In the final years of the Great Jing dynasty, wars raged without end. Warlords carved up the land and fought among themselves, refugees wailed across the countryside, and human life was worth less than grass. Ma Xiaoqiang lived out his life as the lowest-born son of the Marquis of Zhenbei's household, swallowing every insult. His legitimate siblings bullied him, outsiders trampled him, and he endured endless scorn and hardship. He had no power, no money, and no one to rely on. After spending half his life wandering from place to place, he died miserably beneath the blades of rebel soldiers, closing his eyes with endless regret. Reborn, he returns to his impoverished youth, still the useless illegitimate son despised by the entire household, someone everyone could beat and abuse, still penniless and destitute. But he understands the tides of the world and knows how future wars will unfold. He knows how to trade and make money, how to navigate officialdom, how to fight on the battlefield, and, above all, how to survive in troubled times. He won't rely on immortal arts or lucky breaks. He'll stockpile provisions, amass wealth, build connections, and train his body. Starting as a street thug, he'll climb step by step, face-slap the powerful who looked down on him, crush the kin who abused him, gather the world's beautiful women around him, and seize immense power. No more watching other people's expressions. No more swallowing insults. In this life, he'll enjoy the finest food and drink, earn high office and generous rewards, fill his vaults with gold and silver, and surround himself with beauties, becoming a man no one dares to cross in these troubled times!
