The Magistrate's Secret War

The Story

Famine reports hide a shocking secret. The Empress travels incognito to Qingming County, expecting ruin but finding unexpected wealth. Magistrate Qi Zhao reveals that rich counties fake poverty to steal relief funds. The Crown Prince deploys troops, creating a crisis where only three hundred militia must face fifty thousand soldiers. The Empress joins the fight for the people and the throne, turning a simple inspection into a battle for survival.