Chapter 1, One Hundred Years

After considerable effort, Song Yang finally figured out that what Doctor You was mumbling should be two words... ? ... Have a heart ?

Old Xie laughed heartily and said, "When the Prime Minister speaks, not only can I accept a penalty drink, but even if it is a penalty of chili oil, I will have no objections... However, let's set the chili oil aside for now; I need to tell you something first." As he spoke, he took out a piece of red paper from his bosom and handed it to Prime Minister Fu, saying, "For the celebration of the Fourth Young Master’s longevity, I truly cannot think of any suitable gift, so I simply present you with this!"

Song Yang's great surprise, is it really worth making a fuss over having a "heart"? It is the lack of a "heart" that is truly shocking

Song Yang had already finished his bath and was satisfied after drinking his fill of milk. He lay contentedly on the bed, just on the verge of dozing off, when he heard the creak of the door hinge. Turning his gaze, he saw his father, the official, leading in a "skinny bamboo pole".

A normal person cannot feel their own heart. Song Yang was born at full term and was carefully tended to by numerous servants. The milk was so abundant that he could not consume it all, and his small body was as healthy as could be. Therefore, he had never noticed anything unusual, nor would he have thought that he had no heart within his chest

Quietly counting the days in his heart, Song Yang lay in the wooden tub, enjoying the moment with his four limbs in the air

In front of Emperor Jingtai of the Great Yan Kingdom, there were four prominent ministers. The emperor once humorously remarked: I have one civil official, one military official, one immortal, and one serpent; as long as these four towering pillars remain standing, my Great Yan will not face any troubles

... ...

Lord Xie was appointed as the Assistant Attendant of the Imperial Guard, holding the rank of Third Grade. Although his official position was far inferior to those of the two prominent figures in civil and military affairs, he served as the chief officer of the crucial "Changting Guard." He was responsible for overseeing all officials and gathering intelligence from the populace, wielding immense power solely in the hands of the Xie family

"I am not joking; it is true." Doctor You was quite serious: "It is somewhat inappropriate to come empty-handed. How about this? I will go and see the Fourth Young Master, and leave him a prescription for nourishing and strengthening his body, so that the little one can grow up strong. That will be my gift."

As dusk approached, the maids began busily lighting the lamps. The Prime Minister's residence was filled with esteemed guests, and by the time it reached nine o'clock, most officials from the capital had arrived. However, a hint of doubt quietly emerged on Lord Fu's brow: although many officials had come, two of the three most important individuals were still absent.

Song Yang felt a sharp, spicy scent rush into his nostrils, causing him to sneeze immediately. He was both startled and angry, unsure of what kind of drug this demon had administered to him. He suddenly burst into tears, exclaiming "Wow!" while flailing his arms and legs, his face contorted in agony, as if to alert his father, the Chancellor.

The Chancellor was taken aback; a few ginseng roots were not a significant matter. However, the medicinal materials in the Imperial Medical Office were all procured by the royal family, and naturally belonged to the Emperor. It was outrageous that the Chief Physician would even think of stealing the Emperor's ginseng to use as a gift for himself. The Chancellor shook his head and laughed, saying, "The Chief Physician is joking, joking indeed"

In the midst of confusion, the butler at the entrance greeted loudly, "The Imperial Physician has arrived, Lord You Li!" The position of Imperial Physician is merely a minor official of the seventh rank; not to mention Prime Minister Fu, even Song Yang currently holds a higher rank. However, the Imperial Physician oversees all physicians and is responsible for matters related to medicine and herbs. As a close aide to the Emperor, he is also regarded as the "Bodhisattva of Salvation" by the officials in the capital. No matter how high their rank, no one can guarantee they will not fall ill, and thus, everyone dares not treat them with disrespect.

The maid laughed, and Song Yang followed suit. He was well aware that today was his "hundredth birthday," a grand occasion, as his esteemed father was hosting a banquet at their residence to entertain his colleagues

Lord Xie, being corpulent, has a pair of dark circles under his eyes, much like Dr. You, and his face is perpetually adorned with a round and amiable smile. Upon entering, he repeatedly offers his apologies: "I am late, I am late, I encountered some unexpected difficulties. I beg for your pardon, esteemed Chancellor, and to all the honorable lords, I seek your forgiveness." As he speaks, he turns in circles, bowing continuously, his smiling face tinged with a hint of embarrassment, which is further laced with a touch of anxiety, as if he genuinely fears the reproach of those present, unlike a venomous snake that swallows its prey whole.

The absence of "One Immortal" and "One Serpent" left Chancellor Fu's thoughts somewhat disordered. However, with all the guests present in the garden, he could not afford to ponder deeply. He instructed, "Begin the banquet, please have the esteemed guests take their seats." As he spoke, he donned a smile once more and stepped among his colleagues, exchanging pleasantries and laughter.

Prime Minister Fu approached with a smile, while Doctor You hastily offered his greetings. After a brief exchange, without any polite words of congratulations, he directly stated: "I intended to bring a few ginseng roots from the Imperial Medical Office as a gift, but it just so happens that today is the day when that guard officer, who has a grudge against me, is on duty, so I couldn't take any out."

At this moment, the official from the residence approached quickly, reminding the head of the family that the hour of You had arrived, and it was time to commence the banquet

In an instant, Doctor You's gaze transformed from surprise and astonishment to deep joy and intense greed, while he murmured softly, reciting something...

In the previous life, a sudden upheaval led to the premature end of a promising life. However, Song Yang never dreamed that he would traverse to an ancient time not recorded in the annals of history, attaching his soul to the body of a newly born infant. Song Yang has been here for over three months; he cannot speak or move, but he can hear clearly and see well. This family, surnamed Fu, has three older brothers above him, truly a wealthy household

This gift is of the utmost value and simultaneously of the utmost weight. Moreover, Lord Xie's action is also exceedingly peculiar.

This person is exceptionally tall and has been obsessed with the medical field throughout his life. It is said that he sleeps no more than one hour a day, and his eye sockets are perpetually dark, as if he has just been beaten. He possesses the demeanor of a bookworm, is quite arrogant, and speaks very directly, unaware of how many powerful figures he has offended. However, his medical skills are indeed remarkable, and others do not hold his shortcomings against him.

Doctor You said: "Rest assured, I intentionally made him cry, just to hear his cries. It's quite good, no problem!" As he spoke, he stood up and left, passing through the hall and courtyard, returning to the front yard to find a place to sit, and then he said no more.

The Prime Minister is well aware of the situation, knowing full well how many "Chang Ting Wei" spies, servants, housekeepers, or even concubines from the seventh chamber are present in his own residence

Minister Fu returned to the front courtyard with the imperial physician, appearing cheerful and giving no indication of anything amiss. However, he had secretly instructed his servants to summon the resident physician of the household to examine Song Yang.

The Chancellor Fu, filled with great joy, excused himself to the other guests and personally led Doctor You into the inner courtyard

After a full cup of tea's time, Doctor You was suddenly awakened, clarifying the current situation. The joy and greed on his face dissipated, replaced by a deep sense of loss, as if a peerless treasure had fallen into someone else's hands, rendering his envy utterly futile. Doctor You's gaze flickered as he withdrew his hands into his sleeves. After a moment, his right hand extended again, gently lifting and swiftly brushing past Song Yang's nose.

In the bustling Xiangfu Garden, cups were clinking together, and before anyone realized, the banquet was already halfway through. At the entrance, the sound of ceremonial singing once again rang out, announcing the arrival of the long-awaited 'snake'—Lord Xie has finally arrived!

Among officials, marriages between children are usually commonplace. However, whether it is oneself or Old Xie, their positions are indeed too significant. If they were to become in-laws, the suspicion of forming factions would be firmly established, inevitably arousing the emperor's suspicion. Given Old Xie's mindset, how could he dare to commit such a taboo? Furthermore, even if both parties are interested in a betrothal, discussions must be conducted gradually, starting with the examination of both parties' birth dates to see if they are compatible. Yet, Old Xie's actions are simply treating his daughter as a gift to be presented directly.

Because Doctor You had his back turned, Chancellor Fu did not see his actions, but the child cried as if he had lost his father, and he also furrowed his brows: "Doctor, my son..."

On the red paper, at the top is a person's name: Xie Zinao. Following that are the eight characters of the birth date.

Having a heart, having a heart... Song Yang repeatedly mulled over the strange mutterings of Doctor You, unable to comprehend the meaning of these two words. As he pondered, his chubby little hand unconsciously pressed against his chest... Initially just a subconscious action, he was suddenly startled: left chest, heart... Yet beneath his heart, there was no thumping sensation of a heartbeat! Initially just a subconscious action, he was suddenly startled: left chest, heart... Yet beneath his heart, there was no thumping sensation of a heartbeat!

Doctor You maintained his usual lifeless demeanor, first taking the pulse, then extending his claw-like hands to press incessantly on Song Yang's body. Initially, there was nothing unusual, but when he pressed on Song Yang's chest, his expression suddenly froze, and his half-open, half-closed eyes widened in shock.

He is currently in a wooden basin, being carefully bathed by a wet nurse and two maids. The girl's fingertips and palms gently scrub his body, inducing an indescribable ticklishness and comfort. Song Yang flails his arms and legs, splashing water everywhere. Although the Mid-Autumn Festival has arrived, the Jiangnan region where Zoucheng is located remains quite hot. The maids, dressed in embroidered skirts, become translucent when wet. In less than the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, more than half of the water in the wooden basin has been splashed out by Song Yang, leaving the two charming maids completely soaked and giggling incessantly.

The one hundredth day ... ... It has been one hundred days. Born on the night of May 7, today is August 16, exactly "one hundred days".

This "great discovery" truly startled Song Yang, causing him to break out in a cold sweat. Having lived two lives already is quite extraordinary; without a heart, he would indeed become a malevolent spirit. However, soon after, when Song Yang placed his hand back on his right chest, he felt reassured. He did not lack a heart; rather, it was the opposite of what is common, as his heart was located on the right side. In his previous life, Song Yang had come across information online indicating that having a heart on the right side is not unheard of, but it is extremely rare, and the position of the right heart does not affect health.

Seeing the other person's strange expression, Song Yang realized that something was amiss. However, he was just a baby who had just turned one hundred days old, and aside from wetting himself, he had no other means to respond. At that moment, the only thing he could do was to concentrate fully and carefully listen to Doctor You's "muttering," while also intently watching the shape of the other person's mouth.

The term 'Wen' refers to Lord Fu himself; 'Wu' denotes the venerable Tan Guidé, a senior official from the three dynasties, who has long since arrived and is currently engaged in jovial conversation with a group of high-ranking officials. 'Xian' refers to the current national master; and that snake is surnamed Xie.

From a few words exchanged, Song Yang understood the identity of the "skinny bamboo pole". He did not take it seriously, indulging in drinking milk and sleeping all day, neglecting the need for physical care.

As soon as this person arrived, more than half of the doubts in Prime Minister Fu's heart were dispelled. He quickly stepped forward and smiled, saying: "How can an apology be false? Only the punishment of wine is real"

At the same time, Song Yang suddenly realized that what the tuberculosis doctor had referred to was not "having a heart," but rather "the right heart." However, was the person with the "right heart" at that moment really important to him?

The residence features intricately carved beams and painted rafters, with a clear stream flowing through the garden. There are artificial hills, and a guard is stationed at the entrance, while household soldiers patrol within the estate. This is still far from all, as on the very morning of his "birth," a royal decree unexpectedly arrived, bestowing upon him a certain title.

The imperial physician turned his back to others, so Chancellor Fu could not see his expression, but Song Yang observed it clearly.

The Prime Minister's household is celebrating, and which official would dare not to show their support? After noon, the front of the Prime Minister's residence became lively, with distinguished guests arriving one after another. The sounds of singing congratulations, joyful greetings among colleagues, and laughter filled the air. The servants in the residence were spirited, guiding the guests to their seats and serving tea. Lord Fu, in particular, was beaming with joy, showing no trace of the Prime Minister's authority, only the warmth of a host, moving among many colleagues to respond to their greetings.

Neither the immortal nor the serpent has arrived. The national master is usually mysterious and behaves oddly; it would be one thing if he did not come. However, how could Old Xie, who is astute and adept in handling affairs, not show up?

As the ceremonial singing commenced, Doctor You stepped through the door. Others came to offer their congratulations, all bearing substantial gifts, fearful of appearing negligent in any way. Only Doctor You arrived empty-handed, bringing nothing but his mouth to partake in the feast.

The sounds of laughter and the music of silk and bamboo from the banquet outside faintly reached Song Yang, who lay in bed. He had been examined repeatedly by the physician from the Xiang residence, and no abnormalities were found. After having the medicinal powder applied to his nose, he experienced no further symptoms, which eased his mind considerably. However, the behavior of the physician You was too unusual, prompting him to ponder it carefully.

Even before he could speak, Song Yang had already become a civil servant appointed by the Emperor. He certainly understood what this treatment implied: his father in this life was a high-ranking minister close to the Emperor.

Vice Premier Fu was momentarily taken aback. He recognized that the name on the red paper referred to Old Xie's youngest daughter, who was born last spring. Naturally, he understood Old Xie's intention, which was to arrange a betrothal for their children. The significance of this gesture goes without saying, but things should not be handled in this manner

As he expected, Lord Fu was appointed as the Prime Minister of the Great Yan Kingdom, overseeing all officials. According to Song Yang's previous life, he was reborn into the family of a "Premier." Born into such a powerful family, what troubles could he possibly have? Song Yang could already see a brilliant "young aristocrat" life beckoning to him.