In the Great Jing dynasty, a poor farming family lives in utter destitution, bullied even by their own relatives. Even eating an egg requires them to watch others' faces. To protect his parents and siblings, he uses his intelligence to sell sunflower seeds and write popular stories, while embarking on the imperial examination path at just eight years old. From topping the county examination to achieving the unprecedented honor of passing all six examinations in first place, he overcomes prejudice, battles the powerful, develops industry, and reforms the imperial court. When the northern cavalry returns, this once-ridiculed farmer's son will don armor and wield a sword to reclaim lost territory and restore the shattered realm.