Summary
Highlights
Zhu Huai, a transmigrator to ancient times, finds himself tilling fields rather than displaying his skills. He befriends 'Old Huang,' an old man who drinks heavily, grieving the loss of his son. Zhu Huai comforts him, sharing his own past of crawling out of a coffin at eight years old, a detail that catches Old Huang's attention.
Old Huang, who is secretly the Hongwu Emperor, suspects Zhu Huai might be his long-lost eldest grandson, Zhu Xiongying, due to the mention of crawling out of a coffin during the time Xiongying's body went missing. He secretly dispatches 300 Embroidered Uniform Guards to investigate Zhu Huai's background. Meanwhile, Zhu Huai decides to become a merchant to repay Old Huang's kindness.
Zhu Huai changes his household registration to become a merchant, a lower status, to earn money to repay Old Huang. He uses modern knowledge to refine mineral salt, which is superior to sea salt. His salt impresses an official, leading to a lucrative contract with the imperial court, and he plans to expand production by buying a salt mountain.
Zhu Huai tells Old Huang that he has become a merchant, which initially angers the old man for lowering his status. Zhu Huai explains it's to repay Old Huang's kindness and take care of him, deeply moving Old Huang, who sees him as a true grandson. They discuss the current Emperor, and Zhu Huai praises the Emperor for his difficult but necessary actions against corrupt officials, unknowingly resonating with Old Huang, who is the Emperor himself.
Old Huang confirms through two witnesses that Zhu Huai was found in a burial shroud, making it highly probable he is the imperial grandson. The Emperor is advised caution due to the current second grandson, Zhu Yunwen, already being in a position of power. He dispatches a trusted old soldier to verify the tomb's status. Meanwhile, the Emperor discovers Zhu Huai's refined salt and orders its production method to be acquired, recognizing its potential to enrich the nation.
Zhu Yunwen, the second imperial grandson, influenced by his mother, sees Zhu Huai's salt-making technique as an opportunity to gain favor with the Emperor. He orders the salt field seized and Zhu Huai imprisoned. The Grand Duke of Liang, recognizing a strong resemblance between Zhu Huai and the lost imperial grandson, mobilizes loyalists to protect Zhu Huai, believing he is the true heir.
Officials attempting to seize Zhu Huai's salt field are confronted by Old Huang, who reveals his imperial authority by dismissing them and warning them of severe consequences. Zhu Huai, unaware of Old Huang's true identity, impresses the Emperor with his ability to handle the situation firmly yet fairly, showing both mercy and decisiveness in dealing with both the corrupt officials and troublemaking refugees. He demonstrates martial arts skills and a principled approach to governance, further cementing the Emperor's conviction.
Zhu Huai's unique leadership attracts the attention of various factions. The Emperor, secretly pleased with Zhu Huai's abilities, sends two former guards to 'protect' him, further integrating him into the imperial structure. The intention to make Zhu Huai, as 'King of Wu,' the head of all princes is revealed, but the Emperor decides to put him through more tests to solidify his position, especially given Zhu Yunwen's ambition.
Zhu Yunwen, advised by his mother, tries to win the Emperor's favor through exaggerated displays of filial piety, such as accompanying him outside the palace and sheltering him from rain. However, his disdain for commoners clashes with the Emperor's humble origins and values, earning him sharp reprimands, while Zhu Huai's compassion for the refugees indirectly wins the Emperor's approval.
Old Huang, now openly discussing state affairs with Zhu Huai, tests his understanding of governance, particularly regarding water management and national finances. Zhu Huai proposes innovative solutions like labor-for-relief and carefully explains the dangers of simply printing more money, warning of national instability and the collapse of the dynasty. His insights deeply impress the Emperor, who sees his potential to lead.
The political landscape becomes more volatile. The Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, learns of Zhu Xiongying's rumored return and the Emperor's interest in him. Concurrently, Zhu Yunwen's mother and her faction plot to eliminate Zhu Huai, seeing him as a threat to Yunwen's succession. They plan to frame him for treason using a golden seal from the former dynasty, hoping to force the Emperor's hand.
The Emperor, concerned about the empty treasury amidst various crises, announces a public debate where both imperial grandsons will present their solutions. Zhu Yunwen, advised by scholars, proposes printing more paper money, a plan Zhu Huai had previously warned against. Zhu Huai, in turn, proposes 'raising commercial taxes' while lowering agricultural taxes, arguing it will boost national revenue, benefit farmers, and stabilize the economy. His practical approach challenges the established 'agriculture-first' policy.
Zhu Yunwen's faction sets their trap, using the golden seal to frame Zhu Huai for treason. However, Zhu Huai, with his quick wit, reveals that the 'golden seal' is actually a ceramic stamp he uses for his salt business, which he had made to resemble the distinctive golden seal he had previously received from a merchant (the cousin of Yunwen's mother who was actually framing him). He then produces a necklace made from the actual golden seal, given to him by 'Old Huang' (the Emperor), thus turning the tables on his adversaries.
The Emperor, furious at Yunwen's treachery and the malicious plot, publicly denounces Zhu Yunwen and his mother, stripping them of their titles and exiling them. Zhu Huai's strategic and ethical approach to governance is recognized as superior. The Emperor officially names Zhu Huai (Zhu Xiongying) as the Prince of Wu and, after revealing his true identity as the Emperor, designates him as the Crown Prince and heir to the throne, confirming that all his previous interactions and 'tests' were ultimately to prepare Zhu Huai for leadership.