawing on modern knowledge and historical insight, Li helps Zhao Jianzi build Jinyang City and pacify the Rong and Di tribes on Jin’s northern frontier. He reforms society in step with the times through salt-and-iron trade and a system of ranks awarded for military merit, winning the people’s support. His marriage alliance with A Lai, a princess of the Red Di, also helps forge a bridge between peoples. After surviving court intrigues, the Wei tribute rebellion, and the decisive battle at Tie Di, and even witnessing his close friend Dong An Yu become a political scapegoat, Li ultimately helps Zhao Jianzi defeat his rivals and become Jin’s chief minister. When Zhao Jianzi’s final secret decree orders him to be buried alive, Li fakes his death and escapes back to the modern world. Carrying 2,500 years of memories, he not only finds academic redemption, but is also inspired by Zhao Jianzi’s tireless drive, resilience, and courage in raising his clan to greatness.