Working Hard to Become a Tyrant Today, Too

Qu Wanming transmigrates and gets bound to a Tyrant System.

The System says that if she can take the path of a foolish, incompetent tyrant, ruin the country, and bring about its collapse, it will send her back to her original world.

[This small world needs to rise from despair and be reborn. You are a doomed tyrant. Someone chosen by fate will fight their way through, change the dynasty, and bring peace and order back to the world.]

Forced to play along, Qu Wanming does her best to become a decadent, extravagant ruler who brings about the fall of her country.

“System, shouldn’t a tyrant waste people’s labor and money? We can launch massive construction projects, conscript laborers, and build a canal. That’ll stoke public anger, and a peasant uprising can take us down in one fell swoop!”

The System is thrilled. [You’re right, Wanwan! We’ll recruit people without paying them, and just make sure they get enough to eat.]

Qu Wanming hesitates for a second, then agrees. “Exactly. We’ll only feed them.”

The people, who could barely survive before, are deeply moved by the emperor’s compassion. As long as they work, they’ll get enough to eat.

Infrastructure across Great Xia rapidly improves. The people’s lives get better and better. They have enough food and warm clothes, and can even spare the time to send their children to school.

-

Qu Wanming refuses to give up. “System, didn’t the original ruler impose exorbitant taxes on merchants and get beaten up by colluding officials and merchants? We can do that too.”

The System claps its hands in delight. [Wanwan, could you actually be a genius? This is such a brilliant plan. We’re sure to succeed!]

The human and the System are full of confidence, only to be betrayed.

“Wait, who came up with the progressive tax system and sent people across all of Great Xia to collect land data? System, was this your doing?”

“Host, the System advises you to be kind. The problem is with the people you chose. We only said to raise merchant taxes, not to regulate the market, increase revenue, and quell unrest!”

Qu Wanming is completely baffled. She’s done everything she’s supposed to, but no matter how much chaos she causes, the dynasty shows no signs of collapse. In fact, it seems to be doing better and better.

“System, what should we do now?”

[...] Something isn’t right. Did a bug get into the system?

The System mutters to itself, hides the extremely conspicuous row of titles labeling it an eternal sage ruler on its toolbar, then spends what little it has in points to check.

Oh no!

[Host, how did you win over the original story’s male lead?!]

Qu Wanming blushes. “System, a tyrant should be blinded by lust and force a loyal minister. His lips are so soft and red. They’d be so nice to kiss.”

The System looks at the male lead label and the 100% affection rating, and starts questioning its entire existence.

From the future: [Forum]

#No contest, Emperor Ming is history’s undisputed greatest emperor. Not one ruler can hold a candle to him. Disagree? Come say it to my face! Haters, come fight me!#

#Serious discussion: Qu Wanming has to be a max-level expert sent back to the beginner village!!! Other people fight wars with their lives on the line, while Qu Wanming just breathes and gets a win-streak bundle x999999. I’m exhausted.#

#The First Guard Army is sweeping the globe, woohoo! (proud face in sunglasses) #

Theme: Never give up, and build a harmonious home together