Chapter 1, A Millennium of Dreaming

Instructor, do you want me to go to the military headquarters

***

Han Huaichu took his seat. Commander Liang pointed to the old man and said, "Let me introduce you, this is Director Mark from the Space-Time Program of the National Defense Science and Technology Industry Commission." He then pointed to a middle-aged man and woman in white lab coats sitting in their seats and said, "This is Dr. Fang Ting and Dr. Xie Zhiming."

He frowned and said with a bitter smile, "How could there be such a rule?"

The young girl transformed into a gust of breeze, vanishing without a trace in the blink of an eye. Immediately, a sound of slaughter reached Han Huaichu's ears. Clashing weapons and iron steeds, blood and flesh flying, banners fluttering, the sound of war drums echoing, thousands of troops parting, ten thousand horses galloping, the battlefield of ancient times suddenly appeared before him

"I had a dream again? Did I wake you all up?" Han Huaichu pretended to smile with feigned trepidation.

Director Mark earnestly explained: "Comrade Han Huaichu, you do not understand this. If you were to go to the Qin Dynasty and have one son and one and a half daughters with any woman, you would leave your mark in history, and the course of history would likewise change"

"Unable to conceive, must I undergo a circumcision?"

Han Huai and Chu felt both embarrassed and delighted, eager to feast their eyes on the woman's beauty, which was as exquisite as jade. As the woman turned around, she looked back.

Han Huai and Chu Xin thought to themselves that at this point, they could only submit to whatever fate awaited them, so they gritted their teeth and boldly said: "Alright"

If you intervene in history, our timeline will go awry, or even collapse. Therefore, neither you nor I can know whether we would exist in this world now

After two years of hard work and perseverance, Han Huaichu has become a standout in the military. Whether in swimming, running, combat, or shooting, he consistently ranks at the top in all assessments. He is proficient in the use of various weapons. His rank has risen from private to a level six non-commissioned officer. The instructor informed him that in one month, he would be eligible for promotion to second lieutenant.

Han Huaichu thought to himself that as long as he could return, it would be sufficient. He then stood up and saluted: "Please rest assured, Commander, I guarantee to complete the mission"

The night is cool as water, and the cicadas chirp softly. In the lotus pond, the shimmering lotus leaves rise gracefully above the water, while a full pond of lotus flowers is adorned with a thin layer of dew under the moonlight, resembling the clear tears in a beautiful woman's eyes

Director Mark suddenly stood up and shouted: "Comrade Han Huaichu!"

Han Huai and Chu wondered: "Why not create another machine to bring Xiang Shaolong back?"

A massive black hole suddenly appeared in the sky, and a powerful suction force pulled Han Huaichu and * the * book into it, vanishing without a trace in an instant

This was the boudoir of a wealthy young lady, a land of gentleness. In stark contrast to this environment was a long sword, glimmering with a cold light, hanging on the snow-white wall

Unsure of what task to assign to himself, Han Huaichu murmured to himself. He raised his head and said, "Please give me your instructions, sir"

Upon seeing the appearance of that woman, Han Huaichu felt a surge of warmth in his heart, as if she were a close friend and confidante he had known for many years. He reached out his hand to grasp her delicate palm.

In another corner of the room, there is an exquisite bed, adorned with pink curtains and intricate embroidery. A few small bells hang from the bedpost, producing a crisp sound of "tinkle," bestowing upon one boundless reverie

This is no longer a woman; it is clearly a refined and handsome young gentleman, with a face as exquisite as jade, a rare beauty in this chaotic world

Director Mark said solemnly: "I will now announce three rules. Listen carefully! First, do not interfere with history."

A military jeep was waiting outside the door. Han Huaichu got into the vehicle. The jeep emitted a plume of black smoke and sped off towards the military headquarters

Zhang Cheng glared: "This is the headquarters' order, how would I know? Hurry up and go after you finish eating"

Han Huaichu was feeling anxious and uneasy. Fang Ting took a syringe from the document bag, filled with an orange-yellow liquid, and said: "This is a contraceptive. Once injected, you will be unable to conceive. Comrade Han Huaichu, are you satisfied with this?"

Director Mark continued, "The following is the last point, and it is also the most difficult to achieve, which is—"

Director Mark said solemnly: "There is only one time machine. Among the two of you, only one person can return to the future, so you need to send one person back to report, which will prove that our time machine has been successfully developed"

In the night sky, a melodious song suddenly resonates. It is an ancient poem, which sings: The reeds are lush and green, the white dew is like frost, the one I long for is on the other side of the water, tracing back to follow her, the path is obstructed and long, tracing back to pursue her, she is as if in the center of the water

Han Huaichu straightened his back and said, "I understand. After finding Xiang Shaolong, what should I do?"

Han Huai-Chu raised his hand, his face flushed red: "I protest! I have traveled over two thousand years into the past, and I still do not know whether I can find Xiang Shaolong or return to the future. If I am not allowed to pursue women, how am I supposed to live like this?"

A gentle breeze swept through, bringing with it wafts of fragrance, which soon gave rise to a veil of mist. The rippling water in the pond was stirred by the breeze, and the thick mist made it difficult for Han Huaichu to discern any figures.

"So this is how the book is." Han Huaichu nodded and said, "I understand now"

The woman has a delicate nose and beautiful eyes, skin as smooth as cream, a neck like a graceful insect, teeth like a gourd's seed, a head like a delicate butterfly, and a charming smile. She gazes intently at Han Huai and Chu, her eyes glancing and lingering, filled with unspoken affection.

Director Mark exchanged glances with the two individuals holding doctoral degrees and said, "We anticipated your dissatisfaction, so we have a solution that will render you infertile"

Han Huaichu saluted respectfully and said, "Report to the leader, Sergeant Han Huaichu reporting for duty!"

Han Huaichu found himself involuntarily walking towards the pink tent. Through the curtain, he saw a woman sleeping on her side inside the tent. Her long, dark hair flowed like clouds, smooth as silk. She wore a thin, flesh-colored gauze dress that wrapped around her undulating figure. Her graceful neck and slender shoulders were exposed beneath the sheer fabric. A pair of jade-like peaks trembled gently with her soft breaths. The woman seemed to be immersed in a dream, murmuring in a dreamy whisper.

The elderly-looking Xie Zhimin scoffed and said, "Of course it can. This time our time machine can go and return, so you can rest assured."

Han Huaichu, not knowing where his passion came from, raised his hand to the sky and shouted: "Kill!"

The wise-looking Fang Ting, holding a doctor's degree, replied: "Five years ago, we sent Xiang Shaolong to the Qin Dynasty, originally intending for him to witness history. However, he has not returned any news, and we do not know whether he arrived in the Qin Dynasty or if the time machine malfunctioned and did not send him there at all. Therefore, we need to send someone to conduct another experiment to see the effectiveness of this machine and, by the way, to search for the missing Xiang Shaolong."

Commander Liang, who is usually very stern, appears particularly amiable today. He points to the chair in front of him and cheerfully says, "Comrade Han Huaichu, please take a seat"

Although the dream of becoming a general is still far away, he has finally taken this step, advancing from a soldier to an officer

Han Huaichu still felt uneasy and asked, "If I return to the future, will I be able to have children again?" Fang Ting, holding a doctor's degree, nodded and said, "With modern science being so advanced, you can rest assured. If you want children, we can make it happen for you"

Commander Liang said very seriously: "I will tell you a state secret. A few years ago, our corps sent a comrade named Xiang Shaolong to the Qin Dynasty over two thousand years ago. Once he went, he became like a kite with a broken string, never to return again"

Director Mark set down the file in his hand, adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose, and looked towards Han Huaichu: "This is a great research project by the National Defense Science and Technology Commission. Are you familiar with Einstein's theory of relativity? As long as a person's speed exceeds the speed of light, time and space reversal becomes possible"

The military headquarters of the special forces, Han Huaichu had only visited once, which was last month when he won first place in the grand competition and received an award at the headquarters. At this moment, he suddenly received an order summoning him to the military headquarters, which left Han Huaichu feeling puzzled

Suddenly, the woman in the bed sat up, lifted the curtain, and stood out gracefully.

It is not! Everyone in the room stared with wide eyes, looking angrily at Han Huaichu

Mark paused for a moment and continued, "After that, we made improvements and adjustments based on that failure, and researched a new time-space machine. We want to find someone to conduct a new experiment, to go to the Qin Dynasty in search of the missing Xiang Shaolong."

After five hours of grueling closed-door training in the morning, Han Huaichu was already feeling sore and exhausted. He was sitting in the cafeteria chewing on a ham and egg sandwich

***

Han Huaichu rubbed his eyes and sat up from the couch

Why does the woman in my dreams appear so frequently? Why does she transform into a young man just as I am about to indulge my eyes when her clothing is accidentally pulled down? Why do thousands of troops appear in my dreams, and why do people call me General Han?

Director Mark explained: "Because you are a modern person, you know too much about what will happen in the future. If you intend to intervene in the course of history, the consequences will be unimaginable"

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The next event was that Dr. Fang Ting administered an injection to Han Huaichu, after which Han Huaichu lost the ability to reproduce.

Han Huai and Chu were greatly astonished, "How can this woman turn into a young man with just a turn?" While they were still in disbelief, the young girl waved the folding fan in her hand, and the scenery before them suddenly changed.

Director Mark then announced the second rule: "No destruction of cultural relics." Han Huaichu responded with a smile.

Director Ma spoke earnestly, enunciating each word clearly: "No dating allowed"

Han Huaichu lowered his head and muttered, "The Party and the country should also pay some attention to human rights."

Han Huaichu let out a sigh and asked, "Why must we seek out Comrade Xiang Shaolong?"

Cut! What kind of unreasonable nonsense is this discipline! A fine young man should not be chasing after girls, but instead, I am being asked to become a monk!

Han Huaichu chuckled and said, "I apologize, comrades, for disturbing your sweet dreams. I, Han Huaichu, the commander of the First Brigade of the Seventh Special Forces Corps, sincerely apologize for causing you to live in fear every night. It is my fault, and I deeply reflect on it. Next time I dream, I will change the script to say 'damn it,' how about that? Is that sincere enough?"

The door swung open, and Han Huaichu stepped inside, where a wave of fragrant aroma enveloped him, stirring his senses.

One can only see the embroidered building with its flying eaves and flowing red, the bracketed beams and upturned corners, exquisite and translucent, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship

So they were all important figures. Han Huaichu stood up and saluted, saying, "Hello, leaders!" Commander Liang waved his hand, and Han Huaichu sat down again

Han Huaichu quickly responded, "Here!"

Han Huaichu was chewing on a piece of ham when suddenly Instructor Zhang Cheng rushed over and said: "Han Huaichu, the troops have issued a directive for you to immediately proceed to the military headquarters"

Upon reaching the shore, Han Huaichu cast aside the double oars, abandoned the boat, and proceeded ashore.

Commander Liang then said: "Comrade Han Huaichu, there is an honorable task to assign to you now. The Party and the country have nurtured you for many years, and now it is time for you to serve your motherland."

Half an hour later, Han Huaichu was brought to a spacious playground and put on the time tunnel suit—the improved time machine. Dr. Fang Ting pressed a set of red buttons on the time suit and said, "Comrades, prepare!"

This captivating scene left Han Huaichu dumbfounded, unsure of what year it was or where he had come from

A cavalryman, holding a bronze spear, with a long crossbow slung over his shoulder, wearing leg guards, leather boots on his feet, and a round hairstyle reminiscent of the Qin dynasty, dismounted swiftly and bowed deeply to report: "General Han, the enemy has suffered a great defeat and is currently fleeing. What shall our army do next?"

The interior furnishings are exceedingly elegant. On a small table rests a bronze incense burner shaped like a wine jug, emitting wisps of light smoke. On the dressing table, there is an antique bronze mirror, with a plain small comb placed in front of it, as white as jade. On a writing desk, a bamboo scroll is laid open. The entire room is spotless.

The woman let out a soft gasp, her fragrant shoulder shifting slightly, as if she wished to evade. Han Huaichu, in a moment of carelessness, placed his hand upon the delicate gauze of her dress, and with a sharp sound, the thin, gossamer fabric tore apart.

Han Huai and Chu were puzzled and asked: "What does this mean?"

Commander Liang slammed his hand heavily on the table and said sternly: "Comrade Han Huaichu, do you still have any organizational discipline? As a soldier, obedience is your duty. Whatever the Party and the country require of you, you must do it!"

Beside him stood an elderly man with white hair, also dressed in a brown-green military uniform. To his surprise, the shoulder insignia bore three stars, just like Commander Liang's, and he was carefully reviewing a document.

"What an honorable task it is to be involved in this illustrated book! If I go to the Qin Dynasty, how can I possibly return?" Han Huaichu felt a cold sweat trickling down and couldn't help but ask, "If we find Xiang Shaolong, will we be able to come back?"

In front of a long table sat a row of people, their expressions solemn. Apart from Commander Liang of the Legion, the others were unfamiliar to Han Huaichu.

A small flat-bottomed boat quietly appeared before Han Huaichu, gently rising and falling with the waves in the pond. Han Huaichu stepped forward, boarded the boat, and began to row aimlessly towards the center of the pond in the stillness of the night.

A soldier who does not aspire to be a general is not a good soldier; Han Huaichu dreams of becoming a general. After graduating from university, he enlisted in the military. Due to his excellent physical fitness and exceptional dedication to training, he was recruited into the special forces and became a special soldier

Han Huaichu paddled for a while, feeling a slight soreness in her arms. The shore was drawing nearer, and in the distance, a building could be seen standing on the bank, with flickering red candles inside, resembling an embroidered pavilion

Han Huaichu felt a powerful airflow rising from beneath his feet, as if a rocket were being launched, and his body soared into the air. In an instant, he felt dizzy and disoriented, his body transforming into a fluid state, constantly changing shape in midair

The song's voice is ethereal and elusive, as if it comes from the clouds

The young master was dressed in a blue robe, with a headscarf tied around his hair, holding a folding fan in his hand, softly calling out: "Xin Lang, Xin Lang"

Han Huaichu perked up his ears to listen to how Director Mark spoke

A hand struck heavily on the sleeping mat of Han Huaichu, and a voice shouted: "Huaichu, are you killing someone again? You've scared me awake from my good sleep, you little rascal"

Han Huai and Chu were distracted as they scraped their food off the plates and walked out of the cafeteria

In an instant, all the pillows laid out in the barracks were hurled at Han Huaichu with concentrated force

Han Huai-Chu found it somewhat strange and asked, "How is it possible for a person to go back to the Qin Dynasty over two thousand years ago?"

Han Huaichu studied science and engineering at university and had also learned about relativity in his physics course, so the concept of traversing time and space is valid within the framework of relativity. He nodded slightly and said, "I understand"

Director Mark nodded with satisfaction: "After all, he has attended university; being educated means he understands things quickly. A few years ago, we researched a time-space machine that sent your comrade Xiang Shaolong to the Qin Dynasty. Since it was still in the experimental stage, we did not consider the issues in great detail, which led to a small error at that time, resulting in an explosion. Fortunately, the two doctors and I were far away and were not injured." Because it was still in the experimental stage, we did not consider the issues in great detail, which led to a small error at that time, resulting in an explosion. Fortunately, the two doctors and I were far away and were not injured.

Director Mark replied: "This machine is still a prototype and has consumed a significant amount of manpower and financial resources. If it is successful, we will consider this issue."