You Were Supposed to Be a County Magistrate, So Why Did You Lock the Emperor in a Dungeon?

[Historical What-If | Transmigration | System]

Fang Zhou transmigrates to the Great Qian dynasty and becomes a seventh-rank county magistrate in a poor border county.

The county treasury is so empty even rats could run through it. Local gentry hoard grain and drive the people to their deaths, while Northern Barbarian cavalry sharpen their blades outside the city.

Fortunately, he binds himself to an Industrial Blueprint System.

From cement roads, soap, and canned food to water-powered workshops, Fang Zhou transforms the rundown county into the wealthiest in the land.

Then one day, a middle-aged man claiming to be a merchant from the capital sneaks into the warehouse, spies on the military camp, and even dares to order the constables around.

Fang Zhou makes his decision on the spot: “His behavior is suspicious. Throw him in jail first and put him to work reforming himself!”

The man laughs in fury. “Do you know who I am? I am...”

Fang Zhou shoves an iron pick into his hands. “In Qinghe, even the emperor has to follow the rules.”

Several days later, a hundred thousand Northern Barbarian cavalry bear down on the border, and the officials of the entire court kneel to welcome the emperor.

Fang Zhou watches “Old Li” emerge from prison and climb into the imperial carriage, and the account book slips from his hands with a thud.

The emperor asks only one question: “Magistrate Fang, is this city meant to defend the empire, or to seize it?”