Han Qian, a poor scholar, endures ten years of hardship before finally passing the imperial examinations, only to discover that every one of the top ten candidates besides him comes from a great clan.
At court, powerful ministers laugh that passing the examinations is as easy as reaching into a bag. Han Qian resolves to tear down this century-old barrier of aristocratic clans.
It begins when his memorial exposing the abuses of the tax system is suppressed. He learns how the rules work and looks for another way forward: clerks in the government granaries are embezzling, and his fellow poor-born officials are being humiliated.
When the court appoints him as deputy commissioner for disaster relief, the powerful wait for him to meet a gruesome end.
But Han Qian quietly leaves the city with just one veteran and one fellow poor scholar. Behind him, shadows gather:
The Canal Gang, retired spies, a general's daughter cast out of her family... Poor-born scholars form three hidden networks.
He advances cautiously, transporting grain into the disaster zone and winning the people's support with food. He even saves a merchant caravan from an ambush.
"My lord, these are their account books!"
As he turns the pages, a cold glint flashes in Han Qian's eyes: evidence of the Wang clan's crimes has fallen into his hands.
