Zhao Xi transmigrated into the Great Kang Dynasty, where all the history she knew was completely useless.
The good news: Although this was ancient times, it was an era that countless predecessors had transmigrated into and thoroughly transformed. Women could marry or hold office; people could ride horses or bicycles when they went out. Modern hot pot and fried skewers were everywhere, and nobody needed to explain soap or glass.
The bad news: Well, there was no internet.
Good news #1: Thanks to the original owner's good fortune, the woefully untalented Zhao Xi had become a top-ranked candidate in the imperial examinations.
Good news #2: As a top-ranked candidate, she was appointed to a seventh-rank position as a Hanlin compiler: a secure government job with guaranteed pay, even in drought or flood, and a direct employee of the Great Kang Dynasty's central government.
Bad news: Hehehe, she didn't know how to do anything!
Good news: She had a System!
Bad news: It was a ridiculous melodramatic-novel System. What good was that?
Wait, why did this world feel like one giant mash-up of melodramatic novels?
The emperor kept saying, “My mother says,” and that unchaste men were worse than rotten vegetables. The Vice Minister of Rites and the Minister of Personnel exchanged meaningful glances, their eyes lingering on each other. The eldest princess's consort was my ex. Don't get the wrong idea, he was the former top-ranked candidate and Hanlin compiler. The two of them ran all over the capital, one chasing while the other fled, until it was a full-blown love-triangle heartbreak fest. The Prince of Guang'an's son went around shouting, “Never look down on a poor young man,” only to get caught harassing a young lady passing by and sentenced to parade three thousand li through the streets. Yet he still stuck out his neck and rasped, “Do you know what brings death upon you?”
Looking at the melodramatic System beside her, and the novel covers that looked exactly like the people around her, Zhao Xi could only think: Well, this is just a little unhinged.
*
One day at court, a Grand Secretary submitted a report: “Disasters keep happening under so-and-so's jurisdiction. He's clearly a bad official. Your Majesty, investigate him! Investigate him!”
Zhao Xi's thoughts wandered, and she took a closer look at the melodramatic novel: The official was actually a decent, honest man. It was just that he was the protagonist of a small-town Mary Sue story, and without some protagonist halo to mess with, the plot wouldn't be happy.
What she didn't know was that the melodramatic System would share her book reviews with anyone who happened to pass through one of these melodramatic novels, even if they were only random passersby near the protagonist.
Everyone: Huh? If Lord Zhao says so, it must be true.
A newly appointed official asked, “Why do you all listen to her so closely?”
A trembling old official beside him replied, “Young man, keep your voice down. For all you know, she even knows the color of your underwear.”
Her brother-in-law, who had been making a throat-slitting gesture at the front, glared at him. “Lord Zhao is a divine fortune-teller!” Then he whispered a warning: “Who can say whether she's a fortune-teller or a jinx? Don't provoke her. She's hell itself.”
*
How does a clear-eyed college student rocket up the career ladder after transmigrating to ancient times? A golden finger? Modern knowledge? Zhao Xi shares a little trick: Sincerity is your ultimate weapon!
When your big boss is feeling lost, sincerely praise all their strengths and be the person who listens best. When they're furious, point your sword in the direction they're facing and take their side. When they doubt themselves, examine your own shortcomings and show through your actions that you're their trusted confidant!
So when Jing Cimu, an emperor who hated everything with all his heart, thought she was deeply in love with him, his hatred turned to love and his grin stretched for miles. Then he realized Zhao Xi was simply being sincere.
Zhao Xi: Exactly! At school, you listen to the teacher. At work, you listen to the boss. In government, that means listening to the emperor!
Jing Cimu: ...I hate every person who'll do anything to get promoted, equally!
A funny, lighthearted story about an overbearing emperor who can't stand his subordinates lying flat and a laid-back transmigrator who can't stand the rat race.
Core theme: Use modern, progressive values to help people in ancient times become better people!
