Summary
Highlights
Jiang Chen, a playboy, faces the annulment of his marriage contract with Princess Maoyang by imperial decree, due to his 'detrimental' behavior. His father, the Duke of Zhen, is missing. Jiang Chen discovers a 'golden finger' system with modern weapons, giving him an unexpected advantage in his new life. His mother falls ill, and he miraculously cures her with modern medicine, proving his newfound abilities.
Jiang Chen, finding himself without money, decides to recover debts owed to his family. He uses a unique tactic of spreading embarrassing rumors about his debtors through storytellers, forcing them to pay up. He amasses a significant sum, which he uses to exchange for modern weapons through his system, preparing for future challenges.
Empress Feng Jiuyue, unhappy with Jiang Chen's behavior, grants him the title of King of Lingnan and arranges a marriage with Yang Lan, a formidable woman. Jiang Chen realizes this is a ploy to remove him from the capital and potentially eliminate his family. He decides to adapt, agreeing to the marriage and planning to use it to his advantage.
After the wedding, Jiang Chen orchestrates a plan to leave the capital with his family, including Yang Lan and Maoyang who joins him. They secretly escape with their acquired wealth. They learn that Lingnan, his new fiefdom, is a barren land plagued by bandits and poverty, a clear attempt by the Empress to sideline him.
Upon arriving in Lingnan, Jiang Chen, despite the harsh conditions, begins to transform the land. He employs the locals, offers good wages, and shares his wealth, quickly gaining their loyalty. He introduces new farming techniques and construction methods using 'cement' to improve infrastructure, showcasing his innovative solutions.
Japanese invaders attempt to pillage Lingnan, but Jiang Chen effectively uses his modern weapons to repel them, solidifying his reputation and showing the power of his technology. The Central Plains leadership takes notice, and his father, the Duke of Zhen, appears, having been in hiding after betrayals in the court. Jiang Chen uses his new influence to make a deal with his father.
Jiang Chen and his father decide to return to the capital, but not before Jiang Chen demonstrates his modern weapons. In the capital, Jiang Chen proposes a way to raise funds for the war and fill the treasury using 'hunger marketing' with goods like soap and hot pot bases, leveraging the Empress's name for profit.
Jiang Chen, now a General, leads the northern border troops, utilizing his unique strategies and weapons to defeat the invading Waradar forces. His victories lead to the execution of traitors and the submission of enemy tribes. His success and popularity prompt the Empress to abdicate, making Jiang Chen the new Emperor, ready to usher in a new era of prosperity.