Chapter 1

In the third year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, at the East Market of Chang'an. The market was bustling with people and traffic.

Wang Zian held the lamb in his hand, squinted his eyes, raised his eyebrows, and looked up at the sun. Judging by the position of the sun, it was around nine o'clock in the morning. The slanted sunlight filtered through the bare branches of the willow trees, making him momentarily lose himself in thought.

Although he had been in this era for more than half a year, he still found it hard to get used to judging the time by the position of the sun. He even missed the alarm clocks he had broken in his previous life.

"Mother, this big brother is so handsome—"

A childish voice suddenly sounded beside him, and Wang Zian snapped back to reality. He looked down to see a little girl of about seven or eight years old, looking up at him with curiosity.

Beside her was a young woman carrying cooking utensils. It was common to see such mobile food stalls on the streets of Chang'an. Although the young woman's clothes were old and somewhat faded, they were neatly mended. Seeing Wang Zian looking at her, she bowed slightly.

"Excuse me, my daughter was being impolite. I hope you can forgive her—"

"No problem, no problem, I love hearing such honest words!"

Wang Zian grinned, took out a coin, and picked two cute sugar figurines from a nearby stall, then smiled and handed them to the little girl.

"Good girl, this is a reward for you. Keep talking—"

The young woman, who had been somewhat reserved, couldn't help but laugh. Realizing it might be impolite, she hurriedly apologized and said,

"Sir, you shouldn't—"

"What's the harm? They're just toys for children..."

Wang Zian waved his hand casually. Seeing his reaction, the young woman didn't hesitate and thanked him, then turned to her daughter.

"Ying'er, thank the sir—"

With her mother's permission, the little girl happily took the sugar figurines, carefully licked one, and her beautiful big eyes immediately squinted in delight. Wang Zian, satisfied, lifted his head and asked casually,

"Madam, from your attire, it seems you run a mobile food stall. Why are you here in the East Market instead of the West Market?"

The East Market was frequented by officials and nobles, with shops mainly selling luxury items like gold and silverware. Mobile food stalls like hers usually catered to the vendors and laborers in the West Market.

"In response to your question, sir, we were originally in the West Market, but we heard that the daughter of the Duke of Su's household is throwing a marriage ball today in the East Market, so we came to join the festivities."

Of course, one must go where the crowd is. Wang Zian nodded subconsciously, picked up the lamb he had just bought, and was about to leave when he suddenly had a thought and turned back.

"Madam, who said is throwing the marriage ball?"

"The daughter of the Duke of Su's household."

At this, the young woman changed her tone.

"This young lady from the Cheng household is not only graceful and virtuous but also as beautiful as a flower, capable of making the moon hide in shame..."

The Duke of Su's household—Cheng Yaojin has a daughter?

And she's as beautiful as a flower?

I find that hard to believe.

Wang Zian immediately recalled the description of Cheng Yaojin's appearance in the "Romance of Sui and Tang":

"Blue head, indigo face, red eyebrows, wearing a copper helmet and iron armor, riding a large red horse, holding a large axe, roaring like a plague god, just looking at him is terrifying—"

Genetics tells me that daughters mostly resemble their fathers.

"Madam, have you seen this young lady from the Cheng household?"

Seeing the vivid and seemingly genuine description from the young woman, Wang Zian couldn't help but ask curiously.

"I am just a simple village woman, how could I have the honor to see the daughter of a duke? I only heard it from others..."

The young woman shook her head, her gaze somewhat evasive. Wang Zian didn't notice her subtle change in expression and nodded casually.

Given Cheng Yaojin's status and family background, even if his daughter wasn't as beautiful as described, the line of suitors would still be endless. As for a marriage ball?

There's a high chance she looks like her father and can't find a husband, so she's trying to trap someone...

Wang Zian thought maliciously.

Having been in the Tang Dynasty for more than half a year, although he was very curious about the legendary figures like Cheng Yaojin, he had no intention of befriending or attaching himself to them. Why not just enjoy a peaceful and contented life as a wealthy man in this prosperous era?

Why bother getting involved with those people? What's the point?

He was still getting used to the 996 work schedule in his previous life!

In this life, he only wished for a carefree and happy existence, living as a contented and wealthy hermit.

Therefore, he didn't take the young woman's words to heart.

However, he turned and followed the crowd.

He wouldn't try to catch the marriage ball, no way, but he could watch the spectacle. A marriage ball, how novel!

Think about it, a young lady standing on a platform, throwing a ball to determine her lifelong partner—how unreliable. Not everyone has the luck of Tang僧's mother, who hit a handsome scholar and brought him home. What if she hits an ugly and old beggar?

Amused by the thought, he couldn't help but smile. At that moment, the sunlight shone on his handsome face, making him look even more ethereal and otherworldly, like a celestial being.

The young woman selling food couldn't help but stare for a moment.

At that moment, a commotion arose in the street.

"Look, look, the Cheng family's lady's carriage is coming—"

The crowd quickly gathered, especially the young men, who pushed and shoved to get closer. The young woman quickly lowered her head and pulled her daughter to the side. Wang Zian looked up curiously.

Not far away, a group of guards escorted a spacious and exquisite carriage, causing a stir as it passed.

"Cheng family's lady, this is Cui Jia's seventeenth son, I greet you—"

"Cheng family's young lady, look at me, I am from the Imperial College—ouch, who pushed me—"

"Cheng family's young lady, I have long admired you—ouch, don't push, don't push, my hat—"

...

"Spit—what a bunch of shameless scoundrels!"

Wang Zian spat inwardly. A bunch of shameless guys, you're disgracing the face of men—but if she's really beautiful, it might be worth considering. Is this Cheng family's young lady really that beautiful?

He couldn't help but tiptoe, holding the lamb in his hand, and pushed his way forward.

"Excuse me, excuse me, be careful, don't get covered in oil—"

As he pushed through, a chorus of curses followed, but Wang Zian paid no attention and continued forward.

What he didn't know was that at the moment he stood in the shadow, smiling, he caught the eye of two people in the carriage, causing a rough voice to exclaim in admiration.

"Sister, sister, look, that handsome scholar, he's so handsome—"

As the carriage approached, the window was suddenly opened without warning.

A stunning sight!

The crowd was in an uproar, and Wang Zian couldn't help but draw a sharp breath.