A Guide to Harvesting the Ming Dynasty's Chives

Making grand promises and fleecing investors is a skill. As a fund manager in the 21st century, Zhang Yang had mastered every trick in the book. He often lamented being born at the wrong time, missing the golden age at the end of the last century, when people were simple and suckers were everywhere. With the Chinese stock market mired in a slump for over a decade, investors and shareholders had grown increasingly savvy. No matter how silver-tongued he was, his commissions kept shrinking year after year. Just as Zhang Yang was ready to give up and lie flat, a bolt from the blue sent him back to the Jiajing era of the Ming dynasty, in the 16th century. He was astonished to discover that this era was simply wonderful. From the emperor and grand secretaries down to the imperial clansmen and military commanders, suckers were everywhere! Qi Jiguang: “Mr. Zhang, when can we establish a navy and launch an expedition to the New World? The Qi Family Army is at your disposal!” Yan Song: “Immortal Zhang, were the fifteen female disciples you sent to my residence yesterday to your liking? And that miracle medicine you mentioned last time, could you spare this old man a few more pills?” Zhang Juzheng: “Lord Zhang, you truly are a divine man. Your ocean-going sailing ships really work! You said last time that rockets could be built to fly into the sky. Please let your subordinate handle the project!” Jiajing: “Daoist Zhang, after I attain the Dao and ascend... I’ll leave this vast Ming empire in your hands to govern as regent.”