Ethan Wynn time-travels to become the Puppet Emperor. Bound to the 'Merit System', he seeks to return to the modern world by 'courting death'. He refuses court, confronts the eunuch faction, scolds the Empress Dowager. He provokes the powerful but gains power by accident, recruiting Franklin Cole and Faye Westgate. Faced with court officials forcing his abdication and assassins, his 'slacker' tactics resolve the crises. He progresses from a slacker emperor to an Emperor for the Ages.
