Emperor Zhou Shi'an had ruled for more than twenty years. He pursued bold reforms early in his reign, but in its middle and later years became obsessed with cultivating the Dao and stayed in the Western Gardens, leaving much of the government to the Grand Secretariat.
Grand Secretary Yan Daoling had controlled the government for more than a decade, forming cliques for personal gain and selling official posts. Most of the Six Ministries’ ministers were his former students or associates.
The power of the imperial guards grew unchecked. Wei Dehai, director of the Eastern Depot, both cooperated and competed with Yan Daoling.
The Tartars repeatedly raided the northern frontier, while Japanese pirates harassed the southeastern coast. Military funds were siphoned off at every level, and border defenses fell into disrepair.
Land was increasingly concentrated in the hands of the powerful. Refugees roamed in great numbers, taxes were unfairly distributed, and the treasury was empty.
The censorial system had been infiltrated by factional infighting, and impeachment had become a weapon for attacking political rivals.
How could someone who had transmigrated climb out of the mire from the very bottom of society without any golden finger?
I've watched many versions of Daming's short drama and it's all good. This one is a new plot. I hope I can see it in the short drama too🤣