Must I Be the One to Take the Throne?

Xiao Bai, a senior engineer, transmigrates to an ancient world resembling the Wei-Jin era. Powerful clans vie for control, the imperial court is mired in endless power struggles, foreign tribes watch hungrily from beyond the borders, and the people are suffering... Isn't this the beginning of a chaotic age? Xiao Bai finds himself in a fallen military family. "..." To survive and provide for the whole family, Xiao Bai, an engineer who can't even defend himself, makes a fortune through his skills while living by the blade. But before he can earn enough money, stock up on supplies, or finish his studies, the chaotic age arrives without warning. Xiao Bai: "..." Many years later, when the imperial clan and aristocrats who fled south look back, they discover... The good news is that their Great General Xiao has reclaimed the northern lands, and the foreign tribes have been beaten so badly that they dare not invade again. The bad news is that Great General Xiao is tremendously powerful and is the people's uncrowned king of the north, making him even more frightening than the foreign tribes. But they aren't worried. Everyone knows Great General Xiao has been hopelessly in love with the first beauty of the Xie family, Young Master Xie. Even his blood-soaked battles in the north are all for Young Master Xie. So someone proposes a bold plan: a beauty trap. As the elegant and gentle, immortal-looking Xie Yulang arrives with his "dowry," the young man at Xiao Bai's side, revered as a living Buddha, lowers his lashes and murmurs, "The prince's beloved, Young Master Xie, has arrived." Xiao Bai: "..." Four friends standing nearby with their hands tucked into their sleeves, watching the show: How exciting~ P.S.: 1. This is a fictional setting with lots of invented details. Please don't scrutinize it for historical accuracy. 2. A woman disguised as a man, with an ensemble cast. Not a typical infrastructure-building story, just a somewhat slow-burn transmigration fantasy with a satisfying rise to power, where the protagonist builds a career and finds friendship and love. 3. The logic follows the plot. It's fate that brought them together, and I hope you enjoy reading~ I'd also like to recommend my upcoming historical transmigration novel, My Best Friend Is a Princess: After years of hard work, Wei Wan finally rose to a senior management position in her company. The night before she was due to start, she transmigrated into a book. Wei Wan: "...Damn it!" Fine, she transmigrated, but she ended up as the princess's fake best friend, a real scheming green tea. Looking down at Lin Yingshuang, the most revered princess in the Great Lin Kingdom, who she'd pinned beneath her, Wei Wan hurriedly scrambled up. Then she glanced at her own short, petite body and took a deep breath. Since she was here, why not become a high-ranking executive wherever she could? Her bestie was a princess, only a few steps away from the throne. She just had to work hard and help her claim it. Later, everyone in the capital of the Great Lin Kingdom knew one thing: Princess Lin Yingshuang was not to be trifled with, and neither was Wei Wan, the lackey who followed her around. Everyone called Wei Wan a wicked woman, arrogant and overbearing, with no respect for anyone. But no one knew that in front of a certain frail young man, she used a soft, sweet voice to say, "Jiaojiao?" He ignored her. Wei Wan rubbed her nose guiltily. "Jiaojiao, believe me. I really only went for a drink. I didn't do anything else." Only then did the sickly young man turn around. His beauty was peerless, his air cold and otherworldly. He said nothing, only fluttered his lashes a few times. Wei Wan immediately felt sorry for him, wrapped her arms around him, and swore, "I'll never go again." The young man lowered his eyes, content to be held, and gave a faint hum. Lin Yingshuang, who had watched it all: "..." My bestie is wonderful in every way, except she's blinded by beauty. Good thing Wei Wan isn't the one who'll become emperor. Otherwise... Just then, her sickly younger brother lifted his eyes. His gaze was cool, his pupils dark and deep, like a vicious wolf keeping its prey close and anyone else at bay. Lin Yingshuang: Wei Wan, open your eyes and look! Is this really the frail, harmless little thing you keep talking about? Wei Wan was still cuddling up to him and cooing, "Jiaojiao~" Lin Yingshuang: "..." Forget it. She couldn't interfere with a couple's business. Theme: Everyone is responsible for the fate of the nation.