In the twenty-second year of the Jinghe era, the second year of the new emperor's reign, the Dayong Dynasty entered an era of unprecedented prosperity.
Land consolidation was brought under control, refugees returned to their farms, commercial taxes were standardized, and the imperial treasury overflowed. The army led by Xiao Ce drove the Northern Di back a thousand li, securing the frontier. At court, scholars from humble families finally had a path to advancement, and the aristocratic clans' century-old monopoly on power was thoroughly dismantled.
The man behind it all, Shen Yan, Grand Preceptor and regent, stood atop a tower of the imperial city, with his longtime companion and wife, Su Qingyi, at his side.
The spring breeze stirred their sleeves. In the distance, the streets bustled with life, while young crops flourished in the fields: a scene of peace and prosperity.
Su Qingyi looked at the man beside her and said with a soft laugh, “When you first came to the capital, you were a destitute scholar on the brink of death. Who could have imagined you'd become a wise chancellor who would secure the realm?”
Shen Yan took her hand and gazed into the distance, his eyes holding the composure of someone who had crossed a thousand years.
He had come from another world and had only wanted to survive. But with his profound knowledge of history and a modern way of thinking, he had forged an unprecedented path in this ancient dynasty. Astonishing the literary and poetic worlds was only the beginning. His ultimate calling was to save the realm and usher in peace for generations to come.
Footsteps sounded behind them. Xiao Ce strode over with a dispatch from the frontier and laughed aloud. “Shen Yan, the Northern Di has surrendered completely! That move of yours was brilliant!”
Shen Yan turned to his sworn brother, the man who had shared life and death with him, and laughed heartily.
The Outcast, second only to the emperor and above all others.
In this time and place, he had at last written an immortal legend of his own.
