You Sent Me to Die at the Frontier, Not to Ascend the Throne!

[Behind-the-scenes money-making in the early stages + farming and development in the middle stages + vying for dominion in the later stages]

Zhao Chen transmigrates into the crown prince of Great Jing. After a year governing in the emperor's stead, he not only fills the empty treasury but also enacts new policies that give the dynasty a new lease on life.

But the emperor is devoted to cultivating immortality. Just because Zhao Chen cannot produce a million taels to build the Heavenly Tower, the emperor strips him of his title and confines him in the cold palace!

Crown Princess Lin Wan'er breaks off their engagement on the spot. The Seventh Prince takes the chance to kick him while he is down, and the whole court assumes the deposed crown prince is as good as dead.

Zhao Chen laughs. “I'm done cleaning up this mess!”

Just as he is using a secret identity to make money and preparing to develop overseas,

the overlooked ruler of a small tributary state, Empress Jiang Luoli of Yunshuo, kneels before the cold palace:

“Great Jing failed to recognize a true dragon, but I did! Please return to my country with me, sir. I'll give you half of Yunshuo!”

Zhao Chen leaves with the empress, launching sweeping reforms and building a strong nation and army. Yunshuo soars to new heights.

Meanwhile, Great Jing abolishes the new policies, its treasury runs dry, refugees rise up everywhere, and the dream of cultivating immortality crumbles.

Looking at their ruined empire, the emperor and his former wife regret everything.

Minister: The treasury is empty. We beg you to return, Your Highness! Great Jing cannot go on without you!

Emperor: The northern barbarians are at our borders, and the empire is about to fall. I am willing to abdicate. I only ask that you return to the capital and save us!

Former wife: You've always been the one in my heart. Please let me come back to you!

With the empress in his arms, Zhao Chen smiles faintly. “You're only asking me to return now? Sorry, you're too late!”