I Pick Up Trash to Feed My People

Song Ling became the new emperor of Yan at the age of sixteen.

His ancestors had governed with diligence and dedication, yet Yan only grew poorer under their rule. By now, the kingdom was on the brink of collapse. Perhaps Heaven couldn't bear to watch any longer and granted Song Ling a golden finger, allowing him to transmigrate to another world and run a scrap recycling station.

Every day, the young emperor burned incense and prayed, thanking Heaven as he diligently scavenged through junk. He rummaged through other people's unwanted old clothes, worn-out shoes, and soon-to-expire candy, bringing them back to improve life for the little empress and his people.

Then, by chance, Song Ling learned the truth. He was merely a supporting character in a story, existing only to serve as a foil for the Crown Prince of Qi. Yan, which his ancestors had poured their hearts and souls into governing but never managed to save, was there for contrast. Even his scrap station was meant to contrast with the male lead's golden finger, a grain shop.

Six years later, when the male lead ascended the throne, he would take Song Ling's life and destroy his kingdom.

Killing him wasn't enough? He had to destroy his kingdom, too? Song Ling could take no more.

Who said a person couldn't make something of himself by scavenging garbage? He was going to defy fate and change his destiny!

Hard work paid off. Through Song Ling's frugal living and careful budgeting, his little junk stall finally grew into a massive scrapyard, and he was at last able to collect some useful things.

Discarded glass bottles could be resold as priceless treasures!

Scrap copper and iron were clearly excellent materials for minting coins and forging blades!

Tons of soon-to-expire food made perfect provisions for recruiting an army!

Song Ling charged ahead on the path of turning trash into treasure.

By the fifth year, looking at Yan, which had finally begun to take shape, Song Ling decided to destroy the neighboring kingdom of Qi ahead of schedule.

Male Lead: ...?

Is that any way to behave?

Key point: There is a female lead. This is a romance novel.

Theme: Hard work brings rewards.