Summary
Highlights
The protagonist transmigrates into the body of Li Chengkun, the crippled Crown Prince of the Sheng Dynasty, just after a failed rebellion. He quickly learns about the historical context: Emperor Taizong (Li Shenfeng) favored his second son, and Chengkun's rebellion was easily suppressed, leading to his deposition and mysterious death. The protagonist awakens an "invincible emotion system" which grants rewards when Li Shenfeng's emotions fluctuate, with higher status leading to greater rewards. This sets the stage for his survival strategy: to continuously provoke his powerful father.
Li Chengkun immediately begins to insult and disrespect Emperor Li Shenfeng, questioning his worthiness as emperor due to his past actions (fratricide and patricide). These provocations trigger the system, granting him double physical function, healed legs, and 'the valor of a hegemon.' He continues to verbally attack his father, even bringing up his mother's sacrifice, causing the Emperor to faint from anger. This earns him a 'heart-saving pill' and a 'portable space' from the system.
Amidst the internal turmoil, an urgent message arrives: the Xueyantuo, led by Yinan, have invaded the border with hundreds of thousands of troops, and the Emperor is gravely ill. With the Emperor unconscious for an extended period, Li Chengkun boldly steps forward, declaring his intention to lead an expedition to defend Dasheng's border. Despite skepticism and objections from other officials, who suspect his motives, his healed leg and resolute demeanor sway them, and he secures General Hou Jingfeng and military supplies for the campaign, although General Cheng Huxiong is appointed as marshal to keep him in check.
Before leaving for the front, Li Chengkun confronts his third brother, Li Min'an, who attempted to assault his sister-in-law. Li Chengkun demonstrates his new martial prowess, defeats Min'an, and extorts a million taels of silver from him. He uses his acquired wealth to purchase grain, weapons, and armor, which he stores in his system's portable space. Back at court, Li Min'an attempts to sabotage Chengkun, revealing his actions to the Emperor. However, Chengkun's proactive move to aid Yunzhou, coupled with his strategic withdrawal from Chang'an, outmaneuvers his father's attempts to depose him, earning him 100,000 Ferghana horses from the system.
The court remains divided on Li Chengkun's actions. While some officials advocate for his suppression, others recognize the strategic importance of Yunzhou. Li Chengkun, using his Ferghana horses, quickly reaches Yunzhou, aids the Prefect in repelling the Xueyantuo, and establishes control over the crucial region. His actions earn him popular support and solidify his position as a regional power. His father, Li Shenfeng, is furious but also impressed by his son's capabilities, implicitly acknowledging his growing threat.
Li Chengkun receives a reward of hybrid rice and sweet potato seeds, and papermaking technology. He uses this technology to produce cheap paper, which he distributes throughout Chang'an along with poems that subtly criticize his father and express his own ambitions. This angers Emperor Li Shenfeng, who sees his own financial interests and public image threatened. The Emperor attempts to counter by lowering the price of imperial paper, but Chengkun's superior technology makes it impossible to compete. This further highlights Chengkun's ingenuity and further provokes the Emperor, leading to rewards of practical items like a curved plow and Mingguang armor.
Chengkun draws General Xue Li as an S-rank general from his system, who immediately begins training his new recruits. He then embarks on a campaign against the Xueyantuo, strategically using his troops to defeat their main force and capturing Li Polu, a renowned general of the Sheng Dynasty. This victory solidifies Chengkun's military strength, bringing his army to nearly 200,000 elite troops and further fueling Emperor Li Shenfeng's anger. However, the Emperor, under pressure from his court, orders the God of War, Li Jun, to suppress Chengkun's rebellion.
Faced with General Li Jun's advance, Li Chengkun employs a daring strategy: instead of defending Yunzhou, he leads a small force to directly infiltrate Chang'an, aiming to capture the capital while Li Jun is distracted. He utilizes his knowledge of ancient tactics and an unexpected alliance with Yueyue, an adopted daughter of Princess Pingyang Li Xiuning, who commands a hidden women's army within Chang'an. His ability to manipulate events and exploit his opponents' expectations continues to gain him system rewards.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, where envoys from various countries are present, Li Chengkun orchestrates a dramatic coup. He uses Li Min'an to sow discord within the court, exposing corruption and alliances among his rivals. His envoy presents gifts to the Emperor, including captured Xueyantuo leaders, to enhance Sheng Dynasty's prestige. Finally, Li Chengkun dramatically appears at the banquet, openly challenging his father for the throne. He reveals his control over the city and demands his father's abdication. His daring plan, backed by his hidden forces and newfound military strength, culminates in a direct confrontation with Emperor Li Shenfeng.
Emperor Li Shenfeng, having anticipated Chengkun's move, tries to trap him, but Chengkun, using innovative devices like hang gliders earned from the system, escapes and even manages to capture Li Min'an and other princes as hostages. He returns to the Vermilion Bird Gate, using rocket launchers obtained from the system to breach the defenses. Facing overwhelming force and constant provocations, Emperor Li Shenfeng, initially resistant, eventually abdicates, acknowledging Chengkun's prowess and the people's will. Chengkun receives a Longevity Pill as a final reward, symbolizing his ultimate victory and the dawn of a new era under his rule, with him famously declaring his father will continue to be his 'punching bag' for the development of Dasheng.