Chapter 6, Master, are you testing me

As a liberal arts student, I actually did not remember the era name of Emperor Zhongzong Li Xian! How can I even ask what the current national title is? It is truly embarrassing! Fortunately, I have already traveled through time, so no matter how big of a blunder I make, my history teacher will never know.

"Give it a try, young sir, do not hesitate any longer. The more you hesitate, the harder it will be for the master to awaken!" The servants urged Ren Cong in unison, fearing that he might recall the matter of going into the city to buy medicine.

As a servant, Ren Qi striking him in the face, regardless of the reason, raises the suspicion of insubordination. If Master Xiao Zhang does not pursue the matter, it may be overlooked, but if he does investigate, Ren Qi will certainly face severe consequences

Indeed, young master, when it is time to act, one must take action!

According to rumors, Zuo Xiaowu has taken a fancy to the second daughter of the Niu family, displaying audacity by sneaking into her boudoir in the middle of the night. However, he was caught red-handed by the family servant of the Niu household, who intended to turn him over to the authorities for punishment. Fortunately, his uncle, Zhang the clerk, intervened and resolved the scandal by settling it with ten acres of prime farmland.

Although Guo Erlang of Chang'an City is renowned for his connections and influence, he has not infrequently facilitated the comings and goings of individuals in the dead of night. The past is the past, and the present is the present. In the past, the Crown Prince resided in the Eastern Palace, living harmoniously with the Empress, embodying filial piety and maternal kindness. However, in the present, the Crown Prince has been driven to suicide by the Empress as an act of atonement, and all officials associated with the Eastern Palace have faced confiscation of their properties or execution, leaving not a single one unscathed.

This is the most appropriate language that Zhang Qianeng found from the classical texts and ancient poetry he has studied. However, after he painstakingly wrote it out, it left Ren Cong greatly disappointed. After a long while, he finally wrote with great effort: "It is the third year of the Divine Dragon, also the first year of Jinglong. The sage of the current dynasty, whose name is to be kept secret! Master, I sincerely invite you, and I hope you will not mind the simplicity of my humble abode!"

In the eyes of the two of them, whether slapping someone can truly cure the confusion of the mind is of little importance. After all, it won't kill anyone; if one slap doesn't work, they can just keep slapping until the lanterns are lit and the city gates are completely closed. Moreover, if they do not slap Master Zhang, Ren Wu and Ren Liu will have to violate the government's curfew order tonight and risk climbing over the walls of Chang'an City!

Then let us give it a try, Master, Brother Zhang, I apologize for any offense! Ren Cong, stirred by passion, clenched his right fist tightly with his left hand, and then raised his right arm high.

Although I do not remember whose era name Shenlong is, I still vaguely recall the general direction of history

Master, Brother Zhang, are you well? In an instant, Ren Cong was overjoyed. He quickly tucked away his arms and inquired with a face full of eagerness to please

"Young Master, there is a distinction between the noble and the base, a distinction between the noble and the base!" Ren Qi got up, retreating while awkwardly smiling and bowing in supplication, "With Master Zhang's appearance and this fair complexion, how many can be found in Chang'an? When Young Master strikes him, it is for his own good; after he wakes up, he certainly will not hold it against Young Master. But if I strike him, it would be an act of disrespect. What if Master Zhang takes it seriously..."

"Get lost! If you have no guts, just go away!" Ren Cong knew that the other party was speaking the truth and helplessly reprimanded.

The reason he was able to suppress his intoxication and regain his composure just now was his firm belief that his breadth of knowledge was sufficient and his foundation in the humanities was strong enough. Even in ancient times, he would still be able to shine brilliantly.

If it were the Song Dynasty, he might be able to take a minor official position and enjoy drinks with Su Shi and Liu Yong. If it were the Han Dynasty, he might also serve as a military advisor to Huo Qubing or discuss economic principles with Jia Yi. ... If it were the early Tang Dynasty, that would be the best, during the Zhenguan era, with the four aunts in submission, he could discuss anti-corruption and integrity with Wei Zheng and explore health and wellness with Qin Qiong

At this thought, a faint sense of relief unexpectedly surged within Zhang Qian. Grasping the stone, he quickly responded on the ground, "Thank you for the invitation, Brother Ren, but it is truly inconvenient for me to disturb you today. Chang'an is not large; we shall meet again in the future!"

Looking at the Tang Dynasty, apart from the mountain barbarians of Lingnan, the rest of the people, even if they are unaware that this year's era name has changed to Jinglong, would still know the era name of the third year of Shenlong. It is simply impossible for anyone to be completely ignorant of both era names, and even more so for anyone to be unaware that the current emperor is Li Xian

However, before he could swing his arm down, he deflated again. He quietly took two steps back and whispered to Ren Quan, "How about you take over? You understand medicine, so your aim will definitely be more precise than mine. And if I happen to hit too hard, Master might refuse to accept me as his disciple once he wakes up, and I would miss another opportunity!"

The Great Tang? I understand now, it turns out to be him! In an instant, Zhang Qian suddenly realized, and immediately felt so ashamed that he wished to disappear.

However, it is with great regret that such a sincere invitation was unhesitatingly declined by the other party. The latter smiled again and slowly wrote on the ground in a broken script: "It is our first meeting, and I do not wish to impose. Please do not take offense, my friend! I would like to inquire about one matter. What year is it this evening? Which sage is in power?"

Nonsense, he only remembered his son's filial actions, which were choices made out of necessity due to the circumstances, alright

"Indeed, absolutely true!" The family servant nodded vigorously without hesitation, "Two years ago, the Fifth Young Master of the Zuo family in Zuo Village was so muddled by phlegm that he acted like a monkey, darting around everywhere. It was his uncle, Master Zhang, who slapped him awake with two resounding slaps. Since then, it is said that he has never made that mistake again"

The matter of Xiao Wu from Zuojiazhuang, he had vaguely heard a few things about it. It is indeed true that he suffered from a phlegm illness, and it is also true that his uncle, Zhang Zhubu from Wannian County, gave him two hard slaps before he was saved. However, regarding this matter, there has always been another version circulating in the countryside

However, he never expected that the answer given by Ren Cong would actually be two completely unfamiliar reign titles, Shenlong and Jinglong. What kind of provincial reign titles are these? Who is this ridiculous emperor currently in power? Without Su Shi, without Huo Qubing, without Wei Zheng, and without Li Bai or Du Fu, what is the point of this absurd time travel?

The term "phlegm obstructing the heart's orifice" is an excuse his uncle concocted to absolve him of guilt. The two resounding slaps were intended to vent the anger of his parents and, incidentally, to teach this prodigal son a lesson.

It is not surprising that Young Master Ren Cong loses his temper; throughout his life, he has heard of people getting lost, but he has never heard of anyone losing their years.

After asking, he realized that the other party might not understand his words. He quickly crouched down again, picked up a stone, and waved it around, saying, "Brother Zhang, why were you so lost just now? I was quite anxious!"

Great Tang, I have arrived! Li Bai, Du Fu, Teacher Zhang has come to slap your palms! Who told you to write so many poems that I had to memorize them since childhood!

"What is the current national title?" Zhang Qiansi did not notice the subtle change in Ren Cong's emotions. Suppressing his shock and disappointment, he continued to write with a stone to inquire.

You coward!" Ren Cong, infuriated, kicked Ren Qi hard, sending him sprawling. "Where did that fierce spirit of yours go? At a critical moment, you are even worse than a woman!

Is it true? Ren Cong listened with skepticism, placing his left and right hands in front of his eyes, examining them repeatedly

This line of text may not be entirely accurate in its wording, but it conveys the meaning clearly enough. Upon seeing this, Ren Cong became increasingly certain that his phlegm condition had improved, and there was no need for him to take the risk of slapping his own face. He immediately felt a sense of relief throughout his body. Grasping the stone tightly, he quickly added, "No worries, Brother Zhang, you are being too polite! A storm is brewing; would you be willing to accompany me down the mountain? My family's estate is located five miles northwest of Xiangji Temple."

"Pretend, keep pretending! Today, I will go all out with you, even if you learn from Huang Shigong! At worst, I will be like Zhang Liang and pick up your shoes!" Angered by Zhang Qian's cold and indifferent attitude, Ren Cong seethed with rage, while stubbornly gritting his teeth and insisting on writing his answers: "The national title is Tang! His Majesty the Emperor is the seventh son of Emperor Gaozong. He is extremely filial to his mother and once abdicated in favor of the Empress Dowager. Two and a half years ago, the Empress Dowager, being elderly, recalled the Emperor's filial piety and once again bestowed the throne upon His Majesty! Master, with the storm approaching, it would be better to take refuge at the residence of the younger generation for a while." (Note 2: Emperor Zhongzong Li Xian was once deposed by Wu Zetian, but later in her old age, she changed her mind and passed the throne back to him. The first year of Jinglong corresponds to the year 707 AD)

"Young Master, this matter cannot be delayed!" Seeing that Ren Cong was still hesitating, the family retainer Ren Quan decisively reminded him. "Phlegm-related ailments are most fearful of procrastination; the longer they are delayed, the more troublesome they become to treat. If the master loses his focus because of this, Young Master will miss a great opportunity!"

"It's nothing!" Zhang Qianqiang smiled and cupped his fist towards Ren Cong, then picked up a stone again and slowly wrote. "I drank a bit too hastily earlier, and I lost my composure. I hope Brother Ren can forgive me!"

Then let's give it a try ? '' The family guards and servants, persuaded to the point of yielding, allowed Ren Cong to rub his hands and mutter softly.

Having finished writing, he threw the stones to the ground, then opened his backpack and shook out all the fragments of stone inside. He stood up and strode onto the mountain path heading east

After shaking hands a few times, Ren Cong gritted his teeth and raised his right arm high once again. Just as he was about to strike Zhang Qian's left cheek fiercely, he was taken aback to find that the other party slowly lifted his head, his eyes no longer carrying any trace of confusion.

Nonsense about filial piety, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang was forced to abdicate by his mother, ancient people truly have no shame when they lie

Scarred-faced Ren Qi and bearded Ren Si exchanged glances, then both stepped forward and urged in a low voice

Hmm... Ren Cong murmured softly, hesitating and indecisive

Upon considering this matter, Ren Cong no longer expected his subordinates to act on his behalf. Ren Qi did not have the courage to slap Master Zhang, and neither did Ren Si, Ren Wu, or Ren Liu. As for Ren Quan, although his position was slightly higher, striking someone of lower rank would still be considered an act of insubordination.

I? Alright! Ren Qi readily agreed, rolling up his sleeves and eager to give it a try. However, just as he had rolled up his sleeves halfway, he quickly retreated, saying, "Young master, it is better for you to do it. The master is literate and looks fair and tender, clearly a person of nobility. I can't even recognize my own name; if I strike down, I will surely face divine retribution!"

"Young Master Shao, you..." Ren Cong's cowardly demeanor infuriated him, causing him to stomp his feet in anger. Ren Quan muttered complaints under his breath. However, considering the other party's obsession with cultivation, he couldn't bring himself to speak too harshly. He could only turn his head towards the most menacing-looking person among the crowd, the scarred-faced Ren Qi, and quietly instructed, "Xiao Qi, you go!"

At present, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang has ascended to the throne for the second time. How far off is the Kaiyuan Prosperity?

Meeting for the first time and immediately asking to be accepted as a disciple would certainly be too abrupt, and the likelihood of being rejected by a 'master' is quite high. Therefore, Ren Cong deliberately kept a cautious approach, first inviting 'Master Zhang' to his own estate, treating him to fine food and drink. Once the other party has developed a favorable impression of him, he would then bring up the matter of becoming a disciple, at which point it is expected that everything would fall into place smoothly

Within the city of Chang'an, since the time of Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty, the hierarchy and order have been distinctly defined, and ordinary people do not dare to overstep their bounds easily. Master Zhang, on the other hand, is adorned with rare items from the world. He is also fair-skinned and possesses an air of nobility, in addition to being able to write beautifully. Even if he does not hail from a family of great wealth and nobility, he should belong to the descendants of officials or local gentry.

Although Ren Cong is the young master, it is not appropriate for him to plead for Ren Qi in this matter. Unless, unless he is willing to confront Master Xiao Zhang and no longer hopes to learn anything from him!

At such a time, what else could it be but courting death to climb over the walls of Chang'an City for fun? If one were to be caught by the night patrol soldiers and deemed a conspirator of the deposed crown prince, then following the trail would likely lead to the entire male lineage of the Ren family, including the servants, being unable to escape their doom!

"Young Master Shao, I believe it would be worthwhile to try Ren Quan's approach!" The clever individuals are not limited to Ren Qi and Ren Si; Ren Wu would also be unwilling to risk the lives of all the men in the estate for a complete stranger they have never met, as he led the horse over and quietly chimed in.

Young Master Shao, saving lives is of utmost importance, do not worry about so much!