Li Mingyuan, a special forces soldier from the modern era, travels through time and becomes a ne'er-do-well in ancient times. He marries three daughters of official families. When his home is completely bare, he activates an exchange system, selling items and exchanging for modern goods to build up wealth, and opens a general store and a wine distillery. His rise draws trouble from local bullies and corrupt officials; he strikes back with wisdom and martial skill, and also organizes and trains a village militia to become a capable army. Later, learning that the families of his wives have been exiled, he befriends Guo Fengchun, Minister of War, and gains his support and promotion. When northern barbarians invade, Li Mingyuan is appointed Grand General and marches north with the army.