Summary
Highlights
The protagonist wakes up as an emperor and discovers he's bound to a 'Tyrant System.' The system rewards him for behaving like a tyrant, otherwise there are punishments. He immediately faces a challenge from the Yan State, which demands territory and resources from his Qi State.
Despite his ministers' objections, the emperor agrees to Yan State's exorbitant demands, seemingly for a beautiful woman named Lin Xueruo. This 'tyrannical' decision earns him a reward: five years of good weather for Qi and a three-month plague for the enemy army.
The emperor discovers massive corruption in his court, with officials hoarding wealth. Deemed a 'tyrannical' act, he punishes the corrupt officials, confiscating their fortunes. This leads to the establishment of the East Factory and the summoning of Cao Zhengchun, its formidable head.
The emperor decides to implement radical reforms, including a new financial system, tax adjustments, currency reform, and infrastructure projects. Amidst these changes, he personally interrogates an assassin, turning her into a loyal servant.
Yan State invades, and the emperor is advised to recall General Yue Yunfei. Despite objections, the emperor makes seemingly illogical decisions regarding strategies and personnel, including dismissing a general and appointing an 'immortal' who turns out to be a charlatan. He then reveals a hidden, powerful army.
General Yue Yunfei faces accusations of treason, fueled by Yan State. The emperor, to the surprise of his court, sees through the deception and exonerates General Yue, even promoting him. A planned prison break by the Prime Minister's daughter, Ye Qingqiu, is thwarted as the emperor knew of the plot and used it to expose more traitors.
The emperor reforms the imperial examination system, introducing new scientific subjects. He also renames the country and announces a Northern Expedition, leading the army in person despite concerns, aiming to unify the world. His unorthodox strategy and decision to bring his concubines to the battlefield shock his ministers.
On the battlefield, the emperor's seemingly self-indulgent behavior and dismissal of General Yue appear reckless. However, he then summons the historical general Huo Quji, who swiftly conquers Yan State. This surprising victory solidifies the emperor's reputation as a military genius.
The emperor refuses a marriage proposal from Wei State but proceeds to 'abduct' their princess into his harem. He also dismisses his long-serving Prime Minister, Ye Jinglong, for questioning his actions, and appoints Guan Zhong as the new Prime Minister, a historical figure known for his statecraft.
The emperor gains invulnerability through a 'Marrow Cleansing Pill.' Unexpectedly, Prime Minister Guan Zhong 'betrays' Qi and joins Song State, stealing border defense blueprints. The emperor suspects it's an undercover operation.
Qi faces a joint attack from Song and Zhao. The emperor, using a 'radar' obtained from the system, foils a sneak attack. He captures Song's female general, Song Wangmei, who initially despises him but eventually pledges loyalty after realizing her own emperor's treachery.
Qi State conquers Song after Guan Zhong's undercover mission is revealed. The emperor then uncovers a conspiracy within his own court, led by Prince Shi, who attempted to frame loyal officials including Ye Jinglong and alienate the emperor from his ministers.
The emperor dramatically exposes Prince Shi's plot, clearing Ye Jinglong's name. Ye Qingqiu, who initially rebelled against him, now begs to serve him. The emperor's seemingly tyrannical actions are finally understood as cunning strategies that lead to prosperity and near-unification for Qi State, with the people and ministers finally acknowledging him as a wise ruler.