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Back to the Beginning of Ming to do Charity 回到明初搞慈善
After traversing to the end of the Yuan dynasty but just before the start of the Ming dynasty, Lin Yuan originally prepared to follow in the footsteps of his time travelling seniors. Invent tanks, cannons, and steam engines while gaining underlings and dominating the world.
However, before he realized it, Lin Yuan’s followed by a crowd of impoverished and destitute people——
“Follow after Boss! There will be food to eat!”
“Follow after Boss! No more starvation!”
The goal is to dominate the world, the tragic reality however is more about building and farming.
This is a story about a straight(?) Gary Stu protagonist ‘forced’ into becoming a male living Buddha.
However, before he realized it, Lin Yuan’s followed by a crowd of impoverished and destitute people——
“Follow after Boss! There will be food to eat!”
“Follow after Boss! No more starvation!”
The goal is to dominate the world, the tragic reality however is more about building and farming.
This is a story about a straight(?) Gary Stu protagonist ‘forced’ into becoming a male living Buddha.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 29, 2024
Back To The Beginning Of Ming To Do Charity
(English Translated Title)
One of the best historical Yaoi novels I've read!
I am done with those bl novels where if you just change the 'he' of the doormat prontagonist with 'she', it turns into another average dogblooded romance bg novel.
Here, finally, we see a shou who had his own dominance over the gong. And it did not even imbalance the power dynamics between them in this context.
Many reviewers were kinda disappointed with the amount of romance in this novel. I do get where they're coming from as there is barely any fluff compared to other BLs. At the same time, I think it is just the right amount considering the background of the MC and the ML.
Our MC, Lin Yuan, transmigrates into the warring years of the actual Yuan dynasty in Chinese history. He doesn't have any type of golden fingers except the knowledge and upbringing he retained from modern times. He is even a pure humanitarian student, so forget about inventing stuff on his own. He just wanted to carve out a small unknown place in the countryside so that he and his family will be safe. Well, at first anyway.
The most noticeable and intriguing element in the novel is Lin Yuan's character development over the storyline. Step by step, his ambition grew and he turned into a hegemony ruler. There were times when he doubted himself, but at the end, he got back up on his own and even stronger than before.
There were also many side characters that I loved like Song Shizhao, Zhu Yangzheng (the actual founding emperor of Ming dynasty🤭🤭), Lady An, Hong Xiu, Tian Xiang. There were so many badass female characters I fell in love with especially Hong Xiu. I also thought that there was a potential GL couple in Qiu Niang and Yan Niu. Though couple of BL and GLs were there but that didn't mean BG was non-existent. There was the perfect balance in everything.
We got many daily lives of throwaway characters to show how the actions taken by Lin Yuan affected others negatively or positively. Though, this novel cannot be considered 50-50 black and white, morally grey and it also had plenty of idealistic elements here and there, I still enjoyed the heck out of this novel.
If you want a historical and political novel where the MC steps into the path to the imperial throne then this is for you. It is NOT brain-dead, there is reason behind each and every action of Lin Yuan. This is one of those novels where I would give it more than 5 ⭐ only if I could!
"The motive and the era was different, therefore you could not use the same ethics and values to treat the same issue." (I don't know why authors forget to teach this essential lesson to their transmigrating protagonists😩😩😩)
(English Translated Title)
One of the best historical Yaoi novels I've read!
I am done with those bl novels where if you just change the 'he' of the doormat prontagonist with 'she', it turns into another average dogblooded romance bg novel.
Here, finally, we see a shou who had his own dominance over the gong. And it did not even imbalance the power dynamics between them in this context.
Many reviewers were kinda disappointed with the amount of romance in this novel. I do get where they're coming from as there is barely any fluff compared to other BLs. At the same time, I think it is just the right amount considering the background of the MC and the ML.
Our MC, Lin Yuan, transmigrates into the warring years of the actual Yuan dynasty in Chinese history. He doesn't have any type of golden fingers except the knowledge and upbringing he retained from modern times. He is even a pure humanitarian student, so forget about inventing stuff on his own. He just wanted to carve out a small unknown place in the countryside so that he and his family will be safe. Well, at first anyway.
The most noticeable and intriguing element in the novel is Lin Yuan's character development over the storyline. Step by step, his ambition grew and he turned into a hegemony ruler. There were times when he doubted himself, but at the end, he got back up on his own and even stronger than before.
There were also many side characters that I loved like Song Shizhao, Zhu Yangzheng (the actual founding emperor of Ming dynasty🤭🤭), Lady An, Hong Xiu, Tian Xiang. There were so many badass female characters I fell in love with especially Hong Xiu. I also thought that there was a potential GL couple in Qiu Niang and Yan Niu. Though couple of BL and GLs were there but that didn't mean BG was non-existent. There was the perfect balance in everything.
We got many daily lives of throwaway characters to show how the actions taken by Lin Yuan affected others negatively or positively. Though, this novel cannot be considered 50-50 black and white, morally grey and it also had plenty of idealistic elements here and there, I still enjoyed the heck out of this novel.
If you want a historical and political novel where the MC steps into the path to the imperial throne then this is for you. It is NOT brain-dead, there is reason behind each and every action of Lin Yuan. This is one of those novels where I would give it more than 5 ⭐ only if I could!
"The motive and the era was different, therefore you could not use the same ethics and values to treat the same issue." (I don't know why authors forget to teach this essential lesson to their transmigrating protagonists😩😩😩)
November 8, 2025
I loved this novel. I have a huge weak spot for empire‑building stories, and this one comes close to perfect.
What stood out most was how carefully it examines the balance of power between a ruler and their supporters. The theories of governance woven into the narrative give it real weight, and the little asides showing how ordinary people are affected by the MC’s reforms make the world feel lived‑in. The author also deserves credit for not discarding characters from earlier arcs—you can tell the planning was meticulous.
The weak link is the romance. It feels tacked on, as if the author worried readers would complain without some CP sugar. The ML never suited the MC, and their relationship reads more like an afterthought than a natural progression. To the author’s credit, the character settings remain consistent, but the narrative focus shifts too heavily toward the romance in the final arc.
Thematically, the novel explores the isolation of rulership—something the MC and even his heir grapple with. If the ML was meant to counter that loneliness, it didn’t land. He comes across less as an equal partner and more as a devoted, attractive servant warming the MC’s bed. That imbalance undermines the theme, and the abrupt declarations of love don’t convince. Honestly, the MC’s farewell with his advisor carried far more emotional weight than any scene with the ML.
What stood out most was how carefully it examines the balance of power between a ruler and their supporters. The theories of governance woven into the narrative give it real weight, and the little asides showing how ordinary people are affected by the MC’s reforms make the world feel lived‑in. The author also deserves credit for not discarding characters from earlier arcs—you can tell the planning was meticulous.
The weak link is the romance. It feels tacked on, as if the author worried readers would complain without some CP sugar. The ML never suited the MC, and their relationship reads more like an afterthought than a natural progression. To the author’s credit, the character settings remain consistent, but the narrative focus shifts too heavily toward the romance in the final arc.
Thematically, the novel explores the isolation of rulership—something the MC and even his heir grapple with. If the ML was meant to counter that loneliness, it didn’t land. He comes across less as an equal partner and more as a devoted, attractive servant warming the MC’s bed. That imbalance undermines the theme, and the abrupt declarations of love don’t convince. Honestly, the MC’s farewell with his advisor carried far more emotional weight than any scene with the ML.
January 8, 2026
Worldbuilding? Immaculate.
I have no expectations when I started this one but I was actually surprised! The author did not sugarcoat the sordid environment of such era: wars, hunger, cannibalism, murder, etc.
Lin Yuan (MC) is a character that actually has good morals, but if push comes to shove, he will defend his constituents.
The romance is slight, I was actually wondering who the romantic interest was in the first chapters but was not disappointed about it when it was revealed.
What I like about the storytelling is how it also shows the point of view of the common people (merchants, workers, beggars, soldiers, etc). The way they compare their lives before and after being under the MC’s protection. It also shows the idea that when someone “good” leads and makes lives infinitely better, people tend to idolize then to make that person “God-like” no matter the actions such person will do in the future.
Do not think twice about reading this book because of the Yaoi tag. The worldbuilding and storyline is great and you definitely won’t regret it.
I have no expectations when I started this one but I was actually surprised! The author did not sugarcoat the sordid environment of such era: wars, hunger, cannibalism, murder, etc.
Lin Yuan (MC) is a character that actually has good morals, but if push comes to shove, he will defend his constituents.
The romance is slight, I was actually wondering who the romantic interest was in the first chapters but was not disappointed about it when it was revealed.
What I like about the storytelling is how it also shows the point of view of the common people (merchants, workers, beggars, soldiers, etc). The way they compare their lives before and after being under the MC’s protection. It also shows the idea that when someone “good” leads and makes lives infinitely better, people tend to idolize then to make that person “God-like” no matter the actions such person will do in the future.
Do not think twice about reading this book because of the Yaoi tag. The worldbuilding and storyline is great and you definitely won’t regret it.
October 7, 2023
Would not read this for romance but do read if into kingdom building .I did not find it boring and watching Mc develop as a leader and change the empire step by step was the best part even with the transmigrator fore-knowledge cheat.
Romance was treated as a side to the growth of the mc's rise to power and I wasn't that into it when it started blossoming funnily. I did like watching the growth of a smart complicated morally grey Mc's ambitious pursuits who was good at heart but not naive. As a romance novel this might kind of fail ine the eyes of some but still an enjoyable read if you like weak to strong tropes
Romance was treated as a side to the growth of the mc's rise to power and I wasn't that into it when it started blossoming funnily. I did like watching the growth of a smart complicated morally grey Mc's ambitious pursuits who was good at heart but not naive. As a romance novel this might kind of fail ine the eyes of some but still an enjoyable read if you like weak to strong tropes
May 20, 2022
it's trully a long journey...this story about MC daily life whom transmigrate to ancient era. from son of landowner who has nothing,he begin his long and tiring journey to build his own kingdom. if you searching a romance story, don't read this book. the romance in this book almost pittifully invincible. MC and ML get along in the romantic relationship only in the end of the story. i like how author describe some canon fodder life story. how their struggle for their life before MC came and how MC rule can affect and change their life. there's sad story but also alot of happy story.
June 4, 2022
A great read! The transmigrator has a good grasp on history and politics, but is not an engineer. The pace is reasonable and there are snaps on other POV's so the reader can perceive the impact of the transmigrator on the world. There's no so much focus on the transmigrator's personal life, but on the world building. It's a bit idealistic and political, still a really great story!
October 14, 2021
Darker/more realistic than I would've expected. Don't read this expecting BL fluff- this is heavily kingdom building. A very interesting alternative timeline though. Very well written (if a bit strong on the protagonist halo compared to more serious reads).
April 12, 2022
4.8
Love it!!
I strongly recommend it.
Such a great web novel, have good pacing, and the story gives you glimpse how the decissions that the MC made it affects his entire environment.
And the characters... so likeable! The MC is amazing!!
Love it!!
I strongly recommend it.
Such a great web novel, have good pacing, and the story gives you glimpse how the decissions that the MC made it affects his entire environment.
And the characters... so likeable! The MC is amazing!!
September 13, 2025
It’s standard transmigration of the MC into Chinese history. Under 200 chapters and it moved quickly except for the Red Turban wars and overthrow of the Yuan Dynasty. The characters are a bit bland along with the dramatic war subplots. 3.5/5
March 7, 2023
I wasn't expecting much from this book when I started. In fact, it had been sitting as one of my many saved Chrome tabs for months and months, and I was never in the right mood to start it. I was very pleasantly surprised when I finally started it and found myself engrossed.
It follows the story of Lin Yuan, a character who was transmigrated from modern times back to the Yuan dynasty of Chinese history, when China was under Mongol rule. He's born into the body of a landowner's son who left his family with a sum of money to try and make it on his own. Initially he's focused on building up his own farmstead and ensuring that the folks who work for him have a roof over their heads and food to eat, but step by step he realizes that that's not enough and he needs to do more to protect his people. Next thing you know, he's slowly building his own empire and taking over nearby towns and even whole provinces.
This novel is very story-focused and light on the romance, so don't expect much on the romance front. The ML isn't introduced until chapter 3x, and for most of the story, the ML spends time apart from Lin Yuan completing various tasks for him, so it's not till near the end when things are stabilized that the author turns her focus to the romance.
What I really enjoyed about this story is how the author provides so many snippets into the lives of the common people and how that changes under Lin Yuan. Some of these snippets are downright depressing, especially the ones at the beginning, but gradually you can really see how the commoner's lives have become better and people no longer have to worry about how their family can survive the winter and not starve.
The policies that Lin Yuan introduces are very progressive for feudal China and perhaps a bit on the idealistic side, but I enjoyed reading a version of old China with these progressive ideals, such as kids being able to attend free government school, or women being able to own property and having the right to divorce their husband without bringing shame to themselves and their whole family. The whole idea of recruiting a son-in-law into your family (due to the lack of women) instead of the daughter marrying out had me chuckling as well.
I'm also very impressed at Lin Yuan's ability to remember Chinese history. He keeps pulling famous generals, writers, etc. from history to his side and also manages to remember what the year and month XYZ event happened and plan for those events. If I were in his shoes and got transmigrated back in time, I definitely wouldn't be able to remember half of what he did!
Overall I would highly recommend this novel if you're looking for a good empire building story.
It follows the story of Lin Yuan, a character who was transmigrated from modern times back to the Yuan dynasty of Chinese history, when China was under Mongol rule. He's born into the body of a landowner's son who left his family with a sum of money to try and make it on his own. Initially he's focused on building up his own farmstead and ensuring that the folks who work for him have a roof over their heads and food to eat, but step by step he realizes that that's not enough and he needs to do more to protect his people. Next thing you know, he's slowly building his own empire and taking over nearby towns and even whole provinces.
This novel is very story-focused and light on the romance, so don't expect much on the romance front. The ML isn't introduced until chapter 3x, and for most of the story, the ML spends time apart from Lin Yuan completing various tasks for him, so it's not till near the end when things are stabilized that the author turns her focus to the romance.
What I really enjoyed about this story is how the author provides so many snippets into the lives of the common people and how that changes under Lin Yuan. Some of these snippets are downright depressing, especially the ones at the beginning, but gradually you can really see how the commoner's lives have become better and people no longer have to worry about how their family can survive the winter and not starve.
The policies that Lin Yuan introduces are very progressive for feudal China and perhaps a bit on the idealistic side, but I enjoyed reading a version of old China with these progressive ideals, such as kids being able to attend free government school, or women being able to own property and having the right to divorce their husband without bringing shame to themselves and their whole family. The whole idea of recruiting a son-in-law into your family (due to the lack of women) instead of the daughter marrying out had me chuckling as well.
I'm also very impressed at Lin Yuan's ability to remember Chinese history. He keeps pulling famous generals, writers, etc. from history to his side and also manages to remember what the year and month XYZ event happened and plan for those events. If I were in his shoes and got transmigrated back in time, I definitely wouldn't be able to remember half of what he did!
Overall I would highly recommend this novel if you're looking for a good empire building story.
October 3, 2024
4.6 Wow..what a development. Things just took their time.. I won’t give more starts because I really like early romances and even though it was a realistic relationship I missed more of their emotional development. This story is focused on the empire not on their personas
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews