During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, two impoverished counties along the Yellow River were devastated by floods, corruption, and illegal salt trade, leaving the people in misery and officials unwilling to take charge. In response, the court appointed 50-year-old scholar Zheng Banqiao as magistrate of Fang County. Upon taking office, he tackled the illegal salt trade, repaired flood dikes, led disaster relief efforts, and dismantled the remnants of the corrupt Zhu San Tai faction — earning a reputation for integrity, compassion, and dedication to the people.