Destiny's Prodigal: The Prince Who Turned Trash into Treasure

Prince Gu Xiu gets scammed into buying a worthless mountain—or so everyone thinks. While his scheming brothers fight for the throne, he discovers saltpeter, smokeless coal, and resources beyond imagination. What looks like reckless spending is actually genius investment. As the imperial court mocks his 'wasteful' ways, Gu Xiu quietly builds an empire of wealth that dwarfs the royal treasury itself. Who needs a crown when you can buy the whole kingdom?