Chapter 1, A Twist of Fate

The last scene in my memory is of the old professor standing up with a speed rarely seen, hurriedly rushing towards me. However, his trembling hand, still marked with age spots, was unable to reach Peng Yue.

It seems to be a wealthy family, but unfortunately, I am just a scholar's assistant said Peng Yue with a hint of helplessness in his smile

Ah... Peng Yue accidentally stepped into thin air on a steep slope, and his body fell straight down

At that moment, the little girl also approached with some food, her slightly weary face showing a hint of comforting satisfaction: "Yun Ge, you finally woke up. When I saw you covered in injuries and unconscious upon your return, it truly scared me to death. That old man Li even tried to frighten me, saying something... now it seems everything is fine." After saying this, she revealed a sweet smile.

Which hospital is this? The question in Peng Yue's mind grew heavier. He wanted to move his body, but was met with a mix of pain and numbness.

The medicine should be ready, I will go serve it quickly, you just rest here. Zi Ling turned back again to look at Peng Yue, who was lying in bed, and only after confirming that he was fine did she feel relieved to leave the room

I... I am Ziling! The little girl was taken aback by Peng Yue's appearance, wondering, "Could it be that he has lost his memory from the fall?"

I know this, how could I forget, haha... Peng Yue always uses similar excuses to ease his embarrassment. It is unclear whether Zi Ling is understanding or naive, as she seems blissfully unconcerned.

Where is Professor Wang? Peng Yue wanted to ask this question, but he could not bring himself to speak. He still remembered the archaeology professor who had wanted to save him

"Yun Ge, what exactly is wrong with you?" The young girl looked at the now quiet Peng Yue and took small steps towards the bedside.

Peng Yue observed the little girl before him, who appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen years old. Her slightly rounded face was fair and smooth, with a hint of baby fat that made her particularly adorable. Her eyes were dark and bright, her cheeks flushed, and she exuded a vibrant youthful energy. He noticed her pursed lips and the playful smile as she glanced at him sideways, her two prominent dimples adding to her charm.

A slightly inexperienced young girl by the bedside is secretly wiping away her tears, occasionally interrupted by a sound of sobbing

Dr. Li, poetry... the rhythm of poetry has awakened! The little girl covered her mouth with her hand, taking a couple of steps back in disbelief

Ah! This time it is not Peng Yue who is called, but the little girl beside him.

"Then what about that... Dr. Li?" Peng Yue finally remembered the old man's surname

I have heard from others that our master has recently received a promotion, but I am unsure if this is true. Peng Yue felt a sense of anxiety about his somewhat unsuccessful attempt.

"Yun Ge, are you really okay?" The young girl, noticing that Peng Yue was muttering to himself in an unusual manner, couldn't help but feel concerned.

"Yun Ge, what is wrong with you?" the little girl shouted anxiously from the side

Peng Yue took a moment to carefully examine the room. Right beside the bed was a window, featuring exquisite carvings and rare wood. Outside the window lay a picturesque scene, though not very clear, with glimpses of rockeries and ponds, and occasionally, servants hurriedly passing by. Below the window was a large, ancient and elegant desk, which was also kept very tidy. On the table by the window were numerous porcelain ornaments, each with a different design, arranged in a pleasingly irregular manner. Looking elsewhere, there were some calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls; although Peng Yue did not understand art appreciation, he found them quite beautiful. The spacious room did not feel empty, as the various decorations maintained a sense of order.

Ah... it doesn't matter, young master’s injury is the priority..." Peng Yue said with a bitter smile, as he had already understood his position. After all, he was merely a scholar's assistant. The idea of personally seeking a renowned physician for treatment and finding a good room for himself was no longer in line with his perception of ancient scholar's assistants. Perhaps his treatment in this residence was still considered quite good.

"Sister Ling'er, I want... to drink some water, eat something..." Peng Yue found an excuse to send the little girl named Zi Ling out; he really wanted to be alone for a moment to sort through all these matters.

A great cloud of doubt lingered in Peng Yue's mind, yet he did not know how to express it

"Oh dear, I told you to be more careful, didn't I say not to move around recklessly?" The tone is half reproachful, half concerned.

I am fine..." Peng Yue said weakly, "You... you are..."

"Yun Gege..." The little girl looked at Peng Yue's dazed expression and quickly waved her small hand in front of his eyes in fright

Then I shall thank you, Sister Ling'er..." Peng Yue looked at Zi Ling with a smile, feeling an indescribable warmth in his heart. After all, she was the first person he had encountered since arriving in this world, and her thoughtfulness and care made him deeply appreciate the warmth that should exist in a home.

But who is that little girl? Is she my sister? No, how could a pageboy bring a sister to someone else's residence? Who are all these people here? I must find a way to quickly figure this out... . . . '' Peng Yue's mind was rapidly spinning and contemplating.

"I can't believe I'm still alive..." Peng Yue opened his mouth to laugh, but no sound came out. "I truly have survived a great calamity; there must be blessings to follow..." Peng Yue thought to himself.

Peng Yue's headache gradually eased, and he slowly calmed down on the bed, only breathing heavily, with beads of sweat covering his forehead

"This is bad! Yang Yiqing is in trouble!" Peng Yue finally recalled everything that happened in the eighth year of the Jiajing era. He remembered that this was the time when Zhang Cong and Yang Yiqing were in the fiercest conflict, and... Yang Yiqing was defeated...

"You are seriously injured, this is not acceptable!" Ziling pouted as she snatched the bowl of soup away, "Come on... open your mouth..."

Of course I remember, how could I forget Sister Ling..." Peng Yue forced a smile, but his heart began to worry: although he knew he had crossed over and had some memories of this world, they were not complete, like fragments. For instance, he did not know the identity of the young girl before him. In contrast, he clearly remembered his past life, every person, every event, every history book he had read, every history class he had attended... For instance, he did not know the identity of the young girl before him. In contrast, he clearly remembered his past life, every person, every event, every history book he had read, every history class he had attended...

Ah, I will do it myself. It feels quite inappropriate to have a little girl, even younger than myself, serve me

Dr. Li... "Ziling fidgeted, as if she were somewhat embarrassed to speak, 'Dr. Li has gone to take care of the young master. Although the young master's injury is not serious, however..."

How could this be, haha... Peng Yue smiled awkwardly, and in his heart, he understood even more the necessity of thoroughly investigating the matters within the residence

With some effort, Peng Yue opened his eyes, only to be startled by the scene before him: what came into view was a dark-hued curtain, gently swaying with the breeze from outside. The bed beneath him was somewhat hard, yet it was quite spacious.

"Yun Ge?" Peng Yue suddenly felt that this title was quite unfamiliar, yet the memories etched in his mind clearly told him that he was now a book boy named Shiyun, and he had indeed traveled through time! Such events, which only occur in novels and television dramas, had truly happened to him!

"Brother Yun, you rest here for a while, I will go prepare the medicine for you..." Ziling smiled gently as she tucked the corners of Peng Yue's blanket, then turned and left.

"Sister Ling'er, it was my fault, I did not mean to do it." Peng Yue then attempted to rise, only to emit a sound of discomfort.

"Look at my memory, I have completely forgotten when the master was promoted." Peng Yue suppressed his inner astonishment and feigned calmness

One could only see Ziling unable to contain her laughter: "Our master, being the esteemed Prime Minister of the current dynasty, what else could he do?"

Then... then it's settled... please wait a moment..." The little girl smiled sweetly at Peng Yue and turned to leave, though her eyes still glistened with tears.

Could it be that I have turned into a mute?" Peng Yue suddenly felt a surge of fear in his heart

What is all this? Suddenly, Peng Yue's mind became somewhat chaotic, and the scene before him grew increasingly blurred.

The sound of my own scream in memory, along with the rapidly changing scenery beside me, became my final recollection

"Rest assured, I will take good care of you here these days..." Ziling playfully stuck out her tongue at Peng Yue, "This is what the master instructed; the master said that for these few days, I only need to take care of you."

It was only then that Peng Yue realized that both he and Zi Ling had been bought into this household since childhood, one as a scholar's assistant and the other as a maid. However, due to growing up alongside Young Master Yang Jisi, they had developed a deep bond. Young Master Yang Jisi was also a younger member adopted from the family because the master of the household had no sons, hence he was named "Jisi" to signify the continuation of the family line.

In the eighth year of the Jiajing era, Peng Yue, who was well-versed in the history of the early Jiajing period, quickly recalled the events that took place in the eighth year of Jiajing, and gradually, a sense of ominous foreboding surged in his heart

At that time, Peng Yue felt somewhat reluctant: This is not an archaeology department; it is clearly just scavenging. How can an archaeology department be running up the mountains to do this every day

"Surely you haven't forgotten Master Yang Jisi as well?" Ziling smiled gently, but it made Peng Yue feel quite awkward

Of course, it was the sixth year of the Jiajing era; this was already two years ago. At that time, the court was celebrating, and you were the happiest among us

Of course, it is fortunate! Having sustained such serious injuries, I thought..." The little girl by the bedside said with a silly smile, tears still hanging on her face, looking quite amusing.

At this moment, a surge of memories flooded into Peng Yue's mind: he was originally the family's servant, named Shiyun. ... While out on an outing with the young master, the young master, being playful, accidentally fell; in an attempt to save him, he inadvertently fell off the cliff ...! ... It turned out that he had actually traveled through time!

Ah, do you mean it is now the eighth year of the Jiajing era, and our master is Yang Yiqing!

An old man with a white beard, carrying a medicine box, shook his head and glanced helplessly at Peng Yue, who was lying on the couch. He sighed deeply and said, "Young lady, I regret to inform you that I am powerless in this matter; it seems we must prepare for the final arrangements."

Ah... my head hurts so much!" Peng Yue finally shouted out, but at that moment he had no time to feel happy about being able to speak again, as he was now experiencing an excruciating headache.

When Peng Yue woke up again, only he and the busy little girl remained in the room

"So, does that mean I am still quite lucky?" Peng Yue said with a wry smile, feeling somewhat helpless. He did not expect that although he had survived, he had traveled back to ancient times and found himself in the awkward position of a book boy.

"Isn't this making you angry?" Peng Yue put on a look of both pity and innocence, secretly thinking: "This trick works best on little girls." Yet, he knew in his heart that his injury had mostly healed, and there was no problem with normal activities.

In fact, you should not blame the young master, after all, we have all grown up. Actually... the young master is quite caring towards us on a daily basis..." Zi Ling's tone also carried a hint of helplessness as she continued the conversation, recounting the matters of this household.

This is the soup specially prepared for the young master by the kitchen, and I have served you a bowl..." Ziling said softly while looking out the window, "You have saved the young master this time, which is a great achievement. The master specifically instructed to tidy up this room in the residence to take care of you, and he even invited the best doctor in the capital, Dr. Li, to treat you..."

"Do not speak nonsense, Brother Yun... nothing will happen!" The little girl stubbornly shouted at the old man at the door, then turned her head and began to wipe her tears again

Dr. Li ... ... Dr. Li ... ... please come quickly ... ... " The little girl began to sob beside her, wanting to go outside to find someone, but looking at Peng Yue, who was rolling in pain on the bed, she found herself unable to move her legs, standing there crying in confusion.

Upon hearing Peng Yue's words, the little girl blushed and gently pouted her lips, saying, "It wasn't a wasted fall; I even learned to speak playfully."

"Hush, are you out of your mind? I've noticed that ever since you returned this time, you've been a bit off. People are ignoring you!" After saying this, Ziling raised her eyebrows, pouted her lips, and turned to leave.

Note: 1. Historically, Yang Yiqing indeed had no offspring, but there was also no adopted son named Yang Jisi; this character was created by me for the purpose of the narrative, and I hope readers will not take offense.

During these few days of recuperation, Ziling and Peng Yue discussed many matters concerning this household, including details about Wang Ma and Zhang San, as well as various family affairs, speaking in great detail, fearing that they might overlook something

"Come, have some soup first..." Ziling held the spoon, gently blowing on it while bringing it to Peng Yue's lips

Peng Yue recalled the last scene in his memory: he was taken by a professor from the archaeology department for a field investigation. As a result, the old man was trembling and panting heavily as soon as they ascended the mountain, leaving him to collect many things by himself

"Alas, am I unfortunate or fortunate?" Peng Yue sighed helplessly

Sister Ling'er, I indeed fell quite hard, and there are some matters in this residence that I cannot recall clearly. I would trouble you to explain them to me. Peng Yue knew that continuing like this was not a solution; he had to investigate all these matters thoroughly in order to survive smoothly here.

Of course, complaints aside, one still has to work, and one must still endure the hardships. After all, the old professor is advanced in age, and naturally, these matters should be handled by himself. Moreover, doesn't this indicate that the old professor values himself? Peng Yue thus engaged in self-comfort while absentmindedly attending to the tasks at hand