A competition entry inspired by the mountains and rivers, illuminated by history.
Ancient history + The Classic of Shanghai + salt-making + coming of age + political intrigue + political marriage + war
A modern young man unexpectedly transmigrates into the ancient Shu era of Cancong. The moment he opens his eyes, he finds himself about to be sacrificed alive! At the brink of despair, the System tells him the time and place, then promptly shuts down for good. He is left with no System, no identity, no memories of the original host, and no supplies. Relying on his past life's knowledge of salt-making, he escapes death and starts out as the lowliest salt worker, boiling brine and making iodized salt to benefit the people.
From salt worker to foreman, he eventually becomes the official in charge of Shu's salt administration, using salt to strengthen the state and earning renown across the land. He and the princess grew up together, childhood sweethearts who loved each other deeply, and he believed they could stay together for life.
But in a world torn by chaos, a royal order demands a political marriage, and the woman he loves is sent far away. He holds the power over salt and commands all of Shu, yet cannot keep the moonlight in his heart. All he can do is send her off with a song. Later, he helps the new king found a new dynasty.
