Chapter 2: Since it has come, let us accept it with tranquility
How about, after committing suicide, traveling back in time
Shen Qian Cai, you must remain calm; one should not judge everything by its surface appearance
Shen Qian Cai was naturally unaware of the gardener's thoughts. After entering the study, he looked at the elegantly decorated, antique-style room, and his anxious heart finally settled down.
Although puzzled, the gardener still said: "The study is just ahead. Would the second young master like me to lead the way?"
The Three Dynasties period consisted of three very short-lived dynasties, which collectively saw the emergence of nine emperors, all of whom met unfortunate ends after only a few years in power. The total duration of these three dynasties was less than seventy years, before being overthrown by the founding emperor of the current dynasty, "Pang Hong," who renamed the state to "Qi"
The spring breeze blows gently, the willow branches sway, and in this small courtyard of only about one hundred square meters, the warm sun shines on the green trees, the small bridge spans the flowing water, and the blooming flowers create an overwhelming beauty
"Hey, come here for a moment." Shen Qian Cai called out to a gardener who was arranging flower pots.
Approaching the bronze mirror, Shen Qian Cai gazed into it and was instantly taken aback. He not only noticed that all his hair had been styled up on his head, secured with a wooden hairpin as a firm decoration, but he also saw undeniable evidence: his appearance had changed. He had transformed from an ordinary man into a handsome young man with delicate features, fair skin, and a somewhat androgynous look, slightly charming but not particularly masculine. However, dressed in luxurious silk and satin, he resembled a young master from an ancient noble family.
Observing their busy demeanor, Shen Qian Cai found it hard to imagine that this was merely a performance, especially when a servant passed by him, respectfully addressing him as "Second Young Master"
The young girl, upon hearing this, was puzzled and thought that the second young master had lost his memory and was currently in a state of confusion, which made his nonsensical talk seem normal. However, she did not dare to let her guard down, for those who could communicate with the dead were indeed dangerous.
A person lives only once; isn't it just about eating, drinking, and sleeping? Why make it so arduous? Therefore, Shen Qian Cai would not engage in those grandiose undertakings related to books.
Just as he was about to leave, Shen Qian Cai habitually looked around the room and happened to see a beautifully carved redwood table on which a bronze mirror was placed. He couldn't help but smile and said, "The preparations are indeed quite thorough; this room reveals no flaws at all"
Witnessing the second young master leave, the gardener felt a bit dizzy. The second young master was actually going to the study, and his tone was quite polite. This was not the second young master the gardener knew at all. Although he was not arrogant or overbearing, he was certainly known as a notorious dandy. He was amiable towards some pretty young maids, but had never shown any expression towards the male servants, including the gardener. This was the first time in three years of service that the gardener had a conversation with the second young master
After the little girl left, Shen Qian Cai stroked his chin, contemplated for a moment, and then decided that whether he was being played or not could be determined by taking a stroll outside. He did not believe that those who played him could move an entire city. Even if they had taken advantage of his serious injury and coma to relocate him, what era was it now? Even in remote areas, one could easily spot a telecommunications tower. Even when filming a period drama, there would be plenty of continuity errors. He firmly believed he would definitely be able to find it.
Before even stepping out, Shen Qian Cai had already discovered the most compelling evidence; he was no longer himself
As he watched, Shen Qian Cai gradually recovered from his anger. He suddenly thought of something: since history had been rewritten, this world was definitely not the world he once knew
Shen Qian was indifferent to whether the other party was playing with him; he was genuinely hungry at that moment. Without any hesitation, he got out of bed, walked to the table, sat down, and began to eat heartily.
When Shen Qian Cai spoke these words, even he did not believe them. If it were truly cosmetic surgery, considering the price of this appearance, it would cost at least several hundred thousand or even over a million. He had no idea how many years he would have to be frugal to save that amount, let alone his group of so-called friends.
After tea and meals, Shen Qian Cai, still not satisfied, looked at the young girl and asked, "How much did He and the others spend to invite you?"
Today, the Great Qi has been inherited for two hundred and thirty years. The former King of Qi, Pang Hong, has long since turned to dust. The current sovereign is his eleventh descendant, Pang Xinjing, who has reigned for seventeen years
Beside a graceful small mountain, there is a small lake surrounded by it. A small bridge spans across the lake, and at the end of the bridge, behind a rockery, stands an elegant redwood pavilion
Li Yuan, in Shen Qian Cai's memory, is the founding emperor of the Tang Dynasty; however, in this book, he is merely a formidable hero. Due to the Sui Dynasty's division of territory and the gifting of lands to various rebels, a united front against Li Yuan was formed, leading to the demise of a figure who should have established the great Tang. He ended his life filled with resentment. Furthermore, after Li Yuan's defeat, the Sui Dynasty gradually reclaimed lost territories, maintaining the unity of the realm. Although the Sui Dynasty was originally short-lived, in this book, it is depicted as having lasted for three hundred and eighty years before being succeeded by the subsequent three dynasties and nine generations.
"That's enough, you may leave now," Shen Qian Cai also put on an air of a master, waving his hand as he spoke
The young maid bids farewell! The little girl has long wanted to leave, but out of respect for her master’s lack of instruction, she, as a servant, does not dare to act on her own.
"What orders do you have, Second Young Master?" the gardener respectfully replied
"What year is it now?" Shen Qian Cai asked
The woman speaking is none other than "Yan Zhiqing," the one whom Shen Qian Cai encountered half a day ago after waking up, who claimed to be his wife
No, still no. Apart from the history before the Sui Dynasty being the same as its previous incarnation, the history after Li Yuan's death is completely irrelevant. The most laughable part is that Wagangzhai was easily destroyed by the Sui army, without causing the slightest disturbance.
Study
Bang!
Shen Qian Cai had been in the room for quite some time when suddenly the door was pushed open. Immediately, Shen Qian Cai saw that the first little maid he encountered upon waking had changed into a set of peach-red ancient attire. She was holding a tray, which contained a bowl of white porridge and some exquisite side dishes. After placing it on the table, the little maid walked to the bedside with a worried expression and softly said: "Second Young Master, it is time to eat"
Although the book is a history book and contains many characters in traditional form, some of which he does not recognize, it does not significantly affect the reading experience. However, the historical accounts recorded in the book are completely at odds with the history he knows, representing two entirely different worlds of historical records
"Go ahead, what a grand gesture! To play with me, you actually had my brother undergo plastic surgery. Good, very good!"
In a fit of anger, Shen Qian Cai threw the book to the ground, rose indignantly, and began rummaging through the bookshelf again
Shen Qian Cai walked around the courtyard and found nothing unusual, which only deepened his confusion. Various signs indicated that no one was playing tricks on him; everything felt too natural, so natural that Shen Qian Cai could not pinpoint a single flaw.
When Shen Qian Cai excitedly opened this book, he was instantly frozen in his chair
Could it be that, with a damaged mind, the temperament has also changed? the gardener speculated in astonishment
If all of this is true, and Yan Zhiqing is really his wife, then tonight... and in the future... just the thought of it makes Shen Qian Cai tremble with excitement, and the idea of committing suicide to travel back has long been cast aside.
Although the young girl was worried, she honestly replied: "The monthly salary for a maid in the Shen residence is two taels of silver"
Xin Jin Nian? Shen Qian Cai had never heard of this year, which made him even more uncertain whether he had encountered the legendary time travel.
This ... ...
Three dynasties and nine generations recount events that occurred two hundred years prior to the current dynasty, which is not the previous dynasty of Shen Qian Cai, but rather the world in which he currently resides
It is unclear whether this young girl is afraid of Shen Qian's resurrection or something else; in any case, when facing him, she always appears timid and fearful, as if she is afraid that Shen Qian might devour her.
Shen Qian Cai glanced in the direction known to the gardener, nodded, and waved his hand, saying: "No need, you carry on with your work."
The appearance has changed dramatically, the environment has transformed, and even the most powerful historical narratives related to books have altered. Even if Shen Qian Cai does not wish to accept this, he has no choice in the matter
Due to his fondness for Journey to the West, Di Renjie, and the founding generals of the Tang Dynasty, Shen Qian Cai particularly admires the Tang Dynasty. However, the account recorded in this book presents an alternate version, where Li Yuan is besieged by the rebel forces allied with the Sui Dynasty, leading to the fall of the Tang Dynasty. This implies that Journey to the West would also cease to exist. Would Di Renjie still be born? What happened to the brothers of Wagangzhai?
Two taels! Shen Qian was taken aback for a moment, and then couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Where did this little girl come from? She is quite dedicated. It seems that indirect approaches are of no use.
This outfit accentuates the woman's figure to perfection, with her long, straight legs, rounded, perky hips, and a waist that can be grasped with a single hand, crowned by two peaks that defiantly resist the pull of gravity. The dominance of her physique, combined with her stunning beauty and heroic demeanor, leaves Shen Qian Cai feeling a wave of suffocation. Her face is not as fair as snow; rather, it has a slight tan. Yet it is precisely this hint of darkness, this healthy wheat-colored skin, that Shen Qian Cai finds most appealing. The dominance of her physique, combined with her stunning beauty and heroic demeanor, leaves Shen Qian Cai feeling a wave of suffocation. Her face is not as fair as snow; rather, it has a slight tan. Yet it is precisely this hint of darkness, this healthy wheat-colored skin, that Shen Qian Cai finds most appealing.
The gardener thought that the second young master had been in a coma for too long and was unaware of the passage of time, which is why he asked this question. He did not think much of it and replied: "It is the seventeenth year of Xin Jin, and now it is the beginning of March. The second young master has only been in a coma for two days."
Shen Qian Cai's mood has plummeted, and he is uncertain about what to do in the future. In his previous life, he was considered an intelligent person, quick to learn and capable of drawing inferences from one instance. However, at the same time, he was also a lazy person, reluctant to study and preferring a leisurely life. Therefore, it is impossible for him to be like the time travelers in the books of his past life, establishing a vast enterprise or even unifying the realm in this new world.
After a while, Shen Qian Cai returned the book to its original place. After searching for a long time, he finally discovered a familiar name: "Li Yuan"
Absurd! This is simply too absurd! Who the hell altered the history?
There are no towering skyscrapers as imagined, no pollution and haze like dark clouds; what exists instead is a clear sky, warm sunlight, and the gentle spring breeze.
It is a blessing, not a curse; if it is a curse, it cannot be avoided. Since it has come, one should accept it. Is it a time travel, or is someone playing with him? It is evident at a glance
The gardener was taken aback upon hearing this, staring in astonishment at Shen Qian Cai for a long while. Suddenly, he recalled that he had just heard that the second young master had some issues with his mind and had forgotten things. Could it be that he even forgot his own residence?
I did not expect that my husband would actually be in the study, which surprised me as his wife
After finishing a thick book on an unheard-of history, Shen Qian Cai fell into deep contemplation
Shen Qian Cai felt a burning pain on his face. He slapped himself, hoping to wake himself up, but ultimately nothing changed. In the bronze mirror, apart from the added imprint of his hand, he still had that delicate and youthful face.
This respectful demeanor is quite difficult to portray, especially for those who play minor roles.
Previously, because she was in mourning attire, Shen Qian Cai did not notice at first that her figure was surprisingly good. Now, after observing her closely for a moment, Shen Qian Cai could not help but exclaim that this little star Ming indeed has substance, and it is quite impressive.
As soon as the idea of Shen Qian Cai emerged, suddenly, the door was pushed open, and then Shen Qian Cai saw a stunning beauty, dressed in a black form-fitting outfit, walk in with an air of elegance and confidence
In the exquisite small courtyard, there are busy individuals; three maids are tidying up the white cloth with black stripes on the beams, while two gardeners are placing the vibrant flowers that were removed in the morning back in their original positions
Shen Qian Cai began to comfort himself repeatedly, taking several deep breaths, rubbing his itchy face, opening the door, and stepping outside.
Thinking for a moment, Shen Qian Cai took out an ancient book titled "Three Dynasties and Nine Generations" from the bookshelf, sat down at the desk, and casually flipped through a few pages, which inevitably led him to feel even more puzzled.
"Where is my study?" Shen Qian Cai decided to seek out some knowledge, regardless of whether someone was playing tricks on him. It would not be the case that someone would specially arrange relevant books just for him alone. If that were possible, then is that person even human?