Summary
Highlights
Pingan Chen, a modern man, finds himself transported to an ancient, chaotic world after a tragic event. He's left with his sister-in-law, Su Wan, after his father and brother die in battle. Facing conscription, a system is activated, offering rewards for increasing favoritability with women. He gains 'Treasure Hunting' and 'Body Strengthening' skills, using them to find valuable ginseng and pheasants, impressing Su Wan and increasing her favorability. He encounters neighborhood bullies and defends Su Wan, showcasing his growing strength and earning higher favorability with her.
Pingan confronts the local bullies who harass Su Wan, demonstrating his newfound archery skills by shooting an arrow at them, causing them to flee. His bravery further increases Su Wan's favor. He then uses his 'Treasure Hunting' skill to find a valuable ten-year-old ginseng, which he brings home, indicating his ability to provide for his family. He prepares to join the army, despite Su Wan's apprehension, and receives his brother's bow.
Pingan joins the army, quickly becoming a sergeant and then a Captain, due to his leadership and combat skills, including single-handedly defeating a tiger. He forms a bond with Yang Yuyao, a fellow soldier who initially challenges him. Pingan learns a powerful sword technique, demonstrating his rapid learning ability due to his 'martial arts genius' talent. He also uncovers a traitor in the army and captures the Princess of Northern Mang, Wanyan Hongye.
Pingan's capture of Princess Wanyan Hongye and his strategic success against the Northern Mang army earn him recognition from the General. He is promoted to Cavalry Captain. Wanyan Hongye, initially defiant, shows an unexpected increase in favorability towards Pingan. His actions expose a network of traitors within the court, which he skillfully navigates using his new abilities.
Pingan, now in the capital, uses his knowledge of basic chemistry to create modern products like perfume, glazed pottery (glass marbles), and soap. These items prove to be highly valuable luxuries, generating substantial income. He enters a bet with Chancellor Lu, promising to replenish the depleted national treasury within three months using these innovations, much to the disbelief of the court officials.
Pingan successfully uses his modern inventions to generate millions of taels of gold, replenishing the national treasury and winning his bet against Chancellor Lu. He faces further challenges from jealous rivals and the manipulative King of Qin, who seeks to undermine him and seize power. Pingan's directness and military achievements earn him the Emperor's trust and respect, leading to his appointment as General.
The Emperor, impressed by Pingan, considers making Princess Yang Yuyao the Crown Prince, relying on Pingan to support her. The King of Qin, seeing his ambitions thwarted, plots against the Emperor. Pingan, aware of the political machinations, prepares for conflict. He leads the army against a renewed Northern Mang rebellion, again confronting treachery from within the ranks and from figures like Lu Deyuan, the Chancellor's son.
Pingan decisively defeats the Northern Mang rebels, exposing Lu Deyuan as a traitor and solidifying his position as a military hero. He reveals new, high-yield crops like potatoes and sweet potatoes, promising to bring prosperity to the land. The Emperor passes the throne to Princess Yang Yuyao, making her the Imperial Daughter, with Pingan by her side to manage state affairs. The story concludes with Pingan and his growing family, including children with Wanyan Hongye, looking towards a flourishing future for the empire.