The Song Dynasty Marquis's Bastard Son: Building a Great Empire

A doctoral graduate from an agricultural college in the twenty-first century transmigrates into the Song Dynasty, becoming the least favored third son born to a concubine in the Marquis Fuyuan's household.

He refuses to submit to the strictures of feudal etiquette and often makes outrageous remarks, earning the displeasure of the old madam and the principal wife.

At just twelve years old, he is sent by the lady of the house to live alone at an estate outside the city.

Li Siye does not feel the least bit wronged by this arrangement.

He settles in and enjoys the Song Dynasty's fulfilling yet peaceful country life.

The arrival of two outsiders disrupts his calm and tranquil days.

And so, a batch of extremely brash old malcontents emerges in the militarily enfeebled Song Dynasty.

Han Qi brandishes his court tablet and declares, "For the sake of the new reforms, we must reclaim the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun."

Fu Bi points accusingly at Jia Changchao and roars, "The trade routes with the Uyghurs must be in the hands of our Song Dynasty."

Fan Zhongyan bows, his white whiskers trembling, and says, "To secure the border, I ask Your Majesty to reopen the military examinations and establish a new army."

Emperor Renzong of Song, seated on the dragon throne, responds...