Chapter 3: In the Human Realm (Part 2)

The sensations lingering in this body, intertwined chaotically with the memories of the era before my arrival, evoke an indescribable sense of strangeness and dissonance

Ultimately, the choice of career turned out to be quite unexpected, without having to compete with those who, in the same year, held onto their PS without ever having achieved it. Instead of inflating resumes and enduring the elements at various centers and venues, hoping to be noticed by the likes of Ma Huateng or Chen Tianqiao, only to end up in yet another secretarial role, leading a mundane life as a white-collar worker with nothing to do.

Because the noble and aloof seniors from the Academic Committee, Youth League, and social work organizations mostly disdain dealing with these moldy piles of old papers, the relevant credits have indeed been added to my record

Or rather, what a bizarre and frustrating era this is, and after turning it over and over a few times, I finally understood that this is merely a version of the calendar that adheres to ancient customs

My job is not to provide a quiet place for couples to engage in romantic conversations, nor to expel those classmates who lazily sleep in the air conditioning; that is the responsibility of registering new female students.

Returning to reality, the remaining usable items include a staff made of bundled branches, a metal clip flint, a delicate small folding knife, an exquisitely embroidered handbag, a damp incense and a section of a hand cage, a wet headscarf, several ointments contained in small glass bottles, and a black iron ring

In the final fragment, I seemed to be on a moving riverboat, the sound of the flowing water gently resonating against the bottom cabin with almost imperceptible ripples, when suddenly a mutiny broke out on the ship, leading to its sinking amidst the struggle

As for the old man I carry with me, I do not know how many years old he is, along with the scheming mature woman, mythical pets, electronic spirits, auxiliary chips, and the tsundere female ghost... the silent main god... What do I have? How am I, a penniless and inexperienced transmigrator, supposed to get by

Due to certain reasons, I became a disciple under the Luo family of Liaojun on Andong Road and was recommended to study in Luodu.

History seems to possess a tacit understanding and commonality along a timeline

I have checked my personal belongings again. I apologize for the few unpunched foreign coins, several unidentified papers that have been soaked and ruined, a broken leather belt, and other miscellaneous items. However, I did not find anything like a laptop, a solar-powered phone, or a password box that could connect with other eras.

This Western Xia has no relation whatsoever to the Western Xia established by the Tanguts under Yuanhao in history. Instead, it was founded by a remarkable statesman and his descendants, who, several hundred years ago, turned the tide and revitalized the Tang Dynasty, establishing a vassal state in foreign lands, initially named Xia, or Great Xia.

Although with the development of the times, the decline and fading of print media have occurred, the local university library, as one of the few designated institutions for several large-scale restoration projects of rare and incomplete ancient books in the country, has still made considerable investments

What a joke, this era of the Republic filled with cold weapon warfare and feudal peasant uprisings, what kind of divine development is this

The senior who initially deceived us into this profession once boasted that it was a career with a unique hidden attribute that is unparalleled in the world, producing many extraordinary figures. Recently, a temporary worker, starting from marrying the teacher's daughter, has swept away all the formidable forces, instilling fear in the Anglo-American and other powerful nations.

As a great figure of his generation, Liang Gong, who emerged from a mysterious background and humble beginnings as a lowly soldier, became an unparalleled general and supreme power holder who dominated the world, even being recognized as the founding ancestor by numerous vassal lords. The stories surrounding him are indeed filled with legendary elements, and thus every detail of his life has been enthusiastically recounted by later generations through various forms of poetry, drama, and songs. Even the common folk are not without knowledge of his tales.

Who is it, can someone respond...

After finally drawing his sword and finding no rivals, he even launched a far-reaching expedition spanning thousands of miles, sending the flourishing Abbasid Caliphate and the era of Islamic expansion into the annals of history, establishing numerous overseas vassal states, city-states, and territories dominated by the Chinese diaspora.

The physical condition of this body feels quite good; the swelling on the forehead has significantly subsided, and the scrapes and cuts on the body have begun to scab and heal, making it impossible to discern the original state of bloody flesh. There are no signs of swelling or pus. As for the resemblance to my appearance in the puddle from my past life, there is indeed some similarity, which can only be attributed to a certain coincidence

There was also an oiled paper package tied around my body, inside which was a stack of bound sheets of paper. One corner had been damaged and started to get wet. I hurriedly unfolded and spread them out to dry, feeling soft and damp, yet surprisingly, the writing on them had not faded much.

I really want to look up and shout at the heavens.

I will have no connection with them anymore. I suppose this is also a flaw of soul transmigration, I actually have the heart to mock myself.

Moreover, these chaotic life experiences clearly stem from different individuals and entities. Just how many disordered souls or personalities are crammed into this body of my predecessor? It is astonishing that it has not resulted in a split personality transforming into something like a Neapolitan, Liang Gongzheng, Schrödinger's cat, or Zhang Taiping.

Although the world has begun to show signs of decline, with turmoil erupting everywhere, the scholars and officials, unaware of the impending collapse, remain engrossed in the beautiful dreams of tribute to the world and the distorted prosperity described in the "Dream of the Eastern Capital," where wealth from all corners is gathered to support a single capital. They are caught up in intrigue and factionalism, intoxicated to the point of being unable to extricate themselves

With the motivation of meeting soft girls, I mustered the courage to face the risks of being exposed and the dangers of meeting in person, and participated in a welfare event organized by a certain forum—a gathering of like-minded individuals in the Southeast region.

Moreover, the vigorous maritime trade and the advocacy for overseas colonial movements led to the discovery of several other continents during his lifetime. Its brilliance and momentum were so overwhelming that even the Tang Emperor Guangzong, who was renowned for his civil governance and military prowess, akin to Emperor Guangwu, appeared somewhat overshadowed. This also sowed the seeds of future power struggles for subsequent generations.

Then, in order to further appreciate the figures of the young ladies in a legitimate manner, I took the initiative to propose adding a swimming activity. However, I got too carried away and unfortunately suffered from leg cramps, leading to drowning. When I regained consciousness, I found myself among a pile of floating corpses on the shore, having to confront the grim reality of my life.

Yet, just like the setting sun, the cyclical decline of dynasties has ultimately descended upon the illustrious Tang Dynasty. Various talented individuals and ambitious figures have devoted their lives to merely patching up or maintaining this gradually aging and rigid dynasty. Consequently, the spectacles favored by enthusiasts and gentlemen alike have been repeatedly staged amidst the tragic and comedic twists of this chaotic era.

And the latest cover page. The large ink font instantly dazzled my eyes

Thus, the Tang Empire, invigorated as if by a shot of adrenaline, continued to rise and maintain its glorious era for two to three hundred years with a spirit reminiscent of the restoration under Emperor Guangwu, engaging in military campaigns and expanding its influence in the context of the prevailing trends and movements of the time, before eventually beginning to decline due to various entrenched factors.

If we exclude the years before the Common Era, it should now be the years 1116 to 1118 of my timeline, which corresponds to the late Northern Song Dynasty, around the time when the Jurchens, rising from the northeastern corner, began to conquer the Five Capitals of the Liao Dynasty.

The skin is supple and taut, indicating a life rich in nutrients. Although there are no six-pack abs, the legs, arms, and feet are relatively sturdy, clearly having received ample exercise, and maintaining a certain standard of living and regularity.

In addition, there were vast resources acquired through overseas plunder, including wealth and slaves, as well as the expansion of land and population beyond the borders.

Although private time is relatively scarce, the income is quite good, and in the end, I managed to secure a position for employment at the university.

First, I can finally confirm a fact that I have long been unwilling to admit: this is an era transformed by a time traveler. The most frequently mentioned figure in this context is the legendary person named Liang Gong, along with various historical records and accounts of his life.

The reality of the profession is that it is referred to as the "Cultural Residence" and the "Sanctuary of Slumber"; a chief librarian in a certain province, yes, indeed, a librarian

Moreover, others come with abundant benefits and advantages. Even if they are a useless illegitimate son who has been bullied by servants and humiliated in a broken engagement, at least they have a close maid who has cared for them since childhood and loyal servants to run errands. They can simply speak a few words to enjoy a life of ease. Yet here I am, drifting in the river, surrounded by a pile of floating corpses. I can only curse, damn you, you thieving heavens.

Once a student at the Imperial University of Peking, he served as a long-term assistant in the Department of Military Affairs, relying on convoluted connections. Ultimately, he became one of the instructors at the home of a low-ranking official, serving as the Right Minister of the current dynasty and a participant in state affairs.

This body should still contain the residual consciousness of other individuals. However, the remaining memories are elusive. Moreover, there is a persistent feeling that something very important has been overlooked and forgotten, but my mind is overwhelmed with too much information, making it truly difficult to recall.

However, some legends and anecdotes that have already spread have become so rampant that they cannot be completely prohibited. This is because Mr. Liang's life encompassed an extensive range of aspects and fields, touching upon various teachings and schools of thought, making it nearly impossible to impose any restrictions.

I felt a throbbing headache, clutching my head, as a wave of intense dizziness and nausea nearly caused me to faint

I had no choice but to temporarily set aside these distractions and entanglements, and instead examine this body named "myself." The reflection in the puddle vaguely resembles my original appearance, though it looks somewhat thinner. The small belly that had accumulated from sitting in front of the computer is also gone. Even without the black-rimmed glasses I had grown accustomed to wearing, I can still clearly see the fine sand and mud in the reflection in the water.

In contrast to the chaotic reign titles and dynasties, this direct reference to the fundamental calendar of the Zhou rites can easily gain widespread acceptance, transforming into a convenient version of the calendar commonly used in production and daily life for conversion and comparison

Then I attempted to excavate something further from this body

I am responsible for the most peripheral tasks, which include搬运 and organizing, regularly checking those outdated collections, performing dusting and pest control maintenance, and also engaging in the piecework of digitizing the contents.

It is a calendar that begins from the significant event of the joint governance of the Zhou Dynasty in 841 BC, marked by the collaboration of Duke Zhou and Duke Zhao, known as the Era of Zhou Zhao Gonghe. This republican calendar is also referred to as the Western Era, as it was adopted and promoted by the Tang people from the great nation of Xixia established in the western regions hundreds of years ago.

Then, by comparing the remaining fragments of memory in this body, along with the limited information gathered from a large stack of newspapers known as "copies," consisting of only a few words and phrases.

It is simply because of the surname Liang that it is referred to as Liangxia, and due to its location in the extreme region of Xichui, it was officially designated as the general term for Xixia in official documents, along with the calendar used, which also became known as the so-called Western calendar

However, for me, this is not good news. It seems that telegrams, newspapers, and firearms, all these formidable weapons, have already made their debut. How are we latecomers, these time travelers, supposed to survive? I couldn't help but begin to curse that predecessor of ours with the surname Liang in my heart

Attribute Interface

I made an effort to meditate and introspect for a while, but all I felt was my own restlessness and fleeting memories of certain scenes in swimsuits from before.

Indeed, this is neither the pitiful sword of a certain eunuch baboon nor the journey of M Dou, and it is naturally unrelated to a certain very fresh and pure cat girl

I should actually be called Wang Yangming, a returning hired student at a second-tier provincial university located on the southeastern coast of the People's Republic of China. It is said that my father, who admired the great figure Wang Shouren from the Ming Dynasty, who could lead troops to quell rebellions while also engaging in scholarly pursuits, specifically named me in honor of this esteemed predecessor.

Therefore, I can be said to have a basic understanding of Traditional Chinese, ancient dialects, and the like, and I am quite adept at using them. For those elderly individuals who are deeply technologically challenged and have difficulties with barcodes, I can almost be compared to a human search engine.

In the year 1963 of the Republic calendar, the title was so exhilarating that I habitually overlooked the accompanying notes, such as the annals of the seventh year of Jiayou.

After a difficult gasp, well, who am I after all

However, the most prevalent items are similar to clippings, indeed clippings. Although referred to as "literary transcriptions," the various familiar formats and genres are immediately recognizable. The clearly and compactly typeset small script represents Xu Ang's excellent printing technology and material craftsmanship, as this type of work is not something that can be casually completed like the earliest woodblock prints or clay movable type.

This so-called Republican calendar is neither derived from the ancient Greek slave city-states ruled by oligarchic aristocrats nor does it have any real connection to the modern republics or federations that emerged later

Thinking of this, I once again confirmed the self in my memory. My name is Luo Xia, courtesy name Si Gong, and I am one of the prominent families of the Nanhai Kingdom of the Great Tang, located in the Funing Prefecture of West Borneo Road, a branch of the Xin Yi Bo clan, and the eldest son of the Feng Yi family.

But at least I can confirm one thing: first, I find myself in an almost completely unfamiliar ancient era, and it is, damn it, a chaotic world that is most unfriendly to time travelers. Secondly, based on incomplete and vague memories, I actually seem to be a witness and participant in significant events of this chaotic era, and I appear to have some foresight, which has led me to become one of the tragic figures displayed on the grand coffee table of this age

Of course, if my historical knowledge has not yet been returned to the teacher

Or perhaps as long as one has polished riding boots and bayonets, they can engage in grandiloquent rhetoric to brainwash the ancients, along with charming young ladies, employing strategies that ensure success in classical military campaigns; claiming that by gathering a group of refugees to practice a formation of long spears discarded by history, one can achieve an overwhelming morale and sweep through barbarian tribes with ease.

After the Yiwai Rebellion, the Li Tang royal family began to deliberately limit and suppress various writings and traditions, and in the name of reflection, mobilized the prominent scholars of the time to gradually deny their achievements and contributions, attributing them to usurpation of the court's merits or to the sinister motives of certain treacherous officials, engaging in vilification and negative treatment

No, I covered my head again, and my brain started to throb once more

I focused my mind and shouted again, but unfortunately, there was nothing but the swaying bushes and the sound of the wind

The special nature of the library also distances itself from the demands of political or materialistic factions within the student union, thus avoiding encroachments. Therefore, one can observe with amusement his ostentatious display of luxury cars, her superficial admiration for abortion, and his loss leading to suicidal thoughts, all while remaining above the entanglements of grievances and disputes.

The clothing worn resembles a long gown from a historical drama, but it has been modified by removing the wide sleeves and the broad hem, making it appear more fitted. Inside, there are inner compartments similar to pockets, and the fabric is akin to coarse cotton. Due to repeated washing, the original color of the fabric has begun to show, along with some stains accumulated over the years

Then everything else is easy to explain. Those things outside the city of Luoyang that were cut down like electric poles are actually relatively primitive wired telegraphs. It is also not so difficult to understand the objects that resemble throwing and launching firearms that I saw in Luoyang. The time travelers brought about a great deal of change and new things, significantly alleviating the social contradictions that arose in the aftermath of the war.

Almost deified by the simple-hearted Chinese people, even many years later, countless internet commentators have created numerous amusing anecdotes using him to express their dissatisfaction with the current situation

Then, the relatively complete memory abruptly came to an end here, followed by some fragmented impressions

Triggered by this thought, another wave of intense memories surged into my mind. After a rapid succession of images and life experiences flashed by like a revolving lantern, my mind was filled with a multitude of memory fragments, encompassing scenes from ancient life as well as a futuristic backdrop rich in science fiction.

This senior has also become an existence that cannot be directly named, and can only be vaguely referred to as Mr. Liang or Liang certain person

Finally, apart from the list of three choices for staying at the institution, the project leader and the doctoral supervisor blocked the door of the college leaders, banging on the table and saying, "You all are just connections that have nothing to do with academic achievements; do we still need to produce academic results?"

In this case, it would be impossible to use props to create illusions and deceive others to obtain the first pot of gold and subordinates, thereby sweeping across the world; casually boosting one's reputation through astonishing feats, with celebrities readily coming forward to offer recognition, ultimately attracting the attention of the ruling authorities and gaining access to the core of power with great fanfare

The Tang Dynasty, which was originally destined to conclude over a century after the An-Shi Rebellion, was revitalized by the emergence of a remarkable figure at the end of the Tianbao era, who was said to be a once-in-a-thousand-years talent, transcending both ancient and modern times. This individual not only quelled the long-standing turmoil of the An-Shi Rebellion and its aftermath but also decisively eliminated a series of formidable contemporaries such as Nanzhao and Tubo. Furthermore, they stifled the nascent powers of future nomadic forces like the Shiwei and Khitan.

In addition, I also serve as an amateur moderator for several military history forums that are known for their controversial views. One of my hidden attributes is that I am a moderator on a forum that claims to be the most provocative and military-oriented, where I often work night shifts. The result of utilizing the library's computers and high-speed internet for personal use is a wealth of historical experiences from battling the forum's censorship and dealing with numerous instances of being both criticized and vindicated.

Therefore, even though several generations have passed since the chaotic beginning known as the Yiwai Rebellion, and the world has been in turmoil for a long time, its influence remains confined to the capital. The Son of Heaven, who nominally still serves as the sovereign of the realm, continues to derive from the Li Tang royal family