Northern Song Magnate: Starting as the Head of the Family

[No System + Family Development + Political Intrigue + Industry + Farming + Overseas Expansion + Advancing the Tech Tree + Sea Power + Hegemony]

Lu Chengzhao awakens the memories of five lifetimes and is reborn on the day of his father's funeral.

In his previous life, he trusted a treacherous man and ended up exiled to Shamen Island, where he died far from home.

Given a second life, he dons mourning clothes and observes every rite with propriety. Then, in a single night, he settles the accounts, eliminates the traitors, and takes control of the Lu family's estate once more.

Others endure the mourning period by counting the days. He uses it to lay his plans.

In public, he lives in the mourning hut, studies the rites, and steers clear of worldly affairs. In secret, he drives the tech tree to explosive heights.

When the first warship sails out of Baiyang River, and the roar of guns shatters the horizon,

Liuqiu becomes his base. He locks down the Strait of Malacca to the west and controls Japan and Korea to the east. From Qiongzhou to Liaodong, half the coastline falls into his hands.

The Jingkang disaster strikes. Jin troops trample the Central Plains, the two emperors are taken north, and the land descends into chaos.

The Hebei clans that once lay low reveal their trump cards: giant warships block rivers and seas, and firearms crush cavalry.

He takes the Central Plains, pacifies Jin and Liao, conquers the South Seas, and expands into the Western Seas.

Think he's only good at martial arts?

Lu Chengzhao pats the ancient family books and laughs:

“No one understands the Rites of Zhou better than I do.”