Chapter 6: Sleepless Night

Just as she was thinking, Achi heard the voice of Zhong Jinwei. After a moment of contemplation, she replied softly, "Young Master, do you need me to pour you some water?" While tidying his bed, she noticed Zhong Jinwei pouring himself several cups of tea. (Little did she know, Zhong Jinwei was a bit nervous and was drinking water to cover it up)

How to say it?

Thus, they all stood up, stretched their necks, and tried to see more clearly in the dim light

The two soldiers exchanged a glance, recognizing the accent from the capital, and said: "Throw up your waist token for us to see."

Sun Chengzong was taken aback upon hearing this. This matter had occurred so many years ago, and the Emperor suddenly inquired about it, clearly having heard something. He did not wish to deliberately conceal the truth from the Emperor; however, he realized that any attempt to hide it would likely be futile. Thus, he could only respond: "Indeed, this matter did occur."

Sun Chengzong, now at the age of sixty-seven, goes to bed early and rises early as well. Today was no exception; just after waking up, he heard what seemed to be voices and commotion outside, which struck him as somewhat odd. Therefore, he called to the maid and asked, "Before dawn breaks, what is the noise outside?"

Wang Cheng'en bowed once more and said: "This servant obeys the command!"

Upon hearing this, Aqi couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing. After a moment of reflection, he replied, "Young master, it is quite late, and I have already gone to bed."

Emperor Chongzhen, upon hearing Wang Cheng'en mention Zhong Jinwei, pondered for a moment and said to Wang Cheng'en: "I see that Zhong Jinwei enjoys leisure and is fond of women. As long as he can assist me in revitalizing the Ming Dynasty, you may indulge him in this regard."

Although the Eastern Depot is now largely inactive, the sudden appearance of an urgent imperial edict suggests that something significant may be about to occur. At this moment, I cannot afford to be negligent and must quickly go down to open the door

Although Aqi spoke little and listened much, he was captivated by the fresh content in Zhong Jinwei's words, and he was no longer drowsy as before, listening attentively. As the conversation deepened and time passed, the sense of unfamiliarity between the two gradually faded away

Around the time of dusk, the city of Gaoyang in Baoding, Hebei, is shrouded in pitch darkness, with only two lanterns at the city gate casting a faint light, faintly revealing the gate from the shadows.

Wang Cheng'en moved a little closer and replied: "Your Majesty is a wise ruler; how could a commoner like me possibly be unable to survive? Not to mention distant matters, I observe that many of the people in the capital still find leisure in horse racing and other amusements. If they were truly unable to survive, would they engage in such activities? Furthermore, not all scholars and officials are selfish and solely focused on profit."

Although the person on horseback felt quite helpless, he understood that this procedure was unavoidable. Therefore, he threw his waist badge up and said: "After you finish reading, quickly open the door, do not delay the time"

In the Imperial Study, after Emperor Chongzhen took his seat, he waved his hand to dismiss the other palace maids and eunuchs, leaving only Wang Cheng'en.

At this moment, Zhong Jinwei had no idea that he was actually labeled by Emperor Chongzhen as "fond of pleasure and fond of women." If he had known, he would likely have felt very wronged. Who among later generations does not enjoy having a beautiful female secretary to assist with work during office hours, and taking a trip to relax during leisure time

The maid went out for a while and returned to report: "It seems that someone from the Eastern Depot has come to convey a sacred edict. The steward did not wish to disturb the master and got into an argument with them"

Aqi felt even more confused, as the content she heard was beyond her understanding. Thus, Zhong Jinwei, feeling pleased, began a new round of explanations.

The person from the Eastern Depot said: "According to the sacred edict, Yuan Chonghuan has committed an offense beneath Liaodong by privately executing an official. Is this true?"

Aqi found it strange and asked, "Computer?"

After a moment of exclamation, Emperor Chongzhen asked Wang Cheng'en: "Daban, what is your view on the relationship between the common people, the gentry, and the Son of Heaven as he mentioned?"

Emperor Chongzhen gave a bitter smile and said, "There is no need for Da Ban to comfort me. After Mr. Zhong's subtle guidance, I feel as if I have been enlightened. Da Ban, do you remember that I previously heard of incidents in Shaanxi and other places where people resorted to cannibalism? I thought it was an exaggeration and dismissed it, but now I realize it is indeed possible. Furthermore, last year, during a court discussion, a group of ministers used the excuse that the late emperor's tax collection led to natural disasters, urging me to reduce the tea tax to please Heaven and ensure favorable weather for the Ming Dynasty. If I had not agreed at that time, I would have been blamed as the sinner for the consecutive years of calamities."

"It's fine, it's fine," Zhong Jinwei quickly responded, "Let's just lie here and chat. At this time in our place, it's precisely when the nightlife is vibrant. If I hadn't crossed over, I would be..." He paused here, as he had originally planned to work overtime tonight, just a typical IT guy. This was uninteresting and not something he could share. So he continued, "I would be playing on the computer." He had originally planned to work overtime tonight, just a typical IT guy. This was uninteresting and not something he could share. So he continued, "I would be playing on the computer."

Sun Chengzong was taken aback; he had rushed over from Beijing in the dead of night just to ask a few questions? Thus, he instructed everyone to leave.

The sound of hooves finally reached the city gate, with only one person and one horse. The person on the horse straightened up and said: "Quickly open the door, I bear an urgent holy decree."

Your Majesty," Wang Cheng'en paused briefly, quickly organizing his words, and then replied: "I believe that Mr. Zhong's words are reasonable, as he explains the hearts of the people in common language; however, there is a slight tendency to generalize.

Upon seeing the main figure appear, the people outside immediately ceased their clamor. Sun Chengzong understood that the steward was acting out of kindness, as he was aware of his own advanced age and did not wish to be disturbed during his rest. However, in front of others, he pretended to reprimand the steward a few times.

As soon as the city gate was pushed open to the width of a horse, a person on horseback squeezed through, took his waist token, and asked: "Where is the residence of Lord Sun Chengzong?"

At this moment, it was actually no longer necessary to listen attentively, as the sound of hooves was already quite evident. Both individuals were somewhat puzzled, wondering who could be traveling at such a late hour.

Zhong Jinwei, fearing that Aqi would not speak, quickly replied: "Yes, a computer, also known as a computing machine, is called 'Computer' in English. A client can be used to read news, play games, watch movies, and so on."

Furthermore, it was said that the late Emperor's imposition of maritime trade restrictions and the collection of taxes by eunuchs was a serious violation of ancestral regulations. The continuous natural disasters also proved that the collection of customs duties was a great evil policy. Therefore, I have reinstated the ban on customs duties. They have deceived me, taking advantage of my youth and ignorance, and using ancestral regulations to pressure me. Upon reflection, I realize that those who read the works of sages view this harm as even more severe. In the future, do not blame the sharpness of my imperial sword!" After saying this, Emperor Chongzhen angrily struck the imperial desk.

The people from the Eastern Depot interrupted from the side, saying: "Lord Sun, please dismiss those around you; there is a sacred edict to inquire."

At this moment, there is a beautiful younger sister over there listening to him talk about everything under the sun; what a joyful thing this is in life! Zhong Jinwei thought to himself with delight.

Two soldiers received their waist tags and, under the light, they saw several characters engraved on the tags: Eastern Factory Brocade Guard. They were from the Eastern Factory, and the two were taken aback.

Upon seeing Sun Chengzong, he quickly called for his family to help the people from the Eastern Depot down to rest. He then dispatched trusted aides to set off for the capital overnight. After arranging these matters, Sun Chengzong sat in the main hall, gazing at the flickering candlelight, and silently thought to himself: "Element, could it be that you have gotten into trouble again?"

Wang Cheng'en bowed deeply and advised, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger and do not harm the dragon body. Now that Your Majesty is aware of the situation, and Heaven has sent Mr. Zhong to assist you, Your Majesty will surely be able to suppress those civil officials and act according to your wishes, revitalizing the great Ming dynasty"

As night gradually deepens, Zhong Jinwei can no longer understand the sound of the night watchman. However, what does it matter if he understands? Tomorrow he does not have to go to work, so what does it matter what time it is

The weather in June is not very cold. Two sentinels on the city wall huddle together, clutching their long spears, soundly asleep in the corner.

Soldier B opened his eyes to look at Soldier A, seemingly not joking, and listened attentively.

Zhong Jinwei had been grinding on the grinding machine for quite a while. Remembering Aqi, who was sleeping in the outer room, he couldn't help but recall his university life, particularly the late-night chat sessions after lights out. Thus, he attempted to reach out, softly calling out: "Aqi, are you asleep?"

However, he does not seem very fierce, nor is he the lecherous type of man; he appears to have a somewhat cute demeanor, a big man who is also shy

At this moment, Zhong Jinwei was tossing and turning in bed. In his previous life, he was a night owl, never going to bed before 11 PM. It was probably a little past 8 PM now. Without electricity, there were none of the entertainments of the modern world, only sleep. However, today's experiences were so extraordinary that he simply could not fall asleep!

Zhong Jinwei felt a surge of excitement upon hearing Aqi's response and said, "No need, I just can't sleep. Shall we chat for a while?"

Sun Chengzong felt a tightening in his heart and thought, "Coming at such a late hour must indicate an important matter. Could it be that the court has encountered a significant change?" Although he thought this, he remained calm; he had witnessed many grand occasions and how could he possibly be flustered? He rose and went to the front courtyard

This soldier, Yi, was sleeping soundly, but reluctantly got pushed awake. He opened one eye slightly and, seeing that the sky was still dark, closed it again, muttering, "It isn't dawn yet"

Sun Chengzong, styled Zhi Sheng, with the courtesy name Kai Yang, hailing from Gaoyang in Baoding, North Zhili (now part of Hebei), at this time, due to the defeat at Liuhe, voluntarily requested to resign from his official position and return home

Soldier A, feeling helpless, said to Soldier B's ear: "Do you hear that? Is there the sound of hooves?"

The person from the Eastern Depot said: "Lord Sun, once the questioning is complete, please send a trusted servant to report this matter to the capital promptly. There are people from the Eastern Depot waiting day and night at the city gate, and my waist token serves as proof." After saying this, he collapsed weakly.

Emperor Chongzhen did not speak immediately; instead, he took a moment to collect his thoughts and then slowly said: "What has transpired today is truly beyond comprehension. Suddenly, a person fell from the sky, neither a celestial being nor a demon. Claiming to come from the future, the history he spoke of was unheard of, utterly unheard of."

The soldier quickly pointed out the direction to him, explaining how to get there. The person on horseback urged the horse forward and left directly. As the sound of hooves faded away, the soldier said to his companion: "Having rushed here overnight, drenched in sweat. I wonder what major event has occurred; times are truly hard these days"

Today was also a peculiar experience for Achi, and how could he possibly fall asleep so easily? Watching a person fall from the sky, sporting a monk's hairstyle, uttering strange words, and claiming to traverse heaven and earth, he himself was at a loss as to what it all meant. In the end, he was bestowed upon by His Majesty, leaving him uncertain about what his future fate would hold.

Suddenly, an older soldier named A seemed to be startled awake by something. Rubbing his eyes, he looked at the still dark sky and listened carefully. Then, he reached out to nudge his sleeping companion beside him, saying, "Wake up, wake up"