Modern young man Zhao Mu travels to the Daqi Dynasty, struck by a three-year drought and famine. On the verge of death, he survives with modern knowledge by making herbal fish bait to catch birds. He invents tofu, honeycomb coal and distilled spirits, gathers talented followers and outwits local tyrants in Taiping County. He gradually gains a foothold as a nameless refugee. He meets Huang Wan, a former princess hiding her identity. Building up strength based in Taiping County, he sets out to contend for the throne amid the chaotic world.