Chance achieved victory in his challenge against the Western tribes, showcasing the military might of the Ming Dynasty, earning the court's admiration. The emperor was increasingly pleased with Chance's recent performance.

One day, he summoned Chance and proudly declared before the full court, "Chance, your talents have helped our dynasty achieve success time and again. As a father, I believe it's crucial to continue honing your qualities as the future emperor while you are still young. I am entrusting you with the responsibility of managing part of our territory. Go to the Land Management Bureau and claim your land."

Chance bowed deeply, moved by the emperor's trust. As he left the palace, a sense of accomplishment surged through him. He imagined building a prosperous empire from the ground up on that land, a life filled with challenges and joys, entirely different from his modern laboratory days.

However, within the palace, the other princes were filled with jealousy and fear. The Crown Prince could no longer endure it. He and Semon hid in a dark corner of the palace, plotting a plan to keep Chance on that land forever, preventing him from returning to the capital.

"We must ensure he gets the worst land," Semon declared, his voice filled with malice. "A place so remote and harsh that not even his intelligence can save him."

The Crown Prince agreed with Semon's approach, and they both smiled wickedly. Their plan began to unfold, sending people to manipulate the officials at the Land Management Bureau. When Chance arrived, the officials pretended to greet him with respect. One of them handed him the land documents with an undisguised smile.

"Your Highness, this is the land designated by your father," the official tried to conceal his glee.

Chance opened the map, his eyes scanning the parchment. When he realized the location, his heart sank—it was a vast and rugged northwestern region, known for its harsh climate and isolation.

"The Northwest?"

Chance asked incredulously, raising an eyebrow. "Is there no other available land?"

The official shook his head, feigning regret. "I'm afraid not, Your Highness. This is the only remaining unallocated land."

The emperor, observing the princes' scheming, accepted the manipulation on the land allocation, even though he felt heartache for Chance. "Only through continuous honing can Chance become a true future emperor," the emperor sighed as he listened to the chief eunuch's report.

With no other choice, Chance accepted the task.

"Very well," he said firmly. "I will make the most of this opportunity."

The northwestern region, now known as Tibet in China, was notorious for its arid conditions. Severe water shortages led to widespread droughts, severely affecting agricultural productivity. The constant lack of water meant that crops frequently failed, making survival difficult for residents.

Additionally, the region's geographical location made it a border area, often subjected to invasions by hostile neighboring tribes, such as the nomadic Wolf Clan. These invasions heightened the region's instability, making it a dangerous place to live. The harsh environment and constant threats from external attacks made it particularly challenging and perilous for the local residents.

The day finally arrived for Chance's departure. The servants at his mansion prepared for his journey, and the carriage awaited outside. Chance boarded the carriage and slowly departed.

Chance's departure evoked mixed feelings. The Crown Prince and his allies watched with satisfaction, believing they had successfully marginalized him. But Chance's loyal followers remained confident that he would turn this challenge into another victory and become the future emperor.

The journey to the new territory was long and perilous, but Chance's determination never wavered. "This land may be remote and harsh," he mused, "but it also offers opportunities for innovation and development. With my modern knowledge, I can transform this region into a thriving part of the empire."

After a month of arduous travel, Chance and his servants finally reached the desolate northwestern region, present-day Tibet. The journey was incredibly challenging, and as they trekked through the harsh terrain, their food supplies dwindled. Hunger tormented them, with the threat of starvation looming.

One night, as the group stopped to rest, Chance noticed the exhausted and gaunt faces of his servants. Their food was nearly gone, and the once vibrant team now seemed on the verge of collapse. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Chance rummaged through their supplies, finding items that sparked his inspiration. Among the sparse remnants were lime and their utensils.

"Do not lose hope," Chance tried to comfort his desperate companions. "I have a way for us to have a hot meal even without fire." His words were met with skeptical glances, but the glimmer of hope in their eyes motivated him to continue.

Chance set to work, explaining his plan as he proceeded. "In modern society, we have something called self-heating meals. Through a simple chemical reaction, we can generate enough heat to cook rice." The servants, though doubtful, watched him with a mix of curiosity and desperation.

He poured some lime into a metal container and added water. The reaction was swift and vigorous, the mixture bubbling and steaming, releasing heat.

"This is how we generate heat," he explained calmly. He placed a bowl filled with rice and water over the makeshift heater, letting the steam envelop the bowl.

The servants watched in amazement as steam began to rise, and within minutes, the aroma of cooking rice filled the air.

"This is incredible," one servant exclaimed. "I never thought we could have a hot meal here."

Chance smiled, a sense of pride swelling within him. "It's just a basic chemical reaction," he said, downplaying the ingenuity of his solution.

"With this, we can maintain our nutrition and strength to continue our journey."

When the rice was ready, the servants eagerly devoured their portions, their faces lighting up with relief and gratitude as they ate the steaming rice.

"We have food!" one servant marveled at the self-heating rice pot. "It's amazing, we have hot rice without fire."

One servant even went into the woods, returning with some mushrooms and handing them to Chance. Chance continued using the lime and water, waiting a moment before placing the cleaned mushrooms in the pot, adding a pinch of the refined salt he had previously extracted. Thus, Chance's team enjoyed fresh mushroom soup.

After the meal, they rested and prepared to continue their journey. Chance couldn't help but reflect on the strange fate that had brought him here. In the modern world, he suddenly missed his parents and his mother's cooking, wondering about their reaction to his disappearance.

Upon reaching his new territory, Chance was captivated by the magnificent scenery. Towering mountains and vast plateaus stretched endlessly, the wilderness both intimidating and exhilarating. The local residents, curious about their new governor, gathered to welcome him.

Chance spoke to them with confidence, his voice both authoritative and passionate.

"I know these lands are challenging, but together, we can transform them into a prosperous place. We will use our knowledge, skills, and determination to overcome every obstacle."

Initially skeptical, the local residents did not believe Chance could change the local conditions. They had seen many officials come and go without solving the drought problem. Chance's journey to the northwest was filled with uncertainty. Standing on the platform, he spoke of his determination and innovative spirit, encouraging the people and trying to bring hope. He spoke of his responsibilities and mission.

As Chance reflected on his journey, a villager suddenly collapsed before him, foaming at the mouth. Alarmed, Chance turned to the village chief, who explained coldly, "This villager hasn't eaten for two weeks. He's starving."

Seeing the frail corpse before him, Chance's heart sank. The chief continued,

"Unfortunately, such deaths are common here. Many people are starving, struggling to survive."

Chance felt a mix of emotions, realizing the situation was far more complex than he had imagined. This would be the greatest challenge he had faced since coming to ancient times. Determined to make a difference, Chance vowed to save the people of this drought-stricken land. The hardships they faced ignited a fire within him to bring hope and change to this desolate region.