Li Xingzhou transmigrates into another world and takes office as a local county magistrate. He helps Wu Dalang, recruits Wu Song, and foils the schemes of the local strongman Ximen Qing and his faction. Thanks to his outstanding administrative achievements, he is recommended for promotion. On his way to his new post, he encounters Yang Xiong and his party. Recognizing the potential of Zhu Family Village's local militia, he helps train the troops to defend against invading forces, repels enemy attacks several times, and recruits some of the personnel to serve in his new jurisdiction. His reforms to local defenses threaten his colleagues' interests, so he establishes a money house and publishes periodicals to stabilize people's livelihoods and grain supplies. He crushes insurgents and invading enemies, leverages support from the imperial court to bring a renowned general under his command, purges corrupt local gentry and officials, and consolidates governance in his territory. Just as things settle down, he receives a plea for help from a neighboring region.