Shen Jian is a fan of historical RPF. The good news: she's transmigrated into a System for her favorite, Wang Anshi.
The bad news: Shen Jian is just an innocent, clueless high school girl. She has no idea how to reform the law and make the Song dynasty strong!
Historical RPF fans only know how to write ensemble stories about Northern Song literati... She can't reform the law, okay!
It's over. Wang Anshi's reforms are still going to fail, and the Great Song is still going to fall.
Shen Jian gives up: "Duke Jing, I can't help you. How about you write me some ensemble stories about the old friends of the Northern Song?"
Wang Anshi is stubborn by nature, and his reforms drive a wedge between him and the Northern Song literati... He's practically the most hated man around.
Shen Jian has always regretted it: "Hey! Duke Jing and all those great Northern Song scholars are clearly men of noble character! Why do they have to attack one another? Hurry up and make up already!"
*
During the imperial examination, Wang Anshi's ideas flow freely, and he is about to put pen to paper when an alarm suddenly blares in his mind:
"[System Mission]: Make friends with Su Shi."
Wang Anshi furrows his brow, ignores the mechanical voice, and continues writing.
"[System Mission]:
Pause the exam and go meet Su Shi from Meizhou first."
*
Sima Guang: "I've seen that awful Wang Jiefu a couple of times these past few days, and I can't help thinking that his dark face looks... unusually kind?"
Shen Jian: "Of course! I maxed out [Affinity]... You two are not allowed to fight!"
*
Emperor Shenzong of Song: "I insisted on reforming the law, and I insisted on appointing Minister An. None of you are to object."
Han Qi, Su Shi, Sima Guang, Lu Huiqing, Han Wei: "We have no objections, Your Majesty."
Shenzong: "???"
*
Shen Jian finally catches on.
Huh??? Wang Anshi is still safe and sound in the year he was supposed to lose his position as chancellor???
Huh??? Our Great Song has become powerful???
?
*A heartwarming ensemble story. The old friends of the Northern Song break free from the shackles of political allegiance and make friends sincerely.
*The focus is on friendship and making up. The political intrigue and strengthening-the-Song plot are secondary. Read for fun, don't overthink it.
*Making up for the regret of Northern Song literati being divided by their political stances.
Theme: This is exactly the kind of feel-good Northern Song story I want.
