[Alternate history + no System + martial arts + political intrigue + female emperor + decisive and ruthless]
All Yang Chengxiao ever wanted was to retreat to the mountains and become a carefree Daoist.
But the old Daoist Wang Lingjun told him, “You haven't experienced the mortal world. You're not fit to cultivate the Dao.”
After plunging headfirst into worldly life, Yang Chengxiao suddenly understood: No matter how formidable one is alone, without holding office, one cannot bring peace to all under Heaven.
Yang Chengxiao clings to his senior sister, the female emperor. “Please grant me an official post!”
To his surprise, the female emperor coolly replies, “Want a post? Pay for it.”
Yang Chengxiao cries out, “Senior sister, we're fellow disciples. Can't you give me a discount?”
From then on, Yang Chengxiao uses money to open doors, moving between the martial world and the imperial court as he begins a legendary political career.
He takes charge of the Imperial Guard, quells the fires of war in the northern frontier, suppresses unrest in the south, and foils the schemes of powerful clans.
With a martial sword in his right hand, he plucks stars and moons from the sky. With the realm's authority in his left, he brings order to the world, pacifies the turmoil across the Great Zhou, and buys his way all the way to the office of chancellor.
He is still too decisive in killing. Even if he released someone at the murder scene twice, he still got beaten with a stick. He is too decisive. It is too trouble-free.
It's good-looking. My friends believe me, it's good-looking. I just hope there won't be too many female leads, just two or three. If there are more, there will be less scenes.