The Chief Councilor, Raised by Bullet Comments, Is Sweet on the Outside and Dark Within [Imperial Examinations]

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Young Rong Chuan thinks he's just an ordinary orphan. Growing up on meals donated by kind neighbors while burdened with a reputation for bringing misfortune to his family, he suddenly sees a line of text floating before his eyes:

[Is this Prime Minister Rong Chuan as a child? Aww, he had such a rough childhood!]

From the comments, Rong Chuan learns that in the future he'll come top in the imperial examinations, turn the tide when the realm is on the brink of collapse, and accomplish many great things for the country.

Young Rong Chuan's eyes sparkle. "I'm that amazing?"

The comments are exasperated: [But your crimes outweigh your merits! After you die, you'll be dismembered, your home confiscated, and your bones ground to dust!]

Young Rong Chuan rubs his empty stomach and smiles, dimples showing. "But... I'll help so many people get enough to eat."

Comments: [...]

They burst into tears! A good person's later years shouldn't end so miserably!

And so young Rong Chuan gains a caring, endlessly chatty comment-section "mom."

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In the bitter cold of winter, he no longer goes hungry.

After the Lantern Festival, he gets to begin his studies.

When he takes the imperial examinations, he has a renowned teacher to guide him.

Rong Chuan seizes every opportunity and strives to rise.

The comments watch with aching hearts as he studies without putting down his books: [We're so afraid you'll end up on the same path again TAT!]

Rong Chuan smiles serenely. "With someone to care about in my heart, how could I end up on the same path?"

And so the ministers who oppose reform suffer the consequences, while the emperor who bears Rong Chuan ill will is deposed.

Corrupt politics gradually become clean, chaotic border defenses grow stable, and the people's poverty and depleted treasury slowly improve.

The people live in peace and prosperity, and the harvests are abundant. The country enjoys peace and order, and the realm flourishes.

As the story takes an increasingly baffling turn, the commenters finally realize how Prime Minister Rong can become so powerful.

Also known as: #The Prime Minister Who Grew Up on Comments Is Sweet on the Outside, Dark on the Inside#

Note:

1. This story was inspired by Zhang Juzheng's reforms, as described in "A General History of China."

2. A teacher will transmigrate into the story midway to teach the male lead. The female lead appears later.

[Synopsis screenshotted and saved on July 4, 2022]

Theme: The earth is receptive and devoted; the noble person embraces all things with virtue.