He transmigrates to the Ming dynasty, enters officialdom through the imperial examinations, and shakes a century-old court by his own efforts.
In the twenty-fifth year of the Jiajing reign, a modern young man named Gu Yan unexpectedly transmigrates to the Ming dynasty and becomes a poor scholar.
This is the year Yan Song holds power, the court is corrupt, the treasury is empty, and border threats are mounting.
This is the year Zhang Juzheng has yet to enter the cabinet, Hai Rui is still studying hard, and Qi Jiguang is still training troops.
This is the year Gu Yan steps into the examination hall, becoming caught up in a game of strategy that will determine the fate of the Ming dynasty.
At the palace examination, his policy essay makes him famous throughout the land, but also earns him the enmity of the powerful.
At court, he navigates between the upright officials and Yan Song’s faction, advancing one cautious step at a time.
As he pushes through new policies, he audits the treasury, reforms taxation, and overhauls the military, only to face obstruction from all sides.
This is a contest between political strategy and ideals, as well as a dialogue between a transmigrator and history.
Gu Yan knows how history will unfold, but he cannot change the course of the world by himself. He needs allies, the right moment, and, above all, a way to survive amid the shifting currents of the imperial court.
Xu Jie regards him as a kindred spirit, Yan Song’s faction hates him as a thorn in its side, and the common people call him an upright official.
But all he wants is for the Ming realm to endure another hundred years.
[Imperial Examination Comeback] + [Court Intrigue] + [Alternate History] + [Love of Country and People]
No System, no golden finger, only a contest of wit and courage.
Watch as he grows from a poor scholar into the chief minister who holds the court in his hands.
