The Empress Fell for a Bastard

Martin wakes up in the past, realizing he's become the son of Grandora's Minister of War and has accidentally taken advantage of the Princess intended for a political marriage. As he tries to figure out his next move, the Empress arrives, complicating his already disastrous situation.Will Martin be able to escape the Empress's wrath and the fallout from his scandalous actions?

Martin, accused of defiling the Duke's granddaughter, defends his actions by claiming he was saving her from a worse fate with the Northern Royalty. To prove his worth and take responsibility, he volunteers to lead the fight against the invading northern barbarians, staking his honor and life on the outcome.Will Martin survive the battle and prove his worth, or will his gamble lead to his demise?

Martin faces the Empress's three critical questions about warfare, governance, and repelling barbarians, proposing ruthless yet strategic solutions that both shock and impress the court.Will Martin's brutal strategies secure his freedom and a royal marriage, or will they backfire in the face of the Empress's judgment?

Martin is unexpectedly promoted to lead an army, facing a dangerous mission to the north, while his complicated relationship with a noblewoman takes a dramatic turn during his departure.Will Martin survive the perilous battlefield and return to confront the consequences of his actions?

Martin reveals his unconventional and disgusting weapon, 'Filth Brew', made from boiled waste, to repel the invaders. Despite initial disgust, the Major General recognizes its potential and leads the charge using this foul but effective tactic.Will Martin's revolting 'Filth Brew' be enough to turn the tide of battle?

Despite doubts and criticisms from the court, Martin leads the troops to a surprising victory against the invaders, reclaiming lost territories and even capturing a province, proving his critics wrong.Will Martin's triumph earn him the Empress's favor or provoke even greater enemies at court?

Martin and his father are rewarded for their victory in Northshire, but Martin's unconventional tactics spark a heated debate in the court about morality and survival in war, leading to his unexpected promotion as the Imperial Tutor.Will Martin's newfound position as Imperial Tutor bring him closer to the Empress or ignite more conflicts within the court?

Martin proposes a cunning Land Reallocation Policy to the Empress, aiming to dismantle the regional warlords' power by allowing lords to divide their lands among all their sons, thus sowing discord without bloodshed, while tensions rise over internal factions plotting against the throne.Will the Empress choose to implement Martin's devious plan or take drastic action against him for his boldness?

Martin accidentally slips and touches the Empress, narrowly avoiding castration by promising to create 'cement' to prove his worth, while secretly admiring her beauty.Will Martin successfully create the cement and win the Empress's favor, or will his boldness lead to his downfall?

Martin confronts Duke Brook about his relationship with Ms. Brook, arguing that their scandal has left her unmarriageable, and boldly proposes to make their union official, despite the Duke's fury.Will Duke Brook accept Martin's audacious proposal, or will their confrontation escalate into something far more dangerous?

Martin returns victorious from battle, boasting of his achievements and seeking to reconcile with Lettie by apologizing for his past behavior and promising to protect her, even proposing marriage, though their interaction quickly devolves into his usual inappropriate advances.Will Lettie ever forgive Martin and accept his proposal, or will his old habits ruin his chances with her forever?

Martin pressures his father, Minister Oscar, for a twenty thousand dollar sponsorship to start cement production, threatening to accuse him of treason if he refuses, leading to a heated exchange and eventual compliance.Will Martin's cement production venture succeed or will his ambitious plans lead to unforeseen consequences?

Martin discovers a large amount of silver, hinting at possible embezzlement, and then assigns his attendants a mysterious task involving whitish stone and gooey mud, while facing resistance when trying to acquire skilled craftsmen for his 'cement' project.What is Martin really planning with the strange materials and the remote pit?

Martin confronts Minister George, asserting his newfound authority as the Imperial Proxy by demanding craftsmen for his manor under the threat of destruction, revealing a tense power struggle within the empire.Will Minister George comply with Martin's demands or plot his revenge?

Mora reveals to her grandfather that Minister George and other officials plan to impeach Martin for his actions at the Workshop, leading her to seek her grandfather's help to defend him in court.Will Martin be able to overcome the impeachment and continue his work with the Empress's support?

Minister George accuses Martin Eden of abusing the Imperial Proxy gold token and wasting treasury funds on failed cement production, leading to calls for his execution. Martin counters by claiming he has successfully produced cement, setting the stage for a dramatic reveal.Will Martin's cement prove his innocence and silence his accusers?

Minister George accuses Martin of wasting money on producing cement bricks, leading to a dramatic showdown where Martin proves the bricks' durability by challenging the Minister to test one with his head, showcasing the innovation's potential to revolutionize Grandora's infrastructure.Will Minister George survive the cement brick test, and how will this bold demonstration alter the political landscape in Grandora?

Minister George recovers from a head injury caused by a cement brick. The Chancellor seizes the opportunity to challenge the strength of the brick by calling upon the formidable Grand Marshal Mariana, renowned for her martial prowess. Despite warnings, Mariana attempts to smash the brick bare-handed, underestimating its durability, leading to a tense standoff and a threat to her reputation.Will Mariana's reputation as the Grand Marshal be tarnished by her failure to break the cement brick?

Martin astonishes the court by unveiling his revolutionary cement bricks, capable of repelling any army, leading to praise and skepticism. Despite his past reputation, the Empress and others recognize his genius, but political rivalries emerge as ministers debate who should oversee the production of this 'national treasure'.Will Martin's cement bricks become the empire's salvation or the spark of a political firestorm?

In a heated court debate, Martin clashes with Chancellor Edmund Lowe over the production of cement bricks and the depletion of the national treasury. The Chancellor accuses Martin of wasting resources and demands punishment, but Martin turns the tables by proposing to confiscate corrupt officials' assets, starting with the Chancellor himself.Will Martin's bold plan to replenish the treasury by targeting the Chancellor succeed, or will it backfire spectacularly?