Chapter 1, Returnees

As with the previous two responses, the old man at the tea stall said it was the 28th year of the Tang Dynasty's Kai Bao era

The old man rolled his eyes at him: "What Jiujang? This is Jiangzhou, the residence of the governor of Fenghua."

The housekeeper, Lai Fu, worked diligently and ran back.

What is the age of the current emperor?

Zhou Xuan fell silent, thinking: "Old Qin is really too generous, pulling someone off the road to be his son-in-law. Although the guy is handsome, he’s not that handsome. Wake up, I need to keep a clear mind. Old Qin must have some tricks up his sleeve. However, since I’ve crossed over to this place, there’s nothing to fear. I’m not some naive fool. When soldiers come, I’ll fight; when water comes, I’ll block it. If Old Qin’s daughter is truly a beauty, then no matter what schemes there are, I’ll deal with them after I’ve made my move."

Zhou Xuan was unaware of the era he was about to face. In times of chaos and turmoil, he found it unacceptable. He preferred a leisurely and carefree life, showing no interest in the iron-blooded battles and struggles that produce heroes in troubled times. At this moment, blaming heaven and others was futile; having already crossed over, there was nothing more to be done. The only option was to quickly adapt to this era and live well.

Zhou Xuan

Ah, Young Master Zhou is also aware of Zhao Guangyi. This Zhao Guangyi murdered his brother to usurp the throne, and his nephew Zhao Dezhao conspired with another uncle, Zhao Tingmei, to rebel. The Song state fell into years of internal strife, leaving no time for expansion. Truly, this is a blessing for our Tang state

A single-yoke horse cart stopped in front of the tea stall, and a burly servant sitting on the yoke jumped down heavily, shouting loudly for Zhou Xuan to make way.

Zhou Xuan then recalled that in ancient times, the upper class had both names and courtesy names, while servants did not have courtesy names. In a moment of haste, without thinking, he blurted out: "The courtesy name is Jay Chou"

Zhou Xuan thought, in this day and age, there is also a doctor's degree. If you have a doctor's degree, then I also have a doctor's degree, and then a professor

Strangely, as the carriage traveled along, in just a short distance of two to three miles, Zhou Xuan encountered five wedding processions, much like those depicted in ancient costume dramas. The groom, adorned in red and green, rode a tall horse, accompanied by music and festivities, creating a lively atmosphere

The old tea seller widened his eyes and did not respond, observing that Zhou Xuan's attire was peculiar, with hair only an inch long. Suddenly, he asked: "Are you perhaps a monk from the East Sea?"

Old Qin hesitated and said: "Today is a good day, a good day, an auspicious day. By the way, there is no better time than the present; let the wedding date for Young Master Zhou and my daughter be set for today."

Zhou Xuan did not expect that this minor bureaucrat was calling him. After a brief hesitation, the large servant said in a rough voice: "This is Lord Qin, the doctor from the Provincial Medical Office. Hurry up and pay your respects."

Excuse me, please make way, make way

This young man, please wait a moment

"Doctor Qin's degree, what a good day it is today, why are there so many people getting married?"

Dr. Qin applauded and said: "Master Jay Chou, a good name, a good character!"

Zhou Xuan stepped aside, watching as the servant took out two coins to buy two bowls of mint tea. One bowl was served to the person in the carriage, while the other was consumed by the servant himself, who drank it so greedily that it dribbled from the corner of his mouth down to his chest

Zhou Xuan's vest is soaked with sweat

Watching others drink tea, Zhou Xuan felt increasingly parched. He swallowed hard, took a step forward, and headed north. Lushan was to the south, and Jiangzhou City should be just ahead. As he walked, he silently encouraged himself, saying he must have confidence, he must have confidence. After all, he had dropped out of a five-year university program, spanning three disciplines. With such favorable conditions, he was determined not to fail here.

Is there a Song state to the north of our Tang state, and is there a person named Zhao Guangyi?

Zhou Xuan only knows about the Tianbao era and has not heard of the Kaibao era. The Tianbao era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang lasted only thirteen years. Which emperor's era name is the Kaibao of the Tang state? Has history diverged into a parallel timeline?

The old gentleman Qin waved his hand and said, "Lai Fu, do not be rude." He looked up and down at Zhou Xuan, smiled, and said, "I do not believe that you are a local, may I ask where you are from, young master?"

Zhou Xuan felt that the mountain in the distance looked somewhat familiar, shrouded in clouds and mist, exuding the grandeur of a famous mountain. He wanted to ask someone what mountain it was, but there was no one nearby, only an old man at the tea stall by the lake. After all, the weather was too hot, and no one was swimming in the lake at this time.

Zhou Xuanxin thought: "Isn't Dongying just Japan!" She said irritably: "No!" and angrily tossed her head and left.

Zhou Xuan is a bit confused; is this Li Yu the same Li Yu from history who wrote "When Will the Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon End?"

Zhou Xuan was delighted, Jiujiang is Jiangzhou, Jiangzhou is Jiujiang, and the Jiangzhou Sima's green shirt is wet

Zhou Xuan walked towards the large lake with a tote bag in hand. The sun had already begun to set in the west, and the weather remained extremely hot. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and strode to the lakeside, where there was an old man setting up a tea stall. He asked once more what year it was. This was the third time in a few days that Zhou Xuan had posed this question, as he wanted to confirm it again.

Doctor Qin's degree allowed him to buy another bowl of tea for Zhou Xuan at the library. Zhou Xuan did not hold back and drank it all in one go, feeling quite refreshed. However, the subsequent remarks from Doctor Qin nearly made him choke.

Zhou Xuan has come to understand that he has indeed entered a historical divergence. Because Zhao Kuangyin died early, and the power struggle between Zhao Guangyi and his nephew ensued, the Song dynasty lacked the capability to eliminate the Southern Tang. Li Yu, this talented emperor, surprisingly lived to the age of fifty-nine and remained alive, completely altering the course of fate

Zhou Xuan had no choice but to walk back and pointed to the green mountains behind him, asking the old man: "Elder, does this mountain have a name?"

Zhou Xuan's head feels a bit dizzy; happiness has come too suddenly. It seems that returning overseas is indeed advantageous, even in ancient times it was similarly esteemed. However, hold on—

He said to himself: "If I have to cross over, then so be it. I still have two older brothers, and my parents will be taken care of by them. I don't have any particular attachments. As for that beautiful-legged girlfriend, there's nothing I can do about it; she'll just have to settle for some jerk."

Young Master Zhou, being a returned overseas Chinese, is both youthful and handsome. I, an old man, am quite enamored and wish to betroth my daughter to you as your wife. Please, step into the carriage

Are there any typos?

So this is Jiujiang? In that year, Zhou Xuan took the train to Jiujiang and went directly up Lushan Mountain, without visiting the urban area of Jiujiang.

What is the surname and given name of the current emperor

Zhou Xuan had long thought about how to answer this question, saying: "I hail from the Central Plains. During the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty, I fled overseas. Yearning for my homeland, I wished to return to my country for a visit. The merchant ship I boarded sank in a storm just as we were nearing the shore, with all the merchants aboard perishing at sea. Only I miraculously survived, eventually drifting to this Jiangzhou. Alas, it is hard to express in words.

The carriage entered Jiangzhou City, and one could see that the streets were spacious, the buildings were tidy, and the pedestrians were all well-dressed and spoke gently, presenting an image of prosperity and civility. It seems that the people of Jiangzhou are living quite well.

The old man selling tea said: "This is Lushan"

What brought Zhou Xuan great comfort was that none of the five grooms were as handsome as he was. One of them was practically a minor, an early marriage indeed. The grooms, each mounted on their horses, appeared restless, likely feeling uncertain about entering the bridal chamber

However, Zhou Xuan remembers that Li Yu's reign seemed to be short, as he died in his forties. How could there be the year 28 of the Kaibao era?

Zhou Xuan has also studied in the Chinese department for two years, so he has some understanding of Li Houzhu Li Yu. This emperor was exceptionally talented, yet his fate was quite tragic. After the Northern Song dynasty destroyed his kingdom, his young and beautiful Empress Zhou was actually violated by Song Taizong Zhao Guangyi. After the assault, Empress Zhou returned and scolded Li Yu for not being able to protect her. Later, Zhao Guangyi even went so far as to poison Li Yu. It is truly speechless how far an emperor can fall.

"Doctor Qin, your daughter must be exceptionally talented and beautiful. I, a humble person, am not worthy of such a match"

Zhou Xuan was dumbfounded; was the father-in-law too anxious!

This Qin doctor's degree, without any discussion, forcibly dragged Zhou Xuan onto the carriage, which rolled away towards Jiangzhou City.

Doctor Qin, with a long beard hanging down from his chin, saw through Zhou Xuan's thoughts and chuckled, "Rest assured, my daughter's beauty can be described in one word—beautiful, and in two words—stunningly beautiful. Her temperament is gentle and refined, making her an absolute match for the young master."

Ah, this is Lushan. Six years ago, he spent a few days there during the summer after his first college entrance examination. Haha www.hetushu.com.com, no wonder it looks familiar.

On the carriage, Zhou Xuan pretended to be someone who had long lived abroad and was unaware of the changes in the dynasties of the Central Plains. He inquired with the old man Qin about current affairs and finally understood what the twenty-eighth year of the Kaibao era of the Tang Dynasty was all about. It turned out to be the era name of Li Yu of the Southern Tang during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

A small bureaucrat, appearing to be around fifty years old, wearing a black top hat and a loose white robe, with a long beard and a thin face, stepped down from the carriage behind.

Then Qin, with a doctor's degree, had his eyes light up, displaying a mixture of surprise and joy, as if he were pleased by Zhou Xuan's encounter with a shipwreck. He said, "Young master, you are favored by heaven and protected by the divine. May I ask your esteemed surname and full name?"

Old Qin instructed the tall servant to return first, so that the residence could make preparations to welcome the new son-in-law

Zhou Xuanxin thought: "So, this Li Yu can no longer be called Li Houzhu, and he certainly cannot write those melancholic poems after the fall of the country. Haha, those poems will belong to me. The day I meet Li Yu, I will recite 'A River of Spring Water Flows East' in front of him to impress him, haha."

Having inexplicably arrived in this world, Zhou Xuan's mind was in disarray for two days. Reflecting on his solitary situation, he found himself utterly alone, with no relatives in sight. He had a wallet, and there were a few thousand yuan in his Construction Bank Long Card, but where could he withdraw the money? Aside from the harmonica in his back pocket, he had brought nothing of any use. Oh, and there was also the pair of Lan Yan jeans he bought for his girlfriend, with a shopping bag featuring Lin Zhiling alluringly posing.

The Emperor is fifty-nine years old this spring

Zhou Xuan arrived at the long embankment in the lake, which covers an area of over 200 hectares. The water of the lake is so green that it seems to overflow from the lush mountains in the distance, dyeing the lake with rippling azure waves