Yanyun Returns to Song: The Tumultuous Five Dynasties of the Foot Soldier Zhou Ke

Zhou Ke, a third-year history student in the 21st century, accidentally transmigrates to the first year of Guangshun under Later Zhou while staying up late researching Military History of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. He becomes a low-ranking soldier in the Later Zhou Imperial Guard. With his knowledge of future history and exceptional courage, he earns Zhao Kuangyin’s favor and gradually becomes his trusted aide. Along the way, he helps Guo Wei consolidate Later Zhou’s foundations, thwarting Liu Chengyou’s repeated assassination attempts and the schemes of the mysterious Shadow Pavilion. He helps Chai Rong crush the combined forces of Northern Han and the Khitans at the Battle of Gaoping and advance the cause of unification. Before his death, Chai Rong entrusts Later Zhou to Zhao Kuangyin and Zhou Ke. The two then install Zhao Kuangyin as emperor and establish the Great Song. Zhou Ke helps Zhao Kuangyin devise meticulous strategies, successfully recapturing the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun in a northern campaign, then conquering Later Shu, Southern Tang, Wuyue, and other kingdoms to unite the realm. He goes on to implement new policies, including reducing taxes and labor levies, building water conservancy projects, and reforming official administration, helping the Great Song usher in the Prosperous Era of Qiande. He never loses sight of his mission to improve the people’s lives, and maintains a deep bond of loyalty and brotherhood with Zhao Kuangyin.