Dual male leads, a power fantasy for male readers
Ancient officialdom, political scheming, a poor scholar's rise to prominence, dual male leads, solving cases, fighting corruption, infrastructure, farming, court politics, alternate history, play the pig to eat the tiger, political scheming, a poor scholar's rise to prominence.
After placing at the top of the imperial examinations, Ye Zeyu, a scholar from a humble family, is demoted to a remote border county for refusing to join the corrupt. Faced with a rotten bureaucracy and tyrannical local gentry, he takes a risk: he appears to go along with corrupt officials while secretly saving money to repair dikes, build dams, and establish schools. Meanwhile, the Yan Chi Junwang, who cares deeply about the people, sends an imperial censor to investigate and root out corruption. When the censor arrives in the county with the account books, all the people kneel and cry out, "A just and upright magistrate!" Ye Zeyu's wisdom and courage are laid bare. Hearing of this, Yan Chi is deeply impressed by Ye Zeyu, and the two form an alliance. Together, they advance reforms and work for the people's welfare, becoming a story celebrated by generations to come. [Story Synopsis]
The Ming Dynasty Reborn: At Three Years Old, I Ascend the Throne and Become Emperor
Clouds of Smoke over the Flourishing Tang Dynasty
Hunting: A Million Armored Soldiers, and You Call Me an Ordinary County Magistrate?