Chapter 1, Wangfu Street

Then you are being too straightforward; I haven't even settled the score with that old lady for pinching my cilantro

Vegetable vendor : `` ... ... ''

I calculated for a long time on my fingers: "He owes you one dime and five cents, right?"

Aunt Meng nodded and walked away, accompanied by my solitary entourage.

The vegetable vendor felt someone pulling his cart. He turned around and said, "Are you here to buy vegetables?"

I ran onto the street, and saw that the vegetable vendor had scattered vegetable scraps all over the ground, already "vanished without a trace." I had no choice but to snap my fingers—then everything around me changed: the bustling street, which had just been lively and noisy, seemed to be frozen in time as if illuminated by a powerful spotlight from some unseen force. The faces that had been overflowing with rich and vivid expressions just a second ago abruptly froze in place, appearing as if they were on the verge of speaking yet unable to continue. Their bodies stood still, and even the cacophony that had just filled the air now presented a monotonous, detached buzzing sound in my ears.

It is said that during the Ming Dynasty, a certain prince from the Zhu family arrived in our region, having been partially exiled and partially assigned to the border. It goes without saying that he was a prince who had failed in the struggles within the ivory tower, yet he remained undeterred, full of ambition. On the very day he arrived, he declared his intention to recruit soldiers and gather provisions, with the hope of one day emulating the example of Emperor Zhu Di's "Jingnan" campaign to reclaim Beijing.

But Old Zhu's question is valid; he has not yet raised the banner of rebellion, and since this layer of window paper has not been pierced, the court should not take any action against him.

My name is He Anyi, where "He" is the "He" in He Anyi, "An" is the "An" in He Anyi, and "Yi" is the "Yi" in the word for memory.

I humbly said: "I can handle these errands, but you must oversee the bigger picture. If you were to let go and not take charge, I would truly be at a loss."

I helplessly said: "I am also involved in matters of loyalty. Next time, you should clarify things with her, so that it will be easier for everyone."

In fact, I am just walking slowly

I said with a smile: "You still owe that old lady 0.15 yuan that you haven't returned yet"

The vegetable vendor was surprised: "Director?"

In front of me sits a cup of freshly brewed flower tea, weighing two and a half taels, with wisps of steam rising. There is a copy of last month's "Reference News" that someone has discarded. I am seated in a synthetic leather chair with a backrest, its cushion secured in the center by a ring of thumbtacks, closing my eyes in deep contemplation, appearing somewhat otherworldly.

Aunt Meng suddenly burst into my office, pointing at the street corner where Zhang and the *Map* were, saying: "Director He, quickly, quickly help me stop him"

It is uncertain whether everyone has noticed, but this Wang Ji Qiansui has announced his intention to recruit troops and gather resources. However, even a fool knows that such matters should not be publicized. As a result, Old Zhu was unable to recruit many soldiers or purchase a few horses, but he did attract the attention of the court, which began to watch him closely. After the old emperor's death, the fool became the uncle of the current sovereign, and he felt the timing was ripe. Thus, he announced once again that he would launch a war on a certain date to seize the throne, changing the saying "The emperor takes turns sitting, one day at my home" to "The emperor comes to my home, one day it will be my turn." Unfortunately, Old Zhu's public relations and confidentiality efforts were not very successful. When this news spread throughout the capital, even his own generals were still unaware of it.

The general leading the troops was taken aback at that moment. He had thought that Old Zhu would either bring people to fight to the death with him or commit suicide to apologize. He truly did not expect that there could be such shameless individuals in the Old Zhu family.

I said: "He doesn't have any change, so you can just take it."

The reason I possess such sharp and profound thoughts is that I often indulge in pondering these matters, and I find myself more idle than the average person

In just a short while, the vegetable vendor had already pedaled his tricycle around the corner. I rushed out of the office, and Aunt Meng was still calling out behind me: "Director He, if you really can't catch up, then just let it go..."

This is clearly a form of humiliation. If someone with a bit of heart were in the same situation, they would still end up committing suicide. However, Old Zhu, being broad-minded and stout, does not take it to heart at all. Since then, he has continued to thrive in this street, as his noble title remains intact. Local officials generally do not dare to truly offend him. A few years later, once the storm surrounding this matter has passed, the members of the Old Zhu family will be able to move about freely. According to the vegetable vendors, he is still a local lord, but after all, he no longer holds military or political power. The genuine noble families do not fear him. Yet, the members of the Old Zhu family, relying on the fact that they are the only royal family in the area, still wish to flaunt their arrogant privileges. Consequently, disputes arise frequently, and the fallen prince, having lost his power, naturally cannot gain any advantage. Fortunately, Old Zhu does not consider himself an outsider. Previously, he had thoughts of rebelling against his nephew, and now he is constantly crying and lamenting, urgently petitioning the emperor with complaints. Today he claims that Zhang San has beaten his dog, and tomorrow he says that Li Si has chased his chickens. The emperor is nearly driven mad by this uncle of his, regretting that he had been lenient and soft-hearted in the beginning. At times, he even wishes that Old Zhu had succeeded in his rebellion back then. Ultimately, he has no choice but to issue another decree, stating that local nobles exercising legitimate rights may disregard the face of this prince. However, no one is allowed to cause trouble in front of the prince's residence; otherwise, regardless of whether they are right or wrong, they will be punished with an additional three ranks.

Allow me to introduce myself formally. My name is He Anyi. "He" is the "He" in He Anyi, "An" is the "An" in He Anyi, and "Yi" is—uh, I believe I have already mentioned this part, haven't I

I smiled and remained silent

Aunt Meng slapped her vegetable basket and said: "Eggplants are 0.75 yuan each, I bought three jin, I gave him 2.50 yuan, and he gave me 0.20 yuan in change"

I leaned my head out of the window and saw a small three-wheeled vehicle selling vegetables just about to turn the corner and move away from us, so I hurriedly asked: "What happened?"

... ...

Yes, the so-called Director Xiao He refers to this— I am a community committee director

Thus, the army remained at the gates of the city. The memorial for consultation was sent back to the capital, and upon reading it, the emperor found himself both amused and exasperated. Ultimately, considering the bloodline of the Zhu family, he decided not to take extreme measures. Moreover, he was well aware that this uncle of his was more of a hindrance than a help, merely someone who gathered people for brawls and sought excitement. Therefore, he issued an edict: Zhu [name] harbors disloyal intentions, but in light of his years of service on the borders, his title would not be diminished. However, his military power would be thoroughly curtailed, and all his fiefs would be confiscated, allowing him only to move freely in the vicinity of Wangfu Street.

The vegetable vendor, assessing the situation, sighed and said: "I see it clearly now, no matter what your title is, you are still a local lord, and I accept my fate." He pulled out two dirty dimes from his pocket, and finally picked a fresh, glistening cucumber and handed it to me, saying, "This is a token of respect for you; please take good care of me next time."

This effectively turned this street into Old Zhu's territory. From then on, Old Zhu indeed became much quieter, rarely venturing elsewhere. However, within his own "street in the kingdom," he grew increasingly tyrannical. No matter how high-ranking officials you were, if you needed to pass through here, civil officials would dismount from their carriages and military officials would get off their horses. Not to mention the ordinary citizens who faced severe repercussions; even someone merely carrying dung would have to taste the bitterness of the situation. This street became the enemy of the entire city. No matter how high-ranking officials you were, if you needed to pass through here, civil officials would dismount from their carriages and military officials would get off their horses. Not to mention the ordinary citizens who faced severe repercussions; even someone merely carrying dung would have to taste the bitterness of the situation. This street became the enemy of the entire city.

You are correct in your analysis; I have simply been fortunate to benefit from favorable policies and leaders like you from m.hetushu.com

Zhang Ma and Li Shen, who came out to buy groceries, gathered around to support, saying: "Director Xiao He is right. If you didn't explain clearly, whose fault is that? It should be whatever it is, quickly find someone to pay the money"

Aunt Meng turned around and tapped my arm, saying with satisfaction: "Hmm, Director He is quite good, able to serve the common people."

Look, how profound my thoughts are

I returned to the office with two dimes in hand, and Aunt Meng was waiting for me there. I handed her the money, and Aunt Meng immediately exclaimed, "Why is it only two dimes?"

Aunt Meng, in high spirits, raised her hand and placed it on my shoulder, patting me as she said: "Xiao He, you can do it. Young people are quick-witted and nimble. Although our neighborhood committee is not a government agency, the responsibilities are still significant. The state has assigned educated and qualified individuals like you to this position, which shows its wisdom.

Although many years have passed since then, and the changes brought about by demolition and other reforms have somewhat improved the notorious reputation of this street, the residents here are still ranked by the locals as the third most difficult and terrifying group to deal with in history, following dinosaurs and Japanese people

In this light, time-travel novels are essentially nothing more than a person possessing the memories of two individuals, or perhaps two individuals sharing a single memory. It is akin to taking a train from Beijing to Shanghai; upon waking up, you find yourself in a different place, in a different environment, yet you remain yourself

Just now, I did something that aided the oppressor: those with clear insight have already calculated that the vendor was actually only 5 cents short of Aunt Meng.

The passage of time has transformed the landscape, and for several centuries, this inconspicuous street has been dominated by the Zhu family and their subordinates. Eventually, the Zhu family withdrew from the stage of history, and even the last household bearing the Zhu surname vanished. Yet, this street clings to its distorted sense of pride and self-respect. The inhabitants here consider themselves descendants of royalty, and throughout any historical period, they exhibit a strong sense of exclusion and aggression towards the entire city. Even innocent passersby are met with disdain, and in more severe cases, they are subjected to physical violence. It is said that during the eight years of the War of Resistance against Japan, the situation was at its worst—Japanese soldiers marched in droves down this street, counting the old and the young as they went. Nevertheless, this street persists in its twisted pride and self-respect, with its inhabitants still claiming royal lineage, maintaining their exclusionary and aggressive stance towards the city.

It was precisely because of this that, after being flustered from morning until noon, I finally regained my composure and, with a sudden flash of inspiration, boldly ran up to the city wall to ask the general leading the troops of the court: "What crime have I committed?"

I respectfully escorted the elderly lady out, smiling as I said, "I am referring to you."

Zhang Ma and Li Shen: "Indeed, Xiao He is the youngest director among us."

I received the money, and as Zhang Ma casually placed the cucumber into her basket, she remarked, "What does a grown man need a small cucumber for?"

It seems that if I don't chase the vegetable vendor out for three streets, it would be considered "not sincere." The old lady also understands diplomatic language

He scratched his head in surprise and said, "You actually chased me for a mere 1.5 cents over two streets?"

Speaking of Wangfu Street, it certainly has a history. Nowadays, every city has streets named after places such as Xian Road, Hubei Road, and Shanghai Road, which reflects the haste at the beginning of the liberation and city establishment. In the rush, there weren't many names to choose from, so they resorted to using names from various regions. However, this Wangfu Street in front of me has been called Wangfu Street for several hundred years, remaining unperturbed and at ease through the vicissitudes of time

These people seem to be frozen in place, but in reality, that is not the case; I have merely slowed down time. If you look closely, you will notice that they are still in motion: Sister Zhang's hand, which is striking her child, is still waving, albeit slowly like a swing in a gentle breeze; the two individuals playing badminton are vigorously swinging their rackets, yet the shuttlecock ascends into the air like a hot air balloon laden with sandbags, moving at a leisurely pace; ... a fly that would normally dart around is now before me like a complete simpleton, ... just moving slowly like a swing in a gentle breeze; the two individuals playing badminton are vigorously swinging their rackets, yet the shuttlecock ascends into the air like a hot air balloon laden with sandbags, moving at a leisurely pace; ... a fly that would normally dart around is now before me like a complete simpleton ...

Yes, I can freely slow down time; currently, it is only about ten times slower. This means that one second for others feels like ten seconds for me. As long as I wish, I can adjust it to be even slower or even completely still. However, since this state is already sufficient, I calmly position my arms in front of my chest, one in front and one behind, bend my legs, and pretend to jog. To others, their lives have not changed at all. The unfortunate child from the Zhang family is destined to be unable to escape his mother's slap, the shuttlecock still flies as fast as a bullet, and the flies continue to swirl around. Of course, I, Director Xiao He, am just like them, so I must maintain a running posture to stay in sync with them.

I slowly walked alone past the street corner, arriving at the vegetable vendor's tricycle amidst a solemn silence. He was likely shouting energetically, but I could not discern what he was calling out, only seeing him open his mouth wide, producing the sound "Huang ... ... ang ang ang ang ... ..." I grasped the handle of his cart and snapped my fingers; with a buzz, order was restored, and the voices and actions of the people became lively again. I heard the cries of the Zhang family's child. The vendor was shouting, "Huang (ang ang ang ang) melon, one piece please!" I grasped the handle of his cart and snapped my fingers; with a buzz, order was restored, and the voices and actions of the people became lively again. I heard the cries of the Zhang family's child. The vendor was shouting, "Huang (ang ang ang ang) melon, one piece please!"

And I am the director of the neighborhood committee on the grand Wangfu Street

This is the infamous Wangfujing Street that later became notorious

I am displeased to say: "Is it really interesting for you to be so petty?"

However, when an old lady who is so meticulous about every cent asks for your help, you must weigh the matter carefully. Since she has already spoken up, it indicates that she regards this 0.15 yuan and her trust in you as equally important

Aunt Meng, with a hint of disdain, tucked the money away and muttered as she walked out: "Actually, people like us do not stoop to taking advantage of others. Next time he comes, I will have to clarify things with him."

Vegetable vendor: "What director?"

Upon returning to the office, I was wiping my sweat incessantly. I can assure you that you would not have expected to hear so much bureaucratic politeness even in a neighborhood committee.

Without saying a word, I ran outside

One mao and five fen, not much to say, but indeed it is quite little. Today, I wore a pair of Kangnai shoes that cost over 300. Calculating over the two years I've worn them, the normal daily wear and tear is more than five mao. I only dare to wear these shoes when sitting in the office; I switch to slippers when going out.

Aunt Meng sighed and said, "If only I had a mind like yours, I wouldn't have been deceived by him."

I have always felt that a person within a unit is essentially the memory of that unit. Regardless of beauty or ugliness, wealth or poverty, it is memory that constitutes humanity. A baby, from birth to the age of three, when he begins to speak, and then to the age of thirty, each step of his maturity is built upon the memories of the past years. An 80-year-old person, if devoid of memories, is merely an 80-year-old vegetative being.

I can only say: "I am a straightforward person"

It is therefore easy to imagine that on a certain day, as Old Zhu was preparing to have breakfast before heading to the oath-taking ceremony, his emperor nephew's army had already surrounded the entire city as if it were a game of chess, yet this had not even been established before it was leveled.

The vegetable vendor played tricks, saying: "What if I just don't pay you this 0.15 yuan?"