Summary
Highlights
Fang Zhengyi, the magistrate of Taoyuan County, faces initial skepticism from an disguised emperor and princess visiting his flourishing, modern county. The emperor and princess are baffled by the efficient new systems, fair prices, and unexpected amenities, leading them to suspect Fang Zhengyi of corruption or worse. Their observations range from a five tael inn to a public trial where Fang Zhengyi harshly punishes a corrupt constable, leaving them questioning his true intentions. The emperor's daughter, Miaomiao, is particularly annoyed by Fang Zhengyi's forwardness and attempts to marry her.
Fang Zhengyi introduces his unique Taoyuan County tea, priced exorbitantly but advertised with an elaborate, almost theatrical narrative of its cultivation. This highlights his marketing prowess and how he leverages perception. The emperor, disguised as a merchant, is initially put off by the high price but eventually impressed by Fang Zhengyi's business acumen. The tea, initially scoffed at, becomes a sensation in the capital, illustrating Fang Zhengyi's innovative business strategies. The narrative also reveals the emperor's growing frustration with his own son, the Crown Prince, comparing his incompetence to Fang Zhengyi's effectiveness.
A major flood hits Jianjiang, threatening the stability of the empire. The Crown Prince, attempting to apply learned principles, proposes an outlandish solution involving heavenly thunder. In contrast, Fang Zhengyi uses 'explosives' to clear a blockage, demonstrating a practical and effective approach. The emperor and his entourage return to Taoyuan, continuing their incognito investigation. They observe more of the county's modern conveniences, such as flush toilets, further highlighting the stark contrast between Taoyuan's progress and the capital's issues. Fang Zhengyi, unaware of their true identities, continues his outspoken and audacious behavior, even attempting to flirt with the princess and subtly mocking the emperor's court.
Fang Zhengyi is summoned to the capital after solving the flood crisis. Upon receiving the imperial decree, the citizens of Taoyuan County protest his departure, showcasing his popularity. In the capital, Fang Zhengyi faces immediate hostility from court officials, who view him as an unpolished upstart. He uses his sharp wit and unconventional arguments, even managing to turn the tables on his accusers by praising the emperor and subtly highlighting the court's shortcomings. The emperor, although feigning anger, is secretly pleased by Fang Zhengyi's frankness and grants him a position as Junior Minister and mentor to the Crown Prince.
The emperor interrogates Fang Zhengyi about his 'immense merit,' which is revealed to be gunpowder. Fang Zhengyi downplays its significance and invents a story about its accidental discovery and limited production. After some negotiation, he secures funds for its development, leveraging his cunning. He boldly uses this opportunity to ask for the hand of Princess Miaomiao, much to the emperor's feigned outrage. The emperor, however, agrees to a secret engagement and assigns Fang Zhengyi to develop gunpowder and mentor the Crown Prince, hinting at a larger plan for Fang Zhengyi's future within the empire.
Fang Zhengyi's directness and ingenuity quickly gain him both allies and enemies in the court. Princess Miaomiao, now his secret fiancée, supports his unique methods, particularly in educating the Crown Prince. The Prince of Qian, disguised as a merchant, and his sister, Bai Yi, attempt to steal Fang Zhengyi's gunpowder formula and even plot against the princess. Bai Yi, who had been rescued by Fang Zhengyi earlier, reveals her true identity as Princess of Qian, indicating a deeper conspiracy and a struggle for power between the kingdoms. Fang Zhengyi, through surveillance, uncovers their plans and uses his wit to outmaneuver them once again.
The Prince of Qian confronts Fang Zhengyi, attempting to recruit him to their cause and eliminate Princess Miaomiao. Fang Zhengyi, however, remains loyal to the Jing empire and his unconventional principles of equality. In a dramatic showdown, he reveals a gun he's developed, loaded with gunpowder, shocking both the Prince of Qian and the hidden emperor. The emperor, surprised by Fang Zhengyi's advanced technology and earlier deception, decides to keep a close eye on him. The video concludes with Princess Miaomiao reaffirming her love and desire to marry Fang Zhengyi, despite his eccentricities, and the emperor's recognition of Fang Zhengyi's significant value to the empire.