Xu Yuan transmigrates to the Tang Dynasty and becomes the magistrate of a remote border county. After unlocking a special system, he discovers that the only way to return to modern times is to be punished by the emperor. Eager to return home as soon as possible, he voluntarily submits a memorial confessing to several serious crimes and declares himself a corrupt official deserving of death. Emperor Taizong of Tang is furious, yet notices something suspicious and secretly visits Changtian County in disguise. What he finds is a magnificent city with well-maintained roads, thriving trade, and people living in peace and prosperity. Although Xu Yuan appears to be a corrupt official harming the people, he is actually revitalizing the frontier with remarkably advanced methods. Thus begins a series of unexpected reversals as the emperor and his official test each other in a battle of wits.