At the end of the Great Unified Dynasty, powerful clans rule the land, and it has become nearly impossible for men of humble birth to rise through the ranks. In his previous life, he offended the powerful and died miserably in the street. Reborn, the down-and-out scholar decides to live differently. With astonishing literary talent and a knack for ingratiating himself more slippery than a loach, he carves out a path through the imperial examinations monopolized by the great clans! He earns the top scholar title, enters the Hanlin Academy, and battles treacherous ministers. To the world, he is a hated lackey of imperial power, a court jester who panders to the entire court. In secret, he holds up the sky with one hand, gives relief to disaster victims, and struggles to keep this tottering empire standing. When the foreign cavalry comes knocking at the border passes, the great clans flee south, and the king looks upon everyone with suspicion, the powerful minister bearing the infamy of a thousand ages puts on his armor alone and stands atop the ruined city wall. "I have spent my life flattering countless people, but today, I will not yield a single inch!"
