Chapter 1

Great Han · Divine Capital

About four or five li from the Ningguo Mansion, turning left into a long, narrow alley, after a hundred steps, one can see a courtyard with a green wall, slightly dilapidated, standing quietly.

Last night's autumn rain had shaken the pomegranate tree in the center of the courtyard, scattering the ground with small lantern-like pomegranate flowers, adding a touch of desolation after the rain.

Under the east window, the emerald bamboo was lush and vibrant, and a young boy, no more than fourteen or fifteen years old, stood there. He wore a blue robe that had been washed almost white, his face clear and refined. In his hands, he held a book with a blue cover, reading intently. His arched brows framed a pair of clear, bright eyes that often showed a look of deep thought.

He was originally a border police officer in a later era, but due to an accident, he found himself in this world of the Red Mansion, his soul reincarnated in Jia Heng, a distant descendant of the Ningguo family.

Although it had been four or five days, he still felt as if it were a dream.

Jia Heng, in the original "Dream of the Red Mansion," was only briefly mentioned.

Since the narrative of "Dream of the Red Mansion" does not specify the dynasty or year, he immediately borrowed historical books to seek the truth.

"Ancestor Gaozu was from Yuyao, a descendant of the ancient Emperor Shun..."

Even though this was not the first time he read these words, Jia Heng's sense of wonder did not diminish. His gaze swept over the two history books on the desk, and he sighed inwardly: "This world of the Red Mansion is quite different from the previous dynasty. There are some additional characters and some missing characters... Especially during the reign of Emperor Shizong, Emperor Jiajing devoted himself to Daoist practices, and the corrupt prime minister Yan Song held power, leading to internal and external troubles. In the 29th year of Jiajing, the Mongol leader Altan invaded, approaching the capital, and captured the city. Emperor Jiajing, unwilling to flee south, burned himself to death in the palace... The Ming dynasty lasted for 172 years. Fortunately, Chen Huan, a descendant of the Han King Chen Youliang from the end of the Yuan dynasty, rose up in Yuyao, pursued the fleeing enemies, swept across the land, and reestablished the Chen Han dynasty, with the capital in Xijing. It has been over 90 years since then."

"Emperor Gaozu Chen Huan reigned for 23 years, followed by Emperor Taizong for 31 years. As of today, the Retired Emperor has reigned for 39 years and abdicated to the current emperor 13 years ago, leading to a long period of peace and the accumulation of various problems."

Jia Heng pondered, calculating the dynastic correspondences in his mind, and suddenly frowned, "This year is the 14th year of Chongping, which is similar to the reign of Emperor Chongzhen..."

"Knock, knock..."

At this moment, the sound of the door knocker from outside interrupted Jia Heng's thoughts.

"Coming, coming..." A woman's voice echoed from the left side of the courtyard. A middle-aged woman, dressed in a simple robe and wearing a headband, tied a apron around her waist and walked along the overgrown, stony path to open the door.

Jia Heng also stepped out of the room and stood on the veranda to watch.

The woman, Cai Shi, was a maid left by his mother after her death. His predecessor lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother, Dong Shi. Last year, his mother fell ill and passed away after a long period of bedridden illness.

Since then, Cai Shi and her family of three had been taking care of his daily life.

"Who could it be? I heard the magpies chirping early this morning, and it turns out to be Sister Zhu." Cai Shi was good at speaking, smiling and saying, "Sister Zhu, what brings you here?"

Cai Shi was also a bit puzzled, thinking to herself, "Except for the New Year's ancestral worship, we never see anyone from the Rongguo Mansion. I wonder why Jia Zhu's wife is visiting this humble alley and poor house."

Although Jia Heng was a descendant of the Ningguo family, the Ningguo family had long branched out in the capital, living on Rongning Street. Jia Heng's branch was almost out of the five generations of kinship.

Li Wan and her maid, both dressed in dark blue water-sleeved robes, with phoenix-head jade hairpins, slender figures, and graceful manners, without any makeup, nodded slightly to Cai Shi and asked, "Is Brother Heng at home?"

At this moment, a young man in a blue robe slowly walked from the veranda, stopped in front of Li Wan, and bowed, saying, "Jia Heng greets Sister Zhu. I was just thinking of returning the books to Lan after breakfast, but I didn't expect Sister Zhu to come in person. It's my fault."

As he spoke, he cast a calm, deep gaze at Li Wan, thinking to himself, "No wonder she is one of the Twelve Beauties of Jinling. Just in terms of appearance and demeanor, she could score 90 out of 100."

Li Wan glanced at Jia Heng, noting his simple clothing, cold eyes, and composed demeanor, and the slight displeasure in her heart dissipated somewhat. She said in a clear voice, "Lan is still young and can't read those historical books. I was looking through the collection and noticed a few books missing. I didn't expect Lan to lend them to Brother Heng. Fortunately, you are not an outsider, but Brother Heng, don't give him any more sweet or sour things to eat while he's losing his baby teeth."

Jia Heng remained silent, knowing that Li Wan's visit was to confront him.

To be precise, it was just two days ago when he first arrived in this world. To understand the background, he wanted to find some historical books to read. He happened to meet Jia Lan, so he bought two sugar figurines on the street and struck up a conversation, asking to borrow the books from Jia Lan's collection.

In fact, he was short of money and could not afford to buy the Four Books and Five Classics, writing materials, and historical books, so he had to borrow them to read.

Originally, as a distant descendant of the Ningguo family, even if the family was investigated, he would not be implicated. However, if he wanted to live decently in this feudal era, he had to study and enter the government service.

Thanks to the teachings of his mother, Dong Shi, he had entered school early, but his nature was restless, and he was not suited for studying. After his mother's death, he neglected his studies for half a year.

Seeing Jia Heng remain silent, Li Wan had no intention of continuing the conversation and said casually, "Brother Heng, have you finished reading the books?"

Of course, she was just asking casually. She did not think Jia Heng could make much of it. She had heard that Jia Heng's mother, Dong Shi, was ambitious, but Jia Heng was mischievous in his youth, preferring to play with weapons and hang out with his cousin Dong Qian rather than study.

Jia Heng nodded calmly and replied, "Sister Zhu, please wait a moment. I'll go get them."

Li Wan frowned, worried about the safety of the books, and said, "I'll go with you."

Jia Heng did not say anything more, and his maid, Su Yun, followed behind.

They walked to the study, which was also his living room, with simple but clean and tidy furnishings.

A long lacquered wooden desk stood by the window, with the black lacquer peeling off at the corners, indicating its age.

Under the candlestand, writing materials were complete, and several thick books were placed in the corner, showing signs of frequent use.

When Li Wan and her maid entered the room, they were prepared to hold their breath, but there was no unpleasant smell, only a faint fragrance of herbs, which was refreshing.

Jia Heng gathered the books and smiled, saying, "Sister Zhu, here they are, returned intact."

The maid, Su Yun, took the books and called, "Madam..."

Li Wan's face paused, her gaze drawn to a couplet on the wall: "The sounds of wind, rain, and reading, all enter the ear; the affairs of the state, family, and the world, all concern the heart."

The calligraphy was in running script, with sharp, precise strokes, like a sword drawn from its scabbard, reflecting a sharp and decisive personality.

"Did you write this, Brother Heng?" Li Wan's eyes widened in surprise, finding it hard to believe.

Jia Heng was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said, "I read until the third watch last night, and the rain on the banana leaves inspired me to write this. I apologize for any amusement it may have caused, Sister Zhu."

Before coming to this world, he had been influenced by his grandfather, a Taoist, and had practiced calligraphy for over ten years. Although he did not consider himself a master, he felt confident that his skills were not inferior to any scholar in this world.

Li Wan's eyes swept over Jia Heng, and she completely put aside her initial disdain. After a moment of thought, she said, "Brother Heng, if you want to study, why not go to the clan school? There is no tuition, and the clan provides writing materials."

Jia Heng's heart stirred, his eyes gleaming with a hint of determination. He smiled and said, "I am used to being alone and quiet. Studying at home is just as good."

He knew the current state of the Jia clan school. It was just as the saying goes in the northwest of Shanxi: "Study? Study what a load of nonsense!"